I’ve been participating in Goodreads’s reading challenge for a few years now. My goal isn’t overly ambitious (for me), I’m aiming to average one book a week. I’m ahead for the year, since I’m at 48 of 52 books at the moment, and that may be 49 by tomorrow.
I had a gap last month between review books and picked through some books that had already been added to my Kindle at some nebulous point in the past, so this short list of recent recommendations may include both older books and the occasional something that’s not science fiction or fantasy. My criteria for this list is books I’ve read since August that I gave a 5-star rating on Goodreads to.
American War by Omar El Akkad
This one’s historical fiction about a second American Civil War. What makes it creepy – and effective – is that it shows how the protagonist is radicalized through deliberate decisions made by her mentor.
Consort of Fire by Kit Rocha
An ancient dragon god marries the mortal ruler’s heir every century, and finally meets his match. But she’s adopted and considered so disposable that the ruler had her cursed unless she and her handmaid assassinate the Dragon. This steamy fantasy story does an amazing job at world- and character-building.
Daughters of the Night Sky by Aimie K. Runyan
Historical fiction about the Soviet “Night Witches” who terrorized Germany during World War II. I probably picked it up because of Cheshire Moon’s song, Nachthexen. (https://cheshiremoon.bandcamp.com/track/nachthexen-2)
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
This is the first of McGuire’s Wayward Children series, and having read it, I wonder how I had somehow bypassed her work until this point, especially knowing so many of my friends are fans. I will definitely be partaking of more of her delightful writing.
Goodnight, Sweet Princess by Jason Janes
This novella was published by a friend in 2015. The compressed murder mystery takes place at a Renaissance Faire which Chicago area fans will almost certainly equate with Bristol.
The Memories Between Us by Karen Peck
Another book written by a friend, this is a time travel and parallel universes romance as the protagonist desperately searches for a way to re-encounter his deceased wife.
The Shadow Baron by Davinia Evans
I was delighted with the first book in The Burnished City series, Notorious Sorcerer, when I read it last year, and was equally excited about the sequel.
The Star-Crossed Pelican by Laura Ruth Loomis
This hilarious book takes science fiction lightly with an oversized heap of drama including a “peace-keeping” weapon that forces people to relive their most embarrassing moments.