Rachel's SFF Recommendations

current reading

Publications by date

1923
- Powder and Patch
  by Georgette Heyer.
  Harlequin 1923. (BibTeX entry)·
1926
- These Old Shades
  by Georgette Heyer.
  Harlequin 1926. (BibTeX entry)·
1932
- Devil's Cub
  by Georgette Heyer.
  Harlequin 1932. (BibTeX entry)·
  Sequel to These Old Shades
1934
- The Convenient Marriage
  by Georgette Heyer.
  Harlequin 1934. (BibTeX entry)·
1949
- Arabella
  by Georgette Heyer.
  Harlequin 1949. (BibTeX entry)·
1950
- The Grand Sophy
  by Georgette Heyer.
  Harlequin 1950. (BibTeX entry)·
1962
- The Nonesuch
  by Georgette Heyer.
  Harlequin 1962. (BibTeX entry)·
1965
- Frederica
  by Georgette Heyer.
  Harlequin 1965. (BibTeX entry)·
1967
- One Hundred Years of Solitude
  by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
  Harper Collins/Knopf 1967. (BibTeX entry)·
1979
- The Chronicles of Amber, Volume I
  by Roger Zelazny.
  Doubleday 1979. (BibTeX entry)·
  5 book set. There's a sequel but it is not as good.
1980
- The Snow Queen (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Joan D. Vinge.
  Questar 1980. (BibTeX entry)·
1984
- The Summer Tree
  by Guy Gavriel Kay.
  Onyx Books 1984,The Fionavar Tapestry, 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  The Fionavar Tapestry is good, but verydifferent from Kay's other work. I'd read Tigana or Sarantium first.
1985
- The House of the Spirits (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Isabel Allende.
  Knopf/Bantam 1985. (BibTeX entry)·
  Magical realism, fantasy's literary cousin. Compelling, translated from Spanish
1986
- In Conquest Born
  by C.S. Friedman.
  DAW 1986. (BibTeX entry)·
- The Wandering Fire
  by Guy Gavriel Kay.
  Onyx Books 1986,The Fionavar Tapestry, 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- The Darkest Road
  by Guy Gavriel Kay.
  Onyx Books 1986,The Fionavar Tapestry, 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
1987
- Of Love and Shadows
  by Isabel Allende.
  Knopf/Bantam 1987. (BibTeX entry)·
- Swordspoint
  by Ellen Kushner.
  Bantam Spectra 1987. (BibTeX entry)·
  Reminiscent of Georgette Heyer
- Falling Free
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 1987,The Vorkosigan Saga. (BibTeX entry)·
  Takes place 200 years before Miles
1988
- Eva Luna
  by Isabel Allende.
  Knopf/Bantam 1988. (BibTeX entry)·
- Zodiac: The Eco-Thriller
  by Neal Stephenson.
  Bantam 1988. (BibTeX entry)·
1989
- Magic's Pawn (amazon, excerpt) (Cached: amazon, excerpt)
  by Mercedes Lackey.
  DAW 1989,The Last Herald Mage 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  My personal favorites of the Valdemar books. Though I'm sure you'll want to read all of them :).
- Magic's Promise
  by Mercedes Lackey.
  DAW 1989,The Last Herald Mage 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
1990
- The Madness Season
  by C.S. Friedman.
  DAW 1990. (BibTeX entry)·
- Tigana (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Guy Gavriel Kay.
  New American Library 1990. (BibTeX entry)·
- Magic's Price
  by Mercedes Lackey.
  DAW 1990,The Last Herald Mage 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
1991
- Black Sun Rising (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by C.S. Friedman.
  DAW 1991,The Coldfire Trilogy 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  Read everything by C.S. Friedman, but start here. The fae in Coldfire is the best treatment of magic I've seen and the characters areunforgettable, especially G.T.
- The Summer Queen
  by Joan D. Vinge.
  Questar 1991,Sequel to The Snow Queen. (BibTeX entry)·
  I actually read this before the Snow Queen. I probably wouldn't recommend that. I adore them both though.
- By the Sword
  by Mercedes Lackey.
  DAW 1991,Heralds of Valdemar, standalone. (BibTeX entry)·
  Comes between Arrows of the Queen and Mage Winds
1992
- A Song for Arbonne
  by Guy Gavriel Kay.
  New American Library 1992. (BibTeX entry)·
- Snowcrash
  by Neal Stephenson.
  Bantam 1992. (BibTeX entry)·
- The Spirit Ring
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 1992. (BibTeX entry)·
- Fire in the Mist (HTML) (Cached: HTML)
  by Holly Lisle.
  Baen 1992,Arhel 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Lady of the Forest
  by Jennifer Roberson.
  Kensington 1992. (BibTeX entry)·
  Historical romance about Robin Hood and Maid Marian.
1993
- When True Night Falls
  by C.S. Friedman.
  DAW 1993,The Coldfire Trilogy 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Beggars in Spain
  by Nancy Kress.
  Avon/Eos 1993,Beggars Trilogy 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  Immensely thought provoking, especially for anyone who ever flirted with objectivism or anarchism. I haven't read the other books. I've ordered book 2 from amazon, I'll add it if I like it.
- A Fire Upon The Deep
  by Vernor Vinge.
  Tor 1993,2/2. (BibTeX entry)·
1995
- Assassin's Apprentice (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Robin Hobb.
  Bantam Spectra 1995,The Farseer Trilogy 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  First of nine extraordinary books (3 ordered trilogies) set in Ms. Hobb's amazing world.
- Crown of Shadows
  by C.S. Friedman.
  DAW 1995,The Coldfire Trilogy 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- The Lions of Al-Rassan
  by Guy Gavriel Kay.
  New American Library 1995. (BibTeX entry)·
- The Diamond Age
  by Neal Stephenson.
  Bantam 1995. (BibTeX entry)·
1996
- Royal Assassin
  by Robin Hobb.
  Bantam Spectra 1996,The Farseer Trilogy 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Luck in the Shadows
  by Lynn Flewelling.
  Bantam Spectra 1996,Nightrunner Series, 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  So much fun. Great characters. And she mightwrite more of them someday
- Cordelia's Honor (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 1996,The Vorkosigan Saga 1/n. (BibTeX entry)·
- Lady of the Glen
  by Jennifer Roberson.
  Kensington 1996. (BibTeX entry)·
  Historical romance about Scotland. Yummy and tragic at the same time.
1997
- Assassin's Quest
  by Robin Hobb.
  Bantam Spectra 1997,The Farseer Trilogy 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Stalking Darkness
  by Lynn Flewelling.
  Bantam Spectra 1997,Nightrunner Series, 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- A Game of Thrones (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by George R.R. Martin.
  Bantam Spectra 1997,A Song of Ice and Fire 1/n. (BibTeX entry)·
  Incomplete series. Probably the best one out there though.
- Archangel (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Sharon Shinn.
  Ace 1997,Samaria Trilogy, 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Jovah's Angel
  by Sharon Shinn.
  Ace 1997,Samaria Trilogy, 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Young Miles (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 1997,The Vorkosigan Saga 2/n. (BibTeX entry)·
  2nd omnibus: contains 'The Warrior's Apprentice', 'The Mountains of Mourning' and 'The Vor Game'
- Sabriel (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Garth Nix.
  Harpher Trophy 1997,Abhorsen Trilogy 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  Young Adult, but don't let that stop you.
1998
- Ship of Magic
  by Robin Hobb.
  Bantam Spectra 1998,The Liveship Traders 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  Best read after the Farseer Trilogy.
- This Alien Shore
  by C.S. Friedman.
  DAW 1998. (BibTeX entry)·
- Sailing To Sarantium (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Guy Gavriel Kay.
  Eos 1998,The Sarantine Mosaic, 1/2. (BibTeX entry)·
- Daughter of the Blood (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Anne Bishop.
  Roc 1998,The Black Jewels Trilogy 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  Not for the faint of stomach.
- Memory
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 1998,The Vorkosigan Saga 5/n. (BibTeX entry)·
- Komarr
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 1998,The Vorkosigan Saga 6/n. (BibTeX entry)·
- Vincalis the Agitator
  by Holly Lisle.
  Warner Aspect 1998,The Secret Texts 0/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  Prequel to the Secret Texts Trilogy. Holly doesn't seem to like amazon much, so I haven't put those links up for her stuff. I'll remedy if she contacts me. Like, if anyone decides to start reading this page.
- Diplomacy of Wolves
  by Holly Lisle.
  Warner Aspect 1998,The Secret Texts 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Vengeance of Dragons
  by Holly Lisle.
  Warner Aspect 1998,The Secret Texts 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Courage of Falcons
  by Holly Lisle.
  Warner Aspect 1998,The Secret Texts 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
1999
- The Mad Ship
  by Robin Hobb.
  Bantam Spectra 1999,The Liveship Traders 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Daughter of Fortune
  by Isabel Allende.
  Harper Collins 1999,1/2. (BibTeX entry)·
- Traitor's Moon
  by Lynn Flewelling.
  Bantam Spectra 1999,Nightrunner Series, 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- A Clash of Kings
  by George R.R. Martin.
  Bantam Spectra 1999,A Song of Ice and Fire 2/n. (BibTeX entry)·
- Heir to the Shadows
  by Anne Bishop.
  Roc 1999,The Black Jewels Trilogy 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- The Alleluia Files
  by Sharon Shinn.
  Ace 1999,Samaria Trilogy, 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- A Civil Campaign
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 1999,The Vorkosigan Saga 7/n. (BibTeX entry)·
- The Black Swan (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Mercedes Lackey.
  DAW 1999. (BibTeX entry)·
  I loved this. It's based on Swan Lake, and tells the story from the point of view of Odette. It's just beautiful.
2000
- Ship of Destiny
  by Robin Hobb.
  Bantam Spectra 2000,The Liveship Traders 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Portrait in Sepia
  by Isabel Allende.
  plaza and Janes, Editores 2000,2/2, Sequel to Daughter of Fortune. (BibTeX entry)·
- A Storm of Swords
  by George R.R. Martin.
  Bantam Spectra 2000,A Song of Ice and Fire 3/n. (BibTeX entry)·
- Lord of Emperors
  by Guy Gavriel Kay.
  Eos 2000,The Sarantine Mosaic, 2/2. (BibTeX entry)·
- Queen of the Darkness
  by Anne Bishop.
  Roc 2000,The Black Jewels Trilogy 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- The Invisible Ring
  by Anne Bishop.
  Roc 2000. (BibTeX entry)·
  Prequel to the Black Jewels Trilogy
- A Deepness in the Sky
  by Vernor Vinge.
  Tor 2000,1/2 (prequel). (BibTeX entry)·
2001
- The Bone Doll's Twin (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Lynn Flewelling.
  Bantam Spectra 2001,Tamir Trilogy, 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- The Pillars of the World
  by Anne Bishop.
  Roc 2001,The World of the Fae 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Miles, Mystery and Mayhem
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 2001,The Vorkosigan Saga 3/n. (BibTeX entry)·
  3rd omnibus: contains 'Cetaganda', 'Ethan of Athos' and 'Labyrinth'
- The Curse of Chalion
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Eos 2001. (BibTeX entry)·
- Kushiel's Dart
  by Jacqueline Carey.
  Tor 2001,1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Bitten
  by Kelley Armstrong.
  Viking/Plume Books 2001,1/n. (BibTeX entry)·
  You might think werewolves would be uninteresting, but you would be wrong.
2002
- Fool's Errand
  by Robin Hobb.
  Bantam Spectra 2002,The Tawny Man 1/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  Best read after the Farseer Trilogy and the Liveship Traders. Slow beginning but worth it to keep reading.
- Shadows and Light
  by Anne Bishop.
  Roc 2002,The World of the Fae 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Miles Errant
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 2002,The Vorkosigan Saga 4/n. (BibTeX entry)·
  4th omnibus: contains 'Borders of Infinity', 'Brothers in Arms' and 'Mirror Dance'
- Diplomatic Immunity
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  Baen 2002,The Vorkosigan Saga 8/n. (BibTeX entry)·
- Lirael (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Garth Nix.
  Harpher Trophy 2002,Abhorsen Trilogy 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
  My favorite of the trilogy.
- Kushiel's Chosen
  by Jacqueline Carey.
  Tor 2002,2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Stolen
  by Kelley Armstrong.
  Viking/Plume Books 2002,2/n. (BibTeX entry)·
2003
- Golden Fool
  by Robin Hobb.
  Bantam Spectra 2003,The Tawny Man 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Fool's Fate (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Robin Hobb.
  Bantam Spectra 2003,The Tawny Man 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Hidden Warrior
  by Lynn Flewelling.
  Bantam Spectra 2003,Tamir Trilogy, 2/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- The House of Gaian
  by Anne Bishop.
  Roc 2003,The World of the Fae 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
- Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom (amazon, HTML, PDF, TXT) (Cached: amazon, HTML, PDF, TXT)
  by Cory Doctorow.
  Tor 2003. (BibTeX entry)·
  The best cyberpunk I've read in a very long time.
- Abhorsen (amazon) (Cached: amazon)
  by Garth Nix.
  Harpher Trophy 2003,Abhorsen Trilogy 3/3. (BibTeX entry)·
2004
- Winterfair Gifts
  by Lois McMaster Bujold.
  In Irristible Forces, 2004. (BibTeX entry)·
  novela in the Vorkosigan Saga. Takes place between'A Civil Campaign' and 'Diplomatic Immunity'
- Dime Store Magic
  by Kelley Armstrong.
  Bantam Spectra 2004,3/n. (BibTeX entry)·
  Wherein we switch viewpoint characters to Paige and Elena plays no role in the story. Still worth reading though, especially because the followup ensemble story is so good.
- Industrial Magic
  by Kelley Armstrong.
  Bantam Spectra 2004,4/n. (BibTeX entry)·

Please send new or corrected BibTeX entries to <greenie@eecs.harvard.edut>.

I decided to add amazon links. You can use them if they're helpful. I figured if people wanted to use them I might as well get some commission so I joined the associates program.