Books Read and Reviewed in June

Solomon Bull by C Lindemuth

Black Bead by JD Lakey

Nightmares of the Queen by Jacqueline Patricks

Writing Fight Scenes by Rayne Hall

Destiny of the Queen by Jacqueline Patricks

Bees Make Honey, Butterflies Make Jam by John Offord

River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey

Lockdown by Samie Sands

The Phoenix Cycle by Bob Collopy

Lockdown by Laurie R King

Barry’s Deal by Lawrence Schoen (beta reader)

Venetian Blood by Christine Volker

Bathing Strictly Prohibited by Matthew Rhodes

 

 

Best Reads of the Month

Lockdown by Laurie R King

I love Ms King’s works, especially the Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series. This book is one intense read, showing how the threads of ours lives are all connected. It’s a warning that we need to practise and teach empathy skills, to de-escalate violence, or nip it before it ever blooms.

 

 

 

 

Venetian Blood by Christine Volker

This murder mystery takes place in the seductive city of Venice, with Anna Lucia Lottol having been accused of murder. In working rogue to solve the crime before she is officially charged with the murder, Anna ends up solving two much older mysteries- a series of murders decades old, and questions regarding her own past.

 

 

 

 

Bathing Strictly Prohibited by Matthew Rhodes

I loved these poems! The resonate so much with my own spirituality and world views. Many have a deep historical connection that calls to my inner anthropologist. There is respect for the past, and curiosity as well. It’s clear the poet is blessed of Bragi and Brigit, in tune with Awen.

 

 

 

Best Series New to Me

Black Bead by JD Lakey

 

 

I love the themes of synchronicity and probability that run through this series. Cheobawn is a psychic Ear with great ability to read the threads of probability and pick the best paths. However, she is a Black Bead, considered unlucky in the extreme. Cheobawn is an agent of chaos, but chaos is not merely destruction and uncertainty. It is opportunity, a chance for new growth and new beginnings. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

 

The Brajj Cycle by Jacqueline Patricks

This series played with quantum and theoretical physics. Each of the three books have different tones, going from gritty and harsh, to more light-hearted. There is a pleasing degree of growth with Ta’mat, that reassures and affirms that everyone has the potential to change, and everyone deserves a second chance.

 

 

 

 

River of Teeth series by Sarah Gailey

 

First in the River of Teeth series, this book was just downright fun. It reminded me a great deal of the show Leverage, though it was certainly grittier. What impressed me most with River of Teeth was how Gailey handled sexual orientation. There was a great diversity represented, but you were not bludgeoned with it, which has been my previous experience. It is subtly woven in, just another character trait like eye colour or penchant for gambling. It simple is, which is as it should be.