#redekop

Last year, I wanted to read 150 books. I failed - made it to 112. In my defense, I can only say that I downloaded Tor.com's 10th birthday anthology (they gave it away for free) and that "thing" has over 4.000 pages. Took me almost a month to get through. But I got some very, very nice recommendations out of that and followed up some new authors (which is why anthologies are a good start in a search for new stuff).

Here's a list of what I loved most last year. Some of the books are very old and I have no idea how they escaped my notice, but there you go.

The Emperor's Soul - Brandon Sanderson: if you know Sanders only from Wheel of Time or as "tech mage", you'll be surprised. While every Sanderson is an amusing read for one reason or another, nothing is really brilliant. Except his one. Still some fine magic system, but the story lives and dies with the interaction of the two main characters, discussing philosophy (if not openly). This is a finely tuned, brilliant novella. Just read it.

A Fistful of Sky - Nina Kiriki-Hoffmann: setup as an urban fantasy (no werewolves, no vampires) a young girl somewhere in the US is struggling with the magic that is inherent in her family. She's also struggling with some rather funny bread mountains and her understanding of the world around her. A very sensitive book. When I read it, I was constantly aware that I have read the style of this author before and after much searching in my library I found out why. She co-wrote "Child of an Ancient City" with Tad Williams. Another amazing book. Go, read them both. Unfortunately, not many books by this author are available on Kindle. A shame, really.

Indigo Springs - A. M. Dellamonica: another urban fantasy without werewolves or vampires. Another girl struggling with magic. This time the magic is kind of a bio-hazard. The book explores some other questions as well: bisexuality, humans dominating one another, human nature. I loved this book very much. However, steer clear of the sequel. Ugh.

The Republic of Thieves - Scott Lynch. Finally. We have waited so long. And it was every bit as phantastic as we expected it to be. So much yes.

Shelf Monkey - Corey Redekop: For all the reasons I discussed with booksandghosts on our tumblrs. The posts are tagged, so you should be able to find them.

All the Paths of Shadow - Frank Tuttle: First, I'm not a Tuttle-fan. But this one, this one was really good. Another girl struggling with magic. Thankfully, she has Mug, the best companion the flora can offer. Hilarious and funny.

The Ghosts of Strangers - Nina Kiriki Hoffmann: a novelette about dragons. Completely different from what you expect, I promise.

Throne of the Crescent Moon - Saladin Ahmed: fantasy in an Arabian setting. Only this time by one who knows what an Arabian setting should look like. Fine story about an old man chasing Djinni, ageing, and complaining :) Understanding another culture, too. I wasn't quite satisfied with the ending. It was a little abrupt.

Off to Be the Wizard - Scott Meyer: Plain fun. A growing wizard has to meet three quests. Very traditional. But then the first quest is a woman. And she stays with him, much to his chagrin. Hilarious.

Reamde - Neal Stephenson: I was expecting Snow Crash. Or the Cryptonomicon. Or Anathem. No, this is a thriller about a computer virus. A quick and undemanding read. No Cryptonomicon, though.