Best Books of 2021

The books I rated highest from my 2021 reading.

1

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

by J.K. Rowling

Better than I remembered. The craftsmanship of these early books is impressive.

A
2

The Curse of Chalion

by Lois McMaster Bujold

This may be Bujold's best book. I really like damaged heroes.

A-
3

The Rage of Dragons

by Evan Winter

One of the best fantasy debuts in recent years.

A-
4

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

by J.K. Rowling

I'm really impressed at how good Rowling is.

A-
5

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

by J.K. Rowling

Same as the others—just excellent.

A-
6

Project Hail Mary

by Andy Weir

The protagonist can solve anything, but it's still pretty fun.

B+
7

Wee Free Men

by Terry Pratchett

Solid Terry Pratchett. The audio version is especially good.

B+
8

Dead Six

by Larry Correia and Mike Kupari

I couldn't put this down. In terms of narrative pull, this was an A.

B+
9

The Last Watch

by J.S. Dewes

Really quite a good book. A different spin on mil sci-fi trapped at the edge of space.

B+
10

The Postman

by David Brin

Underrated post-apocalyptic sci-fi.

B+