The Sky Worshipers [sic] a Novel of Mongol Conquests by F.M. Deemyad*
speculative historical fiction
History Through Fiction, March 2021
This epic saga sweeps across the northern and eastern hemispheres with a propulsive mix of cultural grandeur, aggressive conflicts, and intimate specificity in its central characters. Make sure to savor every tidbit offered in the introduction, all four books of the richly layered narrative, and epilogue. Recommended resources and acknowledgments will likely add multiple titles to each reader’s TBR list.
In the introduction the author states an intention, “… not to write a book of horror but one resembling ‘One Thousand and One Nights' that would be enjoyable to read.”
Mission accomplished.
Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson
historical fiction with romantic elements
William Morrow Paperbacks, August 2021
Sisterhood in many forms guides Grace Steele and Eliza Jones from the United States to Europe as members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The “Six Triple Eight" was the first all-black Women's Army Corp battalion during World War II. Along with joy, personal crossroads, and success, Grace and Eliza experience anticipated and unexpected challenges and hardships in a racist, sexist, classist environment that's a microcosm of the broader society. This author uses those facts as a setting to feature and honor the emotional and physical stamina of people who refused to be defeated and learned to forge paths into hostile territories of all kinds to emerge victorious.
The documentary about the actual 6888th is worth watching more than once.
womenofthe6888th.org
The Freedom Race (Dreambird Chronicles #1) by Lucinda Roy
speculative literature
Tor, July 2021
Ji-ji Lottermule’s journey is biblical in scope—both heavy and hopeful. It's not an easy read with its themes on assorted forms of violence used to oppress and enslave. Beautiful language composition describes the ugliness of humanity’s disregard for the equal intrinsic value of all its members. Possibilities for transformation run throughout her trials and tribulations, and that saves this cautionary modern fantasy from being a dirge. Fans of Chester Himes, Lilith Saintcrow, and Nalini Singh may feel especially drawn into this fantastical world anchored in brutal sociopolitical realities.
Have We Met? by Camille Baker*
contemporary romantic New Adult fiction
Lake Union, July 2021
Corinne is going through some things. Will changing her geographical location improve her emotional health and her overall balance? She's going to discover the answers with the help of unexpected interventions from new friends and a mysterious app. Grief, transitions, de ja vu, leaps of faith, laughter, sexy times, more laughter, and six degrees of connections that overlap to create a vibrant patchwork of friendship and family make Have We Met? a charming, tenderhearted tale.
camillebaker.com
Guarding Temptation by Talia Hibbert
contemporary romance novella
Nixon House, July 2021
Fighting the good fight against Fake News takes an ominous turn for political campaigner Nina Chapman in the aftermath of her impulsive steamy interlude with kickboxing mechanic James Foster, her older brother’s best friend. This author's signature blend of hot romance in a relevant sociopolitical context ends with poignant commentary in the epilogue when Nina thinks: Sometimes I think black women in particular are seen as ‘strong' in a way that removes our humanity.
*participating author in TWWBF2021
thewritewomenbookfest.org
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