We’re a little late this week because I’ve been too busy reading to be writing! But I’m here now, and I have some goodies for you. I’m going to try to speed through these because I have even more books waiting as we speak. Jump in and hang on because here we go!
Paladin’s Grace (The Saint of Steel #1) by T. Kingfisher: A good old-fashioned adventure, with humor and heart! I went in expecting a focus on action and adventure but was happily surprised by adorably awkward romance, paladins grieving a dead god, and oh yes, warriors in pink woolly socks, deftly knit by one of their own. Honestly, it was the sock-knitting that hooked me. *baddum-tccchhhh* Kingfisher has built a rich, compelling world, and I look forward to spending more time among delightful inhabitants.
Sorcerer to the Crown (Sorcerer Royal #1) by Zen Cho: As with Paladin’s Grace, I expected more hardcore fantasy, only to find something else just as good! There is a playful wit and whimsy to Sorcerer to the Crown that is quite endearing. This world is full of magic, capricious fairies, cunning familiars, and some very colorful sorcerers. I especially loved and sympathized with our long-suffering hero, Zacharias, who’s just trying to do the right thing but is surrounded by enemies and chaotic allies. Set in an alternative history Georgian England, Cho’s story also deals thoughtfully with the experience of people of color in a society that does not recognize their value. I’m already onto book 2 and enjoying it immensely, as well!
Incense and Insensibility (The Rajes #3) by Sonali Dev: Okay, this review is going to take a little longer. I enjoyed the first two novels in the series, so I had high hopes for this latest entry. But as much as I love our hero and the achingly tender relationship between him and India, the story dragged out the central lie a little too long and too far, without truly convincing me of the stakes if it were to be revealed. In order for the romantic angst to work, I needed to be just as invested in Yash’s political career as in the love story, and I wasn’t – I knew it would be fine because he’s Yash. And have I not now read three whole books intent on convincing me he’s destined and able to serve in office? So, I just couldn’t buy into the second half melodrama when everyone was sure he’d lose his chance if he didn’t sacrifice his whole heart, health, and happiness for it. I still look forward to more in the series, but I’m disappointed because Yash is such a favorite. I hope Dev will soon find the balance between family, professional, and romantic drama that she’s been groping for throughout the series because she’s created a great world of characters – and I want more for them and for me as a reader.
Highland Guard #1+#3 by Monica McCarty: Early in the week, I was in the mood for some good your father killed my father and we are literally on opposites sides of a war-type angst, and when I’m in that kind of mood, I turn to Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series. Is it full of tropes and drama and a giant dose of “Wow, these people need therapy”? Yes, it is! And I’m okay with it! Ridiculously fun angst. Anyway, this is a reread, and I intend to skip over a few (as you see, I already skipped #2) so I can concentrate on my favorites (read: the angstiest and most intense). For the Lion!
Lord Peter Wimsey #7-8 by Dorothy L. Sayers: Yes, I’m still reading and still enjoying! The series really has picked up now that Harriet Vane is here, and watching her Sayers navigate the tension between Harriet and Wimsey is a masterclass in writing. They are clearly perfect for each other but also have a lot of good reasons why being together is a complex proposal. I can’t wait to see how Sayers manages to make it happen!
Okay, that’s my reading for the week, and now I’m off again to finish devouring Luanne G. Smith’s The Vine Witch. I’ll see you again soon, but in the meantime – what are you reading? (Because I clearly need more recommendations!)
–b
Book It With Becca 