Book Review: Headlights by CJ Leede

 Headlights is many things, but it is primarily a novel about the reverberations of deep, overwhelming, profound grief and loss.

I am very grateful to Tor for the Advanced reader copy.  I was so excited to read this, I did not even wait to see if an audiobook would be available. I just went for it. I was thrilled at the prospect of a new novel from Leede, and honestly, this one, is so creepy and atmospheric that I am unsure if I could have done the audio without crawling out of my skin.

I would share some photos of new jumpscares I have encountered in my neighborhood, but... they literally are just bushes. Bushes that will NEVER BE THE SAME- thank you CJ Leede! 

                                                                               

Covers sometimes sell books,  and the artist for this one is located HERE   - just in case you are interested, after all.   I love the cover, it really embodies the book. 

Readers meet Daniel - a hard boiled FBI agent whose chosen name is Daniel because of King's The Shining. Daniel has had a harrowing past, full of intense grief. When we encounter him, he's ready to leave it all behind and take on another stint of military service, but then... he gets a message that "It's happening again" He's compelled to return to Colorado- and work through a series of bizarre crimes that had perpetrators that are also somehow victims, and absolutely gruesome details. As an avid reader of old school detective/murder novels I was ready for this. I quickly became a "ride or die" for Danny- which is maybe why the twists and turns in the second and third act were pretty devastating for this reader.

When he suddenly finds himself a potential suspect- things start to go absolutely sideways - not only is Danny running from his law colleagues, he appears to also be running from his own past demons. Of course, these aren't all mental demons, because this is CJ Leede. We've got mental demons but also... ones that manifest out the night - Voom!

What he finds unearths a reckoning with himself and others, and a final solution that honestly I am not so sure I loved.- the last - 3rd act if you will felt a little forced, and possibly not quite as clear/neat as I  would have preferred. But, honestly in some ways, the way that it devolved into utter supernatural chaos fit the novel and I found myself just sitting, staring into space, wondering how on earth I could review this one with elements of Splatter punk, horror, myth and legend,  all tied up in a bit of a hair. I feel like the chaos and confusion really drove home the chaos and confusion of Daniel and his crew as the supernatural collided with reality. 

It this a book for book clubs?  Probably not your Mom's local library book club. Definitely not my local library book club! 

But readers who enjoy horror, splatterpunk, and a good detective story will find that this one offers a chaotic but well crafted multilayered and elegant meditation on extreme grief- and those reverberations of such grief through a life. 

                        First Published :  6/9/26

                    Pages: 400

Available as an Audio Book:  yes ~ 9-12 hrs 

Trigger Warnings:  Violence, body horror, loss of parents, parental incarceration, divorce, alcohol use, accidental and on purpose cannibalism, more body horror, ghosts  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Palaces of the Crows by Ray Nayler

 I had the opportunity to read/listen and review the Palaces of the Crows by Ray Nayler - produced by Macmillan Audio. 

   This was my first book by Ray Nayler, and it was INTENSE. I am not entirely sure it is representative of his other works, but I do intend to check out more from him. 

This book is really quite unique and I noted several folks doing reviews didn't finish it. Crows, and Crow friends are kind of a hot commodity in the Book tok world  So perhaps readers were expecting one thing, and got something different. I personally initially ignored this one because I am wholly exhausted from the onslaught of World War Two historic fiction. In the current climate, it makes me feel some kind of way. that said, I'm glad that I took this one on, because it fed a piece of my soul. 

For me, this was a book that grew on me. The initial chapters- which introduced us to the main characters were admittedly not the most engaging/easy to follow, AND, they introduced readers to a bit of a bleak landscape and situation, which at times overwhelmed me with a sense of doom, and dread. As much as I didn't enjoy that, I have to hand it to Nayler.  I was immersed.  I listened to this as part of my daily commute and at the beginning found that I often walked into my house after my commute home with a severe sense of dread.  I finally fully comprehended that my entire sense of dread was Audiobook induced, and I started to enjoy Nayler's work more. 

     The basic premise - without any spoilers-  is 4 young people find themselves sandwiched between the German troops,  and the Red Army troops in a forest during WWII. They didn't know each other "before"  and their alliance seems to be one of the most unlikely ever. These children band together and are helped by a variety flora, fauna, and some humans.  But they are especially helped by a band of highly intelligent crows that one of them had befriended over the years. This survival story unfolds into a panorama of survival through mutual aid, loyalty, storytelling and a unique human/animal relationship. 

I stuck with this book, despite also not really vibing with the first part because I was curious about why Nayler had taken on this topic and decided to tell this story. I feel that it's worth it for the "third act" if you will which shows the eventual resolution of the desperate situation the characters began in and gave me a unique view on power, people in power, and the motivations of those who seek, obtain and maintain power. The choices made by the young persons- if they can be called choices- were heart wrenching. If someone had told me I'd be sobbing at any time reading a Ray Nayler novel, I would not have believed it, but I actually did shed a tear or two. The third portion of the novel really hits home. 

 This was narrated by Eunice Wong,  who showcased her talent to take on this project and deliver a reading that was clear, but also reflected many difficult emotions throughout the novel. 

This is a unique book, one that transported me to a very uncomfortable spot, but also left me with many small gifts and realizations.  I recommend it for readers particularly interested in difficult choices, mutual aid, and of course, human/animal relationships. 

First Published :  5/19/26

Pages: 384

Available as an Audio Book :  yes ~ 8 hours

Trigger Warnings:  War, death, violence, extreme cold, parental loss, loss of identity  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review Sublimation By Isabel Kim

   Ok so, I was NOT PREPARED for the utter delicious-ness of this debut novel. 

Where has Isabel Kim been? 

I feel like this is probably the most impactful book I've read all year.  I keep recommending it to all sorts of people, and I cannot wait for it to come out.  

In fact, my only regret is that when reading this, I wanted desperately to dissect little parts and discuss it with someone else. 

I wasn't  a huge fan of the cover, but it reflects the novel so perfectly, that I now see why it was chosen.  This book is a perfect mix of speculative fiction, science fiction, literary fiction and corporate espionage thriller, all rolled into one. Sometimes this doesn't work, but in this case, it worked so well for me. At the crux of this novel is the familiar question: 

Can a person really ever go home again?  It is an age old question, and one that you'll have to answer yourself at the conclusion of the novel. 

     In short, readers enter in to a near future world where persons can split in two at borders. It doesn't always happen, and in fact it's a bit unpredictable, and messy. These folks often live two separate lives, or later may choose to reintegrate into one individual. We follow two young persons who have "body doubles/" in the US while their "original copy" lives in Korea. As these people navigate desire, and choices regarding separation and integration or re-integration, we are also treated to an expansive family saga, detailed and completely fleshed out technology systems, a bit of an espionage thriller, and a reckoning or what's lost and gained when one leaves home. In addition, the novel gets a bit meta with all sorts of references to the books premise but applied creatively to age old stories from the Bible and Greek myths/poetry. It is quite an accomplishment that this work hung together so cohesively. At every chapter I was kind of turned around with the multiple references that really fit quite perfectly within the narrative!  

This is an excellent Book Club book as it brings up all sorts of topics of discussion: Immigration, Migration, Ethical issues with the use of technology, Family relationships and how they shape our world, Friendships, Personality, and so much more.  

   I was gifted an audiobook copy from Macmillan Audio and I really really recommend that you do choose to use the audio version.  Narrators Major Curda and Michelle H. Lee did a great job giving a clear narration, but what REALLY stands out is the production of the novel. Studio Sound engineeers did an amazing job at translating certain parts of the text in some very specific sound effects which really drew me into the reading and made me feel as if I was experiencing the very thing the narrator was communicating. There was nothing distracting about this, and all the production really served to pull me further into the novel. 

   Even if you aren't a Sci-Fi fan, this is one to put on your list.  Kudos to Isabel Kim, I've been looking up everything else she's got out there all week. 

Many Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC, this was a joy to read. 

First Published :  6/2/26

Pages: 368

Available as an Audio Book :  yes ~ 12 hrs 

Trigger Warnings:  mild violence, mild body horror, (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

 

Book Review: Black Hole Guns for Hire By Friday Strout

 Book pals, you may have noticed that I do not do a lot of Indie author reviews here.  I don't really read a lot of Indie published books. There are two reasons for this:  Firstly I do a lot of my reading via Audio-book, and secondly, I've been sent a lot of Indie works that weren't quite ready for readers- with an expectation that I will provide a 5 star review. That said- Indie's are so important. They often move us beyond what one of the Big Five publishers would consider "marketable" or "profitable" and provide readers with unique views and perspectives. 

   I felt that Black Hole Guns for Hire really did give me a different perspective, and I'm happy to recommend it - for certain readers. 

I was immediately smitten with the cover. It just screamed adventure, with a smidge of irreverence! If you are curious about the cover art (I was)  it was "made with Reedsy, a Designer based in New Zealand." 

   In short this story encompasses all sorts of current issues within an exciting space adventure. Lina Bho is captain of a Space Transport Junker. After retiring herself from the United Earth Marines, she's completing her transition with a rough and ready crew at the edges of the universe.  Things start out rough for Lina and crew, and only get rougher as the story evolves. They are stalked by pirates and aliens as they realize that the United Earth has stranded billions of people to control a rebel stronghold. Lina and her tight knit crew have only one chance, and a slim chance at that- to survive this. If you, like me, have to know what happens in this fast moving, lit-rpg type novel, you'll have to read to find out! 

    

      For me this novel did read a bit rough and ragged around the edges. I loved the diverse representation within the novel that was natural and not didactic or weird. I also enjoyed all the space battles, movements and machinations of the ships, and crew. I was less fond of the very stridently masculine tone of the novel, but that was possibly a "me" thing that may not affect other readers. Definitely a book to recommend for the Trans-rights readathon which occurs every March. I wouldn't wait til March to pick it up though, it comes out May 28th and I know it's one that will surprise and broaden reader's horizons! 

First Published :  5/28/26

Pages: 177

Available as an Audio Book :  possibly? 

Trigger Warnings: Violence, death, on page sexual content, alcohol use/abuse, war, gratituitous references to women's body parts (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow

 The Everlasting is one of the 6 books nominated for a Hugo Award this year, so it was high up on my list to complete before the awards are given out. 

I think it's a possible winner. 

That said, it is not going to be my choice for winner, although I have only read 4 of the 6, I am sure that I've read at least two that I enjoyed more.

That said, this was inventive, deeply romantic and tragic in a way that readers of One Dark Window and Wolf Worm are bound to LOVE. 

It's difficult to give a synopsis without spoiling at least one of the gentle surprises. But, I'm game to try. 

    We start our story by meeting Owen Mallory, a misfit and an outcast who's received a medal for bravery that even he feels he didn't deserve, and a discharge from the military with a post at a college teaching and researching literature.  Mallory struggles with family and social relations, but he's on point with his scholarship and is working on a project to provide a definitive translation of the story of a National Hero- Una the Everlasting. One day, he receives a mysterious book in the post. Generally not one to take risks, he risks transporting this book away and to a mysterious address. This action sends him on a journey for the ages. 

  In this novel we get  a tender love that transcends the ages, knightly battles, some dragons, and a villain who is also a victim. There are political machinations, and manipulation as well as a stubborn time loop. It really is a time bending, gender bending love story for the ages. On top of that, it's well imagined and stunningly well written. 

  For me, I did find it somewhat repetitive which of course can't really be helped in a time looping novel, I suppose.  In addition, it seemed to go ON and ON.  I was shocked to find out after bearing through the audiobook that the print is only 320 pages. The audiobook is 13 hours and 21 min.  An average length of audio book for 320 pages is between 9 and 12 hours.... and thus, after about 9 hours, I was a bit tired of Owen, his father and the woman who would be called Una. It was an honest relief when the story concluded in a masterful and gentle way. 

   I think it's highly possible this is a winner, despite it dragging on quite a bit for me. I think, quite honestly I'd recommend reading this one with the eyes rather than the ears. 

First Published :  10/28/2025

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :  YES

Trigger Warnings: Violence, death, on page sexual content, alcohol use/abuse, war (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Zero Sum Game by S.L. Huang

 Earlier in April I reviewed  The Language of Liars  by S. L. Huang. 

I thought it was a really solid work of Sci-Fi fiction that I decided to check out more of their backlist.  One of the things I enjoy about this author is that they've written lots of books over time and not all are exactly Sci-fi. I know I'll get a good story but what exactly I'll get is a surprise!   

Zero Sum Game popped up as the first in the series, featuring a character named Cas Russell. 

I cannot decide which cover I like better. So I posted images of both, as they both sort of show different aspects of this high octane thriller style novel. 

Without spoiling this one... Cas is a loner, she mostly sticks to the periphery of society. She takes dangerous jobs and has good results- mostly because she is wicked good at math.  Let me tell you, I was ready for a novel where a math genius is also a total badass with a gun, fast motorcycles and an attitude to match.  I loved it. 

Cas takes a job after she was recommended by one person she trusts. Once she's working the job, she can't seem to disentangle herself from the situation. And, the situation is not safe or actually very sane. Has she uncovered a governmental secret agency or a strange society of insanity?  You'll want to read to find out. 

   I did feel this was maybe a bit rough around the edges, here and there, but, I also loved that it felt like I was immersed in an action thriller full of dangerous twists and turns.  This allowed me to overlook some of the uneven characters, and repetitive dialogue. It really didn't matter that much to me, as I was really in it to win it with Cas and her adopted crew.  I will be picking up book 2. 

First Published :  10/2/2018

Pages: 336

Available as an Audio Book :  YES

Trigger Warnings: Violence, death, references to drugs, mind control, LA traffic, guns, Math, vague religious trauma (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Milk, Blood Heat By Dontiel Moniz

 I picked this back list book up for a reading prompt from my local bookstore. I felt like I hadn't really been reading enough diverse books and the cover was beautiful. 

I would like any reader to recall that I am not a literary critic, and that all opinions are just my own when I admit that I really... really did not enjoy this collection of short stories. In part because I am not often a short story fan, and in part because I just...didn't. The writing is good, the stories are well constructed, and they really were self contained nuggets of Florida life.  I still...just kind of got the ick. I missed the electrifying, enchanting and thrilling aspects of a story about a teen suicide, a woman dying of cancer, and depression after a miscarriage. 

         This could be a book for a Book Club, but it would need to be a club with a skilled leader as the topics involve miscarriage, suicide, cheating, death and disease, all of which are extremely relatable in one form or fashion.  It is an excellent read for anyone studying literature or a writer wanting to improve their craft, as Moniz does handle the short story form with ease. 

I'm glad I delved into it, and I was also glad to return it to the library. One more notch on my book challenge done! 

First Published :  2/2/21

Pages: 208

Available as an Audio Book :  YES

Trigger Warnings: Disease, violence, killing/death, SA, Miscarriage, child loss, religious trauma (this is not a full list, read responsibly)