As we move into spring, at least in the UK, we thought it might be nice to start a new series for the magazine. This one is called ‘Four Favourite Books’, and is about, you guessed it, your four favourite books. They can be your all time favourites, recently read titles, or a mix.
With this series we just want a line or two about each book and why you like it. So, to kick things off, here are mine. For anyone that contributes to the magazine and would like to submit theirs, get in touch.
Mike Piggott, Editor
The Shadow Of The Gods, by John Gwynne
I’d heard many good things about this book before I read it, and it genuinely lived up to the hype. It’s set in a Norse-inspired world and the story follows three characters, all warriors, on their various quests.
I loved the first third of this story, mostly due to the pace and thrilling action. It settles down in the middle before building to an exciting finale, one which left me wanting more. I should probably read the sequel sometime, The Hunger Of The Gods.
The Lies Of Locke Lamora, by Scott Lynch
This fantasy novel is the first in Lynch’s ‘gentleman bastard’ series, and follows a gang of con artists led by our main character, Locke Lamora. I was warned by others that the book starts slow, and has a lot of world building and setup before things kick off and it gets exciting.
This was true, and I struggled a little with the first half of the story. It was an exciting read as it moved into the end game, though. I have the sequel on my shelf, Red Seas Under Red Skies, which has a pirate vibe, which I like.
Hall of Smoke, by H. M. Long
This is an epic fantasy which features warrior priestesses and fickle gods at war. The story moves at quite a pace and feels like an epic survival movie, like a cross between American Gods and The Revenant. Our main character is Hessa, on a path of redemption and revenge, which leads her to question her faith in the gods and what she believes.
I feel like this would be a great title to adapt into a fantasy movie. I plan to read the second part of this duology, Temple Of No God sometime too.
Kings of the Wyld, by Nicholas Eames
A retired group of legendary mercenaries get the band back together for one last impossible mission. I found this book to be a lot of fun. For anyone that likes to play D&D (that’s Dungeons & Dragons), or for anyone that enjoys Terry Pratchett’s Discworld humour, this put me in mind of both of those things. I also have the sequel, Bloody Rose, to read too.
Featured image: Hall Of Smoke by H.M. Long