For those of you who are looking for a new book, I have some recommendations whether you’re interested in sci-fi, fantasy, or historical nonfiction.

First, I’ll start with The Wager by David Grann, a historical account of an expedition gone wrong. The book takes place in 1740, where Spain and Great Britain are at war, while trying to explore the New World. The voyage from Britain to the New World takes several years to complete, and you follow the crew of the British Man of War aptly called The Wager. This is a book about disaster, mutiny, and shipwreck. In this sea-faring adventure, learn what it means to be a sailor. Old, young, tall, short, disabled, and healthy all can be found aboard The Wager. The reason I like this book is because of how it’s told. It illuminates the past, showing that the sea isn’t meant to be safely traversed, it is the realm of disease, storms, and dead men.

The next book is Columbus Day from the Expeditionary Force series by Craig Alanson. In this novel, Earth is thrust into a galactic battle, and it all starts when “hamsters” rain from the sky. Humanity must battle for its survival and with the help of “lizardmen,” they exact their revenge, only for them to find out all is not as it seems; after all, the enemy of my enemy is also my enemy. With no clear answer for how humanity can survive, they must put all of their trust and hope in one thing: a beer can. I love this book because of Joe’s interactions with Skippy (the magnificent) and how they wiggle their way out of each problem. It’s truly a gem. 

Perhaps one of my favorite books is Elantris by Brandon Sanderson. This is a story that takes place in a world where the Elantrians were worshiped as gods, and anyone could become one. However, 10 years ago, a devastating event split the land and caused the gods to stumble. But now those who become Elantrian turn into wretches confined to Elantris, the grandest city of the world, which is now an eternal prison. The story follows a prince trying to rebuild society, a princess desperately trying to save a kingdom, and a priest with a crisis of faith.

The final book to make my list is The Way of Kings from the Stormlight Archives, coincidentally also a Brandon Sanderson book. This high fantasy book takes place in a world of war, rich with its own cultures, religions, and storms. Throughout this book, you will meet many important characters such as: Dalinar, Taravangian, Jhasna, Hoid (the king’s wit), Kaladin, Shalan, Adolin, Sadius, and Zeth. This is a lot of characters, and I still didn’t mention spren, singers, vessels, or heralds. If you don’t think you are able to track this many characters at once, then this might not be for you, but if you are, you’ll love it. This is a book with a story to tell (the one about the dog and the dragon) and immaculate world building. It will take you through time, from the days of Nohadon to the final desolation. 

Those of you who managed to make it through, know that I plan to make more of these so if you didn’t find anything you liked then perhaps next time you will. I have a few ideas of what I’ll put up next.