You guys, I’ve said it around a dozen times, but it bears repeating — this was a DIFFICULT decision. I was literally up all night re-reading the first 30-50 pages of each remaining book, trying to figure out which one I would put forward as my last semifinalist. Every book that’s left in my batch I would rate as an 8/10 or higher, and let me also say, that’s my typical finalist score. In years past, I’ve given a 7.75 to an 8.25 for all of my finalists. Typically, I only have 2-3 in my slushpile that land above a 7.75, and so I only have a few semifinalist contenders each year, and thus I don’t typically have to cut books I think could be semifinalists. I have had a flood of great books this year, and so I find myself cutting books that I really enjoyed.
So, here we are.
I encourage people to pick these up if they sound good!
The Darrian Shift by Noah Flynnt
This was a great book that featured a cold, brutal world where monsters come out of the storms and it’s a struggle to survive. You never know which character dies next, and so that keeps a high level of tension throughout the battle scenes.
Links to buy/bookmark or to read more, here’s my FULL REVIEW
I’m so sorry to the fans of this book – yes, it is good! This is a world where women wield the power, the world is run by Queendoms, and this particular Queen has a very sus suitor who seemingly came out of nowhere, family members of the Queen are having unprecedented Visions…. and now there’s a potential war brewing. Our characters need to figure out what’s going on before it’s too late!
Links to buy or bookmark found inside my FULL REVIEW
Ugh. Ugh, ugh, ugh. I truly hate cutting this book; this was a great epic fantasy with telepathic Griffons, dragons, imaginative world building and magic system, and memorable characters. Truly, I really liked this one. I think this one could appeal to Sanderson fans since there’s a strong element of good vs evil and overpowered flying characters (griffon riders).
Links to buy/bookmark are found in my FULL REVIEW
This was a great book, and it’s breaking my heart to cut all these worthy reads! This has strong feminist messaging with an MC who is being persecuted for her “crime” of being a “witch” in a time where being too good of a healer, you can get you burned alive for your kind deeds. This features the unwilling hero trope, unlikely duos, and traveling adventures.
Links to buy/bookmark are found in my FULL REVIEW
If you’re following along with who we have left, my reveal won’t be a surprise, but here we go anyway!
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Congrats to my last semifinalist! This is a multi POV book that bends tropes around on top of themselves in almost a Michael J Sullivan way. This is a book where The Elders rule over the leftovers of society that survived a brutal war long ago. There’s supposedly a lost civilization called “The Creators” that created everything, including the ruling class of The Elders. However, rebellion is brewing because The Elders are creepy, kind of evil, and most likely lying to everyone. I loved the world-building, I loved the characters, and I’m sending it forward as my last semifinalist!
Link to buy or bookmark found in my FULL REVIEW
That was really, really tough to figure out who was going to go forward, and I genuinely hope my reviews might catch the attention of new readers! It can be brutal to be cut, but maybe a flurry of new prospective readers can soften the blow.
Thanks so much to all the authors for their submissions. I had an AMAZING time reading this year <3