Liam Picks
Liam’s Picks
The Lies of Locke Lamora
by Scott Lynch
Holy Shmoly, Scott Lynch has created an absolute winner of a book (and series) with more charming thieves and cunning rogues than an Ocean's movie. The Lies of Locke Lamora takes the already exhilarating heist story and then sets it in a fantastical and delightfully dangerous city that really just ramps things up to 11. There's incredible fight scenes with all varieties of weaponry, hilarious dialogue from lovable characters, horrifyingly strong magic users/villains, and so much more that will have you flying through this book. Gentlemen Bastards book one will leave you wanting more, so start it up and then enjoy all the wonderful sequels!
Light From Uncommon Stars
by Ryka Aoki
This book is bursting at the seams with heart and I fell head over heels for it! There were moments that had me goose-honking with laughter, intense moments that had my heart racing, and tears were shed. This book is unabashedly weird (like melding-deals-with-demons-and-alien-refugees-together weird), but good god did it work for me! It's also gonna have you craving donuts more than anything and may cause you to pick up violin as a new hobby, so that's a fun bonus.
TW for racism, transphobia, self-harm, reference to rape, and abuse.
The Goblin Emperor
by Katherine Addison
I'm not usually drawn to fantasy books where court intrigue and political movings play so prominently, but I ADORED this book. The main character Maia is a truly kind hearted person and it's achingly refreshing to read about someone facing the all too common malice/disdain of their (or any) world with compassion. This book is a beautiful, character focused, read that first tries to solve issues with communication and empathy, so if that sounds like something you may enjoy (or need), then this is your book.
Legends and Lattes Series
by Travis Baldree
Do you love fantasy, but also want cozy reads that have delightful backdrops such as bookstores, coffee shops, and cute patisseries? Are you a lover of D&D who relishes in the roleplaying and flirting with friends aspects? Are your books lacking in warrior orc women with huge muscles and even bigger hearts? Well, look no further and get lost in a series that'll have you as snug as a bug(bear) in a rug.
The First Law Trilogy
by Joe Abercrombie
Grim-dark and "realistic" fantasy that is as brutal as history itself isn't always for me, but this series ROCKS. One large reason is these books are brimming with dark humor and are often laugh-out-loud hilarious! Another thing to love is you get so many varied perspectives and the character development is some of my favorite I've read. The characters are so well fleshed out through the series that you may just find yourself rooting for some truly heinous people. And don't you worry, the action is frequent, brutal, epic, and awesome, so it's easy to devour these big ol' books.
Perdido Street Station
by China Mieville
An absolutely bonkers steampunk/fantasy extravaganza that I can't recommend enough! Mieville likes to write extremely weird and this book is no exception, so get ready for every expectation you hold while reading to be stomped. His world-building is second to none, the characters are bizarre yet engaging, and the fusion of magic with steampunk tech is so freaking awesome! You've not read a book like this before, but if you're ready for a whole lot of delightful madness then pick up this book!