I had a really good year reading wise. I had only 1 DNF and it was Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. I got to the point where the main POV was walking in front of the dragons, and one of her teammates was fried and the whole scene was written in such a bland way I could not go forward. Now I don't know if my tolerance was so low because the book I read before I tried it was my favorite book of the year?
The Book that Wouldn't Burn is my Favorite book of the Year by a small margin, but still an easy choice. Loved the characters and plot twist and turns, Mark Lawrence is one of my many pre-orders every new release author.
I had two continuing novella series that released 5 stars stories.
Across The Sorrow Sea by Anthony Ryan BK 5 of the Seven Swords series. Amazon thinks that is the end of the story but the ending of this novella indicates there is more to come.
System Collapse by Martha Wells. Bk 7 in this fabulous series that just gets better with every new instalment. Looking forward to the TV series. Was kind of hoping for it to be animated like some of the realistic looking Love, Death & Robots Episodes. Still have high hopes.
I had a few 2nd book in the series that lived up to the promise of Book One.
Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless. Ancient Ireland History and Mythologies mixed in with Vikings, Plus, 2 main female POVs. Have a soft spot in your heart for Cersei Lannister? You will love Gornflaith.
Bitter Crown by Justin Lee Anderson. Book One had a delicious plot twist that was my favorite Finalist for SPFBO 6 and, not only did it win, but was also picked up by Orbit Books. Book two had a great concept of having the main character suffering from the PTSD from the action in the book 1.
Legacy of Brick and Bone by Krystal Matar. I had Book One tied on top with another in SPFBO 7. Love the worldbuilding and the character development in this series. Book 3 can't come fast enough.
House of Odysseus by Claire North. Been a fan of Ms North for a long time and this retelling of Penelope is fabulous. North has Penelope doing more than making a weaving. If you are a fan of the book Circe you will love this series.
Books that landed the landing in finishing up a series.
The Traitor by Anthony Ryan. Yes, I am a Fanboy of Anthony Ryan and He can do no wrong. In my humble opinion.
Esrahaddon by Michael J Sullivan. Yes, I am a Fanboy of Michael J Sullivan and He can do no wrong, In my humble opinion.
Fantastic starts to a New Series.
Hexologist by Josiah Bancroft. Been waiting for this and it delivered a fantastic read, The rare happily marriage couple are the main characters and I love them. Easily my second favorite book of the year.
Infinity Gate by M.R. Carey. Was a bit worried, but one of my favorite SF writers took on the Quantum Universe and produced a great start to a new series.
Will of the Many by James Islington. I thought I was done with the "Kids in School" trope, but I guess not because this book took off after the main protagonist goes to school.
Well, that is it. Had a lot of 4 stars too. Like I said before I had a really good 2023 reading Year.
