Fantasy 5/5

Damaya, a girl with magical abilities, is taken to society’s center to have her magic enslaved in the service of the non-magical primary society—but a rebellion is brewing…. What’s not to love about this book? Compellingly written, with amazing characters and settings, and important themes. The only thing I didn’t like—it’s Book 1 of a series and I like my books (even in series) to have endings. Sigh.

Rather interesting week. Three paying jobs kind of landed in my lap: artist-in-residence for a weekend in June, a manuscript review (I was recommended by an editor I know who doesn’t do speculative stuff), and a non-fiction biography (novella length). I was working on the book on courage last week, and it should be off to the publisher by the end of the month, assuming the detective I’m working with gets his end of things done. Also did some work for an editing client.

No new words from me…BUT! I’m passing off The Shadow Spy’s Daughter to a French literature professor (retired) who grew up in Lyon, for critical feedback on the realism of the French and Resistance elements of the book, so I’m pretty excited to ensure that the details are correct (or fix them if they’re not). He’s doing the service for free because he’s a fan!

Science Fiction 3/5

Mathematician Elma York survives the devastation caused by a meteorite strike to the US Eastern Seaboard, and uses her skills to help a coalition of nations accelerate space colonization in the face of an anticipated climate change apocalypse. This award-winning novel has much to recommend it, including a wonderful depiction of history and an exploration of racism and mysogyny of the 1950s. I found the pacing slow, though.

Sent Shadow Spy’s Daughter to my editor and am back to editing the nonfiction book on courage. We have a rough draft!

Young Adult 3-/5

Hazel, with only cancer-limited time to live her young life, falls in love and chooses to live her last days to the fullest. Yes, it’s sentimental, but I enjoyed this book. It’s not hard to become intrigued by the destinies of these ill-fated lovers.