Fae (The Four Races of Man Book 1)
River, Shade, Coal and Tye have a nice balance of abilities, diversity of background, and very distinct personalities Lera shows growth, even in this first book, and is a believable balance of inexperienced youth with a core of solid steel and strong will. While the author flirted with some seriously poor decision-making that had me tense through a lot of the book, she did a very good job of not stepping over the line and with having the characters recognize the import of their actions.
So, in the end, it worked okay for me. My biggest two problems with the book were the insta-love something I detest , and the language issues see below. I was able to live with the insta-love though, because there was a compelling reason the quint bond that was forced by the magic , and because there was plenty of fight against it, leaving the characters sufficient time to come together and build a real connection.
I still think more work on that is needed, and I felt the sexual progression happened too quickly. I think it was a little unrealistic that Lera would allow so much so soon, given she was untouched and young. But overall, it didn't bother me enough to stop reading, and the scenes were tastefully done. It read more like a standard fantasy novel in both language and tone. It was a delight to read something other than first person. The book was written in a combination of third person present and third person past tenses.
I did find that a little odd and would prefer the whole book to be in the same tense, though it was clearly done intentionally. All of the heroine's POV chapters were third person present. All of the chapters in the males' POVs were in third person past tense. I also felt that, in trying for a high fantasy tone in the language, that the author strayed a bit purple on occasion. And in a number of cases, very awkwardly - sentences, metaphors, similes and idioms that just didn't work right and pulled me out of the story.
But those sorts of line edits are easily made, and hopefully will be resolved before launch. All in all, a new RH series I am excited to read more of - I hope the second book doesn't take too long! Earlier, when Tye talked to Autumn and she told him to buy her time to research quint bonds, he said there was nothing he could do. He didn't have the power to stop the bond being severed.
And yet here, it clearly says no one can force-cut the bond. Either someone is dying or everyone must agree. So all he would have had to do to stop the severing would have been to not agree to it. Definitely insta-love to be happening in book 1 even the end of book 1 , but it works within the story's premise the quint bond. And it is aided by the fact that they have a lot to overcome before they are together.
Pyker hasn't stepped forward to help them fight. If there is a cave he could hold alone then he or she should be calling that information out to River and Tye because they can ALL run there and hold the choke point. I don't get this. She bathed and was all dolled up for dinner. Went to dinner and has just come back to her room. Why on earth would she be all sweaty now? Doesn't make sense to me. Secret keeping is no bueno! Teaching someone to ride without explaining what and how to do it first.
Teaching someone to fall without the same first. Teaching someone to defend themselves without telling them or showing them how first. It is ridiculous to just expect them to try something and it work or be right. And just will result in frustration for everyone. Five paces to go. The horse braces his weight on his hindquarters and leaps into the air.
The ground races up to meet me. The triumph of impact comes before the shocking echo of it, my shoulder screaming in pain as the world blinks in and out of darkness. I whimper, curling around my left arm, telling myself that I am alive. Partially because I am not a fan of present tense, and partially because I do not understand the shift from third person past in the prologue and male POVs to the first person present in Lera's. It just feels awkward to me. And I do not see a logical reason for it. I was provided an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
View all 3 comments. Jun 24, Sakina Carter rated it really liked it. Thanks to my RH group for this one, as an avid reader of this genre and everyone trying to be an RH author, it is hard to find good ones. This was a great one. I loved the relationship between Lera and her guys. It had just the right amount of everything. What i enjoyed the most was that they were open and honest with each other right from the beginning.
Jun 24, Famished4Fiction rated it really liked it. I don't read many of these types of novels as they're very hit or miss, but I decided to give Power of Five a try and I'm so glad I did! Throughout the story, I thought all the men were lovable in their own ways and I actually really liked the heroine. Lera held her own with each of the guys and didn't just stand by while they were being attacked. I hope to see her grow even more in the coming books, both in personality and in strength.
The only criticism I have would be that the little event at I don't read many of these types of novels as they're very hit or miss, but I decided to give Power of Five a try and I'm so glad I did! The only criticism I have would be that the little event at the end with the ring was kind of anti-climatic. It was built up as something very serious, but nothing really ended up happening and I just found myself disappointed and confused when I found out what it actually meant. I think my expectations were built too high. Otherwise, I was quite satisfied with the storyline and characters, and I can't wait to read the second book to see how their relationships develop even more.
I think the storytelling was great but I could not connect with any of the characters. Lera was too meek, I understood the reason being she was a slave she had no say in her life but still Rivers was just the strong head, Coal the token silent guy, Tye, the comic relief and Shade, the adorable wolf, this almost reads like a disney cartoon. I wish we were told their missions more, it just seems like five people get bonded just for the fun of it because nothing exc This was I wish we were told their missions more, it just seems like five people get bonded just for the fun of it because nothing exciting happened in this book and I know this is the first book of the series so it might not have all the action packed story lines in it but spice it up a little.
The instalove part though, Lord, save me , I almost chucked it out the window or in my case forcibly swiped at my reader. I will be check out the next one though, hopefully it delivers.
Brian W Aldiss: Non-Stop (1958)
Jun 18, Siri rated it liked it. It might me the fact that i saw how many great reviews it got on amazon and also the hype. I think i had to high expectations, i kind of felt that the world building was lacking a bit and the characters fell a bit flat. I didn't like the MC that much, she was so meek and whiny I'm glad I waited a few days to review this, otherwise I'd probably have said something I'd regret, and you're never supposed to put anything on the internet that you'd be embarrassed for your parents or children to see.
It's the first book in a reverse harem series and not a whole lot happens but it was super engaging and steamy AF. It's not all about the sexy times but rather the bond being forged between four fae warriors and the mortal w I'm glad I waited a few days to review this, otherwise I'd probably have said something I'd regret, and you're never supposed to put anything on the internet that you'd be embarrassed for your parents or children to see. It's not all about the sexy times but rather the bond being forged between four fae warriors and the mortal woman that magic has claimed for their quint.
And I'm dying for the next book, which luckily comes out on the 29th. May 06, Dr. Shaz rated it really liked it Shelves: A very enjoyable first book. The characters are all well developed and while I was worried initially that Lera was going to be a total Mary Sue, I found her quite endearing.
She had a strong backbone and showed a lot of strength of character which the author was able to balance quite well with her inexperience and vulnerability. Her harem consisted of 4 fae warriors, each with distinct personalities and plenty of complexity to each that makes you want to delve more into their backgrounds as well A very enjoyable first book. Her harem consisted of 4 fae warriors, each with distinct personalities and plenty of complexity to each that makes you want to delve more into their backgrounds as well.
It was fun to follow Lera's interactions with each of her men and see how their relationships developed. I had to take a star away for the insta-love, and although I didn't mind it as much as in some books due to the rationale of their instantaneous bond due to the quint magic, I still felt like the relationship with some of the guys definitely progressed way too quickly given Lera's total inexperience. The pacing and plot were engaging, making me want to keep reading. I thought the world building was good, although we only get hints of certain things that are going on kind of in the background and will likely become focal points in subsequent books.
This book mostly focused on the development of the relationship and the bond, with a bit of action thrown in here and there. In the end, I just wanted more This was a good solid start to the series and I look forward to reading the next book to see where things go from here. Apr 27, Jessica Robbins rated it it was amazing Shelves: Book one in the brand new Power of Five series and what incredible start it is too.
We meet Lera who works as an indentured slave for a really mean man who believes that one day four Fae warriors with come for him to live in their world. Unfortunately for him Lera is really the one who fated to fill this slot. When the warriors come for they believe it is a mistake for the magic would never choose a human female to be their fifth. Little do they know she is right where she belongs and I fell in love with the well written fantasy story as they all learned that before the end.
The world building is just awesome and add the magic to make it even better. The characters are easy to love and the story moves at pace that really keeps you hooked. If you are a fan of paranormal RH fantasy romance novels then you really have to read this one. May 04, Michelle rated it it was amazing Shelves: Guys, this book sent me into a spiraling book hangover. So much so, after reading 3 other books that I thought would help me move past my obsession of Power of Five, I had to go back and re-read Power of Five a mere 3 days after I binge read it the first time.
I am so in love with all of the characters. Power of Five is by far my favorite read of I am talking top of the top!
The Kingkiller Chronicle series
Power of Five is a fae fantasy and it is the story of a group of four elite fae warriors, who have been searching for years for the fifth member that will complete their warrior quint. They are all shock to find it is a human girl named Lera. But of course, across this journey they get to know Lera and it is so so good.
I don't want to say much more except that I am completely addicted to each and every one of the five characters. I can't pick a favorite, I just love the way they are all so different and they all complement each other. There are plenty of secrets and magic galore and tons of sexy, awesome fae warrior goodness and other intangibles that just make Power of Five the best book I have read in such a long time. There are multiple love interests in this series, but if you are unsure of how that will play out, just read the book! I especially love Coal and River.
Fans of new adult fantasy romances do not want to miss this series because it will soon join your favorites shelf. All of Alex's series are well written, well though out and well executed, but the Power of Five series has become my favorite of all time. I am already itching to get my hands on the second book. I need it in my life right now!
And if you guys would be interested, I am already coming up with a post featuring the members of the quint and breaking down their personalities. I cannot get enough of this book! Everyone needs to read it immediately. It is free on Kindle unlimited, so if you are a KU member, go grab this book this instant! This review was originally posted on Book Briefs Jun 06, Dragana rated it liked it Shelves: There are two reasons why I picked up Power of Five: I absolutely loved Cadet of Tildor , Alex Lidell's debut novel.
I have read menage erotica before, but one girl and 4 guys.
O After finishing the book I felt cheated a bit. After all the frustration of a love triangle romance times two or three, since she can't decide between four men , there is no sex, but the book ends with a sta There are two reasons why I picked up Power of Five: After all the frustration of a love triangle romance times two or three, since she can't decide between four men , there is no sex, but the book ends with a statement that when it happens there must be all of them at once.
So obviously, I must read the next book too. I know there's more to her than we presently know, so I'm hoping that once the reveal is made, I'll be able to move past the irritation fingers crossed This is the first time I've read anything by Jill Ramsower and I liked her writing style. I'm definitely a fan of the use of modern, everyday language and thankfully Jill gives us that. I will read the conclusion of the story, especially after the ending in this one. I received this story from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rebecca is living in New York when she starts thinking seriously about a career change. When her application is accepted at a museum in Belfast, Ireland, she and her best friend and roommate, Ashley, hop on a plane. Immediately, Rebecca starts encountering strange men and even more surprisingly, strange creatures. She is soon thrown into the world of Fae, meeting people who tell her strange, wonderous, and sometimes conflicting things. Where does she fit into all of this?
Can she survive among Rebecca is living in New York when she starts thinking seriously about a career change. Can she survive among the monsters? I thought I would give it a try since it's set in Belfast. I did find the beginning to be very similar to the KMM books. Girl from America comes to Ireland and discovers the world of Fae but the similarities do seem to lessen as the story progresses. It is understandable since it's the first book in the series. It does pick up though, and I really enjoyed how the Fae lore seemed ubiquitous throughout humanity's history -- including Arthur, Guinevere, and Merlin, Tatiana and Oberon, and other historical figures which makes sense since Fae are immortal.
There were a few new types of Fae that I had never heard of, and the sexual tension between the main character and the two hunters was done well. My favorite part was when view spoiler [ Rebecca went to Faery. I would have loved to see a lot more of that. This book has a lot of potential if some of the issues can be fixed. I thought that there was a bit too much that was "in-your-face" explained when it didn't have to be, but there was actually a lack of physical scene-setting descriptions.
I have no real idea of what Belfast is like after reading this book, and that is something I would have loved to have gotten a feel for. I do think I will read the next one! Jul 28, Ruffina Os rated it it was amazing. Nefarious faeries are unleashed on earth to target humans that have no idea of what danger they are in. But only Becca can see t Shadow Play: But only Becca can see them and she is determined to stop them from hurting her kind.
So, when she meets Lochlan and Ronan, she learns she is not the only one with special skills. But can these strangers help her understand her destiny? A riveting urban fantasy with strong suspense; fast-paced, and featuring well-imagined and skillfully developed characters. The reader notices that there is something abnormal about her as well, but how that is revealed is where Jill Ramsower demonstrates a singular gift for character.
I love characters that evolve through the narrative and Becca is one such character — dynamic and real. I love stories with a powerful premise on which the conflict hinges. The premise in Shadow Play: How can they believe her and how can she help them if they are not aware of the danger? Aug 27, Abbey rated it liked it. When Rebecca decides she has finally had enough of her dead-end waitressing job in New York, she follows her dreams and finds a job opening at a museum in Ireland. However, her arrival in Belfast triggers a series of events she never could have predicted.
Overall I enjoyed this new take on urban fantasy, especially the allusions to classical mythology and Arthurian legend. Full of faeries, mythological creatures, partying, intrigue, and romance, this book fits well under the title of modern YA f When Rebecca decides she has finally had enough of her dead-end waitressing job in New York, she follows her dreams and finds a job opening at a museum in Ireland. Full of faeries, mythological creatures, partying, intrigue, and romance, this book fits well under the title of modern YA fantasy. The story itself was inventive and interesting enough not to feel derivative, and the setting in modern day Ireland made a very nice backdrop.
The main character Rebecca is not your typical YA heroine, which is in itself refreshing, however I found that I didn't actually like her as a person, and some of her story-line was closer to a wish-fulfillment scenario than a realistic I obviously use the word within the realism of the fantasy world set of events. The love triangle is in my opinion very over done, and although I like the characters of Ronan and Lochlan in themselves, I can't help but see them as a new version of the already used up Damon vs Stephan stereotype. Having said that, I think that Lochlan especially has the potential to be a very different type of character than we often see in books of this type, and I look forward to seeing how his character develops in the second and final installment.
My final thought is that it feels too short to me, and the end didn't really feel like the end of a book, even part one of a two part series. I wonder if the two books would make more sense to see as part one and part two of one larger volume. Jul 23, Misty rated it it was amazing. This book would appeal most to a diverse audience of mature young adults and adults who enjoy reading about mystical creatures and who do not mind explicit language and a love scene.
In Ireland, Rebecca learns that humans are being preyed upon by a race known as the fae, but without their knowledge. Rebecca's search for answers leads her to meeting Lochlan and Ronan, who each have their own plans. Will Rebecca learn what she needs in order to survive or will she find herself lost amidst the secrets that surround her? This book offered a different take on the concept of the fae, which I personally found both interesting and enjoyable as it was unique from any other supernatural book I have read.
I found Rebecca Peterson to be a compelling character who fostered a desire in me to discover what would happen to her. I loved the fact that I learned about the fae alongside Rebecca as it made the world the author created within the pages of this book feel realistic. Overall, I found myself enjoying this story so much that I finished it in just one day and I find myself excited to see where volume two will take me! Aug 12, Julie rated it liked it Shelves: So after reading the back cover I went in And was pleasantly surprised.
The scenes were very well written, and flowed nicely. The characters were very three dimensional, and believable. And when she finds others like her, she hopes she can survive long enough to rescue humanity. Ashley was one of them, and to me she seemed the perfect friend.
Lachlan is very secretive, but demands total honesty from Rebecca. He is hiding something, can Rebecca find out what? Is he like here? And will he help in the up and coming bottle? And if she does, what will she do?
The Dark Fae (The World of Fae, #1) by Terry Spear
Ronan is the opposite. He is charming and very likeable, he wants Rebecca for his own. And does he have a hidden agenda of his own? And what secrets does Rebecca hide? I liked how the story of merlin, Guinevere and Arthur fit in with the history of the fae. Jul 18, Megan Hamm rated it really liked it Shelves: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. Oh Lochlan, how I love the bad boy! I love a light cliff-hanger that leaves you wanting for more, and I like that this book will be a duet and not a 27 book series.
Sometimes you need short and sweet. On the same note, I probably would continue this series even if I had to wait a year between books, and it was going to be a 27 book series. I was a little worried at first, because I thought I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was a little worried at first, because I thought that I was going to hold hardcore comparisons to a certain other series set in Ireland that I have been reading for the last Surprisingly, I did't find a need to compare them, and outside of very few similarities in name only, I didn't even think of the other series while reading Shadow Play.
I was able to connect and understand Rebecca, I felt her character was well developed and well adjusted. I really loved the lore explained throughout the book. I immediately picked sides when it came to the men, and I liked that Rebecca had friends and family to rely on.
- Power of Five.
- Libation By Death: A Vic Bowering Mystery;
- Shadow Play (The Fae Games #1) by Jill Ramsower.
The writing style was very fluid and easy to read, and I felt like I could put pictures and scenes in my mind without losing a beat. I could see that necklace in my minds eye. I can not wait for the conclusion of this story, and I am anxious to read other stories that Jill has for me. Aug 13, Andrea Stewart rated it it was amazing.
This review is done in conjunction with NerdGirl. To start off, I am a sucker for anything Fae related, so this one had me from the title, and it did not disappoint! I love the main character, Becca, she is strong, intuitive, and sassy! She knows what she wants to do and when the opportunity of a lifetime comes knocking at her door, she takes it and runs!
I love that it takes place in Ireland and that there is a bit of mystery surrounding Becca and her origins. She has some run ins with some guys This review is done in conjunction with NerdGirl. She has some run ins with some guys that are creepy to her but in reality they are faeries and they sense the bit of faery in her, even though she has no idea that she possesses that bit of magic! She accepts that there are those paranormal creatures all around her and that she is deeply immersed in that world now. She accepts it and continues on and faces it with her head held high! I am a lot different than some others, I actually quite enjoy the cliffhangers at the end of books!
It means that there will be more to the story and that i get to continue on the journey! I am so excited for the next book and i simply cannot wait to dive in! This is an urban fae fantasy. The premise and the fact that the story is set in Ireland really intrigued me.
Rebecca is an ordinary girl and comes to Ireland to work in a museum and from day one she starts encountering fantastical creatures. She has this necklace around her neck that she has been wearing since she was 3 and suddenly in Ireland this necklace seems to give her the ability to see the Fae. I loved her friendship dynamic with Ashley. There are also two love interests. Loved that about the book. This being the authors debut novel I really enjoyed the book and liked her writing style.
I received this ebook from Net galley and the publisher. The thought, opinions and feelings are however my own. I was instantly drawn in, and couldnt put it down! I love Becca, she is strong, intuitive, and sassy! She knows what she wants to do and when the Full Review on my blog! I don't want to give toooo much away! And I cannot wait to finish it! This was by far one of the most interesting books I have ever read.
I love books where supernatural meets the human world, but this one blew me away and makes all other Fae books look like child's play. With a perfect blend of suspense, romance, and supernatural, this is perfect for all types of adult readers. The way Jill Ramsower writes kept me interested and wondering what was going to happen next, especially with all the details she includes.
I love the description of West Texas since I'm This was by far one of the most interesting books I have ever read.
Buy for others
Some people hate the flat ground and lack of trees, but it just means more horizon" p. If you like Fairies and supernatural books with suspense and twists, this is the book for you! I look forward to reading book two since this one had me hooked after reading the first page! Sep 11, Destiny Bridwell rated it really liked it. I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I want to thank the author for actually sending me a physical copy of this book. I love Becca she is just bold and out there. I would have to say my favorite character in the book is Ronan.
There is just something about him that just speaks to me. After reading this I will never look at the fae the same way. There were times this book just gave me that chills. I do love how Ronan and Becca meet. It kind of made me laugh. She seemed a little confused by what was happening. I like that it broke the tense that seemed to building after all she had been through. I am very excited the next book in this series. My heart is still racing from reading this. Oct 01, Sydnie Sandlin rated it it was amazing.
This book was so absolutely amazing! There were so many things about it that I loved I couldn't possibly list them all. The sexual tension between Rebecca and Lochlan was such an addicting story line, I couldn't hardly quit reading. The ending of the book completely blew my mind. I could tell there was something off about Ronan but I never would have guessed that he would do what he did.
Humanity ultimately transcends the physical and joins a cosmic overmind, so ushering in the childhood's end of the title EB Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop. Chesterton's "nightmare", as he subtitled it, combines Edwardian delicacy with wonderfully melodramatic tub-thumping - beautiful sunsets and Armageddon - to create an Earth as strange as any far-distant planet. Secret policemen infiltrate an anarchist cabal bent on destruction, whose members are known only by the days of the week; but behind each one's disguise, they discover only another policeman.
At the centre of all is the terrifying Sunday, a superhuman force of mischief and pandemonium. Chesterton's distorting mirror combines spinetingling terror with round farce to give a fascinating perspective on Edwardian fears of and flirtations with anarchism, nihilism and a world without god. Clarke's first novel is a vast, hugely satisfying alternative history, a decade in the writing, about the revival of magic - which had fallen into dusty, theoretical scholarship - in the early 19th century. Two rival magicians flex their new powers, pursuing military glory and power at court, striking a dangerous alliance with the Faerie King, and falling into passionate enmity over the use and meaning of the supernatural.
The book is studded with footnotes both scholarly and comical, layered with literary pastiche, and invents a whole new strain of folklore: This classic by an unjustly neglected writer tells the story of Drove and Pallahaxi-Browneyes on a far-flung alien world which undergoes long periods of summer and gruelling winters lasting some 40 years.
It's both a love story and a war story, and a deeply felt essay, ahead of its time, about how all living things are mutually dependant. This is just the kind of jargon-free, humane, character-driven novel to convert sceptical readers to science fiction. Coupland began Girlfriend in a Coma in "probably the darkest period of my life", and it shows.
Listening to the Smiths - whose single gave the book its title - can't have helped. This is a story about the end of the world, and the general falling-off that precedes it, as year-old Karen loses first her virginity, then consciousness. When she reawakens more than a decade later, the young people she knew and loved have died, become junkies or or simply lost that new-teenager smell.
Wondering what the future holds? It's wrinkles, disillusionment and the big sleep. It's not often you get to read a book vertically as well as horizontally, but there is much that is uncommon about House of Leaves. It's ostensibly a horror story, but the multiple narrations and typographical tricks - including one chapter that cuts down through the middle of the book - make it as much a comment on metatextuality as a novel. That said, the creepiness stays with you, especially the house that keeps stealthily remodelling itself: Carrie O'Grady Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop.
It wasn't a problem at first: But the changes don't stop there: A curly tail, trotters and a snout are not far off.
- An Evening in Roma.
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Darrieussecq's modern philosophical tale is witty, telling and hearteningly feminist. Joanna Biggs Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop. The setting is a post-apocalyptic future, long past the age of humans. Aliens have taken on the forms of human archetypes, in an attempt to come to some understanding of human civilisation and play out the myths of the planet's far past. The novel follows Lobey, who as Orpheus embarks on a quest to bring his lover back from the dead. With lush, poetic imagery and the innovative use of mythic archetypes, Delaney brilliantly delineates the human condition.
Dick's novel became the basis for the film Blade Runner, which prompted a resurgence of interest in the man and his works, but similarities film and novel are slight. Here California is under-populated and most animals are extinct; citizens keep electric pets instead. In order to afford a real sheep and so affirm his empathy as a human being, Deckard hunts rogue androids, who lack empathy. As ever with Dick, pathos abounds and with it the inquiry into what is human and what is fake.
Much imitated "alternative universe" novel by the wayward genius of the genre. The Axis has won the second world war. Imperial Japan occupies the west coast of America; more tyrannically, Nazi Germany under Martin Bormann, Hitler having died of syphilis takes over the east coast. The Californian lifestyle adapts well to its oriental master. Germany, although on the brink of space travel and the possessor of vast tracts of Russia, is teetering on collapse. The novel is multi-plotted, its random progression determined, Dick tells us, by consultation with the Chinese I Ching.
Foucault's Pendulum followed the massive success of Eco's The Name of the Rose, and in complexity, intrigue, labyrinthine plotting and historical scope it is every bit as extravagant. Eco's tale of three Milanese publishers, who feed occult and mystic knowledge into a computer to see what invented connections are created, tapped into the worldwide love of conspiracy theories, particularly those steeped in historical confusion.
As "The Plan" takes over their lives and becomes reality, the novel turns into a brilliant historical thriller of its own that inspired a similar level of obsession among fans. Nicola Barr Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop. A woman drives around the Scottish highlands, all cleavage and lipstick, picking up well-built male hitchhikers - but there's something odd behind her thick pebble glasses Faber's first novel refreshes the elements of horror and SF in luminous, unearthly prose, building with masterly control into a page-turning existential thriller that can also be read as an allegory of animal rights.
And in the character of Isserley - her curiosity, resignation, wonderment and pain - he paints an immensely affecting portrait of how it feels to be irreparably damaged and immeasurably far from home. Determined to extricate himself from an increasingly serious relationship, graduate Nicholas Urfe takes a job as an English teacher on a small Greek island. Walking alone one day, he runs into a wealthy eccentric, Maurice Conchis, who draws him into a succession of elaborate psychological games that involve two beautiful young sisters in reenactments of Greek myths and the Nazi occupation.
Appearing after The Collector, this was actually the first novel that Fowles wrote, and although it quickly became required reading for a generation, he continued to rework it for a decade after publication. David Newnham Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop. Before long, he is embroiled in a battle between ancient and modern deities: A road trip through America's sacred places is spiced up by some troublesome encounters with Shadow's unfaithful wife, Laura. She's dead, which always makes for awkward silences.
The author of such outstanding mythical fantasies as Elidor and The Owl Service, Garner has been called "too good for grown-ups"; but the preoccupations of this young adult novel love and violence, madness and possession, the pain of relationships outgrown and the awkwardness of the outsider are not only adolescent.
The three narrative strands - young lovers in the s, the chaos of thebetweenalcoholics, English civil war and soldiers going native in a Vietnam-tinged Roman Britain - circle around Mow Cop in Cheshire and an ancient axehead found there. Dipping in and out of time, in blunt, raw dialogue, Garner creates a moving and singular novel. This classic of cyberpunk won Nebula, Hugo and Philip K Dick awards, and popularised the term "cyberspace", which the author described as "a consensual hallucination experienced daily by billions".
A fast-paced thriller starring a washed-up hacker, a cybernetically enhanced mercenary and an almost omnipotent artificial intelligence, it inspired and informed a slew of films and novels, not least the Matrix trilogy. When three explorers learn of a country inhabited only by females, Terry, the lady's man, looks forward to Glorious Girls, Van, the scientist, expects them to be uncivilised, and Jeff, the Southern gallant, hopes for clinging vines in need of rescue. The process by which their assumptions are overturned and their own beliefs challenged is told with humour and a light touch in Gilman's brilliantly realised vision of a female Utopia where Mother Love is raised to its highest power.
Many of Herland's insights are as relevant today as when it was first published a hundred years ago. Joanna Hines Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop. The shadow of the second world war looms over Golding's debut, the classic tale of a group of English schoolboys struggling to recreate their society after surviving a plane crash and descending to murderous savagery.
Fat, bespectacled Piggy is sacrificed; handsome, morally upstanding Ralph is victimised; and dangerous, bloodthirsty Jack is lionised, as the boys become "the Beast" they fear. When the adults finally arrive, childish tears on the beach hint less at relief than fear for the future. NB Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Originating as a BBC radio series in , Douglas Adams's inspired melding of hippy-trail guidebook and sci-fi comedy turned its novelisations into a publishing phenomenon.
The Dark Fae
Non-Stop Aldiss's first novel is a tour-de-force of adventure, wonder and conceptual breakthrough. Foundation One of the first attempts to write a comprehensive "future history", the trilogy - which also includes Foundation and Empire and Second Foundation - is Asimov's version of Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, set on a galactic scale. The Blind Assassin On planet Zycron, tyrannical Snilfards subjugate poor Ygnirods, providing intercoital entertainment for a radical socialist and his lover.
The Wasp Factory A modern-gothic tale of mutilation, murder and medical experimentation, Banks's first novel - described by the Irish Times as "a work of unparalleled depravity"- is set on a Scottish island inhabited by the ultimate dysfunctional family: Frank's victims are mostly animals - but he has found time to kill a few children … Phil Daoust Buy this book at the Guardian bookshop Iain M Banks: Consider Phlebas Space opera is unfashionable, but Banks couldn't care less.
Weaveworld Life's rich tapestry is just that in Clive Barker's fantasy. Darkmans Nicola Barker has been accused of obscurity, but this Booker-shortlisted comic epic has a new lightness of touch and an almost soapy compulsiveness. Darwin's Radio Bear combines intelligence, humour and the wonder of scientific discovery in a techno-thriller about a threat to the future of humanity.
Lost Souls Brite's first novel, a lush, decadent and refreshingly provocative take on vampirism told in rich, stylish prose, put her at the forefront of the s horror scene. Rogue Moon Al Barker is a thrillseeking adventurer recruited to investigate an alien labyrinth on the moon.