Category: List

Top 10 Books of 2025

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10. Lightbreakers

by Aja Gabel

Emotionally resonant and deeply felt, Lightbreakers plumbs the complex depths of love, loss, and grief through the eyes of three individuals caught in a tide of mourning and the “indestructible fiber” that can bind a family even when one strand is severed.

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9. Slow Gods

by Claire North

From one novel to the next, Claire North effortlessly leaps across genres, crafting unique, engaging, and consistently satisfying stories. Slow Gods is no exception—an imaginative and fresh space opera fronted by a self-deprecating pilot with infinite lives, staring down a universe-spanning cataclysm.

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8. Strange and Perfect Account from the Permafrost

by Donald Niedekker
translated by Jonathan Reeder

Such an odd and fascinating premise gives way to a richly imagined, beautifully translated, and appropriately wry tale. 

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7. Vanishing World

by Sayaka Murata
translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori

An off-kilter and unsettling page-turner, Vanishing World tackles declining birth rates, widespread loneliness, social isolation, and the rise of unhealthy parasocial relationships – issues that feel even more relevant today than when this book was first published in Japan in 2015…This was a tough one to put down and it certainly goes out with a bang.

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6. A Drop of Corruption

by Robert Jackson Bennett
Book #2 – Shadow of the Leviathan

Unshackled by the need for extensive world-building, Robert Jackson Bennett has room in this sequel to craft a more complex and satisfying mystery, centered around his winning duo of lead characters. It succeeds as both a mystery and a fantasy novel, blending the two genres beautifully.

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5. Weepers

by Peter Mendelsund

A melancholy and surreal neo-Western about a band of professional mourners who offer their tear-laden eyes to a desiccated world….The vibes in this book are just off the charts, and I really dug how it all played out. Mendelsund has crafted a unique tale that will surely stick in my craw. It’s sad and mournful and centered around death, yet it pulses with life in Ed’s eyes and through his narration.

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4. The Antidote

by Karen Russell

Russell’s dust-choked world is perfectly rendered with beautiful prose and well-researched detail, the heavy dose of magical realism seamlessly woven into this historical-fiction tale and bringing unexpected life to a barren world…The Antidote has all the makings of a modern American classic, and I know it will stick with me for a good long while.

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3. Cape Fever

by Nadia Davids

Engaging prose and a mysterious, claustrophobic setting create tremendous suspense in this excellent historical thriller by Nadia Davids.

Davids weaves the supernatural seamlessly into a clear-eyed exploration of class and culture, guiding the story toward an expected yet deeply satisfying twist. 

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2. An Oral History of Atlantis

by Ed Park

Hot on the heels of his Pulitzer Prize-finalist masterwork, Same Bed Different Dreams, Ed Park returns with this superb short fiction collection. Twelve of the sixteen stories have been published elsewhere over the past 20+ years, but all were new to me.

Whether it’s the transcription of a DVD commentary on a cult classic science fiction film (“Weird Menace”) or a letter from an exasperated author to his overzealous translator (“A Note to My Translator”), no two stories are alike. Yet each delivers Park’s acerbic wit, sharp sense of irony, and keen eye for riffing on the mundanities of everyday life. With such variety, every reader is sure to find something to love here.

FULL REVIEW and
Our interview with author Ed Park

1. Metallic Realms

by Lincoln Michel

A full panoply of sci-fi delights—perfect for genre fans, the terminally online, or anyone caught up in fan culture, geekdom, or general sci-fi nerdery.

Metallic Realms is absurd, incisive, and a (toxic) love letter to classic science fiction, viewed through a sharply modern lens…as someone who enjoys taking very trivial things extremely seriously, I found this to be an exceedingly enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down. It’s a delightfully meta concept, executed to perfection. Count me in for OrbCon 2025.

FULL REVIEW

Top 10 Books of 2024

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10. In Universes

by Emet North

An absorbing exploration of a kaleidoscopic set of parallel worlds – delving into trauma, grief, and the complexities of healing from our fractures. 

North’s writing is engaging and imaginative in the ways it plumbs the depths of Raffi’s psyche and their search for belonging. As the kaleidoscope turns, each subsequent world spins off its axis. Details change, relationships flip, and roles reverse, but some version of Raffi remains a constant amidst the swirling chaos.

I really enjoyed my time immersed in the pages of In Universes. It’s a compelling and vivid read bound to pull you into its multiversal web.

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9. Sky Full of Elephants

by Cebo Campbell

A bold, high-concept premise brought into sharp focus by Cebo Campbell’s lively and vibrant prose…I really enjoyed Campbell’s writing style. It is lively and flows smoothly from page to page, making it a true pleasure to read. It effortlessly conveys the complexities of the new world and the complicated feelings of the characters that inhabit it.

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8. Playground

by Richard Powers

A love letter to the ocean and its hidden depths. Much like The Overstory, Powers employs astounding reverence for one of our most complex and abundant natural resources.

Speculative fiction can hold up a mirror to our current moment — extrapolating, distorting, and ultimately exploring the ripple effects of what our future could hold. Playground succeeds in doing just that as the plot converges and collides with the dawn of the AI age in surprising ways. On those marks alone, it’s a winner. It’s elegantly crafted and consistently engaging.

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7. King Nyx

by Kirsten Bakis

A tightly woven and haunting gothic mystery that left me supremely satisfied.

A creepy island, a reclusive benefactor, and three young girls vanished into thin air. If those ingredients weren’t enough to hook you, the evolving mystery at the heart of the book does a tremendous job of pulling you deeper and deeper into the abyss as important answers always seem tantalizingly out of reach.

It’s more eerie than it is scary, but Bakis sets the atmospherically rich and period-specific tone incredibly well, as the dialogue and imagery effectively evoke the the haunting quality that brings the plot to life.

FULL REVIEW

Our interview with author Kirsten Bakis

6. The Repeat Room

by Jesse Ball

A searing and harrowing portrait of the criminal justice system of a dystopian future. Utterly enthralling and thought-provoking.

Ball spends the first act setting the stage before delivering the knockout gut-punch in the second half and never letting you get back up.

Although this left me with more questions than answers, I was utterly enthralled the entire time. I’m excited to hear what others think about this book as the story is certainly not for the faint of heart, but raises interesting questions about the state of our current justice system, capital punishment, and how our singular perspective limits our perception of those around us.

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5. Calypso

by Oliver K. Langmead

A dazzling feat of form and function. 
The care in the structuring is evident. 
The story itself is compelling and well told. 

I loved this – don’t let the verse form scare you away, as it doesn’t take long to adjust to, and it adds to the atmosphere and tone of this mythic tale. Some may bemoan style over substance here, but I found the underlying story to be fascinating in its own right, and I was very invested in the outcome.

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4. Rakesfall

by Vajra Chandrasekera

Surreal, lyrical, beautiful, haunting – featuring a heady mélange of narrative forms and storytelling styles – Rakesfall is an evocative epic poem of a novel. 

It’s impossible to distill Vajra Chandrasekera’s sprawling opus into any short plot synopsis…Chandrasekera has cemented himself as a must-read author and a bold new voice in speculative fiction.

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3. The Other Valley

by Scott Alexander Howard

This is a quiet gem of a novel. Scott Alexander Howard takes a unique premise and executes it beautifully – never relying too heavily on his fantastical plot device to convey young Odile’s heartfelt story…a thought-provoking and wistful tale that I, for one, greatly enjoyed.

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2. Beautyland

by Marie-Helene Bertino

Bertino skillfully dissects the alien nature of growing up and the complexities of human existence with dry wit, deadpan observational comedy, and incisive insights into life’s little absurdities.

This is a rare book where the concept and execution are both pitch perfect. Even if you dropped the fact that the main character is (oh by the way) an alien, this would still be a wonderful coming of age story. The alien angle is just gravy that Bertino plays with to great (tragi)comedic effect. Her writing is heartfelt, deeply funny, and without a whiff of cynicism about it. I loved this and can’t recommend it highly enough. 

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1. Ours

by Phillip B. Williams

An absolute masterclass in storytelling. Ours is a tour de force and one of the best novels I’ve read in ages.

I cannot say enough good things about Ours, an epic historical fantasy set in an enchanted town named Ours that serves as a safe haven for freed slaves. Told over four decades, Phillip B. Williams charts the plight of Ours and its inhabitants as they experience the challenges and triumphs of being free and safe amidst a still-hostile world. It’s epic in scope, dense and demanding, but it’s extremely rewarding. 

Williams is a poet and that becomes abundantly clear the more time you spend immersed in the book. Each sentence and paragraph is so beautifully crafted and it was a pleasure to luxuriate in his words. Please do not be scared away by the high page count as each and every page is infused with magic, wonder, and heart.

FULL REVIEW

Top K-Dramas of 2023

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I watched twice as much Korean content as I did Western content in 2023. K-dramas are able to convey complete, sharply-written, and affecting tales in a manner unlike anything found stateside. These dramas represent the best of what I watched that was released in 2023:

  1. Twinkling Watermelon (16 episodes – Viki) – An emotionally touching tale that explores themes of family, sacrifice, and embracing the full brilliance of one’s life journey. The narrative is truly captivating, and Ryeoun’s exceptional performance, along with the rest of the young cast, adds to the beauty of this heartwarming experience.
  2. The Eighth Sense (10 episodes – Viki) – Exceptional character development, with Ji Hyung’s evolution standing out. The leads exhibit incredible chemistry, and the unique lo-fi style and pacing make for an engaging viewing experience. It ends in surprisingly optimistic fashion.
  3. Moving (20 episodes – Hulu) – Exceptionally well-crafted with outstanding acting, this show boasts a fascinating yet peculiar overall structure. The intricate plot is incredibly satisfying as it seamlessly comes together. The characters are superbly fleshed out, with even minor ones benefiting from succinctly told backstories. I did end up enjoying the journey more than the destination, though.
  4. Bloodhounds (8 episodes – Netflix) – Incredibly violent yet compelling, this consistently kept me on edge about the fate of the characters. Despite some illogical protagonist actions, the (good) characters are very easy to root foot. The series, starting with a potential 10/10, ends at a very good 8.5/10.
  5. King the Land (16 episodes – Netflix) – Light and frothy – this one doesn’t seem to be reinventing the wheel at any point (except when it comes to consent in K-dramas). I imagined that Lee Jun-ho’s involvement meant that this would be well-written and would be satisfying in the end (it was!). I enjoyed it for what it was and really loved both leads.
  6. D.P. – Season 2 (6 episodes – Netflix) – Significantly improved and less somber than the first season, with Episode 3 standing out as the series’ high point. The chilling atmosphere of Episode 4 at the remote outpost is also noteworthy. The bromance between the leads is a highlight, and the side characters are more well-developed in this season.
  7. Duty After School – Part 1 (6 episodes – Viki) – Impressive production quality and it effectively manages a large cast, offering distinct character portrayals. The action is gripping and intense, and it capturing the essence of high schoolers convincingly. Despite a promising start, Part 2 turns out to be a significant letdown.
  8. A Time Called You (12 episodes – Netflix) – All I kept hearing was that the original Taiwanese version was far superior, but since I couldn’t watch that anywhere I was happy to use this as my frame of reference for the story. The main leads, especially Jeon Yeo Been, handle their roles well. While the chemistry may be lacking, everyone’s doing interesting work. The ending was satisfying, and overall, it was an enjoyable ride. Jeon Yeo Been stood out, and Sun Hyo Seop was very charming—I’d definitely watch more of his work.
  9. The Worst of Evil (12 episodes – Hulu) – Hulu dramas are definitely measuring up to Netflix in terms of top-tier production design. Episode 9’s hallway fight scene is mind-blowing. I was impressed with both the main lead and the second male lead—and they excel in their respective roles. The narrative around the Korea-China-Japan drug trade is a bit convoluted. Despite a not entirely satisfying ending, the overall execution is commendable, and I enjoyed my time with it.
  10. Lies Hidden in My Garden (8 episodes – Viki) – Eerie and atmospheric, with a deliberate pacing. The cinematography is exceptionally beautiful, showcasing top-notch framing and production quality. The acting is very good, but the story and plotting are just okay.
  11. Castaway Diva (12 episodes – Netflix)
  12. Soundtrack #2 (6 episodes – Disney+)
  13. My Dearest – Part I (10 episodes – Viki)
  14. Our Blooming Youth (20 episodes – Viki)
  15. The Interest of Love (16 episodes – Netflix)
  16. Doona! (9 episodes – Netflix)
  17. Shadow Detective – Season 2 (8 episodes – Hulu)
  18. Black Knight (6 episodes – Netflix)
  19. My Dearest – Part 2 (11 episodes – Viki)
  20. Duty After School – Part 2 (4 episodes – Viki)
  21. Bo Ra! Deborah (14 episodes – Amazon)
  22. Jun & Jun (8 episodes – Viki)

Still watching: Gyeongsang Creature, Call it Love, Crash Course in Romance

Top Television of 2023

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Aside from reading, I spent the remainder of my media consumption time on television. Although a departure for this blog, I wanted to put this list together to shout out my favorite TV from 2023, much of which has a speculative bent.

  1. The Bear (Season 2 – Hulu) – An unoriginal choice, but this was another stellar season. The best of what I watched this year.
  2. Party Down (Season 3 – STARZ) – Possibly the best “revival” I’ve ever seen. Give Ken Marino an Emmy – he’s doing incredible work in every episode.
  3. The Other Two (Season 3 – HBOMAX) – The production budget definitely went up and it shows. They were able to take bigger swings and execute high concepts to pair with their familiar joke-dense material (B&W Pleasantville ode, fake Applebees, AIDS play, Globby). There’s more impactful, long term storytelling here in the final season. The humor is so specific and spot on for the absurdity of the entertainment industry.
  4. Barry (Season 4 – HBOMAX) – Carries over the great stuff from Season 3. Really legitimately funny. My opinions of each character have changed considerably over the course of the series. A fitting capper to a series I didn’t start loving until the 3rd season.
  5. Foundation (Season 2 – Apple TV+) – Continues to be a visual marvel. No other show looks as good. The uneven acting from the younger characters and the convoluted plot really holds it back from being an incredible show, though. Less focus on those younger characters plus the introduction of many great side characters elevates the show. Episode 9 is probably the best episode of the entire run. Excellent stuff. 
  6. Sex Education (Season 4 – Netflix) – Everything is still very polished and gels so well together. Acting, music, production design, cinematography. It’s evolved in interesting and necessary ways, while also staying true to its core message.
  7. What We Do in the Shadows (Season 5 – Hulu)
  8. Beef (Season 1 – Netflix)
  9. Am I Being Unreasonable? (Season 1 – Hulu)
  10. A Murder at the End of the World (Season 1 – Hulu)
  11. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (Season 1 – Netflix)
  12. For All Mankind (Season 4 – Apple TV+)
  13. Gen V (Season 1 – Amazon Prime)
  14. Schmigadoon! (Season 2 – Apple TV+)
  15. The Last of Us (Season 1 – HBOMAX)
  16. Yellowjackets (Season 2 – Showtime)
  17. Silo (Season 1 – Apple TV+)
  18. Big Mouth (Season 7 – Netflix)
  19. The Mandalorian (Season 3 – Disney+)
  20. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Season 16 – FXX)
  21. Ahsoka (Season 1 – Disney+)
  22. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (Season 1 – Apple TV+)

Docuseries/Reality – Our Planet S2, Squid Game: The Challenge S1, The Great British Bake Off S11, Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper, The Traitors US S1, Survivor S44, Survivor S45.

My full ranking of the 2023 Korean Dramas I watched this year.

Top 5 Books of 2023

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untethered-sky-cover

Honorable Mention: Untethered Sky

by Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee’s words bring life to the majesty and power of the rocs, legendary birds of prey who keep the countryside clear of the monstrous manticores…poignant and affecting. She made me care deeply for these beautiful winged beasts and the bond they share with their keepers.

FULL REVIEW

blighted-stars

5. The Blighted Stars

The Devoured Worlds #1
by Megan E. O’Keefe

O’Keefe dives into the unintended consequences of technological progress and humanity’s insatiable push to over-consume our planetary resources as we move throughout the cosmos. The character development is well-done and the swift pacing kept me on the edge of my seat throughout…an exciting start to a promising new series.

FULL REVIEW
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4. After World: A Novel

by Debbie Urbanski

Its telling is bleak, grim, and unforgiving – and yet, it makes for incredibly compelling reading. Author Debbie Urbanski has considered every element of the future down to the most granular detail. Those looking for a fun, post-apocalyptic romp will be letdown, as this story self-consciously subverts the post-apocalyptic trappings that fans of the genre are familiar with and focuses on the cold realities that such an end of days scenario would create…With the proliferation of artificial intelligence and the way it is reshaping our (warming) world – this book is a perfect complement to our modern technological time.

FULL REVIEW

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3. The Legend of Charlie Fish

by Josh Rountree

Rountree effectively crafts deep characterizations for each of his cast members and makes you care for their plight, especially during the breathless final act as a colossal hurricane bears down on their Galveston locale…I was thoroughly taken with this story, Rountree’s writing, and the unique island setting. Definitely add this to your TBRs.

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2. The Saint of Bright Doors

by Vayra Chandrasekera

I’ve never read anything like The Saint of Bright Doors – wildly inventive, totally mesmerizing, and it upended my expectations at every turn. It reads like an established author’s career-defining masterpiece, rather than a debut novel…I was so impressed with Chandrasekera’s ability to craft a complex, political, and also surreal story in such an intelligible way. I was spellbound the entire time I spent with this book and I can’t wait to read it again, just to recapture some of the awe I felt the first time around.

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1. Same Bed Different Dreams

by Ed Park

Ed Park spins historical fact into brilliant literary fiction with Same Bed Different Dreams. His gripping prose and flair for unconventional storytelling makes even the most opaque sections completely engrossing. This book will coast onto yearly Best-of lists (including my own) and it should be in contention for major literary awards. I was simply blown away.

…if you’re an enjoyer of secret societies, doomsday cults, alternate histories, coded messages, spies, double agents, artificial intelligence, and the history of Korea – give this book a go. If you bristle at the thought of an unconventional narrative structure without much hand-holding, perhaps skip it. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it was certainly mine. 

FULL REVIEW

Top 10 Books of 2022

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10. Empire of Exiles

Books of the Usurper #1
by Erin M. Evans

You can tell that Evans poured all of her nerdery into this book and it’s impressive to behold...The world feels ripe for exploration and it’s setting up for a great trilogy.

FULL REVIEW

9. The Bone Orchard

by Sara Mueller

The Bone Orchard is an ambitious and inventive novel about the lengths someone will go for self-preservation amidst extreme trauma. 

FULL REVIEW

8. How High We Go in the Dark

by Sequoia Nagamatsu

There is no shortage of dark humor to be found among the increasingly macabre story beats of How High We Go in the Dark. Even so, some sections are just incredibly devastating to read and that’s a credit to Nagamatsu’s excellent writing.

FULL REVIEW

7. Lark Ascending

by Silas House

House’s no-frills, plainly-told story is a refreshing change of pace from similar novels that might get bogged down with worldbuilding about the fall of our civilization. It’s visceral, heart-rending, but filled with hope and promise about the resiliency of a boy growing up under unspeakable conditions. 

FULL REVIEW

6. Fevered Star

Between Earthy & Sky #2
by Rebecca Roanhorse

Fevered Star is a worthy follow-up to Black Sun, one of my favorite books of the last few years. This is epic fantasy of the highest order and Roanhorse’s writing is a joy to read. 

FULL REVIEW

5. A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

Monk & Robot #2
by Becky Chambers

A heartwarming continuation of the adventures of our beloved robot and human companions, Mosscap and Dex. Much like the first novella, I so enjoyed the time spent in this world and with its inhabitants. 

FULL REVIEW

4. The Jade Setter of Janloon

The Green Bone Saga #0.5
by Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee was still able to craft an exciting, tightly-plotted, and complete story featuring many of the hallmarks that made the Green Bone Saga so compelling…if you loved the Green Bone Saga and aren’t ready to leave Janloon behind just yet, this is a supremely satisfying read.

FULL REVIEW

3. Neom

A Central Station Novel
by Lavie Tidhar

This was superb and I’m in awe of Tidhar’s vision. He’s conjured up a futuristic city that feels simultaneously ultramodern and also run down. The rich histories of the region and its cultures are seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of this fully-realized world.

FULL REVIEW

2. Venemous Lumpsucker

by Ned Beauman

This is the most delightful book about mass species extinction that you’ll ever read. Ned Beauman employs pitch-perfect gallows humor to engage with human-caused environmental destruction in a fresh and exciting way…very, very funny…fast paced, an engaging story, smart humor, and interesting characters. This book is a winner.

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1. The Spear Cuts Through Water

by Simon Jimenez

What. A. Novel. Simon Jimenez is operating on another level with The Spear Cuts Through Water. This is an evocative tale that beautifully blends fantasy, reality, and fable into a perfect package. To summarize the plot here would deprive you of the wonderful journey that awaits you once you crack open the first page. 

Jimenez simultaneously (and effectively) tells multiple nested stories, while exploring the nature of identity, love, and intergenerational trauma. The book is unwavering in its commitment to its characters, its story, and its structure. And it’s told with such fierce confidence and love that I was totally mesmerized from start to finish.

If The Vanished Birds (also excellent) didn’t put Jimenez on the map, The Spear Cuts Through Water definitely will. This is a special book.

FULL REVIEW

Top Television of 2022

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Aside from reading, I spent the remainder of my media consumption time on television. Although a departure for this blog, I wanted to put this list together to shout out my favorite TV from 2022, most of which has a speculative bent.

  1. Station Eleven (Limited Series – HBOMAX) – premiering in 2021, but finishing in 2022, this was the first AND single best thing I watched all year (Primacy bias be damned). I wish it had received a more rapturous reception. This adaptation improves on the source material in a way I did not think possible.
  2. Severance (Season 1 – Apple TV+) – odd, melancholic, and totally engrossing. A gem of a show. I’m not sure it needs to continue beyond Season 1, but I’ll be watching.
  3. The Bear (Season 1 – Hulu) – As good as everyone says it is. Fully immersive (and stressful) viewing.
  4. Little Women 🇰🇷 (Season 1 – Netflix) – absolutely insane on a week to week basis. Twist after twist. Totally bonkers, but so enjoyable. I’ve jumped headfirst into the K-Drama waters this year, and this was the best of the bunch I watched. More entries to come in 2023, I’m sure.
  5. What We Do in the Shadows (Season 4 – FX) – my favorite comedy of the last several years. Not as consistently funny as previous seasons (Baby Colin storyline was not for me), but the highs were very high. I rewatched Episode 5, “Night School” more times than I can count.
  6. Andor (Season 1 – Disney+) – The most interesting Star Wars show in ages. The production design, the art direction, the acting, the writing, the mini story-arcs. Everything is top-notch.
  7. Stranger Things (Season 4 – Netflix) – The first season to come close to recapturing the magic of Season 1. Everything here is so polished and makes for a wondrous experience.
  8. Young Royals 🇸🇪 (Season 2 – Netflix) – The music is outstanding. The leads are believable and have great chemistry. The whole ensemble is strong. I’m glad we’re getting a third and final season to wrap it all up.
  9. The White Lotus (Season 2 – HBO) – I’ve watched more of Mike White on-screen (Survivor, The Amazing Race, School of Rock) than I have of him behind the camera, but it’s all gold. Opening title sequence is a bop.
  10. For All Mankind (Season 3 – Apple TV+) – A series not afraid to make bold, head-scratching choices. But also one that you can’t wait to see what they think of next. It’s a bit of a come down from the heights of Season 2, but it’s still an incredibly compelling alternate history saga.
  11. Yellowjackets (Season 1 – Showtime)
  12. House of the Dragon (Season 1 – HBO)
  13. Players (Season 1 – Paramount+)
  14. Under the Queen’s Umbrella 🇰🇷 (Season 1 – Netflix)
  15. Reborn Rich 🇰🇷 (Season 1 – Viki)
  16. Hacks (Season 2 – HBO)
  17. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Season 1 – Prime Video)
  18. Big Mouth (Season 6 – Netflix)
  19. Bridgerton (Season 2 – Netflix)
  20. Better Call Saul (Season 6 – AMC)
  21. Derry Girls (Season 3 – Netflix)
  22. Barry (Season 3 – HBO)
  23. Ozark (Season 4 – Netflix)
  24. Light & Magic (Docuseries – Disney+)
  25. The Boys (Season 3 – Prime Video)
  26. Raised By Wolves (Season 2 – HBOMAX)
  27. Better Things (Season 5 – FX)
  28. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Season 1 – Disney+)
  29. Welcome to Wrexham (Docuseries – Season 1 – FX)
  30. Documentary Now! (Season 4 – IFC)
  31. Once Upon a Small Town 🇰🇷 (Season 1 – Netflix)
  32. Heartstopper (Season 1 – Netflix)
  33. The Book of Boba Fett (Season 1 – Disney+)
  34. The Afterparty (Season 1 – Apple TV+)
  35. Narco-Saints 🇰🇷 (Limited Series – Netflix)
  36. Ms. Marvel (Season 1 – Disney+)
  37. Behind Every Star 🇰🇷 (Season 1 – Netflix)
  38. Westworld (Season 4 – HBO)
  39. The Umbrella Academy (Season 3 – Netflix)

Top 10 Books of 2021

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10. Elder Race

by Adrian Tchaikovsky

The concept alone (and the gorgeous cover) drew me to this novella, but the plot gets turned on its head almost immediately with a delicious bait and switch…a good reminder of what an interesting writer Tchaikovsky has become.

FULL REVIEW

9. The Fall of Babel

The Books of Babel #4
by Josiah Bancroft

Bancroft’s prose continues to possess a unique flavor with dashes of charm, wit, biting humor, and heart that are unmatched by others in the genre…all of the elements coalesced into something wondrous and satisfying in the end…The Books of Babel is one of the greatest fantasy series I’ve ever read.

FULL REVIEW

8. The Bone Ship’s Wake

The Tide Child #3
by R.J. Barker

This final book is just the cherry on top of a thrilling and bloody pirate sundae. It’s a satisfying conclusion to a magnificent seafaring adventure trilogy.

FULL REVIEW

7. Notes from the Burning Age

by Claire North

This is a book of loss and devastation, what remains, and what grows from the ashes of a broken world. North brings this plausible dystopian world to life with stark imagery and elegant prose…I had not read any of North’s work prior to this novel, but I’ve come away impressed and excited to see what she writes next.

FULL REVIEW

6. A Psalm for the Wild-Built

Monk & Robot #1
by Becky Chambers

Chambers storytelling style is straightforward and without frills, but the overall result is quite affecting. I’m eager for future adventures with Dex and Mosscap and learning more about the world of Panga.

FULL REVIEW

5. The Councillor

by E. J. Beaton

What an outstanding debut novel. Lysande is a gem of a main character in a high fantasy world that feels familiar yet fresh. Beaton weaves an intricate plot packed to the brim with tantalizing ingredients – underground secret societies, complex political maneuvering, passionate romance, dastardly treachery, and forbidden magic.

FULL REVIEW

Our interview with E.J. Beaton

4. Brothers of the Wind

The Osten Ard Saga
by Tad Williams

This was a wonderful novella that I struggled to put down…This will be more rewarding for those with preexisting knowledge of Osten Ard, but I think this works really well as a standalone story, too. For me, this is one of my favorite books of the year.

FULL REVIEW

3. We Have Always Been Here

by Lena Nguyen

A gripping sci-fi thriller that twisted in unexpected directions and kept me hooked all the way to the end. There’s a real palpable tension and delirium infused into Nguyen’s writing that enhances what could have been a straightforward thriller into something much deeper, sharper, and stranger. I’m excited to see what Nguyen writes next, as this was an excellent debut.

FULL REVIEW

Our interview with Lena Nguyen

2. Idols Fall

Iconoclasts #3
by Mike Shel

This is a masterful conclusion to an outstanding series. Shel is a truly gifted storyteller and he’s woven a trilogy-capping book that is dark, twisty, funny, wholly satisfying, and bloody brilliant…major emphasis on the “bloody.” There’s so much fantasy goodness packed into the pages here: demonic possession, talking swords, beasts from hell, false gods, geopolitical conflict, cults, and of course, a dangerous expedition into an ancient cursed ruin. 

FULL REVIEW

1. Jade Legacy

The Green Bone Saga #3
by Fonda Lee

Engrossing, unpredictable, and heart-wrenching through to the final page – Jade Legacy is a worthy capstone to an incredible trilogy. I can confidently say that Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga is a modern fantasy classic and I feel lucky to have come across such a special series.

FULL REVIEW

Top 10 Books of 2020

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10. The Empire of Gold

by S.A. Chakraborty

…brings this expansive trilogy to a rousing conclusion…Chakraborty’s writing continues to impress and it flows beautifully once again in this book. …this trilogy is such an impressive achievement. FULL REVIEW

9. Riot Baby

by Tochi Onyebuchi

…visceral, staggering, and powerful…a satisfying read that packs quite a bit of fire into its limited page count. FULL REVIEW

8. Nophek Gloss

by Essa Hansen

Exciting, Inventive, and packed with imaginative ideas – Hansen’s debut space opera is the coolest novel I’ve read in some time. It’s hard science fiction at its finest. FULL REVIEW

7. The Obsidian Tower

by Melissa Caruso

…I had a really fun time with this book. Each page crackles with magic. Caruso’s writing flows well and moves the narrative forward at a swift pace with a steady stream of action and court intrigue throughout.  FULL REVIEW

6. Call of the Bone Ships

by RJ Barker

Barker absolutely stuck the landing with this second book of the Tide Child trilogy...Every moment spent voyaging through Barker’s Scattered Archipelago is incredibly satisfying. I highly recommend this series. FULL REVIEW

5. Piranesi

by Susanna Clarke

It was a real delight to be lost in the labyrinthian walls of Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi…this is a cracking good read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a brief escape to a more hopeful world. FULL REVIEW

4. Greenwood

by Michael Christie

Add this title to the growing trend of excellent books about trees that have sprouted up in recent years….Christie’s prose is beautifully composed and his descriptions of nature are stunning. I’d recommend this to any lover of nature or fan of epic family sagas.  FULL REVIEW

3. The House in the Cerulean Sea

by TJ Klune

TJ Klune has written something truly wonderful here – a positively delightful book that warms the heart and soul. Each page brims with life and joy and it gives me hope for a better world. I’m not sure what else you can ask for from a book. FULL REVIEW

2. The Vanished Birds

by Simon Jimenez

This is an exceptional debut novel. Simon Jimenez is clearly a skilled storyteller and is an exciting new voice in science fiction. His prose is beautiful and in The Vanished Birds he seamlessly weaves multiple threads into a tightly-plotted tour de force…[It’s] a profound and deeply human story told on an epic scale across millennia. I loved it. FULL REVIEW

1. Black Sun

by Rebecca Roanhorse

This is pitch perfect epic fantasy. Everything works so well together — propulsive pacing, exceptional characters, excellent world-building, and a fascinating mix of cultures, politics, religion, and lore…one of the best books of 2020. FULL REVIEW