In the Courts of the Sun
Brian D’amato
By far the best book I’ve read in months, D’amato creates a fantastic near-future and recreates the lost Maya civilizations. As 2012 nears, the end of the Maya calendar, a large-scale disaster strikes. The disaster, followed by the end of civilization, are both predicted in a Maya codex. Jed DeLanda, a Maya descendant and expert in the future-fortelling Game, becomes involved with a conglomeration of groups interested in stopping the end-time. In short order, DeLanda finds the rich and powerful powers-that-be have the ability to send a copy of his mind back in time, with the hope that he can find out what the final disaster is and avert...
Nation
Terry Pratchett
Yes, the new Pratchett is very different. For one thing, it is a great deal more serious* than many of his past books. It also takes place (kind of) in our world, rather than the disc world. Still, it is a very good story and told well. With his usual gimlet eye Pratchett takes on colonialism and white superiority. Go into it expecting an exciting and imaginative tale, but not your standard Pratchett fare.
* for Pratchett
The Graveyard Book
Neil Gaiman
It’s Neil, ’nuff said. No? OK, a sweet, funny and often sad book about a baby named Nobody who grows up in a graveyard, raised by the kindly dead. Beautiful and otherworldly as only Gaiman can write.
Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere
Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere – Mike Carey and Glenn Fabry
This Neil Gaiman approved graphic novel of Neverwhere was excellent. Slight variations in the story line and an occasional missing character don’t affect the overall story arc. The novel has gorgeous art and the depictions of Door, de Carabas and Hunter are particularly good. Any fan of the original book will enjoy this, though I’d recommend neophytes read the book first if you are not familiar with the story.
Evil Genius
Evil Genius – Catherine Jinks
Where do you go to school if you are a genius and your father is an evil genius? Why, the evil genius academy, of course. Learn the fine arts of lying, stealing, poisons, hacking, disguise and other deeply useful skills. The only drawbacks? The matriculation rate is nothing to write home about and leaving really isn’t an option. Surprisingly gritty, intense themes for a supposed kids book.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
The Mysterious Benedict Society – Trenton Lee Stewart
An ad in the paper looking for exceptional children lures orphan Reynie Muldoon into a strange shadow conspiracy. With a band of other brilliant and bizarre children, they must overthrow an evil mastermind. Inventive and fast-moving, though personally I think a few fires would have solved a lot of problems for them.