I’ve been reviewing for Rosie’s Book Review Team for many years – wish I could remember how many, but the first one saved on this computer is from 2016. This year I’ve reviewed nine, down a bit because I joined a book club which seems to love assigning doorstops to read.
What I’ve enjoyed about being part of this team is that it’s given me the chance to explore other genres than my own. Since I write cozy mysteries, I started out reviewing just those, but now have expanded – much to my delighted discovery – into sci-fi, fantasy, dystopian fiction, romance, historical fiction and women’s novels. I’ve also made some good blogging buddies through the team.
Dystopian fiction is a category I’d never explored, but thanks to the books of Terry Tyler, I’ve become an addict!
The most memorable book of the ones I’ve read for the team this year is The Architect of Grayland by Evelyn Arvy. From my review: “This is an endlessly fascinating and creative science fiction novel. The world building is gradual, as needs must when you have a person set down in a vast area of nothing! I highly recommend this novel (five stars) and think that any reader would enjoy it, not just those of us who like science fiction. This story is more concerned with the strength, determination, and creativeness of the human mind and spirit, which the author portrays in an unusual setting.
I hope to see a new book from this author on the #RBRT list in the coming year, along with Tony Riches (an historical fiction writer of Tudor times), and Carol Hedges (as Victorian mystery writer).
Along with these three, there are certain other authors whose books I would always agree to review: Thorne Moore, Harald Johnson, and Liza Perrat.
Here are the books I reviewed this year. If you are interested, the reviews can be pulled up on this web site.
Plutonian Sun by R H Twitcher, Scifi
Full Circle by Vered Neta, Historical
Tales Of The Risen Tide by David Reynalds, Scifi
Pride & Pestilence by Carol Hedges, Histfic Mystery
USS PRIMIS: The First Starship by M.H. Altis, Scifi
The Twilights by Harald Johnson, Dystopia
The Architect of Grayland by Evelyn Arvey, Scifi
Run by Matthew Becker, thriller
Lake Of Widows by Liza Perrat, Histfic
I’m currently preparing to review the latest book from Thorne Moore, of whom I once wrote something like, “she could write about a paper bag and make it interesting,” and a crime thriller by Matthew Becker.
Great post, Noelle. I have some on your list on my wish list and we coincide in some others. And I feel the same about utopian fiction thanks to Terry as well! Let’s hope Rosie and her team keep going strong in 2025! And enjoy the Holiday Season with your family!
Brilliant post, Noelle. I’ve always been a fan of Terry’s and Thorne’s books. I haven’t reviewed many books at all this year, but hope to improve in 2025. Rosie’s team always give fair and insightful reviews. Hoping you have as peaceful Christmas. x
The same to you, Judith. All is done here except for cooking on Christmas Day! Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year!
Thank you Noelle, it is good to be reminded of some of the great fiction that we have all been reading.
You’re welcome, Rosie and thanks for expanding my horizons!
You have been very busy for sure.
Thanks, John. I’ve probably read more than 50 books this year – I don’t review all of them but probably should keep some sort of record!
That is amazing.
I had parents who were voracious readers and passed the trait on!
Good for them.
Thank you, Olga. I read a ton of other books this past year but didn’t review them – some were just for fun. Feliz Navidad!
Thank you, Olga. I read a ton of other books this past year but didn’t review them – some were just for fun. Feliz Navidad!
Thanks for posting your reviews, Noelle. Hugs.
You are more than welcome! I think you might like The Architect of Grayland!
Noodlemagazine I really like reading through a post that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
You’re welcome.