[fantasy] Best Reads and The Biggest Disappontments of 2007

[Larry]

I'm amused by how the Amazon UK list does not have a single one in common with the Amazon US one. Then again, Jeff VanderMeer got to choose 9 out of the 10 (Patrick Rothfuss's The Name of the Wind was the exception), so that might explain it

For the poster who asked about Gene Wolfe's latest, Pirate Freedom, yes, I've read it and enjoyed it. I reviewed it here, but to keep it to a discussion level, it's standard Wolfe. It's thoughtful, tricky, rewards the readers who question the text, but if you've read many of his novels, the tricks are much the same. However, the setting was interesting and he did a good job deconstructing the pirate myth and presenting it in a refreshing fashion (I'm sick of the pirate clichés, to be honest).

As for my own personal best of list, I won't rank these (mostly because I have something coming out at the end of the year for my own site), but here are the ones on my longlist for 2007 releases:

Shaun Tan, The Arrival

Sarah Monette, The Mirador

Michael Cisco, The Traitor

David Anthony Durham, Acacia: The War with the Mein

Gene Wolfe, Pirate Freedom

Zoran Živković, Steps Through the Mist

M. John Harrison, Nova Swing

Nalo Hopkinson, The New Moon's Arms

Dan Simmons, The Terror

Emma Bull, Territory

Andrzej Sapkowski, The Last Wish

Daniel Wallace, Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician

Richard Morgan, Thirteen/Black Man

Tim Pratt, Hart & Boot & Other Stories

And if I had the time to get to it before the year was out, doubtless John Crowley's Endless Things would be a favorite to join this longlist.

As for the "Most Disappointing," the list is smaller. Not necessarily "bad," but rather were underwhelming:

Brian Ruckley, Winterbirth

Scott Lynch, Red Seas Under Red Skies

Jeff Somers, The Electric Church

 

[Blackwing]

I've read only three fantasy books published this year:

Best of the year:
Matthew Cook's Blood Magic, which was a very pleasant surprise. Intense.
Dave Duncan's Mother of Lies. Second of a duology and as good as the first part.

So-so
Lois McMaster Bujold's Sharing Knife: Legacy. This is also a second of the duology or rather the second half of a book split in half. Not as good as Bujold's Vorkosigan books but not a disappointment, either.

I've read a lot of fantasy, but have to say no other 'fantasy assassin' storylines really spring to mind. What other ones are you thinking of? Given that I really enjoyed Lies, I might like to check them out.

Well, first comes to mind Steven Brust's Vlad Taltos series and Hobb's Assassin trilogy. Salvatore's Drizzt books have Artemis Entreri. Fritz Leiber's books have assassins, too. I think that Gemmell's Waylander books have an assassin main character?

 

[Luke_B]

The best of the year:

The Terror by Dan Simmons (Trade Paperback- February 2007 AUS)
Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist (Trade Paperback - March 2007 AUS)
Already Dead by Charlie Huston (Paperback - April 2007 AUS)
The Glasshouse by Charles Stross (Paperback - May 2007 AUS)
The Modern World by Steph Swainston (Trade Paperback - July 2007 AUS)
Black Man by Richard Morgan (Trade Paperback - July 2007 AUS)
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Trade Paperback - November 2007 AUS)

Books that look interesting but I haven't read yet:

Harm by Brian Aldiss (Hardback - May 2007 AUS)
Hilldiggers by Neal Asher (Hardback - July 2007 AUS)
Astrotruckers by Mikael Niemi (Hardback - July 2007 AUS)

Best reread:

Ringworld by Larry Niven (1970)

Most disappointing:

Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie (Trade Paperback - May 2007 AUS)
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill (Trade Paperback - May 2007 AUS)

 

[Alex]

Here goes....

Best of 2007:

Before they are hanged - Joe Abercroombie (Great book by a talented author)

Troy - David and Stella Gemmell (Amazing series and stunning conclusion, this is how the movie should have been like)

Sword of Red Ice - J.V Jones (Us fans have been waiting a LOOOOOONG time for what is probably THE best fantasy series in a northern setting)

Red skies over red seas (Not as good as the first one but still head and shoulders above most fantasy published this year)

Dissapointments:
Stormcaller- Tom LLoyd, as a lover of high fantasy I was overjoyed when I read the cover... Somewhere between 100-200 pages into the book not even my love of high fantasy could keep me going=(

 

[thrinidir]

I'm sad to say that I've only managed to read one 2007 title, and that was Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie. It is paramount to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book that would have made into my best reads of 07' regardless of how many this year's realeases I would have accomplished to read...and believe me, one of my new year's resolutions is - to read as many 2008 realeases as I can (more than one for sure ). Reapers Gale is waiting on my shelf but I have Midnight Tides and Bonehunters to read before That. Sometimes in the future I also intend to get my hands on The Name of The Wind, Red Seas Under Red Skies, Black Man (R.Morgan), Brasyl (Iain McDonald), Night Of Knives (Ian C Esslemont) and a few other 2007 releases.

From the books I've read this year, omitting the release date, the biggest impression left:
Norwegian Woods (Haruki Murakami): trully magnificent tale
The Blade Itself & Before They Are Hanged (Joe Abercrombie): I've already said all I have to say on this topic
Deadhouse Gates, Memories Of Ice & House of Chains (Steven Erikson): I really can't compare the Malazan books since I take them as a continuation of the same story (every book has its flaws and stellar moments so...)
Left Hand Of Darkness (Ursula K LeGuin): Truly deserving all the kudos it recieved.

Average reading experience offered following reads:
Legend, The King Beyond The Gate & Waylander (David Gemmell): fast paced action monsters!
Mort (Terry Pratchett) :way WAY better than first three books in Discworld series
Altered Carbon (Richard Morgan)

Biggest disappointments happened to be (overrated!):
Broken Angels (R.Morgan)
Perdido Street Station (China Mieville)
Johnatan Strange & Mr. Norrell (Susanna Clarke)
Lord Foul's Bane - Thomas Covenant book 1 (Stephen R. Donaldson)

What I'm looking for in 2008:
Well...A Dance With Dragons is my most enticipated book of the decade. Last Argument Of Kings follows by a fair margin. A new Malaz book is always a wholehearted drooling experience - Toll Of Hounds; I hope Return of The Crimson Guard will live up to the expectations. Anything else will be a welcomed surprise!

 

[thrinidir]

wotmania is conducting it's own award poll [2008 OF Awards: Finalists Thread (Voting through 12/24)]

here is a relevant excerpt of shortlisted contendants:

Best 2007 SF/Fantasy Novel (all releases are US ones):
Joe Abercrombie, The Blade Itself
Steven Erikson, Reaper's Gale
Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Brandon Sanderson, The Well of Ascension

Most Disappointing 2007 SF/Fantasy Novel:
Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson, Sandworms of Dune
Scott Lynch, Red Seas Under Red Skies
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Most Anticipated 2008 Release (US):
Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Mercy
Steven Erikson, Toll the Hounds
Peter F. Hamilton, The Dreaming Void
Scott Lynch, Republic of Thieves
George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons
Brandon Sanderson, The Hero of Ages

Laurens at The Gravel Pit announced his 14 most anticipated titles of 2008 [My 14 most anticipated titles of 2008]

1. R. Scott Bakker - Neuropath (15 May 2008)
2. Steven Erikson - Toll the Hounds (11 August 2008)
3. Ian Cameron Esslemont - Return of the Crimson Guard (11 August 2008)
4. Paul Kearney - Monarchs of Gods (August 2008)
5. Paul Kearney - The Ten Thousand (1 September 2008)
6. Scott Lynch - The Republic of Thieves (Fall 2008)
7. Richard Morgan - A Land Fit for Heroes (21 August 2008)
8. R. Scott Bakker - The Great Ordeal (Fall 2008)
9. Scott Lynch - The Bastards and the Knives (Late 2008 (Subpress) and possibly 2009 for its “regular” release)
10. George RR Martin - A Dance with Dragons (Late 2008 - early 2009)
11. Tobias S. Buckell - Sly Mongoose (19 August 2008)
12. Charlie Huston - Half the Blood of Brooklyn (26 December 2007; 7 February 2008 in the UK)
13. Gregory Frost - Shadow Bridge (15 January 2008)
14. Various authors (including George RR Martin)- Inside Straight (22 January 2008)

Joe at Adventures At Reading took over the idea and composed his own list of most anticipated books of 2008 [19 Books I'm Looking For in 2008]

1: A Dance With Dragons – George R. R. Martin (??)
2: Ink and Steel – Elizabeth Bear (July)
3: The Republic of Thieves – Scott Lynch (June)
4: Judge – Karen Traviss (Apr)
5: Wastelands – John Joseph Adams (Jan)
6: Dust – Elizabeth Bear (Jan)
7: Zoe’s Tale – John Scalzi (Aug): Old Man's War: The Next Generation.
8: Sly Mongoose – Tobias Buckell (Aug)
9: Reaper’s Gale – Steven Erikson (Feb)
10: The Best of Lucius Shepard – Lucius Shepard (Aug)
11: Other Teddy Roosevelts – Mike Resnick (Jan)
12: Starship: Rebel – Mike Resnick (??)
13: Fathom – Cherie Priest (Sept)
14: The Hero of Ages – Brandon Sanderson (June)
15: Stalking the Vampire – Mike Resnick (Aug)
16: The Born Queen – Greg Keyes (Apr)
17: The Wrong Grave and Other Stores – Kelly Link (Sept)
18: The Victory of Eagles – Naomi Novik (July)
19: Return of the Crimson Guard – Ian Cameron Esslemont (Aug)

OF Blog Of The Fallen has its own list of contenders for the best genre book of 2007. By The New Year's Eve the reviews and rankings of the below quoted books should be updated on the OF blog. [Shortlist of my choices for Best of 2007]

1. Michael Cisco, The Traitor
2. Shaun Tan, The Arrival
3. Gene Wolfe, Pirate Freedom
4. M. John Harrison, Nova Swing
5. Sarah Monette, The Mirador
6. Catherynne M. Valente, The Orphan's Tale: In the Cities of Coin and Spice
7. Lucius Shepard, Softspoken
8. Richard K. Morgan, Thirteen/Black Man
9. Nalo Hopkinson, The New Moon's Arms
10. Dan Simmons, The Terror
11. Emma Bull, Territory
12. Andrzej Sapkowski, The Last Wish

And here are some of the most renown awards for 2007:
Hugo 2007 for best novel: Rainbow's End (Vernor Vinge) ...a SF novel. only one fantasy book was nominated: Naomi Novik's His Majesty's Dragon

Nebula 2007 for best novel: Seeker (Jack McDevitt) ...there was one fantasy novel on the ballot if I am not mistaken - Privilege of The Sword (Ellen Kushner)

Locus 2007 for best novel: [1] Rainbow's End, Vernor Vinge (best SF) [2] Privilege of The Sword, Ellen Kushner (best F) [3] Temeraire: His Majesty's Dragon/Throne of Jade/Black Powder, Naomi Novik (best first novel) [4] Wintersmith, Terry Pratchett (best YA book)

World Fantasy Award for best novel: Soldier of Sidon (Gene Wolfe)
other nominees (Lisey's Story, Stephen King; The Privilege of the Sword, Ellen Kushner; The Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch; The Orphan's Tales: In the Night Garden, Catherynne M. Valente)

 

[Hobbit]

Nice one, thrinidir.

The SFFWorld results are in and we're just in the process of tidying up.

It's been a lot of fun putting together the responses of six people. (And it's a HUGE list...!)

Interesting to see how similar / different those results are.....

Ours should be up in the next few days. We wanted to be a little nearer Xmas before throwing our list around.

Hobbit

 

[Rob B]

Yeah, we usually start our poll/voting thread running towards the end of December. I'll post it up in the next day or two.

 

[Devaney]

I am brand new here, so bare with me!

My top 5 fantasy novels of 2007 are:

#1 - Balance of Trade - Sharon Lee
#2 - Forge of the Gods: The Last Knight - Eric Fogle
#3 - Shadowstorm - Paul Kemp
#4 - Lies of Locke Lamora - Scott Lynch
#5 - World War Z - Max Brooks

 

[Avi_stetto]

Two fantasy books published this year that I've especially enjoyed this year are Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson and The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller. I found them both to be really entertaining with very strong characters.

I must mention that I read a bunch of Creative Commons stuff this year. That was the biggest highlight of the year for me. I really enjoyed Blindsight by Peter Watts. I've also enjoyed all of Cory Doctorow's stuff this year.

The most disappointing novel to me was Shadowplay by Tad Williams. The ratio of story to words was really low in my opinion. If I'm going to read a 670 page middle book in a trilogy, I want a lot to happen. As it was, too little happened for my taste. Also I was really disappointed in the quality of the book itself. The paper and binding were really cheap, and there were a pretty significant amount of typographical errors. It was just disappointing to see that.

On the Creative Commons side, I've been pretty disappointed by The Bloodbaths by Steve Libbey. I've been listening to the free podcast while reading the e-book that was posted on the subatomic press webpage. They're not the same drafts of the story. Whole paragraphs are missing from one that are in the other.

 

[Neurosis]

Whilst I haven't read many novels that were published in the last year (The Name of the Wind is the only one that comes to mind - it was pretty good; sure, not a classic - Kvothe was irritating in the sense that the author attempted to imbue him with too many virtues - his supposed intelligence being the most incongruous, since the character repeatedly did foolish things), I'd just like to add to the list of anticipated titles An Evil Guest by Gene Wolfe. From what I've heard, it shall be Wolfe's take on the Cthulhu mythos. I'm hopeful that he can break some new ground in his writing style this time (sure, nearly all of his works are brilliant, but he recycles some things too much). Even if he doesn't, the thought of Wolfe-written Lovecraft horror is exciting, as Wolfe's always seemed to have a good imagination in addition to his awesome prose.

 

[Alex]

I love this thread and I've found loads of new good books I've missed out on reading threads like this since 2002 (damn going on 6 years now=)!

I pride myself in reading most new releases that come out every year and here is my list.

1. Before they are hanged - Joe Abercrombie, Stronger than his debut which was very, very good.

2. Red seas over red skies - Scott Lynch, Not as strong as the debut (which was my best read in 2006) but still a very good book.

3. Troy - David and Stella Gemmell, Many have been dissapointed by the conclusion of Gemmells masterful Troy epic. However, I'm not one of the dissapointed ones and I feel that Gemmell delivers a heartbreakingly good end to what will be considered as his finest work in due time.

4. Reapers Gale - Steven Eriksson, Masterful..... It is amazing that book 7 in a series can make it to my top 5 rads of the year. But Eriksson continues to deliver. The word genious springs to mind when thinking of Steven Eriksson and his remarkable Malazan books.

5. The name of the wind - Patrick Rothfuss, A very solid debut by a promising author. It's a refreshing tale but I have a feeling that Mr. Rothfuss will develop and make book 2 in the series even better! In 2009, (when his next book comes out) I wouldn't be surprised if he stole the nr 1 spot for best reads of the year!


P.S. Honorable mentions to J.V Jones - A sword from red ice - Very good book that continues her series in a good way, the only reason for it not being on my top 5 list is because of the sexual content which I feel doesn't add anything to the story (I'm old fashioned in that was I guess).

There are my 5 books!

 

[Phellim]

I think I only read four books that were actually released this year. So...

My best (In order):
Before They Are Hanged - Joe Abercrombie
Voice of the Gods - Trudi Cananvan
Making Money - Terry Pratchett

My worst:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling (it wasn't bad, but definitely disappointing.)

 

[thrinidir]

Pat's Fantasy Hotlist

1- Black Man/Thirteen by Richard Morgan (Del Rey/Gollancz)
2- Reaper's Gale by Steven Erikson (Tor Books/Bantam Press)
3- Ink by Hal Duncan (Del Rey/Pan MacMillan)
4- Brasyl by Ian McDonald (Pyr/Gollancz)
5- Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay (Penguin Books/Simon & Schuster)
6- The Terror by Dan Simmons (Little, Brown and co./Bantam Press)
7- Dreamsongs, Volume 1 by George R. R. Martin (Bantam Dell/Gollancz)
8- Red Seas under Red Skies by Scott Lynch (Bantam Dell/Gollancz)
9- Fatal Revenant by Stephen R. Donaldson (Putnam/Gollancz)
10- Empire of Ivory by Naomi Novik (Del Rey/Voyager)

Neth Space’s Top 11 Reads for 2007

Bangkok Tattoo by John Burdett. The second adventure of Detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep of the Royal Thai Police provides a unique view on so many aspects of western culture from the east. I simply love these stories – I also really enjoyed *Bangkok Haunts.

Vellum by Hal Duncan. Started in 2006 and finished in 2007, this book is numerically speaking, the highest rated book I’ve read since starting this blog. The language is beautiful in ways that genre books rarely show and story can be powerfully evocative.

*Mainspring by Jay Lake. This book debuted with mixed reviews and widely different interpretations – some have seen religious allegory (both positive and negative) and others something else entirely. It is a unique vision of a steampunk earth with God’s creation obvious to all. I include this book because it made me think – possibly more so than any other book I read this year – and that is a powerful thing.

*The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie. I simply love this first book of The First Law trilogy. It is epic fantasy that does very little that is new or original – but, it’s all about the execution. Abercrombie laughs at maps and detailed world building while putting all his emphasis on the characters – and they are great characters. It’s written with more wit than most writers use in their entire career.

*The Metatemporal Detective by Michael Moorcock. These are the collected stories of Moorcock’s detective Seaton Bregg and his nemesis through the multiverse, Count Zenith. It’s an homage to pulp mysteries of the past, often presented with biting satire, and full of fun for those who have been following Moorcock’s multiverse (and perfectly safe for those who, like me, haven’t). Moorcock is a master writer that any lover of books should read.

*The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. This book debuted to huge amounts of buzz and tremendous support from its publisher – it deserves every bit of it in my opinion. It’s a wonderfully told story that engages the reader in a way that few books do.

*Feast of Souls by C.S. (Celia) Friedman. Another first book of a new trilogy (three of these recommendations are), and another great introduction. Friedman has been at this for a while and delivers a wonderful set-up with an intriguing magic system and a gritty take on gender relations (yes, I used the word gritty – just not where you typically see it these days).

*New Amsterdam by Elizabeth Bear. A wonderfully told mosaic novel set in an Elizabethan, steampunk world. Framed with Sherlockian mysteries, New Amsterdam is a character study of two courtesans and their master, an immortal and two mortals, two men and woman, two respected investigators and a youth – it all depends on the point of view.

*Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. A completed series is a wonderful thing – and this is probably the most anticipated series completion in human history. I simply amazed to Rowling deal with this unprecedented level of pressure and deliver what I consider to be a great conclusion to her landmark a series.

*The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski. Polish master fantasist Sapkowski delivers a powerful mosaic introducing his protagonist of the Witcher Saga. Image fairy tales retold from the distinctive point of view of the Slavic world – you’re only part of the way there.

Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock. This World Fantasy Award-winning novel has justifiably become a classic of fantasy literature. Evoking a deep, primal reaction from within the reader, I cannot recommend this book enough.

 

[JohnH]

Let's see.

What I liked:

In the Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Probably my favorite book. Well conceived and well executed. And managed to be fun.

Feast of Souls by C. S. Friedman. Once again the typical fantasy that still manages to be slightly atypical. What starts out as very first in a series manages to deliver a strong self-contained plot.

Dead Men's Boots by Mike Carey. What all these urban fantasy authors should have to study before they write another book. Make the rest look like Danielle Steele feeling hormonal. Its a good thing he is rather a late comer as otherwise he would have defined this niche beyond the capabilities of the rest who make a good living off the stuff.

Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S. Wilce. Good fun young adult novel that opens the door to a wonderfully conceived world.

Magic Lost, Trouble Found by Lisa Shearin. Fun, fast-paced and light without being insubstantial. Nice to have a strong well written writer in mass market.

The Princes of the Golden Cage by Nathalie Mallet. Another mass market that delivered better than most hardcover authors did. Confined both in concept and execution, and yet working wonderfully. One of the rare set piece works that worked.

A Betrayal in Winter by Daniel Abraham. Probably even better than his first book. Well on his way to becoming my favorite author.

Ha'penny by Jo Walton. One of the first alternative histories that I have been able to enjoy. Barely skirts being fantasy other than a richly imagined case of what if.

A Companion to Wolves by Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear. I was a bit taken aback at some of the graphic qualities of the book. Not so much for the actual graphic-ness. But at the decision on the authors parts to go for salacious in the midst of what was otherwise a great adult themed novel. I think the authors took it upon themselves to raise their readers' social conscience and the mix of preachy and graphic sexual content just did not mix well at times. But it was still very strong and well executed otherwise. I think Monette is stronger on her own, but Bear is better here and the two bring a completely different voice than the two deliver seperately.

Mary Modern by Camille DeAngelis. Wonderfully crafted and intelligently executed.

The Court of the Air by Stephen Hunt. Flawed. Yet rousingly entertaining and definitely made me look forward to the next book.

The Fox by Sherwood Smith. Another book that delivered in straight forward well done story telling.

Renegade's Magic by Robin Hobb. An exercise in delivering one of the best endings to one of the best series I have read. Probably the only author that has gotten progressively better with each book.

Solid Efforts that make me want to read more:

Shadowplay by Tad Williams. Possibly better than the first. Williams hits his stride and brings the imagery that I love so much.

Kushiel's Justice by Jacqueline Carey. A bit too much of a middle book in some ways and certain resolutions seemed to be shortcuts. But overall a quick pager turner and great buildup to the finale.

Maledicte by Lane Robins. Really interesting approach that few authors seem to have the guts to take. Not quite fully amoral main character but still Lane doesn't pull too many punches here. No hidden nobility. No chivalry disguised with surly or bitter facades. No thieves who only rob bad people or hardbitten dysfunction draped over a 24-carat heart of gold.

The Bestiary by Nicholas Christopher. Another carefully crafted work that falters somewhat toward the end but still managed to bring a sense of wonder to any otherwise mundane world.

Off Armageddon Reef by David Weber. Another book that was a bit flawed. But very enjoyable reading nonetheless. Also nudges the science fiction niche as much of not more. But it fits here just as easily for me.

Flesh and Spirit by Carol Berg. Better world building but slightly less compelling characterizations. Still a strong novel and in many ways an improvement over already good solid work.

Deepwood by Jennifer Roberson. Interesting directions taken in this second book but well written and not as predictable as I feared.

Water Logic by Laurie Marks. Not as strong as the first two but still very enjoyable.

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson. An author that keeps getting better. Though after reading this I really have to wonder if anyone involed in the decision making process regarding the whole Jordan thing has ever read Sanderson? One good writer hardly makes a good ghost writer for another if the styles are so different. Really looking forward to book three in this series. And really hoping that the Jordan thing is not well received as I want more Brandon. Not more Brandon figuratively fondling his fanboy nipples in getting a hold of Jordan's work.

Heaven's Net is Wide by Lian Hearn. It is hard to write prequels. Even harder to write one and maintain the tension and intrigue. This one delivers on all counts.

What I wasn't disappointed in but still could have been better.

Fatal Revenant by Stephen R. Donaldson. It mired. Mired hard. Covenant shows up at the start of the book and still it just dragged a bit too much.

A Sword from Red Ice by J. V. Jones. Again a bit of a mire. Raif's story takes way too much prominence in a book that should have been fast paced and full of tension. Many parts were as Jones moves characters into place. But too many parts weren't. Great style was there though which saved the book from being a mere placeholder.

Not Flesh Nor Feathers by Cherie Priest. After a huge leap in quality in her second book and the fun little collection she put out the beginning of the year, I had great hopes. This just did not deliver. Too many willfully foolish choices on the part of the main character to create danger and drama.

The Fade by Chris Wooding. I liked the premise. I liked some of the execution. Overall, it really faltered too much in the last third to be a great or even really good book.

Empire of Ivory by Naomi Novik. A bit of a weaker book than I expected from Novik at this point. Not so much a mire as a gloss over. And the heavyhanded moral tone was a bit too modern.

The Book of Joby by Mark J. Ferrari. Probably one of the better debuts of the year. But. In some places way too long and other places a bit short. I think some tighter editing could have made this book one of of the best books of the decade. Instead it settled slightly. And a certain thematic device actually detracted a bit for me. In the end rather unecessary as it then seemed to taper out and wasn't really utilized enough to warrant the introduction.

Last Rituals by Yrsa Sigurdardottir. I like it overall, but Sigurdardottir never seals the deal. Comes close, but she seems to step away from what seems a really interesting path several times and never really develops the characters as richly as she hints she has the ability to deliver.

Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay. Wonderful Kay prose. Beautifually realized ending. But the young adult voice was really awkward in many places and Kay's attempts to authenticate this voice ended up seeming more an array of product placement than anything else. Only Rowling wrote more unrealistic teenage angst and relationships.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling. Wasn't expecting too much as I really did not care for the last book and thought the fifth one starting showing cracks. Overall it felt lazy and a bit too shallow. And a far cry from the first book.

In the Cities of Coin and Spice by Catherynne M. Valente. I thought the first book bogged down a bit and suffered from affectation at times. This really bogged down and lost much of the magic that the first book delivered. It was not bad. And Valente manages some wonderful imagery as she did in the first. But overall Valente got too involved in her stylings and seemed to actually lose her way more than once.

Reader and Raelynx by Sharon Shinn. There is a certain expectation I have of Shinn. I get that it is romance. But here it seemed lazy and never fully developed as her previous three were.

Mainspringby Jay Lake. I kept waiting for this to get better. Which seemed to loom just over the next page. But it never did. And then it actually got muddled and sort of fell apart. Still good enough to read the next one and there are definite moments that show Lake is a good writer. This just isn't the good book that cemets that without a doubt.

Reaper's Gale by Steven Erikson. Solid. Definitely great in certain parts. But looking back it was not as strong as I think it should have been or could have been. I do think this might actually be a case of being a bridge book that needs to be a bit of a stumble. But that remains to be seen. As of now it is not the great book I thought it would be on some levels but it was interesting and satisfying and some really interesting developments.



Disappointing:

Red Seas Under Red Skies by scott Lynch. Didn't care for the first one much. But this one was actually worse. Way too much style over any real substance.

Before They are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie. Another first book I thought over-weak. Second book, again, worse. I guess my two or three year run of enjoying second books from initial weak authors had to end eventually. Nothing much happens here though we are told it does. Very Raymond Feist rewriting poor David Gemmell. Current Raymond Feist. Worst David Gemmell. Sadly I just got book three and my completionist tendencies are trying to kick in. I need to tell Gollancz to stop so I can consign Abercrombie to the list that includes Goodkind, Newcomb, Paolini, Douglass and Thompson.

Twilight Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko. The constant cahracter growth is actually extremely predictable and a bit too easy. makes me actualy not looking forward to the upcoming finale.

Sword of the Deceiver by Sarah Zettel. Not sure why Zettel or Tor bothered. Reads much more like her dumbed down Camelot work. Still hints at the great worldbuilding Zettel delivered in her first three books but a bit of a letdown after the wait and not encouraging for whatever she has in the works outside of the Camelot works.

Troy: Fall of Kings by David and Stella Gemmell. I actually think Stella did a great job. But I was never thrilled with Gemmell's re-doing of the Troy saga. Too many decisions to make it his own seemed to translate into thumbing his nose at certain conventions that really served no purpose to flout if he was truly interested in writing a new take on Troy. I think he would have done better to just write a full-fledged fantasy inspired by the Trojan War than an actual take on it. Not the last Gemmell book I wanted to read, but to be fair, it wasn't the series I really wanted from him either.

The Alchemist's Apprentice by Dave Duncan. It never took off as fantasy. It never came close to really capturing the historical fiction feel. Not just failing on the two different aspects but also failing to bring the two together.

Stormed Fortress by Janny Wurts. I'm all for the author writing the story the way he or she wants and feels. But this is getting a bit ridiculous. Way too much meandering and self-indulgence on Wurts' part. I now see why she is having problems with U.S. publication. Maybe Solaris would be interested. Scarily but sadly a good fit.

Utter Garbage:

Thief With No Shadow by Emily Gee. Proof that Solaris really should have spent a bit more thinking out this whole publishing thing. Made The Summoner look brilliant. Nothing ever really happens in several hundred pages. And a "romance" that just happens even as it doesn't. Poor writing. Poor editing.

The Wanderer's Tale by David Bilsborough. Really horrific. Prose that really isn't purple so much as overwrought and confused. Using three adjectives that mean the same thing is never good. Horrifically bad dialogue and the writer's inability to settle on a style even in the same paragraph. I expect to hear of a movie deal shortly.

Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Jennifer Rardin. Or "how did Orbit steal her away from Solaris?".

Dawn by Tim Lebbon. Made the first book in this series look good. Read more like a scattered rough outline. A bad one.

Hunter's Moon by David Devereux. Way too much author self-identification in this one. Way too much.

Slaves of the Shinar by Justin Allen. Apparently written by split personalities. One minute homage to Conan, next minute poorly researched historical fantasy. Then it veers into really messy territory. And that is before the editing totally gets out of control.

 

[Alex]

Strange gow tastes can differ so much=)

Renegade's Magic by Robin Hobb. An exercise in delivering one of the best endings to one of the best series I have read. Probably the only author that has gotten progressively better with each book.

I loved Hobbs books about Fitzchivalry, however, her newest series is utterly horrible in my opinion. Nowhere close to the characterisation she has in her previous series.

Before They are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie. Another first book I thought over-weak. Second book, again, worse. I guess my two or three year run of enjoying second books from initial weak authors had to end eventually. Nothing much happens here though we are told it does. Very Raymond Feist rewriting poor David Gemmell. Current Raymond Feist. Worst David Gemmell. Sadly I just got book three and my completionist tendencies are trying to kick in. I need to tell Gollancz to stop so I can consign Abercrombie to the list that includes Goodkind, Newcomb, Paolini, Douglass and Thompson.

Troy: Fall of Kings by David and Stella Gemmell. I actually think Stella did a great job. But I was never thrilled with Gemmell's re-doing of the Troy saga. Too many decisions to make it his own seemed to translate into thumbing his nose at certain conventions that really served no purpose to flout if he was truly interested in writing a new take on Troy. I think he would have done better to just write a full-fledged fantasy inspired by the Trojan War than an actual take on it. Not the last Gemmell book I wanted to read, but to be fair, it wasn't the series I really wanted from him either.

Those 2 were amongst my best reads of 2007=)

Guess I will have to buy Hobbs last book to see if the ending can make up for the first 2 books lack of excitement.

 

[cgw]

2007 was a good fantasy year for me. I read more fantasy this year than I have for quite a few years. Here is the list (as I remember) roughly in order of enjoyment:
Three Days to Never by Tim Powers
Chaos trilogy by John C. Wright (Titans of Chaos – 2007)
To Ride a Rathorn PC Hodgell
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie (2007)
THE NAME OF THE WIND by Patrick Rothfuss (2007)
Lies of Locke Lamore, Scott Lynch
The Brier King, The Charnel Prince, The Blood Knight By Greg Keyes
The Thread that Binds the Bones by Hoffman
The Hidden Family & The Clan Corporate by Charles Stross
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Elantris by Brandon Sanderson
Past Imperitive by Dave Duncan (just in under the wire)

Obviously not all 2007 releases. I ran out of fantasy steam by the end of the summer. I hope next year I can find as many fantasy books that I will enjoy. There are sequels of some of the above due. I will check out some of the books you all have listed also.

 

[thrinidir]

DarkFantasy.org (Recommended Fantasy Reads from 2007 by Paula Gura)

NOVELS (alphabetically by author)
Acacia by David Anthony Durham (Doubleday): A book I haven’t reviewed because I didn’t feel I could do it justice. A truly epic fantasy - or rather the beginning of one — with a rich world and nuanced characters. Superbly written.
Generation Loss by Elizabeth Hand (Small Beer Press): A superior non-supernatural modern horror novel that confronts both its protagonist and the reader with what can happen when art grows beyond humanity into monstrosity. Fantasy Review
Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay (Tor): Sheer enchantment. A delightfully plausible pair of smart teen-aged protagonists “[blunder] into a corner of a very old story. It is no place for children.” Contemporary thriller, historical fantasy, full of myth and magic, and a novel all about sex in which there is nary a fleshly scene.
Mainspring by Jay Lake (Tor): Maybe this is supposed to be clockpunk science fiction, but I suspect it could just as easily be metaphysical fantasy. Whatever you want to label it, Lake builds an incredibly detailed and imaginative world in which he sets a grand adventure.
Un Lun Dun by China Miéville (Del Rey): De Larrabeiti’s influence on Miéville’s brilliant first book for young adults, can be seen in its intense connection to London, proletarian protagonists, considerable grit, and the subversion of standard fantasy expectations. “Grunge fantasy”, dark but never disaffected. An exuberant novel of unfettered imagination, genuine heart, and (if you wish to read it that way) scintillating allegory.
Season of the Witch by Natasha Mostert (Dutton): Mixes just about every genre imaginable and comes up with a captivating “non-genre” novel. Despite the protagonist’s science-fiction connection — he’s an info pirate with a psychic talent for “remote viewing” — the novel is drenched in gothic atmosphere and is, at core, a cross between a mystery and occult thriller. Fantasy Review
The Terror by Dan Simmons (Little, Brown and Company): A literally chilling Artic tale of doomed men with a surprisingly transcendent ending. History, horror, and ancient mythology that only Simmons could have brought off so well. Despite its length, you won’t want to put it down. So lay in the firewood, wrap up, and read.

SEQUELS I LOVED . . . but maybe you should read the earlier volumes first (alphabetically by author)
Ink: The Book of All Hours by Hal Duncan (Del Rey): Reading the first book of this duology, Vellum, will at least prepare you for the onslaught of Duncan’s chaotic originality and brilliant re-invention of myth. Stunning, epic, sublime, and powerful, Ink compels you to start again with Vellum and take Duncan’s long strange trip again with even more admiration and understanding.
The Bonehunters (Malazan Book of the Fallen 6) and Midnight Tides (The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 5) by Steven Erikson (Tor): I’m never sure exactly what bloody year to list Malazan books under. They come out in the UK then Tor puts them out in two or three editions…Point is: this series is about as massive and excellent as fantasy comes.
The White Tyger by Paul Park: I’m reading The Hidden World, the fourth volume of Park’s “Roumania” books right now and I must admit I hope it ties the story Miranda Popescu up enough to call it “ended”. Due to the nature of the world(s) he’s created, however, there really can’t be an end and, as a reader, as much as you yearn for resolution you also hope it never ends.
The Poisoned Crown (Del Rey) by Amanda Hemingway: The last of the delightful Sangreal Trilogy about a contemporary quest by young Nathan Ward who matures over the course of the books. Nathan’s mother, Annie Ward, probably the best-drawn mother in fantasy, deals with the secret of her son’s parentage, the challenges of single motherhood, and the acceptance that her son is both a hero and a boy growing into a man. Bartlemy Goodman, a down-to-earth mystic guardian of vast culinary skill, and female friend Hazel Bagot round out the solid supporting cast.
Titans of Chaos by John C. Wright (Tor): The third in a trilogy of highly erudite science fantasy concerning godlike beings with adolescent urges. The Chronicles of Chaos leave no doubt Wright is an author of miraculous imagination, profound wit, and wondrous intellect — it’s just that with all the breathtaking tour de forcing, the reader may occasionally yearn for a little more oxygen.

ANTHOLOGIES (alphabetically by author)Inferno edited by Ellen Datlow (Tor): Datlow consistently produces outstanding original anthologies, but this one was the first non-themed dark tome she’s been “allowed”. It sums up the state of the current art of modern horror. Fantasy Review
At Ease With the Dead: New Tales of the Supernatural and Macabre edited by Barbara Roden & Christopher Roden (Ash-Tree Press): Unless you are a real horror fan, you will probably not be acquainted with the authors of the 30 stories that appear here, but that doesn’t mean you will be disappointed. The Rodens have become the premiere keepers of the quietly creepy tradition.

COLLECTIONS (alphabetically by author)
The Imago Sequence by Laird Barron (Night Shade): Actually, I didn’t read this because I never got a review copy, but since I’ve read most all the stories in it and long admired Barron’s work, I have no hesitation in recommending it.The Dog Said Bow-Wow by Michael Swanwick (Tachyon): A variety of polished but unconventional stories from a master storyteller.

BOOKS I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE LIKED . . . but Did Not Receive Review Copies (alphabetically by author)
Mister B. Gone (HarperCollins) by Clive Barker
Scar Night (Tor) by Alan Campbell
The Grin of the Dark by Ramsey Campbell (PS Publishing, UK) (Okay, I guess I can wait for the US edition)
The Yiddish Policeman’s Union (HarperCollins) by Michael Chabon (Yeah, I’m just a lowly genre reviewer, no “literature” for the likes of me!)
Ilario: the Lion’s Eye (HarperCollins) by Mary Gentle
Heart-Shaped Box (William Morrow) by Joe Hill
Butcher Bird (Night Shade) by Richard Kadrey
Daughter of Hounds(Roc) by Caitlín R. Kiernan
Extras (Simon Pulse) by Scott Westerfeld

 

[columbob]

BOOKS I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE LIKED . . . but Did Not Receive Review Copies (alphabetically by author)

Oh boohoo. Go out and buy them for crying out loud!

 

[Arrgh]

Oh boohoo. Go out and buy them for crying out loud!

Freelance book reviewing probably doesn't pay that well.