From Hell - Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell

A deep, dark, winding, labyrinthine work of art. In Moore's words, a whydunnit rather than a whodunnit, so deeply researched that almost everything that happens either did happen or could have. The appendix telling the story of "ripperologists" through the ages is a work of art in its own right. General consensus among Mooreites is that From Hell is his crowning achievement, but I'm not sure it's better than Watchmen... Either way, he's a visionary for our times and should take a place in the same line as Milton and Blake.

Vernon God Little - D.B.C. Pierre

Very good. The language and imagery is unlike anything I've ever read, enough to provoke a physical reaction at times. Hard to imagine how this writer comes up with some of the phrases. Brilliantly written protagonist with all sorts of psychological twists hinted at through his narrative voice. At times more dark and demented than anything I've read by Chuck Palahniuk (its nearest comparison). At other times it's just very beautiful.

Assassin's Quest - Robin Hobb

So ends the first trilogy. Still got several more to chomp through at my leisure, and very much looking forward to them. This book had a more active feeling on account of it being a quest and not confined to one place. Otherwise, more of the same. I loved the stuff about carving a dragon and imbuing it with your emotions. Seems like a metaphor for artistic projects. Very glad I borrowed these books. Fitz takes his place in my brain alongside Roland and Cloud.