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Best 5 Books I’ve Read This Year – of 158

Best 5 Books

Best 5 Books I’ve Read This Year – of 158. Yup, I read 158 books this year. Go to my Goodreads page to see them. Click here.

I won’t put them in any order, other than chronological. My absolute favorite book I’ll save for last.

Best 5 Books I’ve Read This Year – The First

Let’s start with a fabulous fantasy novel. I have included my review for you.

Best 5 Books

January 11, 2023

Patricia McKillip practices her craft of writing fantasy at the highest level in this atmospheric depiction of a city, Ombria, rocked by the death of its regent, Royce. The mysterious and manipulative Black Dominia immediately orders his mistress, Lydea, out on the streets, presumably to die. Lydia, a beautiful former tavern wench, makes her way across the dangerous city at night to her father’s tavern. A mysterious girl, Mag, helps her.

Mag was raised by a sorceress, Faye. Faye stays in the shadows of Ombria, content to sell her spells to the highest bidders–including the Black Dominia.

Ms. McKillip introduces more colorful characters, without explaining the magic they exercise at all. The complex political and magical mystery continues until the end when the mystery pops like a bubble.

This is a must-read for any fan of fantasy with vivid characters.

Best 5 Books I’ve Read This Year – The Second

We move from fabulous fantasy to funny fantasy. Or maybe, a fabulously funny fantasy that’s famous?

Best 5 Books


Andy Zach

Author 10 books93 followers

February 20, 2023

I re-read this book for the fourth time, the second time since I became an author, and I love it even more!

This is the first book in Terry Pratchett’s Disk World series, so he sets up his magical system (magic is a color of light), his fantasy world (a flat world on the back of four elephants, standing on the back of a space turtle) and his characters (Rincewind, a magician with only one spell he can’t use. Cowardly and good at running away) (Twoflower, a classic tourist, with limitless chest of gold, no fear, and endless curiosity), (The Luggage, a suitcase with legs, mage of sapient pearwood, invulnerable and clever). And those three are merely the protagonists.

I won’t spoil any of the insane plot, but suffice it to say, that Pratchett satirizes nearly every fantasy trope and many conventions of our current culture.

This fourth time around, I was writing my own fantasy novel/series and I looked at how Pratchett started out his series. It was a ripping good start, with unending action and interesting characters from the beginning. Who doesn’t like Death as an animated skeleton and a lugubrious voice?

Best 5 Books I’ve Read This Year – The Third

We come to my first favorite SciFi novel and it’s a goody.

Best 5 Books
Review of On Basilisk Station

Andy Zach

Author 10 books

93 followers

July 20, 2023

It’s been six years since I last read this book. This is the third time I’ve read it and I enjoyed it just as much as ever.

Honor Harrington just got her first command of the light cruiser Fearless. She’s 5 years younger than her executive officer Allistair McKeon and he hates her for it. But he’s just the start of her problems.

The admiral in charge of new weapons has halved her missiles in exchange for a grav lance. It’s a deadly weapon, but it only works at close range. Too bad the lightly armored cruiser is unlikely to survive any close-range encounters. Basically, the light cruiser is crippled, with only half of its offensive power.

Honor manages to use the grav lance once to destroy a superdreadnought in fleet practice maneuvers, but everyone then is out to destroy her. So the ship gets destroyed endlessly in fleet practice, depressing the crew.

Then the ship is assigned to the backwater of Basilisk Station. There the commanding officer, Pavel Young, was beaten up by Honor while they were in the Space Academy together because he tried to rape her. He had to apologize for sexual innuendo, but no one knew the full reason for his beating. He hates her guts.

Then he leaves her in charge of the entire station while he takes his ship to be repaired. It’s too much for one light cruiser to fulfill all the responsibilities, so she’s sure to fail and get a black mark on her record.

Only no one tells Honor that. This is where the story gets good.

Don’t miss this book or the series.

Best 5 Books I’ve Read This Year – The Fourth

Now onto another genre: detective mystery!

Best 5 Books

Andy Zach

Author 10 books

93 followers

September 24, 2023

Truly a 5-star mystery book! First, you have Lord Peter Wimsy, well-dressed, polite, knowledgable, with a wide streak of mischief and irreverance.

But he goes incognito, as Death Bredon, an aspiring copywriter for Pym’s Advertising. Why? A man died falling down their iron spiral staircase. It’s steep, with narrow, slippery stairs, so why is it a murder?

Death investigates not just the murder, but the whole office of gossipy ad writers, typists, and helpers. There are dozens of delicious characters for the reader to explore.

This mystery is still selling after 90 years should tell you it’s really, really good. It’s also a time capsule looking at England in between the wars.


Best 5 Books I’ve Read This Year – The Fifth

My fifth book is in yet another genre. And I’m cheating: it’s not really a single book, but a collection of sixty-six books I’ve read all my life: The Bible.

Now, you may dislike or may be apathetic about the Bible, but I predict you may be entertained by my reviews. I treat each book in the Bible as a separate book and review them as I would a novel. Let me give you a few:

Book Cover

January 19, 2023

‘Genesis’ is Greek for beginning. It’s translated from the first word of the Bible, bereshit in Hebrew, which means ‘in the beginning’.

Genesis covers the beginning of time and the universe, of mankind, of marriage, and of good and evil. And that’s just the first three chapters.

After Adam and Eve sinned, their story continues as mankind grows more and more evil, until the flood comes and God starts again with Noah’s family, the ark, and the flood.

After the fresh start, guess what? Man sins again. This time God confuses their language at Babel, creating the multiplicity of languages we have today.

Is there any hope in all this evil? Yes, God promises to bless all mankind through Abraham and his family. Through him will come the Messiah Who will solve the problem of sin and evil and crush the devil’s head.

But that’s the rest of the Bible.

Another Favorite Book Within My Favorite

Psalms is one of my favorite books in the Bible. Read how I rave about it in my review:

Andy Zach

December 31, 2023

Amazing. The Bible’s books of psalms encompasses one hundred and fifty of the finest Hebrew poetry from 3,400 years ago to about 2,400 years. What’s so great about Hebrew poetry? Imagery.

When I look unto the heavens, which thine Own fingers framed,
Unto the moon and to the stars, which were by thee ordained,
Then say I, “What is man that Thou, should be mindful of him?
Or what the Son of Man that Thou, so kind to Him should be?”
Psalm 8, from a hymn.

The book of Psalms is full of images and phrases that are part of the fabric of our society.
Consider the world-famous 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.

My Favorite Continued

But beautiful imagery is not all. The Psalms are full of fulfilled prophecies, like Psalm 22 where you find six fulfilled prophecies in 18 verses:

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Jesus’ words while on the cross)
Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
2 My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don’t answer;
in the night season, and am not silent.
3 But you are holy,
you who inhabit the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in you.
They trusted, and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you, and were delivered.
They trusted in you, and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm, and no man;
a reproach of men, and despised by the people.

More Fulfilled Prophecy Below


7 All those who see me mock me. (Verses 7-8 were fulfilled by those mocking Jesus on the cross)
They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,
8 “He trusts in Yahweh;
let him deliver him.
Let him rescue him, since he delights in him.”
9 But you brought me out of the womb. (Jesus being conceived and born of a virgin by a miracle)
You made me trust at my mother’s breasts.
10 I was thrown on you from my mother’s womb.
You are my God since my mother bore me.
11 Don’t be far from me, for trouble is near.
For there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls have surrounded me.
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
13 They open their mouths wide against me,
lions tearing prey and roaring.
14 I am poured out like water.
All my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax;
it is melted within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. (Jesus’ words on the cross ‘I thirst’ prophesied)
You have brought me into the dust of death.
16 For dogs have surrounded me.
A company of evildoers have enclosed me.
They have pierced my hands and feet. (A prophecy of Jesus’ crucifixion, before it was invented)
17 I can count all of my bones.
They look and stare at me.
18 They divide my garments among them. (A prophecy of Roman soldiers gambling over Jesus’ clothing)
They cast lots for my clothing.

But you have to find out for yourself. Read the book of Psalms looking for imagery and prophecy, fulfilled and to be fulfilled. It’ll transform your experience.

What Can Top The Best 5 Books?

Free gifts! I gave away literary gifts from December 1 to December 25 to celebrate Advent 2023. These include free books and free excerpts. Enjoy them below. Don’t forget to get free audiobooks from me by clicking here.

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Advent Day 19 – Discounts and Free Books

Christmas free books!

Advent Day 19 – Discounts and Free Books – “What kind of discounts?” you ask. Let’s start with .99 books.

My first series, ‘The Life After Life Chronicles’ begins with Zombie Turkeys. Turkeys are always good for the holidays. I have people eating zombie turkeys in the book–and vice versa. It’s .99 for a book of laughter at your favorite zombie tropes. See below for some excerpts. Click here to get Zombie Turkeys.

Is that all? Not at all!

My second series I wrote for my disabled daughter Tori who wanted a story with a flying wheelchair. The main hero, Jeremy Gentle, has cerebral palsy and an electric wheelchair like Tori. And he gets telekinesis and can fly in his wheelchair.

That book, Secret Supers is also .99. Click here to get your copy.

Advent Day 19 – More Discounts

Advent Day 19
Chapter 9 icon of Paranormal Privateers

My last blog post told you of Paranormal Privateers, my wild, comical adventure tale of a family of zombies on a superyacht with a letter of marquis from the President to attack all US enemies–with plausible deniability. (See here if you missed it and its excerpt: Imagine You’re a Privateer. What Is It Like?

The point is, this week only this book is .99 on Kindle. Grab it before Christmas! The sale ends 12/23/23.

Advent Day 19 – Free Books


Now we get to the good stuff–free books. I give away audiobooks to my newsletter subscribers. Sign up here! Clickety-click!

But that’s not all! I belong to StoryOrigin and participate in free book giveaways. Don’t miss out!

Advent Day 19

Click here to get your 26 free SciFi books!

Giveaway ends January 10th

Advent Day 19

Click here to get your 61 free SciFi and Fantasy books!

Giveaway ends January 17th

Advent Day 19

Click here to get your 33 free fantasy books!

Giveaway ends January 16th

Advent Day 19 – Zombie Turkeys Excerpt – It’s What’s for Dinner!

Chapter icon
Advent Day 19
Zombie Turkeys chapter icon. Click to get yours!

Tom turned on all the floodlights in the yard and saw that the traps he had at the doors to his barn had already been activated. These traps killed more gruesomely than the chainsaw one, but they weren’t as noisy. These traps were a series of wooden boxes, three feet on a side. A turkey-sized hole, led to a turkey-sized tunnel, led to a turkey-sized trap door, led to a wood chipper. The chopped turkey went from the wood chipper into a bin.

Tom had joked to his wife he could sell this as turkey sausage.

* * *

It’s What’s for Dinner–and breakfast!

Sam said, “Do you mind if I tell people about your zombie traps?”

Betty smiled grimly, “Not at all. My brother Jerry helped Tom make them. Put them on your website, and we’ll sell them to other turkey farms in Illinois—along with our sausage.Tom joked about selling turkey sausage. Maybe I’ll really do that. It’d be like a way of getting even.”

“I’ve sure that won’t be FDA allowable.”

“I know that. I’ll sell it as genuine zombie turkey sausage, not suitable for human consumption. A novelty item, like canned unicorn.”

“Hmmm. You can advertise on the Midley Beacon YouTube site for free, if we get half the profits.”

“That’s too high. Make it a quarter, and you’ve got a deal. A widow’s got to live.”They shook on it.


Advent Day 19 – Click to Get Your Copy! Now on Sale!

Any newsletter subscriber gets free audiobook codes–as long as they last. Click here to get yours. Don’t wait until they’re gone!

Do you want an autographed book? I’ll mail it directly to you with free shipping and I pay the taxes! Click here to get yours. My shipping may not be the same day, but at least it’s free–for you.

Got questions? Comments? Reach me directly by clicking here. I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can.

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Advent Days 6 through 11 – You can sample my other series

Advent Days 6 through 11 – You can sample my other series.

If you’ve been following my posts, you know I meant to publish a post every day of Advent and give you something–but I missed this week due to COVID. So I owe six gifts. Let me give them to you now.

The week that wasn’t restarts with my Secret Supers series. I could describe it, but let’s start with a brand new review instead:

Beyond Limits!

Jerry

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Disabled Middle School Superheroes
Chapter 1 icon

Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023

It is a captivating tale that defies conventional superhero narratives. The author, with keen insight, weaves a story around four friends who turn their disabilities into extraordinary strengths.
The seamless integration of disability and superpowers challenges societal norms, making the story not just entertaining but also thought-provoking.
The author skillfully balances action, emotion, and humor, creating a narrative that engages readers of all ages. The message of resilience, unity, and embracing differences resonates throughout the book.

This book is a delightful read that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the true meaning of strength and heroism.

Advent Days 6 through 11 – Gift 1

I know what you’re thinking–where’s my gift?

Get your free copy of Secret Supers in exchange for a review by clicking here. How’s that? Let me know.

But that’s not all. I’ve got another book in the series: Villain’s Vacation. And another reader opinion:

Secret Supers are back for another adventure!

Villain's Vacation cover What is it like?
Advent Days 6
Villain’s Vacation cover

Jennifer C.

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022

In this sequel to Secret Supers, Jeremy has been experimenting on his hamster. As a result, Dancer has learned how to read, and is reading everything he can to learn about the human world. When Jeremy discovers this, he gets Dancer one of his old cell phones so Dancer can text the group.

As for the superhero business, the group needs some downtime and goes on vacation to Coaster World. What they don’t realize is that the villain they defeated also loves roller coasters and wants revenge against the Secret Supers.

Will the Secret Supers be able to defeat the villain and enjoy their vacation, or are their crime-fighting days numbered?

Advent Days 6 through 11 – Gift 2

But you don’t have to believe this reviewer. You can try for yourself, with a free copy, in exchange for a review by clicking here.

Here’s chapter icon for you as well.

What Do Readers Think
Advent Days 6
Chapter 1 icon of Villain’s Vacation

Advent Days 6 through 11 – Gift 3

Produce Your Audiobook Secret Supers in Space
Secret Supers in Space audiobook cover. Click to listen.

Secret Supers in Space

The Secret Supers are bored out of their minds during summer vacation-until they go to Space Camp. They learn all about the space program, try out moon gravity and zero-g simulations, and practice docking with the International Space Station.

But that’s the easy part. The villains they defeated in the past are back with a diabolical plot that renders the middle schoolers’ superpowers ineffective. Jeremy, Aubrey, Dan, and Kayla face the biggest challenge of their lives. Even if they escape the villains’ clutches, will they survive?

Find out in Secret Supers in Space!

A Reader’s Opinion – A Stellar Adventure with a Twist!

Advent Days 6

Nemesis

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2023

Andy Zach’s writing takes flight in Secret Supers in Space, propelling disabled teen superheroes Jeremy, Aubrey, Dan, and Kayla into a cosmic summer adventure. Narrator Khai Lannor brings the characters’ energy and determination to life, making this audiobook an intergalactic joyride for fantasy fans of all ages. Buckle up and join the Secret Supers in their gravity-defying mission – this exhilarating journey is one you won’t want to miss!

Your free copy to review is yours by clicking here.


Advent Days 6 to 11 – Three More Gifts!

Audiobooks can be reviewed too! To get your free copy of Villain’s Vacation, click here.

To get your free copy of Secret Supers in Space, click here.

“Where’s Secret Supers?” you may ask. I’m out of free codes!

“So where’s my last gift?”

Right below!

Free Excerpt from Villain’s Vacation – Chapter 1 – Dancer


How fascinating! This book says there are libraries where
hundreds of books live. It also says the fiction books are in
order by author name.
Dancer scurried off Your Sixth Year Reader to look at
Jeremy Gentle’s bookshelf again. Jeremy was Dancer’s owner
and unknowing educator. Ever since he’d taught himself to read
by studying the newspapers lining the bottom of his cage,
Dancer had craved reading.

He hadn’t figured out why he’d started reading. One day
Dancer had noticed patterns in the markings. He saw they
repeated themselves in clumps which then formed more
patterns. Then he started listening to his owners differently.

They also spoke in patterns. “Jeremy” was always called “Jeremy” or “Jeremy Gentle” by his mother and sometimes by
his father.

Dancer had learned to understand Jeremy and his parents, and then he’d put the terms they said with the clumps on the paper. Each letter had a sound, and together they formed clumps his master called “words.” The idea was brilliant. No wonder they were his owners and he was only a hamster.

Excerpt Chapter 1 Part 2 – Your Last Gift Today


Dancer read each paper eagerly to the point of memorizing it, but reading started to bore him. Jeremy only changed the lining about once a week. So he’d watched Jeremy open and close his cage door. Then he copied the motion, using his paws and nose. He left to search for more words to read.

Dancer found a treasure trove. This bookshelf was one of six in the lower level of his master’s big cage. Dancer decided to explore upstairs when he finished the books down here. He wasn’t even done with this shelf yet. The books he read so far were Jeremy’s old schoolbooks, all marked up by Jeremy. Dancer could smell Jeremy’s scent on them. He’d learned about books called “fiction,” which were stories humans invented. Humans organized fiction by author,
not topic, like nonfiction. Now, he’d look for these fiction books.

He scanned the shelf above the schoolbooks. Some of the hardbacks had names on the binding. Those were the authors. Wells, Yellen, Zach. That was alphabetical—maybe these were fiction books. He climbed to the second shelf and pulled the Zach one—Zombie Turkeys—out of its place.

Soon he so was engrossed, he hardly heard the front door open. Jeremy was home! Dancer had to get back in his cage.
Using his paws and mouth, he jammed the Your Sixth Year Reader and Zombie Turkeys back onto the shelf and scampered across Jeremy’s lab. He shinnied up the table leg to his cage, flipped the sliding door up with his nose, and squeezed in.


Tell Me What you Think

Let me know what you think of my gifts for you by clicking here or emailing me at [email protected]. As always, everyone who responds with a comment or email will get a free book from me.

You can get an autographed copy of Secret Supers directly from me by clicking here. Free shipping and I pay the sales tax.

Or you can get it on Amazon for $7.95. or $.99 .

If you want to keep track of all my blog posts and get free books you can subscribe to my newsletter by clicking here. You also get all my audiobooks for free!

Psst! Audible lets you listen free to my books. Click here to find out how.