Fantasy Book Critic: SPFBO 9 Announcement: Here's our Champion

We’ve enjoyed all of them, and the prospect of sawing off another five entries held no appeal to us. Unfortunately, SPFBO rules require blogs to make tough decisions. Such is the harsh reality of this ~~bloodbath~~ contest.

ADAM'S PICK

The Last Ranger is incredibly immersive and has a cool world-building. Also, Leiyn is a badass protagonist (though she could use some self-restraint sometimes :) )

CHELS'S PICK

Crucible of Lies provides a rich world-building, intriguing magic system and a very distinct character.

ESMAY'S PICKS

Death's Disciple is an excellent dark fantasy with intricate world-building and intriguing characters.

The Ruptured Sky pleased us with its brisk pacing and strong character interactions.

ŁUKASZ'S PICK

A Gallery for The Barbarian is eccentric and unlike anything we've read in a while. It won't appeal to everyone but it's worth attention.

MIHIR'S PICK

The Sparrow and the Oak Tree provides a compelling retelling of Tristan & Isolda's story.

CHOICES CHOICES

At this stage, we had to decide how to evaluate one good book against another and whether it was at all possible to come to some sort of fair and objective decision. We tried to base our choice on the following criteria (listed in alphabetical order):

Characterization
Editing
Personal Enjoyment
Plotting
World-building
Writing Style

Each of these titles had its own strengths and a few drawbacks. After long and tumultuous discussions, we’ve agreed to pick the finalist amongst the two following titles:

Those two stood out to us. Both were engaging and entertaining. The final choice wasn't easy but we had to make it :) Our champion won by 0.2 points! Anyway.

We hate tough choices.

But we have to make them.

Blame Mark Lawrence.

So, without further ado, the FBC finalist for the SPFBO 9 is...

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