Well, the weather here in Bloomington isn’t exactly super wintry, but it definitely is a bit rainy here – and one of my favorite things to do when it’s rainy and wet out, aside from crafting, is reading – as I’m sure you’ve all figured out by now. 🙂 And since most of us are probably enjoying some much needed time off, how about picking up one of these books to keep warm with while enjoying the holidays? I’ve read all of these, and they definitely rank as some of my favorites.
The Finishing School Series, by Gail Carriger
If you’re interested in steampunk, you might want to read the Finishing School series by one of my most favorite authors, Gail Carriger. The entire series is out now, with the last book only having been released in November. Follow the adventures of Sophronia Temminick as she enters into a finishing school that’s not quite what she’s initially expecting… There are plenty of exciting adventures in the series to keep you reading for hours! I’m currently re-reading my way through the series.
The Finishing School Series on Amazon
The Explosionist, by Jenny Davidson
If you’re an alternate history fan, or interested in a good murder mystery, give The Explosionist a read. Set just before World War II, in Scotland, the story follows a sixteen year old girl named Sophie who ends up pulled into an investigation of the sudden death of a spiritual medium that had a strange message for her… The book was a little odd at points, but it was definitely a page turner, and I’d recommend it for a good afternoon read.
The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss
How on earth have I not recommended this book on my blog yet? This book pulled me out of a depressive funk years ago, where I hadn’t read a single in an entire year (!!) – I tore through this in a week. This is part one of a three-book series, following the story of Kvothe, a magician and musician with quite a storied past. I’m not sure how much I can say about this without giving away too much of the plot, so all I will say about this book is that you won’t be able to put it down – everyone I’ve talked to who’s read it has said the same thing.
The Name of the Wind on Amazon
Written in Red, by Anne Bishop
Anne Bishop is an author whose books I’ve been enjoying for years – her first books were very good, and as she’s written more and more, her stories and writing style just keep getting better. I’ve mentioned The Others series on my blog before, and Written in Red is the first book in the series. It focuses on Meg, a young woman who can tell the future when her skin is cut, and her escape from her handlers that ends with her seeking safety in the Lakeside Courtyard. However, that’s only the beginning of the story – trouble ends up following her to the Courtyard… For those of you who like fantasy novels and supernatural creatures, such as shapeshifters, this book (and the series it’s part of) will definitely catch your attention.
Fortune’s Pawn by Rachel Bach
Fortune’s Pawn was the first of many books read in Gail Carriger’s book group – it’s a sci-fi story set mainly in outer space, focusing on the story of Devi, a mercenary, as she takes up a new position on an allegedly cursed trade ship, the Glorious Fool. Along with Devi, you’ll meet an interesting cast of characters, including the strong and attractive Rupert, the daydreamy Nova, and Ren, who proves to be quite a mystery. If you like Firefly, Star Wars, or other space dramas, you’ll enjoy Fortune’s Pawn.