Brothers in Blood by Simon Scarrow (historical fiction 2014)

A new entry in the Roman Legion series, starring our lads Cato and Macro, it's a quick fun read that involves a mystery of sorts as well as a gripping siege scene.  Expect to learn a little something about the life of the legions on the frontiers of Britannia during Claudius' reign, but don't expect to be super historically accurate. 

Dictator by Robert Harris (historical fiction 2016)

The last in a trilogy about the life of Cicero, as told by his secretary Tiro, who is freed in this volume.  The trilogy is absolutely wonderful, a must-read for historical fiction lovers, especially as it encompasses a time of such upheaval in history.  Amazing description of Caesar's assassination.

The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood (fiction 2015)

Atwood puts another futuristic dystopian world together masterfully.  Her novels are never predictable but always recognizably part of the human experience.  Wonderful.

Cleopatra's Shadows by Emily Holleman (historical fiction 2015)

Exceptionally good historical novel about Berenice and Arsinoe, Cleopatra's sisters.  Of course we know nothing about these individuals' childhoods, but Holleman does a fantastic job of taking us to Alexandria and the world the royal ladies must have lived in.  Suspenseful, beautiful and sad.