Reading Roundup for November

Last month, I rolled out the Top Tier Books in Review idea. Got some feedback and was challenged to come up with a better, catchier name. So, Flying A Book Reviews is born! To celebrate, here are the top 6 books I read in November.

• Darkness Reigns by Jill Williamson (King’s Folly Part 1)

Epic Fantasy, subtle Christian overtones

Pros: Great writing, characters, plot, and it’s FREE for now. (Hurry)

Cons: It’s the first part of a longer work so you have to wait for the finish. It doesn’t have a cliff hanger ending to make you angry, it just leaves you wanting to know more.

• Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers (on audio book)

Historical Fantasy, NOT Christian

This series was recommended to me by Karen DeBlieck.

Pros: Great writing, characters, plot, yummy romance. I am NOT a romance reader, but I enjoyed the romantic sub-thread in the story.

Cons: Some mature issues, but handled well. I was bothered at first about a god of death, but reading through I found some nice parallels with Christianity: humans posing their views on God desires, the heart of God and his love for people, redemption.

• The Martian by Andy Weir

Science Fiction as it was meant to be. Certainly not Christian.

Pros: More realistic than any other sci fi story I’ve read. Fascinating, totally absorbing plot. (The movie was pretty good too).

Cons: LANGUAGE! Don’t believe me, check out the first page on Amazon or wherever. F-bombs all over the place. The movie had cleaner language by far than the book.

• The Heir War by Jill Williamson (King’s Folly Part 2)
• The End of All Things by Jill Williamson (King’s Folly Part 3)

The continuation and ending of the King’s Folly installments. I will order the book for my shelf when it’s available, and read it again. Loved this book and the wonderful metaphor it employs. So many intricate layers. No one plot weaves like Jill Williamson!

• Embers by Ronie Kendig

Epic fantasy, Christian overtones

Pros: Great world-building, theme, and characters

Cons: I got a little lost in places, but overall I was happy with the book and I’m looking forward to the sequel.

NOW YOU: What was your best November read?