lavaturtle Reads Randomly in 2019

In 2019, I'm hoping to make time to read from the vast pile of things I'm excited about reading, organized into these categories:
* Shelves & Subscriptions
* Sequels & Series
* 2019 Hugo nominees
* New Things in 2019
* Old Things I've been meaning to get to
* Nonfiction
* Short Stories
* Comics

I'm also planning to participate in these group challenges:
* SeriesCAT
* TBRCAT
* SFFFKIT
* BingoDOG

Shelves & Subscriptions
This covers books that I have sitting on my shelves waiting to be read, as well as the various magazine subscriptions and author Patreons that make their way onto my e-reader.

Things read:
1. The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams
2. The Vela Season 1, Episode 2: The Third Passenger by Becky Chambers
3. File and Forget by Seanan McGuire
4. The Vela Season 1, Episode 3: The Death-Cold by Rivers Solomon
5. The Vela Season 1, Episode 4: Camp Ghala by SL Huang
6. The Vela Season 1, Episode 5: The Heart of the Web by Yoon Ha Lee
7. The Vela Season 1, Episode 6: Fortress World by Rivers Solomon
8. Oath: An Anthology of New (Queer) Heroes by Audrey Redpath (Editor)
9. How Long 'til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin

Possibilities:
* Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges
* All the Weight of Our Dreams: On Living Racialized Autism by Brown
* Wild Seed by Octavia Butler
* Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
* Dagger Magic by Katherine Kurtz
* Byzantium by Stephen R. Lawhead
* The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin
* La Respiración Violenta del Mundo by Ángela Pradelli
* Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson
* The Once and Future King by T.H. White

Sequels & Series
This is for the various awesome series that I'm in the middle of, that I want to catch up with or keep up on.

Books read:
1. Head On by John Scalzi
2. Impostors by Scott Westerfeld
3. In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire
4. The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
5. The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire
6. Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan McGuire
7. An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire
8. The Apocalypse Codex by Charles Stross
9. Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire
10. Pocket Apocalypse by Seanan McGuire
11. Chaos Choreography by Seanan McGuire
12. Magic for Nothing by Seanan McGuire

Possibilities:
* Bookburners -- next episode Debtor's Prison (Bookburners Season 2 Episode 5)
* Earthseed (Octavia Butler) -- next book Parable of the Talents
* Flood (Stephen Baxter) -- next book Ark
* Dr. Greta Helsing (Vivian Shaw) -- next book Dreadful Company
* InCryptid (Seanan McGuire) -- next book Tricks for Free
* The Interdependency (John Scalzi) -- next book The Consuming Fire
* The Laundry (Charles Stross) -- next book The Rhesus Chart
* The Murderbot Diaries (Martha Wells) -- next book Exit Strategy
* October Daye (Seanan McGuire) -- next book Late Eclipses
* River of Teeth (Sarah Gailey) -- next book Taste of Marrow
* Rivers of London (Ben Aaronovitch) -- next book Moon Over Soho
* Wayfarers (Becky Chambers) -- next book Record of a Spaceborn Few
* Wayward Children (Seanan McGuire) -- next book Come Tumbling Down

2019 Hugo nominees
This is for whatever's on the Hugo award ballot.

Read:
1. Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers
2. The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
3. Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
4. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
5. Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente
6. Binti: The Night Masquerade by Nnedi Okorafor
7. The Black God's Drums by P. Djeli Clark
8. The Rose MacGregor Drinking and Admiration Society by T. Kingfisher
9. The Tea Master and the Detective by Aliette de Bodard
10. Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach by Kelly Robson
11. The Only Harmless Great Thing by Brooke Bolander
12. The Last Banquet of Temporal Confections by Tina Connolly
13. Nine Last Days on Planet Earth by Daryl Gregory
14. If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again by Zen Cho
15. The Thing About Ghost Stories by Naomi Kritzer
16. When We Were Starless by Simone Heller
17. The Court Magician by Sarah Pinsker
18. The Secret Lives of the Nine Negro Teeth of George Washington by P. Djèlí Clark
19. STET by Sarah Gailey
20. The Tale of the Three Beautiful Raptor Sisters, and the Prince Who Was Made of Meat by Brooke Bolander
21. A Witch’s Guide to Escape: A Practical Compendium of Portal Fantasies by Alix E. Harrow
22. Paper Girls, Vol. 4 by Brian K Vaughan
23. Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda
24. Abbot by Saladin Ahmed
25. Black Panther: Long Live The King (2017-2018) #1: Blackout by Nnedi Okorafor
26. Black Panther: Long Live The King (2017-2018) #2: The Sacrifice by Nnedi Okorafor
27. On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
28. Saga, Vol. 9 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples

New Things in 2019
This is primarily for things that get published in 2019 that aren't included in my other categories, but I'm leaving it a bit fuzzy in case there's something new I decide to start in 2019.

Read:
1. The Vela Season 1, Episode 1: A Leisurely Extinction by SL Huang
2. Rocket Girl, Vol. 1: Times Squared by Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder
3. Gamer Girl & Vixen: Flirty Money by Kristi McDowell
4. Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey
5. Empress of Forever by Max Gladstone
6. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
7. Livewire Volume 1: Fugitive by Vita Ayala
8. The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie

Possibilities:
* Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi
* They Called Us Enemy by George Takei (summer)
* The Heart of the Circle by Keren Landsman (July 2)

Old Things I've been meaning to get to
This is anything I've been meaning to read for a while now. "To read soon" tag, I'm looking at you :)

Books read:
1. An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon

Possibilities:
* It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
* Feed by Mira Grant

Nonfiction
What it says on the tin.

Books read:
1. A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster by Rebecca Solnit
2. Burn Down the American Plantation: Call for a Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement

Possibilities:
* The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
* We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy by Ta-Nehisi Coates
* Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial Complex
* Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson

Short Stories
Also self-explanatory.

Stories read:
1. World War 2.8.41 Release Notes by Forrest Brazeal
2. Monologue by an unnamed mage, recorded at the brink of the end by Cassandra Khaw
3. All 9,203 Episodes of 'How I Met Your Broodmother', Ranked by Jenn Reese
4. Clever Hansel 2000 by Mary E. Lowd

Comics
Individual issues of comics

Comics read:
1. West Coast Avengers #3 by Kelly Thompson
2. West Coast Avengers #4 by Kelly Thompson
3. West Coast Avengers #5 by Kelly Thompson
4. West Coast Avengers #6 by Kelly Thompson
5. Exiles #5 by Saladin Ahmed
6. Exiles #6 by Saladin Ahmed
7. Exiles #7 by Saladin Ahmed
8. Runaways #14: The Good Die Young, Chapter 2 by Brian Vaughan
9. Runaways #15: The Good Die Young, Chapter 3 by Brian Vaughan
10. Runaways #16: The Good Die Young, Chapter 4 by Brian Vaughan
11. Runaways #17: The Good Die Young, Conclusion by Brian Vaughan
12. Runaways #18: Eighteen by Brian Vaughan
13. Exiles #8 by Saladin Ahmed
14. Exiles #9 by Saladin Ahmed
15. Exiles #10 by Saladin Ahmed
16. Exiles #11 by Saladin Ahmed
17. Kim & Kim: Love Is A Battlefield #2 by Magdalene Visaggio
18. Kim & Kim: Love Is A Battlefield #3 by Magdalene Visaggio
19. Kim & Kim: Love is a Battlefield #4 by Magdalene Visaggio
20. Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #1 by Magdalene Visaggio

Continued below so I don't break the Touchstones with too many links in one post.

SeriesCAT
Planning Thread

January (Series in translation): --
February (YA/Children's): In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire
March (Series by a favorite author): The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire
April (Series You've Been Meaning to Get Back To): Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan McGuire
May (Newest book in a favorite series): --
June (Series that are definitely complete): --
July (Genre: fantasy): An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire
August (Series set in a country/region where you do not live): --
September (Genre: Mystery): --
October (Historical Series): --
November (Series with a female protagonist): Livewire Volume 1: Fugitive by Vita Ayala
December (Series that's new to you): --

TBRCAT
Planning Thread

January (First In, Last Out): The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams
February (borrowed): --
March (acquired on/for trips or for a special occasion): --
April (Book originally acquired for an LT group read or challenge): --
May (Book that I keep looking at, but never manage to open): --
June (Book bullet): --
July (Book by an author with more than one book on your TBR shelf): --
August (Languishing after 1 year): Oath: An Anthology of New (Queer) Heroes by Audrey Redpath (Editor)
September (Classics): --
October (visual appeal): --
November (gift) --
December (cheap) --

SFFFKIT
Main Thread | WIki

January (Meant to read in 2018): Head On by John Scalzi
February (Colonization): --
March (Mystery/police procedural/detective): --
April (Sword & Sorcery): --
May (International Sci-Fi/Fantasy): --
June (Road-trip): --
July (Space Opera): --
August (Alternate History): --
September (Series): Saga, Vol. 9 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
October (Comedy): --
November (Award Winners): --
December (End-of-the-Year Wrap Up): Chaos Choreography by Seanan McGuire

BingoDOG
Planning Thread | Wiki



1. Book made into a movie: TBD
2. Main title has 6 or more words in it: The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams
3. Title contains a homophone word (such as hair/hare, slay/sleigh, there/their/they’re): Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan McGuire
4. Weather (title contains a weather word, or book involves/centers around a weather event): Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
5. Book has an LT rating of 4.0 or more: File and Forget by Seanan McGuire
6. Book in translation: TBD
7. Prize-winning book: The Black God's Drums by P. Djeli Clark (won an Alex award)
8. Children’s/YA book, or reread a childhood favorite: TBD
9. Graphic novel: Rocket Girl, Vol. 1: Times Squared by Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder
10. Food-related title or topic: The Last Banquet of Temporal Confections by Tina Connolly
11. Read a book bullet (meaning another LT member inspired you to read it): TBD
12. Book mentioned in another book you have read: TBD
13. Animal on cover/in title/plays a significant role: West Coast Avengers #4 by Kelly Thompson
14. Short stories or essays: How Long Til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin
15. Debut novel: An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
16. Book about/featuring siblings: Impostors by Scott Westerfeld
17. Book with an artistic character: Omni #2: "Logical-Mathematical" by Devin Grayson
18. Fairy tale (classic or reworked): Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
19. Author uses middle name or middle initial: The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
20. Cover has at least two human figures: West Coast Avengers #3 by Kelly Thompson
21. Part of a series: Head On by John Scalzi
22. Alliterative title: The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire
23. Topic or character related to medicine/health: The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
24. Eastern European author or setting: TBD
25. Read a CAT: In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire (SeriesCAT)

OK, that should be all the setup posts, at least in placeholder form. Thread is open for comments!

Good categories!

And a Happy New Year wish.

Good luck with your 2019 reading!

Welcome back and have a great reading year! Good luck with those series and sequels!

Thank you all for your good wishes!

Happy New Year!

Love your line up for categories! Best wishes for 2019

Thank you!

A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster by Rebecca Solnit
Category: Nonfiction

I picked up this book after I heard Cory Doctorow talk about how it influenced his work on Walkaway. The premise is incredibly important: in emergencies, most people are resourceful and altruistic, not selfish and violent like our popular myths assume. Solnit does a great job drawing together research, philosophy, and stories from a variety of different disasters to support her narrative. The book falters a bit in the long middle, meandering far from the events it's ostensibly discussing, and there are a few things said about trauma and mental illness that range from just plain rude to dangerously dismissive. But by the end, it's quite educational about what happened on the ground after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina specifically.
TL;DR I have really mixed feelings about this book, because it's really important, but parts of it just didn't work for me.

Head On by John Scalzi
Category: Sequels & Series
SFFFKIT: Meant to read in 2018
BingoDOG: Part of a series

I love this book! It's an exciting thriller, and it's got a great cast of characters, and it has a lot to say about disability politics and how government policy affects real people. I hope there will be more of this series.

>22 lavaturtle: I do agree that in times of disaster people of all walks of life come together--I've seen it several times. In times of disaster there isn't a lot of politics, racism, class divisions, etc. I wish we had that disaster mentality all of the time!

You have lots of interesting reading plans for 2019 and I am looking forward to following along.

West Coast Avengers #3 by Kelly Thompson
Category: Comics
BingoDOG: Cover has at least 2 human figures

This is such a fun series! I'm liking the character development of several of the team members -- but America Chavez is sadly underutilized! Hopefully she gets more to do soon.

West Coast Avengers #4 by Kelly Thompson
Category: Comics
BingoDOG: Animal on the cover

This is a good conclusion to the first story arc. The reality-TV interludes are fun. And America Chavez did indeed get some plot!

World War 2.8.41 Release Notes by Forrest Brazeal
Category: Short stories

This is a fun bit of satire, in the form of "release notes" from a dystopian military hardware company. As a software engineer, I find this format amusing, and this piece was a well-executed example of it.

Monologue by an unnamed mage, recorded at the brink of the end by Cassandra Khaw
Category: Short stories

Wow. This is a powerful, emotional, lyrical piece. It sketches out just enough of what's happened that we feel the enormous weight of the position the protagonist is in. It wants to be read aloud.

West Coast Avengers #5 by Kelly Thompson
Category: Comics

Looks like this story arc is going to feature some serious character development! I'm into it.

West Coast Avengers #6 by Kelly Thompson
Category: Comics

The plot of this issue is pretty short, but it introduces a lot of mysteries. What's the deal with Kate's mom? Has she joined up with the supervillians?

Exiles #5 by Saladin Ahmed
Category: Comics

This was a cool conclusion to the story arc! I'm sad about what happened to Khan, but excited to see where the party goes next!

Exiles #6 by Saladin Ahmed
Category: Comics

I'm intrigued by the alternate versions of Magneto & co. that showed up this issue.

Exiles #7 by Saladin Ahmed
Category: Comics

T'Challa is great here, and the plot twist is cool. I'm not sure about the character deaths though...

The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams
Category: Shelves & Subscriptions
TBRCAT: First In, Last Out
BingoDOG: Main title has 6 or more words in it

This was fun! Adams's wry humor is still pretty funny, and the only thing that feels really dated about the story is the lack of cell phones. I was actually reminded a lot of American Gods, thanks to one of the major plot threads.

Runaways #14: The Good Die Young, Chapter 2
Category: Comics

I really like this plot arc, and the characterization of the teens. Excited to see where it ends up!

Runaways #15: The Good Die Young, Chapter 3 by Brian Vaughan
Category: Comics

Wow! Some exciting developments here.

Runaways #16: The Good Die Young, Chapter 4 by Brian Vaughan
Category: Comics

I'm glad they revived Chase! And... holy shit, what a betrayal from Alex!

Runaways #17: The Good Die Young, Conclusion by Brian Vaughan
Category: Comics

Oh wow. That changed a lot of things! And sure wrapped up some major conflicts. I wonder where the plot goes now...

Runaways #18: Eighteen by Brian Vaughan
Category: Comics

Yay! The Runaways are on to the next phase of their adventures! Pleased to have read this excellent run.

Exiles #8 by Saladin Ahmed
Category: Comics

The Watchers are weird. And this is mostly a backstory roundup for a bunch of characters. But it's a well-executed example of the form, and these are some pretty awesome characters.

Exiles #9 by Saladin Ahmed
Category: Comics

I'm... not sure what I think of this "Aladdin"/"Arabian Nights" AU situation. Depends a lot where this arc goes.

Impostors by Scott Westerfeld
Category: Sequels & Series
BingoDOG: Book about/featuring siblings

I love this book! It's set in the same universe as the Uglies series, which I also really enjoyed, but the events of that series mostly serve as background. I love the strongly written characters and the complicated relationships between them. The built-in paranoia and unclear trustworthiness of everyone involved keeps the tension high throughout. I also liked the general theme and setting of surviving a horrifying regime in a complicated world, where no one group has a monopoly on righteousness, but war crimes are still definitely wrong. Bit of a cliffhanger ending -- can't wait for the next one!

Exiles #10 by Saladin Ahmed
Category: Comics

Yeah, this 2-issue story arc was a weird little interlude. At least it looks like the next one is going somewhere interesting.

In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire
Category: Sequels & Series
SeriesCAT: YA/Children's
BingoDOG: Read a CAT

This is a compelling, ultimately tragic, backstory for one of the less prominent characters from Every Heart a Doorway. I loved the picture painted of the Goblin Market and its denizens, but the ending was heartbreaking.

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
Category: Sequels & Series
BingoDOG: Related to medicine or health

I love this book! The protagonists are well-drawn and complex. There's representation galore! And the plot explores a number of important topics (misogyny, imperialism, conservation, heteronormativity) with grace and compassion. Plus there's a super-cute proto-romance.

>46 lavaturtle: - Nice to see another fan! I so need to start this series...

Exiles #11 by Saladin Ahmed
Category: Comics

This is a strong installment in the series, bringing a compelling foil to our protagonists. I liked what it revealed about the Exiles, and the eventual resolution felt true to the character.

Kim & Kim: Love Is A Battlefield #2 by Magdalene Visaggio
Category: Comics

I love this series so much! Just realized today I had a bunch of them sitting unread on my shelf. I love the Kims' personalities and complicated relationship. I love that this series breathes fresh life into the "down-on-their-luck space bounty hunters" genre. I love the art that illuminates a lot about the world, and the snarky narration style.

Kim & Kim: Love Is A Battlefield #3 by Magdalene Visaggio
Category: Comics

A perfect mix of over-the-top fight scenes and emotional conversations.

Kim & Kim: Love is a Battlefield #4 by Magdalene Visaggio
Category: Comics

This is a satisfying conclusion to the story arc. I continue to love the characterization and the art and the storytelling about flawed lovable humans.

Glad you are totally enjoying your reading!

Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #1 by Magdalene Visaggio
Category: Comics

This is a fun caper (or the beginning of one). Love the new character.

Comics, part 2

Comics read:
21. Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #2 by Magdalene Visaggio
22. Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #3 by Magdalene Visaggio
23. Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #4 by Magdalene Visaggio
24. CALEXIT Chapter 2: Moments Like This Never Last by Matteo Pizzulo
25. CALEXIT Chapter 3: You Hide Your Looks Behind These Scars by Matteo Pizzulo
26. Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #5 by Magdalene Visaggio
27. West Coast Avengers (2018-) #7 by Kelly Thompson
28. Exiles (2018-2019) #12 by Saladin Ahmed
29. Batwoman (2017-2018) #13: The Fall of the House of Kane, Part 1 by Marguerite Bennett
30. Batwoman (2017-2018) #14: The Fall of the House of Kane, Part 2 by Marguerite Bennett
31. Batwoman (2017-2018) #15: The Fall of the House of Kane, Part 3 by Marguerite Bennett
32. Batwoman (2017-2018) #16: The Fall of the House of Kane, Finale by Marguerite Bennett
33. Batwoman (2017-2018) #17: The Time of Your Life, Part 1 by Marguerite Bennett
34. Batwoman (2017-2018) #18: The Time of Your Life, Finale by Marguerite Bennett
35. West Coast Avengers (2018-) #8 by Kelly Thompson
36. West Coast Avengers (2018-) #9 by Kelly Thompson
37. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #1: Welcome Back to the Hellmouth by Jordie Bellaire
38. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #2: Welcome Back to the Hellmouth, Part 2 by Jordie Bellaire
39. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (2019-) #3 by Jordie Bellaire
40. West Coast Avengers (2018-2019) #10 by Kelly Thompson

Continued again to avoid breaking touchstones.

Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #2 by Magdalene Visaggio
Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #3 by Magdalene Visaggio
Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #4 by Magdalene Visaggio

I got tired of reviewing these individually :P

This is a really cool story! I was worried that the prison plot would be played for laughs in an uncomfortable way, but it was actually pretty cool. I loved the reveal (in issue #3) of what Kim Q. was really doing. And I think I'm starting to quite like Saar as a character?

CALEXIT Chapter 2: Moments Like This Never Last by Matteo Pizzulo
Category: Comics

I like that this fleshes out the worldbuilding a bit more, while continuing some important character arcs. Feels very much like a "middle" of all stories involved. I like that they run the various essays and interviews in the end matter.

CALEXIT Chapter 3: You Hide Your Looks Behind These Scars by Matteo Pizzulo
Category: Comics

A good conclusion to Act 1. I feel like we understand what Zora's deal is now, and her anti-fascist ethos. I really like Jamil as an audience stand-in character! Definitely rooting for the two of them.

Oh S#!t It's Kim & Kim #5 by Magdalene Visaggio
Category: Comics

Poor Kim Q! The end of this arc is not kind to her, between memories of her shitty dad and a brawl that actually isn't her fault this time, but her crew assumes it is. And Saar, oh no!

West Coast Avengers (2018-) #7 by Kelly Thompson
Category: Comics

A fun wrap-up to the plot from the previous issue. The assortment of characters is great as always. Marvel Boy is more interesting than I was expecting! I'm not entirely sure what ended up happening with Kate's mom. But Kate's dad is (also) with the supervillians? What?

Exiles (2018-2019) #12 by Saladin Ahmed
Category: Comics

This was a good issue to end the run on. It wrapped everything up (while leaving room for more adventures) and spent some time featuring each of the characters. I hope we'll see Peggy Carter Captain America, Khan, or KING again soon in another comic!

The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Seanan McGuire
Category: Sequels & Series
SeriesCAT: Series by a favorite author
BingoDOG: Alliterative title

Here in a more linear novel, Rose Marshall is still an excellent protagonist. I love the spooky setting and ghostroads mythos. Rose's outdated knowledge of the world is handled well -- enough to remind us who she is, without taking over what the story is about. The Underworld part was great.

An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
Category: Older Things I've been meaning to get to
BingoDOG: Debut novel

This book is intense. The worldbuilding is super-strong in relentlessly creating a society where some people have freedom and resources and rights, and others do not. As a generation-ship setting it works really well. I love the characters of Theo and Aster. The ending was satisfying without being too neat. And this is all the more impressive for being the author's first novel! Looking forward to more by them in the future.

The Vela Season 1, Episode 1: A Leisurely Extinction by SL Huang
Category: New in 2019

I picked this up because I heard that the writers of some of my favorite books are working on this series. It seems pretty neat! The setting is intriguing. And there's a non-binary character!! I'm definitely subscribing to this series.

The Vela Season 1, Episode 2: The Third Passenger by Becky Chambers
Category: Shelves & Subscriptions

I loved the interleaving of "oral history" from the refugee ship with the main storyline. A detail we learned about Asala's past was handled gracefully. Niko is an intriguing character, and more competent than they let on.

File and Forget by Seanan McGuire
Category: Shelves & Subscriptions
BingoDOG: LT rating of 4.0 or more

This is a fun little story about corporate dystopia and administrative assistants.

Batwoman (2017-2018) #13: The Fall of the House of Kane, Part 1 by Marguerite Bennett
Category: Comics

The first half / main part was suitably spooky, and underscored how much our characters are driven by their past/trauma. The second part was cool too, but I'm afraid the big reveal was mostly confusing to me, since it seems to depend on information from before this Batwoman run. Hopefully it will become clearer later.

Batwoman (2017-2018) #14: The Fall of the House of Kane, Part 2 by Marguerite Bennett
Category: Comics

Aha, now I understand the thing revealed at the end of the previous issue that did not make sense to me then! It finally feels like the "front-story" plot is coming together in a coherent way, while still being informed by all the backstory. And Kate has a nice big problem to face now!

Batwoman (2017-2018) #15: The Fall of the House of Kane, Part 3 by Marguerite Bennett
Category: Comics

This was an exciting issue! I liked the fairytale-style background at the beginning. The plague-spreading montages and science montages were awesome. And Batman showing up at the end... curious how that plays out.

Batwoman (2017-2018) #16: The Fall of the House of Kane, Finale by Marguerite Bennett
Category: Comics

I'm glad something finally addresses how messed up Arkham Asylum is as an institution. The plot is satisfying too.

Batwoman (2017-2018) #17: The Time of Your Life, Part 1 by Marguerite Bennett
Category: Comics

This is a fun superheroing fight that gets to not be about Kate's past or any big tragedy. It's a nice change! Also great to see her and her family doing well. The villain is kind of silly, but that's DC Comics for you... Oh, also, the alternate Bat-outfit is pretty snazzy.

Batwoman (2017-2018) #18: The Time of Your Life, Finale by Marguerite Bennett
Category: Comics

What a sweet ending to this run of comics! Love to see Kate happy and enjoying her relationships with friends and family.

West Coast Avengers (2018-) #8 by Kelly Thompson
Category: Comics

This comic is so much fun :)

West Coast Avengers (2018-) #9 by Kelly Thompson
Category: Comics

OMG, several exciting plot developments! The thing with Ramone was a big surprise. And... Fuse and No-Var? I ship it :)

Midnight Blue-Light Special by Seanan McGuire
Category: Sequels & Series
SeriesCAT: Series you've been meaning to get back to
BingoDOG: Title contains homophone word

This second installment in the Incryptid series is just as fun as the first. Verity is a great character, the Aeslin mice provide the perfect amount of comic relief, and the question of Dominic's loyalties kept me guessing until the end. And we got to meet even more of Verity's friends and family! The worldbuilding is expansive without being overwhelming. Glad there's a bunch more of this series.

All 9,203 Episodes of 'How I Met Your Broodmother', Ranked by Jenn Reese
Category: Short Stories

I found this story underwhelming, to be honest. I was hoping it would gradually reveal more about both the world and about the fictional TV show, via the "episode ranking listicle" format. Instead, it was just one joke, over and over, without really committing to the format. At least the prose successfully conveys the alien-ness of the narrator and audience.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #1: Welcome Back to the Hellmouth by Jordie Bellaire
Category: Comics

This new series does a great job of capturing the essence of Buffy. The high-school-focused setting puts the story back where it really shines, while fixing some things that have not aged well from the TV series. And the art is spot on -- you recognize Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles from the first panels where they appear.

Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

This is a lovely book! Much like in The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, there's not a lot of "action-y" plot. But Chambers fills that space instead with a bouquet of compelling, distinctive characters that all experience growth over the course of the story. And the worldbuilding is great -- I feel like I really understand what it's like to be on the Exodus Fleet.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #2: Welcome Back to the Hellmouth, Part 2 by Jordie Bellaire
Category: Comics

Glad to see Cordelia in this series! She's definitely different than she was at the beginning of the TV show -- I'm curious if that's a deliberate change (perhaps evolving her to be more like her appearance on Angel?). And we got to meet Willow's girlfriend! I found the narration a bit confusing as to whose voice it was -- but maybe that was the point, something about the universality of the feelings being expressed? I don't know. In any case, I'm intrigued by Buffy's new athletic friend!

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (2019-) #3 by Jordie Bellaire
Category: Comics

The whole supporting cast is great in this one.

The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees
BingoDOG: Author uses middle name

I liked the complex main character and her relationships with the various supporting characters. The book did a good job with the context of not just sexism in the 1950s, but racism and ableism and the aftermath of World War II. It was great how Elma learned and grew over the course of the story, while still staying true to herself.

>80 lavaturtle: I'm reading this right now and really enjoying it!

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees
BingoDOG: Weather word in title

I loved the badass main character, and her growth and changing understanding of her past. There were so many other amazing characters too -- Kai and Grace and Tah are my favorites. The setting is intriguing. The thing about Kai's powers of persuasion that surprised Maggie at the end of the book seemed pretty obvious to me the whole time, but it worked anyway. I wish the ending was a little less ambiguous about whether Kai lives!

West Coast Avengers (2018-2019) #10 by Kelly Thompson
Category: Comics

What a fun adventure! And a satisfying conclusion to the story. I'm sad there won't be any more of this series -- the characters are awesome and have a great dynamic together.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #4 by Jordie Bellaire
Category: Comics

I like Buffy's interaction with her mom and Eric, and with Willow et al. Kind of tired of Angsty Xander Narration, though. It wasn't really necessary to frame all of this issue and the last one with that.

Comics, part 3

Comics read:
41. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #4 by Jordie Bellaire
42. Vagrant Queen #1 by Magdalene Visaggio
43. Witchery etc. by Rel
44. Skyvein, Chapter One by S. Holiday
45. Vampire Emmy and the Garbage Girl by Pat Shand
46. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #5 by Jordie Bellaire
47. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #6 by Jordie Bellaire
48. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #7 by Jordie Bellaire
49. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #8: Hellmouth Prelude by Jordie Bellaire
50. Ghost-Spider (2019-) Annual #1 by Vita Ayala
51. Ghost-Spider (2019) #1 by Seanan McGuire
52. Strangelands #1: Faith Alone by Magdalene Visaggio
53. Strangelands #2: Danse Macabre by Magdalene Visaggio and Darcie Little Badger
54. Omni #1: "Logical-Mathematical" by Devin Grayson
55. Ghost-Spider (2019-) #2: Candy Store by Seanan McGuire
56. Omni #2: "Logical-Mathematical" by Devin Grayson
57. Strangelands #3: I Feel Your Pain by Magdalene Visaggio
58. Angel #5: Hellmouth Prelude by Bryan Edward Hill
59. Hellmouth #1 by Jordie Bellaire and Jeremy Lambert

Vagrant Queen #1 by Magdalene Visaggio
Category: Comics

I love the "seedy spaceport" setting and the pair of scoundrel protagonists. Curious to know more about Elida's past...

The Vela Season 1, Episode 3: The Death-Cold by Rivers Solomon
Category: Shelves & Subscriptions

The description and sense of place was really strong here -- I could feel and smell what it was like to be on the planet. That, along with Asala's hard choices and grief, really anchored this episode.

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees
BingoDOG: Fairy tale

I really liked this subverted fairy tale, featuring three women trying to make the best of difficult situations, where nothing is quite what it seems. It had a strong sense of place, and a twisty plot that was full of surprises right up til the end. I liked it a lot better than Uprooted.

Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

This is a fun, weird story in the tradition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I liked the over-the-top worldbuilding and characters, and the gradual reveal of what had happened to the band. The writing style took some getting used to, with the early pages featuring page-long sentences, but it stopped being distracting by midway through.

Witchery etc. by Rel
Category: Comics

Super-cute little comic about a day in the life of a young witch.

Skyvein, Chapter One by S. Holiday
Category: Comics

I love the interesting setting and compelling protagonist.

Vampire Emmy and the Garbage Girl by Pat Shand
Category: Comics

This is so cute! Lovely little short romance story.

Rocket Girl, Vol. 1: Times Squared by Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder
Category: New Things in 2019
BingoDOG: Graphic Novel

A fun time-travel story with an imaginative world and some cool supporting characters. Annie is my favorite.

Gamer Girl & Vixen: Flirty Money by Kristi McDowell
Category: New Things in 2019

Cute, fun romance in a superhero world with queer people!

Binti: The Night Masquerade by Nnedi Okorafor
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

A good conclusion to the trilogy.. I love the characters and the various alien species.

Lots of great comics reading! I'll take a BB for An Unkindness of Ghosts.

Awesome, I hope you like it!

The Black God's Drums by P. Djeli Clark
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees
BingoDOG: Prize-winning book

I really enjoyed this story, with its spunky protagonist, diverse supporting cast, and richly detailed setting. I want to read more about these characters!

The Rose MacGregor Drinking and Admiration Society by T. Kingfisher
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

This is a delightful little story that flips a folklore trope on its head.

I'm just catching up with your thread and happy to see your positive comments on most of the Hugo nominees, especially Spinning Silver and Space Opera, which are coming up soon on my TBR stack. I'm working through the Hugo list myself.

Cool! There's such a great Hugo ballot this year.

The Tea Master and the Detective by Aliette de Bodard
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

I liked this one a lot, particularly the characters. The mindship setting is interesting. Reminded me a bit of the Murderbot series.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #5 by Jordie Bellaire
Category: Comics

Wow, this is a bold direction for this new story arc! Excited to see where it's going. And it's great to see Jenny Calendar! Hopefully she'll get a better character arc this time.

Gods, Monsters, and the Lucky Peach by Kelly Robson
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

The setting of this novella is really cool, and I want to read more stories set in it! The parallel narrative structure was interesting, and worked reasonably well.

The Only Harmless Great Thing by Brooke Bolander
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

I'd heard good things about this story, and it's even better than I'd heard. I love the voices of the different characters, how different they are from each other, and how much they illuminate. The elephant POV is particularly well-done. The ideas are tied together well; the social commentary is well done. Just everything about it is great.

The Last Banquet of Temporal Confections by Tina Connolly
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees
BingoDOG: Food-related title or topic

An interesting concept, executed well, with a clever framing for filling in the backstory.

Nine Last Days on Planet Earth by Daryl Gregory
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

I liked this use of vignettes to piece together a story, sometimes painful, sometimes heartwarming.

Burn Down the American Plantation: Call for a Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement
Category: Nonfiction

I recently found out about this group, and it's interesting to hear their perspective on how to fix American society. While I don't agree with all of their conclusions, it was interesting to learn about some of the groups they look up to (e.g. the Rojava).

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again by Zen Cho
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

A sweet, cute, romantic story.

The Thing About Ghost Stories by Naomi Kritzer
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

I really liked the intertwining of stories, the narrator's quiet grief and her research.

When We Were Starless by Simone Heller
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

I like the this hopeful story and the glimpse it gives of a weird post-apocalyptic future.

The Court Magician by Sarah Pinsker
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

I really liked this story about choices and prices.

The Secret Lives of the Nine Negro Teeth of George Washington by P. Djèlí Clark
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

This is a cool blending of real history and fantastical elements.

STET by Sarah Gailey
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

I liked this emotional story with its gradual reveal, and the use of the format was clever.

The Tale of the Three Beautiful Raptor Sisters, and the Prince Who Was Made of Meat by Brooke Bolander
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

A delightful fairy tale.

A Witch’s Guide to Escape: A Practical Compendium of Portal Fantasies by Alix E. Harrow
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

I loved this story about books and libraries and rules and kindness.

Clever Hansel 2000 by Mary E. Lowd
Category: Short Stories

An unsettling story about someone whose world revolves entirely around another person.

Paper Girls, Vol. 4 by Brian K Vaughan
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

I loved the depiction of just how weird the year 2000 was, and the character development for Tiffany. Great to learn more about the larger plot, too.

An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire
Category: Sequels & Series
SeriesCAT: Fantasy

I really liked this book. It's great to see the growing network of people around October and how they relate. And the villain is suitably creepy.

Monstress, Vol. 3: Haven by Marjorie Liu & Sana Takeda
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

Some interesting plot developments here, although I found the details especially at the end a little hard to follow. I love what Kippa adds to the story, a voice of conscience as well as a personal connection for the other characters. The down-to-earth realities happening in the background are a good contrast to the dreamlike quality of much of what Maika goes through.

Abbot by Saladin Ahmed
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

This is a really cool story. There's a strong sense of place, a great protagonist, and a compelling supporting cast.

Black Panther: Long Live The King (2017-2018) #1: Blackout by Nnedi Okorafor
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

Right away this sets up a situation that complicates things in Wakanda. Intriguing!

Black Panther: Long Live The King (2017-2018) #2: The Sacrifice by Nnedi Okorafor
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

The Mute Zone is a cool, spooky mystery. I'm interested to see more about how their society works.

The Vela Season 1, Episode 4: Camp Ghala by SL Huang
Category: Shelves and Subscriptions

This was a really good episode, illuminating the ongoing themes of tough choices in crappy situations.

The Vela Season 1, Episode 5: The Heart of the Web by Yoon Ha Lee
Category: Shelves and Subscriptions

There are so many non-binary characters in this story! 😍 Also, it was fascinating to see two strategy-y characters face off.

The Vela Season 1, Episode 6: Fortress World by Rivers Solomon
Category: Shelves and Subscriptions

I liked the opening scene, and the increasing complexity of the situation the protagonists find themselves in.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #6 by Jordie Bellaire
Category: Comics

I really like the character development for Willow here, and her relationship with Buffy and Xander. Also, more Robin! And oh no Robin what are you doing?

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees

What a sweet story! I love the cast of characters and the beautifully-drawn world.

Oath: An Anthology of New (Queer) Heroes by Audrey Redpath (Editor)
Category: Shelves & Subscriptions
TBR CAT: Purchased more than a year ago

This anthology is packed with cute super-short comics featuring awesome queer and trans characters. Also, it's a cool way to find out about a bunch of comics artists I hadn't heard of before!

This is the last of the pile of "comics I bought at FlameCon in previous years, I should really read these before FlameCon this year"... and just in time!

Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey
Category: New Things in 2019

A super-compelling plot, well-drawn main character, and evocative setting. Reminds me a bit of The Secret Place.

Empress of Forever by Max Gladstone
Category: New Things in 2019

An expansive, galaxy-spanning story, it takes a while to get where it's going. But it's got a great set of protagonists and a whole bunch of epic confrontations. The eventual conclusion is totally satisfying.

Saga, Vol. 9 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Category: 2019 Hugo Nominees
SFFFKIT: Series

This series continues to be amazing. The story is epic and personal at the same time, The worldbuilding is incredibly creative and the art is evocative. This entry really tied together a bunch of story threads.

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Category: New Things in 2019

I love the multiple layers of story twisting around each other in this weird, emotional, awesome work. The ending is really great.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #7 by Jordie Bellaire
Category: Comics

The tight focus in this issue is an interesting change. I'm pleased to see a Willow-centric story, although I'm very worried about here now! I thought the beginning especially was an excellent depiction of depression.

>133 lavaturtle: I'm really looking forward to reading this!

It's really neat! I hope you like it!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019-) #8: Hellmouth Prelude by Jordie Bellaire
Category: Comics

Both of the parallel plots in this issue were really well done. I'm super psyched for this event.

Ghost-Spider (2019-) Annual #1 by Vita Ayala
Category: Comics

This was really fun, and a great intro to Ghost-Spider's situation and personality.

Ghost-Spider (2019) #1 by Seanan McGuire
Category: Comics

A great setup for a series, with lots of opportunity for things to go sideways for our protagonist. I like the supporting cast.

The Apocalypse Codex by Charles Stross
Category: Sequels & Series

An exciting story about fighting cosmic horrors, that's also a well-targeted satire of right-wing American evangelism. Bob's an interesting and compelling protagonist.

Strangelands #1: Faith Alone by Magdalene Visaggio and Darcie Little Badger
Category: Comics

Intriguing setting, interesting characters.

Strangelands #2: Danse Macabre by Magdalene Visaggio and Darcie Little Badger
Category: Comics

I was glad to get more background on Elakshi, and on how she and Adam got their powers. Adam is still my favorite character. I wish there was more plot in each issue of this comic!

Omni #1: "Logical-Mathematical" by Devin Grayson
Category: Comics

Oh wow, this is really great. Cecelia is such a badass, she's my new favorite character in, like, anything. I like the visual representation of her powers, and her dynamic with her friends and family. Really excited about this series!

How Long 'til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin
Category: Shelves & Subscriptions
BingoDOG: Short stories or essays

Finally finished this collection. I really loved some of these stories, while some others weren't really my thing. Some of my favorites: "The City Born Great", "The Effluent Engine", "Non-Zero Probabilities", and "Sinners, Saints, Dragons, and Haints, in the City Beneath the Still Waters".

Ghost-Spider (2019-) #2: Candy Store by Seanan McGuire
Category: Comics

I like Gwen's new friends and the plot twist at the end. Very concerned about what's going on in her home reality. Wish there was more plot per issue!

Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire
Category: Sequels & Series

Loads of fun, with great characters and impressive worldbuilding.

Omni #2: "Logical-Mathematical" by Devin Grayson
Category: Comics
BingoDOG: Artistic character

The main story in this issue tells us a lot about what Cecelia can do and how she approaches things. I'm intrigued by the hook for the next issue. And the vignette in the back is great satire.

I've just finished Every Heart A Doorway and Seanan McGuire is my new favourite! Look forward to reading all these too.

Yay! I am in awe of McGuire, she writes so much amazing stuff.

Strangelands #3: I Feel Your Pain by Magdalene Visaggio
Category: Comics

Glad the plot is moving along, now that that thing has happened!

Angel #5: Hellmouth Prelude by Bryan Edward Hill
Category: Comics

I had forgotten how much I love the character of Gunn from the TV show. He's great! Hoping to see more of him in this event.

Hellmouth #1 by Jordie Bellaire and Jeremy Lambert
Category: Comics

I really like the character interactions in this issue. Also, Angel's entrance is so perfectly melodramatic.

Livewire Volume 1: Fugitive by Vita Ayala
Category: New Things in 2019
SeriesCAT: Female protagonist

I really like the protagonist and the premise. It felt like a lot of this arc was wrapping up or continuing events from previous series in this universe, leaving me missing a lot of context since I haven't read the other series. Hopefully the next volume will stand more on its own.

Pocket Apocalypse by Seanan McGuire
Category: Sequels & Series

A great fun romp as usual for this series.

Chaos Choreography by Seanan McGuire
Category: Sequels & Series
SFFFKIT: 2019 Wrap Up

I love Verity as a character, and it was great to see her again. The plot was exciting, and the ending was unexpected.

Magic for Nothing by Seanan McGuire
Category: Sequels & Series

Excited to finally have a story from Antimony's point of view! The romance plot felt a little cliche at first, but it convinced me in the end. I didn't expect the ending. Can't wait to see where the story goes next!

The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie
Category: New Things in 2019

This is kind of a strange story, told partially out of order and taking a while to get going. But it comes together beautifully right at the end. I love the unusual narrator, and the important worldbuilding about how gods work.

>157 lavaturtle: Oh good, I'm glad it comes together. I have it on my to-read list but was seeing mixed reviews.