Reading List for 2023
I’m not a voracious reader by any means, so I’m always in awe of those people who can easily read a book in a single day and get through hundreds during the course of the year. I’ll be doing well to read ten throughout 2023. My list for the coming year is always subject to change, but these are the books that have caught my eye right now and made it onto my ‘to be read’ list.
Lord and King by PL Stuart
No picture of this one yet, as I’m currently reading an advance copy. The third book in the Drowned Kingdom saga is due out in the spring of 2023. This epic fantasy series has been building nicely and Lord and King takes everything up several notches. Watch out for my forthcoming review.
Use of Weapons by Iain M Banks
Banks was an important author to me and I loved his Culture series of sci-fi novels. Originally I’d planned to write an ‘Influences’ blog post on this specific book, as some of the ideas used here have worked their way into my forthcoming novel. However, as it’s almost 20 years since I read this book, I realised it was time for a re-read first. I’m looking forward to returning to the shady, morally grey world of Special Circumstances.
Agravain’s Escape by Jacob Sannox
The first book in the Return of King Arthur series, The Ravenmaster’s Revenge, was a semi-finalist in the 2019 SPFBO competition and it’s a cracking rollercoaster of a read. With the third and final book in the series due out later this year, I really need to catch up!
Daughter of Eden by Chris Beckett
The first two haunting books in this sci-fi trilogy have been so good, I’ve actually put off reading the final instalment, just in case it doesn’t live up to my expectations! These books have really stayed with me, but I want to complete the series whilst it’s still relatively fresh in my mind.
Haggis MacBrawn’s (a shade) Darker Secret by Karen McCompostine
Everyone needs a guilty reading pleasure and this fantasy shifter romance series is mine.
The Iron Crown by LL MacRae
A finalist in the 2021 SPFBO competition, this high fantasy series has been gathering great reviews and I decided it was time to check it out for myself.
Rise Red Kingdom by Kerstin Espinosa Rosero
Burn Red Skies was another finalist (and Rosero also became the unofficial photographer) in the 2021 SPFBO competition. That book was a surprise package for me, with an amazing world, magic system and enthralling cast of characters. It’s made me eager to pick up the second book in the series and continue the adventure.
Godless Lands by Sean Crow
I was absolutely bowled over by Crow’s Valhalla Steel sci-fi fantasy mash up, so I’m keen to try his fantasy series, Godless Lands. Featuring a world ravaged by blight and disease, I suspect this won’t be for the faint of heart but fortunately I enjoy my fantasy with a darker edge.
Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie
For me the award-winning first book in the Imperial Radch series had some brilliant concepts but wasn’t without its flaws. However, I have to know how this story progresses, so the sequel makes it onto the list.
Paranormal in the Peaks Weird Tales of Argana Zeit by Owain Oakwood
This collection of short stories featuring feisty paranormal investigator Argana Zeit is my go-to comfort read at the moment. These cosy mysteries provide the perfect break between heavier books. I’m already more than halfway through and I was delighted to learn as I put this blog together that a second collection came out earlier in 2022!
That’s ten on the list, which is already a sizeable one for me. Most of the books I’ve mentioned are sequels, with only a couple of new series planned for the year. There are plenty more I could have included but I’m trying not to intimidate myself. My mood and energy levels always play a big part in the next book I decide to pick up off the shelf. I post my reviews on Goodreads, so you’ll be able to keep up with my progress on there, if you want to see how I get on. Reading is one of life’s great pleasures, so I hope there’s something in this selection which will inspire you and, in any event, that you enjoy some great books during the course of this year.
