I generally read fantasy and sci-fi, so I kind of looked at anything but that. This TTT was an interesting once for me. It turns out I've been somewhat limited in the past year- I couldn't come up with more than five books that really stood out to me). I also didn't read a single contemporary novel without mystery that worked for me. I know that it's a lot of people's favourite genre, but I honestly can't find contemporaries that I actually enjoy. Suggestions?
1. The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien: Okay, yes, it is fantasy. But it is a very different sort of fantasy than my typical read- more focused on storytelling than story, in a way. I really enjoyed it, nonetheless, and it has since carved out a little part of my brain and taken up permanent residence there.
2. Every Word by Ellie Marney: I was really impressed by the intensity of this. I do love a mystery (as we shall see). Maybe this isn't totally out of my genre?
3. The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: I really liked this one! Political mystery, and it was such a fun read.
4. All In by Jennifer Lynn Barnes: She's on the list twice this week! This series has really grown on my since I first started it. I just really enjoy reading them.
5. These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly: I have a soft spot for early forensics, so I really enjoyed that aspect of this one, as well as the mystery.
I clearly need to get out of my comfort zone more! Any suggestions?
Ooo, the last three interest me. Especially Jennifer Lynn Barnes novels. They sound like such fun! Cannot wait to read them. :)
ReplyDeleteThey really are. They aren't super intense;y dark or anything, but they've got a great balance of action and character relationships.
DeleteThis is - i think- the first time i see someone mentioning Silmarillion. I had that on my to buy list for years and always push it back because i never hear anything about it. Thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed it and that you found it so memorable! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat list, i will have to remember all of them since they sound fantastic :)
My TTT: http://booksbeautifylife.blogspot.de/2016/02/top-10-tuesday-books-different-books-i.html
Reading The Silmarillion a really interesting experience. It is a lot drier than most YA fantasy, I think it's because the purpose is different. It was a really neat read.
DeleteI'm glad that you enjoyed these books! :-) The Fixer certainly intrigues me.
ReplyDeleteThe Fixer was a really pleasant surprise for me, and I'm really looking forward to reading the sequel!
DeleteFor a time way back when I was a freshman in high school. I became obsessed with Tolkien's work. He created a vast marvelous world and history, mythology. It was grand and beautiful. That obsession started with The Hobbit. I went out and bought a bunch of his books, and his unfinished works/stories. But for the life of me I just couldn't get into them. It saddened me because I really want to know more about what he created but his writing is a little too overly descriptive for me to stay interested in his work. :( It really does make me sad. His world building though, is something I think more authors should aspire to.
ReplyDeleteMy TTT: Marie @ Pages to Explore
It took me a couple of tries to get into The Silmarillion- it is a little dry in places (especially chapter fourteen... oh, chapter fourteen). It definitely ins't for everyone, and I actually didn't think it would be for me... it surprised me. There are some great encyclopedias and other resources if you're looking to explore Tolkien's world, but find his writing a little hard to read.
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ReplyDeleteI heard that The Naturals series is good. I need to get the book.
DeleteHopefully my links work now :P
My TTT.
Also, feel free to check out the last week of our
giveaway!
It was a really fun read! (The link for your TTT worked, by the way).
DeleteI may check out These Shallow Graves - like you said, early forensics :)
ReplyDeleteI remember DNFing Silmarillion but I must have been like 10 or 11 so maybe it's time to give it another go ;')
I tried to read The Silmarillion in high school, but I didn't get through it... it took me a couple of tries! I definitely don't think I could have read it before that age of twelve... it isn't really what I'd call a "fun story suitable for children" what with all the wordiness and descriptions. And also the bloody massacres. Also those.
DeleteIf you've enjoyed other work by Tolkien, it might be worth checking out.