After quite a long hiatus, I'm back. I've been really looking forward to this prompt this week and I hope to suggest some good books to you guys.
Books I'd Give To Readers Who Have Never Read Fantasy
If you're looking for an adult fantasy without gratuitous sex or language - and moderately light on the gore - this is the book I'd recommend. In fact, if anyone asked me to recommend a book for any reason, this would be it. While It's part of a series, the book can stand alone reasonably well and it has two of the most awesome leading males ever.
This is a true young adult, light fantasy book. While the idea might sound serious, the execution and the characters kept the story from being depressing. The story format kept it moving at a fast pace and it never got bogged down. If you want light, fun and to get started in the fantasy genre - and don't mind YA - this is the book I'd recommend.
Books I'd Give To Readers Who Have Never Read Steampunk
For steampunk that is heavy on the steamy romance, heavy on the punk and heavy on the supernatural creatures, I would so recommend this book. This was my first ever steampunk and while it was a bit heavy on the romance for me originally, I think this book is a great place to start for those looking to get into steampunk and don't mind a lot of romance in the style of old bodice-rippers.
Prefer no romance but plenty of adventure? I'd recommend this book that reads like a cross between Jules Vern's work and an episode of the Firefly television show. Although it does have some crass language, there is also plenty of action of the illegal sort (they are pirates, after all) and wonderful character development.
Prefer young adult? If you seem like a person that would like steampunk light on the steam and heavy on the punk - with a few modern-day dashes here and there - I'd recommend this book. It doesn't take a serious view of Victorian era England and it has a dash of paranormal thrown in - as well as a strong science-y feel and a plotline reminiscent of the X-MEN.
Books I'd Give To Readers Who Have Never Read Mysteries
Of course I would recommend Agatha Christie to a new mystery reader. While I could spend time recommending her two most well known stories (Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None) there's a pretty good chance that you already know how those stories end. Instead, I recommend two of my personal favorites.
While the bulk of this story takes place on a Nile cruise, it has a 'closed circuit' type of murder. I've always loved those - it's like taking such dissimilar people and putting them in a pressure cooker: Something's bound to explode. There is also a nice (though possibly a bit obvious but certainly less well known) twist in this story.
This book was really fun because each of the suspects reminisce about the victim - who died a year ago. This was an interesting setup, but of course, murder doesn't stay in the past and... well, I think you'll just have to read it to find out. Certainly recommend this book.
Books I'd Give To Readers Who Have Never Read Young Adult
While the two main characters in this book are both teens (seventeen, I think...) it isn't filled with teen squabbles and issues. There are a bit of the whole 'coming of age' aspect in the story, and arguments like only teens can manage, but it focuses enough on the plot and makes the characters people who are teens instead of just teens, that I think this would be a great place for someone new to the young adult demographic to start.
Books I'd Give To Readers Who Have Never Read Gothic Mysteries
(Also known as: Romantic Suspense and Gothic Romance.)
This is my favorite Gothic Mystery author, and these are my two favorite books by her (so far). First, I love her writing because while she writes these stories, she knows what makes them so popular and, sometimes, changes things around dramatically. Occasionally, her books can read like a very affectionate parody of the genre. I chose these two because I loved the story in them, the setting and (yes) the leading characters/romance was perfect.
Well, I think these books are all pretty great and, if you're getting into any of these genre's/demographics, I hope you can find some worthwhile suggestions here. I'd love to know where you started in these genre's. Leave me a link to your list and I'll come visit.
