Matt Adcock's Top 5 Books 2024

By Matt Adcock (X @cleric20, Bluesky @cleric20.bsky.social)

Page Turners

Pat Mills

Mills is a big believer in Muses – and the way he explains the way they work, prompt and interact with writers and creators, I think I’m in agreement (and will be actively courting mine!)…

There is so much good stuff here, from actual scripts reproduced with his notes and the thinking process behind them, through to how to best submit your written work and to who.

My review and interview with Pat: PAGE TURNERS

Scarred

Jon Richter

‘The sword laughed as it slid into his belly, its blade strangely cold, as though he had impaled himself on an icicle. He closed his eyes as he felt his stomach open, blood and bile and the vitriol of years suddenly dispersed, like the opening of some monstrous release valve…’

You are not ready for this.

Forget your standard Fantasy novels – old master Richter who has delivered superb, crime, horror and cyberpunk books, now rewrites the rules, subverts and expands the fantasy genre. And he does it in fine style!

My review: SCARRED

Starfolk Rising

Martha Dunlop

Starfolk Rising, the concluding chapter of the trilogy, takes all the threads of the previous books and weaves them into a grand tapestry of resolution, revelation, and transformation. This novel is not only about the love but also the cosmic forces that have shaped destinies. As the story reaches its climax, Dunlop takes readers on a journey that is both epic in scale and deeply personal.

Read my review here: STARFOLK RISING

Conditions are Different After Dark

Owen W Knight

Come to the country they said. It will be peaceful and good for the soul. It's definitely not going to end up in a folk horror scenario either... Or will it!?

Conditions are Different After Dark is the new thriller from Owen W Knight (he of the excellent Another Life and The Visitors novels). And I'm delighted to say that Conditions is his best yet!!

My review here: CONDITIONS ARE DIFF AFTER DARK

Reawakening

Alethea Lyons

The stories range from the unsettlingly creepy to the fantastically strange, starting strong with "The Cleansing," where a blood moon illuminates York’s ancient streets, revealing hidden supernatural threats. Lyons effortlessly weaves mythological creatures, religious figures, and urban legends into a dark and compelling narrative. Her vivid descriptions make the haunting streets of York feel as tangible as the shadows lurking in its corners.

My review here: REAWAKENING

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