Wyrd & Wonder Top Ten Tuesday: My Latest Fantasy Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week there is a new topic, and you compile ten books that fit the theme. You can find more information here.

Wyrd And Wonder month means this week’s list is fantasy themed, (she says, as if most of her lists don’t feature fantasy books anyway) so here’s what I’ve been reading lately:

Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb – I finally got to this after it has featured on multiple TBR lists I’ve made, and I can’t believe I left it so long! I really enjoyed this book, and am currently finishing off book two, Royal Assassin.

The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec – one of the most stunning books I’ve read this year, it is a retelling of Norse mythology from the perspective of Angrboda, wife of Loki and mother of Hel, Fenrir, and Jormungandr. I reviewed it just the other day!

The Thunder Heist by Jed Herne – a very cool heist book with a kick-ass female protagonist, a conspiracy, and a little bit of found family sprinkled in. I reviewed this one too.

The Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold – an interesting debut set in a world in which magic has disappeared, leaving all magical creatures having to adapt or die. Elves, vampires, and other immortals suddenly find themselves winkled and old, dragons’ wings stop working, any tool or machine powered by magic has stopped. And in the midst of this is Fetch Phillips, a soldier turned PI, trying to help those left struggling by the disappearance of their powers and trying to absolve some of his guilt. It’s a very cool concept, and I enjoyed the characters but some of this book dragged. I’m definitely going to look out for the second one though!

The Blue Salt Road by Joanne M. Harris – a quick read, and a stunning tale of a selkie and the dangers of the human world. Harris has a wonderful way with words, and especially this folk tale left me feeling warm and comforted, and making me think with its bittersweet ending. I’d definitely recommend it.

Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa – the start of a new series by the author, this was one I was very excited to read. It has strange magic, two moons, a very interesting society, and compelling characters. I was a little disappointed, and I talk more about it in my review, but it’s still a good book to read and I have hopes for its sequel.

The Unbroken by C.L. Clark – what a debut! This is another book I’ve reviewed, but I’ll still shout its praises here. I’ve never really picked up military fantasy before, but I’m so glad I read this book. I was hooked almost right away and even if there were times I was frustrated at the characters’ decisions and the violence that triggered, I was never frustrated with the book. Everyone should read it.

The Shadow & Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo – I, of course, had to read the books before watching the TV show, and I definitely enjoyed it. It wasn’t as good as the Six of Crows duology, but I liked a lot of the characters – especially the side ones, and especially Nikolai – and it gave me a deeper understanding of the Grishaverse. I’ve also just started reading King of Scars, so I’m back with some familiar faces, and enjoying it so far.

What are your latest fantastical reads? Have you read and enjoyed any of the ones I mentioned?

IMAGE CREDITS: images by Svetlana Alyuk on 123RF.com