Summer Reading Recommendations

Last year I made a conscious effort to take time out to read more books, a habit that became ingrained during the various social restrictions that have been in place over the last 18 months.  When I enjoy a book I also make sure I post a review, now I better understand the importance of these for authors.  Unsurprisingly, my favourite genres are fantasy and science fiction.

In this post I’ve summarised my favourite books of the past 12 months.  I’d thoroughly recommend each of the following if you’re looking for late summer reading material and in need of some inspiration.  If one of these piques your interest you can also follow the link to my Goodreads review for further details.

Leo Carew – The Wolf

An excellent debut novel, written in the style of an alternate history of ancient Britain where the human race are the antagonists.  The epic battle scenes really stand out and this book sets up an interesting premise for the rest of the Under a Northern Sky series.

Gareth L Powell – Embers of War & Fleet of Knives

Powell’s writing has strong similarities to the work of Iain M Banks’ Culture novels, although alongside the big concepts I would say the Embers of War series is a more intimate reading experience.  Featuring the misfit crew of the ex-warship turned rescue vessel, Trouble Dog, Powell delivers thoughtful sci-fi with plenty of thrills.  Fleet of Knives is a darker tale than its predecessor and the stakes have been raised ahead of the final book in the trilogy, Light of Impossible Stars.  I’m looking forward to diving back into the Embers of War universe to finish this series.

Gareth L Powell – About Writing

Pitched as a field guide for authors, I've taken a lot of things from this book that I'll be applying to my own writing.  This is useful for anyone considering a career as a creative writer.

Becky Chambers – The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

The tale of the spaceship Wayfarer and her crew takes place in an immersive well-drawn universe.  There’s an incredible warmth to this story, with its emphasis on family and friendship.  I loved this book and felt a real sense of loss when it came to an end – the hallmark of a good read.

Bjørn Larssen – Children

Children is a grimdark retelling of the Norse myths. Larssen takes those familiar tales and characters and turns them on their head, defying expectations whilst still retaining the essence of the source material. If you enjoy Nordic mythology and prefer darker fantasy, Larssen’s distinctive voice is likely to appeal to you.

Chris Beckett – Dark Eden

I’d say this has been my favourite read of 2021 so far, where I stayed up reading late into the night because I had to know how the story ended. Dark Eden could be thought of as an essay about humanity’s true nature, set on the sunless world of Eden, a dark world warmed by geothermal activity as it doesn’t orbit a star. Beckett’s writing has a hypnotic quality, drawing you in and making this twilight world and its characters completely believable. This complex, multi-layered novel has stayed with me months after finishing the book. Brilliant stuff.

Naomi Novik – Temeraire

Temeraire’s central premise is how British Royal Navy Captain Will Laurence’s life is changed forever when a newly-hatched dragon, captured from the French during a naval battle, imprints himself on him. This alternate history fantasy story, set during the Napoleonic Wars, is an assured and convincing piece of writing and I enjoyed immersing myself in Novik’s richly detailed world.

HL Tinsley – We Men of Ash and Shadow

Tinsley’s debut novel falls firmly into the grimdark camp, although her choice of a gaslamp fantasy setting helps set the book apart.  Brilliantly written with an excellent plot and memorable characters, this is another excellent book I found it impossible to put down.

Jacob Sannox – Dark Oak

Dark Oak is a fantasy novel unlike anything else I’ve read, with epic world-building, fascinating fantasy races and beautiful prose.  With its intriguing central premise, setting the novel in the chaotic aftermath of the fall of the Dark Lord, I guarantee you won’t guess how this story ends.