My Favorite Fiction of 2021: Lot of Book Recommendations

What were your favorite fiction books this year?

Back in December 2011, I started a series, Authors, Alcohol & Accolades, which asked some of my favorite authors about their preferred drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. There have been 11 editions of this column so far, with more coming in the future. The inspiration for this series is that I am a voracious reader, of both fiction and nonfiction, and I wanted to combine that interest with my love of food & drink. The series has proven popular and it has been fascinating to explore what authors enjoy drinking.

Each year, as an addendum to that series, I've been posting a list of my Favorite Fiction Books, including books of Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror and Mystery/Crime/Thriller. During the past twelve months, I've read over 250 books, both fiction and non-fiction, which provides a large pool for my choices. Most of the books on these lists were published in 2021, though there are some exceptions which were published in prior years but which I didn't read until this past year.

Onto my Book Recommendations...

First, let me provide my Top Three Reads Of The Year, those three books which thoroughly impressed and engaged me, compelling and creative works which I'm sure to read again in the future. These exceptional books have my highest, and unqualified, recommendation. They are not listed in any specific order of preference.

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

Last year, Cosby's novel, Blacktop Wasteland, was one of my Top Three Reads Of The Year, and his latest book makes the list this year too. Once again, Cosby has crafted an intense and riveting thriller, a tale of revenge and so much more. Two ex-convicts, a white man and a black man, seek vengeance against the men who killed their married, gay sons. It's an exciting tale of fatherhood and prejudice, of death and redemption. It's also thought provoking and powerful, a worthy successor to Cosby's previous novel. I highly recommend you read both of Cosby's novels.

The Maleficent Seven by Cameron Johnston

What a fun, thrilling and more unique fantasy tale, where the villains take center stage to save the world. They must stage a last stand in a small town against a powerful enemy, although each villain has their own agenda as well. It's dark and humorous, intense and enthralling, bloody and bloodier. There's some cool twists and it will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It's a standalone novel although you'd wish there were more to come. 

The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu by Tom Lin

An excellent Western, with a Chinese assassin as the lead, it's a tale of rescue and vengeance, peopled with numerous colorful characters. It's great to see the diversity in this novel, and it's a thrilling ride, and would make for a great movie too. There's a threat of mysticism throughout the book which adds to its appeal. Western novels like this need much more attention. 

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Second, let me provide a top ten list of my other Favorite SF/Fantasy/Horror Novels of 2021. Please note that these books are not in any specific order of preference. I've also added a top ten list of Honorable Mentions. 

FAVORITES

No Gods, No Monsters (Covergence Sada #1) by Cadwell Turnbull

The Liar of Red Valley by Walter Goodwater

Rovers by Richard Lange

The Children of Red Peak by Craig DiLouie

Absynthe by Brendan Bellecourt

Norylska Groans by Michael Fletcher & Clayton Snyder

The Veiled Throne (Dandelion Dynasty #3) by Ken Liu

The Empire's Ruin (Ashes of the Unhewn Throne #1) by Brian Staveley 

We Shall Sing a Song Into The Deep by Andrew Kelly Stewart

A Desert Torn Asunder (Song of Shattered Sands #6) by Bradley Beaulieu

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Blood of the Chosen (Burningblade & Silvereye #2) by Django Wexler

Siege of Rage and Ruin (The Wells of Sorcery #3) by Django Wexler

She Dreams In Blood (Obsidian Path #2) by Michael Fletcher

The Devils' Equinox by John Everson

The Unspoken Name (Serpent Gates #1) by A.K. Lark-wood

Priest of Gallows (War for the Rose Throne #3) by Peter McLean

Trench Mouth by Christine Morgan

Reaper's Game (Reaper's World #1) by Christine Converse & Joseph Nassise

When The Goddess Awakes (Ring-Sworn #3) by Howard Andrew Jones

Jade Legacy (Green Bone Saga #3) by Fonda Lee

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Third, here are my top ten Favorite Mystery/Crime/Thriller Novels of 2021. From gritty noir to more high-tech thrillers, this books are exciting and riveting, sure to get your blood pumping and your heart racing. Again, these books are not in any specific order of preference.

Tricky by Josh Stallings

Lies We Bury by Elle Marr

Dark Sky (Joe Pickett #21) by C.J. Box 

The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda

Her Last Breath by Hilary Davidson

Relentless (Rogue Team International #2) by Jonathan Maberry 

All Our Darkest Secrets by Martyn Ford

Billy Summers by Stephen King

The Heathens (Quinn Colson #11) by Ace Atkins

Bullet Train by Kotaro Isaka 

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Fourth, here are a few of my Favorite Anthologies, Novellas & Short Stories of 2021. These often seem to get ignored on many other "Best Of" lists but I believe they are definitely worthy of attention.

 

A Dead Djinn in Cairo by P. Djeli Clark

The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djeli Clark

Empty Graves: Tales of the Living Dead by Jonathan Maberry

All of the books on this list garner my earnest recommendations and you should check them out. They would make great holiday gifts for others, or even yourself. Please support an author, a small, independent business person, and buy more books. And if you read and enjoy a book, please leave a review of that book online and tell all your friends about it. The author would greatly appreciate your efforts. 

What were some of your favorite fictional books this year?

My Favorite Fiction of 2020: Lot of Book Recommendations

What were your favorite fiction books this year?

Back in December 2011, I started a series, Authors, Alcohol & Accolades, which asked some of my favorite authors about their preferred drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. There have been 11 editions of this column so far, with more coming in the future. The inspiration for this series is that I am a voracious reader, of both fiction and nonfiction, and I wanted to combine that interest with my love of food & drink. The series has proven popular and it has been fascinating to explore what authors enjoy drinking.

Each year, as an addendum to that series, I've been posting a list of my Favorite Fiction Books, including books of Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror and Mystery/Crime/Thriller. During the past twelve months, I've read over 270 books, both fiction and non-fiction, which provides a large pool for my choices. Most of the books on these lists were published in 2020, though there are some exceptions which were published in prior years but which I didn't read until this past year.

Onto my Book Recommendations...

First, let me provide my Top Three Reads Of The Year, those three books which thoroughly impressed and engaged me, compelling and creative works which I'm sure to read again in the future. These exceptional books have my highest, and unqualified, recommendation. They are not listed in any specific order of preference.

Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

What an intense and riveting thriller! This is Southern noir, about a retired wheelman being pulled into one more heist. The wheelman is a black man, living in rural Virginia, and the book explores his life experiences, as well as his relationship with his father. That makes this book a very character driven thriller, although there is plenty of exciting action as well. It is such a compelling tale, with plenty of twists, and Cosby has crafted an impressive thriller that really should be a movie.

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

A haunting and horrific tale, this is a story of several Native Americans who get into trouble when they are younger, and then must confront a vengeful elk spirit. Interesting characters, brutal imagery, intense action, and just such a powerful horror novel. It explores some social issues as well, which are well integrated into the story. Jones has created one of the best horror novels of the year, and this book also needs to be a movie. 

Ink by Jonathan Maberry

Maberry is one of my favorite authors and he never disappoints me. This new horror novel is one of his creepiest, involving tattoos, blow flies, and stolen memories. The prose can be so poetic at times, while some of the imagery can be horrific and disturbing. Intriguing characters, plenty of plot twists, and pure fun. Though it is a standalone novel, it is related to his Pine Deep series, which will make it more appealing to anyone who has read those other novels. 

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Second, let me provide a top ten list of my other Favorite SF/Fantasy/Horror Novels of 2020. Please note that these books are not in any specific order of preference. I've also added a top ten list of Honorable Mentions. 

Carved From Stone & Dream (Los Nefilim #2) by T. Frohock

Ashes of the Sun (Burningblade & Silvereye #1) by Django Wexler

The Shadow Commission (Dark Arts #3) by David Mack

The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbull

Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clare

Ash & Bones (City of Sacrifice #2) by Michael Fletcher

Daughter From The Dark by Marina & Sergey Dyachenko 

Ancestral Night (White Space #1) by Elizabeth Bear

The Deep by Nick Cutter

The Burning God (Poppy War #3) by R.F. Kuang

HONORABLE MENTIONS

The Aleph Extraction (Galactic Cold War #2) by Dan Moren

Light of Impossible Stars (Embers of War #3) by Gareth Powell

Someone Like Me  by M. R. Carey

The Shadows by Alex North

City of Stone and Silence by Django Wexler 

The Bard's Blade (The Sorcerer's Song #1) by Brian Anderson

Harrow the Ninth (The Locked Tomb #2) by Tamsyn Muir

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

Starship Alchemon by Christopher Hinz

The Harrowing of Doom by David Annandale

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Third, here are my top ten Favorite Mystery/Crime/Thriller Novels of 2020. From gritty noir to more high-tech thrillers, this books are exciting and riveting, sure to get your blood pumping and your heart racing. Again, these books are not in any specific order of preference.

Don't Look Down (Shadows of NY #2) bt Hilary Davidson

Hard Cash Valley (Bull Mountain #3) by Brian Panowich

Lost River by J. Todd Scott

The Revelators (Quinn Colson #10) by Ace Atkins

The Dark Corners of the Night (UNSUB #3) by Meg Gardiner

When These Mountains Burn by David Joy

The Pistoleer by James Carlos Blake

The Ninja Daughter (Lily Wong #1) by Tori Eldridge

Into the Fire (Orphan X #5) by Gregg Hurwitz

Joe Pickett series by C. J. Box (It's a 20 book series & I read all 20 this year, thoroughly impressed by them)

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Fourth, here are a few of my Favorite Anthologies, Novellas & Short Stories of 2020. These often seem to get ignored on many other "Best Of" lists but I believe they are definitely worthy of attention.

Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones
Murder Ballads & Other Horrific Tales by John Hornor Jacobs

The Best American Noir of the Century edited by Jame Ellroy & Otto Penzle

All of the books on this list garner my earnest recommendations and you should check them out. They would make great holiday gifts for others, or even yourself. Please support an author, a small, independent business person, and buy more books. And if you read and enjoy a book, please leave a review of that book online and tell all your friends about it. The author would greatly appreciate your efforts. 

What were some of your favorite books this year?

My Favorite Fiction of 2019

What were your favorite fiction books this year?

Back in December 2011, I started a series, Authors, Alcohol & Accolades, which asked some of my favorite authors about their preferred drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. There have been 11 editions of this column so far, with more coming in the future. The inspiration for this series is that I am a voracious reader, of both fiction and nonfiction, and I wanted to combine that interest with my love of food & drink. The series has proven popular and it has been fascinating to explore what authors enjoy drinking.

Each year, as an addendum to that series, I've been posting a list of my Favorite Fiction Books, including books of Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror and Mystery/Crime/Thriller. During the past twelve months, I've read over 250 books, both fiction and non-fiction, which provides a large pool for my choices. Most of the books on these lists were published in 2019, though there are some exceptions which were published in prior years but which I didn't read until this past year.

Onto my Book Recommendations...

First, let me provide my Top Three Reads Of The Year, those three (or actually four) books which thoroughly impressed and engaged me, compelling and creative works which I'm sure to read again in the future. These exceptional books have my highest, and unqualified, recommendation. They are not listed in any specific order of preference.

For the Killing of Kings (Ring-Sworn Trilogy Book 1) and Upon The Flight of the Queen (Ring-Sworn Trilogy Book 2) by Howard Andrew Jones
Both of these books, the first two in a trilogy, were published in 2019, and were absolutely riveting, the kind of book you starting reading and later look up, not realizing hours had passed. In some respects, there is a retro-feel to these novels, with roots in Zelazny's Amber series, but there is plenty of a modern edge to these fantasy books as well. There is a rich cast of characters, nonstop action, a fascinating magic system, great battle scenes, and so much more. They are well written novels, and based on my love of the author's prior novels, definitely not unexpected. Jones weaves a compelling tale and I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends.

Smoke and Stone (City of Sacrifice Book 1) by Michael Fletcher
Fletcher is another author whose prior books I've very much enjoyed. This novel though may be his best work to date, being both innovative and riveting. It's a dark tale with creative world building and a fascinating magic system relying on the use of drugs. There is quirky edge to the tale, which seems to be a signature of Fletcher, and it works so well. It is very much an original fantasy tale, with inspiration from Mesoamerican mythology, and should excite even the most jaded fantasy reader. There are plenty of plot twists, lots of blood, and at times, pure craziness. This is another book where you'll be wishing the sequel was already available.

Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb Trilogy Book 1) by Tamsyn Muir
This is another dark and innovative book, a science fantasy novel immersed in necromancy, great mysteries, and humor. Yes, despite the grim material, there is also a pleasing humorous element. The characters are fascinating, the world building is intriguing, and the fantasy and science fiction elements blend well together. The plot centers around a grand and deadly contest, and each faction has their own secrets and agendas. Excellent swordplay scenes and dark necromantic elements. A more unique novel, unlike anything else I've read in quite some time. Bring on the next book in this trilogy.

Second, let me provide some of my other Favorite SF/Fantasy/Horror Novels of 2019. Please note that these books are not in any specific order of preference.

Where Oblivion Lives (Los Nefilim Book 1) by Teresa Frohock
The Grand Dark by Richard Kadrey
The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War Book 2) by R.F. Kuang (Book #1 was one of my last year's Top 3)
Holy Sister (Book of the Ancestor 3) by Mark Lawrence 
Jade War (The Green Bone Sage Book 2) by Fonda Lee
The Ruin of Kings (A Chorus of Dragons, Book 1) and The Name of All Things (A Chorus of Dragons, Book 2) by Jenn Lyons
The Iron Codex (Dark Arts Book 2) by David Mack (Book #1 was one of my last year's Top 3)
A Memory Called Empire (Teixcalaan Book 1) by Arkady Martine
Blood of Empire (Gods of Blood & Poweder Book 3) by Brian McClellan
Priest of Lies (War for the Rose Throne Book 2) by Peter McLean 
The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
Ship of Smoke and Steel (The Wells of Sorcery Book 1) by Django Wexler

And this book deserves some recognition for simply being fun, an excellent popcorn-novel.
Blood Island by Tim Waggoner

Third, here are my Favorite Mystery/Crime/Thriller Novels of 2019. From gritty noir to more high-tech thrillers, this books are exciting and riveting, sure to get your blood pumping and your heart racing. Again, these books are not in any specific order of preference.

The Shameless (Quinn Colson Book 9) by Ace Atkins
One Small Sacrifice (Shadows of New York Book 1) by Hilary Davidson
Feast of Sorrow by Crystal King
Rage by Jonathan Maberry
Glimpse by Jonathan Maberry
What You Did by Claire McGowan
The Chain by Adrian McKinty
Like Lions by Brian Panowich
This Side of Night by J. Todd Scott
The Border (Power of the Dog Book 3) by Don Winslow

Fourth, here are my Favorite Anthologies, Novellas & Short Stories of 2019. These often seem to get ignored on many other "Best Of" lists but I believe they are definitely worthy of attention.

Uncanny Collateral (Valkyrie Collections Book 1) by Brian McClellan (Novella)
The Broken King by Brian Panowich (Short story)
A Lush And Seething Hell by John Hornor Jacobs (Two novellas, one which was one of my last year's Top 3) 
Weird Tales #363 (Magazine with great stories by Victor Lavelle, Hank Schwaeble, Jonathan Maberry, Stephanie Wytovich)
The Abyssal Plain: The R'lyeh Cycle (4 horrifying novellas by Brett Talley, William Holloway, Rich Hawkins, and Michelle Garza & Melissa Lason)
Year's Best Aotearoa New Zealand Science Fiction and Fantasy: Volume I (Fascinating anthology of SFF tales by New Zealand authors)

All of the books on this list garner my earnest recommendations and you should check them out. They would make great holiday gifts for others, or even yourself. Please support an author, a small, independent business person, and buy more books. And if you read and enjoy a book, please leave a review of that book online and tell all your friends about it. The author would greatly appreciate your efforts.

What were some of your favorite books this year?

The Lion's Diamonds: A New Noirish-Crime Novella

Although I primarily write about food and drink, I've also penned the Tipsy Sensei series, supernatural thrillers centered on a Boston-based Sake expert who learns that the creatures from Japanese folklore are real. I've always enjoyed writing fiction and am pleased to announce that I'm published a new story today.

The Lion's Diamonds is a crime novella, a noirish tale about a diamond heist set in Massachusetts. Recently released from prison, Leonidas "the Lion" Blackwood is already looking for his next score when a perfect opportunity drops into his lap. To appease his parole officer, Leonidas works at a local church doing general cleaning maintenance. He learns that five million dollars in diamonds will be stored into a safe at the church. Leonidas isn't a safecracker but he knows the combination to the safe. The heist should be simple.

However, complications ensue, and Leonidas is soon on the run, trying to elude Russian gangsters, including a psychotic enforcer. Can Leonidas trust the sultry woman he met in a bar? Can he trust an old friend with whom he shared time in prison? Can he trust anyone? Is there any way that Leonidas can escape with the diamonds to a tropical island?

The Lion's Diamonds is available on Amazon as an e-book for only 99 cents. I hope you enjoy reading this new story and I would appreciate any feedback. And if you enjoy it, please also leave a review on Amazon. My new story has already garnered its first Five-Star review!

My Favorite Fiction of 2018: Lots Of Book Recommendations

What were your favorite fiction books this year?

Back in December 2011, I started a series, Authors, Alcohol & Accolades, which asked some of my favorite authors about their preferred drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. There have been 11 editions of this column so far, with more coming in the future. The inspiration for this series is that I am a voracious reader, of both fiction and nonfiction, and I wanted to combine that interest with my love of food & drink. The series has proven popular and it has been fascinating to explore what authors enjoy drinking.

Each year, as an addendum to that series, I've been posting a list of my Favorite Fiction Books, including books of Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror and Mystery/Crime/Thriller. During the past twelve months, I've read over 200 books, both fiction and non-fiction, which provides a large pool for my choices. Most of the books on these lists were published in 2018, though there are some exceptions which were published in prior years but which I didn't read until this past year.

Onto my Book Recommendations...

First, let me provide my Top Three Reads Of The Year, those three books which thoroughly impressed and engaged me, compelling works which I've already read at least twice this year, and which I'll read again in the future. These exceptional books have my highest, and unqualified, recommendation.

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
A compelling fantasy, based in part on Chinese history, this is a grim and riveting novel, depicting the horrors of war, including the moral decisions that may be made. In part, it is also a coming of age novel, detailing how a determined, young peasant girl is able to enter an elite military academy and become a potent force against those seeking to destroy her country. The history of China is well integrated into this tale, the characters are interesting, and the magic system is intriguing. And the ending has a powerful and shocking impact! Such an impressive debut novel from R.F. Kuang and I eagerly await the sequel.

The Sea Dreams It Is the Sky by John Hornor Jacobs
I've long enjoyed the work of John Hornor Jacobs and this could be the best thing he's ever written. It is a superb novella on several different levels. It is very well-written, evoking such powerful emotions with poetic & beautiful language. On the surface, the book is about an odd friendship, fueled in part by a shared origin in a repressive South American regime. Then, the story becomes about so much more, such as cosmic horror and mundane evil, love and hope. It is absolutely riveting from start to finish, and on a reread, you will find more of the nuances that you might have missed from a first read.

The Midnight Front by David Mack
I was hooked on this book from the very beginning and I remained so until the very end. An impressive and riveting supernatural thriller, this book focuses on a magical war during WWII. The magic system, where wielders derive their powers from demons, is intriguing and well developed. The magical battles are intense, complex and fascinating. The various characters are interesting and their moral dilemmas helped to elevate the novel. WWII was well integrated into the narrative and you experience a number of the most important aspects of the war. The novel can be dark at times, as expected, but overall there is a thread of hope pervading through the text. Plus, alcohol, from wine to spirits, plays a role which especially pleased me. This is another book where I highly anticipate the sequel.

Second, let me provide some of my other Favorite SF/Fantasy/Horror Novels of 2018. Please note that these books are not in any specific order of preference.

Starless by Jacqueline Carey
Priest of Bones by Peter McLean
Iron Gold by Pierce Brown 
Blood of the Four by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon
Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence 
The Point by John Dixon
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett
Shadowblack and Charmcaster by Sebastien de Castell 
The Moons of Barsk by Lawrence Schoen
Wrath of Empire by Brian McClellan
A Veil of Spears by Bradley Beaulieu 
Mecha Samurai Empire by Peter Tieryas

And these two books deserve some recognition for simply being fun, popcorn-novels.
Chicken Dinner: A Novel of Battle Royale by Timothy Long
Kill Hill Carnage by Tim Meyer

Third, here are my Top 10 Favorite Mystery/Crime/Thriller Novels of 2018. From gritty noir to more high-tech thrillers, this books are exciting and riveting, sure to get your blood pumping and your heart racing.

Into The Black Nowhere by Meg Gardiner
Super Con by James Swain
The Far Empty and High White Sun by J. Todd Scott
Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz 
Raven's Sword by Adam Baker
Blood Standard by Laird Barron
Deep Silence by Jonathan Maberry
She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

Fourth, here are My Favorite Novellas of 2018. Novellas often seem to get ignored on many other "Best Of" lists but I believe they are definitely worthy of attention, especially considering the high quality novellas that are appearing more frequently.

War Cry by Brian McClellan
Invasion, Scorched Earth, and Bitter Harvest (Seeds of War #trilogy) by Jonathan Brazee and Lawrence Schoen

All of the books on this list garner my earnest recommendation and you should check them out. They would make great holiday gifts for others, or even yourself. Please support an author, a small, independent business person, and buy more books. And if you read and enjoy a book, please leave a review of that book online and also tell your friends about it. The author would greatly appreciate your efforts.

What were some of your favorite books this year?

My Favorite Fiction of 2017, From Novels to Anthologies

Back in December 2011, I started a blog column, Authors, Alcohol & Accolades, which asked some of my favorite authors about their preferred drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. There have been 11 editions of this column so far, with more coming in the near future. The inspiration for this series is that I am a voracious reader, of both fiction and nonfiction, and I wanted to combine that interest with my love of food & drink. The series has proven popular and it has been fascinating to explore what authors enjoy drinking.

As a special year-end addendum to that series, I'm posting a list of my Favorite Fiction Books of 2017. This list will include books of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and Mystery/Crime/Thriller. During the past twelve months, I've read approximately 250+ books, both fiction and non-fiction, which provides a large pool for my choices. Most of the books on these lists were published in 2017, though there are some exceptions which were published in prior years but which I didn't read until this past year. Please also note that these books are not in any specific order of preference.

However, before we get into the lists, let me provide some suggestions for drinks to accompany your reading. Sure, you can drink anything you want while you read, from milk to tequila, as ultimately it comes down to preference. However, and especially if you will be reading for an hour or more, I'd suggest something which can be slowly sipped and enjoyed throughout your reading period, a drink of quality which is best savored over time.

If you're reading Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror books, I'd recommend an aged Port wine, like a 20 Year Old. They are complex and hedonistic, perfect for luxuriating with a glass over a course of of time. And if you're reading Mystery, Crime and Thriller books, I'd recommend a fine sipping Whiskey, which could be Bourbon, Rye, Scotch, or some other whiskey type. Drink it neat or with a single, large ice cube, and enjoy its myriad flavors as you turn the pages.

And now onto my Book Recommendations...  

My Top 10 Favorite SF/Fantasy/Horror Novels of 2017

--Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
--Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (Book 1 of The Ancestor)
--Tyrant's Throne by Sebastien de Castell (Book 4 of The Greatcoats)
--Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
--Winter Tide by Ruthanna Emrys (Book 1 of the Innsmouth Legacy)
--Blackthorne by Stina Leicht (Book 2 of The Malorum Gates)
--The Realms of God by Michael Livingston (Book 3 of The Shards of Heaven)
--City of Miracles by Robert Jackson Bennett (Book 3 of The Divine Cities)
--Swarm and Steel by Michael Fletcher (A Manifest Delusions novel)
--Sins of Empire by Brian McClellan (Book 1 of Gods of Blood & Powder)

To winnow my list down to only ten novels was very difficult and tough cuts had to be made. However, there are still novels which didn't make my Top Ten but which are more than worthy of my hearty recommendation. To give them some well-deserved recognition, I am awarding ten of those novels Honorable Mention status. In essence, this makes my list into a Top Twenty list. These are all books which should please most readers and you need to check them out too.

My Top 10 Honorable-Mention Novels Of 2017

--With Blood Upon The Sand by Bradley Beaulieu (A Song of Shattered Sands novel)

--The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey

--Spellslinger by Sebastien de Castell (Book 1 of the Spellslinger)

--The Queen of Swords by R.S. Belcher (A Golgotha novel)

--Before by Paul Kane

--The Devil's Revolver by V.S. McGrath (Book 1 of The Devil's Revolver)

--Black Goat Blues by Levi Black (Book 2 of The Mythos War)

--Only The Dead Know Burbank by Bradford Tatum

--Haven by Tom Deady

--Akiri: The Scepter of Xarbaal by Brian Anderson and Steven Savile (Book 1 of the Akiri series)

My Top 10 Favorite Mystery/Crime/Thriller Novels of 2017

    From gritty noir to more high-tech thrillers, this books are exciting and riveting, sure to get your blood pumping and your heart racing. 

--Parallel Lines by Steven Saville
--Bad Boy Boogie by Thomas Pluck (Jay Desmarteaux series)
--Silent Approach by Bobby Cole
--Dogs of War by Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger series)
--The Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz (Orphan X series)
--The Spy Across The Table by Barry Lancet (Jim Brodie series)
--The Force by Don Winslow
--The Blinds by Adam Sternbergh
--UNSUB by Meg Gardiner
--Say Nothing by Brad Parks

My Favorite Anthologies Of 2017

     Anthologies often don't get enough credit but they can be quite compelling books, with an interesting mix of stories, often based around a specific theme.

--Planet of the Apes: Tales From The Forbidden Zone edited by Rich Handley & Jim Beard
--Swords Against Cthulhu edited by Gavin Chappell
--Aliens: Bug Hunt edited by Jonathan Maberry
--Nights of the Living Dead edited by Jonathan Maberry and George Romero
--Nyumbani Tales by Charles Saunders
--Predator: If It Bleeds edited by Bryan Thomas Schmidt
--Joe Ledger: Unstoppable edited by Jonathan Maberry and Bryan Thomas Schmidt

My Favorite Novellas Of 2017

    Novellas often seem to get ignored on many other "Best Of" lists but I believe they are definitely worthy of attention, especially considering the high quality novellas that are appearing more frequently.

--Infernal Parade by Clive Barker
--The Mad Lancers by Brian McClellan
--The Doors At Dusk & Dawn by Bradley Beaulieu

All of the books on this list garner my highest recommendation and you should check them out. They would make great holiday gifts for others, or even yourself. Please support an author, a small, independent business person, and buy more books. And if you read and enjoy a book, please leave a review of that book online and also tell your friends about it. The author would greatly appreciate your efforts.

What were some of your favorite books this year?

The Tipsy Sensei Returns!

Nate Randall, the Tipsy Sensei, is back and facing terrible Kaiju, gigantic monsters that bear some resemblance to beasts like Godzilla and Ghidorah.

The Tipsy Sensei is the name of my fictional series of supernatural thrillers which feature Sake-expert Nate Randall who faces off against a variety of supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. At his side is his friend, Hato, an immortal Samurai and a master of the katana, bow and other weapons. Currently, the Tipsy Sensei series consists of four short stories and three novels, with more forthcoming. And the Tipsy Sensei has now expanded from fiction to the gaming world.

A new role-playing game has just been released, Tiny Frontiers: Mecha and Monsters, which was created by game-designer Alan Bahr. With a minimalistic set of rules, you can pit giant robots against mighty monsters. As an example, think of the movie Pacific Rim. It is a fun game that is easy to learn, and is appropriate for all ages. A number of other writers were invited to contribute to this role-playing game, to create a variety of settings for the game. I was fortunate to have been chosen for inclusion, and one of my contributions is a setting that includes the Tipsy Sensei!

In my last novel, Halloween Nightmare At Fenway, Nate and Hato faced off against Doctor Toshio Yagi and Major Zannin Iwafuku, who were onryō, vengeful ghosts that wanted to replay World War II. As an alternate future history, I used these same villains and their goals to create a setting, Hyakki Yagyō, for the Tiny Frontiers game. Out of the mists of Japanese mythology, Doctor Yagi and Major Iwafuku were able to use potent magic to summon a myriad of Kaiju to the Earth, trying to destroy those countries which defeated Japan during WWII. In response, the U.S. and its allies created the Steelnecks, powerful Mecha which they hope to counter the Kaiju. And Nate Randall might be the turning point in this epic battle.

What will happen next? That is up to you as you can role-play many different scenarios and endings. In addition, you'll find eighteen other settings for the Mecha and Monsters game, providing a wealth of diversity. Plus, I wrote a second setting for this game called Mecha Chef.  Consider Iron Chef but where giant robots must first hunt down their ingredients, huge Kaiju, and then create a special dish from their flesh.

Check out Tiny Frontiers: Mecha and Monsters and experience the Tipsy Sensei's new adventures.

My Favorite Fiction of 2015 (With Drink Pairings)

What were some of my favorite fiction books of the past year? 

Back in December 2011, I started a blog column, Authors, Alcohol & Accolades, which asked some of my favorite authors about their preferred drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. There have been 11 editions of this column so far, with more to come in the future. The inspiration for this series is that I am a voracious reader, of both fiction and nonfiction, and I wanted to combine that interest with my love of food & drink. The series has proven popular and it has been fascinating to explore what authors enjoy drinking.

As a special year-end addendum to that series, I'm posting a list of my Favorite Fiction Books of 2015. This list will include books of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror and Mystery/Crime/Thriller. During the past twelve months, I've read approximately 270 books, both fiction and non-fiction, which provides a large pool for my choices. Most of the books on these lists were published in 2015, though there are some exceptions which were published in prior years but which I didn't read until this past year.

The books are not listed in any specific order of preference, simply by alphabetical order by the author's last name, except for the anthologies which are just listed in a random order. As a special addition, I'm also offering some suggested drink pairings for each work, selections which I think are fitting for various reasons. Hope you enjoy.

My Top 10 Favorite SF/Fantasy/Horror Novels of 2015

1) Twelve Kings in Sharakhai: The Song of Shattered Sands, Book One by Bradley Beaulieu
An exciting start to a new, epic fantasy trilogy with gladiators, immortal kings & strange creatures.
(Read with a cup of Arabic spiced coffee.)
2) Nightwise by R.S. Belcher
The start of a dark urban fantasy series that has plenty of edge & attitude.
(Read with a shot glass of Jack Daniels.)
3) Golden Son: The Red Rising Trilogy, Book Two by Pierce Brown
Intense & action packed SF which will keep you on the edge of your seat.
(Read with a flute of fine Champagne.)
4) Knight's Shadow: The Greatcoats, Book Two by Sebastien de Castell
Swashbuckling swordplay, witty repartee, revenge, betrayal & heroics.
(Read with a large glass of earthy Burgundy.)
5) Time Salvager by Wesley Chu
A fascinating action tale with a cool & compelling take on time travel.
(Read with a glass of VORS Palo Cortado Sherry.)
6) Lords of the Sith by Paul Kemp
The Emperor & Darth Vader take central stage in this intense, action-packed SF adventure.
(Read with a glass of inky-dark, bold Petite Sirah.)
7) Cold Iron: The Malorum Gates, Book One by Stina Leicht
A rollicking flintlock fantasy, in a well developed realm, which will make you eager for the sequel.
(Read with a frosty mug of Ale.)
8) The Grace of Kings: The Dandelion Dynasty, Book One by Ken Liu
A mesmerizing epic fantasy that kept me riveted through the final page. A must read.
(Read with a glass of elegant Junmai Daiginjo Sake.)
9) The Autumn Republic: Powder Mage, Book Threec by Brian McClellan
A stunning & satisfying conclusion to this flintlock fantasy trilogy.
(Read with a glass of aged Madeira.)
10) The Providence of Fire: Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, Book Two by Brian Staveley
An action-packed and thrilling follow-up of this epic fantasy.
(Read with a glass of Argentine Malbec.)

When analyzing my list, you'll see that 4 spots were taken by the 2nd or 3rd books in a series (including #3, #4, #9 & #10), and a couple of those books were even better than the first books in the series. Some of the books will have sequels released in 2016 so it will be interesting to see how they fare on my lists next year. All of the books on this list garner my highest recommendation and you should check them out. .

To winnow my list down to only ten novels was very difficult, and tough cuts had to be made. However, there are still novels which didn't make my Top Ten but which are more than worthy of my hearty recommendation. To give them some well-deserved recognition, I am awarding ten of those novels Honorable Mention status. In essence, this makes my list into a Top Twenty list. These are all books which should please most readers and you need to check them out too.

My Top 10 Honorable-Mention Novels Of 2015

1) The Awesome by Eva Darrows
(Read with a glass of youthful Zinfandel.)
2) The Conformity by John Hornor Jacobs
(Read with a glass of powerful Barolo.)
3) The Liar's Key by Mark Lawrence
(Read with a glass of expensive Bordeaux or a strong, dark Lager.)
4) Predator One by Jonathan Maberry
(Read with a glass of two fingers of a peaty Scotch.)
5) Clownfellas: Tales of the Bozo Family by Carlton Mellick
(Read with a glass of cold Milk spiked with Rum.)
6) Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin
(Read with a glass of German Spätburgunder.)
7) On Her Majesty's Service by Joseph Nassise
(Read with a glass of aged German Riesling.)
8) Clash of Eagles by Alan Smale
(Read with a glass of dry Hard Cider.)
9) He Who Walks in Shadow by Brett Talley
(Read with a glass of savory Mead.)
10) The Price of Valor by Django Wexler
(Read with a glass of finely aged Burgundy.)

As I've read a significant number of mystery, crime and thriller novels this year, I thought they deserved their own Top Ten list, to reward all of the compelling novels in this genre I have enjoyed these past twelve months.

My Top 10 Favorite Mystery/Crime/Thriller Novels of 2015

1) The Backlist by Eric Beetner & Frank Zafiro
(Read with a glass of traditional Chianti Classico.)
2) One Kick by Chelsea Cain
(Read with a glass of warm Mulled Wine.)
3) Wonderland by Jennifer Hillier
(Read with a glass of Washington Merlot.)
4) The Killing Kind by Chris Holm
(Read with a Glencairn glass of smoky Laphroaig 15 Year Old.)
5) Tussinland by Mike Monson
(Read with a glass of cheap American Bourbon.)
6) Uncle Dust by Rob Pierce
(Read with a glass of Blanton's Bourbon.)
7) Take Down by James Swain

(Read with a shot of American Rye Whiskey.)
8) Deal Gone Bad by Tony Wiley
(Read with a glass of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon.)
9) The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow
(Read with a shot of Reposado Tequila.)
10) The Cartel by Don Winslow
(Read with a shot of Anejo Tequila.)

I've read several Advance Reader Copy (ARC) novels this year and wanted to give recognition to a couple which I think were exceptionally worthy and which hopefully will be published in the near future.

                                     My Favorite ARCS

1) Chains of the Heretic by Jeff Salyards
(Read with a glass of a powerful Australian Shiraz.)
2) The Angel of the Abyss by Hank Schwaeble
(Read with a glass of an Absinthe cocktail.)

I also want to give some raves to my favorite short story collections of the past year, Anthologies often don't get enough credit but they can be quite compelling books, with an interesting mix of stories, often based around a specific theme.

My Top 10 Favorite Anthologies Of 2015

1) Sharkpunk edited by Jonathan Green
(Read with a big Mai Tai, or any other Tiki cocktail.)
2) Operation Arcana edited by John Joseph Adams 
(Read with a small glass of an ethereal Sauternes.)
3) Limbus Inc. Book 2 edited by Brett Talley 
(Read with a glass of aged Amontillado Sherry.)
4) Blackguards: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries & Rogues edited by J.M. Martin 
(Read with a cold glass of an intriguing Craft Beer.)
5) A Grimoire of Eldritch Inquests edited by Josh Reynolds & Miles Boothe
(Read with a shot of smoky Mezcal.)
6) Midian Unmade: Tales of Clive Barker's Nightbreed edited by Joseph Nassise & Del Howison
(Read with a bottle of Canadian Beer.)
7) With Sword & Pistol by Edward Erdelac
(Read with a shot of Rum Punch.)
8) The Madness of Cthulhu, Vol.2 edited by S.T.Joshi
(Read with a glass of old Absinthe.)
9) Thuglit Presents Cruel Yule edited by Todd Robinson
(Read with a big glass of Spiked Eggnog.)
10) SNAFU: Survival of the Fittest edited be Geoff Brown
(Read with a shot of high-proof Whiskey.)

Finally, I want to give some recommendations for some of my favorite novellas of the past year, those long form stories which just don't reach the length of a novel though the line between short novel and novella is very ambiguous. Novellas often seem to get ignored on many other "Best Of" lists but I believe they are definitely worthy of attention, especially considering the high quality novellas that are appearing more frequently.

                               My Top 10 Favorite Novellas Of 2015

1) Tortured Souls: The Legend of Primordium by Clive Barker
(Read with a glass of sweet, herbal Vermouth.)
2) Nine Toes in the Grave by Eric Beetner 
(Read with a glass filled with a Manhattan cocktail.)
3) In Midnight's Silence: Los Nefilim, Part 1 by T. Frohock
(Read with a glass of elegant Fino Sherry.)
4) Without Light or Guide: Los Nefilim, Part 2 by T. Frohock
(Read with a glass of aged Amontillado Sherry.)
5) Gator Bait by Adam Howe
(Read with a glass of cheap Bourbon.)
6) Prisoner 489 by Joe Lansdale
(Read with a glass of brash White Whiskey.)
7) Return To Honor by Brian McClellan
(Read with a glass of Light Rum.)
8) The Builders by Daniel Polansky
(Read with a glass of Japanese Whiskey.)
9) Theok the Indomitable by James Tuck
(Read with a glass of a dark Lager.)
10) The Shadow of Elysium by Django Wexler
(Read with a glass of Dark Rum.)

What do you think of the Drink pairings? Would you choose a different Drink for any of these books?

All of the books on these lists would make great holiday gifts for others, or even yourself. Please support an author, a small, independent business person, and buy more books. And if you read and enjoy a book, please leave a review of that book online and also tell your friends about it. The author would greatly appreciate your efforts.

What were some of your favorite books this year?