The year is almost over and I am once again listing the best books I read this year. Not, mind, the best books that came out this year but the best of the 61 books I’ve read this year. The complete list of the books I’ve read this year is here. Though most of this year’s reads did indeed come out this year.

1) Stories of the Raksura by Martha Wells

Stories of the Raksura is a collection of two novellas set in the same world as the previous three novels (The Serpent Sea, The Siren Depths, The Cloud Roads). It’s been less than two months since I first got it (it came out on October 7 2014. I didn’t get that day, sadly.) but I’ve read and reread both stories a few times since.  I really, truly love this world. It’s delightful, fast-paced and really, really good.

2) Ancillary Justice by  Ann Leckie

Ancillary Justice deserved its Hugo. I haven’t reread this at all – I probably will sometime in the future – but it’s wonderful. Confusing for some people, but still really good. I love the main character. Her gender confusion is amusing. But the end is a little odd.

3) Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett

Color of Magic somehow makes a completely ridiculous concept work. It’s amazing. Really amazing.

4) Point of Dreams by Lisa Barnett and Melissa Scott

Point of Dreams is a charming book, where astrology has real meaning and includes a good mystery. Fantasy and mystery, along with a bit of romance. Nothing too explicit, though. Murder, ghosts and astrology! I love this whole series. I love this series. It’s good enough that I’ve reread bits and pieces of this book several times.