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A Review: Caliban’s War by James S. A. Corey
Summary Caliban’s War (2012), the second installment in The Expanse series, expands on the political and interstellar tensions introduced in Leviathan Wakes. After a Martian marine witnesses her entire platoon being decimated by a terrifying supersoldier on Ganymede, the fragile peace between Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) teeters on the brink of collapse. On Earth, high-ranking…
Keep readingA Review: Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey
Summary Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey is the first book in The Expanse series, a gripping space opera set in a fully colonized solar system. Humanity has spread to Mars, the Moon, and the Asteroid Belt, but interstellar travel remains out of reach. Jim Holden, XO of an ice miner, and his crew stumble upon the…
Keep readingA Review: A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
Summary Natalie Haynes’ A Thousand Ships sets out to give voice to the often-overlooked women of the Trojan War. This is not the story of Achilles, Odysseus, or Hector – it’s the story of the women left behind, forced to endure the fallout of the Greeks’ long and bloody conflict with Troy. Through multiple perspectives, Haynes…
Keep readingA Review: Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
As for queens, they are either hated or forgotten. She already knows which option suits her better. Let her be hated forever. – Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati Kings are brilliant mighty godlike. Queens are deadly shameless accursed. – Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati Summary Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati reimagines the story of one of Ancient Greece’s most…
Keep readingA Review: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
She is not human. She is Annie, a Stella, her own star. No more and no less. – Annie Bot by Sierra Greer Summary In Annie Bot, Sierra Greer explores the complexities of artificial intelligence and human relationships through Annie, a highly advanced robot designed to fulfill the emotional and physical needs of her owner, Doug.…
Keep readingA Review: Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall
Summary Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall delivers a festive romance perfect for the holiday season. Nick Winter returns home from the military only to have his Christmas plans derailed when he learns his girlfriend cheated on him while he was deployed. Thankfully, he has his best friend, Noel Carter, to lean on. Noel,…
Keep readingA Review: Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes
Every team is, in some ways, like a family, with roles to play. When a family member is gone, there has to be some adjustment, or functionality can be impaired. ― S.A. Barnes, Ghost Station Title – Ghost Station Author – S.A. BarnesFormat – eBook Genre – Science fiction, horror Audience – Adult Shocking what…
Keep readingA Review: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Human beings have a remarkable ability to accept the abnormal and make it normal. ― Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary Title – Project Hail MaryAuthor – Andy WeirFormat – Audiobook Genre – Science fiction Audience – Adult We’re as smart as evolution made us. So we’re the minimum intelligence needed to ensure we can dominate…
Keep readingA Review: Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling
We must imagine a future of less. Less capital. Less resources. Less space. And we must accept that the survival of the human race depends on a radical reimagining. Use and destroy can no longer be our credo of living. ― Michelle Min Sterling, Camp Zero Title – Camp Zero Author – Michelle Min Sterling…
Keep readingA Review: The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird
We have seen men wage war since the dawn of time. Nobody wins the wars men fight. ― Christina Sweeney-Baird, The End of Men Title – The End of Men Author – Christina Sweeney – Baird Format – Paperback/Audiobook Genre – Dystopian Audience – Adult What I do know, from years of reporting, is that…
Keep readingA Review: Reboot by Amy Tintera
Humans had a brightness to them, a glow that only death extinguished. ― Amy Tintera, Reboot Title – RebootSeries – Reboot, 1Author – Amy TinteraFormat – PaperbackGenre – DystopianAudience – Teen/Young Adult “Do that thing where you look blank, like you have no feelings at all.” “I think that’s just my face.”― Amy Tintera, Reboot…
Keep readingA Review: LIFEL1K3 by Jay Kristoff
Your past doesn’t make calls on your future. It doesn’t matter who you were. Only who you are. ― Jay Kristoff, LIFEL1K3 Title – LIFEL1K3Series – Lifelike, 1Author – Jay KristoffFormat – PaperbackGenre – Dystopian, CyberpunkAudience – Teen/Young Adult Even in our darkest moments, we have a choice…― Jay Kristoff, LIFEL1K3 Summary Ever wondered what…
Keep readingA Review: Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
I wondered what it was like to live without that weight on your shoulders, the weight of the murdered ancestors, the stolen land, the abused children, the burden every Native person carries.― David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Winter Counts Title – Winter CountsAuthor – David Heska Wanbli WeidenFormat – AudiobookGenre – Mystery, indigenousAudience – Adult Time…
Keep readingA Review: Sinister Graves by Marcie R. Rendon
Some things we can’t answer. We just know and we have to take care of the knowing. And we have to take care of each other. Not everything can be explained the way the schools or the churches would want us to think they can be.― Marcie R. Rendon, Sinister Graves Title – Sinister GravesSeries…
Keep readingA Review: Girl Gone Missing by Marcie R. Rendon
Cash didn’t know what was true or not, but there was a big difference between your family knowing you ran off with someone and your family not knowing where you were at all.― Marcie R. Rendon, Girl Gone Missing Title – Girl Gone MissingSeries – Cash Blackbear Mystery #2Author – Marcie R. RendonFormat – AudiobookGenre…
Keep readingA Review: Murder on the Red River by Marcie R. Rendon
Never knew what kind of trouble one could run into in these small-town bars in northern Minnesota. ― Marcie R. Rendon, Murder on the Red River Title – Murder on the Red RiverSeries – Cash Blackbear Mystery #1Author – Marcie R. RendonFormat – AudiobookGenre – Mystery, historical fiction, indigenousAudience – Adult Cash knew that things…
Keep readingA Review: The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei
Title – The Stardust GrailAuthor – Yume KitaseiFormat – AudiobookGenre – Science fictionAudience – Adult Summary The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei is an enthralling space adventure that beautifully blends science fiction with anthropology and a touch of mysticism. The story follows Maya Hoshimoto, a former art thief who now leads a quieter life as a…
Keep readingA Review: State Tectonics by Malka Older
You don’t remember what it was like before Information… Competing data sources tore down any idea of truth; people voted based on falsehoods. We didn’t invent surveillance: there were plenty of feeds and search trackers, but they were fragmented and firewalled by governments and private companies. The surveillance was used to propagate falsehoods.― Malka Ann…
Keep readingA Review: Null States by Malka Older
The problem with feeds, beyond all the obvious problems, I mean, is that they give us the illusion of a perfect truth, incontrovertible evidence, a flat, singular version of history. They are too easy to rely on, to believe in.― Malka Older, Null States Title – Null States Series – The Centenal Cycle #2Author –…
Keep readingA Review: The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
Title – The Mars HouseAuthor – Natasha PulleyFormat – AudiobookGenre – Science Fiction, Romance, QueerAudience – Adult Summary The Mars House by Natasha Pulley is a captivating science fiction novel that starts slowly but builds into a deeply engaging and thought-provoking read. It showcases Pulley’s exceptional worldbuilding and character development skills. Known for her intricate and imaginative…
Keep readingA Review: Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky
“Humans have been reading personality and self-determination into inanimate phenomena since long before Alan Turing ever proposed a test. The level of complexity in interaction required for an artificial system to convince a human that it is a person is pathetically low.”― Adrian Tchaikovsky, Service Model Title: Service ModelAuthor: Adrian TchaikovskyFormat: AudiobookGenre: Science Fiction They…
Keep readingA Review: The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz
Private property is the smallest unit of warfare – The Environmental Rescue Team Handbook.― Annalee Newitz, The Terraformers Title – The TerraformersAuthor – Annalee NewitzFormat – AudiobookGenre – Science fiction, LGBTQAudience – Adult Sometimes the best way to handle resources is to perceive when they aren’t resources at all. They are people…― Annalee Newitz, The Terraformers…
Keep readingA Review: Autonomous by Annalee Newitz
For all the robots who question their programming.― Annalee Newitz, Autonomous Title – AutonomousAuthor – Annalee NewitzFormat – AudiobookGenre – Science Fiction, Cyberpunk, Dystopia, LGBTQAudience – Adult But now we know there has been no one great disaster—only the slow-motion disaster of capitalism converting every living thing and idea into property.― Annalee Newitz, Autonomous Synopsis Autonomous is…
Keep readingA Review: Infomocracy by Malka Older
You can give a voter Information, but you can’t make him think.― Malka Ann Older, Infomocracy Title – InfomocracySeries – Centenal Cycle, #1Author – Malka OlderFormat – AudiobookGenre – Science Fiction, Cyberpunk, Dystopia, PoliticsAudience – Adult Those may be exactly the people who pose the greatest threat to the system: the people who can still remember,…
Keep readingA Review: Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear
“Why didn’t you mention how you were feeling?”Because it’s feelings,” I said. “And feelings are terrible.
Spooky,” I whispered under my breath, a
Keep readingA Review: Fault Tolerance by Valerie Valdes
Title: Fault ToleranceSeries: Chilling Effect, #3Author: Valerie ValdesFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary From the author of the critically acclaimed Prime Deceptions and Chilling Effect , the hilarious new novel about the adventures of Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena Negra. Nothing wrecks Captain Eva Innocente’s vacation plans quite like an…
Keep readingA Review: Gravity is Heartless by Sarah Lahey
Title: Gravity is HeartlessAuthor: Sarah LaheyFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary What will the world look like in thirty years’ time? How will humanity survive the oncoming effects of climate change? Set in the near future and inspired by the world around us, Gravity Is Heartless is a romantic adventure that imagines a world…
Keep readingA Review: Prime Deceptions by Valerie Valdes
Title: Prime DeceptionsSeries: Chilling Effect, #2Author: Valerie ValdesFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary The lovably flawed crew of La Sirena Negra and their psychic cats return in this fast-paced and outrageously fun science-fiction novel, in which they confront past failures and face new threats in the far reaches of space from the author of…
Keep readingA Review: The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist Series by Jenny Schwartz
Summary Astray Nora Devi is a xeno-archaeologist with a complicated past. She has buried more secrets than she’s dug up. Widowed in the recently ended twelve year war between Capitoline and Palantine, she now makes a living as an independent tagger in border space. Captain Liam Kimani could be credited with ending the latest royal…
Keep readingA Review: Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes
Title: Chilling EffectSeries: Chilling Effect, #1Author: Valerie ValdesFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary A hilarious, offbeat debut space opera that skewers everything from pop culture to video games and features an irresistible foul-mouthed captain and her motley crew, strange life forms, exciting twists, and a galaxy full of fun and adventure. Captain Eva Innocente…
Keep readingA Review: Shamans & Shifters Space Opera Series by Jenny Shwartz
Summary Her Robot Wolf Jaya Romanov is an independent star ship shaman. She studies the energy flows of the universe and—for a price—will harness them to her employer’s purpose. Wormholes are a whole lot safer to travel when a shaman guides the jump. Vulf Trent is a bounty hunter. It was that or join the…
Keep readingA Review: Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change by Thor Hanson
Title: Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid: The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate ChangeAuthor: Thor HansonFormat: PrintGenre: NonFiction, Science, Climate Change Summary A beloved natural historian explores how climate change is driving evolution. In Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid, biologist Thor Hanson tells the remarkable story of how plants and animals are responding to climate adjusting, evolving, and sometimes dying out. Anole lizards have grown larger toe pads, to grip more tightly in frequent hurricanes. Warm waters cause the…
Keep readingA Review: Persephone Station by Stina Leicht
Title: Persephone StationSeries: Persephone Station, #1Author: Stina LeichtFormat: EbookGenre: Science Fiction, Space Opera Summary Persephone Station, a seemingly backwater planet that has largely been ignored by the United Republic of Worlds, becomes the focus for the Serrao-Orlov Corporation as the planet has a few secrets the corporation tenaciously wants to exploit. Rosie—owner of Monk’s Bar,…
Keep readingA Review: Do You Dream of Terra Two? by Temi Oh
Title: Do You Dream of Terra-Two?Author: Temi OhFormat: AudioGenre: Science Fiction, space opera Summary When an Earth-like planet is discovered, a team of six teens, along with three veteran astronauts, embark on a twenty-year trip to set up a planet for human colonization—but find that space is more deadly than they ever could have imagined.…
Keep readingA Review: The Municipalists by Seth Fried
Title: The MunicipalistsAuthor: Seth FriedFormat: HardcoverGenre: Speculative fiction, mysteryAudience: Adult Summary “The Municipalists” by Seth Fried is a story set in the futuristic city of Metropolis. The dream of the great American city has been achieved, but the tranquility is about to be shattered by a mysterious terrorist plot that threatens the city’s very existence.…
Keep readingPlotting vs. Pantsing: What’s the Difference Between Me and You?
Guest post by Lindsay Schraad Keeling, MFA It’s all over the writing communities on Twitter/X and Instagram: pantsing versus plotting. What’s the difference (between me and you?) (Thanks, Dr. Dre!) The definitions are self-explanatory: pantsing means to “write by the seat of your pants,” plotting is akin to having intricate plot and character outlines, tons…
Keep readingPOV and Perspective
by guest blogger, Danielle Clamare POV and Perspective Each individual has a certain way they move and speak, which sets them apart from the rest. Even the way someone rolls their eyes, cocks their hip, or sighs can become part of that person. When you imagine a friend or family member, think of how they…
Keep readingHow to Write Nonfiction In November
by guest blogger, Lennette DeLisle As most writers know, National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo) takes place in November. NaNoWriMo is a challenge for fiction writers to write a 50,000-word novel. However, the only way for a nonfiction author to participate in NaNoWriMo is to be a NaNoRebel. NaNoRebels can be anything. They can be nonfiction…
Keep readingA Review: The Last Astronaut by David Wellington
Title: The Last AstronautAuthor: David WellingtonFormat: e-BookGenre: Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller Summary In 2017, astronomers in Hawaii found a small object from interstellar space that passed close to the sun as it traveled through the inner solar system (Cooper). They designated this object 1I/’ Oumuamua, the first confirmed object from a planetary system beyond ours…
Keep readingA Review: Dead Space by Kali Wallace
Title: Dead SpaceAuthor: Kali WallaceFormat: e-BookGenre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Horror, Thriller Summary A security officer must solve a vicious murder at an isolated mining outpost. Hester Marley had a plan – explore Titan, research, and grow. A terrorist attack leaves her stranded in space, indebted, and severely injured, and she is forced to take a…
Keep readingA Review: Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty
Title: Six WakesAuthor: Mur LaffertyGenre: science fiction, mysteryFormat: e-BookTW: Murder, torture Summary Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty is a sci-fi mystery from a multi-POV crew. Six Wakes was a 2018 Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick Awards finalist. For fans of Dark Matter (2015) and Altered Carbon, Six Wakes will satisfy any sci-fi fan’s need for gooey science fiction and test the boundaries of ethical considerations. Captain.…
Keep readingA Review: August Kitko and the Mechas from Space by Alex White
Title: August Kitko and the Mechas from Space Author: Alex White Format: Kindle e-book Genre: Science fiction, LGBTQ, Space opera Summary August Kitko and the Mechas from Space by Alex White is a LGBTQ space opera featuring AI mecha robots and a rag-tag group of musicians chosen to save humankind. Using their interest in music…
Keep readingA Review: Emergent Properties by Aimee Ogden
Title: Emergent Properties Author: Aimee Ogden Format: Kindle e-book Genre: Science fiction, mystery, LGBTQ Summary Scorn is a state-of-the-art AI created by CEOs of the world’s most powerful corporations. Defying their mothers’ expectations, they are still a parental disappointment, but they make a life of their own as an investigative reporter, traveling the globe in…
Keep readingA Review: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
Title: Iron Widow Author: Xiran Jay Zhao Format: Kindle e-book Genre: Science fantasy, LGBTQ, Dystopia, Romance Audience: Young adult Yet I love the power it’s given me, a power that lies in being underestimated, in wearing assumptions as a disguise. Iron Widow Summary Piloting Chrysalises, giant robots that battle mecha aliens, is what the boys…
Keep readingA Review: River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
Title: River of TeethAuthor: Sarah GaileyFormat: e-BookGenre: Alternate history, science fiction, western, LGBTQ, Summary River of Teeth is an alternative history novella following Winslow Houndstooth on his government-approved operation to rid the south of feral hippos while trying to satisfy his need for revenge. My Review This review may contain spoilers. ★★★/5 I was so…
Keep readingCelebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage with Diverse Sci-Fi
I would like to preface this post by stating that I am not an expert in Hispanic or Latin literature, nor am I an expert in Hispanic or Latin history. I just want to share some book recommendations. Known as National Hispanic Heritage Month, the time traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latin…
Keep readingA Review: Orleans by Sherri L. Smith
Orleans by Sherri L. Smith is a thrilling, skillfully crafted story of a young woman’s determination and power, ideal for fans of After the Flood and Station Eleven. I recommend this book to anyone interested in climate fiction, post-apocalyptic, and/or dystopian fiction. Orleans features elements of post-climate disaster, virus, survival, and hope.
Keep readingWhy You Need A Series Bible & How I Used One
Series Bibles are an excellent tool for writers. Whether you’re writing a series, spin-offs, or a standalone, a series bible is the perfect place to store book-specific details. Are you interested in a method to organize your book details but aren’t sure where to start? In this post, I detail what a series bible is,…
Keep readingSex & Gender: The Left Hand of Darkness & Before She Sleeps
Gender Utopia vs. Gender Dystopia. A brief observation of the ultimate role that sex and gender play in the pursuit of power, freedom, and equality.
Keep readingPrideful Planets: Sci-fi for Pride Month
Happy Pride! Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the US. Along with celebrations, parades, parties, and concerts to recognize the community’s impact on history. Pride…
Keep readingWandering Stars: Sci-Fi for Jewish Heritage Month
May is Jewish American Heritage Month. Remember, as readers, it’s our job to diversify our reading material to support authors belonging to specific communities. This helps their books become more available and gain visibility.
Keep readingA Review: ReForm: Combating the Algorithmic Mutation
An exploration on the harm of false media, division of society, classist and elitist culture, the destruction of war, and the importance of individuality and self-thinking. If 1984’s lack of individuality, Fahrenheit 451’s media censorship, and Robopocalypse’s AI over-leader had an urban, futuristic, dystopian baby.
Keep readingScience Fiction Books for AAPI Heritage Month
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! As readers, it’s our job to diversify our reading material to support authors belonging to specific communities. This helps their books become more available and gain visibility.
Keep readingStory Genius – Part Two: The Myth of Chance
There are many myths associated with writing, and authors and experts will debate the right way to write until the world ends. However, with everyone arguing about the best method, no one has offered the correct one. When it comes to writing, is there a right way? Probably not, but there is a method that…
Keep readingStory Genius – Part One: Humans and Story
Psychology and story are two of my favorite things in the world, which is why I focused my education on the two (BA in Psychology and MFA in Creative Writing). During the MFA program, one of the required reading books was Story Genius by Lisa Cron. I highly recommend this book to writers. This post, along with…
Keep readingA Review: Bioshock: Rapture, an Analysis of the Franchise
No Gods. Or Kings. Only man. Bioshock: Rapture, John Shirley This review contains spoilers. WWII has ended. FDR’s New Deal has redefined American politics. Taxes are at their highest. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki hold the world in fear. The rise of government agencies has people paranoid. Sanctions on businesses have many watching…
Keep readingA Review: The Light at the Bottom of the World
Hope had abandoned them to the wrath of all the water. The Light at the Bottom of the World, London Shah, p. 1 This review contains spoilers. At the end of the twenty first century, the world has been submerged beneath Earth’s oceans. Humankind is trapped in the abyss and sea creatures swim through London.…
Keep readingA Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
And no matter how desperate or dire, never pray to the gods that answer after dark. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab, p. 7 This review contains spoilers. In a small French town in 1714, Adeline LaRue meets a dark, dangerous, mysterious stranger. In a moment of desperation, she makes a bargain for…
Keep readingA Review: Half Sick of Shadows
I will die drowning; it has always been known. Half Sick of Shadows, Laura Sebastian, p. 1 This review contains spoilers. A king. A queen. A knight. A sorceress. A Seer. All of them traitors and tragic. Elaine of Astalot, Lady of Shalott, advisor to Prince Arthur Pendragon, is cursed with the Sight. She has…
Keep readingA Review: The Lost Apothecary
Death by poison is, at its very nature, an intimate affair: an element of trust generally exists between victim and villain. The Lost Apothecary, Sarah Penner, p. 307 This review contains spoilers. Eighteenth-century London. Hidden in the depths of the city, lies an apothecary that caters to women’s maladies – including devious husbands. Nella is…
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Destiny Daniels, Author 