The Best Books of 2024 (so far)

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[@merphynapierreviews]

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[@evanflynn4680]

I can't wait for your Changes review. I'll bet it either jumps to the top of your best book list, or you'll throw it at the wall screaming, "How dare you do this to me, Jim Butcher!" Or maybe you'll do both. I think I've done this before, but I highly recommend that you listen to the audiobooks for the rest of the series. I get it, lots of readers prefer to actually read the books, but Marsters does such a good job that the fandom sees his performance as making a great series even better. He fleshes out the characters to the point that whenever I reread one of the books, I hear his voice for Dresden in my head.

[@Jothsaa]

Definitely agree about the audiobooks! Marsters is amazing!

[@telynns8490]

I got my brother started on this series. He actually called and cussed me out after he finished Changes.

[@notednuance]

I agree about Marsters, really does a great job. I tend to read the book first then audiobooks for when the urge to re-read strikes, but if you only have time for one I would second the recommendation to check the audio books out.

[@lanmandragoran8337]

@@notednuance 1 note about Marsters, I feel like he forgot some voices around that last book, or his voice changed somehow. All the sudden a few characters sounded wrong.

[@43ichigo]

Your enthusiasm is as infectious as ever. I'll be picking up Borne shortly

[@caseymcconville1328]

I absolutely adored Chess Story. I read it late last year and I really want to read it again because I ripped through it so fast that I know I missed things. Thank you for bringing Letters of An Unknown Woman to my attention, it sounds terrible… sign me up😂

[@caseymcconville1328]

Also, I just finished the third Dresden book thanks to you, and oh my god I love that series so much already

[@ktoyfl]

Great to see you discovering Stefan Zweig!

[@lathspell87]

So fun that you're reading Changes in June! As one with a June birthday, it was such a gift to see you finally start the Dresden Files, last year. To get to then see your reaction to Changes for my next birthday? Perfect!

[@BookishVicky]

Chess Story was my favorite read in May! I was surprised by how hard it hit me. I definitely want to read more from the author. I was also pleasantly surprised by 'Grayson' by Lynne Cox, which I picked on a whim on a second-hand store, and tells about the author's encounter with a baby gray whale, and it was super heartwarming.

[@GrandSol]

We share 2 on our lists! 1. The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez 2. Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee 3. Borne by Jeff VanderMeer 4. The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie 5. House of Open Wounds by Adrian Tchaikovsky

[@AnnieRNreads-zi3ug]

I love that youre loving Dresden Files! ❤️

[@rue1629]

House of Open Wounds was my number one this year until a couple of weeks ago when Hyperion might have just nudged it off the top spot! It's so, so good though and it's great to see it getting the attention it deserves here!

[@thefantasynerd93]

You've convinced me to pick up Vandermeer this year ❤the Borne books all sound amazing My favourites so far this year (that haven't been rereads) are Tamsin by Peter S. Beagle, Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett and Stalking Darkness by Lynn Flewelling + the entire Expanse series by James S.A. Corey

[@Marshmallso]

mine would be something like : 1 - the fifth season - n.k. jemisin 2 - This is How You Lose the Time War - Amal El-Mohtar 3 - exit strategy - martha wells 4 - Peter pan - simon rousseau (probably shouldn't have liked it, but somehow really did?) 5 - Socrates in love - Kyōichi Katayama

[@cherylmccutchan1282]

I read Annihilation after your gushing review earlier this year and couldn't stop reading until I'd finished Acceptance. I absolutely adored the strange and surreal nature of Area X so I will definitely be picking up Borne soon.

[@LarinaValarin]

Since Stefan Zweig made it on here twice, I think you should really give Fouche a try. I rad it many many years ago and I still think about it sometimes. I would love to get your take on that one!

[@destro6971]

Oh neat, was actually able to get Changes from Libby to reread before your review drops. It’s usually a decent wait 😂

[@tylermccrea9371]

Demon in White by quite a bit

[@brunoprilip35]

Hello. You're doing a great job! Weeks ago I watched one of your videos out of curiosity. The way you talk about books is contagious. Now I find myself enjoying reading, just for fun. Thanks and keep up the good work. Cheers from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@charleysmith5849]

Ahh, it's so cool to see Borne on here! I actually was given this book by a university professor - i was studying "posthumanism" in literature and we had some fascinating discussions about what defines a human in regards to this book!

[@maddiepittman6861]

I love Borne so much!!! I picked it up on a whim a little over a month ago and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. I am suddenly seeing a lot of people talking about it and that makes me so happy! It is definitely a new favorite of mine. I am glad to see someone who loves it as much as I do!!

[@RonnyLive19881]

I read The Long Walk by Richard Bachman last week wanting to read some of King’s earlier work and was floored. The premise was so grueling. I got so into each character individually and felt for them as each kid got weaker as the walk went on. I loved it, best book I’ve read this year so far.

[@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels]

I can't say I'm surprised with your picks after seeing those vlogs you gushed about all of these in. I haven't read Borne or the Zweig novels (which both sound really fascinating) but the others I have and they're definitely bangers, no arguments from me. If these are your best for 2024 so far, you're having a good 2024 :)

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

I definitely will be reading the two translated books.

[@JaxStravig]

I am more excited for your spoiler review of Changes than i have been for anything in a long time. In the process of my 6th listen to the series and just fonished Changes tonight .I will second the opinion that the audiobooks are outstanding. They are my favorite piece of creativity, art, non science human creation of all time. James Marsters is PERFECT

[@nikosbookreviews]

I'm definitely excited to read more Vendermeer! Hoping to read the rest if Southern Reach first, but Borne does sound wild

[@rachel_v_k]

Hi, Merphy! Thank you for the recommendations. 🤗❤️💖💜🙏

[@benja6902]

I just added 'Chess Story' to my Cart - that and 'Letter from an Unknown Woman' sound very intriguing. I haven't read 'Borne,' but I have the 'Ambergris' trilogy on my bookshelf and I look forward to exploring the mushroom-centric fantasy world soon.

[@jamiebbooks]

I'll have to look for that other Zweig book. I liked Chess Story, and the other one you talked about here reminds me a lot of Enduring Love, by Ian McEwan, which I enjoyed. I am not sure what I think of the Area X series. I read book 4 as an arc, and may revisit the first 3 books to see if they click with me this time. I loved the psychic alien moss but most of the rest of those books didn't do much for me in my first read-through. My sister LOVES VanDermeer's books though, which is why I have Borne on my tbr this year, too.

[@booksandtropes]

Small favor is one of my favorite Dresden Files books!!! so happy to see it make this list :)

[@e.matthews]

Not me cackling as you describe Borne 🤣 It's so weird, but I love it, and Rachel is a fantastic character. I hope you've heard that Borne is in production for a show, and that Vandermeer is releasing a 4th Southern Reach book! Also, as a fellow fan, I can't recommend Ambergris enough. The man is a genius.

[@jeffeffrey5671]

I absolutely loved Annihilation when I read it a couple of years ago, and I ended up picking up the rest of the series as well as Borne. I'm excited to get to them when I have the time.

[@patrickgrant910]

Thanks for the reccomendations! God I love Jeff Vandermeer's writing in the southern reach series. The introspection. The acid trip that is the whole series. Will def have to check out Borne. as for the Book with chess as a theme, I would reccomend the books Satori and Shibumi, written by different authors. These are a story about an international assassin who is raised by a GO master in Japan. incredibly interesting books that explore the game GO as a mindset, rather than a game. It explores cultural crossovers of east and west. And it explores baddassery in a james bond-esque type thriller

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

So many books and so little time. Best wishes with what you choose to read. I hope you get some great stories.

[@Coleton2573]

The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez Freedom of the Mask by Robert McCammon Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer Deadhouse Gates by Steven Erikson Pet Semetary Stephen King

[@c.cfellton3105]

I too read books digitally to save space and moneyyyy.....that's just the reality

[@Mark-iv6yg]

Borne was a somewhat wild and often touching way to ask, what does it mean to be human? or sentient? or just aware?… I think Vandermeer’s bio-chemical soup of a future is much more likely then the usual robot apocalypse, makes for fascinating questions about who we are and why we are and even when we are… fun stuff So happy you’re enjoying his books, hope the positive feedback brings more people to Vandermeer, his books are equally full of ideas and heart

[@readingwarlock]

I saw Borne and I legit screamed lol I’m taking this as a sign to reread it

[@Neko123Uchiha]

My list so far would be: 1. The Distant Dead - Heather Young 2. Silo Trilogy - Hugh Howey (yeah, it's three books xD) 3. Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo-Reum 4. The Memory Police - Yōko Ogawa 5. Der Buchspazierer - Carsten Henn

[@MetalGildarts]

Borne and that Adrian Ch. book sounds interesting. I have to know what you think of Changes. I need revisit Dresden Files soon...

[@tunesmelodia]

We love these videos too! :)

[@dog-earedpages1017]

My top 5: 1. The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler 2. House of Open Wounds by Adrian Tchaikovsky 3. Lost Gods by Brom 4. The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler 5. The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

[@JayGTheAwkwardBookworm]

I need to read Borne it appears 👀

[@nazimelmardi]

We welcome you here, in Budapest, Hungary, Merphy… if not else you can test Babel on Hungarian. Not many language can give you a challenge like ours. 😂 When they made Dune Part One and Two they experienced it. As for Dresden… prepare yourself for Changes…. It will be a gut punch. 👏 For the year so far: Sun Eater wins.

[@Montie-Adkins]

I'm gonna cheat a little: A Short Stay In Hell The Sword Defiant and The Sword Unbound Southern Reach Frankenstein Perdido Street Station Roughly in that order. I could easily put Southern Reach higher, but A Short Stay In Hell is a mind blower. Sorry to repeat myself but, Borne next week!

[@dianaayt]

The more i hear you talk about books recently and the way your reading preferences has changed a bit like it has changed before i trully believe if you continued the fitz books they would be some of your favorites. I finished book 4, tawny man 1 this last month and so many reviees talk about how they mever wanted to read the series again bc of him, bc of the writting style because of x,y,z, and that only from that book they gave it 5 stars and are so invested again. Idk if you know but after book 3, which is the one you havent read, 15 years pass! Fitz is not a stupid boy anymore. He is mature. And his relationship with the fool is one of the best ever written which, knowing how you love friendships, i know that youll love. And the themes of these book, of finding a family, of being a parent or a comfort figure to kids that dont have that, of being there for those who need it in the way they need it and even how sometimes that leads to betraying. When children are looking for their place in the world, some people will take advantage of that. The way i know you would love each of these relationship details. The way tou would love the dragons from the 3rd book. I remember you were debating on reading some fitz books you needed to read in order to read another series but i trully hink if you read book 3 for context (where u will love the fool and hate the bad guy like you never hated anyone) and then give tawny man a chance, you will see how much all characters grow in these 15 years and i know you would love it. And then it wouldnt feel like a chore going through the books about him that you need 😂

[@mecahhannah]

Awesome as always thanks ❤

[@1970actionroger]

FYI - Predator: The South China Sea Book by Jeff VanderMeer; just learned about this book ; is a 2008 novel written by Jeff VanderMeer and published by DH Press.

[@DefinitelyNotAnUndercoverCop]

I decided to read the southern reach series because of how much you gushed about it and I love everything until they do the flashbacks I know they're important but I'm just like get back to exploring area x! lol Currently reading Authority and will probably pick up Borne when I finish the series but based on your description and what I've read so far VanderMeer is a bit of an environmentalist lol

[@ralphholder6541]

Ok this is driving me nuts!! Where can I find a chess story in English I've been on books Libby and my library they either don't have or its not in English!!!

[@noname3609]

1.John Gwynne's all books!!! 2.The Secret Projects by Sanderson 3.Some Wheel of Time 4.Wise Man's Fear 5.Greenbone saga 1 and 2 which im reading atm😀

[@Montie-Adkins]

Well, at least you probably won’t have to wait as long as the rest of us have for book 3.

[@noname3609]

@@Montie-Adkins You mean Rothfuss? Sure. 🙏 Amazing series.Loved book 2 even more than the first one!

[@Montie-Adkins]

Wise Man’s Man Fear was one a few books where I blew off the entire day and read it morning, noon, and night to read it all in a day. Just too good.

[@noname3609]

@@Montie-Adkins My 3rd favourite book this year after A time of Courage and Wrath by John Gwynne!

[@Montie-Adkins]

I’ve seen his books but have not read any.

[@shelliingle571]

Hi Merphy, I don't know you will put this book recommendation on your book channel or Manga channel. There's a Light novel series and a webcomic adaptation of this series. The book series called "The Beginning After the End". I has been reading the webcomic. It is really good. Probably you will enjoy it, because it's like The Cradle series and "The Lies of Locke Lamora". I know your taste of books. 🙂

[@gryftkin]

You ready for Absolution to drop in October? 😉

[@TomOrange]

I am starting Letter from an unknown woman today!

[@procurement3681]

I'm enjoying House of Open Wounds, but it's kind of hard to get into without some sort of over-arching plot for me to get invested in. Good book though.

[@mitch8948]

I am also going to also use Babbel to learn Spanish so that I can reread All the Pretty Horses and understand the soul of both man and horse. Because to know one is to know the other.

[@slow5089]

Okay let's see: 1) Leviathan Falls 2) The Light of All That Falls 3) Golden Son 4) And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer 5) Side Jobs/Brief Cases So far you haven't missed with your recommendations that I've picked up, so I'm looking forward to reading Southern reach

[@ralphholder6541]

I'd started born but I stopped for a while and returned it to the Library

[@Jibkopatha]

you should visit Buenos Aires :)

[@keravnos2231]

House of open wounds, currently the top contender for me as best book of 2024

[@billedupspleen]

Boys Life by Robert Mccammon and Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

[@barrow_3490]

Considering the house of wounds, starting with the first book. the others don't really seem taste.

[@litlbucky]

My favorite series of 2024 (so far) has been The Thursday Murder Club

[@salmamohd6025]

Mine is Mother of learning by nobody 103

[@Gronmin]

Is the pacifism in house of wounds, something to the affect of magic that magic that undoes or kills the person if they go back to violence? If so that sounds kinda interesting although could go wrong very easily cause that sounds.

[@Jaiden-LeePadayachee]

Hi. I wanted to know if you read the Heroes of Olympus yet?

[@rhyleygrant5660]

Havent finish it yet but of war and ruin by ryan cahill

[@BrebearMckae]

💕💕

[@rachelspencer9456]

🧡📚🧡📚🧡📚🧡

[@snehapradhan5591]

❤

[@SatchwellSavitts]

Unrelated but this girl is pretty. I wish I had a girl like this as my wife.

[@dhanajeyan7883]

Top 30 Must Watch Anime Series: 1. Attack on Titan 2. Death Note 3. Kaiji 4. Black Lagoon 5. Gurren Lagann 6. Hunter × Hunter 7. Hajime no Ippo 8. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 9. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood 10. Parasyte the Maxim 11. Code Geass 12. Cowboy Bebop 13. Samurai Champloo 14. One Outs 15. Claymore 16. Trigun 17. Dororo 18. Neon Genesis Evangelion 19. Vinland Saga (Season 1) 20. Mob Psycho 100 21. One Punch Man (Season 1) 22. Death Parade 23. Devilman Crybaby 24. Hellsing Ultimate 25. Highschool of the Dead 26. Afro samurai 27. Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt 28. Cyberpunk Edgerunners 29. Dorohedoro 30. Btooom

[@rlopez9044]

Block me .. but she is so crazy attractive !! 😍 and cool ! 🫣