An Island Strange and Wild: The Secret Garden of your deepest dreams

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Hello, dear readers! I’m so excited about today’s review, as this is a book I’ve had the privilege of watching come together over the past few years. Lisa Amowitz has crafted a Secret Garden retelling that speaks to the deepest part of me, weaving science and magic into a beautiful work of art, like slipping into a Monet painting and watching every plant come to life.

Blurb

Devastated by the freak death of her fellow climate activist and best friend/secret crush Tyler, eighteen-year-old science geek Rosalie Gatell decides to ditch her prestigious summer study abroad and escape to the place of his birth, which happens to be an endangered and uncharted island off the coast of Maine.

Once there, Rosalie discovers a shocking truth about her past…and that what troubles this island goes far beyond the laws of nature. Even with a vanishing walled garden, a miraculous healing plant with a mind of its own, an unknown aunt trapped in a tree, nothing confounds Rosalie as much as the enigmatic Liam, a reckless and beautiful island boy with a supernatural green thumb. Rosalie believes she may have found salvation in this island wonderland—and a path to completing Tyler’s climate work.

But as her attraction to Liam grows, she’s confronted by myths and legends about her family’s origins that forces her to reconcile science and magic in order to save the island, and everyone on it, from an ancient evil. To do so, Rosalie will have to rely on her own power, instead of logic or science, if she is to free Liam from his curse while keeping the evil from consuming her and everyone else she’s ever loved.

My Thoughts

I adored this highly atmospheric read! A mesmerizing tale that captures the heart with its atmospheric storytelling and enchanting worldbuilding. Amowitz takes us on a journey with Rosalie, a young woman reeling from personal tragedy, as she discovers the wonders and secrets of an endangered island off the coast of Maine.

The novel is a beautiful homage to “The Secret Garden,” reimagined with a modern twist and an infusion of fantasy elements that breathe life into the story. With it being one of my favorite books as a child (along with the BBC adaptation, which had me searching for secret gates in hedges for years), I was excited for this retelling, and it did not let me down. The author’s worldbuilding is exquisite, both in its complexity and in the beauty of what she’s created: the plants burst off the page, blooming to life and taking root in your mind.

At the heart of this narrative is Rosalie, a young woman grappling with personal loss. Her character is a masterful blend of intelligence, resilience, and vulnerability. As she uncovers the mysteries of her past and the island’s secrets, we see her grow and find her own power. Rosalie’s journey is a compelling exploration of grief, identity, and strength.

The book weaves together elements of romance, magic, and the supernatural, yet it never loses its grip on the real emotional stakes at play. The ethical dilemmas and the struggle between science and magic add layers of depth to the story, making it thought-provoking as well as captivating.

An Island Strange and Wild is a testament to the power of storytelling. It’s a book that doesn’t just tell a story; it takes you on a journey. The blend of enchanting narrative, rich worldbuilding, and complex characters make it a must-read. It’s a book that reminds us why we fall in love with stories in the first place and the transformative power they hold.

Lisa Amowitz has crafted a tale that resonates long after the last page is turned, making An Island Strange and Wild an unforgettable addition to any book lover’s collection.

Expected publication February 20, 2024

Detective Work in Jupiter’s Orbit: The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles

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Have you ever longed for a journey that combines the intellectual rigor of a scholarly puzzle with the thrill of space opera? Look no further! The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles by Malka Older landed on my reading list like an unexpected comet, whisking me away on an interstellar adventure filled with intrigue and wonder. Join me as I reunite with Investigator Mossa and Scholar Pleiti, navigating the vast expanses of Jupiter’s settlements and the intricate corridors of human complexity.

Blurb

Investigator Mossa and Scholar Pleiti reunite to solve a new mystery in the follow-up to the cozy space-opera detective mystery The Mimicking of Known Successes, which Hugo Award-winning author Charlie Jane Anders called “an utter triumph.”

Mossa has returned to Valdegeld on a missing person’s case, for which she’ll once again need Pleiti’s insight. Seventeen students and staff members have disappeared from Valdegeld University—yet no one has noticed. The answers to this case may lie on the moon of Io—Mossa’s home—and the history of Jupiter’s original settlements during humanity’s exodus from Earth.

But Pleiti’s faith in her life’s work as a scholar of the past has grown precarious, and this new case threatens to further destabilize her dreams for humanity’s future, as well as her own.

My thoughts

Returning to the world of Mossa and Pleiti was like a reunion with old university friends—familiar yet full of surprises. Malka Older’s vision of life on Jupiter is an absolute treat, crafting worlds both vast and intricately detailed. The day-to-day peculiarities of Jupiter’s settlements—the railcars, the interplay of the moons, and the reconstructed diurnal rhythms—illustrate Older’s extraordinary skill in world-building.

This sequel poses an intriguing question: Why do we complicate our lives in the pursuit of simplicity? It’s a contemplative thread that weaves through the narrative, prodding us to examine our own convoluted paths to ‘better’ living. The Holmesian overlay in this installment is more pronounced, teetering on the edge of pastiche at times. While it’s a charming nod to the detective genre, it occasionally distracted from the novel’s own original voice—something I savored in the first book.

Nevertheless, the journey was worth the ride. Older’s blend of brain puzzles and cosmic exploration is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. And though the detective homage is strong, the heart of the story—questioning our self-imposed complexities—resonates profoundly.

For those who fancy a cerebral jaunt across space with a dash of detective flair, The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles is a worthy expedition. Just be prepared for the occasional echo of deerstalker caps amidst the stars. I wonder how I didn’t notice how Sherlockian their dialogue was before: did I miss it in the first book, or is it just more extreme here?

As I closed the book, I was left with a sense of fulfillment and curiosity. Malka Older has once again proven her ability to entangle the cosmic and the personal, making us ponder the universe’s mysteries and our place within it. So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey that’s as introspective as it is interstellar, grab your space gear and dive into “The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles”. Let’s unravel the universe’s puzzles together!

Expected Publication Date 13 Feb 2024 from Tor Publishing Group, TorDotCom

Ai Weiwei’s Zodiac: A Graphic Memoir of Myth, Memory, and Meaning

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I didn’t know what to expect from this graphic novel. I’m a huge fan of the artist and was extremely lucky to see his expo made for Marseille, so I was really excited. I was expecting it to read like a memoir, but it feels more like stepping into a contemplative journey through time, art, and personal struggle. This graphic novel, far from being a conventional memoir, is an intricate tapestry that weaves together Ai Weiwei’s reflections on life, art, and freedom through the mythical lens of the Chinese zodiac.

Blurb

In this beautifully illustrated and deeply philosophical graphic memoir, legendary artist Ai Weiwei explores the connection between artistic expression and intellectual freedom through the lens of the Chinese zodiac.

As a child living in exile during the Cultural Revolution, Ai Weiwei often found himself with nothing to read but government-approved comic books. Although they were restricted by the confines of political propaganda, Ai Weiwei was struck by the artists’ ability to express their thoughts on art and humanity through graphic storytelling. Now, decades later, Ai Weiwei and Italian comic artist Gianluca Costantini present Zodiac , Ai Weiwei’s first graphic memoir.

Inspired by the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac and their associated human characteristics, Ai Weiwei masterfully interweaves ancient Chinese folklore with stories of his life, family, and career. The narrative shifts back and forth through the years—at once in the past, present, and future—mirroring memory and our relationship to time. As readers delve deeper into the beautifully illustrated pages of Zodiac , they will find not only a personal history of Ai Weiwei and an examination of the sociopolitical climate in which he makes his art, but a philosophical exploration of what it means to find oneself through art and freedom of expression.

Contemplative and political, Zodiac will inspire readers to return again and again to Ai Weiwei’s musings on the relationship between art, time, and our shared humanity.

My Thoughts

From the outset, Zodiac captivates with its unique narrative structure. The story unfolds not linearly but as a series of vignettes, blending Ai Weiwei’s past experiences with Chinese zodiac mythology, cultural tales, and intimate conversations with family and friends. These elements come together to paint a broader picture of the Cultural Revolution’s impact and the relentless spirit of those who dare to challenge it.

Each page of this memoir is a testament to the enduring power of art and expression. While the narrative takes readers through various periods of Ai Weiwei’s life, it also delves into the philosophical, exploring the artist’s and his contemporaries’ motivations, struggles, and triumphs. The art, while simple in its black-and-white presentation, is intentionally styled to focus the reader’s attention on the narrative’s depth and complexity. While I personally hoped for more intricate visuals, the starkness of the illustrations serves to amplify the memoir’s thematic weight, compelling readers to engage more profoundly with the text and its underlying ideas.

Zodiac is not just a book but an experience, one that demands revisiting. Its layered narrative and philosophical underpinnings offer new insights with each reading. Although it can be consumed quickly (I read it in an hour), the true value lies in its lingering effect, inviting readers to ponder and reflect long after the last page is turned.

In sum, this book is a compelling blend of art, history, and philosophy, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential contemporary artists. It’s a work that challenges, enlightens, and inspires, much like Ai Weiwei himself.

Recommended for those who appreciate graphic novels with a deep, introspective edge and anyone interested in the intersections between art, society, and personal narrative.

Expected publication January 30, 2024 by Ten Speed Graphic

The Truth of the Aleke: A Journey Back to the Forever Desert

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Welcome back, fellow readers, and happy new year! I know I haven’t been posting reviews regularly, and I have a good excuse – it turns out my burn out? Yeah, it wasn’t a burn out, there was something way more serious going on in my insides! Now that that’s settled, I’m feeling my energy return by leaps and bounds, and I’m so ready to tell you about all the great books coming out in this 2024. Let’s dive right in!

It’s no secret that the Forever Desert series by Moses Ose Utomi has held a special place in my bookshelf, and my latest adventure with The Truth of the Aleke has only deepened my appreciation for this vividly painted world. Join me as I dive back into the series, where reality intertwines with fantasy in the most unexpected ways.

Blurb

Moses Ose Utomi returns to his Forever Desert series with The Truth of the Aleke , continuing his epic fable about truth, falsehood, and the shackles of history.

The Aleke is cruel. The Aleke is clever. The Aleke is coming.

500 years after the events of The Lies of the Ajungo , the City of Truth stands as is the last remaining free city of the Forever Desert. A bastion of freedom and peace, the city has successfully weathered the near-constant attacks from the Cult of Tutu, who have besieged it for three centuries, attempting to destroy its warriors and subjugate its people.

17-year-old Osi is a Junior Peacekeeper in the City. When the mysterious leader of the Cult, known only as the Aleke, commits a massacre in the capitol and steals the sacred God’s Eyes, Osi steps forward to valiantly defend his home. For his bravery he is tasked with a tremendous responsibility―destroy the Cult of Tutu, bring back the God’s Eyes, and discover the truth of the Aleke.

My thoughts

Our protagonist, Osi, feels incredibly real with his flaws and naivete. He’s a character that truly embodies the struggle between youthful idealism and the harsh realities of the world. As he stumbles through mistakes and confronts shocking truths, I felt every bit of his frustration and determination. His journey is not just a physical one across a besieged city but a deeply internal struggle with the world’s truths and lies.

Reading this book was like watching an intense anime unfold in my mind (I’ll blame the flu medicine). The action sequences, the powered-up defenders, the constant threat—all of it felt larger than life yet intimately relatable thanks to Osi’s heartfelt perspective. The dynamic of the eternal siege and Osi’s place within it was fascinating, portraying a young man out of depth yet fiercely committed. He is, all in all, a good kid, just trying to do the right thing.

However, the deeper I got into the story, the more I found myself questioning the underlying currents. The connection to the first book and the ensuing saga left me pondering the reasons behind the perpetuated lies and the never-ending conflict. It’s clear the novel is a meditation on truth, power, and history, yet it’s the ambiguity and complexity of these themes that had me hooked.

Osi’s tragic heroism is a compelling narrative. His unwavering belief in justice and truth, pitted against a world rife with deception, makes for an intriguing character study. His evolution throughout the story is a delicate balance between change and steadfastness, a portrayal of how deeply personal beliefs can both shape and be shaped by one’s journey.

While this novella leaves some questions tantalizingly unanswered, perhaps inviting readers to ponder and speculate, it’s this very aspect that underscores the series’ depth and allure. As the book concluded, I was left with a sense of anticipation and contemplation, eager for the next chapter in this imaginative and provoking series. If you’re looking for a story that combines the thrill of fantasy with a thoughtful exploration of deeper themes, this is a journey worth taking.

Expected publication March 5, 2024

Boo…k! It’s a surprise Starstruck novel!

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BOO! Did I get ya? Don’t worry; it’s just me, here with some spine-tingling news!

A whole new starstruck novel… out TODAY!

As the nights grow longer and a crisp chill winds through the air, I’ve been brewing up something special in the witching hours of my writer’s cauldron. Something to add a dash of spectral spice to your Halloween season: Into the Sallyverse! Starstruck… 7.5!

Now, I know, I know. You’ve been on the edge of your seats, waiting for Book 10, but in between drafting intense chapters, I felt a pull—a whimsical Halloweeny pull. And voila! This haunting tale was born. And let me clarify: this isn’t some fleeting ghost of a novella. Oh no, this is a full-bodied apparition of a book, matching stride with all its Starstruck siblings in terms of length and adventure!

Into the Sallyverse

When Zander winds up trapped in an alternate reality where his doppelgänger left a little more than just memories behind, Sally is on a ghostly mission to break him out. But why is she suddenly incorporeal? And how exactly do you babysit your boisterous alternate family?

Back home, a reality TV ghost-hunting squad has caught wind of some spectral activities, and Blayde must employ more than just wit and spunk to hide the interdimensional portal they inadvertently opened. Between ghostly pranks and portal cover-ups, it’s all in a day’s work.

In the Sallyverse, it’s a heart-pounding race against realities. Time is ticking down, and as they delve deeper into the layers of the multiverse, they’re faced with the chilling realization that reminder that alternate choices can lead to very real consequences.

Take me to your reader!

Happy SpooBooktober!

Into the Sallyverse is your ultimate Halloween reading treat. Chock-full of suspense, laughter, and those uncanny moments that make your spine tingle, it’s the ideal companion for those cozy October nights, wrapped up in a blanket with a cup of pumpkin-spiced whatever-your-heart-desires.

While the epic journey of Book 10 is still on the horizon (and oh, what a horizon it is!), think of this as your delightful, haunted hors d’oeuvre—a bit of ghostly fun to tide you over till the main event.

So, light those autumn candles, cozy into your favorite reading spot, and dive headfirst into a world where things go bump in the multiverse night.

💜 Introducing “Being Ace” 💜

The long-anticipated day is here! “Being Ace: An Anthology of Queer, Trans, Femme, and Disabled Stories of Asexual Love and Connection” has made its grand entrance, and what a splash it’s making!

This anthology isn’t just a book—it’s a movement. A collaboration of fourteen brilliant authors from five countries, each thread of narrative intertwines to create a rich tapestry celebrating the diverse voices within the asexual community.

My personal contribution to this anthology features Arty, an asexual Slayer channeling all the Buffy vibes. Battling both real-world monsters and societal expectations, Arty’s story is one of many, each highlighting a different facet of the ace spectrum.

Discover the infinite realms of asexual love across sci-fi, fantasy, and contemporary stories

From a wheelchair user racing to save her kidnapped girlfriend and a little mermaid who loves her sisters more than suitors, to a slayer whose virgin blood keeps attracting monsters, the stories of this anthology are anything but conventional. Whether adventuring through space, outsmarting a vengeful water spirit, or surviving haunted cemeteries, no two aces are the same in these 14 unique works that highlight asexual romance, aromantic love, and identities across the asexual spectrum.

Being Ace got a Kirkus Review!

And don’t just take my word for it! The Kirkus Review praised the anthology for its rich tapestry of themes, from grief and resilience to self-esteem and queer joy, making it a haven for readers seeking intersectional ace representation.

A multigenre anthology of short stories for teens that centers asexual protagonists.

A teen Slayer who is repulsed by sex is the target of monsters attracted to her virginal blood—until she deconstructs her community’s buy-in of the heterosexist concept of virginity in “Smells Like Teen Virgin” by S.E. Anderson. In S.J. Taylor’s “The Witch of Festa Falls,” a girl living in 18th-century Norway is able to save her community from a fossegrim, a terrifying creature from folklore, because she’s immune to his charms. “The Third Star” by RoAnna Sylver follows an aro-ace, agender, autistic teen who is worried about their queerplatonic relationship when their two partners go through rough patches, all while surviving on an emergency craft in the depths of space. The Little Mermaid is rescued from the clutches of exploitation and finds an unexpectedly platonic alliance with a merman prince in Moniza Hossain’s “The Mermaid’s Sister.” Themes of grief, community expectations, resilience, self-esteem, and queer joy are woven throughout this anthology. The stories range widely in tone and genre, although the majority are speculative. While some are immensely satisfying, others feel noticeably underdeveloped and rushed. But readers hungry for intersectional ace (and frequently also aro) representation will be pleased to see a range of queer identities, racial backgrounds, and disabilities (including a protagonist with hyperacusis and cerebral palsy who uses a power wheelchair).

May not take the whole cake, but asexual readers hungry for representation will find some outstanding pieces to dig into.

Being Ace

🎉 A Pocketful of Adventure: “Study Night at the Museum” 🎉

And just when you thought that was it for October, here’s another delightful surprise: “Study Night at the Museum” is now available in a cozy 4×6 paperback! This story, previously featured in the Unbound anthology, has been reincarnated in this tangible format, complete with stunning artwork by the phenomenal Xenida.

What’s worse than finding a mummy in your breakroom? Finding one – then losing it.

When Kate is uprooted from her familiar world and thrust into a new school in a new town, all she wants is to get through her senior year unnoticed. Instead, she finds herself staying late in the eerie library of the Natural History Museum, unraveling the mysteries of ancient Egypt with a girl named Nat who is just as much an enigma.

But when a 5,000-year-old mummy with a sweet tooth for yogurt decides to join their late-night study sessions, bringing with it a mystery that defies logic and science, Kate and Nat are thrust into a spine-tingling race against time to avoid becoming a permanent exhibit themselves.

Can Kate and Nat outwit a menace five millennia in the making, or will they – like Kate’s unopened textbooks – be left in the dust?

Will Kate and Nat solve the mummy mystery before it’s too late? Grab your copy and dive into their enchanting world.

This belongs in a museum!

In closing, thank you for accompanying me on these literary journeys. This #booktober (that’s totally a thing now) has been a whirlwind, and I couldn’t be more excited to share these stories with you. Here’s to many more tales, adventures, and, of course, to you, dear readers.

Stay spooky, and may your October be filled with fantastic reads,

Sarah 🍂🎃

P.S. Once you’re wrapped up in the ghostly adventures (or even before!), snap a pic of your reading setup and share your thoughts. I’m always thrilled to see where my tales take root in your world. 🖤📖

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow: A Mesmerizing Gothic Tale

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Hello, fellow bookworms! I’ve taken a little time off the blog to deal with my brain refusing to brain, but I also had the opportunity to read some incredible books over the summer which I can’t wait to share with you. Let’s start with Starling House, Alix E. Harrow’s latest gem!

There are very few books that can ensnare you from the very first page. As I delved into its pages, I was immediately captivated by an ineffable magic, a blend of Harrow’s atmospheric style, intriguing characters, and an intricate setting.

Blurb

A grim and gothic new tale from author Alix E. Harrow about a small town haunted by secrets that can’t stay buried and the sinister house that sits at the crossroads of it all.

Eden, Kentucky, is just another dying, bad-luck town, known only for the legend of E. Starling, the reclusive nineteenth-century author and illustrator who wrote The Underland–and disappeared. Before she vanished, Starling House appeared. But everyone agrees that it’s best to let the uncanny house―and its last lonely heir, Arthur Starling―go to rot.

Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses or brooding men, but an unexpected job offer might be a chance to get her brother out of Eden. Too quickly, though, Starling House starts to feel dangerously like something she’s never had: a home.

As sinister forces converge on Starling House, Opal and Arthur are going to have to make a dire choice to dig up the buried secrets of the past and confront their own fears, or let Eden be taken over by literal nightmares.

If Opal wants a home, she’ll have to fight for it.

What I loved

The Enigmatic Setting

Set in Eden, Kentucky, ‘Starling House’ navigates through a gothic tale touching upon themes like money, power, and the haunting legacy of environmental damage in middle America. But perhaps the most evocative part of the novel is the titular Starling House itself. This house isn’t just a backdrop or a setting; it’s a character. Haunted yet very much alive, it brims with monsters and memories. Harrow’s words paint it so vividly that it emerges from the pages, demanding to be felt, understood, and sympathized with.

Our Protagonist, Opal

Opal is a character with depth and layers. She’s portrayed with a prickly exterior which, when peeled back, reveals a soul laden with burdens and a past that continually weighs her down. Her inadvertent entanglement with the foreboding Starling House, and its enigmatic owner, becomes the crux of a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

A Tale Familiar Yet Unique

While reading, I experienced an uncanny sense of déjà vu, not because it was repetitive, but because it felt like a quintessential Mining Town Folk Tale. It seemed to blend the eerie charm reminiscent of Sabrina’s first season with the bone-chilling suspense of a Stephen King novel. The undercurrents of a darker Wonderland blending with the real world add a touch of magical realism that’s both enchanting and intriguing. Harrow succeeds in intertwining both the fantastical and the mysterious, crafting a narrative that’s as much a mystery as it is a fairy tale.

Final Thoughts

Starling House stands out as a narrative triumph. It is beautifully written, hauntingly atmospheric, and rich in character development. If you’re on the lookout for a gripping read this spooky season, this should undoubtedly be on your list. Harrow has once again showcased her prowess in storytelling, and I eagerly await her next masterpiece.

Expected publication October 3, 2023

Red Dust, White Snow – A Fantasy of Loneliness

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I knew nothing about “Red Dust, White Snow” by Pan Huiting going into it, but the style clicked with me right away, and I can honestly say I read it all in one go. I absolutely had to share it. It felt like watching the early days of Black Mirror, before the show went… anyway! Let’s dive in!

Blurb

Who is to say dreams are insubstantial when whole lives can be lived in their pursuit?

When an office worker receives a mysterious device promising to transport her to a parallel universe, she assumes it is just another marketing stunt. That night, she visits a fantastical place in her dreams; on waking she returns to her normal life, only to return to the same dream the following night. At first she finds the ongoing dreams bizarre, but the more time she spends in the dream world, the less she wants to wake up. Yet as her fantasy begins to encroach on her waking life, dream and reality collide with drastic consequences.

With sharp insight, wry humor and Black Mirror-esque themes, Red Dust, White Snow highlights the blurring of reality and fantasy in our increasingly virtual world.

My Thoughts

My entrance into this novel’s world was as unexpected as the protagonist’s voyage into her dream universe. From the start, I found myself wholly absorbed. The experience felt like watching the early days of “Black Mirror,” when each episode was a treasure chest of unsettling yet enthralling reflections on modernity.

Set in a Singapore (I believe) that might feel closer to home than we’d like, the book paints a vivid picture of a very near future dominated by a mega app. Through a fascinating blend of fantasy and keen observations on our increasingly digitized existence, I felt an immediate connection to the story and its themes.

The portrayal of loneliness struck me as particularly poignant. The main character’s life seems to be on an unchangeable track, a continuous loop with no exits. Her isolation at work and longing for something more were rendered with such clarity that it was hard not to empathize. Her nightly escapes to a magical mountaintop school, filled with friendships and the thrill of summoning spirits, became a place of refuge for both her and me.

What remains with me the most, though, is the ending. Without revealing too much, the emotional punch it delivered was unique and lingering. It wasn’t the sudden shock of a tragedy but a gradual realization, akin to the slow fading of a once-vibrant friendship. A chill that descends slowly but is felt long after.

Final Thoughts

“Red Dust, White Snow” is a quiet contemplation on what we seek and how we connect in the digital age. How can we be lonely when we’re constantly bombarded with social interactions? This novel is an exploration of what it means to be human in a world that’s growing more virtual every day. If you allow yourself to be drawn into its world, it might just stay with you, as it has with me, for a long time to come. It’s a book that resonates on many levels, posing questions that linger and provoke thought. It’s more than just an enjoyable read; it’s an intellectual and emotional journey that I wholeheartedly recommend.

Happy reading, fellow dreamers!

Pub Date 17 Aug 2023 from Fairlight Books

Bookshops & Bonedust – Viv is back!

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I recently had the pleasure of delving into one of my favorites of the year: “Bookshops & Bonedust” by Travis Baldree. A prequel to “Legends & Lattes,” this book is a comforting return to a world I already adore.

Blurb

When an injury throws a young, battle-hungry orc off her chosen path, she may find that what we need isn’t always what we seek.

Set in the world of New York Times bestselling Legends & Lattes, Travis Baldree’s Bookshops & Bonedust takes us on a journey of high fantasy, first loves, and second-hand books.

Viv’s career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam’s Ravens isn’t going as planned.

Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she’s packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she’ll never be able to return to it.

What’s a thwarted soldier of fortune to do?

Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted, but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn’t possibly imagine.

Still, adventure isn’t all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected.

My thoughts (and all the feeeelings!)

In this charming prequel, we meet a younger, more impulsive Viv. Her battle-hungry personality is an unexpected but delightful revelation. Wounded and restless, her forced retreat to the sleepy town of Murk reveals a side of her we never quite saw before. It’s a fresh dynamism that kept me engaged and eager to follow her every step.

The relationships Viv forms and the connections she makes were deeply rewarding to witness. The awkward and adorable dating with Maylee was a definite highlight. The new characters introduced were so fun too (ever see a ratkin curse before? Gosh, I love her pottymouth). It added humor and charm to an already engaging narrative.

The bookshop element in “Bookshops & Bonedust” resonated with me as a reader. Serving as both a refuge for Viv and a catalyst for growth, it blended seamlessly with the unfolding adventure. Plus, when’s the last time you read about a fantasy bookstore? A true delight for any book lover!

What strikes me most is Baldree’s ability to balance fun with depth, adventure with introspection. Viv’s journey from a wounded warrior to someone who starts to see life beyond battles is both inspiring and engaging. This book is a lovingly crafted tale of self-discovery, unexpected friendships, and the joy of finding treasures in unexpected places.

A read that’s as refreshing as it is profound, “Bookshops & Bonedust” has easily become one of my favorites of the year. Whether it’s a dusty tome in a beleaguered bookshop or a moment of genuine connection in a faraway town, Baldree’s story reminds us that sometimes what we need is not what we seek, but what we find along the way.

Plus – the EPILOGUE!!! We get a mini-sequel to “Legends and Lattes” that made my heart flutter!!!

If you’ve enjoyed “Legends & Lattes,” or if you’re new to the world and want a charming, adventurous read, “Bookshops & Bonedust” is a delightful escape. Viv’s story is compelling and heartwarming, a blend of high fantasy, romance, and the love of books. It’s a world I’m happy to return to, and I suspect it might enchant you just as it has me.

Happy reading, fellow adventurers!

Set to publish November 7th, 2023, from Tor

Starter Villain – John Sclazi’s done it again (now with lasers!)

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Greetings, fellow bookworms! Today, we dive headfirst into the world of John Scalzi’s latest novel, ‘Starter Villain’, an absolute riot of a read that is nothing short of a delightful rollercoaster ride into the heart of absurdity.

Inheriting a supervillain business from an enigmatic uncle is no easy feat, especially when it includes the likes of undersea volcano lairs, diligent minions, convoluted plots to seize world dominance, sentient cats, and, oh, did I mention an international network of rivals gunning for you? This is the reality that our everyman hero, Charlie, finds himself catapulted into, leading to one ridiculously enjoyable tale.

Blurb

Following the bestselling The Kaiju Preservation Society, John Scalzi returns with Starter Villain, another unique sci-fi caper set in the strangest of all worlds, present-day Earth.

Inheriting your mysterious uncle’s supervillain business is more complicated than you might imagine.

Sure, there are the things you’d expect. The undersea volcano lairs. The minions. The plots to take over the world. The international networks of rivals who want you dead.

Much harder to get used to…are the the sentient, language-using, computer-savvy cats.

And the fact that in the overall organization, they’re management…

My Thoughts

Starter Villain story is pure, unadulterated fun! I want to say the author had as much fun writing it as I did reading it, but knowing authors, he’d probably deny that. This comes right on the heels of The Kaiju Protection Society, another Sclazi comedy where an everyman is thrust into blockbuster escapades that test and bring out the inherent hero in him.

Scalzi’s masterstroke lies in his tongue-in-cheek portrayal of villains who aren’t your typical antagonists. Instead, they bear an uncanny resemblance to the shadowy figures we suspect operate behind the scenes of today’s capitalist society. Money, in all its glory and infamy, serves as both the villain and the hero in this wild adventure. Witnessing Charlie take these characters head-on offers a satisfaction that’s hard to match.

But the star of this literary joyride? Unquestionably the superintelligent, management-level cats. The concept harkens back to fond childhood memories of the movie ‘Cats vs Dogs’, albeit with the right side on top this time. These feline characters may have just set a new standard for pets in fiction!

However, what truly elevates ‘Starter Villain’ is Scalzi’s flair for quick-witted dialogues. Charlie’s attempts at labor negotiations with dolphins are nothing short of hilarious and are a testament to Scalzi’s mastery of dialogue. This scene alone would make an excellent teaser for a potential movie adaptation.

Though I had some reservations about the denouement, the ending left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Let’s just say my cats are getting an extra portion of tuna tonight.

To wrap up, ‘Starter Villain’ by John Scalzi is an uproarious escapade that combines the ridiculous, the hilarious, and the downright absurd to deliver a story that will leave you in fits of laughter. If you’re in need of an escape from the mundane, I wholeheartedly recommend hopping on this wild ride.

Stay tuned for more bookish ramblings!

Love on your cats,
Sarah

Liftoff! ‘Wanderer’ Launches into the Starstruck Universe Today!

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Hey there, my fellow bookworms and Starstruck lovers!

I am practically buzzing with excitement as I sit down to write this post because… drum roll please… it’s LAUNCH DAY for ‘Wanderer’ – the ninth book in the Starstruck saga! 🎉🚀

Grab your copy here!

You have all been so incredibly patient and supportive through this process and I cannot tell you how much that means to me. Writing Wanderer has been an adventure in itself. This book is packed with everything you love about the Starstruck series, and then some: alien treasure hunting, romance, an interstellar washed-up rockstar, and even a revolt against some rather oppressively affectionate octopi.

From Sally’s tentacled predicament to Marcy’s unexpected stowaway adventure, this book has been an absolute riot to write and I hope it will be just as much fun to read. I promise laughter, gasps, maybe a tear or two, and plenty of those ‘oh, no they didn’t’ moments we all secretly love.

But, I can’t give too much away! You’ll just have to dive in to see what unfolds. Wanderer is now available in all formats, online and in stores, ready for you to explore.

I am incredibly proud of this book and I hope you will love it as much as I loved writing it. A huge thank you to all of you for your unwavering support, encouragement, and for just being the amazing readers you are.

So go ahead, grab your copy of Wanderer, and let’s continue our journey through the stars together. And as always, stay tuned for more interstellar adventures.

Happy reading! 📚🌟💫