Mathew Samuels is a science fiction and fantasy writer based in London, UK. He’s the author of the Sci-Fi Hopepunk adventure books Parasites and Dusk, the first two books in the Navigator Series, which you can buy on Amazon or read more about on Goodreads (Parasites, Dusk), and urban fantasy titles, Small Places, which you can buy here and read about here, and Wild Court, which you can read about here and buy here.
Against a Dark Background – Iain M Banks
Before we hung on Sanderson’s every word, there was Banks, and this is my all-time favourite of his works. It’s not part of the famous ‘Culture’ series, but rather a standalone novel about Sharrow, a woman living in a futuristic solar system. A former member of a combat-attuned group of fighters, she’s being targeted by a cult who believe her death will herald the birth of their messiah … unless a long-long gun of near-magical powers is returned to them.
Sharrow – a dismissive, cynical, pain in the ass aristocrat with style – goes on a journey to get the band back together, find the gun and avoid certain death. Along the way, she’s dragged into heists, blackmailed, meets a singularly weird group of solipsists and remembers past adventures (and wounds).
For me, it’s probably the quintessential ‘tired hero’ book. Sharrow’s not perfect but her adventures are. I love each of her companions, her journey, and ultimately, the ending. I was lucky enough to meet Banks and get my copy signed before he passed, and it’s one of my most treasured possessions.
Kushiel’s Dart – Jacqueline Carey
A courtesan, trained as a spy, in a country where ‘love as thou wilt’ is the law of the land, uncovering a vast conspiracy that threatens everyone. This is the start of Carey’s vast and wonderful Terre D’Ange series, and they’re all worth a read. The lush, sprawling universe, stylised language and politicking would be enough for most people, but Carey spares no details when it comes to the heroine’s life as a courtesan. Her enjoyment of pain might be a bit strong for some people, but it also raises a philosophical question – how do you handle threat in a book when the protagonist gets off on the thing that most people fear? That aspect is handled ably, and with an abrupt change halfway through the first book, I’m still stunned by how good this book is.
The Crystal Singer – Anne McCaffrey
This is such a comfort read for me; it’s an oldie, but a goodie. Killashandra is a failed singer with a colossal ego, determined to be the best at all costs. After failing university, she meets a ‘crystal singer’, one of the elite few able to mine rare communications crystals on the world of Ballybran. Killashandra’s journey to become a crystal singer – and beyond – is not easy, but I just love the world that McCaffrey builds.
The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
The first time I read this book, it was a borrowed copy. As soon as I’d finished it, I went out, bought my own copy and re-read it. I’m haunted by its beauty. It’s tragic, inevitable, but the absolute embodiment of the sentiment that things aren’t beautiful because they last forever. Henry’s journey as a time-hopping scoundrel, meeting his future wife throughout time, and all of their problems, successes and time together – it’s just gorgeous.
Weaveworld – Clive Barker
Most people know Barker for his horror. Weaveworld is a brilliant fantasy book (with a few slight horror elements) which slowly reveals a magical land, the denizens of which are fleeing horrors both ancient and modern. The very normal protagonist, Cal, teams up with Susanna, the granddaughter of one of the realm’s guardians, and together they seek out and explore the magical world, despite the enemies that face them.
To me, this is a grown-up Alice in Wonderland. I love Barker’s language, the magic and the horror he shows, the progression of the characters (or lack thereof!) and the worlds he paints. His other books in this genre – The Great and Secret Show, and the Abarat series (for younger readers?) are also fantastic, and prove that he shouldn’t just be known for Hellraiser.
Be sure to check out Samuels’ books!
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