Jodie's Top Ten Brilliant Books of 2014
Jodie Brandt - Night Manager.
Gamer, Sci-Fi and Fantasy expert.
Here are his picks for the best of 2014.
He writes great copy.
A fabulous achievement in world building that I have not seen since the likes of Dune. Well written and very unique Science Fiction, seen through the unbiased eyes of an Artificial Intelligence.
It has been a long time since a book has brought tears to my eyes, but Emily's writing is fluid, convincing and beautiful. Post-Apocalyptic Sci Fi for those who do not like Post-Apocalyptic Sci Fi. A wonderful addition to both literature and science fiction.
Hard Science Fiction that is plausible and rich. Could you survive millions of miles from home on a planet that harbors no life at all and would those who left you behind come back to get you?
When the sense of sight is no longer safe for anyone, how does one survive? And how do you find and defeat that which cannot be seen? A great addition to the horror genre that fits well among the classics.
My one big departure from Science Fiction and Fantasy on this list is by one of our eras great writers, Dennis Lehane. Ever since I read Shutter Island I have been drawn to his style and perspective on characters and life. Birthed from the same world as Mystic River this book makes a great introduction into the Dennis Lehane universe.
A vibrant fantasy world filled with vibrant characters and cultures. Staveley introduces us to three siblings, all in different walks of life brought back together when their father, the Emperor, is murdered. Filled with intrigue and magic this is a fantastic beginning to a new trilogy
The sequel to Way of Kings, this is the second book of what the author calls the beginning of his magnum opus. Plan on a big series of fat books all filled with wonder, magic and extremely unique world building!
As big of Star Wars fan as I am this book almost didn't make the list, in that Star Wars novels tend to get a bad rap for horrible writing and corny story lines, but this book is different. The first of the 'new canon' that is Star Wars after the acquisition by Disney, John Jackson Miller takes us deep into the core of the characters from the Rebels television show and puts a nice mature spin on things introducing us to a new era that is all things Star Wars!
One of my favorite authors and creators, I have been following his work since 1993. Salvatore never seems to disappoint. His story lines are always unique and character insights almost too human. If you have never read his work, don't be daunted by the shear number of books under his pen, there are numerous jumping on points, this being one of them
Though this book is not available until early 2015, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an advanced reading copy and would feel guilty if I didn't share it with you now. This new novel, set in a post-apocalyptic America, draws in features from every genre out there, and does so with skill and gracefulness. Enter a world that is confined by the walls of the city for safety that suddenly become the bars of a prison when a girl arrives from the outside world promising a place of better life and abundance. Or does she?
