It's time to take a look at the best of 2007. Like last year, these won't necessarily be books that were released in 2006, but fairly recent books I read during the past year.
Comeback of the Year
Treasure of Khan by Clive and Dirk Cussler
The downturn that began with everything after the prologue of Trojan Odyssey and continued on pretty much every page of Black Wind comes to an end with the latest from Clive and Dirk Cussler. Another great prologue and an entertaining story. Sure it was formulaic in parts, but it works.
Best Book by a New Author
Legend by David Lynn Golemon.
Golemon has published two novels, so he's not terribly new, but his work is new to me. Legend has the pacing of a Matt Reilly novel and the multiple plot lines of a Tom Clancy novel.
Most Underrated Author
Jeremy Robinson
Robinson claims this award for the second consecutive year after the highly successful release of Antarktos Rising. I don't know why this guy isn't already with a major publishing house, but being with a smaller imprint obviously hasn't hurt his popularity, which continues to grow. At this rate, he'll have moved himself out of the "underrated" status by the time of next year's awards.
Action Hero of the Year
Grayson Pierce
Time to give props to Commander Grayson Pierce of Sigma Force. The tough, resourceful, unlucky-in-love Pierce came into his own in The Judas Strain, and claims this award over the resurgent Dirk Pitt, last year's winner Aloysius Pendergast (who lost major points by letting himself become possessed by a weird pattern) and Uriah "Bones" Bonebrake, who is technically a sidekick but tends to outshine his partner like a popular second-string quarterback.
Most Reliable Author
James Rollins
Rollins wins again. As I wrote last year, each of his books is a little bit better than the last, and he cranks them out on a regular basis. This summer he is set to release his next novel- The Last Oracle as well as the novelization of the next Indiana Jones movie. Only Cussler is more prolific if you include his co-authored books, but the quality has been all over the place. Robinson is a definite contender in this area, with three very good books in a row.
Book of the Year
Deep Storm by Lincoln Child
I generally prefer the co-authored Preston/Child books to any of their solo projects, but Deep Storm proved to be a much more gripping tale than Wheel of Darkness. See the review for my thoughts on this book, but suffice it to say this was my most compelling read of the year.
Top Ten Books of the Year
1. Deep Storm- Lincoln Child
2. The Wheel of Darkness- Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
3. The Judas Strain- James Rollins
4. Legend- David Lynn Golemon
5. Antarktos Rising- Jeremy Robinson
6. Treasure of Khan- Clive and Dirk Cussler
7. Dourado- David Wood
8. Raising the Past- Jeremy Robinson
9. The Navigator- Clive Cussler and Paul Kemprecos
10. Death Dealt the Hand- John E. Bailor
12.30.2007
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2 comments:
Thanks for picking Death Dealt the Hand as one of the top ten books of the year! I see it's in with some great company.
Best wishes for the new year,
John E. Bailor
www.johnebailor.com
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