Best Books of 2015

The books I rated highest from my 2015 reading.

1

Equal Rites

by Terry Pratchett

One of the best early Pratchett novels. The first appearance of Granny Weatherwax is perfect.

A
2

City of Stairs

by Robert Jackson Bennett

Robert Jackson Bennett's best. The archaeology of dead gods as a mystery framework is inspired.

A
3

The Chaplain's War

by Brad R. Torgersen

The most underrated military sci-fi of the decade. The chaplain's perspective elevates the whole genre.

A-
4

The Long Goodbye

by Raymond Chandler

Chandler's masterwork. Marlowe's farewell to a friend across two hundred pages is genuinely moving.

A-
5

The Aeronaut's Windlass

by Jim Butcher

Butcher's steampunk is pure fun. The cats are the best characters and everyone knows it.

A-
6

Son of the Black Sword

by Larry Correia

Correia's epic fantasy world is one of the most inventive settings he has built. A great start.

A-
7

The Autumn Republic

by Brian McClellan

The Powder Mage trilogy ends well. McClellan sticks the landing in all the ways that matter.

B+
8

Age of Iron

by Angus Watson

A. J. Smith's historical fantasy is brutally compelling. The siege warfare feels real.

B+
9

The Hound of the Baskervilles

by Arthur Conan Doyle

The best Sherlock Holmes novel. The moor setting creates atmosphere the short stories cannot match.

B+
10

The Mechanical

by Ian Tregillis

Ian Tregillis builds a fascinating alternate history. The Clakker protagonist is the highlight.

B+