July Reading Wrap Up

  I KNOW we are 4 days into August but I think I still have time for a quick reading wrap up. 

This "new job" has really got me turned around.  I broke my own rule about requesting audio only, and thus I find myself buried in actual books that I need to read with my actual eyes. And then, I also have to make various reviews. Whew. 

I am not doing the request-a-pal-loo-za again. Because it means I am doing...small videos like this. 

Instead of more interesting ones like THIS. 

And... I'm behind on all sort of reviews. 

So here we are. In July I finished 14 books. 

Books in Translation:  ZERO  I took NONE. I am so sad about this, and since August is Women in Translation Month, I am hopeful for my August. 

Books by Diverse Authors: Also seems to have taken a huge hit.  I read 4 books by authors who I could discern that they are Diverse in some way 28% Not terrible, but I wanted it to be better. 

One of my favorites was indeed Road to Ruin by Hana Lee.  This book is criminally underrated.

Books that relate to my Outer Space Theme: 4/14 or another 28%  I'm disappointed that although I tried I failed to finish any instructional, non-fiction books about space, and mostly stuck to the Space Opera style novels.  

Otherwise I read a romance with my Book club which was not the best and not the worst. 

And some top Notch regular fiction.  A Penance for Crows by Shannon Morgan was amazing, as was The Raven Scholar, and Whalesong! 

So while it wasn't a month that moved my goals along that well, it was a very enjoyable one for reading. 

August looks to be a month ot tidying up, and so hopefully there will be plenty of reviews forthcoming!  I want to clear out my NetGalley list! 
 

Book Review: The Blossoming of the Big Tree by Dilman Dila

 

 I had seen this on Net Galley and kind of shied away from the arachnid on the cover.  I'm not opposed to spiders, but I'm also not that into them. At some point Mr. Dila reached out and asked if I might be interested in this Solar Punk novel, and after looking at the description, YES, I was. I really enjoyed this novel, and I think I will want to read at least one more novella from this author. 

I so see a different background cover offered as well.   Do you have a preference? 

  This is really interesting science fiction/climate fiction with a snappy main female character who is about 70 years old, and a bit set in her ways.  She knows she isn't like everyone else, but she also, at age 70 has learned how to cope and get along in the world, despite her aversion to socialization, and depending on others.  She understands how interconnected the world is, and how people may be depending on her and she may be depending on them.  She doesn't love it, but she knows how her world works. She's elected/voluntold to the chairmanship of National Defense, and as she understands how her world works, she accepts without a fuss.  After all- she is living in a decentralized cooperative society- and she doesn't figure any other nation/area is going to pick a fight. 

Our intrepid main character did not expect a neighboring power to invader her peaceful country. They want their inventive eco-friendly tech and food. She's got to come up with something, and fast. Her decentralized society knows it can't fight back with military power, so they are throwing all hope at the Chairperson of National Defense. What's a girl to do? Adita - who just wanted to stay home- is about to have an adventure.  

Here's how I picture our main character: 

Parks, Gordon, photographer. Daytona Beach, Florida. Woman who says she is 104 years old. Volusia County Daytona Beach Florida United States, 1943. Feb. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2017845190/.

 

Overall, I enjoyed this novella.  It has a delightful and satisfying ending, a main character that I wholly enjoyed meeting, and a lot of different points for discussion if read as a group. 

If one is going for the HRCYED (hardest Reading Challenge you'll Ever Do)  this will fall squarely in the Regions challenge, and can cover Regions in Africa. 

I hope more people will discover Dilman, for both Films and Literature! 

First Published :  7/1/2026

Pages: 110

Available as an Audio Book :  Not at this time. 

Trigger Warnings: Ecological disaster, War, Shunning (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review- Our Infinite and Inevitable ends by A. D. Sui

  I received an advanced copy of this book from ECW press.  I really like ECW because they are always producing some unusual titles with all sorts of perspectives.  I loved the Iron Garden Sutra from Sui, so I was down to try another one. 

  One thing that A. D Sui is- is original.  Their novels are not the same story with a new twist or different characters.  They are wholly unique and well realized each time and every time you get really superb writing that flows- making it easy to read even when slipping through unfamiliar and somewhat complex concepts and situations. 

We open up on "the Great Garbage Patch"  where Cas is working to try to save the world- literally- using s science to do this.  (This isn't part of Sui's imagination, this garbage patch exists. Click here for more info.)

Cas is exactly where she wants to be, far from her Ex- Yana who is a pharmaceutical researcher. The world is being taken by Storm by a new pharmaceutical, Deleria which allows users glimpses of alternate realities, and a future where some of Earth's problems may be solved. Cas is not immune to this drug and when Yana is killed in a blast and Cas is arrested as a possible domestic terrorist, Cas dives deeper in to Deleria until she's got to make a choice to spiral into a deleria delerium or to live in the now. 

This is a well put together book that reads more like a fast paced Cli-Fi thriller rather than Sci Fi, though there are Sci-Fi elements. It is a great one for book clubs as there is a lot to discuss from each chapter. 

For me this is not going to be my favorite A. D Sui book. Predictable because I am a SPACE SHIP Junkie, and this pretty much takes place on the mundane earth. For others looking for sharp discussion on the state of the Earth and climate, the pharma industry (side notes only) and sapphic relationships- this will likely be one they will want to pick up. 

  I'm unclear if this would qualify as a weird girl book, and I'm leaning towards no.  There are "girls" in the book and they are a bit weird, but it doesn't have that Weird girl vibe. That said, it does have a vibe and the vibe is definitely OK. 

First Published :  10/27/26

Pages: 312

Available as an Audio Book :  Maybe? 

Trigger Warnings: Death, Ecological disaster, law enforcement, drug use/abuse,  (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Behind on your reading goals?

 It's June!!!  We are half way through this year! 

It's been a VERY long 6 months and I myself am behind on my reading goals. 

So... Of course reading is not a competition.  There's a content creator who always shows how she has read about 8 books a week, and I'm always a bit annoyed by that, but... I let it go,  let it go... let it go. I do not know how she does it, but, I also...know that she does a great job at promoting all sorts of diverse and interesting books, so... who am I to judge.  

I do wonder though, at a rate of 8 books a week- where is that time to sit with something and absorb and digest it?  But I digress. 

 I could... adjust my reading goal to have fewer books on it, but I decided instead to look for some shorter books, while continuing to read all the others I want to read. I MAY have gone overboard requesting some advanced copies- but there were SO MANY good ones coming out... 

If you are like me and find that life catches up to your reading, I have some recommendations for shorter fiction, that I believe is still meaningful and interesting. Many of them are books in translation, so you can beef up your reading of diverse reads with these!   Most are available at your library, so you can check them out without purchase!

Federal Art Project, S. Curb service 10,000 current books - convenient, free, time saving: Chicago Public Library, Randolph St. corridor. Chicago Illinois, None. [Chicago: illinois wpa art project, between 1936 and 1941] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/98508385/.

Without Further ado: 

Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite 

This is a complete novella told in 2 hours. A closed room who-dun-it set on a generation ship in space.  For would be writers, this is a lesson in how to quickly build a world, establish a full story with well developed characters and bring that story to a close.  The pacing was Perfection.  She apparently has a few in this series if you start to like them! 

But Not Too Bold by Hache Pueyo

Coming in at just 115 pages, This is a sapphic gothic novella, with an eldritch like spider-monster-woman. It is a unique translated novella, with the translation crafted by the author. 

Cowboy Graves by Roberto Bolano

This is actually a volume with 3 novellas in one.  3 wildly divergent stories, all in translation as well. I honestly feel like, any description would just be wrong. 

Spring Garden  by Tomoka Shibasaki

You may be sensing a theme here with books in translation! This novella focuses on life in modern day Tokyo. Two lonely people come together over a tale of a spring garden. 

The River Swimmer by Jim Harrison

This comes in at 204 pages.  This novella is set in Michigan and follows two men of different ages who are both confronting life challenges in love, and environment. This felt very relatable, and also had some excellent descriptions of the Michigan landscape. 

The Language of Liars  by S. L. Huang is  a new novella. 

I have a Full Review of this one HERE   or if you feel a wild need to hear me chat about it:  Check it out here: 
 I really fully feel like this novella should be in the contention for a Hugo in 2027. Space Opera, with no human characters, just astounding and creative and fun! 

If you are looking for Romance to sweep you away in under 200 pages... Bad Blood by M. Malone may be the one for you. A RITA winner, 

This follows a typical romance format with familiar tropes- an off limits little sister, a broody main male character that's successful, and yet still single and just awaiting that one moment to throw all his morals aside for said off limits little sister.  At 234 pages, it is maybe longer than a typical Novella, but given it won a RITA for Novellas, I'm letting it be in the list!

I admit, I'm not a huge fan of contemporary romance, but.. romance in space?  For some reason, this... always makes me smile. 

Emily Michel creates an action packed novella with an alien on earth! Meretta - the Female lead is a quiet reserved librarian, who notices that this man's photo is most surely part of a 100 yr old collection.  What's going on? In 108 pages, you'll be taken on a wild ride. Emily has a second book coming out.  which is also novella length- so if you are itching to enjoy some alien novellas- these are really quite fun, easy to read and not extremely serious- so perfect for summer! 

  Which novellas have you enjoyed? Let me know your recommendations in the comments!  I am about 10-12 books behind on my reading goals, so... these may show up as full reviews soon! 

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: The Salvage By Anbara Salam

 The Salvage is a hold over from last year's water theme.  

I bought the actual physical book because the blurb was amazing and I LOVE the cover. 

 I mean, look at that cover. 

  The blurb was also amazing. It's 1962.  Marta, a female marine archeologist travels to Cairnroch, a small island off Scotland. She's there to dive a Victorian shipwreck. The ship and it's crew had personal significance to the small community on the island, especially the one family with wealth. Marta is struggling with the wreckage that is her personal life, which is also tied to her employment and thinks that her service in the community can bring her some sort of redemption. 

    Things start off well, but quickly turn a bit sour as odd things start happening, and Marta is not sure if she's seeing things, or if things are really just a bit creepy. Things get even stranger as a record setting cold and snowstorm settle in, at the same time as the Cuban Missile Crisis. Ferries and trains aren't running. Fuel is frozen, and Marta has some things she must do to right her personal ship. 

    Salam tells the tale of the winter of 1962-63, but also tells, vaguely, the tale of the Victorian fleet in interspersed chapters. She then deftly ties the situation created up into a bow that still left a reader with some thought provoking questions. 

   The writing is tight and paints a grim, eerie picture of Cairnroch, Marta and the sea. I admit the writing itself paints such a picture, that I did start to feel a bit melancholy while reading the novel. I honestly did not enjoy it as much as I had hoped, but after waiting over 6 months for it on hold on audio at the library, I knew I was going to finish it. I loathed Marta.  She was a sad little hard character who created more drama than needed, but as the book unfolds, I realized that she wasn't the only pot stirrer, and I was glad that things seemed to come to a solid resolution there at the end. 

Do I recommend this novel?  YES - for those who enjoy literary fiction, and historical fiction, as it fits both genres pretty well. If you are primary horror reader, this horror might be too mild for you, are it might tickle your brain as something suspenseful but quite different. Did I enjoy this novel?  Kindof...but also not really. I recognize that it's well constructed, interesting and unique, but I can't say I Had a good time while reading it. I do wish I knew more folks who had read the novel so we could talk about it! 

STATS

First Published :  10/7/25

Pages: 384

Available as an Audio Book :  YES ( ~ 12 hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: violence, death, prejudice, racism, LBGTQIA themes, alcohol use, nudity, references to attempted religious conversion, religious trauma. Historical event references. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly) 

Book Review: The Subtle Art of Folding Space by John Chu

 I was really prepared to not love this book.  To begin with, the cover was too appealing. I loved it and even though I knew that Bao was not the topic of the book, the cover called to me. Secondly, as I read the description, it seemed to involve some sort of time manipulation. I may have mentioned it before, but I am not generally a fan of time travel, as it makes things...strange and often convenient. So, what did I do? I hit the Request button at and hoped that I might get a copy from Macmillan Audio. 

Even after I downloaded the copy, I was hesitant. WELL, I LOVED IT.  So much so that I actually went looking for more stuff written by the author. (As if I do not have a stack of books waiting in the wings!)

Chu is a Hugo and nebula award winner for former works, and this full length novel really pulled so many things together. 

With no plot spoilers, Ellie- our main character is a grad student who is juggling school, caring for her ill mother in another state, and her place in the universe as a Builder and Maintainer of space as we know it. It's a lot to handle.  Luckily she has some support in her cousin Daniel, a gentle mountain of a man. Unfortunately, she also has to contend with Chris, her elder sister who is a bit... toxic. All of them are involved in one way or another in the delicate balance of the Universe, and it seems that some are more committed to this balance than others. 

   When Ellie's Mother passes, she must return for the funeral, and finds herself facing a series of tests and challenges as she unravels some truths about the world she inhabits, her relationships and the way of the universe at large. 

   Chu handles many large topics with ease, while also building an entire world and fleshing out his characters to make them very VERY real for readers. I was really transported to a world where room size could shift, secret trails could be left, and the workings of the universe could be adjusted with the flick of a wrist all the while the world continues on with people living, loving and loathing and finding time to indulge in some delicious pan fried fish.  The construction of the novel allowed me to absorb all of these elements and enjoy them for what they were rather than feeling confused by the concepts or relationships. 

Narration was done by Katherine Chin.  She did a really great job, and when I write this, I mean... OUTSTANDING.  It was so outstanding that I went to look up the Narrators- plural because I believed that a man had narrated Cousin Daniel.  Nope. just Katherine Chin. Her ability to modulate her voice and use certain accents really made it feel like a multi-narrator book, so I'm now going to see what other books she's narrated! 

While Science Fiction isn't always for everyone, I feel like Chu has created a novel that could be an excellent entry point for people wanting to get into Sci-Fi.  The setting is real world and real world adjacent, and the struggles faced by Ellie, Daniel and the crew are intensely relatable to anyone who has had a family at some point in life. 

I don't really give star ratings that often, but.. 5/5 stars.  in fact. 8/5 stars. 

I'm so excited to read more from John Chu!  Thank you to Macmillan Audio/Tor for the Advanced Listener Copy.  It was a joy to read. 

STATS

First Published :  4/7/2026

Pages: 240

Available as an Audio Book :  YES (~ 7.5 hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: Death, illness, toxic family, brief mention of unsuccessful suicide, attempted murder (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

  

Book Review: You Sexy Thing By Cat Rambo

 This Space Opera book has been floating around in the back of my TBR for quite some time. 

The TITLE- just draws one in.  It is so audacious, and I certainly found myself wanting to tell everyone about what I was reading...all the time, just for the reaction. 

Billed as a Disco Space Opera, and published in 2021, I honestly can say this lives up to the billing and I wish I'd read it in 2021. 

This is the book that I wished was Becky Chambers very popular Long Way to a Small Angry Planet was. Nothing particularly wrong with Chamber's novel,  but it was far too cozy for me. 

You Sexy Thing however...has just enough bite mixed in with the cozy.  It has the action I was craving, along with the found family, unusual aliens, interesting food, and an all around good time with a quite satisfying ending. 

Without any Spoilers- Niko, a retired Space warrior has been establishing a cozy little eatery with her former soldiers in a station at the edge of the known universe.  She's fairly settled, but has a plan to rescue someone important to her, it's just taken a lot longer than she expected. 

Readers join up with this rag tag crew on the eve of a fancy critic review evening where the main dish is going to center upon the rare and precious vegetable- the eggplant. 

  DO things go as planned?  Well- if they did it wouldn't be very interesting! Instead of dining at an out of the way station, Niko and the crew embark on a trip across the galaxy on a VERY FAST SHIP (that's maybe a bit sexy) that seems to have some opinions. There is skullduggery, magic, some treachery and trickery, as well as heart break, and new beginnings. 

LOVED THIS ONE. 

MAYBE my Favorite Space Opera of the year, which is saying something as I've been dabbling in the Space Opera quite a bit. 

  I did listen tot he audiobook. Narrated by Vivianne Leheny it was fantastic.  Given the amount of alien beings on board, Leheny certainly had the opportunity to really go all out with various voices and dramatic effects.  The narration did use some special voices, and effects, but really just enough sprinkled in there to remind me, the listener that some of our characters really had tentacles, or were oracles, rather than being cheesy or too over the top. 

  I am now a SOLID FAN of Cat Rambo.  Already pulled book two from the library. 

May Rambo provide us with more Disco Operas in the future!

First Published :  2021

Pages: 400

Available as an Audio Book :  YES (10 hr 22 min) 

Trigger Warnings: Death, violence, war, torture, Captivity, trauma, mental health,  body horror (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

 

   

Book Review: The Plotters by Un-su Kim

                                            

 So last year when I wanted to add some translated works to my TBR, I put several audiobooks on hold. They then all started to become available in the past few weeks. So, it looks like I may do better than last year on my books in translation. 

    This is a bit of a hidden gem, I have not heard many people discussing this one, and I found myself to be listening with delight as this Crime noir/thriller unfolded.   It is also a beat the back-list type of novel as it was first published in 2018.  This is one novel that I could see as a television mini-series. 

     So without spoilers- this is a novel about assassins, and the people (or plotters) behind the assassins. Our main character is a likeable, well read young man who was raised unconventionally by Old Raccoon, who is essentially a kingpin in the Assassin world in an alternative by contemporary South Korea.  Our main character follows orders, he pulls triggers when asked, and otherwise lives a quiet and bland life. He is, however, thoughtful, and observant. Eventually he carries out a plan, but doesn't quite follow the instructions to a T, and finds himself privy to a bizarre scheme put into motion by the most unexpected of players. Will he join them, or remain a cog in the machine?  I really was rooting for our main character, because, after all, who can dislike a man with cats named Desk and Lampshade? And He's a man who takes care of those cats. 

  I really loved this one. There's a lot of dark humor, and wry commentary on the state of life in general, the plot has a lot of twists and turns and goes places that I didn't imagine it would. While I did find the ending to be less satisfying than I would have liked, it certainly fit the story. 

The translator is Sora Kim-Russell, and they have done a wonderful wonderful job. Sarcasm, suspense, dry humor, and implied tones are difficult to translate, and I felt that I didn't miss any of that in this novel, it was all there, in spades. 

  Now I've seen people say if you enjoy Han Kang, you'll enjoy this, but I don't think that's necessarily the case.  The two writers are very different. I see this more as a novel for folks who love the noir genre and want to explore it in other cultures other than the sort of UK/USA area. For me, I really enjoyed it as it was so well plotted, grabbed me in the beginning, held me through the middle and had me on the edge of my chair for the end! 

                                 First Published :  August 2018

Pages: 310

Available as an Audio Book : Yes  

Trigger Warnings: death, death of dog, death of child,  classism, medical issues, body horror, misogyny.

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book review : To The Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage

  Oh My Gosh, so I assumed this was going to be a book for me, in fact, I was fully prepared to LOVE love this book to the ends of the earth.  To the Moon and Back, indeed. 

    Obviously I'm telling you this because, spoiler.  I did not love this book that much, maybe to Tallahassee and back.  

This is a complicated story of a a young woman who has worked her entire life to become an astronaut. As readers follow her journey, they move through her life and grapple with her character as she decides what it means to be a Cherokee, a scientist, a lesbian and a sister, aunt and daughter, and indeed, there is more. It is a very ambitious novel addressing identity, family, obligations and ambitious and belonging. 

   In the end I struggled with this one. On one hand I was very invested in the main character getting to space. On the other, I was somehow not invested in chapters and chapters and chapters of relationship drama.  Be it from her Mother, her sister or her girlfriend, it eventually felt overplayed.  I know that some people's lives are indeed like that, but at one point if I wasn't 3 hrs to the end, I would have just DNF the whole thing. 

   Despite me not really enjoying the novel, I think it is well written and for many this is one they might want to read. In general picks from Reese's book club tend to be very readable  I am a bit embarrassed to admit, I just had to look up exactly who Reese is and after looking over her picks, this one seems like one of the more adventurous picks. The rest that I viewed, seemed to be sort of safe book club picks.  This one was more on the wild side, and, with her cinematic background, I can entirely entirely see this book being made into a mini-series - the amount of family drama would draw in quite the audience. I did enjoy that it was written as a contemporary novel and that made it feel quite real.  Characters were well fleshed out though none were particularly likeable to me. 

So... would I recommend this novel?  Possibly. I would not recommend it to just anyone, but for the right person, this will be a 5 star read. 

For me it was about a 3.25  but that's all based on vibes alone. 

First Published :  9/2/25

Pages: 448

Available as an Audio Book : Yes   ~ 14 hrs

Trigger Warnings:  poverty, racism, classism, domestic violence, medical issues, body horror, slavery, 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Swimming With Manatees by Bill Bennett

 This is clearly a passion project of Bill Bennett, an independent author. 

 I would like to thank NetGalley for the advanced digital copy to read and review. 

I was initially attracted by the title and attractive cover, as well as the Florida setting. I do love a Florida setting.  In addition, I did hope to finish this in 2025 as part of my water theme, but I got... Water logged with books, so here we are in January. 

We're given the Story of Ava Martinez, a tough and savvy detective  who is somewhat new to the force she's working on in the Everglades area of Florida. This case is personal, because in a small town, almost everyone knows everyone. 

Readers experience multiple points of view as they read and unravel the mystery of who killed multiple people, and why. The author brings in current uses and interest in marine life as a source of new medical treatments, and was able to hold my attention with some action scenes interspersed with cerebral sleuthing. 

The book is written with a heavy heavy noir style which many descriptions ending in a comparison.  This is an area which Bennett excels. It was repetitive, but I did enjoy reading the prose which took me right into the nostalgic feel of Noir novels and films from days gone by. 

That said, I did not fall in love with any of the characters- I could see how the author attempted to cobble in a backstory - especially for Ava Martinez, but unique as her backstory was, it didn't seem to really influence her current character or do anything to make her seem more real. I found her partner to be much more interesting, and that partner perishes early on!

The mystery of the murders revolves around a fascinating plot of the possibility of new biologics for disease treatment.  For most readers, this is going to be great.  For me, given my career, there were some errors that made it seem less real, but again, that has to do with my familiarity with the subject at hand. 

   I did think that it was a bold move for this male author to chose to create a female main character with a very specifically Hispanic/Latina name. To his credit  ( or discredit?) the only thing female or Hispanic/Latina about this character is the name.  I feel like the book could have had a male main character with the name of John Smith and it would have felt the same.  

So is this a book for everyone?  I suspect there are readers out there who will find this to be a good read. Unraveling the mystery was quite fun, and I enjoyed the description of the Everglades. Other readers may find it a bit difficult to follow, and to be somewhat tedious with heavy prose. 

STATS

First Published : 10/30/2025

Pages: 479

Available as an Audio Book :  No

Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, medical situations, murder, guns,  (not a complete list- be responsible!)

Book Review: Behold The Dreamers, by Imbolo Mbue

 This is a blast from the Backlist, as it was first published in 2016.  At that time it won lots of awards, and somehow, I never ever saw it.  I was reading less back then, I suppose. 

This debut novel for Mbue  has a lot to love and it remains relevant today! 

      

  In short, readers are given the story of a Cameroonian couple who are determined to make in the America.   Jende did not have it easy in Cameroon, so when he arrives in the US and gains employment as a chauffer for one of Lehman Brother's top men, he's thrilled.  He's well paid, and he and his wife are able to start planning a future. Neither have the correct visas nor a green card, but they are encouraged to not worry too much about the future as no one can predict the future. Through his job, Jende has a view of the ultra-wealthy in the US- and gives readers the same view. 

    All goes along as one might expect until the 2008 financial crisis.

Jende's employer is in crisis, which eventually trickles down to Jende. Cash Flow is at stake, but also relationships which everyone believed were based on more than cold hard cash.  Each character is forced to face some unpleasant realities and each makes choices that they could not have dreamed of making in the past. 

Mbue's novel pulled me in and I could not put it down. It pulsed with a rhythm that drew me in and kept my attention. I was particularly impressed at how even some minor characters were fully fleshed out, and had complete side stories that were as engaging as the main narrative. 

  This novel won the PEN/Faulkner aware in 2017 and I can see why. Well written and edited, compelling unique story which resonates well beyond the 2008 setting. 

     5 stars from me. Worth the read! 

STATS

First Published :March 2016

Pages: 400

Available as an Audio Book : Yes!

Trigger Warnings: parental death, infant death, prejudice, domestic violence, drug use, alcohol use. Not a full list - please read responsibly.

November Reading Wrap Up!

  November has been a month of complete and utter chaos. 

Mid Month, I started a new job. I went part time at my old job , but it seems they may have a different idea of part time. So I've been...working a lot. Work is good. 

My grand total for November- 14 books.  A fairly light month. 

TO be fair, I DNF'd a lot of books, and started a few and just haven't finished them. 

 So lets see how things stacked up!

 Books in Translation:  2/14 ~ 14%  Neither one was a favorite.  Alas.  Both did expose me to different perspectives. 

Books by Diverse Authors: 4/14 ~ 29%  Probably could have been more. I slipped into some monster romance, why choose- and to be honest, I don't know much about those authors- many using a pen name/alternate identity.  

Favorite Read of the month?

 Hands Down Artifact Space by Miles Cameron. 

A book that deserves an honorable mention: Sanora Babb's An Owl on Every Post.  It should be more widely read. 

What was your favorite from November? 

 

Book Review: Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews

  Many Thanks to Net Galley and  ACE publishing for a reader copy of Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews. 

LJ Andrews is well known in the romantasy world -  She's published a number of books independently and Broken Souls was picked up by Ace, a division of Penguin.  I personally had never read any of her novels, so when we saw this on Net Galley, my reading buddy and I both were granted a copy and did a buddy read. 

 Interestingly, i chose it because I thought it would something my buddy would just be all about, in the end, it was me who liked this book better!

NO SPOILER review-  BECAUSE SPOILERS ARE THE WORST! 

This is a romantasy inspired by Norse mythology and customs. 

Lyra has been stolen from her people, and hidden away as she possesses a certain magic that's prized above all others. She doesn't know about it or how it works, she just knows she needs to remain hidden.  She serves in the household of a Jarl and disguises tell tale markings with a special dye. All goes well until she's discovered in a raid and taken - along with her steadfast friend and protector - to a frightening kingdom. There, she learns to practice her craft, and finds herself strangely attracted and repelled by a guard who only speaks with his hands.  As time passes, raids on the area increase and tensions rise within the settlement. Lyra is forced to face who she is and could become, and to address her growing feelings for the guard. 

 For me personally, I enjoyed the story- it has a slow burn build up to a very frenzied last few chapters where much is revealed. There were some very satisfying moments where some truly terrible characters get their due. I'm definitely interested in reading book two.  My friend pointed out that it's also available as an audiobook, and I listened to a bit of it, and really loved the narrators. 

   If you like romantasy and haven't picked this one up- I'm sure it would be for you, it's got all the tropes we love- secret identities, forbidden love, a unique and easy to understand magic system that's rooted in Norse myth/practice, and a main man who will burn the world for his love. 

STATS

First Published :April, 2025

Pages: 480

Available as an Audio Book : Yes!

Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, bullying, Non-traditional relationships, on page sex.

Not a full list - please read responsibly.

Book Review: Artifact Space By Miles Cameron

   Friends.  I am obsessed with this novel. 

 I received an E-Arc from Saga press, as they are re-releasing this novel with a new cover in January 2026. This was originally published in 2021 through Gollancz. I had not heard of this one, which really isn't all that surprising as there are so many books published each  year! Click HERE for a map of books published each year. 

     I finished this novel about 2 weeks ago and I continue to think about the characters, and wonder what's coming in the next installment. 

 As always, you can count on me for a spoiler free discussion!  This is a adventurous space opera romp through the stars!  Our main character is Marca Nbaro. Her story begins- as so many stories do- at an orphanage. Nbaro is determined to overcome her start in life, and also some self imposed hiccups along the way. With gumption and wit (and a slew of forged credentials) she joins the crew of a greatship and becomes a bit of a hotshot pilot. Along the way she forges relationships that sometimes get a little messy, has some hair-raising adventures, and finds her people. And it's good that she does, because peril awaits. 

    What I found so interesting about this novel is that, for me, it sits right in-between super hard Sci-fi and a softer Sci-fi.   

Hard Sci-fi focused on scientific accuracy and often spends quite a bit of time discussing the details of space travel, light years and concepts rooted in physics, chemistry and astronomy- and basic calculus.  Soft Sci- fi of course focuses  more on ideas, and concepts. Then there is squishy soft sci-fi  which really just uses outer space as a setting. I honestly like it all.

Artifact Space has a compelling character focused narrative, but also employs details about different gravities, problems with the Space Time continuum and ideas about how Space Warfare occurs given different modes/speeds of space travel.  Cameron gives just enough detail about protective suiting, time differences and various gravities, while focusing on a character driven narrative.

 This novel will appeal to those who love Star Trek and Deep Space Nine, and likely also those who are fans of S. A Corey and John Scalzi. 

 For me Marca Nbaro as a character was maybe a bit too relatable at the start, which made me QUITE attached, and I actually had a few moments where I found myself reading and holding my breath- which wasn't a great combo! There are elements of romance, but they are, maybe not the best parts of the book.... 

I'm loving the new cover design which reflects the character driven aspect of the novel, and I cannot wait to pick up the Deep Black! 

5 Stars! 

STATS

First Published: 2021  Re-Release January 2026!

Pages: 576

Available as an Audio Book : I have not found an audio version YET. 

Trigger Warnings:  violence, grief, murder, war violence, death, near death,body injury, food insecurity, classism. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly) 

Book Review The Black Cathedral by Marcial Gala

 

  This... book -  it was an adventure!  I have a lot of mixed feelings about this one! 

I have been reading

Ada Ferrer's  Amazing history of Cuba, and I wanted to pair it with some Cuban writers, and I really only knew Jose Marti and Leonardo Padura.  A search through Libby for some Cuban authors brought this one up. It advertised that it was a portrait of a broken utopia, so I thought, let's try this one out.  

Keeping in mind that this novel was read in translation, I fear I may have missed the twisted satire a bit, thought I caught some of it. 

     In summary-- with no spoilers, this novel follows a family as they move to a neighborhood on the edge of being a bad one- in a southern city in Cuba. Mr. Stuart is a minister and begins to raise funds to build a spectacular house of worship.  The story  unfold with very little "plot" and is more of a slice of life told by multiple narrators - gossips, neighbors both young and old, serial killers and a few ghosts. 

 The writing was excellent and evocative and thought provoking. Readers get a glimpse of Cuba as the narrators grow and change with Cuba as a nation growing and changing. I did enjoy the changes seen in several main characters, and was equally thrilled and horrified by the resident serial killer indeed. 

I did feel like the entire novel really embraces a  "Slice of life" style which over all is not my favorite. We have a distinct beginning with the arrival of Mr. Stuart and his unusual family, but the novel itself then sort of fans out to provide almost cameos of each interesting member of the neighborhood, rather than a novel focused on the arrival, settling in and moving away  of the Stuart family.  

So for me this is not going to be one of my favorite reads of the year.  I feel that reading it in the original language may have helped me, but alas, I am not fluent to read.  I feel that the perceived flaw - with a less solid plot- may have been intentional, so I can't say it's poorly executed, I can just say that the more nebulous plot is just kind of "not my favorite" style of novel. 

So- I do recommend this for people interested in Cuban literature,  weird literature, and books in translation. If you are looking for a story with a defined Beginning-Middle-End, this one may not satisfy you in that way. 

     STATS

First Published : January 2021

Pages: 224

Available as an Audio Book : YES

Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, death, grief, racism, Cannibalism, murder, As always not a complete list, please read responsibly.