It’s that time of year when, as we have done for the last decade or so, we have dragged ourselves from the revelries here at SFFWorld to try and put some sort of order to our favourite (and not so favourite!) stuff from 2018.
And so, in the finest traditions of trying to reduce our lists to five in each category, here’s the first part of our attempt to show what we liked (or didn’t) this year. Taking part are Rob Bedford (Rob), Mark Chitty (MarkC), and Mark Yon (MarkY).
Part 1: Fantasy / Horror
Mark Yon
It’s been an odd year this year for me and Fantasy. There’s been a lot of disappointing books for me, often from previous big-hitters. Many experienced authors have tried new books and series, most of which I’ve started, to be increasingly less and less impressed with, some (far too many really) to the point of not finishing.
At the other extreme, many of the books heralded as ‘the next big thing’ haven’t impressed me too much either, generally seemingly poorly formed, over-earnest, hyper-simplistic and cliched. (Yes, I know – in a Fantasy setting.). Honestly, despite me hoping that it would be different, I’ve enjoyed the SF books more this year.
Nevertheless, here’s the five new Fantasy & Horror books I have enjoyed most.
The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale.
I read this before Christmas last year, although it was not published until February of this year. The most Christmassy, gloriously Dickensian celebration of childhood and sibling rivalry I’ve read in years. Part Grimm’s fairy tale, part Hans Christian Andersen, it’s still memorable, and it’s stayed with me all year – which doesn’t happen very often! It’s even got me wanting a reread on the run-up to Christmas. One of the easiest choices to go on my list.
Also a no-brainer. One of last year’s unexpected delights was Strange Practice, the first book in the series of Dr. Greta van Helsing, doctor to the supernatural. The second didn’t let me down either. Delightfully adept in tone and manner, this sophomore novel, despite repeated similarities to the first (knowingly acknowledged in the novel), entertained throughout with its warmth and engaging characters.
By far the most cleverly realised Epic Fantasy I’ve read this year. Detailed worldbuilding, thoughtful plotting and subtle characterisation, it managed to avoid many of the clichés and the plot pitfalls of lesser writers whilst maintaining an understanding of the genre and using a detailed knowledge of history to tell an original tale. One that felt right throughout. The only annoyance was the unsubtle break of a split novel at the end, where things jarringly ground to a halt.
No excuses for this one – great, no-nonsense fun, with some genuine chills along the way. Not one for the claustrophobics! Grady manages to develop that Stranger Things vibe with 80’s throwback vibes, not to mention a rock history that will sound familiar to those of the classic rock persuasion. You pretty much get what you expect here, and it didn’t disappoint.
Whilst some have decried this as being predictable and too short, I read this in one sitting. It’s a perfect example to show the power of a novella. The sort of story that can only be written perhaps with experience, a story of tolerance in a time of dissent and also an effective summary of the value of a life well lived. Bitter-sweet, and perhaps the most memorable thing I’ve read from Stephen King in years. A definite return to form from a master of the genre.
Honorary Mention also to Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix, the best non-fiction book I’ve read this year (I still keep dipping into it!), and Hour of the Oxrun Dead by Charles L. Grant, one of the most unexpectedly good ‘old-uns’ I’ve read this year too. Which was suggested by Grady’s Paperbacks from Hell…
Here’s hoping next year is better.
Rob
We Sold our Souls by Grady Hendrix
This was an absolute blast for me, especially given that my favorite genre of music is Heavy Metal. Over the course of a very short time, Grady Hendrix is becoming one of the preeminent horror writers. This novel as dark, cynical, fun, and a wonderfully paced vision quest.
This is the sequel to Eames’s debut novel, Kings of the Wyld which I read shortly before I read The Bloody Rose. These two books read as if Eames threw a handful of Dungeons and Dragons manuals and Heavy Metal albums in a cauldron and baked them into a fantastic tale. Although his tale features the daughter of one of the heroes of the first volume, it can be read on its own. Eames’s tells his story in a very easy-going fashion which ultimately, exudes a great sense of fun. That said, Eames tackles some headier themes, of bad parents, PTSD, abuse, becoming a parent, and how responsibility can be smoothed over. Sure, he’s having a lot of fun with the story, but the story also has Some Things To Say.
This is a sendup/satire of the chosen one fantasy which features a talking goat. If you read those words and knows these authors, I don’t think I need to say anything else. Dawson and Hearne manage to effortlessly walk a line between loving homage to the tropes and tearing them down. It is a fun game to watch them play in this book and what is most pleasing is that more are on the horizon.
Mack has a great reputation as a writer of many Star Trek novels and hits it out of the park with his first original novel. I enjoyed the hell out of this novel – empathetic characters, fantastic worldbuilding, and magnetic plotting. Mack doesn’t shy away from depicting the death, consequences, and sheer horror of war, either. Mack’s rich worldbuilding hints at a history far beyond what is presented in this book, allowing for potential stories of the past while the two subsequent novels in the series already indicate there is a welcome future to explore.
With The Queen of Sorrow, Durst triumphantly concludes The Queens of Renthia trilogy. Through the three novels, a great emphasis is placed on empathy, humanity, and understanding. Those things come full circle here in the trilogy as strong, hopeful elements unifying the characters and the world. Through the trilogy; however, there’s a sense of a greater world at play with references to other lands and queens. Durst has crafted a vivid, realistic world in these three books with more to see. Although The Queen of Sorrow is a concluding volume, Durst points to a future story set in this same world. With her precise world-building, empathetic characterization, and comforting, page turning prose, I’m looking forward to where Sarah Beth Durst next takes readers.
Mark Chitty
I’m pretty sure I say this every year, but Fantasy/Horror is not my go-to genre for reading – that would be Science Fiction. However, I do pick the occasional Fantasy and Horror book up, usually by authors I’ve previously enjoyed, but also new ones if the book catches my eye. This year is no different, and while I read some 2018 releases, I missed some I wanted to get to (specifically, Magefall by Stephen Aryan). I also read a fair amount of older Fantasy/Horror titles, and wanted to shout about those a little below too…
Best of 2018 Releases:
- Bloody Rose by Nicholas Eames
I loved Kings of the Wyld, the first book in Eames’ fantasy setting, and I was eager to get to Bloody Rose this year because of the pure enjoyment that first book gave me. It didn’t disappoint, and as Rob says above, it tackles some heavier themes while still managing to put a smile on my face as I turned the pages. Not an easy one to put down, but (much like Kings of the Wyld) easily the best traditional-style fantasy I’ve read in a long while.
2. The Outsider by Stephen King
There’s not really any need to say much about King’s latest offering, set in the same fictional world as his Bill Hodges trilogy (and including a much-loved character from those books). This was darker than expected with the initial focus a terrible assault/murder, but as it progressed the fantastical elements King is known for start to edge in, and it works exceptionally well.
- Brief Cases by Jim Butcher
I’m a big Dresden fan and was glad to get a fix while the wait for Peace Talks continues. Brief Cases had some fantastic short stories, some I’d read before, some brand new to me, but all encompassed what I enjoy about these books and characters. I particularly enjoyed the stories from other POV’s (not that I dislike Harry’s in any way) as it was nice for a change. Not one for any newcomers simply because of the spoilers it contains for previous books, but a solid outing for fans.
- Widow’s Point by Richard Chizmar & Billy Chizmar
I saw this novella and was intrigued. It’s essentially a found footage movie in book form, and surprisingly creepy too. I read it in one sitting before bed, and the format and prose made it stand out. I believe it’s being adapted for film too, so going to keep my eyes out for it.
The last book in Koboldt’s Gateways to Alissia trilogy, and it manages to bring events together in a very satisfying conclusion. I’ve not read many portal fantasy novels, but the combination of modern technology and a fantasy world work more than I expected.
Best of Older Reads:
- Monster Hunter International series by Larry Correia
This has been on my radar for a long time, mainly due to the praise I’ve heard for it, and because it seems to match up with similar books I’ve read. So pleased I finally made time, and I’ve read the first two books in this series now. No-nonsense balls-to-the-wall action with an easy protagonist to follow and a world full of interesting things.
- Greatcoats series by Sebastien de Castell
The Greatcoats series by de Castell came to my attention through a forum recommendation from Contrarius, and while I’ve only read the first two books so far – Traitor’s Blade and Knight’s Shadow – I have thoroughly enjoyed them. Swashbuckling renaissance fantasy reminiscent of the Three Musketeers is not something I thought would hit the spot for me, but I am very happy to be proven wrong.
- The Dragon Lords series by Jon Hollins
Fools Gold and False Idols are the first two in Hollins’ series that can be summed up as Guardians of the Galaxy doing fantasy. Great stuff, fantastic characters with much more depth than initially meets the eye. Bad Faith, the third book, is on my to-read list and I sincerely hope to get to it soon. Rob reviewed the first two books (Fools Gold, False Idols) at the end of last year, and I’d recommend checking them out to get a taste of what you’re missing.
I read and reviewed FantasticLand earlier this year and thought the presentation – a collection of articles and interviews about events at the titular park after it’s cut off following a storm – made for a different take on some old horror tropes. Seeing it all descend into anarchy and how misunderstandings caused a lot of issues was good, but more than that it was just flat-out entertaining.
- The Hatching Trilogy by Ezekiel Boone
Spiders! The premise of this trilogy is enough to send shivers up my spine, yet I was gripped all the way through the Spiderpocalypse. An interesting and very well done take on a worldwide event, with plenty of twists and turns thrown in for good measure. I wasn’t entirely convinced by the ending and expected a little more, but all-in-all a solid and fear-inducing series!
