'A Peace Divided' by Tanya Huff is an intelligent, well written, and far more complex book than one would expect from the genre.

The collection of short stories 'Nest in the Bones' by Antonia Di Benedetto is the perfect introduction to the work one of the great writers of the 20th century whose work is finally being translated into English.

If you read only one book of poetry this year make sure 'Nature Poem' by Tommy Pico is it.

Library of Souls' by Ransom Riggs, the concluding novel in the Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series, is a fitting finale. Read it for the simple pleasure of enjoying a gracefully imagined and elegantly executed story.

'American War' by Omar El Akkad is one of the most compelling books you'll read this year.

'The Set List' from David Broza is not just a greatest hits package, it's a great opportunity to get to know the music and the man.

'Freedom Highway' from Rhiannon Giddens is one of those amazing rarities, a politically charged and artistically refined album. The music is spectacular, the lyrics are beautiful and inspiring, and the singing is as glorious as you'll hear anywhere.

'Jericho of Scotland Yard' is a well written and intelligent police procedural with some wonderful added twists to take it out of the realm of your typical cop show.

'Closer to the Enemy' is a wonderful and intelligent piece of work that shouldn't be missed.

A Tribe Called Red put on an amazing show incorporating First Nations drumming. If you get a chance, seem them, for an experience you'll never forget.