So its been a year. Books may be the answer though…a shock I may say such a thing but its true. Prepare oveer the next three days for my sic stockings of book temptings to help you find presents for loved ones or even treats for yourselves. What follows aren;t my favourite books of the year - I still have nearly three weeks to change my mind and I usually do!

First up like a fine canape can i introduce you into soem tasty novellas that caught my eyes?

Triggernometry by Stark Holborn - Not just mathematicians as gunslingers but a smart tale looking at lands were experts are now felt to be bad for the country. We all know how well that goes.

Dragon Physician by Joyce Chng - A wonderful tale of rebellions, taming dragons and trans rights mixed together in an enchanting tale that I wish other a certain other YA author could learn to emulate.

Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders by Aliette de Bodard - murder husbands, fallen angels, honeymoons and of course dragons. That should be book tempting enough but lets throw in intelligent worldbuilding, politics and even some tender romance…ish.

Moon-Sitting by E M Harding - one of the impressive self published SF tales I read this year a strange moon has sat in the ocean for many years and finally things start to happen. In turn enigmatic, gut-wrenching and surprising. Well worth a peek.

The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P Djeli Clark - come to an alternate universe where evil spirits, bureaucracy and feminism combine into an intoxicating mystery. I suspect this author is going to become very famous next year.

The Flame and The Flood by Shona Kinsella - a fascinating tale of non binary aliens in a fantasy world - slavery, rebellion and heartache. A tale that stretches the imagination in a good way.

Orfeia by Joanne M Harris Illustrated by Bonnie Helen Hawkins - a grieving mother seeks her daughter i the land of the dead. A surprisingly modern tale that captures the feel of Labyrinth as fae plays tricks on our heroine.

Sweet Harmony by Claire North - a scary tale of beauty created by nanites that gets evilly exploited by capitalism. No winners at all but some brilliant commentary on our society and where it could be heading.

Wild Time by Rose Biggin and Keir Cooper - A Midsummer Night’s Dream gets a long overdue remake but this time with a fae focus; consent issues handled and I think just far more sensual than Old Will’s text. A delight to read.

Roth-Steyr by Simon Bestwick - a trip through the last century with an immortal battling others of her kind and high prices to be paid. Strange and sombre but very memorable.

Next Up - Thrillers!