The Shore of Women
A fascinating post-apocalyptic society where women rule technologically advanced cities and men live as wilderness barbarians. Unfortunately, the intriguing worldbuilding takes a backseat to a tedious, unconvincing romance, uneven pacing, and frustrating gender essentialism.
The Turning Place
A collection of interconnected YA science fiction stories tracing humanity's future across centuries. Uneven and occasionally underwhelming individually, the stories gradually build toward a surprisingly moving exploration of what it means to be alive. Best suited to younger readers who enjoy thoughtful sci-fi.
Out There
What promises to be a post-apocalyptic adventure turns out to be a rather dull nature-club field trip. Thin characterization, a depressing ending, and some egregious fatphobia make this one hard to recommend. Worst of all? Not a single raccoon.
From the Legend of Biel
A beautifully written premise about alien ruins and obsession gives way to an increasingly esoteric, talky, and relentlessly boring second half. If philosophical musings on the ordinary are your thing, this may work for you, but I hit my limit and gave up.
Alien Nation: Extreme Prejudice
An unexpectedly thoughtful Alien Nation tie-in featuring a Pittsburgh-set murder mystery, creeping horror, and surprisingly nuanced explorations of racism. What could have been campy franchise fiction turns out to be a genuinely enjoyable police procedural.
Double Mobius Sphere
A deceptively dense first-contact mystery about a child prodigy, a starship crew, and humanity's place in the universe. Packed with mathematics, science, and philosophy, it's a fascinating exploration of big questions—even if the ending offers more heart than answers.
Prince of the Godborn
An unassuming little YA fantasy novel that delivers wonderfully authentic sibling relationships, fascinating theological questions, and characters I'd happily read about going grocery shopping.