As the Covid-19 lockdown continues, some of us are using the time to make a dent in the To Be Read pile.

We asked our audience to send us their reviews of books they picked up at or after #Cymera19. We had a great response, which just proves that SFFH audiences are THE BEST.

Check out all the reviews below - you may just find you next favourite read.

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

Published May 2018 by HarperVoyager

Review by Caitlin Lamont

I picked it up because ....

I had heard of the book out and about in the book community before but hearing the author talk about her research and her own educational background in relation to the book really intrigued me to see how that would translate into the fantasy setting.            

I love it because …

The Poppy War is a fantasy book unlike any I have read before. I was intrigued to see the main character in a military school setting but what I was unprepared for was the greater scope of war the book would expand into. Seeing the main character Rin transition from a young girl to a knowledgeable solider hardened by battle was fascinating to see. The research and history Kuang has sewn into the novel makes it all that richer explore, even if it is sometimes incredibly harrowing to experience (even more so for the characters!).

Review by Lucrezia

I picked it up because ....

I had heard about it, and I was very curious to read a high fantasy inspired by true events. Then I saw Rebecca talk about it, and I was mesmerized. I had to read it right away. 

I love it because …

This book is raw. A military high fantasy, this is a story about war, and it does not shy away from the gory details. The novel features main character Rin, who is ready to sacrifice everything she has to achieve her goals. Her determination is simultaneously her blessing and her downfall. It also features morally grey characters, and will test the reader’s own moral sphere. I could not put this book down, and I grew attached to Rin, even though at times she was frustrating. A must read for anyone interested in an amazing magic system with accurate historical references.

The sequel The Dragon Republic is also available.

You can still watch the #Cymera19 event on our Facebook.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Published February 2019 by Bloomsbury

Review by The Caffeinated Reader

I picked it up because ....

I had preordered it, but, I hadn't read it until after I heard Samantha Shannon speak at Cymera! She was brilliant and I knew I needed to read Priory ASAP.            

I love it because …

Shannon gives us this incredible world with an intricate history and magic system. This is everything I wanted from a fantasy novel and what I wish ‘Game Of Thrones’ had been more like if I’m honest.

Ead was hands down my favorite character but I loved them all!

I loved the different lands and rulers, the facets with the different beliefs especially on their dragon views and the concept and execution of the dragons and the Eastern and Western differences in them.

The Sapphic love story was flawless, the backgrounds for each character well thought out and their development astounding.

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Published February 2019 by Titan Books

Review by Mrs B, librarian

I picked it up because ....

I am a fan of alt history titles and this one had zombies!

I love it because …

You know you are in for a great read when after only one page you can't imagine NOT knowing the main character. That's how you feel after meeting Jane McKeene. We first meet her at school learning how to wield a scythe to protect rich white folks from the undead. You see the U.S. Civil war has ended with all sides losing die at the battle of Gettysburg those dead well they just wouldn't stay dead. This book has a sprinkle of just about everything in it... Horror, romance, adventure, history and some smart talking tough female cookies who could give HicksVille and Katniss a run for their money. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a rich story told well.

The sequel Deathless Divide is also available.

HellCorp by Jonathan Whitelaw

Published in July 2018 by Urbane Publications

Review by Valeriya

I picked it up because ....

I attended the talk during the Cymera festival, and really enjoyed the thought that was put into writing the book. Jonathan talked about his inspirations and other anecdotes, it was impossible not to buy it! I still have the signed copy on my shelf and cannot wait to read it again.

I love it because …

Being a big fan of dark humour, fantasy and sci-fi, I really enjoyed reading this book. I have particularly favoured stories that involve religious and society satires. The idea of the Devil wanting a holiday after a lifetime of service (don't we all!) is brilliant. The book has a lot of humour and illustrates lots of good points like a partnership between the religious deity and a mortal with a scientific mindset. Throughout the story, you even sympathise with and cheer on the Devil. He is one hell of a character!

The sequel The Man in the Dark is also available.

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

Published February 2018 by Gollancz

Review by Fleur Dijkman

I picked it up because ....

I went to Dhonielle's panel at Cymera19 where her description of The Belles sounded intriguing.

I love it because …

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton focuses on the upper echelons of a society where beauty is key and Camellia, a “belle”, has the power to make people beautiful. Clayton raises questions about the commodification of women, how society views race and the influence of power in a way that is sophisticated but accessible. She highlights the importance of kinship which is relevant now more than ever. Her world-building and colourful style of writing is unique, luring you into Orleans court’s mysteries. I’d recommend this for fans of Scott Westerfield’s Uglies and Amy Ewing’s The Jewel.

The sequel The Everlasting Rose is also available.

Age of Assassins by RJ Barker

Published August 2017 by Orbit

Review by Greg

I picked it up because ...

I liked the title - sucker for anything that mentions 'assassin', and the cover drew me in: Hooded figure, 'Assassin' mentioned THREE times... what could possibly go wrong and be not to like?!

I love it because …

We are introduced to Girton & his master who enter a murky world of kings, queens and aspiring rulers. An intriguing plot that Girton must unravel while dealing with the pressures of being both a training assassin AND young boy growing up. He makes friends & enemies, falls in love and discovers things about himself that help him in his journey.

With an interesting take on the whole magic/assassin thing, the book makes use of great scenes and characters to develop a believable world for the reader. Basing the assassins skills on gymnastics is great, and helps develop good fight scenes.

Age of Assassins is the first in a trilogy, and the final part, King of Assassins, was published in August 2018.

RJ’s latest book The Bone Ships was published in September 2019.