My word, is it that time already? That means it must be time for Rob’s annual favourite books of the year blog!

Yes, yes, my reading has collapsed; I am not experiencing literary pleasure as often as I’d like. This ain’t a perfect world. And my opinion is only my opinion; your method may vary. Objectively, though, I’m right.

So, without any further ado (but with cliches, apparently) here’s a little list of my favourite reads of the year.

The Nova Incident – Dan Moren

Science fiction, spy fiction, cold war thriller (but in space, where everything’s better). This is just great fun, exceptionally well-written stuff. This third in a trilogy, so maybe you’d like to begin at the beginning? But it’s not too hard to get an immediate grip, such is the skill with which Moren wields his keyboard. Satisfyingly twisty and unexpected.

Mercury Rising – RWW Greene

Alternate history but with aliens, like. In a world with Atomic Engines firing rockets (and humans) into space on the regular, Brooklyn, seeking only a quiet life, finds himself framed for murder. Instead of going to prison, he opts to sign up with the Earth Orbital Forces and goes into space to help defend the planet from the assholes who dropped a meteorite on Cleveland.

This is a fascinating book, and I really can’t recommend it enough. On the surface it’s a simple little Golden Age tale – or maybe a pastiche thereof. Beneath the hood, however, there’s real depth: the author draws you in with character growth, tying everything together with grace, humour, and skill. Hugely satisfying, it’ll leave you eager for more.

The Last Blade Priest – WP Wiles

Gosh, where to begin with this? Should we begin with the ability to ‘read’ stones, to see all flaws and weaknesses in a building or defence? Or with the titular Blade Priest – a man chosen from birth to conduct human sacrifices? Or the God who is literally a mountain? Or perhaps the ‘elves’ and assorted vermin?

This is an epic and I’m not going to spend time trying to articulate the plot. But I loved this, partly because it has so many wonderful ideas, partly because, although it has some of the same ‘shape’ as many a fantasy epic, it feels completely fresh and believable, with its rich characters and sense of humanity.

Night Watch – Terry Pratchett

I don’t need to tell you anything about this, do I? It’s PTerry’s masterpiece. It’s all about humans through a mirror, darkly. You read, yes?

Herald of the Black Moon – Stephen Deas

The conclusion to Deas’ Black Moon trilogy, and the author saved the best for last. This is another epic, finishing the misadventures of Seth and Fings and the rest as they finally manage to unravel the mystery of the wraiths and the black moon and half-dead (or half-alive) gods. Great characters, moral ambiguity and a deep sense of foreboding draw on the reader to an utterly satisfying ending.

Did I mention the great characters? I’m hoping they return in the future. Where there’s life (or sufficiently vital undeath) there’s hope…

Myriad – Joshua David Bellin

Ah, a nice twisty time-travel story. Haunted by the death of her twin brother at the hands of a school shooter, Miriam is the employee of a private law enforcement agency, travelling backwards in time to prevent crimes that would otherwise have been committed. But when a routine assignment goes wrong, she finds herself investigating the very people she’s been working for.

And then, twenty years to the day since her brother was killed, his murderer walks back into Miriam’s life. It seems he’s not yet finished with the surviving twin.

Exactly as twisty as you’d expect, but never quite going where you think it will, this is a hugely satisfying novel with a totally believable world and deliciously flawed characters.

March’s End – Daniel Polansky

This is listed as an urban fantasy, but it’s not like any I’ve read before. It’s about the Harrows, a typical suburban family who moonlight as rulers of a fantasy kingdom. Whilst the domineering matriarch, Sophia, is the queen, this story is really about her children – the loyal, steadfast Constance, rebellious Mary Ann and amoral Will – and how they live through various childhood traumas to become dysfunctional. And, of course, how they can learn to tolerate each other long enough to fight the reality-threatening End.

It’s fascinating and it’s never been done before – certainly not like this – and I don’t think we’ll see its like again. It’s as much a character study – can you see the thread running through my recommendations? – as it is an adventure, and it’s wonderfully adeptly handled by the author.

And that’s it. My recommendations for another year. May the deity of your choosing bless thee, merry gentlefolk. I’m off now for various takes on the theme of ‘holiday’. Have the very best of breaks, if you get one at all, and I’ll see you in the new year.

A bientot, mes amis, and here’s to more fantastic fiction in 2023.