Top 10 Reads of 2014

Hello my fellow bookworms the end of 2014 is upon us. I can’t believe it myself 2014 seems to have flown by but whether I believe it or not it is time to choose my top 10 reads of the year. After much thought here are my choices (ordered alphabetically by author):

1. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
A sweeping historic and romantic adventure in France which I could hardly put down. Film and TV adaptations had left me with high expectations fortunately the novel easily lived up to them.

2. The Sisters of Treason by Elizabeth Fremantle
A well written and fascinating look into the intrigues and lives of those living under the shadow of treason in the Tudor period. I would like to read more by Elizabeth Fremantle.

3. A Lifetime Burning by Linda Gillard
Another beautiful tale of the love, life, and death from an author rapidly becoming one of my favourites.

4. A Storm of Swords, Book 1 and 2 by George R R Martin
Another excellent epic fantasy adventure full of action, adventure, intrigue, love, war, lies, fighting, secrets, and shocks! I look forward to reading more of A Song of Ice and Fire series.

5. Queen of Hearts, Volume 1 and Volume 2 by Colleen Oakes
A clever and detailed reimagining of Wonderland through the eyes of Dinah the future Queen of Hearts. A new series and author for me. Roll on volume 3.

6. Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett
A wonderfully fun, colourful and thought provoking adventure from a beloved author.

7. The Gabriel Hounds by Mary Stewart
A wonderful romantic suspense in the exotic and beautiful setting of Lebanon; it was a perfect read for the start of Autumn.

8. Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
A delightful and eccentric adventure around the world in days gone by. I wasn’t sure about this before I started reading it but I was pleasantly surprised.

9. Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
A beautifully told memoir of a lonely and unusual childhood but with hints of hope and humour. I feared it would be a too depressing read but instead found it to be a well balanced read.

10. A Very British Murder by Lucy Worsley
An interesting and enjoyable non-fiction looking into the British obsession with a good murder mystery. As a fan of the murder mystery myself I found it all fascinating.

2014 has been another good reading year for me. I have finished fewer books but still plenty of enjoyable reads to try to trim down to just ten. It was difficult and yes I cheated a wee bit as two of my choices are actually two books; I thought it acceptable though as they continue the same story. I shouldn’t complain though it is a very good thing to have so many books to choose from.

What were your favourite reads of 2014?