Difference between revisions of "Top Ten Fantasy Books of 2013"

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We've enjoyed some great fantasy books this year - and here's a selection of the best, in alphabetical order by author:
 
We've enjoyed some great fantasy books this year - and here's a selection of the best, in alphabetical order by author:
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Ben Aaronovitch
 
|author=Ben Aaronovitch
 
|title=Broken Homes
 
|title=Broken Homes
Line 8: Line 8:
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|summary= I’ve been waiting for Broken Homes to come out for months. Months. When it arrived on my doorstep, I whisked it away, cackling like Gollum over my new precious and was no use to anyone until I’d finished it. Then sat and thought about it for a while. Then re-read my favourite bits. The considered further. This is the conclusion I reached: if there are no further Peter Grant books, Mr Aaronovitch, you and I are going to have ''words''.
 
|summary= I’ve been waiting for Broken Homes to come out for months. Months. When it arrived on my doorstep, I whisked it away, cackling like Gollum over my new precious and was no use to anyone until I’d finished it. Then sat and thought about it for a while. Then re-read my favourite bits. The considered further. This is the conclusion I reached: if there are no further Peter Grant books, Mr Aaronovitch, you and I are going to have ''words''.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0575132469</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Aaronovitch_Broken
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Kelley Armstrong
 
|author=Kelley Armstrong
 
|title=Omens
 
|title=Omens
Line 17: Line 17:
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|summary= A fantastic start to a new series that may disappoint Otherworld fans, but for those looking for a superb crime novel with a supernatural undercurrent, they don't get much better than this.
 
|summary= A fantastic start to a new series that may disappoint Otherworld fans, but for those looking for a superb crime novel with a supernatural undercurrent, they don't get much better than this.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>184744511X</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Armstrong_Omens
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=C Robert Cargill
 
|author=C Robert Cargill
 
|title=Dreams and Shadows
 
|title=Dreams and Shadows
Line 26: Line 26:
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|summary= One of the weirdest books we've ever read, in a really, really good way. As strange at times as the characters within its pages, but ultimately satisfying and an excellent exploration of the delights and horrors of the fairy world. Superb reading, highly recommended.
 
|summary= One of the weirdest books we've ever read, in a really, really good way. As strange at times as the characters within its pages, but ultimately satisfying and an excellent exploration of the delights and horrors of the fairy world. Superb reading, highly recommended.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0575130091</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Cargill_Dreams
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Richard Ford
 
|author=Richard Ford
 
|title=Herald of the Storm
 
|title=Herald of the Storm
Line 35: Line 35:
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|summary= |summary=2013 seems to be a year for excellent fantasy debuts as here's another one.  In this first of an epic series, we chew our nails and roll with the punches in a place called Steelhaven; a city on the verge of demise from an author on the verge of acclaim.
 
|summary= |summary=2013 seems to be a year for excellent fantasy debuts as here's another one.  In this first of an epic series, we chew our nails and roll with the punches in a place called Steelhaven; a city on the verge of demise from an author on the verge of acclaim.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1472203925</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Ford_Herald
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Benedict Jacka
 
|author=Benedict Jacka
 
|title=Chosen
 
|title=Chosen
 
|rating=5
 
|rating=5
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
|summary= Alex Verus #4 has arrived showing no sign of subject fatigue.  In fact once again this is the best instalment yet as Alex the seer collides with his dark past and Benedict Jacka matures as a writer.
+
|summary= Alex Verus #4 has arrived showing no sign of subject fatigue.  In fact, once again this is the best instalment yet as Alex the seer collides with his dark past and Benedict Jacka matures as a writer.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0356502309</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Jacka_Chosen
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Francis Knight
 
|author=Francis Knight
 
|title=Fade To Black
 
|title=Fade To Black
Line 53: Line 53:
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|summary= A thoroughly enjoyable read with plenty of twists and turns, great characters, a brilliant setting and darkness enough to make the title perfectly apt. Highly recommended.
 
|summary= A thoroughly enjoyable read with plenty of twists and turns, great characters, a brilliant setting and darkness enough to make the title perfectly apt. Highly recommended.
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0356501663</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Knight_Fade
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Brian McClellan
 
|author=Brian McClellan
 
|title=Promise of Blood (Powder Mage Trilogy)
 
|title=Promise of Blood (Powder Mage Trilogy)
Line 62: Line 62:
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|summary= War, magic, shape shifters, a few haunting pasts, swords, muskets and a cook… err… chef… who thinks he's a reincarnated god.  Not just another epic fantasy but ''the'' McClellan debut fantasy and the first of a trilogy.  Ripping!!
 
|summary= War, magic, shape shifters, a few haunting pasts, swords, muskets and a cook… err… chef… who thinks he's a reincarnated god.  Not just another epic fantasy but ''the'' McClellan debut fantasy and the first of a trilogy.  Ripping!!
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>035650199X</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Mcclellan_Promise
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Anthony Ryan
 
|author=Anthony Ryan
 
|title=Blood Song: Book 1 of Raven's Shadow
 
|title=Blood Song: Book 1 of Raven's Shadow
Line 71: Line 71:
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|summary=Originally a self-published sensation in the world of fantasy, now being advertised as the next mainstream publishing phenomenon and we agree wholeheartedly.  2013 is turning into the year of the superlative epic.  
 
|summary=Originally a self-published sensation in the world of fantasy, now being advertised as the next mainstream publishing phenomenon and we agree wholeheartedly.  2013 is turning into the year of the superlative epic.  
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0356502465</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Ryan_Blood
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Lilith Saintcrow
 
|author=Lilith Saintcrow
 
|title=The Red Plague Affair
 
|title=The Red Plague Affair
Line 80: Line 80:
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|summary= Fabulous writing, setting, characters and an excellent plot to boot, this is fast paced, page turning steam punk at its very best. Highly recommended.  
 
|summary= Fabulous writing, setting, characters and an excellent plot to boot, this is fast paced, page turning steam punk at its very best. Highly recommended.  
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0356500934</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=Saintcrow_Red
 
}}
 
}}
  
{{topten
+
{{Frontpage
 
|author=Luke Scull
 
|author=Luke Scull
 
|title=The Grim Company
 
|title=The Grim Company
Line 89: Line 89:
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|genre=Fantasy
 
|summary=The gods are dead.  The Magelords murdered them and hurled their bodies from heaven and are also slowly dominating the world below.  Dorminia is already in their iron grasp, policed by the feared Crimson Watch and the terrorising Augmentors.  It's not even safe to think as Mind Hawks monitor and punish with pain and suffering.  However there is a resistance, albeit fragmented and comparatively impotent but the situation is worsening so they must make a stand or lose everything (and everyone) they love.  Is the evil magic stronger than the heroes' own resources?  They're dying to find out.  
 
|summary=The gods are dead.  The Magelords murdered them and hurled their bodies from heaven and are also slowly dominating the world below.  Dorminia is already in their iron grasp, policed by the feared Crimson Watch and the terrorising Augmentors.  It's not even safe to think as Mind Hawks monitor and punish with pain and suffering.  However there is a resistance, albeit fragmented and comparatively impotent but the situation is worsening so they must make a stand or lose everything (and everyone) they love.  Is the evil magic stronger than the heroes' own resources?  They're dying to find out.  
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1781851328</amazonuk>
+
|isbn=1781851328
 
}}
 
}}
  

Latest revision as of 14:45, 2 February 2024

We've enjoyed some great fantasy books this year - and here's a selection of the best, in alphabetical order by author:

Aaronovitch Broken.jpg

Review of

Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch

5star.jpg Fantasy

I’ve been waiting for Broken Homes to come out for months. Months. When it arrived on my doorstep, I whisked it away, cackling like Gollum over my new precious and was no use to anyone until I’d finished it. Then sat and thought about it for a while. Then re-read my favourite bits. The considered further. This is the conclusion I reached: if there are no further Peter Grant books, Mr Aaronovitch, you and I are going to have words. Full Review

Armstrong Omens.jpg

Review of

Omens by Kelley Armstrong

5star.jpg Fantasy

A fantastic start to a new series that may disappoint Otherworld fans, but for those looking for a superb crime novel with a supernatural undercurrent, they don't get much better than this. Full Review

Cargill Dreams.jpg

Review of

Dreams and Shadows by C Robert Cargill

5star.jpg Fantasy

One of the weirdest books we've ever read, in a really, really good way. As strange at times as the characters within its pages, but ultimately satisfying and an excellent exploration of the delights and horrors of the fairy world. Superb reading, highly recommended. Full Review

Ford Herald.jpg

Review of

Herald of the Storm by Richard Ford

5star.jpg Fantasy

2013 seems to be a year for excellent fantasy debuts as here's another one. In this first of an epic series, we chew our nails and roll with the punches in a place called Steelhaven; a city on the verge of demise from an author on the verge of acclaim. Full Review

Jacka Chosen.jpg

Review of

Chosen by Benedict Jacka

5star.jpg Fantasy

Alex Verus #4 has arrived showing no sign of subject fatigue. In fact, once again this is the best instalment yet as Alex the seer collides with his dark past and Benedict Jacka matures as a writer. Full Review

Knight Fade.jpg

Review of

Fade To Black by Francis Knight

5star.jpg Fantasy

A thoroughly enjoyable read with plenty of twists and turns, great characters, a brilliant setting and darkness enough to make the title perfectly apt. Highly recommended. Full Review

Mcclellan Promise.jpg

Review of

Promise of Blood (Powder Mage Trilogy) by Brian McClellan

5star.jpg Fantasy

War, magic, shape shifters, a few haunting pasts, swords, muskets and a cook… err… chef… who thinks he's a reincarnated god. Not just another epic fantasy but the McClellan debut fantasy and the first of a trilogy. Ripping!! Full Review

Ryan Blood.jpg

Review of

Blood Song: Book 1 of Raven's Shadow by Anthony Ryan

5star.jpg Fantasy

Originally a self-published sensation in the world of fantasy, now being advertised as the next mainstream publishing phenomenon and we agree wholeheartedly. 2013 is turning into the year of the superlative epic. Full Review

Saintcrow Red.jpg

Review of

The Red Plague Affair by Lilith Saintcrow

5star.jpg Fantasy

Fabulous writing, setting, characters and an excellent plot to boot, this is fast paced, page turning steam punk at its very best. Highly recommended. Full Review

1781851328.jpg

Review of

The Grim Company by Luke Scull

4.5star.jpg Fantasy

The gods are dead. The Magelords murdered them and hurled their bodies from heaven and are also slowly dominating the world below. Dorminia is already in their iron grasp, policed by the feared Crimson Watch and the terrorising Augmentors. It's not even safe to think as Mind Hawks monitor and punish with pain and suffering. However there is a resistance, albeit fragmented and comparatively impotent but the situation is worsening so they must make a stand or lose everything (and everyone) they love. Is the evil magic stronger than the heroes' own resources? They're dying to find out. Full Review

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