Every Tuesday over at the  The Broke and Bookish we all get to look at a particular topic for discussion and use various (or more to the point ten) examples to demonstrate that particular topic.  The topic this week is:

Beach Reads Week — top ten great beach reads

To be honest I don’t really pick books that I think are suitable for the beach, I just read what I like to read all year round.  In terms of books that I’ve read though that I think would be suitable I’ve gone for a mix of complicated and light and easy.  After all when you’re chilled out and not stressing about all your usual activities it’s easier to concentrate isn’t it.

1. Romance factor: The Outlander (Cross Stitch) by Diana Gabaldon. Alternate history/time travel.
2. Fun factor: The Traitor’s Blade by Sebastien de Castell – really good, fun and easy to read.
3. Whimsical/Fairytale feel: Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marllier – which I absolutely love!
4. Longer vacation book: Patrick Rothfuss the Name of the Wind – because this is a bit of a huge book but well worth it!
5. Book to concentrate on: The Shards of Heaven by Michael Livingston – this is a great book, alternate Roman.
6. Thought provoking: Just City by Jo Walton.
7. Love story: The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons.
8. Alternate stories: Jane Steele by Lindsay Faye – this is a story with parallels (although not a retelling) of Jane Eye and it’s brilliant.  Definitely make a great holiday read and one you won’t be able to put down.
9. Something scary: The Beast of Barcroft by Bill Schweigart – critters in the dark and creepy woods.
10. The series that keeps on giving: (so you can continue with yet more after you come off holiday) Grimdark reading by Mark Lawrence: The Broken Empire and The Red Queen’s War).  Great series, highly recommended.