It’s December and the New Year is just around the corner. What better time than this to look back at some of this year’s best books, as well as some of next year’s most anticipated titles?
For the next few weeks, we at Suvudu will be sharing some of our favorites from 2011. After that, we’ll focus on what we think is going to make 2012 a great year for reading.
Today’s choice for Best of 2011:
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Every year, readers are inundated with new writers and their debut novels. Most never try those new authors, waiting to hear a general word of mouth about them before taking the plunge. I have to admit, I am one of those who wait. Thankfully, I am a part of a forum where several other voracious readers take that plunge and report back to the rest of us.
Word came back very quickly about Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence—all of it good. Then Mark joined the forum and discussion ensued. Intrigued, I decided to read a sample and was immediately impressed. I bought the book. I read the book. And now I can't wait for the sequel.
Here is a bit more about Prince of Thorns:
When he was nine, he watched his mother and brother killed before him. By the time he was thirteen, he was the leader of a band of bloodthirsty thugs. By fifteen, he intends to be king... It's time for Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath to return to the castle he turned his back on, to take what's rightfully his. Since the day he was hung on the thorns of a briar patch and forced to watch Count Renar's men slaughter his mother and young brother, Jorg has been driven to vent his rage. Life and death are no more than a game to him-and he has nothing left to lose. But treachery awaits him in his father's castle. Treachery and dark magic. No matter how fierce, can the will of one young man conquer enemies with power beyond his imagining?Prince of Thorns is one of those books not for everyone. The few who don't like don't like its tendency to be very dark at times, the main character having the capacity to be quite appalling at times. The same can be said of his surrounding cast. The book can be grim and harsh, the irony being for some people this is their current cup of tea. Amazon reviews are giving it 4 1/2 out of 5 right now though. I think readers might be on to something. Hopefully, you will take the time to make up your own mind.