May 18, 2018
The Black Tides of Heaven (2017) Written by: JY Yang Genre: Fantasy/Silkpunk Pages: 240 (Trade Paperback) Publisher: Tor Why I Chose It: Several reasons. First, it’s another contender for the Nebula award. Second, I’ve been admiring that glorious cover since the release of the Publisher’s Weekly review last August. Lastly, I I’m drawn to books by female authors, authors of…
May 18, 2018
The Stone Sky (2017) Written by: N K Jemisin Genre: Fantasy Pages: 464 (Trade Paperback) Series: The Broken Earth, Book 3 Publisher: Orbit Why I Chose It: So this was a no-brainer. I was absolutely going to read this book after I’d read the first two. I bought it and it sat on my shelf, waiting for the right time…
May 16, 2018
Jade City (2017) Written by: Fonda Lee Genre: Fantasy Pages: 495 (Hardback) Series: The Green Bone Saga Book #1 Publisher: Orbit Why I Chose It: I picked up Jade City because it is nominated in the novel category of the 2017 Nebula Awards, which Speculative Chic is covering. Fortunately for me, it also fits into my 2018 resolution to read…
April 26, 2018
Autonomous (2017) Written by: Annalee Newitz Genre: Science Fiction Pages: (301) Hardback Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates Why I Chose It: Speculative Chic is covering the 2017 Nebula Awards and Autonomous is nominated in the novel category. I was also drawn to the intriguing cover, which features a severed robot arm with a chain around the wrist. Premise: When anything can…
April 26, 2018
Amberlough (2017) Written by: Lara Elena Donnelly Narrated by: Mary Robinette Kowal Genre: Fantasy Length: 11h, 26m (Audiobook) Series: The Amberlough Dossier Publisher: Macmillan Audio Why I Chose It: When I first heard about Amberlough, I was intrigued by its unique, cross-genre premise (the fact that one of my favorite authors narrated the audiobook was a bonus!). When it was nominated…
April 4, 2018
Spoonbenders (2017) Written by: Daryl Gregory Genre: Fantasy Pages: 416 (Hardcover) Publisher: Knopf Why I Chose It: Somehow I have this idea that I love Daryl Gregory’s writing, but I’m not sure what that is based on. Looking at his bibliography makes me realize I’ve only read one of his many previous books: Harrison Squared. He’s been on my radar…
May 18, 2017
The Ballad of Black Tom (2016) Written by: Victor LaValle Genre: Dark Fantasy/Historical Fiction Pages: 149 (Paperback) Publisher: Tor.com/Tom Doherty Associates Why I Chose It: I’m not normally a novella reader. When I find characters and a universe that I like, I prefer sweeping epics with multiple, lengthy books, like George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series…
May 17, 2017
A Taste of Honey (2016) Written by: Kai Ashante Wilson Genre: Fantasy Pages: 100 (Nook) Publisher: Tor/Forge Why I Chose It: Many reasons. That gorgeous cover, for one. The story is about two men of color, and that’s what’s on the cover. (Because publishers whitewashing book covers is a thing.) Also because I haven’t read much fantasy lately. And lastly…
May 3, 2017
Runtime (2016) Written by: S.B. Divya Genre: Science Fiction Pages: 120 (Kindle edition) Publisher: Tor.com Why I Chose It: Literally, we’re reviewing the Nebulas and no one had claimed it yet. That’s it, that’s the reason. The premise: The Minerva Sierra Challenge is a grueling spectacle, the cyborg’s Tour de France. Rich thrill-seekers with corporate sponsorships, extensive support teams, and…
April 28, 2017
The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe (2016) Written by: Kij Johnson Pages: 169 (Paperback) Publisher: Tor.com Why I Chose It: There’s a couple reasons. First, I’ve always wanted to read something by Kij Johnson. Second, the title along with the great illustrated cover intrigued me. The premise: Professor Vellitt Boe teaches at the prestigious Ulthar Women’s College. When one of her…