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The Fifth Season

Sep 30, 2026

The Fifth Season

I read this book a very long time ago way before I had kids, even then I absolutely loved it. It was different from any of the other sci-fi/fantasy books I have ever read, and it still defies genre.

In this novel a Fifth Season is an extended winter or a period of apocalypse after seismic events. The people of the Stillness, as the continent is called, categorize seasons and follow certain rules as guided by “stonelore” in order to survive. And that’s really just the tip of the iceberg.

I think I’m in my reread era. My brain can’t seem to focus on anything that is new, so I am reaching for old comforts. This one has stood the test of time, and rereading it as a mother of two makes this story all the more impactful as I am now closer to Essun’s age, rather than her daughter’s.

It is an apt time to read this story about oppression, trauma, and climate disasters. I am reminded that the earth has lived through several apocalypses and yet still things survive and resist in the face of it all.

#thefifthseason #nkjemisin #sciencefictionbooks #apocalypticbooks #genrebendingbooks #losangelesreaders #teacheronsummerbreak

Oathbound

Sep 30, 2026

Oathbound

Spring break you have been good to me as always. I got around to reading Oathbound by Tracy Deonn and while I enjoyed it I was pretty confused the last 100 pages. So much magic and lineage was explained at the end I sort of got lost in it. I can’t say too much without spoilers but DM me if you want to chat. I still enjoy the series a lot and just let the plot wash over me, but would appreciate cliff notes on the magic system, ha.

And of course thanks to the ever wonderful @becksisreading for being my buddy read for this series. I’ll be waiting not so patiently for book four.

#bookstagram #oathbound #yafantasybooks #alwaysreading #springbreak

Iron Widow

Jun 3, 2022

Iron Widow

Xiran Jay Zhao

“A primal scream of a novel” indeed. Was it perfect? No. Did I love it? Yes. It was deliciously weird and the author was definitely like “fuck it, I’m just gonna go for it.” And go for it they did. The action did not let up and it was just so random and weird I was completely buckled in for the ride. I see some adults kind of nitpicking at this, but this book is YA through and through, we are not the intended audience and that is fine. I absolutely love that this book exists for young people. A badass female in a polyamorous relationship instead of a boring love triangle? Why not? It was unexpected and fun. It gave me exactly what I needed and the ending made me want to throw the book across the room. That cliffhanger!! Book 2 is sure to be just as explosive and I am here for it. Thanks for rec @sarahs.thoughts.on.books it was perfect.

#IronWidow #PlantsAndBooks #ScienceFiction #FantasyBooks #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #CaliforniaReaders #Bookatagrammer #ReadMoreBooks #YA #QueerYA #youngadultbooks

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Black Sun

Dec 12, 2021

Black Sun

Rebecca Roanhorse

Multiple POV’s are always challenging to pull off, but Black Sun comes out swinging. Rebecca Roanhorse’s epic fantasy, inspired by pre-Columbian Americas, is a must read for any fantasy lover. Expansive without being overwhelming, fast paced but easy to follow, this book hits all the right marks of a fantasy book. I was thrilled throughout and had the best time reading it. Simply put, this one is superb. I am PUMPED for book 2, because that ending, WOW.

[ID: The novel BLACK SUN by Rebecca Roanhorse, rests on a glass table outside. There are several green leaves surrounding it.]

#BlackSun #RebeccaRoanhorse #EpicFantasyNovels #SFF #ScienceFiction #Fantasy #Bookstagram #AlwaysReading #LosAngelesReads #vivandbooks

amari and the night brothers by b.b. alston

A MASTER OF DJINN

Aug 5, 2021

A MASTER OF DJINN

P. Djèlí Clark

Wow! This was a fun one! A MASTER OF DJINN by P. Djèlí Clark was an absolute ride and wild adventure. A perfect mix of a propulsive plot and meaningful character development. The cast of characters was truly original (cantankerous Djinns and badass female bandits to name a few) and helped make this world so rich and satisfying. Definitely a read that left me grinning from ear to ear.

Taking place in a post-colonial Egypt in 1912, this story follows Agent Fatma, the youngest woman to work for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchanments, and Supernatural Entities as she solves a mysterious murder whose alleged perpetrator threatens the destruction of the world.

It’s steampunk, action packed, a fun mystery, and a delightful alt-history that was so much fun to read that in writing this I kind of want to start it over. It’s been awhile since an adult fantasy truly surprised me. This is definitely a new favorite. I feel like this is a great book for those who may not read much fantasy. Clark is a wonderful storyteller and has created something I think everyone here would enjoy. If you’re looking to mix up the genres you read, and rarely pick fantasy may I recommend this one?

[ID: The book A MASTER OF DJINN resting on some dirt. There are two free bushes framing both sides.]

#AMasterofDjinn #Fantasy #Steampunk #AlwaysReading #LosAngelesReaders #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #Fantasy #sciencefictionfantasy

amari and the night brothers by b.b. alston

Library of Dead

Jul 15, 2021

Library of Dead

An absolute delightful first book in a planned series, THE LIBRARY OF THE DEAD by T.L. Huchu is a perfect, creepy summer read.

The protagonist, Ropa, is a 14 year old teenager living in a dystopian Edinburgh. She can talk to dead people and will communicate the messages to the living, for a fee of course. A particular ghost asks her to look for her missing son, and eventually Ropa decides to take up the mission. Danger ensues, chaos reigns and the city starts to spill a few more secrets.

Ropa is an amazing character and I loved following her around in the city on her different jobs. I also really liked the world building in this one. It happens slowly and you pick up tiny snippets of what happened in the past. Clearly there was a kind of disaster that shaped Ropa’s world, but we don’t know yet what happened, just that something catastrophic certainly did. We also have barely scratched the surface of what the Library of the Dead even is, but I’m sure these mysteries will unfold in the next books. I’m excited because I also loved her friends and family and can’t wait to get to know them better. The groundwork here has been laid for a fantastic series, and I will definitely check out book 2.

If you’re into science fiction/fantasy books that feature ghosts and magic, with a funny and loving main character and an A plus supporting cast you will probably enjoy this one.

[ID: The book The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu resting on a library shelf with many books.]

#TheLibraryoftheDead #TLHuchu #ScienceFiction #Fantasy #SFF #BookSeries

amari and the night brothers by b.b. alston