This month's reading journey took me through diverse worlds of fantasy, sci-fi, and contemporary fiction. From found families to space operas, here's a curated look at the books that filled my March.
What I Loved
Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly kicked off the month with a charming contemporary queer romance featuring nonbinary characters. It delivered exactly what you'd expect from the genre—sweet moments and engaging relationship dynamics.
Voyage of the Damned by Frances White was a standout fantasy read with excellent queer representation and strong found family themes. The world-building is intricate and the character development truly shines. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers who appreciate chosen family narratives. Some reviewers found Ganymedes overly sarcastic, which is true at first, but as the story progresses that fades away.
The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez offers serious science fiction reminiscent of The Expanse—a space opera with depth and complexity. The author (who also wrote The Spear Cuts Through Water) explores profound themes of identity, forgiveness, and purpose against a backdrop of fascinating technology that borders on magical. The characters are multidimensional, and their journeys compelling. I will read everything he writes. His style is unique, intricate, and thought provoking.
The Sapling Cage by Margaret Killjoy is a unique sword-and-sorcery tale following a trans girl's coming-of-age journey. Laurel, the protagonist, simultaneously navigates her gender identity and her emerging powers as a witch while evading knights determined to hunt down all witches as a blight spreads across the country. It's a thoughtful exploration of self-discovery wrapped in adventure.
The Seep by Chana Porter is a compact 200-page novella that packs a philosophical punch. Set in a utopian society after first contact with an alien entity called "the seep," it examines grief, loss, and the search for meaning when traditional struggles have disappeared thanks to the seep. A thought-provoking read that questions what gives us purpose when we've reached utopia.
Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto was an absolute delight—imagine Ocean's Eight meets Blade Runner. This space opera combines heist elements with cyberpunk aesthetics, featuring characters of Hawaiian descent, queer representation, and beautiful found family dynamics. The narrative balances action, romance, and character development within its richly imagined futuristic setting.
What Wasn't For Me
I didn't finish I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself, though I recognize its merit. This near-future dystopian novel explores a world where criminals receive an extra shadow, visibly marking their past transgressions—a system that disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The book deals with themes of grief and social inequality but had more focus on children than I personally prefer. If you enjoy existential narratives that examine social structures, this one might resonate with you.
Looking Ahead
Next month, I'm hoping to diversify my reading even further. I'm looking for some good small town romances, but I have a boatload of dystopian books lined up.
What have you been reading lately? Drop your recommendations in the comments below!
Happy reading!
/rae/