Goldie Vance Vol. 2
by Hope Larson

The second volume of Goldie Vance was just as cute as the first, but with more character growth. When Goldie inadvertently hurts her best friend’s feelings, she has to not only solve a mystery, but also has to grow up a little to make amends with her friend. It’s a solid mystery with an actual villainous antagonist and good supporting characters. I really hope to see some more Goldie and gang. There’s still a lot more to be done with them.

A Song for Quiet
by Cassandra Khaw

Although it follows Hammers on Bone, this John Persons novel spends its time following Deacon James, a bluesman, as he tries to flee from Persons. Deacon has something in his head, something that brings out a terrible kind of music. There are demons after him trying to get what’s in his head, as well as gods ready to destroy the world. The story is tragic, but heartwarming, with a sacrifice to save not just the world, but a girl on her own. I really enjoyed this and definitely recommend it to readers of cosmic horror.

S.T.A.G.S
by M. A. Bennett

Ancient British boarding school + secret society + huntin’ shootin’ fishin’ = murder.

That’s basically the plot. Three nobodies from school are invited to a weekend of huntin’ shootin’ fishin’ with the clique called the Medievals, a group of extremely wealthy students from old families. Things start to go wrong when accidents begin happening to the trio and it’s up to them to figure out what’s going on and how to stop it.

It’s a quick read, but a good one. It’s not so much edge-of-your-seat thrills as it is solid pacing, but it’s enough to hold interest and keep one reading till the end.

The Hunger
by Alma Katsu

I can’t recommend this one enough. I apparently never shared my TRUE UNBRIDLED JOY from reading Ararat by Christopher Golden, but that’s basically what The Hunger is, but with bonus Donner Party. There’s something stalking the Donner party, a string of bad luck that quickly turns deadly as they struggle on towards California. Tensions are high, even at the beginning, and they only get worse as the journey continues. There’s a girl who hears the voices of the dead, a woman who may or may not be a witch, an actual queer character who doesn’t die, and, of course, something very very hungry watching them.

I’m usually hesitant about adding supernatural elements to historical settings (one day I’ll write my rant about supernatural in the world wars and how that worldbuilding never works), but it really works here because it feels built in to the world around it. There are myths pertaining to these demons along with warnings and stories from those who’ve seen them. I highly recommend reading it by section with breaks in between so it can really settle into your head. But remember, what’s out there is hungry and it’s waiting for food.

The Veldt
by Ray Bradbury

This is a short story about a family who have every possible comfort in their technologically advanced home, only to realize that they’ve made little monsters out of their children. It’s a warning about becoming too reliant on technology as well as a warning about parenting (as in, you really ought to do it instead of letting something else do it for you). It’s worth a read, especially if you’re wondering where to get into Bradbury and don’t want to start in on a novel. He wrote many short stories and I recommend you start there.

Doubt Vol. 1
by Yoshiki Tonogai

This is a horror manga about a phone game that becomes real when six teens are kidnapped and locked into an abandoned building. Someone begins killing them off one by one, just like in the game, and it’s up to them to find out who’s behind it and how to survive. It’s a really good start with enough tension to keep you reading and wanting for the next volume.

Everyone’s an Aliebn When You’re an Aliebn Too
by Jomny Sun

This was cute af. A little alien comes down to learn about being human, but all he meets are forest animals and trees and flowers and Nothing. Little by little, they teach him about life on Earth each in their own way. His alien colleagues find this all baffling and routinely leave him back on Earth to study more. It’s a fast and inspiring read, and there’s something for everybody in it. I definitely recommend it.

This is Just My Face Try Not To Stare
by Gabourey Sidibe

I’ve never laughed so hard when reading a memoir, but I certainly did with this one. Her humor shines through even in the difficult parts. Her life is fascinating and full, and, while she’s never one to call herself normal, it’s refreshing just how normal she is; she’s just as weird and quirky as the rest of us. Heck, she used to write NSYNC fanfic! (Reminds me of my high school days.)

I definitely recommend it if you like celebrity memoirs or just want a good laugh with someone who feels like a friend.