My goal for the year is to read a book a week. Spoilers: I’m behind. I’m also behind on posting these as it’s July, but better late than never. May was quite the mix with a little H.P. Lovecraftian urban fantasy, some high fantasy, then a couple crime / espionage thrillers to end the month on. At this pace my June reading list will be out in August. If you’re so bold you can also friend or follow my reading habits on goodreads, but I will take no offense if you don’t.
The City We Became – N.K. Jemisin
If you like monsters, multiverses, and NYC then you’ll love this book. I really, really enjoyed N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth Trilogy which led me on the path of reading everything she has, which brought me here. It’s a fun read, and even as someone that is from Boston, I enjoyed the NYC boroughs as characters that made it enjoyable. Looking forward to book #2.
The Curse of Chalion – Lois McMaster Bujold
I don’t typically read ‘high fantasy’ novels. I’m drawn mostly to sci-fi and thrillers, but I’m expanding my tastes because, well, you should. A friend suggested I check out some stuff from Lois McMaster Bujold. She’s had a prolific career, starting in the 80’s, and crosses into the high fantasy and sci-fi genres. First on my list was The Curse of Chalion and I have to admit I really enjoyed it. It’s very political but Bujold’s writing has this rhythm to it that paces along nicely. For June I’m reading one of her sci-fi novels – The Warrior’s Apprentice.
The Black Echo – Michael Connelly
Going for a more crime procedural / mystery, a friend’s mother actually pointed me to Michael Connelly. He’s known for creating the Lincoln Lawyer series, but his Bosch series was what I was looking for. It gets into the crime details, which I wanted to read for reference for the genre. I’m trying to decide with my own stories, how much detail is necessary, based on the genre I’m writing for. The Black Echo is a solid example of the genre and enjoyable to read. It even includes the genre expecting silhouetted guy-on-the-run on the cover!
Another thriller that focused on the politics, deceit, and who’s behind this situation. I mostly enjoyed The Paladin for what it was but had a tough time rooting for the protagonist and the mistakes he makes to create conflict. But another genre expecting silhouetted guy on the cover!
