Hello, Insiders!
2015 is just about to show its middle figure, gun the engine of its Harley, and speed off into the distance. Before it disappears over the horizon, I thought I’d slap together a short list of some of the best books I’ve read this year. Now, they might not all have actually come out this year, but 2015 was when I got round to them. So there.
The Three by Sarah Lotz
Four planes crash on the same day, three strange children survive. This scary sci-fi tale is told in an unusual manner, leaping around a seemingly endless amount of POVs. But it works. It takes a skilled writer to pull that off. I have the follow-up, Day Four, lined up and ready to go.
Mr Mercedes by Stephen King
An aged detective pulled out of retirement for one last case. We’ve heard that one before, but this time the story is being told by Stephen King, so the end result is engrossing, gripping stuff. A sequel has already been released, and as soon as the publishers drop the eBook price from its absurdly high price, I’ll check the bugger out.
The Martian by Andy Weir
Hot damn, this is one hell of a read. The lead character truly comes alive from his opening line, and you’re rooting for him the whole way. The film was good, the book was so much better.
The Witches of Lychford by Paul Cornell
The opening salvo in a new rural fantasy series, by Paul Cornell. A short, spooky read about faith (of different kinds) and monsters.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
I don’t often read a book twice, but I made an exception for this bad boy. I read it first about ten years ago, and picked it up again this year for another go-around. It’s ace. Yes.
Honourable Mentions:
Zero Hour. The story is not yet complete, so it doesn’t qualify for the main list, but I’ve very much enjoyed the first three parts of Eamon Ambrose’s Sci-Fi serial.
Hugh Howey’s Beacon 23.
How The Marquis Got His Coat Back; a new Neverwhere short by Neil Gaiman pays a quick visit to that charming dog, The Marquis de Carabas.
The Dead Zone by Stephen King.
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer. This one…hm…it’s sticking around in my head. A strange read; more artsy than sci-fi page-turner.
Okay, that’s it. What did you love reading this year?
Mr Mercedes was on my list for long time but I was not sure about it. Since it made your top5, I want to read it sooner than later. Thank you