The time has come around again to pick out my best of the best 'magic fiction' books of 2016. A stunning collection they are too. Many fit comfortably into the fantasy genre, others are more what might be termed fantastical, but all are the products of wonderful writers of hugely creative talent. My selection this time covers age ranges from children's (Middle Grade) well into young adult. Of course I know that these books will be enjoyed by many adults too. But it is their potential contribution to the growth of young imaginations that excites me most - the part that they will play in creating, developing and sustaining readers in the very fullest sense.
I know I often complain that children's fantasy (and children's fiction generally) has too often recently been formulaic and derivative, with publishers pandering to what they already know children will go for in high numbers. This is perhaps understandable from their commercial point of view, but does not necessarily advance the provision of great literature for children. However, I have to say that this has actually been a remarkable year with a good deal of startlingly original and high quality children's fantasy fiction published. For this both admiration and gratitude are due in spades to some masterful writers (both new and established) and to the publishers who have had the courage and vision to support them.
In no particular order, as they say:
For children, my first gems, all by debut authors, certainly come into the excitingly innovative category: Knights of the Borrowed Dark by Dave Rudden (full post May) is a superbly imagined and thrilling fantasy romp with more than a little influence from video games, but still totally its own creation; The Beginning Woods by Malcolm McNeill (full post Oct) is simply one of the most imaginatively conceived and wonderfully realised fantasies I have come across in a very long time; The Girl of Ink and Stars (The Cartographer's Daughter in US) by Kiren Millwood Hargrave (full post May) is in some ways a slightly gentler fantasy, but her rich, multi-layered tale is no less original or engaging. Each of these books looks like it could be the first of a series; I sincerely hope they are.
The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford (full post Nov) is the latest novel from a US author who is my big discovery of the year. Her unique blend of history and fantasy ought not to work, but does, magnificently. This latest is no exception, but U.K. Readers should seek out her other books too. Pure delight. Similarly the latest from an already well established U.K. author should not be missed either side of The Pond (or elsewhere). There Might Be a Castle by Piers Torday is heartbreaking magic of the purest kind and one of the most deeply enriching children's books of the year. Back across to Canada for another wonderful latest from one of our best contemporary children's writers. The Nest by Kenneth Oppel (full post March) is as enriching as it is disturbing. Another example of the finest literature for children.
Finally in the children's section, I cannot possibly miss out what appears to be the conclusion of one of the very best children's fantasy sequences of recent years. StarChaser by Angie Sage (full post Dec) is the final part of the Todhunter Moon trilogy, itself an extension of the Septimus Heap series. It is a worthy and joyful farewell to a totally captivating world.
For older children and young adults:
Another startlingly impressive debut is Maresi by Maria Turtschaninoff (full post June). Deservedly highly acclaimed, this book often gets labelled 'feminist', which it certainly is. However I hope the label does not prevent it from reaching the widest possible audience as it is no less about the 'feminine principle', which is a profound part of the humanity of all of us. Again the first of a planned sequence. Hurray!
Then there are more most welcome sequels to already published triumphs by masters of the fantasy genre. Black Light Express by Philip Reeve (full post Apr) returns to the brilliant, uber-imaginative SciFi fantasy world of Railhead and is every bit as captivating. Half Lost by Sally Green (full post Apr) brings to devastating conclusion one of the most original, stunningly written, but disturbing fantasy trilogies ever. Goldenhand by Garth Nix follows up last year's Clariel in returning to his Old Kingdom world after quite a gap. It is unmissable. Another all time fantasy great.
And my 'left field' choice may or may not be fantasy, but who cares. It is virtually unclassifiable. Death or Ice Cream by Gareth P Jones (full post Feb) is hilarious , weird, wacky, profound and quite, quite wonderful. Read or miss out.
I have saved my final words in this review of a wonderful year of reading for a book which, on its pages, has no words at all. However, if anything is 'magic fiction', this is. 2016 has seen the publication of Return by Aaron Becker, bringing to a conclusion his truly great, wordless picture book trilogy Journey. In a very real sense, these three books contain more words than any written story. They are possibly better known in the US than here - but if so, this needs to be remedied urgently. For the richest possible story stimulation of any child, young adult, or indeed person (period), there is little to better it. Journey simultaneously captures and liberates imagination. It is imagination imaginatively imagined and perfectly stimulated. And it is breathtakingly beautiful to boot. As an added bonus, this last volume is a huge consolation for us oldies, sensitively showing, as it does, how significant a part adults can still play in the imaginative growth of children. Celebrate and be thankful.
