Archive | August, 2023

Stellar Space Stories: Demigod 12 and Binti

30 Aug

Demigod 12
by Gail Carriger
I enjoyed the first in Gail Carriger’s Tinkered Starsong series, Divinity 36 so was curious to see the next chapter in Phex and his friend’s adventures. The series plays with the idea that the godsong (music, movement, and imagery) that they create is not just metaphorically, but actually the equivalent of a religious experience thanks to the special domes it is performed in. Demigod 12 takes inspiration for what it would like to be an up and coming act on tour including integrating with an older already established group of “gods” and finding their own sound and identity.

There is also a spark of romance between Phex and a member of the older established act. Carriger provides Phex’s love interest with a gentle and whimsical persona which give a sweetness to the romance which could have been more predatory with the power imbalance handled differently. While the last book felt like a meditation on family, this book feels more focused on the idea of love both romantic and platonic. The idea that fans might become so overcome, that the “fixed” will try and harm the members shows the darker side of celebrity and the way obsession can become toxic.

Second books in trilogies can be tricky often feeling like simply a bridge between the other two, but the novel manages to feel satisfying on its own while still peaking my interest for the third and last book in the series which will be available at the beginning of October. If you are looking for more rock gods as music metaphors in speculative fiction before then check out Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames, which I had previously blogged about.

Binti
by Nnedi Okorafor
I had previously read Nnedi Okorafor’s fantasy novel, Akata Witch with the Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Discussion Group which was inspired by African cultures so I was curious to see how a similar inspiration would play out in her Sci-Fi Novella, Binti.

Binti is a member of the Himba, a group who are tech savy and master mathematicians, but rarely leave their homeland. When she is offered a chance to study at the Oomza University, the best institution for learning in all the Galaxy she will be the first of her people to do so and one of the few to experience space travel. As she makes the trip, she is confronted with other students who find her customs, such as adorning herself with the dried mud of her homeland, strange and off-putting, but it will take all of Binti’s heritage and diplomatic training to stay alive when the tentacled Meduse take over the ship.

Robin Miles gives a powerful performance with the first person narration for the 2 1/2 hour audiobook version. The story continues in Home and The Night Masquerade.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

Bad Spells, Good Books: In Charm’s Way & The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

23 Aug

In Charm’s Way
by Lena Harper
In Charm’s Way is the fourth in the supernatural romance Witches of Thistle Grove series; although not necessary to be read in order, you will have some spoilers for previous books if you read this one first. I had been looking forward to hearing about the resolution of Delilah Harlow’s story since the events of Back in a Spell, released this past January. In that novel another witch’s out of control spell causes Delilah once perfect recall to be damaged. Now she struggles to regain her memory and her sense of self. She is helped by her new charming raven familiar Montalban. Delilah spends much of her time working at her family’s magical book store, so if you are a book worm like me you will likely identify with this clever introvert. If you are someone who generally doesn’t read romance, but loves fantasy, I’d still highly recommend this series since the interesting world building with the magical town and complex, well developed characters will have you hooked. Though of course it wouldn’t be a Thistle Grove story without romance in this case it comes in the form of the Catriona Quinn, a beautiful “monster hunter” with an unusual lineage.

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic
by Breanne Randall
Coming soon on September 19, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic is Breanne Randall’s first novel to be published, but hopefully not her last. Fellow fans of the magical realism of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Allen Addison will want to check this one out. Sadie Revelare is happy working with her grandmother at their small café, A Peach in Thyme, but then everything seems to start to unravel when her first love returns to town and her grandmother reveals some serious medical news. Sadie believes that these heartbreaks are a side effect to the power she wields. When her estranged twin brother returns further family secrets are revealed and it will take all the Revelare’s and their communities efforts to save them. I enjoyed the whimsical magic details mixed in with the more serious topics of the story. Sadie’s best friend lives with bipolar disorder and her brother suffers from depression and although neither is explored in depth since they are secondary characters, it provided representation of those living with the condition, and Sadie herself discusses plans to see a therapist for grief counseling. You’ll be left craving some of the delicious drinks and treats that are mentioned in the story, so it is lucky that each chapter ends with a recipe from Sadie’s grandmother so you can try it for yourself just BYOM (bring your own magic). I made the Chocolate Pecan Pie (good for healing strength and longevity) and the Cherry Cheese Pie (helps ensure the peace, good for family gatherings) for our Fourth of July celebration this year.

I received advanced copies of both novels from Netgalley and the publishers in order to provide you with honest reviews.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager




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