#TopFiveThursday with #BookBlogger Claire aka Brizzlelassbooks

Today I’m thrilled to have fellow book blogger Claire who blogs over at http://brizzlelassbooks.com answer those dreaded #TopFiveThursday questions. Claire’s reviews focus mainly on Fantasy and Romance and although I don’t normally read books in these genres I still love reading Claire’s reviews. If you haven’t already found Claire’s blog trust me it’s well worth visit  and amazingly she posts new content most days.

Top 5 books you read in 2016?

The Copper Cat Trilogy by Jen Williams – a bit of a cheat as it’s a trilogy but it totally blew my mind, Jen Williams created a cast of characters that were so vivid and not always likeable but had everything I wanted from my fantasy characters I was in awe. I don’t think I’ve ever read just under 2000 pages so quickly before!

Chasing Embers by James Bennett – This was a solid urban fantasy with a very reluctant hero in the form of a dragon who I well and truly fell in love with, which anyone who knows me will not be surprised about as I’m completely obsessed with dragons!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber – This is one of the most unexpected and magical books I have ever read. It is unique and special. it’s going to be huge and will be one I’ll read again and again.

Poison City by Paul Crilley – An urban fantasy set in South Africa, with an alcoholic talking dog, this absolutely had to be included. It’s part crime novel, if you count that the crime is solving a supernatural murder involving vampires and demons. This book whilst having a very serious side is also an absolute hoot.

The Summer Goddess by Joanne Hall – This is a high fantasy novel, it has a heroine who just gets no luck at all, despite that she pushes on and fights her backside off to find a solution for her people which is what set her on this road to bad luck. Unlike a lot of novels where everything seems to go ok with a few blips this one is just the worst possible outcome at every turn and it’s painful to read but that’s what makes it so good.

Top 5 authors you think everyone should read?

Jen Williams

Robin Hobb

Anne Rice

Margaret Atwood

Joanne Harris

Top 5 books you want to read in 2017?

Skull Sworn by Brian Staveley

A Gathering of Ravens by Scott Oden

Raising Fire by James Bennett

Blood Upon the Sand by Bradley Beaulieu

Way Down Dark by J P Smythe

Top 5 blogging tips that you would give to new bloggers?

Don’t overcomplicate it, especially at first

Choose the books you like and will enjoy, don’t get sucked into reading things just because they are available, it’s easy to feel obliged and start feeling really overwhelmed.

Enjoy the community, book bloggers are some of the nicest and friendliest out there

Enjoy yourself.

If it becomes a chore take a break.

Top 5 book blogs you follow?

MyChestnutReadingTree – https://mychestnutreadingtree.wordpress.com/

Between The Lines – https://betweenthelinesbookblog.com/

Ali The Dragon Slayer – http://cancersuckscouk.ipage.com/

Rather Too Fond of Books – https://rathertoofondofbooks.com/

By Hook or By Book – https://cadburypom.wordpress.com/

Claire blogs about Fantasy and Romance books at BrizzleLass Books. In a previous life she was a marketing and social media consultant but is now a mental health volunteer at a local charity in a bid to change career paths and work in the sector. Claire is a huge geek and if she isn’t neck deep in a book can be found watching something involving dragons or vikings on TV, listening to heavy metal, or playing something involving swords or magic on the playstation.

Links:     Twitter      Goodreads     Instagram     Facebook     Google +

My thanks to Claire for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer #TopFiveThursday