Brandon Sanderson Novellas / Short Stories:
Sixth of the Dusk
Defending Elysium
Firstborn
These first three are all in the 70 page range or so (maybe, I don’t actually know because I read them on Kindle), but they are all fantastic – each one causing you both to care about the main characters while at the same time introducing you to a well thought out world that you know you only know a part of while at the same time making you think about a larger idea. Among these three I’d say my top pick is Defending Elysium, mainly because the idea found therein is so interesting – what does it take to because an advanced and civilized race? That being said, I have so far loved everything I’ve read by Sanderson.
Legion
Legion: Skin Deep
Both of these are relatively short – Legion being about 70 pages or so and the sequel perhaps 110 pages. Neither of these are fantasy or sci-fi, which he normally writes; unless you consider a story about a man with multiple personalities that he interacts with all the time to be fantasy. These are more detective stories with interesting thoughts mixed in with the intrigue. Both solid recommends.
The Emperors Soul
This novella deserves a special mention as it won the Hugo Award 2013 and I feel it deserved it. I mentioned it earlier, but I’d say that it is standard fare for Brandon Sanderson to create interesting and likeable stories woven into a new world of his own invention in a interesting story with unique ideas that make you think at their core. This one does all of those excellently.
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Speaking of Brandon Sanderson, I decided to start the Wheel of Time series because Sanderson finished it. This is book 1 of a 14 book series and each book is big. I can see why so many people love the series – it’s a complex and interesting narration that promises an epic tale and delivers well with the first book. I’ve heard that some of the middle books didn’t turn out as well, but this first book, at least, is a winner.
The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
This book concluded the “Heroes of Olympus” series, the sequel series to the “Percy Jackson” series. I liked the book and the series as a whole, but I have to say that I liked the original series better: the ideas and style were fresher and it felt like the author had more to say of import rather than merely showing us more about the ancient Greek and Roman gods. Still, if you enjoy a romp, this story fits the bill. Personally, books 3 and 4 or the series worked better for me.
The Accidental Highwayman by Ben Tripp
A fun fantasy story involving fairies and highwaymen and delightful narrative. As per usual these days it is part of a trilogy so I hesitate to recommend it on its own. Nevertheless, it looks to be promising. I’d keep an eye out for it and its sequels.
Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
A unique story largely because of its integration of photography into the narrative – and odd photography at that. The story would be haunting if it were a movie, but as it is it’s an enjoyable mixture of fantasy and history. Also the first book in a trilogy – I’ve plans to read the second book, which is already out, early this next year. So far so good.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
I’ve long wanted to read something by this author as he is oft quoted and oft praised. This book definitely deserves it. This story feels like a series of short stories that end up coming together at the end. It is a book that is self-contained, which always feels refreshing to me, and it contains many life-lessons within. It is a book that, while fantasy, caters well to reality. No wonder it won both the Newbery Award and the Carnegie Medal. Definitely a recommend.
Beauty by Robin McKinley
I have loved both books I’ve read by this author before: “The Blue Sword” and “The Hero and the Crown.” This book is a retelling of the story of “Beauty and the Beast” and it was effectively done. If you enjoy retellings, this is one for you.
Enchanted by Orson Scott Card
I love a good self contained novel and this is one of the best of them I’ve read this year. Card has a way of making his characters actions seem natural, which allows the feelings that develop between the two main characters also seem more real. This is a retelling of sorts of Sleeping Beauty while also telling more of the story of Baba Yaga. A great adventure with a solid conclusion, this book comes with a high recommend from me.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
A story about living with a deformity at a young age, bullies, friend-making, and basic other-people understanding. By using multiple viewpoints this book successfully got you into the mindset of August, the main character just entering 5th grade, as well as his family and his friends. The book is uplifting and leaves you with a good feeling.
The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
The City of Bones
The City of Ashes
The City of Glass
The City of Fallen Angels
The City of Lost Souls
The City of Heavenly Fire
All good books set in a world with vampires, werewolves, and lots of romance. Seriously though, it was a really enjoyable read with many surprises and an overall good conclusion. I felt like the first 3 books were mainly about Clary and Jace whereas the final three books, while still following them in plot, had more of a character arc for a different main character – Simon. Either way, good stories. In some ways slightly shallow, but the author does have many good and thoughtful moments in there as well. I still prefer the series “The Infernal Devices” Guess I’ll have to reread that one next year.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartmen
An interesting take on Dragons and half dragons. A good fantasy story that’s the beginning of trilogy. As usual with trilogies, my final take will have to wait, but this is another good beginning. Likeable characters and a blooming romance work well for me.
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Shannon Hale is an excellent author. Another retelling, this one, quite obviously, tells the story of the Goose Girl. An enjoyable plot with a good character arc for the characters I’d recommend this book any time. Good for kids as well as adults.
Princess Acadamy: Palace Of Stone also by Shannon Hale
Also by Hale, I would read “Princess Academy” first, if only to introduce you to the characters. This book follows it up well and yet maintains its own story effectively. The heroine is just as compelling as before and the story has a good moral to it. If you enjoyed Princess Academy (which is also high on my recommend list), you should also enjoy this.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
I’ve reviewed this before, but I’ll say again that these letters make many great points about Christianity taken as if from a devil’s perspective. If you enjoy Christian Theology, check this out.
Leviathan Trilogy
A solid trilogy. Rereading them for the second time I found slightly less rewarding than the first time, but I still enjoyed them all. The story feels complete and enjoyable while the world is still an interesting one to think about as an alternate history of WWI with different technology available.
The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson again. I’d read the Mistborn Trilogy first if you haven’t already, as this is a follow-up to those. This book is the first of a quartet and a very enjoyable one, as per usual by this author. Many great things to think about as far as life-living goes. I wish I had time to go into them, but that’s what I get for putting off these reviews as long as I have – I just have to rely on you to be a good reader and want to read. And you should read everything by Brandon Sanderson.
Lips Touch Three Times by Laini Taylor
A group of three short stories by the author. All were good though perhaps a little morose for me. All very descriptive and working out well (sort of) in the end. These seemed very much like the fairy tales of old.
Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
This has been a very Brandon Sanderson year for me. He’s very very talented as a writer and quite prolific, coming out with two to three books a year. This is also the first book in a trilogy so my final assessment will wait, but my guess is that it will turn out well. This book puts a little bit of fantasy into our modern world. As usual, Sanderson creates his twist on modern life very well and his characters are wonderfully done.
Shipbreaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
A great stand-alone dystopian novel. The author has created a plausible look at future not too distant from our own based someone off climate change and somewhat off of human greed. Either way, the lessons to be learned are well carried by the compelling characters in this story. This is my second time reading it and it’s worth it.
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