chasing bawa

I normally stumble upon books while trawling through Amazon or wandering around in bookshops, but I’m increasingly finding recommendations through the blogs I read. And some of them are pure gems. So thank you!

Here are some of the books I’ve read this year that have stuck in my mind and won’t leave me alone:

Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson which I first heard about on Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist. I can’t believe I hadn’t read his books before although I think I’ve seen them in various bookshops. But this is the first book in a ten book sequence and it’s really brilliant. The epic sweep of the story, the excellent writing, the depth with which Erikson spins his tale of revenge, love and war is staggering.

Singled Out by Virginia Nicholson which I found on A Work in Progress is a non-fiction book about the so called ‘surplus’ women struggling to carve out an independant life after WWI while mourning the loss of their loved ones and kissing their dreams of marriage and children good bye. Extremely readable and you are left with such admiration for these woman who stood up to convention and grabbed their chance of happiness with both hands.

Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn was recommended on Me and My Big Mouth. It’s got mystery, history and romance and a very sexy leading man. I’m saving the third installment in the series for a rainy day. Can’t wait.

In the Woods by Tana French. I can’t remember exactly on which blog I first heard about this book and it’s sequel The Likeness (which I haven’t read yet) because I think it wowed a lot of readers and reviewers with its incredibly well written prose and fully realised characters. An amazing debut.