Top 5 books read in 2013

I’ve read a lot of books in 2013, more than any other year I think. And of all those books there are a few that stand out. Mind you, this is not a list of the best books published in 2013, since I’ve read very few that actually came out this year. Instead, it’s just a list of my favourites books that I read in 2013, regardless of when they were published. Here we go!

Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold

I couldn’t quite decide whether to pick the first or the second book in the Chalion series for this list. The first book, The Curse of Chalion, was brilliant! I absolutely loved every part of it; the world building, the plot, the characters. But I enjoyed the second book, Paladin of Souls, a little bit more, and that was mostly because of the main character. Bujold’s characters all seem very multi-layered, which I appreciate. But the older, female protagonist in Paladin of Souls really gripped me. Add that to an interesting and intricate plot, and you’ve got a winner!

The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson

The Mistborn trilogy is one of my all-time favourite fantasy series; the characters, the plot and the magic system (obviously, it’s Sanderson we’re talking about) are great. In The Alloy of Law, we get new characters in a world that has progressed, but with the same magic system. We also get to know more about the magic, and I really enjoyed that. This book was fun and a fairly quick read, and I cannot wait to read about Wax’s next adventure!

Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie

The last book in the First Law trilogy was an epic conclusion to an epic series. It’s full of intrigue, awesome action and witty dialog. But, perhaps most importantly, I love the ending. Sometimes the last pages of a series, or even book, can feel too final, too much is concluded. To me, fictional books are glimpses into people’s lives, and as such there should be some loose ends. And there is, in Last Argument of Kings. That doesn’t stop me from wanting to know what happens to a certain someone after the last page though… No spoilers, but if you’ve read the book I’m sure you know what I am talking about.

His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik

The Napoleonic era, England AND dragons? Yes, please! The first book in the Temeraire series was a true delight to read. Novik has taken some pretty common topics and done something (at least to me) new and exciting. I particularly love that she treats the dragons as any other characters in that they all have different personalities. They feel like individuals, which I haven’t experienced in any other books I’ve read with dragons. The relationship between Lawrence and Temeraire is just adorable. Are there a lot of action? No, but that is not necessary to make a book great, and His Majesty’s Dragon is a great example of that.

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

Why haven’t I read this book before now?! I have no idea, and no excuse. This was a wonderful and sweet book. The story gripped me from the start and I devoured the book in no time. It’s one of those timeless books that you will enjoy whether you’re 10 or 80 years old. Beautiful, just beautiful. If there isn’t a good Swedish translation of this book out there, I will write it so that I can read it to my future children! Or maybe not... I doubt I could do the book justice.

Other good books I’ve read in 2013 worth mentioning:
What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris
A Song for Arbonne by Guy Gavriel Kay
Shards of Honour by Lois McMaster Bujold
Blood of Dragons by Robin Hobb
Agents of Lights and Darkness by Simon R. Green