Dead Batteries by Kate Maupin

 

Meh and problematic.

The Brightness by Chad Harbach

 

Started out very strong and then got very typical.

Axis by Robert Charles Wilson

 

meh

The Natural Order by Matthew Aldrich

 

A very compelling combination of sci-fi, dystopian fiction, and action/adventure/thriller, with some compelling social commentary. Recommended.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Taiwan Travelogue by Yang Shuang-Zi

 

I hated this -- only finished it because it is for book group.

I Never Knew You at All by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

 

I normally like this writing duo, but this novel was lackluster, and a bit too predictable.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Spin by Robert Charles Wilson

 

I really enjoyed this -- going through a Robert Charles Wilson phase right now.

The Queen of Lombard Street by Lisa Kleypas

The blurb and cover suggest serious historical fiction. <shakes head sadly> It also committed what I consider one of the worst sins and biggest annoyances of historical fiction: giving almost every character completely modern sensibilities.

And yet: somehow I was oddly charmed by this 

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Truth Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw

 

Fun.

Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman

 Decent.

Want Not by Jonathan Miles

 

Meh

Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles

 

I really liked this.

The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker

 

Very interesting.

Trust & Safety by Laura Blackett and Eve Gleichman

 

Fun

The Hopkins Manuscript by R. C. Sherriff

 

One of my favorite books ever. 

The Names of the New World by Kawai Strong Washburn

 

So climate fiction is obviously having a moment. This contribution had some interesting elements, and kind of felt a bit like Neal Stephenson. I enjoyed this, but it didn't knock my socks off.

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin

 

Solid.

One Yellow Eye by Leigh Radford

 

Solid.

Hollywood, Ending by John Green

 

Solid.