Why am I passionate about this?

I love to read. Reading since I was 3 years old, devouring book after book. As I grew, my taste expanded. Yet it was the sci-fi book, The Black Hole, by Disney that I discovered in second grade that captured my passion for writing and storytelling. I cannot count how many books I've read, but I can tell you the ones that have left a lasting impression on me. Because of that, I began to write my own stories. I've seven books written and published, the newest one releasing soon. While my tastes in books vary, only one thing remains consistent: finding the best books that capture me and hold me hostage!


I wrote

When Legends Rise

By Daphne Self,

Book cover of When Legends Rise

What is my book about?

He is now one of them. Genetically altered... Designed to kill... Trained to eradicate... Until he became more. Juliet 7-A…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Solitary Man

Daphne Self Why did I love this book?

Eric Landfried put a new spin on a dystopian setting. I’ve always enjoyed the movies Mad Max and Book of Eli. With Solitary Man (and yes, I start singing the Johnny Cash song!), I got the same vibe as those movies, yet with a twist! From zombie-like cannibals to a super-enhanced military general, the character was hard-pressed to survive. I just couldn’t put this book down!

By Eric Landfried,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Solitary Man as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Ten years after a brutal war, cannibals and humans fight over the pieces of a hardscrabble existence.

Former Navy SEAL Doyle has been prowling the broken remnants of a devastated America for years. Alone in an armored bus loaded with weapons and supplies, he's grateful for his solitude. Being alone makes it easier to survive, as others can become a liability in the end of the world. But when a particularly brutal attack leaves Doyle in need of fuel and repair, he has no choice but to venture into the nearest settlement.

Jonathan has been pastoring a small church of…


Book cover of Dynamo

Daphne Self Why did I love this book?

Honestly, this book was one that is usually outside my reading preferences. Yet once I started, it captured me. The heartache and the perseverance that was written about echoed me. Reading and feeling as though I was transported to the horse races, I could hear the cheers, taste the dust, and feel the anguish. This is one of few books that truly left an impact on me.

By Eleanor Gustafson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dynamo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Jeth Cavanaugh is searching for a new life along one of Pennsylvania’s mountain ridges when he stumbles upon a stable of show jumpers owned by Rob and Katie Chilton. Throw in a volatile stallion named Dynamo, and Jeth will do anything to work there. Jeth earns his living by training and showing Rob’s jumpers, but Dynamo is his primary passion.
Everything changes when God enters his life—in the unconventional form of a hard slap by an old girlfriend—and ignites a new, greater passion within Jeth. But along with fervor comes fear at the undeniable evidence of God’s hand on his…


Book cover of The Trumpets of Tagan

Daphne Self Why did I love this book?

This was my first introduction to a series that was started in the early 70s. I love Star Trek. And the author once wrote a few episodes of that show. This book steered away from stereotypes. And I fell in love with Marik, an alien taken from royalty to occupation to servitude within the system who conquered his home. Yet to see his rise through the ranks and how he became respected and honored…this is a book I’ve read countless times. 

By Simon Lang,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Trumpets of Tagan as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When the only child of the empire's heir is kidnapped, the U.S.S. Skipjack's captain must act fast, especially when he discovers that the child's alien father is his second officer.


Book cover of The Blue Flower

Daphne Self Why did I love this book?

This is an old and rare book. The short stories within are fantastical tales told in allegories to the Bible. Every page brought to me this wondrous world of words, capturing my attention, and keeping me spellbound throughout the pages. Using descriptions and settings that reminded me of Arthurian legend and Germanic folklore and Viking tales, this is one of the first vintage fantasy books I've ever read.

By Henry van Dyke,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Blue Flower as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.


Book cover of The Walking Drum

Daphne Self Why did I love this book?

Louis L’Amour is the only western writer I will read. The Walking Drum is one of my top five. It has taught me a lot of history, of cultures besides my own and of my ancestors, and inspired a lot of scenes in my own writing. His book cultivated this desire to know more, read more, and to fall deep into the story. And led to my search for books that were similar.

By Louis L'Amour,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Walking Drum as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

As part of the Louis L’Amour’s Lost Treasures series, this edition contains exclusive bonus materials!

Louis L’Amour has been best known for his ability to capture the spirit and drama of the authentic American West. Now he guides his readers to an even more distant frontier—the enthralling lands of the twelfth century.
 
Warrior, lover, and scholar, Kerbouchard is a daring seeker of knowledge and fortune bound on a journey of enormous challenge, danger, and revenge. Across Europe, over the Russian steppes, and through the Byzantine wonders of Constantinople, Kerbouchard is thrust into the treacheries, passions, violence, and dazzling wonders of…


Explore my book 😀

When Legends Rise

By Daphne Self,

Book cover of When Legends Rise

What is my book about?

He is now one of them. Genetically altered... Designed to kill... Trained to eradicate... Until he became more. Juliet 7-A was the top elite assassin for the Global Federated Territories until an ambush deemed him beyond salvaging. He was scheduled for decommission. His only recourse for survival is a new identity and his search for the one friend he had―a friend who defected and deserted him. Those he once hunted will save him. Yet it comes with a price. A price that demands much of him. What happens when an assassin awakens?

Book cover of Solitary Man
Book cover of Dynamo
Book cover of The Trumpets of Tagan

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,188

readers submitted
so far, will you?

You might also like...

Unreachable Skies

By Karen McCreedy,

Book cover of Unreachable Skies

Karen McCreedy Author Of Unreachable Skies

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Science-fiction reader Film-goer Reader Traveller History nut

Karen's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

This book (and its sequels) are about overcoming the odds; about learning to improve the skills and abilities you have, rather than dwelling on what you can't do. Conflict, plague, and scheming politicians are all featured along the way–but none of the characters are human!

Unreachable Skies

By Karen McCreedy,

What is this book about?

When a plague kills half the Drax population, and leaves the hatchlings of the survivors with a terrible deformity – no wings – suspicion and prejudice follow. Continuously harassed by raids from their traditional enemies, the Koth, the Drax are looking for someone, or something, to blame.

Zarda, an apprentice Fate-seer, is new to her role and unsure of her own abilities; but the death of her teacher sees her summoned by the Drax Prime, Kalis, when his heir, Dru, emerges from his shell without wings.

A vision that Dru will one day defeat the Koth is enough to keep…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in the Bible, cannibalism, and presidential biography?

The Bible 367 books
Cannibalism 30 books