2020 book 171

 Diana Wynne Jones' Dogsbody

Decided to reread some Diana Wynne Jones as a palate cleanser, but I forgot how much casual animal cruelty is in this book. People just beating on dogs (and occasionally children and cats). If you have not read this,most the story of the star Sirius, on trial for a crime he didn’t commit, sentenced to live out the lifespan of a dog on earth (and hopefully find the Macguffin that will restore him to his rightful place). Lots of excellent dogs and cats in this one, and a couple of excellent humans (mostly horrible humans though).

2020 book 170

 Lois McMaster Bujold’s Brothers in Arms

Despite all sorts of assassination attempts, this one has a slow start. I am just not interested in Miles whining about his love life. Plus, I was promised a clone, and he takes forever to show up. But once he does things get pretty interesting, lots of plots and adventure and assorted mishegas. I might take a break from these for a few books, I am starting to get burned out on Miles and his shenanigans are beginning to feel repetitive. B.

2020 book 169

 Lois McMaster Bujold’s Cetaganda

In this Vorkosigan book, Miles and his cousin go as diplomats-in-training to a planet they have an uneasy alliance with, and of course immediately get embroiled in a murder mystery/political plot. There are some really interesting women in this one, and the action and pacing are great. I liked this a lot. A-.

2020 book 168

 Lois McMaster Bujold’s The Vor Game

This volume deals with the start of Miles' military career, such as it is. It has some good outer space adventures and manages not to be rapey for a change. This book has a real anti-toxic masculinity vibe, which rules. I liked a lot about this, but don’t want to be spoilery, I’ll give it a solid B+.

2020 book 167

 Lois McMaster Bujold’s The Mountains of Mourning

God, why are these books so GRIM. In this one, Miles is sent to solve a murder—a murder of a little baby with a birth defect. It’s a novella and not really satisfying as a mystery (it’s not like there are a lot of suspects), more of a story meant to show Miles learning to take leadership and solve problems and be a good paternalistic overlord over the local people. B-.

2020 book 166

 Lois McMaster Bujold’s The Warrior's Apprentice

This book focuses on the teenage son of the couple from the previous books, who I gather is really the main character in the series. Because of an attack before his birth, he’s physically handicapped, but he’s determined to be an army man like his father and grandfather. I liked this character a lot (aside from his lovelorn advances to his girl friend), and it’s really fun to see him think his way out of one mess, only to find himself in a bigger mess. This was written in I think 1986, so be warned that there is some business about characters who are hermaphrodites (I have the impression Bujold was trying to be progressive with this, but she calls them “it” which is gross). The main character also has to deal with a lot of people calling him names and being rude because of his disabilities. A good and satisfying wrap-up, though. B+.

2020 book 165

 Natalie Zina Walschots' Hench

OK, I am probably the target audience for this book, but like OMG THIS BOOK!!! It's about a young (bisexual) woman who gets by doing data entry jobs for a Henchman Temp Agency, working for whatever villain comes along. And then a job goes wrong and she's badly injured--by a beloved hero. And then things really start cooking. I loved this. The narrative voice, the pacing, I could easily have read this in one sitting. I will say the ending is kind of .... unsettling .... and there are a few unresolved plot points (especially regarding the best friend character), which makes me wonder if (hope!) a sequel is in the works. This is a good companion to the Harley Quinn tv series (which I also love). A/A-.

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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in September.

2020 book 164

 Lois McMaster Bujold’s Barrayar

This is actually the seventh book in the Vorkosigan series, but since it picks up where the first one leaves off, I decided to read it second. Maybe I should have left it for later though, because I felt like there were some continuity issues (particularly with the character of the sergeant). Anyway, I still love Cordelia, and this is full of political intrigue and assassination attempts and worrying about a pregnancy on a less-scientifically-advanced planet. Also still a fair amount of discussion of rape/rapiness, like, PLEASE STOP. In retrospect this is really more of a “heroic/magical backstory to the actual main character of the series” and not necessarily “badass lady doing stuff” kind of story. I mean a badass lady does DO stuff, but    only because of her kid. On the other hand, how often does a mom get to be badass for mom reasons? Is this retrograde or not? I honestly can’t tell. B+.

2020 book 163

 Lois McMaster Bujold’s Shards of Honor

I am still seeking out series to read, and having enjoyed the author's fantasy books, decided to try out this sci-fi series of hers, which has a billion books. I liked this one a lot; it’s about a thirty-something scientist, commander of a mission to do scientific research on a planet, and what happens when she encounters a man from a much more militaristic society. I enjoyed both these characters and their interactions, lots of humor and adventure to be had. Content warning for a very unpleasant attempted rape and a lot of mentions of other rapes, which makes me downgrade this to a B+. 

2020 book 162

 Naomi Novik's A Deadly Education

 AAAAHHHHHHHH this is everything I ever WANT in a book!! I mean I assumed I would like it bc it’s by Novik, but I loooooooved it. It’s narrated by a surly girl in an extremely dangerous MAGIC SCHOOL, and she is a secretly powerful loner, but eventually she makes friends and has dangerous magical school adventures, and also the resident hero boy is hanging around. It reminded me of a less queer In Other Lands or Carry On. The protagonist is half-Indian and two prominent secondary characters are Indian and East Asian, and there's lots of diversity rep in the more minor characters. Best of all, this is the first in a series and it ends on a dramatic note that makes me very eager to see what'll happen next. Ugh, I cannot properly convey the entertaining awesomeness of this book, but I am very sad I can’t read the whole series right now.

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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in September.

2020 book 161

 Jacqueline Woodson's Harbor Me

I’ve been mainly reading books for pure escapism, but this is the book club book this month and it’s due back to the library tomorrow. I mean obviously it was great! It’s Woodson! But it’s also heartbreaking! Because Woodson! And thoughtful and gorgeous. Because . . . Woodson. Anyway, it’s the story of a group of six middle schoolers who have to get together and talk once a week, with no grownups, and it’s the story of how they become closer and more confident and it’s great and sad. But like it is a reflection on the current suckiness of America so if you can’t handle that right now, wait till you feel stronger to give this a go. A.

2020 book 160

 Corinne Duyvis' The Art of Saving the World

So when this book's protagonist was born, an interdimensional rift opened up on their family farm, and government scientists moved in to study it—and her. Now she's 16 and trying to figure out life, whether she's into girls, etc, but the rift has gone haywire and a bunch of versions of her from alternate dimensions have popped out of it. Also, a dragon. And together they have to save the world! What I liked about this: queer teens, a good depiction of anxiety, the relationships between the girls. What didn’t really work for me: the government stuff, the Powers That Be, an all-over-the-place ending. Great characters, slightly less good plotting, overall a fun read and recommended for teens. B+.

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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on September 15th.

2020 book 159

 Susanna Clarke's Piranesi

Clarke's first novel in yeeeeaaaars is weird, and sad, and wonderful. It’s told through the journal entries of a man in a mysterious world, about his explorations and his scientific researches with the only other person there. And I’m not going to say anything else about the plot, because I knew nothing going in and I was totally caught up in the narrative. I am just like AAAAHHHHHH about all of this. I recommend it highly! A/A-.

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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on September 15th.

2020 book 158

 Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows' My Lady Jane

One of my friends recommended this to me when I said I was looking for more sff series to read, and I hadn’t actually known this was a fantasy! I think based on a cursory reading of reviews and on the cover, I thiught this was one of those CWish “sexy” historical books. Ha. Anyway, it’s England, the main character is Lady Jane Grey (who ruled for nine days before Mary Tudor beheaded her), but instead of Protestants vs Roman Catholics, the conflict here is between people who can shapeshift into animals and those who are anti-shapeshifter. This was a super fun read, good adventure, good romance, and a good sense of humor. I’ll definitely be checking out the companion books. A-.

2029 book 157

 Micaiah Johnson’s The Space Between Worlds

AAAHHHHHHHH I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK. I mean it was totally my jam and also EXCELLENT?!? It’s about a young (Black, bisexual) woman employed as a traverser, someone who can travel to alternate worlds, but only to worlds where no version of her exists. But she had a rough life and so only exists on like out out of over three hundred worlds. Also, she has a total crush on her handler, an uptight (rich, Japanese) lady. This book is so good on racism and classism and capitalism and power dynamics, but it’s also a totally exciting and gripping read. Romance, action, mystery, family, traveling to alternate worlds . . . this book has it all. Seriously, this is GREAT, read it now. A.

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Content warning for domestic abuse.

2020 book 156

 Juliet Marillier's A Dance with Fate

I loved the first book in this series, and there was a lot to like in this one, but it was waaaaay dark. Like, a sadistic guy torturing animals and people dark. So like . . . ugh. Still, I love the two main characters and their relationship. The brother character's storyline in this one is not as interesting, but it might get interesting? I guess I read the next one? I love Marillier's relationships. B+.

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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on September 1st. 

2020 book 155

 Hilary McKay's The Time of Green Magic

This middle-grade book focuses on three step-siblings with overextended parents, whose new house has some magical stuff going on. I liked the characters here a lot, but found parts of this mildly stressful to read. Still, I liked how it wrapped up, and I think this will be really popular with its intended audience. B+.

2020 book 154

 Wendy Palmer's The Frog Prince's Daughters 

Well, I liked this very much! It’s playing with fairy tale troops on a way I found to be more interesting than usual. The protagonist is the cousin of a princess descended from the famous frog prince, and they're busy waiting for her fairy tale prince to come for her—but instead, a wizard comes. Magic and adventures ensue, with great characters and some cute romance. It’s not as fluffy as it sounds; I loved the narrative voice here and also loved how things wrapped up. Perfect escapism. A/A-.

2020 book 153

 Seanan McGuire's A Killing Frost

Look, this is like the fourteenth book in this series, a plot summary won’t even begin to make sense. Suffice it to say Toby is off on one of her usual reckless quests that will somehow change the game in Faerie. Actually, that sounds more sarcastic than it should, because I actually liked where this one ended up. I do think this series needs to have an endgame planned, though, instead of spinning its wheels forever. A-/B+.

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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on September 1st.

2020 book 152

Sarah Jean Horwitz's The Dark Lord Clementine

This was a SUPER cute book about a twelve year old girl who is the daughter of a Dark Lord, and is trying her best to be a proper dark heiress. And then her father is cursed and she has to run things and it’s not exactly easy . . . I loved the characters in this and really liked the narrative voice. It’s not as funny/irreverent as say, Ursula Vernon, but it kind of scratched the same itch for me. A-.

2020 book 151

Robin Stevens' Death Sets Sail

Taking a lil break from time traveling sci fi stories to read the conclusion of one of my FAVORITE series, the Wells and Wong Detective Society books (weep weep). As the title perhaps indicates, this one is a tribute to Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile (which I have read, though it’s not at all necessary in order to enjoy this book). Anyway, Daisy and Hazel and the usual gang are all on a cruise on the Nile, but unfortunately some of the other passengers are a weird British cult pretending to be reincarnated pharaohs.  And then their head is murdered and the girls have to solve the case (with a little help, of course). The mystery itself here is fine, but I’m in this for the characters and they do not disappoint. This is the final book in this series, but Stevens is working on a new series about Hazel's irrepressible littlest sister, and I can’t wait. Also, side note, I was pretty sure I could trust Stevens, but it is a relief that I did not have to write a scathing review of this. A-.

2020 book 150

Kage Baker's The Sons of Heaven

Everything comes to a head in this eighth volume of the Company series (though there are still two more books so who knows). Several characters make a return and there are some delightful new characters (Princess Tiara Parakeet!), along with our usual crew. Things are pretty weird and occasionally uncomfortable, but I loved reading this. A-.

2020 book 149

Kage Baker's The Machine's Child

So a lot happens in this book, but also nothing really happens in this book? It goes to some frankly creepy places and I am really not sure I like where it landed. I am still invested in Mendoza, and the pirate AI, and Joseph, and Suleyman and Latif, but I am pretty worried about where things are heading. B.

2020 book 148

Kage Baker's The Children of the Company

The sixth Company book takes a break from our ongoing plotlines to fill in the backstory of a couple of minor characters, and also fill the reader in on some of the political machinations that previous books have hinted at. This one was more of a bummer, though still very engrossing, as one of the characters is an amoral human-hating mass murderer, and the other has a lot of ethical qualms but is being manipulated by various factions into doing horrible things. But we do find out the fate of the romantic Russian! And presumably all these plots and people are going to start colliding soon, which should be interesting. A-/B+.

2020 book 147

Kage Baker's Life of the World to Come

In the fifth Company book, we find out much more about Mendoza's love interest, have interesting adventures in the future (with an AI who is a PIRATE, and yall know I love supersmart and funny AIs!), see some of the Company brain trust in action, and have some metaphysical conversations. I LOVED this one and it ends on an awesome note and I am immediately starting the next one.

2020 book 146

Kage Baker's The Graveyard Game

The fourth Company novel finds Joseph and Lewis trying to uncover the mysteries of The Company in the first couple centuries of the 2000s. It’s great stuff! This series is really gripping.

2020 book 145

Kage Baker's Mendoza in Hollywood

The third Company book finds us back with the protagonist of book one, the botanist Mendoza, in 1860s California. One of her colleagues is a film buff, so there is a lot of interesting Hollywood history discussed (though I could have done without the lengthy chapter describing DW Griffith's Intolerance). Like with the first one, we know things are going to go wrong, but things don’t get intense till towards the end. Poor Mendoza. I like that we get more on Company history here, and I also really liked the young ornithologist character. This one has a rough ending but I am eager to keep reading! A-.

2020 book 144

Kage Baker's Sky Coyote

The second book in the Company series is narrated by the mentor figure from the previous book (and that protagonist is featured in a smaller role), as the group works on preserving/collecting an entire Chumash tribe and its culture before the Spanish can conquer them. There are also some interesting things about the Company itself, and some rising tensions there. And it’s funny! I am really enjoying this series!

A-.