I read less fiction this year, but among the many fine fantasy, science fiction, and horror stories, here are some of my favorites. The sublime, the infuriating, and the jolly good. Not all published this year.
The Bone Clocks – David Mitchell
Mitchell is back in fine form in another of his ventures into science fiction. This story is more accessible than some of his work (but everyone should read his superb–mainstream– Black Swan Green) and holds the same delights of voice and style. There are evil powers in the contemporary world, and their genesis and motives are fresh, dramatic and convincing.
The Passage — Justin Cronin
I have a weakness for apolcolyptic novels, and this is one of the best. Scary yet humanistic, this is not just another vampire novel. When the story jumped ahead to the survivalist outpost, I could hardly put the book down. The ending felt a bit ramped-up; but it’s a small price to pay for this utterly engrossing read.
Jeweled Fire – Sharon Shinn
Shinn’s Elementary Blessings series gets stronger with each foray. In Jeweled Fire, a young woman in a foreign court sleuths, dodges and engages the corrupt power brokers in a very fun ensemble cast. Lovely dance of tension around Corene’s unexpected romance.
The Accursed – Joyce Carol Oates
The author’s take on vampires and the prim Princeton community is original, even masterful. Lots of meandering indirection, yet her deft touch with terror is worth the read. However the sad ending was annoying. Really, is it necessary to be so fatalistic and contemptuous of human endeavor? I know, life is cruel and we can’t triumph over evil. Or can we?
Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro
A slow and thoughtful read. The sordid mystery at the center of the story is quickly obvious, yet its full horror continuously builds. This book is a fascinating look at the use of the unreliable narrator. We participate in the heartless subjugation of the underclass precisely because the protagonist is one of the victims, and she supports it. Sad and discouraging as a story–but as a work of subtle manipulation and tenderness, it is amazing.
I wanted to mention a few non-genre books that I loved: The Paying Guestsby Sarah Waters; The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt; and Story Fix (Transform Your Novel from Broken to Brilliant) by Larry Brooks.
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