I've read over 100 books this year, so this was no easy task, although the top ten was simpler: they're the ones to which I gave my rare 5 Gold Stars.
I started off doing a Top 20, but there were a few I just couldn't decide between ~ so, here's my...
I started off doing a Top 20, but there were a few I just couldn't decide between ~ so, here's my...
TOP
 |
....the reading of the following took place between January 1st and December 12th, 2015...
|
I haven't included more than one book by the same author; instead, I chose my favourite, but mentioned any others I've read/reviewed this year. Lists such as this are all about personal taste, of course, and so much depends much on preference of genre; there are plenty of other very good books on this blog, to which I've given 4* ~ you can find them all HERE.
Okay, here goes! For the full review of each book, click the title. I've added a note to say how I discovered it, because I think this is interesting for writers, readers and book bloggers alike.
**Numbers 24~11 are in no particular order**:
Australian family drama
Discovered: A choice from those submitted to Rosie Amber's Review Team;
I review for Rosie's blog as a member of the team.
I review for Rosie's blog as a member of the team.
Financial/psychological thriller
Discovered: Got to know the author via Twitter, I'd read her first one and liked it.
Plantagenet historical fiction
Discovered: Another Rosie's book review team choice.
by English Historical Fiction Authors
Historical anthology ~ non-fiction
Discovered: A tweet!
1950s Family Saga.
Discovered: Got to know the author via Twitter. This is the middle part of a trilogy, and my favourite of the three; there are links to my reviews of the other two parts at the end of this one.
Zombie apocalypse (US)
Discovered: Amazon browse, the cover of the first one in the series caught my eye, then I read the next three. I liked Mad World, the third one, best. You can see the review of the first, Broken World, with links to the others HERE
1980s northern England miners' strike drama
Discovered: I read a review by a fellow member of Rosie Amber's Review Team that made me want to buy it.
Fantasy assassin adventure ~ novella
Discovered: Another choice from the reviewer's list on Rosie Amber. This year I have also read Thief's Gambit by this author, review HERE.
16. SURVIVING THE EVACUATION: Book 1: London by Frank Tayell
Zombie Apocalypse (UK)
Discovered: Amazon browse. I've read four others in the series, links to which are on the review for this one. I liked this one and the fourth best.
Travel Memoir
Discovered: I won the author's second book in a blog competition last year, and liked it so much I bought her first one, too.
Contemporary drama/musician
Discovered: I read an article by the author on an unrelated subject, on a book blog. Something about the way she 'talked' made me think I'd like her fiction writing too, so I read the blurb for her book and the subject matter appealed very much.
Gritty Geordie crime drama
Discovered: Our mutual proofreader told me it was really good, so I bought it when it came out!
Family drama/Afghanistan
Discovered: I read an article about it, by the author, on the same book blog where I read about Living By Ear (the discontinued but still in existence A Woman's Wisdom), and thought it sounded like something I'd love to read.
18th century murder mystery
Discovered: A choice from Rosie Amber's review team reading list. Have since bought his next book, not read yet.
And now......the countdown begins!
~~~~ The Top Ten ~~~~
It was hard to put them in order of preference, but I think a countdown is more fun, don't you? Adds a bit of tension to the proceedings! So I struggled and hummed and hahhed, and here it is.....
Post apocalyptic drama (pandemic), Northern Ireland
Discovered: Got chatting to author on Twitter, I asked to see his book. Happened to be in a current favourite genre, and I liked the look of it ~ ker-ching! Have since reviewed his second one, The American Policeman
Native American history
Discovered: I've read lots of Zoe Saadia's books, discovered via her blogs on Twitter, and think the Peacemaker series is the best thing she's done, and this is the best of the series. Links to her other books are on the review above, and I've also reviewed The Peacekeeper.
Dark humour, contemporary drama ~ novella
Discovered: I got to know the author via the internet about eight years ago, through our mutual interest in writing, amongst other things, and always hoped he'd publish something because he's one of the most genuinely talented writers I've come across. I read the first part of this last year, loved it, and this is even better.
Alternative history ~ Tudor fantasy
Discovered: I got to know the author on Twitter because of our mutual interest in the Tudors, and read the first part of this trilogy last year. The links to Court of Conspiracy and Taste of Treason can be found on the review above; the trilogy got better as it went on, this third part was definitely my favourite.
Vigilante crime drama/thriller
Discovered: I'd bought it after reviewing the first in this series, Kill Line (link on the review on above), for Rosie's blog, and I chose that after a review by another member of the team made me want to read it. Robert Leigh subsequently submitted it to Rosie's review team list, so I reviewed it for her blog, too. Oh, and our mutual proofreader recommended it, as well!
Getting exciting now....!
~~~~ The Top Five ~~~~
Historical fiction ~ the early years of Elizabeth I
Discovered: Got to know the author on Twitter because of our mutual interest in the Tudors. I read a few of her stories on Wattpad and loved them, so I leapt on this when it came out.
Sci-Fi, post apocalyptic drama, UK
Discovered: Rosie Amber was asked to review this but it wasn't her sort of thing so she asked me if I'd like to read it. I'm so glad she did! I've since bought and reviewed the sequel, Forbidden Alliance; the link is on the above review.
Now it's really getting exciting....
~~~ The Top Three ~~~
by Mark Barry.
Violent contemporary drama
Discovered: I 'met' Mark Barry when he asked me to appear on his blog, then thought I would try one of his books. I have read four of them now, and this is the best one, by far. This year I have also read his book Ultra Violence; links to all of his that I've read can be found in the review above. Highly recommended!
*
Second Place...
Second Place...
My runner up and silver medallist is a two-in-one, really, because she writes under two names, Davina Blake and Deborah Swift. I've read several of her books this year and it was so hard to choose which one, for this list, because I love them all, but in the end I went with...
World War II and 1950s drama
Discovered: via Twitter, I can't remember exactly how, I think I read an article on her history blog. For this list, I was torn between the above book, and The Lady's Slipper, in her Deborah Swift guise; links to my reviews for all her historical fiction can be found HERE.
Drum Roll....
And the Gold Medal goes to.....
~ My Favourite Book of 2015 ~
Victorian Murder Mystery
Discovered: Twitter, I believe... I think she commented on one of my blog posts! I read the first of this series, Diamonds & Dust, last year, and didn't think anything could top the second, Honour & Obey, but this did. Even if you think a Victorian murder mystery isn't your thing (which is what I thought), you should buy this NOW. This is talent!
I do hope this has been of interest to you, not least of all how I found each book. I'm so glad I offered to be a part of Rosie Amber's team, and that I've got involved with so many book blogs this year. Unless writers have a traditional publisher behind them or have limitless funds for promotion, it's a constant struggle, in this deluged market, to get our books in front of readers, and for readers to sort the wheat from the chaff; if everyone who looks at this list bought just one of the books....!!
Great list, Terry. We only doubled up on three books! More authors but different books. My list is out next Thursday.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I wonder which! I'm thinking Any Man Joe, possibly Death & Dominion - it's so interesting seeing the books others love, isn't it? Can't wait to see your list!
DeleteAn amazing list of fabulous, talented writers. And me. *deeply honoured*
ReplyDeleteBut of course. As soon as I read D&D I knew nothing else would top it this year (though you're lucky I haven't finished Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom yet, ha ha!!).
DeleteI like to choose my reading manner from many sources, ie not just my chums and my well known favourites; I love it when someone says that they read a book by someone they'd never heard of, on my recommendation. Especially if it then appears on their lists of favourites, too!
Wow, that's quite a list! And I've read very few of them...in fact I only spotted two I knew! Congratulations to Ms Hedges though. Absolutely fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading it even more!!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I love about doing posts like this - that I can bring books/writers to the attention of people who haven't heard of them. I like to spread myself around social media quite widely, so I don't just end up reading all my mates' books and that's all!!!
DeleteI've only actually read four of these books, including of course the superb Death and Dominion but I may explore a few more from your list, next year. Of course my top ten would have to include one of Terry Tyler's books!
ReplyDeleteAh, bless you, Liz!!! From what I know of your reading tastes, you would love Past Encounters, Living by Ear and Public Battles, Private Wars, I think. Oh, and Outback Promise, can't remember if I saw that you'd already chosen it from the list. xx
DeleteHave to agree with your top choice - fabulous book!
ReplyDeleteYes, isn't it! The sort of book that made me post this article a bit prematurely :)
DeleteReally interesting to read your list, Terry, and to find out how you discovered each author/book.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendy - if I ever run out of stuff to write about, I wouldn't mind just reading and writing all the time, I am constantly frustrated by the fact that I don't have time time to read all the books I want to - I will get to yours, honest!!!!!!!
DeleteAs for how they're discovered - I know it's basically just book blogs and Amazon, but I still think the variation in each discovery gives quite an insight. :)
I doubt you'll ever run out of stuff to write about, Terry! Yes, isn't it frustrating not having the time to read all the books you want to. Hope you enjoy mine when you get to it. :)
ReplyDeleteI love to hear about how people meet, and I think finding out how people discover authors and books is akin to this.
Just thinking out loud here, but thought I'd share the following as it's Sunday evening and Homeland isn't on for ages. I have a complicated Venn diagram in my head of my contacts online and I'm often amused when I spot a comment on a blog or tweet, and find myself thinking, "Oh, I didn't know they knew each other. I often have to rearrange the diagram.
Tis like life, Wendy, all sorts of people know all sorts of people! My soc med contacts range wide and varied, and I love introducing people to others ~ I've done so by telling a few to submit their book to Rosie's team, for instance (in case you were wondering, I veer away from choosing to review those by people I 'know', via Rosie's blog for reasons I won't explain here! Of course I often then get to know them afterwards if I love their books). I also thought The Zodiac Files was sort of like an online cocktail party ~ 'Jan, this is Georgia, she loves horses too', or 'Cynthis, this is Jo, she's an Aries too and you'd love her books', etc etc!!!
DeleteAs for Homeland... I'm waiting until it's all been on so I can watch it over a period of 2/3 nights - can't bear the wait between episodes!!!!
Loving The Zodiac Files cocktail party!
DeleteLast two episodes of Homeland have been brilliant - great plotting, incredible tension. You're in for a treat!
Oh great! I adored the Carrie/Brody relationship, so thought I wouldn't want to watch it anymore after he was killed, but I loved series 4 as much if not more... so am eagerly awaiting this one! I think we'll save it for Christmas Day :)
DeleteSo thrilled to be near the top of this list, and amongst such great company! Just bought Death and Dominion, big congrats to Carol for being top of this list. I've bookmarked this page for future reference. Enjoy the holidays everyone!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being so supportive and taking up my suggestion! I'm determined to get all historical fiction lovers reading your books, I'm so glad I stumbled on your blog 18 months or whatever it was, ago ~ I seem to remember we exchanged a few words and I perused, bought The Gilded Lily and never looked back!!
DeleteTerrific list Terry - so many I've read or have on my TBR :-)
ReplyDeleteBut I bet a few you haven't, too - go on, go on, try a zombie book!!!!! Seriously, I do, honestly, think you'd love Surviving The Evacuation :)
DeleteFor Christmas, I am going to buy you one of those time turner things that Hermione had in Harry Potter... wouldn't it be great??? I'd use all mine for reading time. I expect you will see BFD or TTW on this list next year, too xx
I would love a time turner - graciously accepted, thanks! And just because this is you and you did so well in recommending John Privilege to me I now have Surviving the Evacuation on my Kindle :-)
DeleteAhh time will tell for BTD and TTW - I'm not convinced they will be your thing at all - haha!
FAB!!! I am delighted! You're the second person who's said,'I have bought'... love it!' I feel stupidly excited about you reading it, I know it won't be for a while. Frank Tayell is a nice bloke, I found him on here after I'd read STE to tell him how much I liked it, and he was dead appreciative even though he sells tons of books and must have people saying that sort of thing to him every day.
DeleteRe BTD and TTW, the reviews are all so good, I am sure I will. I remember being impressed with much of ASS even though I have zero interest in horses!!! What I will want you to do some time, tho, is to give me a precis of ASS before I start the others, because I have a crap memory :)
Lovely to see Concealment on here Terry - thanks so much! And what an interesting selection of other books - more for the TBR list I think!
ReplyDeleteAha, yes, I didn't tell everyone because I thought it might be more fun just to have people discover their books on it! There are some by people I don't 'know' on Twitter except for telling them how much I've enjoyed their books, so I shall tell them :)
DeleteCongratulations Carol and all the authors who made Terry's list, definitely book well worth a read if Terry Recommends them.
ReplyDeleteYou know what a picky so-and-so I am, Rosie...!
DeleteSeason's Greeting and congratulations to you all! I've read Katrina Mountfort's books and Future Perfect is excellent! I have just treated myself (early Christmas pressie) to Diamonds & Dust. Can't wait to get started! Well done all and Terry for compiling a comprehensive list of books for me to read in 2016!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Abigail - thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy some more of them - and hope Katrina M brings out the third part soon, eh :)
DeleteI'm thrilled to be in your list, Terry. Thank you so much. I didn't realise you discovered No More Mulberries on A Woman's Wisdom blog. I so miss Ali's blog and found some great reads there.
ReplyDeleteI've just started Carol Hedges' Diamond and Dust. After reading a great review about Death and Dominion I thought I'd start at the beginning.
Yes, it was the article you wrote about it on there. Indeed, it was a good blog! Carol's 3 books are total stand alones, but they're all so worth reading; I envy you having them all still to come :)
DeleteTrying to save it for my holiday! That, and the House of York and Thicker than Water, the third in Georgia Rose's trilogy.
DeleteWhat an impressive post! But I'd expect nothing less from you, Terry. Your tireless promotion of indie authors is wonderful. And you write books too! I read The American Policeman on your recommendation and enjoyed it very much, so thank you. Carol's first two books are waiting patiently on my kindle, but I might be a bit of an anarchist and start with her latest instead. I like the idea of working backwards. Happy Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteAha, but I don't tireless promote indie authors, I just bang on a lot about writers I like!! I think that differentiating between indie/trad is part of what keeps the self-published and small press published seen as underdogs. The book/writer at number 2 is traditionally published (Pan MacMillan, I believe). So glad you liked TAP, it's lovely when a recommendation works, isn't it?
DeleteYes, be an anarchist, ha ha! They're all complete stand alones anyway so it doesn't matter. Happy Christmas to you too my dear x
Wow! You have read so many interesting looking books this year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Chrissi! I have quite varied tastes but they do tend to fall into the same few categories.
DeleteI'm honoured to be amongst this impressive list of brilliant writers, Terry. Thank you so much - Honno will be thrilled! I managed five of these books so far. Better hurry to catch up before 2015 ends. Hope you have a peaceful Christmas break. Thanks again
ReplyDeleteThe pleasure was mine, J! x
DeleteMy TBR list just exploded! If only I could learn to live without sleep.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honour of including me on this brilliant list.
You are so prolific in your reviewing and writing, it puts me to shame - and gives me something to aim for.
Merry Christmas to you & yours.
I need to do a bit less, Maggie, so that I can write more... but it's so hard!
DeleteThe pleasure was mine :)
Terri, I'm so honored and thrilled to see Living by Ear included on this amazing list. And wow, so many great suggestions. Thank you! I'm printing this out now so I'll know what to read next, and next, and next... I plan to start with Phil Conquest, Zoe Saadia, and Carol Hedges.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Mary! Phil Conquest's book is currently unpublished, I believe; I'll let you know when it's back! You'll love the others, though :) xx
Delete