November 2022: Queer Fantasy, Everywhere You Look!
I considered waiting a month and combining November and December into one wrap-up, because I felt like I didn’t do much… But I read three books! Four, if you count a reread via audio. The issue, I guess, is that I didn’t write – or rather, publish – very much, so this particular wrap-up is very top heavy. But hey! Sometimes that’s just how the month works out.
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
In Deeper Waters by F. T. Lukens
This was such a wonderful read. Tal and Athlen were delightful, both as characters and a couple, and I loved how complicated the conflict got as the story progressed. There was a sense of history to the world, even though we only see a small part of it over a relatively short period of time. Lots of good foreshadowing and payoff, as well.
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
Everything about this was delightful. I loved the high stakes of the trials, all the clever little details in the world-building and character work, the diversity and how queer-normative the world was, and that TWIST. So cruel, but so perfect. Absolutely elated that this is a duology and there’s more of this story to read, and can’t wait until I can get my hands on the conclusion.
Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse
I’ve been dying to read this book since it came out, but I needed to reread Black Sun before I could dive in, which itself was a significant undertaking. But I finally did it! And it was great! While Fevered Sun definitely feels like a middle book, it’s still a strong and enjoyable read. I loved all the unexpected directions it took, the internal/emotional journeys the characters went on, and the new conflicts and players introduced in the build-up to book three. So, so pumped to see how this trilogy concludes.
What I’ve Created
Articles
How Many Ways Can You Fly in 5e Dungeons and Dragons?
I love doing these weird little thought experiments with D&D character building, and this one… has an unexpected result. Like, I might actually play the character build that came out of this!
Like I said, a bit top-heavy this time around. But definitely a very enjoyable month of reading!
If you want to see more of what I’m up to, follow me on social media! My handle is @rachaellawrites on Instagram, TikTok, Medium, YouTube, and… Tumblr. Yeah. Yeah, I jumped back on to Tumblr because of the rapid collapse of Twitter. So you should follow me over there! It’s fun!
And keep an eye out on my YouTube. I vlogged as I read this month and I'm hoping to have that video up on the weekend.
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
In Deeper Waters by F. T. Lukens
This was such a wonderful read. Tal and Athlen were delightful, both as characters and a couple, and I loved how complicated the conflict got as the story progressed. There was a sense of history to the world, even though we only see a small part of it over a relatively short period of time. Lots of good foreshadowing and payoff, as well.
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
Everything about this was delightful. I loved the high stakes of the trials, all the clever little details in the world-building and character work, the diversity and how queer-normative the world was, and that TWIST. So cruel, but so perfect. Absolutely elated that this is a duology and there’s more of this story to read, and can’t wait until I can get my hands on the conclusion.
Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse
I’ve been dying to read this book since it came out, but I needed to reread Black Sun before I could dive in, which itself was a significant undertaking. But I finally did it! And it was great! While Fevered Sun definitely feels like a middle book, it’s still a strong and enjoyable read. I loved all the unexpected directions it took, the internal/emotional journeys the characters went on, and the new conflicts and players introduced in the build-up to book three. So, so pumped to see how this trilogy concludes.
What I’ve Created
Articles
How Many Ways Can You Fly in 5e Dungeons and Dragons?
I love doing these weird little thought experiments with D&D character building, and this one… has an unexpected result. Like, I might actually play the character build that came out of this!
Like I said, a bit top-heavy this time around. But definitely a very enjoyable month of reading!
If you want to see more of what I’m up to, follow me on social media! My handle is @rachaellawrites on Instagram, TikTok, Medium, YouTube, and… Tumblr. Yeah. Yeah, I jumped back on to Tumblr because of the rapid collapse of Twitter. So you should follow me over there! It’s fun!
And keep an eye out on my YouTube. I vlogged as I read this month and I'm hoping to have that video up on the weekend.
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