Wow, it’s almost half way through the year, where on earth has this year gone? This month in the spec fiction category we had 13 books read and reviewed.
Some are repeat books such as Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor series which had 3 reviews, two for book 1 Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow and one for book 2 Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow. Denise enjoyed book 1 and Louise thoroughly enjoyed both book 1 and book 2 which she listened to on audiobook.
Calzean reviewed Hive by A J Betts which is good timing as book 2 is out shortly.
Amy @ Lost in a good book enjoyed Beginnings: An Australian Speculative Fiction Anthology 16 stories. 16 Australian authors. One theme. Beginnings. She said “From an incredible first story I was excited by this anthology. I was amazed at the variety of styles and stories that each of the writers came up with for the same theme. “Beginnings” means a lot of things and it is evident that each of these writers has chosen their own interpretation of that.”
Brenda read book 4 in the sentinels of Eden series, we saw her review of book 3 last month. She rated book 4 Shamar 5 stars and said “wow! What a ride! From a person who didn’t believe she was a fantasy reader (some time ago now!) I loved this series; the author has a vivid and intriguing imagination and puts the words on the page in a way to keep the reader riveted! The Sentinels of Eden is a speculative fiction series which draws, in part, on Aboriginal Dreamtime as well as other cultures, and Shamaris an absorbing conclusion. Highly recommended.” This is one series I really want to read.
Catching Teller Crow by Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina was reviewed by Elizabeth @ The Skiffy and Fanty Show and she said “Overall, Catching Teller Crow is a masterful story that presents dark subjects in a way that allows their impact to be felt while also offering hope and remaining appropriate for a young adult audience. It is a must-read for anyone with an interest in ground-breaking works of young adult SFF, and I hope to see it on the ballot for the Lodestar Award next year.” I’ve had this out of the library a couple of times, but ran out of time to read it, I must request it again.
A couple of middle grade books were reviewed.
Ashleigh @ The Book Muse read Children of the Dragon: The Race for the Red Dragon by Rebecca Lim “The second in an #OwnVoices and #WeNeedDiverseVoices series, I’m really enjoying reading a book about another culture, seen through the eyes of people connected to that culture, but also, to an Australian culture and how these intersect and come together. The combination of mystery, culture, magic and martial arts will have a broad range of appeal to many readers, hopefully of all ages.” and “A middle grade book, I believe it can also be something that #LoveOzYa readers and supporters can get behind too – the fast-paced nature makes it a quick and enjoyable read because it is so engrossing, over half the book has gone by without realising it.”
Ashleigh @ The Book Muse also read Lintang and the Pirate Queen by Tamara Moss and says “The first in a series I would like to continue, this is an exciting series with a female lead that all readers can engage with and follow her adventures. It combines diversity, with mythology, pirates, and draws on traditions and languages present in our world to create their world Lintang inhabits.”
Emily @ Keyboard and an open mind reviewed Lucid by Kristy Fairlamb
Anna enjoyed Corpselight by Angela Slatter, I have this out of the library, so I must get to it soon.
I’ll end this with my usual childrens book reviewed by Amanda @ Mrs B’s Book Reviews 
and it’s Archibald the Naughtiest Elf in the World Goes to the Zoo by Skye Davidson, illustrated by Ágnes Rokiczky. Amanda says “What a fun book this proved to be! I really enjoyed reading Archibald the Naughtiest Elf in the World Goes to the Zoo with my own children and I look forward to the opportunity to share this one in a school setting with my students. I am confident Archibald the Naughtiest Elf in the World Goes to the Zoo would work both as a bedtime story in households and in larger daycare, library or school settings. There are some great points of discussion here, from drawing young children’s attention to zoo animals and African animals.”
Until next time happy reading and please link your reviews using our AWW challenge link review page.
Claire Louisa x
