Reading in 2019.

This is the list of books that I read last year with a few thoughts on each one.

The Sword by Joshua Luna Vol. 1 – 4

An excellent graphic novel in four parts. A very interesting mix of mythology and superheroism. Great use of artifact, i.e. sword, as a plot device.

The Liar’s Key by Mark Lawrence

The second part in the Red Queen’s War trilogy. Made me love Lawrence very much. The characterization in the entire trilogy is fantastic.

The Wheel of Osheim by Mark Lawrence

The conclusion of the Red Queen’s War. I loved how fantasy was blended with science. Lawrence is a great author.




Doppler by Erland Lu

A satirical novel about the life of a man in modern Norway, his struggles with family and society. A very interesting and humorous piece of work

Rocannon's World by Ursula K. Le Guin

The first published novel by my favorite author. A part of the science fiction Hainish Cycle, yet it reads like a heroic fantasy. A rather short and enjoyable read.

Planet of Exile by Ursula K. Le Guin

The second of the Le Guin’s early works. It shows glimpses of the themes that will be predominant in Le Guin’s later works. It also shows the masterful style that is the main characteristic of Le Guin’s writing.

City of Illusions by Ursula K. Le Guin

Another book in the early Hainish Cycle books. It is in certain aspects connected to the later books. We learn about the events at the Earth long before the events in Left Hand of Darkness. This is, in my opinion, the best of the three Le Guin’s early SF novels.

Fevre Dream by George R.R. Martin

A phenomenal book. It is a story about vampires in the American South, in the golden time of steam boats. This book clearly shows the exquisite quality of G RR Martin’s writing: the atmosphere, the characters, the plot… everything is on the highest possible level.

A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.

A classic piece of SF literature. Great book about human nature, religion and possible future.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Vol. 1 - 4 by Frank Miller

A great series of graphic novels. Frank Miller and Batman at their Best.

The Once and Future King by T.H. White

A classic Arthurian fantasy. Deceptively juvenile at first, but as it progresses, it becomes clearly deep and profound piece of literature that deals with huge philosophical, ethical and emotional issues.

Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke

One of the best works of A.C. Clarke that I have read. A great example of the literature of ideas. Classic science fiction at its best.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

One of the best books that I have read last year. A story of not so distant future in which young people are bread to be used as organ donors.

The Last Wish (The Witcher #0.5) by Andrzej Sapkowski,

The first Witcher book is a short story collection, and in my opinion the best format for this character. I loved how Sapkowski played with Slavic mythology. Stories are interesting and fun.

Blood of Elves (The Witcher #1) by Andrzej Sapkowski,

The Time of Contempt (The Witcher #2) by Andrzej Sapkowski

Baptism of Fire (The Witcher, #3) by Andrzej Sapkowski

The Tower of the Swallow (The Witcher #4) by Andrzej Sapkowski,

Lady of the Lake (The Witcher #5) by Andrzej Sapkowski,

The Witcher series of five novels that record the story of Ciri, her relationship with Witcher and the events in this world. I have mixed impressions about this entire series. It was good but what bothered me was the composition. All novels seem to blend into one giant novel, with long parts where some of the main characters are almost completely forgotten. Also, I had some issues with regard the translation into English, my impression is that it could have been better.

Beyond the Wall: Exploring George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire by James Lowder

An interesting read about various aspects of Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire.

The Folding Knife by K.J. Parker

The first KJ Parker’s book that I read. It is fantasy but with very little fantasy elements. It is in fact a character study, and a great one. The world is reminiscent of old Rome or Greece, and a good part of the novel deals with economy, finances and accounting. Sounds boring, but it is anything but. I will have to read more of this author.

My Husband by Rumena Buzarovska

A short story collection about women and their lives, relationships and hardships. A heavy read at times, but masterfully executed.

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

A masterpiece in a true sense of the word. So dense and clever that it is unbelievable. One of the best books I have ever read.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman doing what he does best. A rather short novel, with certain elements that reminded me of the American Gods universe. Gaiman loves to blend reality and fantasy and is great at it.