Perfect presents . . .

With nine shopping days left until Christmas the pressure to find something wonderful for family and friends is on! I have already made my wishes perfectly clear to Santa (one Sith dressing gown, thankyouverymuch), but just in case you’re trying to puzzle out the prefect present for someone who hasn’t been quite so precise, here are my top Christmas recommendations!

For your Dad:
If he’s been known to pick up a Bernard Cornwell novel from time to time, and enjoyed Rome or Gladiator, I recommend a beautiful hardback edition of Joe Abercrombie’s The Heroes. Pair it with a shot of whiskey and settle down to relish the raw heat of battle.

For your Mum:
It has to be The Silent Land by Graham Joyce – especially if she loved Joanne Harris’ Chocolat or Kate Mosse’s The Winter Ghosts. There’s a touch of magic in the writing, an achingly beautiful story, and the hardback is a lovely gift. Perfect with a glass of white wine . . . and have a box of tissues to hand!

For your Brother:
Give him a beer and the stonking box set of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn novels, and you’ll be in the good books throughout 2012. Even better, if you shop around a little there are some bargain prices to be had on this brilliant fantasy trilogy. Give the gift of an amazing adventure . . .

For your Sister:
There are so many things to choose from, but my top tip for Christmas is Songs of the Earth by the inimitable debut author Elspeth Cooper . . . this is the gift of discovering an amazing new talent from the very beginning, and being swept away by a powerful story and wonderful character. Enjoy this perfect read with a glass of mulled wine.

And that essential self-purchase (after all, it’s Christmas):
If you’ve not already treated yourself to a copy, get your hands on a copy of Retribution Falls by Chris Wooding – especially if you loved Joss Whedon’s Firefly. Pour yourself a shot of rum and perch yourself on the edge of your seat for an action-packed double-crossing fun-filled adventure. You’ll be laughing and reading out the best bits in no time!

Happy Shopping, and Merry Christmas.