What I’ve enjoyed reading
I don’t read half as much as I’d like to, nor do I recall as much as I should of what I’ve read, but here is a representative sample of books and graphic novels I’ve enjoyed, and recommend.
The Siege of Burning Grass – Premee Mohammed – a war story about a pacifist in a very weird world. Absolutely majestic characterisation and storytelling, and a really fascinating setting. Her novella The Rider, the Ride and the Rich Man’s Wife is also extremely good.
The Raven Tower – Ann Leckie – a unique fantasy from the great SF writer. A story about gods from the gods’ point of view as well as the mortals. Politics and religion, all the things we don’t talk about.
Lake of Darkness – Adam Roberts – Another of Roberts’ trademark high-concept philosophical SF books. Black holes, time and space, utopias and the nature of evil. As always, scintillating and intellectually stimulating stuff.
Starter Villain – John Scalzi – an enormously entertaining comedy – what happens if that weird relative whose funeral you attend turns out to have left you his global crime empire in his will?
The Vengeance – Emma Newman – her long awaited return to print. Vampires, pirates, musketeers and some sharp social commentary. Some top notch writing from one of my favourite authors.
Rare Flavours – Ram V, Filipe Andrade – mythology, monstrosity and cookery. A beautiful, wistful and often bloody-handed story of a love affair with food and culture focusing on a wonderful, terrifying protagonist.
Lackadaisy – Tracy Butler – Prohibition era speakeasies in St Louis but everyone’s a cat. I love this series so much (3 volumes out to date). It has so many wonderful characters, bound together by a shared past now shattered into pieces. By turns hilarious and melancholy. My wife loves it too.
Third Voice – Evan Dahm – Dahm’s current ongoing webcomic is an incredible work of fantastical imagination – a world that’s still unrolling as the story proceeds, but is spiked with maddening clues and hints to an enormously rich creation. I’ve loved all of Dahm’s work ever since his Rice Boy but this is something special.
