Best and worst reads of 2014?

Smurfin

Over the last year I read a total of 22 books according to Goodreads; some of them were business/academic for my studies but I managed to get a few novels in.

My favourites were:

Gravity - Tess Gerristen

Absolutely thrilling, and didn't realise this was written so long ago until I saw references to the ill fated shuttle.  This one had me gripped from beginning to end, and considering this is her first foray into sci-fi (AFAIK), I was really impressed.

Prince of Thorns & King of Thorns - Mark Lawrence

Good protagonist and well written piece, if a little light on detail.  Really liked Jorg, and I like Lawrence's writing style.  The only thing that began to grate was the constant flashbacks, and this really began a problem for me in King of Thorns (but still a great book).

The worst read award (for me) goes to a book which has got so many glowing reviews...

The Martian - Andy Weir

Brilliant premise, shocking execution imho.  The guy knows his science but he doesn't understand people, and I'm amazed this ever got published.  So badly written, and lacking some fundemental basics around the human condition.  Weir, you lost me at "woohoo"....

The other one which I struggled with and still haven't finished is Emperor of Thorns.  The final part of Lawrence's trilogy should have had me champing at the bit for more Jorg, but I found it convoluted, the flashbacks finally got too much for me, and I really don't care about some of the other characters (Cella for example).

So that's my list....what were yours?

Smurfin

No-one else?  shame this forum is a bit dead

Steve N

Your Title could be a little confusing as it suggests books that came out in 2014?
I knew Gravity came out years ago and a quick check shows it's from 1999.

I assume you mean best and worst books read during the last year.

With that in mind I'll kick off with the Philip Kerr 'Bernie Gunther' novels. Just love them.

KyleS1

Currently the first 4 books in the 'Song of Fire and Ice' book set. Love them, and a really big fan of the show.
Equally enjoy reading the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. Think I am up to book nine, but only read last 5 in 2014.
I haven't read a bad book yet. I usually get recommendations, so often they are excellent.

Voucher

The best book I read during 2014 - I am Pilgrim.  Gripped me from beginning to end.  Well written and a great read.

KyleS1

Sounds good. Will add that the 50 books I've not managed to read on my Kindle. I'm building up quite a collection.

Voucher

I also have to agree with you about Emperor of Thorns, still have not finished it and I do not think I will.

DOBLY

The Martian is the best story I have read this year(2015) - not sure why you think it is badly written, Smufin?  I find it a real page turner, the format and story suit the geek writer and hero.  Very interested to see what the film will be like.

Smurfin

It's a great story, terribly told (imho).  The characters are terribly one dimensional, and the author really gives no consideration to the mental implications of the situation he finds himself in.  The mental stress of the situation alone would send most people crazy.  The author's characters are like cardboard cutouts.

Put his writing into a lesser idea, and no way would anyone publish it.  I have high hopes for the movie though, as I think it really is a great idea

DOBLY

I agree to differ - the (b)log style of writing suits the (mission) situation, plus the character traits of Mark Watney are those of an engineer/geek, mentally strong enough to be selected to go on a mission to Mars, IMHO.  Some of the other characters are a little flat, granted, but this isn't Thomas Hardy - there isn't room for that level of descriptive characterisation - it wouldn't fit with the writing format.

I have high hopes that the film will add a bit of depth to the support characters.  Mark Watney needs to be played in a way that conveys that he is there to do a job, but is still human (in his own unique way - he is clearly not most people), not to get all emotional and introspective at the drop of a hat - that just won't work for me.  His outlet is problem solving and (dark) humour, not "woe is me" hand-wringing.  

Something to look forward to.