My Annual Top Ten Books List

2013 was a bit more difficult than in previous years, not because I read more books than usual, but less. I usually read around 85 books a year, but due to much writing of my own fiction and dealing with a busier than usual year with my small press, I only managed to get through 47 titles (am currently reading the 48th), and that will probably be it for me unless I can miraculously squeeze in another 40 books within the next 10 days.

But that's just not going to happen!

THAT said, it really was difficult narrowing under 50 novels down to a top ten list, especially since one of the best I've read won't be released until 2014, hence I'll have to save it for next year. I also want to point out that the books that make my list are titles that stay with me long after I've finished reading. I think I gave one or two books here 4 out of 5 stars on my initial review, but they're books that--for whatever reason(s)--never left me.

It also thrills me that several of the books I've picked this year come from writers who I've become friends with ... but their friendship has nothing to do with why I picked them. It's always a thrill to see any writer grow at their craft, let alone someone you know and have been cheering on.

So without further psychobabble, let's count down from 10:

   10) FEAST OF OBLIVION by Josh Myers Myers' debut novel is a wicked-fun blast of bizarro mayhem, featuring some famous characters (including actor Peter Weller!) and a host of madcap happenings. This is one author I'm truly keeping my retina's on...    9) BONE WHISPERS by Tim Waggoner"Waggoner's prose sucks you in in each story, and whether the tale is straight-forward or bizarre, there's not an entry here that can be ignored. If you like horror on the weird side, this is a must read, and even if you don't, give BONE WHISPERS a try anyway. It's a refreshing alternative to your by-the-numbers horror fiction." (From my review)    8) MOUNTAIN HOME by Bracken Macleod "MOUNTAIN HOME is a seige/revenge thriller that gets in your face before the second page ends and never lets up. MacLeod slowly reveals what makes Joanie tick, and the suspense level is nearly non-stop .MacLeod's debut novel is a quick, well-crafted tale that reads as if it were written by a seasoned vet (full pun intended). Joanie Myer would surely give John Rambo much to worry about. Great Stuff Here." (From my review)    7) THE LAST WHISPER IN THE DARK by Tom Piccirilli Pic's sequel to THE LAST KIND WORDS is everything fans would want, and more.

"We're given a deeper look at the Rand family, and Piccirilli offers some surprises, especially by way of Terry's mother. There's plenty of slick dialogue, fight scenes, and all the grim happenings the author's fans have come to expect, wrapped around prose that's to die for." (From my review)    6) THE FLAMETHROWERS by Rachel Kushner 
"THE FLAMETHROWERS is a wonderfully written novel if a bit frustrating: we cheer on Reno as she slowly discovers herself, but we never get to see her accomplish much, especially with her artwork. And while Kushner gives us some really shady and unlikeable characters, the novel thrives by the way Reno interacts with them. Her observations are often unusual, funny, and always give the author an interesting canvas to work her words on. This may be considered hipster-lit, but Kushner's way of dealing with the historic settings makes it wildly entertaining and not, as I had worried before reading, just another stale interpretation of 1970's New York." (From my review)    5) N0S4A2 by Joe Hill Hill's third novel is a horror/fantasy hybrid that kept me glued to the pages even more so than his first two offerings. This is my fave from him so far aside from his amazing short story collection, 20TH CENTURY GHOSTS.    4) WAITING FOR MISTER COOL by Gerard Houarner "For a novella, Houarner packs this one with epic levels of action, fighting, and splatter that will test even the most jaded of gorehounds. Yet on top of all the fun, what makes this story (and the entire series) work is the author's ability to make us care for both Max and the twisted demon that lives inside him. We hate ourselves for liking him/them, but like other classic anti-heroes, we just can't help it. Max fans will love this one to death." (From my review)    3) THE OBLIVION ROOM by Christopher Conlon Highlighted by one of the best stories about a musician I've ever read, Conlon's collection shows why he continues to be one of the best writers in the business."THE OBLIVION ROOM is a real treat. Conlon's tales go from flat-out terrifying to subtle, quiet horrors, but each one dark and thought provoking in their own ways. The writing is razor sharp and a real pleasure to read. Highly recommended and easily one of the best releases of 2013." (From my review)     2) YOUR CITIES, YOUR TOMBS by Jordan Krall Although this is the fourth installment of a four-part book series, the other three read as novella / chapbook-length build-ups to this full-length novel that completely blew my mind.

"This intense study of fear and conspiracies uses shadow and suggestion and allows the reader to savor and discern every bit of information and ultimately feel deeply for its cast (especially one reluctant terrorist) as the tale comes into light; a shaded light, but a light nonetheless. As far as bizarre fiction goes, Krall's "False Magic Kingdom" series is a true masterpiece and easily his finest work to date." (From my review)    1) ROCK 'N' ROLL by L.L. Soares There's nothing--and I mean nothing--that I like more than reading a novel thinking it will be one thing then realizing halfway through that it's something completely different (and better) than I had expected. Soares' second novel is the most original tale I read in 2013, and almost ten months after reading it has still not left my head. "ROCK 'N' ROLL is like an off-the-wall late night supernatural erotic thriller as directed by David Cronenberg. Soares blends several genres to deliver an original and quite difficult to put down tale (I read it in two sittings). There's wall-to-wall sex, but unlike a typical exploitation story it's key to the constantly-unfolding plot. This is a real wild ride that's highly recommended to those looking for something truly different." (From my review)   So THERE you have it, folks! Hope you check some of these titles out ...