Hello readers!
Welcome to another installment of our semi-regular-ish Reading Round-Up where we gush over what we’re currently reading and loving, and what we’re looking forward to reading! Let us know what you’re currently diving into in the comments!
MEREDITH
Currently Reading:
I’ve finally climbed aboard the Bardugo train and oh boy am I glad I did. I got completely lost in Six of Crows, and I’ve just started the sequel Crooked Kingdom, and it’s so good! If you’re a fan of sharp, violent fantasy set in an alternate Amsterdam, then check these out! (I know I’m super late to this party, so if you’re like me and a bit tardy as well, hop to it, especially since there’ll be a Netflix series based on them!) I love how she weaves together the multiple POVs, and the character development is done so well through small snippets of tension and emotion. Basically I’d like to be Leigh Bardugo when I grow up.
Looking Forward To:
I am SO excited for this, especially after seeing the tagline for it. I mean, ‘Part Wonder Woman, Part Vikings’ ???? YES PLEASE. I’ve got it ready to go on my handy Kindle, which I’m finally getting the hang of (did I mention I’m an old fart who’s quite new to all these new-fangled technologies?), so I can’t wait to get lost in this Viking-age story on my long commutes to and from work.
JOYCE
Currently Reading:
Spin the Dawn, by Elizabeth Lim
I’m really into Asian historical fantasy right now because I just finished writing one myself and am working on the spinoff. Spin the Dawn has everything I want and love in a story: magic, fantasy, a young heroine called to action to save her family, and court politics. Elizabeth’s prose is so lyrical and there is so much attention to detail in her world-building.
The Memory Police, by Yoko Ogawa
I’m not usually a dystopian fan. With the exception of Marie Lu’s Legend and Lois Lowry’s Giver, I tend to steer clear of it because it’s usually too disturbing. The Memory Police is no different – the prose is haunting and the premise is eerie. Why are people losing their memories? Why do the Memory Police take people away and remove things from people’s memories? But the thing about dystopian fiction is that it sucks you in and stays in your head well after the last page. So I guess I’m in too deep now.
Looking Forward To:
Descendent of the Crane, by Joan He
More magic (even better – forbidden magic)! More court politics! A murder! And yet another strong-willed heroine out to avenge her father’s death! I’ve taken a peek at the opening pages and the writing is intense, the prose crisp and evocative. Can’t wait to dive into this richly developed world!
What are you currently reading and looking forward to reading next? Share your book recommendations with us!
Muse in Pocket, Pen in Hand 