When my friend asked me for a few books to read this summer, I was more than happy to oblige! Here are some of my favourites from my personal library.
Patrick Rothfuss – The Name of the Wind
Rothfuss knows how to tell a compelling story, simple as that. Follow the extraordinary life of Kvothe, who explains it best in his own words:
My name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.
You may have heard of me.
Read my full review here
Robin Hobb – Assassin’s Apprentice
Considered by many to be among the upper echolons of epic fantasy writers, the title is deserved as Robin Hobb’s characterisation will blow you out of the water with protagonists that jump out of the page in vivid realization. This is my favourite trilogy from my favourite author.
Read my full review here
Brent Weeks – The Way of Shadows
For Durzo Blint, assassination is an art – and he is the city’s most accomplished artist. For Azoth, survival is precarious. Something you never take for granted. As a guild rat, he’s grown up in the slums, and learned to judge people quickly – and to take risks. Risks like apprenticing himself to Durzo Blint. But to be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and embrace a new identity and name. As Kylar Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassins’ world of dangerous politics and strange magics – and cultivate a flair for death.
The fast-paced action, combined with humour and excellent prose makes Brent Weeks’s thrilling debut novel a must-read this summer!
Orson Scott Card – Ender’s Game
This timeless classic is short, but powerful. Follow Ender as he trains in Battle School to defend the galaxy from an invading species. Continue with the Shadow series or the Ender saga if you can’t get enough of this boy genius.
Dan Carlin – Hardcore History
Okay, so this isn’t really a book, but I had to include it here. Dan Carlin’s episodes about the Eastern Front in WWII and the fall of the Roman Republic are both informative, and entertaining. Listen to this while you’re taking the bus, going for a run, or just chilling in bed. You won’t be disappointed.
Eric Nylund – Halo: The Fall of Reach
Of all the video-game-to-novel books out there, this one is my favourite. Jump right in to how Master Chief was selected and trained to be a Spartan, and gain some depth on the immensly popular franchise.
Rolf Potts – Vagabonding
Summertime is when a lot of people enjoy travelling (myself included!), and Rolf Potts will convince and inspire you that long-term travel is both realistic and possible.
Thomas L. Friedman – Hot, Flat, and Crowded
Thomas Friedman brings big issues to light with an easy-to-read and engaging style born from his extensive journalism background. Global warming is here to stay, and this book is a fantastic read for anyone living in the 21st century. So basically everyone.
