Womblings on August

So the tree outside my flat is dropping conkers and leaves; the jumpers have been pulled out of storage and I'm thinking about putting the heating on! Summer is over so thought maybe time to think about reminding myself of what I did last month

 

Nineworlds

 

As recently blogged the Fifth Nineworlds was a huge success and for me a holiday that really enthused my brain.  Seeing a lot of my twitter feed and lots of interesting panels did my brain the world of good.  2018 ticket already bought

 

What have I been reading? 

 

It been a quiet month as ends to happen in summer but

 

Clean Room Vols 1 and 2 - This Gail Simone comic is an everyday tale of an investigative journalist entangled with a mysterious cult and demons.  Lovely bit of horror and mystery that reminds me of Sandman’s darker stories.  Definitely keen to read more and find out who I can trust!

 

Shattered Minds by Laura Lam - review already up.  I really enjoyed Lam’s second Pacifica thriller that posits an almost cyberpunk future where a beautiful society covers some darker motives exploring memories and power.  Extremely recommended.

 

The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin - review to follow this week. A stunning conclusion to a fantasy series that I think is a new classic for this decade.  Fantastic characters, plot and view on society.  You need this and I now need to finish all remaining Jemisins in my TBR.

 

Cold Counsel by Chris Sharp - a grimdark tale of orc civil war.   Sadly not much for me as fight scenes overtook character 

 

Avi Cantor Has 6 Months to Live by Sasha Lamb - a beautiful short love story of two trans kids in school.  Mixes the horror working out who you are in school, love and dealing with demons. Really stunning story 

 

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett - this year I've started an in sequence Discworld re-read on twitter and been interesting to compare the early works with what is to come.  This one actually feels the start of the Pratchett I know.  Slapstick dialled down, characters like Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg feel like you've met them down the shops in the way they behave and there is the start of that social commentary we know and love

 

What's Next?

 

Raven Stratagem and a lot of fantasy authors 

 

Oh and the Womblegariad ;)

 

Matthew CavanaghComment