Books in July 2023

 

Books tracker for July 2023

The month with the most reading this year. 14 books, 4,006 pages (3 roleplaying, 3 non-fiction, 8 fiction).

205 days reading on the bounce.

Non-fiction included: 

• Over-ruled by Sam Fowles (somewhat depressing but good overview of the way that the executive is taking more and more power to itself in the UK).
• The Old Ways by Robert McFarlane (dreamy travelogues of the authors journeys on old or almost lost paths - strangely compelling)
• Dictatorship - it's easier than you think! by Sarah Kendzior & Andrea Chalupa (Graphic novel that shows how democracy can easily fall prey to autocrats) - my favourite non-fiction this month.

Fiction includes:

• Last Argument of Kings (Joe Abercrombie) - dark and satisfying ending to the First Law trilogy that leaves lots of hooks.
• Translation State (Ann Leckie) - very enjoyable SF drama that plays on choice of identity and power politics in the Imperial Radch setting.
• Winter's Gifts (Ben Aaronovitch) - latest Rivers of London novel, entirely set in the USA and without any of the main characters. I loved it as a result, much like I enjoyed the German novella a couple of years ago. Great Urban Fantasy.
• Season of Skulls (Charles Stross) - the third 'New Management' novel, spinning off the Laundry Files. Lovecraftian horror crossing the streams with regency romance in this case. My favourite fiction book this month.
• Down Cemetery Road, The Last Voice You Hear, Why We Die (Mick Herron) - the first three novels in the Zoe Boehm thrillers/Oxford Investigations. Very dark and different investigation mysteries bordering on thrillers. I will be reading the next two book in August.
• The Human Front (Ken MacLeod) - alternative history novel set in a Scotland when World War 2 kind of carried on and more nuclear weapons were used. Of course, there are aliens too!

I've reviewed the roleplaying books on the blog already.

I think the various flights for work raised my reading rates!

2 August 2023