It’s Summer! What could I read?
I have recently been reminded that we used to do a round-up of stuff every year, but since Covid, it has become sidelined. (I’m sure that there’s not a direct correlation there.)
Anyway, as I have just started my Summer break (apologies to those of you in Winter at the moment!) the point of this article is to suggest books that, in my opinion – and some others! – you might want to spend time with on your beach, in your holiday home or chalet this year.
I’m thinking of books published since last Summer, with (as they’re ‘beach reads’) the emphasis on engaging and immersive fun and entertainment. But as you’ll see, a little darkness has crept in at the end….
For a more detailed description and review, each title below has a link to the SFFWorld review, if one is available.
General Observations
To begin with, in each genre I’ll mention some general areas of current interest for each of the genres. Please note that these are general and personal impressions and do not involve insider knowledge!
I will also add that we are seeing lots of blended books too – SF with a mystery element, fantasy with technology that feels like SF and so on. As genre ideas become increasingly mainstream, I expect we will se more in the future, where typically non-genre writers include genre elements in their story to a greater degree – although whether they are successful is another point of debate!
- Fantasy
In terms of Fantasy reading series, the clear winner at the moment, judging by the internet chat, is Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl books, so now might be a good time to start. Rob reviewed the first volume, when Ace books took over the publication of the physical books back in 2024, and loved it. He just finished the fourth and is enjoying the story immensely!
Part Gaming RPG, generally humorous, there are eight books to date, a planned ten in total, I understand, although there will no doubt be spinoffs in the future. This is the latest set of books that interest has spread by word of mouth.
Additional point: I’m told that the Audiobook version is a whole experience in itself!
Generally, huge-tomed Epics like Brandon Sanderson’s Way of Kings and Samantha Shannon’s Roots of Chaos books are still doing very well, and it is clear that books in a series are still very popular, readers wanting to read 3,4,5, 10 books in a series, often back-to-back.
We are seeing more Fantasy books based in cultures that are non-American or non-Western Europe based, being instead based on Asian, African and Middle Eastern societies and cultures. There are also a lot of stories based on ancient myths and legends or gods and goddesses, something I can only see being increasingly more important as readers look for books in the same vein as Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey film. (And there’s always the original version by Homer to try!) I’m also seeing a lot of stories based around angels and demons, which may be connected to this.
If none of these float your boat, then romantasy might – the subgenre is very, very popular at the moment. (See also ‘Dark Academia’, although I expect those to become more popular again in September for some reason… *grin* )
This will not be news to many, but the big sellers in Romantasy at the moment are the Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J Maas’s ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) series, Crescent City series and Throne of Glass series. (See what I mean about books in a series?)
This is so totally not my area of knowledge, but my Book Club members (who do read a lot of it) have also suggested Silver Elite and its sequel Broken Dove by Dani Francis and The Hallow by S A Perchez as current reading (thank you, Jess and Charlie!) and Nightshade and Daybreak by Autumn Woods (thank you, Natalie and another Charlie!)
Be warned, though – like the Fourth Wing books, there is an element of sex in these books and so they may not be a book for everyone, or for minors.
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Travis Baldree’s Legends & Lattes series
Light, fluffy feel-good ‘Cosy Fantasy’. You pretty much know what you’re getting with these – orcs, succubae, big swords, books in a bookshop, biscuits, coffee. There are reasons why these are so popular. Begin with Legends and Lattes, although there is a short story collection coming out soon.
Dark and Gothicy. This one surprised Rob when it was published. He said “Weavingshaw is an immersive novel with inviting prose and extremely matured storytelling. In other words, the fact that this is Heba Al-Wasity’s first published novel is very surprising, because it feels like a novel from a writer with several novels under their proverbial belt. From the judicious doling out of world details to the assured characterization to the blending of horror, fantasy, romance, and gothic elements shows a writer who has great skill and talent.”
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews
This is currently one of my favorite reads of the year so far. It’s snarky and intelligent, covering all those Fantasy tropes you know but with a knowing wink. Rob also loved it; he said in his review that it “…was an absolute blast and addictive read. At close to 500 pages of relatively small type, this is a thick tome and life got in the way of reading time more than I would have liked, but dammit if I wasn’t addicted to this novel and if I wasn’t glued to the pages when I found time to read it.”.
A refreshing take on a Grimm fairy tale type of story. Surprisingly complex and not what it at first appears to be. Really has that magic folk/fairytale kind of tone. I said, “The Tinder Box is another piece of literary joy from Mr Carey.”
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
Another highly-rated Rob recommendation, The Raven Scholar is a hefty (650-page) debut novel of imperial intrigue that sounds like one to thoroughly immerse yourself in. Rob said in his review, “From the very start, I was drawn into everything about the story – the characters, the intrigue around the competition for the throne, the way the magic perfectly “seasoned” the delicious stew of this story, the twists the narrative took, the deep history interwoven into the narrative, the balance between epic tale and intimate storytelling. In short, The Raven Scholar checked every box for me in terms of a grand epic fantasy novel.
As of this writing, The Raven Scholar is an extremely strong contender for my top Fantasy novel of 2025.” (It came out in paperback in 2026, so I’m counting it!)
I will get to it at some point!
Lastly in this section, Elsewhere Express by Samantha Sotto Yambao has also been recommended to me (thank you, Lydia!). It sounds like a wildly imaginative and exciting Studio Ghibli-esque fantasy that has deeper dreamlike elements involved – please tell me if I’ve got that wrong! I’ve added it to my list!
- Science Fiction
There seems to be a movement back to the big ‘epic‘ books at the moment. Peter F Hamilton (Exodus duology), Adrian Tchaikovsky (Children of Time series), Neal Asher (Time’s Shadow series) and James S A Corey (The Expanse) are all big sellers at the moment, but I’m pleased to see new women authors begin to be noticed. Try also Becky Chambers, Bethany Jacobs or Megan E. O’Keefe, for example.
I’m also starting to see ‘Cosy SF’ appear, such as Moss’d In Space by Rebecca Thorne, which, like the Cosy Fantasy books, might be fun, nicely comforting reads.
Climate SF has continued to be popular, but that may be no surprise – Europe is going through issues with extreme heat at the moment – I’m currently typing this in 30+ degree heat here in the UK, which is unusual (and unpleasant), but may be a sign of the future. Whilst it may be summery, it might not be cheerful reading….
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This was an unputdownable novel when I read it. I don’t normally stay up until 3am reading a book these days! Still not sure about the ending, (others have been more accepting, though) but up to then it’s a fine ride. Think The Twilight Zone meets Richard Matheson’s The Incredible Shrinking Man as a man, for reasons unknown, finds himself skipping forward through time. I said that “It’s not often these days that a book keeps me reading into the night, and makes me want to pick it up straight away the next day, although it is wonderful when it does! This is one of those rarities – an unexpected surprise that as you read becomes more than you thought it was going to be, that you will want to know how it is going to end. Recommended.”
The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee
‘Samurai in space’ was the brief and so this ticks all the Blade Runner boxes whilst using swords. There’s an unusual and interesting twist halfway through that adds another dimension to the story. I said that “It feels like The Last Contact of Isako is a book written for fun, a science fiction story that respectfully pays homage to the morals and ethics of old Asian culture, samurai movies and cyberpunk comic books. Whilst it is at times rather bleak, there’s no doubt that it is an entertaining read, with some interesting surprises along the way.”
A great Space Opera story that I think Firefly fans will love. Fast paced, exciting, interesting characters. In my review I said that “Jitterbug is pretty much what I hoped for in a Space Opera, and got: an exciting and solidly written character-driven science fiction story with an interesting setting that reads easily and well.”
Paradox by Altheia and Douglas Preston
A definite beach read for those who like Michael Crichton-type stories (Jurassic Park). It is the second in the series though: you might want to pick up the first (Extinction) before this one, although you can read this one without having read the first.
I said that “Paradox is a solidly entertaining read that seems to have on the whole managed the task of two writers writing together for the first time well. Its combination of crime thriller with X-Files vibes, and with a touch of Dan Brown added for good measure is unusual, but I think that for me that’s what made it readable, although I did have issues with the ending and others may too. Nevertheless, I absolutely expect to see this one as the holiday reader’s beach-read this year.”
Mars One by Charlotte Robinson
One for those who like the Andy Weir space exploration novels. Here conspiracy theories are allied with a manned spaceship launch to Mars. I’m sure this one being published at about the time of the Artemis II launch will have helped sales! It’s not too demanding, and didn’t quite work for me at the end, but it might for a reader keen to take Artemis further.
Starter Villain by John Scalzi
Just lots of fun: for those who know their James Bond movies or indeed the Simpsons episode ‘You Only Move Twice’.
Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz
One I’ve had recommended – it is a cosy near-future novella about a crew of leftover robots opening their very own noodle shop. As a novella, it’s short and fun, which to me gives off Studio Ghibli or perhaps Big Hero 6 type vibes, but I’m told has a nice message in there too.
The publicity says, “You don’t have to eat food to know the way to a city’s heart is through its stomach. So when a group of deactivated robots come back online in an abandoned ghost kitchen, they decide to make their own way doing what they know: making food―the tastiest hand-pulled noodles around―for the humans of San Francisco, who are recovering from a devastating war.
But when their robot-run business starts causing a stir, a targeted wave of onestar reviews threatens to boil over into a crisis. To keep their doors open, they’ll have to call on their customers, their community, and each other―and find a way to survive and thrive in a world that wasn’t built for them.”
One on my list I’m trying to get to over the Summer.
- Horror
I realise that reading dark horror on a sunny beach or next to a pool is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is for some readers.
There’s a real upsurge in horror books at the moment, of all kinds.* It almost feels like we’re back to the boom times of the 1980’s, with old-school schlock horror mixing it up with sharp snarky irreverent new work. I blame things like Stranger Things that seem to have whetted people’s appetite for old-fashioned Horror. Rob & Randy have reviewed many of these lately.
For me, reading a Stephen King novel or collection has often been a highlight of the summer, or something I always read at the start of my holidays to indicate that my Summer had begun. . This year it looks like Some Like It Darker or Never Flinch would be good beach reads, although I am woefully behind with my SK reading.
For those who like older, classic King, I have noticed that Carrie & ‘Salem’s Lot have come out in snazzy new 50th Anniversary editions (Really?)
I would also suggest King Sorrow by Joe Hill with a Stephen King style, but dragons. (There is a family connection there!)
Rob gave it his highest recommendation, and said, “This is a generational story, spanning multiple decades, it is epic and glorious. American history, story seen through the lens of these characters is powerful story to experience. King Sorrow is a character study, it is quite simply, a Masterpiece. Thing is, Joe Hill is no stranger to that term, he’s adding to his literary legacy with another one.”
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The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig
A book that is rather King-esque and therefore may be your thing if you’re looking for something King-like. Rob gave the book his highest recommendation, and said in his review that “Over the past half-decade or so, Chuck Wendig has risen to the very top of my must-buy, favorite horror writers (not that he writes only horror, but most of his stuff has at least a dark undercurrent to it). The Staircase in the Woods helps to cement his writing near or at the top of that list and is a delightful, emotional, resonant, terrifying novel.”
Rob also recommended The Hive by Ronald Malfi, a writer who seems to get better with every book, although the ending felt like there should be more.
Scuttlers Cove by David Barnett
Set in a quiet Cornish village, there’s strange things going on. Just what you need to read on the beach! Third in a series, they’re generally old-school horror given a contemporary upgrade. In a Goodreads review, I said that it was a “Good, solidly entertaining read that pretty much does what’s expected, and rather well.” Not one if you’re averse to crabs!
Lastly…..The Dark Corner
I am aware that for some it is not Summer and you are not basking in a heatwave (as I am here in the UK.) I am also aware that some prefer intense, dark, gritty stuff to read.
Really, this article is not for you (apologies!)
However, I like to help out where I can, so the following may be possible suggestions for you:
Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker has been recommended by my Book Club (thank you, Ant!) Japanese Gothic Horror, I understand….that leaps between 2026 and 1777 and involves haunted houses and samurai (again!) It’s on my list to read.
Personally, I would suggest the following:
My favourite book of last year, now out in paperback. It’s as un-Summery as it could be and dark, dark, dark, but funny too. The usual good-stuff from Joe, but definitely not for everyone. I said “The Devils is a journey-based quest novel, one of those ensemble pieces that are not too uncommon these days. What elevates this one above the majority is that it is imbued with Joe’s trademarks of gallows humour, spicy language and explicit violence. This gives The Devils a style that is unique to Joe; his writing is identifiable because of it.
It is not for everyone, and I do wonder what new readers will make of it at first; but if you like Joe’s unique style and tone, you will love this. I am really looking forward to seeing where these books go.”
Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
Gory medieval horror that was first published in the US in 2012 and has been resurrected from obscurity this year – in my opinion, with good reason. I am sure the new introduction by Joe Hill will have helped, too.
Rob read it earlier this year and was horrified, fascinated, and enthralled (all in great ways!) in equal measure.
When I reviewed it this year I said that “Between Two Fires is a book that has things to say about now, even though it is set in a past. From the perspective of 2026 it is worth being given renewed attention, a welcome reappearance of a book that should have been more appreciated the first time around. Not for everyone, but I suspect it will be one I won’t forget in a hurry.”
Palaces of the Crow by Ray Nayler
Is it Fantasy? Is it fiction? Historical fiction? Whatever it is, it is one of my books of the year, a book that showed me the horrors and the inhumanity of war, the importance of companionship and a new respect for crows. One of those that makes you think.
I said, “… despite its different setting, Palaces of the Crow is yet another affecting and effective novel from Ray. It is rather emotional, perhaps his most affecting story to date. Like before, with Ray’s previous books, Palaces of the Crow made me sad, it made me angry, and yet made me think. All of this together means that Palaces of the Crow is another book by Ray that hits the ball out of the park for me. Still a must-read author.”
Astonishingly good debut novel, if rather brutal, to say the least. I said, “a startlingly good debut novel. Shen manages to balance the use of fantasy-esque vocabulary and Asian concepts of family, society and morals with accessibility and pace. The prose is unique enough to be a fantasy, yet accessible enough for the plot to develop without having to give detailed notes along the way. It flows well, the characters are understandable, the world-building is very good…. this one’s a very promising debut with potential to do very well, as long as it can be seen to stand out in the crowd.”
For the record, although I’m currently looking at books for September and October (and we do have some good ones coming up!), I am deliberately taking time out for rereading an old favourite: The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams. (New book out in October!)
And that’s about it. Obviously feel free to add your own Summer reads to the list in the Forums. As usual, I am sure that I will have missed something out that is obvious, or we just haven’t seen, so do tell us if you think we have.
Otherwise, have a great Summer reading!
Mark
Thanks to Rob and all the Book Club folk for their help with this one.
