Skeen’s Leap, by Jo Clayton
I’d heard a lot about this book, but it wasn’t really for me. Clayton is a classic Sci Fi writer, but her writing is choppy and world-building was … lacking. It was hard to follow as there were dozens of other sentient species that are described in a way that assumes you’ll follow along even without more details. Also, it was kind of long for the story and finished in the middle. Maybe it wasn’t the best story to start with for Clayton.
 
The Unknown Ajax, by G. Heyer
July was hard. I needed happy books and this one is so wonderfully happy. Third or fourth read and it stands up every time.
 
ACE: What Asexuality Reveals about Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex, by Angela Chen
Asexuality is a relatively new identification on the sexuality spectrum and this book does a great job at explaining asexuality and its nuances. Mixed with research, interviews, and personal experience, I learned a lot from this read. Particularly about the insidiousness of compulsive sexuality and how it muddies choice and experience.
 
Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All, by Laura Ruby
I listened to this one the first time and it only got better by reading it. Ruby is a great talent writing in the YA sphere. Pearl and Frankie’s stories are so compelling. I look forward to more of her work.
 
The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor, by Shaenon K. Garrity
A graphic novel about a pocket universe that is perpetually set in a regency romance. Haley has read all the gothic romance so when she gets to this universe she knows just how to behave. Unfortunately, an interdimensional monster soon joins her. Silly, inventive fun.
 
The Lord of Stariel, by A.J. Lancaster
A fun magical romance about an ancient family magically tied to their land. When the Lord dies, his family gathers to find out which member the land will choose to be the next lord. Disgraced daughter, Hetta, returns and is as shocked as everyone to find she’s the new lord. Especially when she finds the estate is disrepair and the fairy realm about ready to cross over their ancient boundaries. Perfectly entertaining but I probably won’t keep going with the series.
 
A Psalm for the Wild-Built, by Becky Chambers
This warm hug of a novella about a tea monk living in a peaceful world, well-adjusted world just can’t find satisfaction. Then he meets a creature of myth—a robot of the wild. As the two journey together, their conversation forms the heart of the story. A lovely read and I’m looking forward to more.
 

So, this summer has been really busy. I have more work these days (good thing!), but that means less time for the work that doesn't pay. Since I'm posting this so late, I thought I'd change up the format a bit. 

​A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking, by T. Kingfisher
A wonderfully imaginative and adventurous take on magical ability. Mona is the only magical person left in a city being attacked by barbarians, only her magic is being a great baker. I loved this one.

​Everybody Writes, by Ann Handley
I’ll be reading a lot more business-related nonfiction due to my changing job. This was a good basic guide to writing for the internet. It is definitely meant for those uncomfortable writing, but did have some good advice for blogging and social media. 

​The Lost Village, by Camilla Sten
The perfect amount of horror with a haunting story that will stick with you. It takes place in an abandoned, rural village in Sweden. A documentary filmmaking group journeys there to find out what happened to all the townspeople who disappeared all at once sixty years before. With flashbacks to the village before it was abandoned, the story is makes excellent use of situational and cult horror. 

​Competitive Grieving, by Nora Zelemansky
Interesting look at how grieving can make us selfish and how we can never truly know those friends we are close to. Also a fun, snarky, romantic romp.

​Death of a Necromancer, by Martha Wells
Magical heists and a necromantic serial killer set in a medieval-like world. Yup! It’s just as fun as it sounds.

​The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, by India Holton
A hilarious take on historical romance. The ladies observe the smallest details of civil society, all the while plotting robberies and murders. Add a fun romance with an untrustworthy young man and a ridiculous appearance by Queen Victoria. A joy.

​The Convenient Marriage, by Georgette Heyer
The first reread of this one and while the heroine’s stutter is still annoying, I liked it a little better than the first time. It has all the hallmarks of a fun Heyer—know-it-all hero, ingenue, ridiculous family, and a revengeful villain. Perfect.