This week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt is which authors I’ve read the most books by. Writing this post wasn’t as straight forward as I thought it would be.
For starters, Goodreads has done away with the magic that would easily show you which authors you’d read the most. Which meant scanning a list of thousands of books. Exporting to a spreadsheet could have helped except several authors I read use variations of their name or pseudonyms
And then there are problematic authors whose every book I devoured at one point until I discovered their trans/homophobia, racism, misogyny, or other objectionable trait/action. I no longer read their books or promote them.
So! Onto authors whose books I do read, a lot, and recommend!
Sir Terry Pratchett
I stili mourn that there won’t be another Discworld book coming out ever again. These books have brought me so much joy! The deft touch he had with humor and messaging was second to none.
Seanan McGuire
Seanan McGuire writes a LOT which is a good thing as she’s a favorite author. I especially adore her portal fantasy Wayward Children series. But also the urban fantasy InCryptid series. She has several other series and also writes horror under the name Mira Grant.
Read my review of her first middle-grade reader, Over the Woodward Wall.
- Wayward Children
- InCryptid
- Read my review of Imaginary Numbers
- Indexing
JD Robb
I’ve loved the In Death series since I read an ARC of Naked in Death ages ago. The characters keep developing, the mysteries remain compelling and every time I see a new entry in the series, it makes me happy.
Jenn McKinlay
I’m a fan of and devourer of culinary mysteries. I love that they’re fun and engaging and give my brain a break when I’m feeling strung out with stress which happens all to often these days. Jenn McKinlay is a writing beast! There’s a new Cupcake Bakery Mystery out every year plus she also writes the Library Lover’s series and the Hat Shop mysteries.My review of the latest Cupcake Bakery Mystery, Pumpkin Spice Peril, is here.
Anne Bishop
I fell hard for Jaenelle, Daemon and Lucivar the first time I read Daughter of the Blood. I impatiently waited for each new book to come out and usually stayed up all night, gulping down the book. I reread them regularly. They’re lush sensual fantasies but they’re also about found family and protecting your loved ones, no matter the cost. I was beyond excited when an unexpected new Black Jewels book came out this year. You can read my review of The Queen’s Bargain here. I also enjoy her Others series about an alternate world where humans exist at the sufferance of otherworldly powers. This series too is about found family and making connections.
Susan Wittig Albert
I’ve been enjoying this cozy mystery series about China Bayles, a Texan lawyer turned herb store owner for decades. I’ve enjoyed reading as the characters have developed, turning more complex and more interesting. Some cozy mystery writers are content to repeat the formula for each new book but Susan Wittig Albert tries different things as she develops the characters and their relationships with each other. Plus her knowledge about herbs is amazing and I love that I learn new things with every book.
Tanith Lee
I discovered how exquisite writing could be by reading the science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories of Tanith Lee. Before I read her book The Birthgrave, I thought science fiction was all outerspace adventure or time travel or futuristic, post apocalyptic worlds. She used gorgeous language, descriptive and mesmerizing. Reading her later work, I could see the influence of Angela Carter and fairy tales. I’ve read her Flat Earth series so many times! And every time, I’m amazed by the beauty of her storytelling.
Laurell K. Hamilton
I’ve been reading the Anita Blake urban fantasy books since the beginning. I would get involved in long online discussions about whether she should be with Jean Claude or Richard (long before Team Jacob or Team Edward). Also- remember when it was just a matter which one person would be her lover? A lot’s change over the course of 27 books. I also read LKH’s Merry Gentry fae books and enjoyed them.
Read my review of Sucker Punch.
Patricia Briggs
I discovered Patricia Briggs before she started writing the Mercy urban fantasy series. She was writing more traditional fantasy stories that I enjoyed because she created characters that intrigued and engaged me. Then the urban fantasy juggernaut started changing the genre and she wrote Moon Called. Mercy’s always been a fun main character – smart, resourceful and resilient. I have a fondness for Tricksters and enjoy that she’s been learning about her heritage and exploring what those powers mean as the series progresses. Read my review of the latest Mercy book, Smoke Bitten.
Ilona Andrews
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a lot of urban fantasy was written as first person, badass woman fighter who maybe also had some sort of magical or supernatural power. I’m glad the genre has broadened its tropes but as you can see by the above authors, those I’ve been reading for a decade plus fit that early definition. The Kate McDaniels series definitely fits it but I enjoy that the author duo also added in witty banter and some steaminess between the main characters. Not all of their series. feature women fighters but they always write strong women who are attractd to strong men. Los of sparks and heat.
Your thoughts
Which authors have you read the most? Are there prolific authors I should add to my To Be Read list?
The first two on your list are authors I’ve read some of but want to read more of! Patricia Briggs has been on my TBR for a while, but somehow I never get to her.
I fell in love with her writing pre-urban fantasy and now her books are must-reads for me. Someday, maybe, one of her books will be the chosen one for you 🙂 It’s tough when there are so many awesome books being written.
Nora Roberts/JD Robb would be on my list, too. I did it a little differently today, though. I just went with the authors I had read the most from so far this year.
Other than rereading a couple of Tanith Lee’s books, I don’t think I’ve read the same author more than once. So many books toread!
As a romance and fantasy reader I really should have read some Nora Roberts and Tanith Lee by now. I have at least one Ilona Andrews book somewhere on my kindle, too. One of these days I will conquer my TBR mountain!
The mountain never grows smaller, does it?
It’s funny but I’m not a big Nora Roberts reader even though I devour the JD Robb books. Who are some of your favorites?
Terry Pratchett has such a wonderful imagination!
My TTT .
He was so amazing! I definitely miss him.