Once again I find myself a little sparse on tour stops for the weekend (are we not doing those anymore? I might have to review more kidlit on NetGalley just to fill the weekends!) So this time, let’s take a look back at some great books I’ve reviewed since starting this blog.
Today I’d like to feature science fiction & fantasy genre novels and authors who I discovered through tours. If any of these are new to you, please feel free to jump on over to the full posts to read my reviews and check out the books in more detail!
A Cat’s Guide to Bonding with Dragons
Dragoncat Book One
by Chris Behrsin
Published 28 December 2020
Genre: Humorous Fantasy
Page Count: 224
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
This whole series is pure gold! I’ll be sticking with a formatting rule here on the roundup of featuring the first/earliest book I’ve reviewed, but I did just review the latest title last week! This one is a 5-star comical fantasy about a snarky accidental dimension-travelling cat who, thanks to the foibles of an evil warlokc, wound up at an academy of dragon riders and bonded to a dragon.
Hands Like Secrets
The Seven Strands Book One
by Mariah Norris
Published 13 May 2022
Shadow Spark Publishing
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Page Count: 296
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
To quote the opening paragraph of my review, Hands Like Secrets is a fascinating, fast-paced epic fantasy in an academic setting that explores xenophobia, racism, LGBTQIA+ identities, and neurodivergence all while introducing the reader to a world full of magic that feels like a new spin on Aristotle’s elements.
Flames of Rebellion
The Broken Gods Book One
by Aaron S. Jones
Published 28 August 2020
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Page Count: 356
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
The start of a great series I’m still working through, Flames of Rebellion introduces what the title promises: Rebellion. Revolution. All of the lead characters in this broken world full of strange magic know exactly where to point their anger, and they’ve run out of the required give-a-damn to be subtle about it.
The Last Gifts of the Universe
by Rory August
Published 7 April 2022
Genre: Science Fiction
Page Count: 212
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
Again, let’s quote myself in my review: The Last Gifts of the Universe is one of those surviving the universe sort of small-cast adventures that piles tragedy and challenge on top of tragedy and challenge until the surviving characters find the motivation and opportunity to go chase something better and let their loved ones do the same.
This is a self-aware speculative sci-fi with characters that are far-too-accurately Millennial and a lovely cat who, unlike the charming cat at the top of this round up, doesn’t speak. It’s just a cat. I love my well-written talking cats but I can also appreciate a well-written cat that’s just a cat.
She’s the One Who Thinks Too Much
War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters Book One
by S. R. Cronin
Published 13 November 2020
by Cinnabar Press
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Page Count: 272
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A series of companion novels that each expose a different sister’s side of the story, these novels set the scene for a citizen rebellion against an invading Mongal hoard lead by “seven troublesome sisters” who are each coming into their own rather unique abilities.
When I say I periodically check the author’s blog for expected publication dates so I know when to watch my usual tour hosts even closer, I’m not kidding! Look for my review of book 6 coming up on the 25th, but in the mean time…
Ad Hominem
by Eric Gay
Print/eBook
Published 10 August 2021
Page Count: 270
Audiobook
Published 17 December 2021
Audiobook Empire
Length: 10 hours and 32 minutes
Narrator: Joel Simler
Genre: Humorous Fantasy
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
If you like Prachette and this cover looks absolutely delightful, that’s all you need to know!
The Living Waters
Weirdwater Confluence Book One
by Dan Fitzgerald
Publishing 15 October 2021
Shadow Spark Publishing
Genre: Sword-free Fantasy
Page Count: 300
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
Yes, you read that genre right. This is sword-free fantasy. Rest assured, fantasy can be just as epic without battle scenes! This was not the first Dan Fitzgerald title I featured, but it was the first time I was hosting for the right company at the right time to review a first in a series title, and it was absolutely worth it!
Goodbye to the Sun
Wind Tide Book One
by Jonathan Nevair
Published 18 May 2021
Genre: Science Fiction, LGBTQIA
Page Count: 249
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!
Goodbye to the Sun and the rest of the trilogy are classic space opera sci-fi with a whole lot of say about everything from politics and to LGBTQIA+ acceptance. It’s a fun, wild ride and each installment in the trilogy makes me fall in love with a different subset of characters. I’m eagerly awaiting my upcoming appointment with Nevair’s newest book (separate from the Wind Tide storyline, too! Something fresh) coming out later this year, but in the mean time…
There are so many more authors and titles I could feature, and I probably will very soon! For now, check out any of the above you haven’t become acquainted with yet and feel free to drop alternate suggestions in the comment section down below.