May Mini-Reviews

I'm slowly catching up to the present.

Side note: 3/5 of these authors don't have websites. Is it less common for British/Australian/non-American writers to have author landing pages? Links are to Goodreads.

The Day Tripper (2024)

James Goodhand (no author website)

After 20-something Alex runs into a bully from his school days, he begins to experience time out of order, getting a depressing vision of his future. Eventually he realizes he can influence ("update") the future days by making different choices on the days he relives from his past. Gentle time travel combined with self-examination make for a satisfying, uplifting read.

The Witching Tide (2023 debut)

Margaret Meyer (no author website)

In 17th century England, Martha, a mute serving woman and occasional herbalist, is forcibly recruited to help the witchfinder when the frenzy arrives in her village. The examinations are brutal, neighbor turns against neighbor, and Martha has to dig deep into her small, hard life to find enough light to keep her alive and true.

A Conjuring of Light (2017)

V.E. Schwab (website under construction)

The third in the series finds Kell and Lila needing to defeat the shadow king (Osarion) who has hijacked his way into Red London. This involves a journey on Alucard's ship to the floating black market--best scene/setting in the book--to trade for a legendary magic weapon. Some important characters die, and one of them is especially moving/tragic.

Weyward (2023 debut)

Emilia Hart (no author website)

Another 17th century English witch trial book, you say? This one has a triple narrative with three women from the same family--Kate in 2019, Violet in 1942, and Altha in 1619. Kate is fleeing a violent boyfriend, but her story feels like the lowest stakes as it's hard to compete with World War and well, the 17th century witch trials.

Fourth Wing (2023)

Rebecca Yarros

Romantasy still isn't my main jam, but I accepted this book from a couple of work colleagues after seeing it all over Instagram. Violet is the daughter of a general and the sibling of two warrior-heroes, but she's physically frail and nerdy like her late scholar-father. Everyone (except her mother) expects her to join the scribes instead of the dragon corps. She meets Xaden, her hot enemy-to-lover on her way into the academy and survives her trials by wit (and a little poison). With her bonded dragons and new friends (and Xaden), she uncovers lies about the war and corruption in the leadership, with time out for an occasional spicy romp.