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Spectacular Speculative Fiction: And Side by Side They Wander and Strange Familiars

26 May

And Side By Side They Wander
by Molly Tanzer
I loved And Side by Side They Wander, the new novella by Molly Tanzer. The story is a unique science fiction twist on the Orpheus myth. Set in a future where aliens have traded technological advancements for much of earth’s great art, a motley group tries to steal some of it back from the distant museum where it has been locked away. The story will appeal to those who enjoy funny science fiction and heist capers, but what I enjoyed most was the way it cleverly explored the importance of unique originality versus simulacra both in art and the many characters the novel is populated with including hive minds, clones, and artificial intelligence. If you enjoy And Side by Side They Wander, you can also check out Tanzer’s historic fantasy series, The Diabolist’s Library.

Strange Familiars
by Keshe Chow
Strange Familiars is the first in Keshe Chow’s new dark academia, Seamere College duology. I enjoyed the twist that Chow gives the dark academia genre by having the focus be not simply on magical studies, but on magical animals including familiars as well as larger creatures like dragons and qilins (Chinese unicorns). Chow uses her background as a veterinarian to give the story grounding even amongst the magical creatures and situations. The story also includes a compelling slow burn rivals to lovers story line. Strange Familiars centers on an interracial couple and includes a diverse cast of supporting characters. The story ends on a cliffhanger so be warned you will be eagerly awaiting the next book to come out.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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Supernatural Sports Romance: The Fake Divination Offense and Tentacles and Triathlons

19 May

The Fake Divination Offense
by Sara Raasch
I had enjoyed the previous story in Sara Raasch’s Magic and Romance Duology, The Entanglement of Rival Wizards, an enemies-to-lovers fantasy academia mm romcom. The second book in the series, The Fake Divination Offense, takes on the Sports Romance genre and adds a sprinkle of fantasy and helping of the fake dating relationship trope to it. This books focuses on Sebastian, the protagonist from the last book’s pro-athlete, half giant bff Orok. Orok agrees to pretend to date an adorable wannabee cheerleader in order to get him on the cheer squad. He is promised that the relationship will get good press for his religion (centered on an author created god of strength); however Orok is secretly thinking of denouncing his beliefs. His new romantic interest also has secrets he is hiding. I liked that similar to the previous novel this one despite the trappings of supernatural such as werewolves and mermaids, also takes on some heavier issues such as the complexity of no longer wanting to be a part of a religion that a family member is heavily invested in and post traumatic stress. The seriousness is tempered though with funny moments such as the comedic sports reports at the beginning of each chapter. I’d recommend reading the stories in order to prevent revealing major spoilers. I hope that Raasch considers revisiting this world in the future; I’d love to explore more of it.

Tentacles and Triathlons
by Ashley Bennet
Tentacles and Triathlons is the second book in Ashley Bennet’s Leviathan Fitness Series. Briarwood Park’s Department supervisor Reece Rollins has entered a triathlon and is doing great with training except for the swimming portions. Cyrus, a Kraken and painter, agrees to help him and they clearly have chemistry, but it will take Reece overcoming his prejudices towards monsters to let their relationship flourish. If you enjoy this book there are two other books in this trilogy, book one: Muscles and Monsters and book three: Mantras and Minotaurs. As much as monster romances can sometimes be a bit silly, I think stories like this allow for exploration of issues of cultural differences in romantic relationships in a less charged way than having it focused on two different real world groups. Overall though, this a light and low-stake story for those looking for supernatural romance without a lot of additional drama. I listened to this as an audio book while I was commuting back and forth to work which was especially great for moments stuck in frustrating traffic; it features two narrators: Jack Calihan and Liam Price, one narrating for Reece and the other for Cyrus who alternate chapters in the story. If you enjoy Jack’s narration, he also is one of the narrators for Muscles and Monsters which focuses on Reece’s sister’s romantic adventures.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager

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