The Odyssey Homer

Nov 26, 2025

The Odyssey Homer

Tell me a story of a complicated man indeed! Odysseus is probably the original anti hero. I could go on but I’m sure there are already one million essays about this by people much smarter than I. I wanted to read this because I remember this edition became quite the controversy when it came out. For one it’s translated by an actual WOMAN. Can you believe it! The AUDACITY. Jokes aside. If you pick this up definitely read the translators introduction. She gives a wonderful breakdown of her decisions and I think this was just a delightful read. I think the part with Cyclops will always be my favorite.

Of course like any fantasy epic it probably could’ve used a better editor. But I’ll let it slide this time….ha. Glad I finally read this one and so happy Wilson sought to make an accessible version for us all. Also shoutout to @sethisreading for his review and reminding me I had to pick it up before the movie!

#theodyssey #homer #epics #vacationreads #classics #greekclassics

The Fifth Season

Jul 11, 2025

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

Apr 13, 2025

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

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