Hello again, well we are now more than halfway through the year, it hasn’t really gone as I expected and I think there are a few speculative fiction novels out there that probably cover some of what we’ve been going through. This month though we had 11 books reviewed.

After AustraliaFirstly we have After Australia an anthology covering Climate catastrophe, police brutality, white genocide, totalitarian rule and the erasure of black history provide the backdrop for stories of love, courage and hope. Veronica Strachan reviewed this and said “So glad I heard about this anthology. Though short stories are not my fave, these tales of a reimagined past and future were fantastic, challenging, chilling and hopeful. Editor Michael Mohammed Ahmad, has brought together 12 brilliant and diverse writers of both Indigenous and POC backgrounds. Each story considered the theme After Australia, each brought a unique perspective. We need to read and listen to more of these voices that make you think differently. An Australia with these writers in its future is on the right track. A great read.”

A Lifetime of Impossible DaysNext, we have Cloggie Downunder who reviewed one of my all-time favourite novels, in audiobook format, A Lifetime of Impossible Days by Tabitha Bird. She says” There’s so much magic in this book, so much fun: brightly-coloured gumboots, midnight teas, timeslips, scare-conquering stories, Chihuahuas with silly names, Viking forts under beds and jam drops (recipe provided!); there’s lots of laughter, but also tears and sadness; much bravery, kindness and love; many wise words. This is a heart-warming story that asks: Can we change the past? If not, can we change how we handle it? If you could, what would you tell your younger self? What would you ask your older self? A marvellous debut novel from a talented author.”

The Emporium of ImaginationThe next book is Tabitha Bird’s newest novel and one I have on my bookshelf impatiently waiting to be read, The Emporium of Imagination. Tracey @CarpeLibrum says “I can’t tell you how much I adored this book. Reading The Emporium of Imagination was like sending nourishing warm hot chocolate straight to the soul. & The Emporium of Imagination is an incredibly uplifting and life-affirming novel delivering messages about regret, lost opportunities, guilt, smothered dreams, love, loss, sorrow, grief, duty, hope, redemption and more to the reader. “ you should check out her full review.
An Unforeseen Demise (Trouble Down Under, #1)Next is a cosy mystery reviewed by Emily @A Keyboard and an open mind, An Unforeseen Demise by P. A. Mason, she says This book has all the elements you expect from a cosy mystery: small town, nosy neighbours, and residents who aren’t all they seem. I loved some of the witchy additions, like the “witchy web”, an app that connects the magical community but appears as a phoney astrology app to non-magical people who stumble across it.”
The RabbitsNext, we have The Rabbits by Sophie Overett and reviewed by Cass Moriarty who says “Exploring art, loneliness, grief, family dynamics, family secrets, superpowers, love, self-identity and unusual forged connections, The Rabbits will draw you deep into the centre of this family until they feel like your own, and then present you with a changing narrative that can’t possibly be true and yet, somehow, equally could not be anything else but true.
Although with a baseline of loss, this book has wonderful light-hearted aspects and magical moments that prevent it being dark or heavy. The colourful and interesting characters change this from a story of grief to a book about friendships, connections, sibling relationships, hope and optimism. And I guarantee that by the end, you will definitely believe – if only a little – in the power of magic. “
All the Murmuring BonesLastly is All the Murmuring Bones by A.G. Slatter and reviewed by Jemimah @Underground Writers, she says “All the Murmuring Bones by A. G. Slatter is a dark tale that offers a refreshing take on Gothic tropes and weaves together fairy tales, mythology, lore, and a strong heroine to die for… literally. I’d recommend this book to lovers of dark fantasy, re-written mythology and fairy tales, resourceful but bloodthirsty teen heroines, and sinister mysteries. The follow-up book, not a direct sequel but set in the same world and a similar time, is due out next year!”
Well, that’s it until next month, I hope you read some great speculative fiction this month and maybe try out a few of these, happy reading.
To check out all the speculative fiction books reviewed in July go here.
Don’t forget to link your reviews here.