“I’m one hundred percent aware of how much I need you,” Tennal said, low and focused. “So will you just suspend your scruples for onceand let me give you something to lie for.”
Rich socialite, inveterate flirt, and walking disaster Tennalhin Halkana can read minds. Conscripted into the military under dubious circumstances, Tennal is placed into the care of Lieutenant Surit Yeni, a duty-bound soldier, principled leader, and the son of a notorious traitor general. Whereas Tennal can read people, Surit can influence them. Like all other neuromodified “architects,” he can impose his will onto others, and he’s under orders to control Tennal by merging their minds.
Surit accepted a suspicious promotion-track request out of desperation, but he refuses to go through with his illegal orders to sync and control an unconsenting Tennal. They can both let themselves be arrested and court-martialed–or they can lie.
How long they can keep faking a mental bond is another matter.
Ocean’s Echo is out 1 November 2022, if it sounds like your thing and you felt like preordering that would be awesome; preorders are up at most retailers!
4. The Charm Offensive, Alice Cochrun — ★ 4/5 stars ★
Happy Pride! Today is also the one year anniversary of this blog! In honor of the occasion, I updated the web version, so it’s acceptable — or at the very least, tolerable — for those of you who use tumblr web. <3
We also reached 500+ followers this month! Welcome to those of you who are new. My asks are always open, so don’t hesitate to leave me an ask or comment. <3
Keep reading for my unsolicited opinion on what I read this month.
Like the last months, I wasn’t able to use the “Keep reading” feature without it duplicating or outright deleting my reviews, so I apologize in advance for the lengthy post. <3
2. Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
Winter’s Orbit had galactic politics, mystery, and, of course, romance. It had all of my favorite tropes: queer arranged marriage, gruding allies to lovers, only one bed, and forced proximity. Kiem and Taam’s relationship was full of angst and misunderstanding, but contained surprising depth. Although the mystery was not as complex as their relationship, it provided the perfect backdrop for these grudging allies to fall in love.
3. The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
I picked up The Darkness Outside Us for the slow burn enemies to lovers romance — which it delivered! — but I stayed for the spectacular science-fiction thriller. The mystery of their existence forces Ambrose and Kodiak to depend on one another in a brilliant depiction of human fragility, vulnerability, and intimacy. The Darkness Outside Us argues for the need for vulnerability and intimacy (in whatever form it should take, whether it be platonic, romantic, and/or sexual) in order to prevent insanity. It also argues that we should accept the inevitability of death as we must die in order for future generations to live. Ultimately, it is not a romance, thriller, or mystery, but a poignant portrayal of life, death, and the depth of human connection.
4. The Charm Offensive by Alice Cochrun
The Charm Offensive portrayed love after heartbreak, vulnerability, and intimacy. Dev and Charlie’s relationship felt incredibly real, despite the fact that it was set against the backdrop of a heavily-faked reality TV show. I appreciated the sensitive depiction of depression, anxiety, and OCD. I also appreciated the demisexual representation. Altogether, it was a wonderfully wholesome read.
Tmw you are 18 but TOTALLY the smartest person in the room, UGH!!!!!!!
(Another Gairad sketch that got out of hand, I love her. Headcanon that nobody asked for: Gairad is the only character that gets misgendered multiple times so I’m taking that to mean she has a very prominent wooden accessory bc screw Iskat!!! So I gave her a wooden scarf ring )
I couldn’t find any character lineups for Winter’s Orbit yet so I started scribbling out some ideas… I drew Kiem with short hair first but then saw a take on him with longer hair and I wasn’t sure which I liked more! So Jinan got two hairdos too… his normally pulled back tightly braided vs hanging lose and driving Kiem wild. Bonus Bel and Gairad. I only went trough the book once so far and it was on audiobook so I hope I didn’t miss any important descriptions.
HelloWinter’s Orbit fans! If you loved this book as much as I did and are looking for more books with a similar vibe… check out THE TAROT SEQUENCE by K.D. Edwards! Sci-fi and fantasy are two genres that go hand-in-hand and when you add the bonus layer of them being queer literature… it’s becoming less rare but still. Finding ones to love as much as I love this book and this series?
Often I struggle with modern fantasy and science fiction because there’s a lack of world building in them. Maxwell and Edwards both found the perfect balance between creating a complex plot and bringing to life three dimensional characters. There’s romance, yes, but it’s developed in a natural way that doesn’t neglect the needed development of a fully fleshed-out system. For Winter’s Orbit, that’s a realized and complex system of planets and politics; for TTS, it’s a unique magical system and complex political positioning. Both authors understand the importance of the mix of these things to create what I view as hopefully timeless pieces of literature.
So! If you loved Kiem and Jainan… I think you’ll fall in love with Rune, Brand, Addam, and the crew. And, The Hourglass Throne, the third installment in the series is out in just TEN DAYS (May 17, 2022). Click this link for ordering information.
4. The Charm Offensive, Alice Cochrun — ★ 4/5 stars ★
Happy Pride! Today is also the one year anniversary of this blog! In honor of the occasion, I updated the web version, so it’s acceptable — or at the very least, tolerable — for those of you who use tumblr web. <3
We also reached 500+ followers this month! Welcome to those of you who are new. My asks are always open, so don’t hesitate to leave me an ask or comment. <3
Keep reading for my unsolicited opinion on what I read this month.
Like the last months, I wasn’t able to use the “Keep reading” feature without it duplicating or outright deleting my reviews, so I apologize in advance for the lengthy post. <3
2. Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
Winter’s Orbit had galactic politics, mystery, and, of course, romance. It had all of my favorite tropes: queer arranged marriage, gruding allies to lovers, only one bed, and forced proximity. Kiem and Taam’s relationship was full of angst and misunderstanding, but contained surprising depth. Although the mystery was not as complex as their relationship, it provided the perfect backdrop for these grudging allies to fall in love.
3. The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
I picked up The Darkness Outside Us for the slow burn enemies to lovers romance — which it delivered! — but I stayed for the spectacular science-fiction thriller. The mystery of their existence forces Ambrose and Kodiak to depend on one another in a brilliant depiction of human fragility, vulnerability, and intimacy. The Darkness Outside Us argues for the need for vulnerability and intimacy (in whatever form it should take, whether it be platonic, romantic, and/or sexual) in order to prevent insanity. It also argues that we should accept the inevitability of death as we must die in order for future generations to live. Ultimately, it is not a romance, thriller, or mystery, but a poignant portrayal of life, death, and the depth of human connection.
4. The Charm Offensive by Alice Cochrun
The Charm Offensive portrayed love after heartbreak, vulnerability, and intimacy. Dev and Charlie’s relationship felt incredibly real, despite the fact that it was set against the backdrop of a heavily-faked reality TV show. I appreciated the sensitive depiction of depression, anxiety, and OCD. I also appreciated the demisexual representation. Altogether, it was a wonderfully wholesome read.
Have you ordered your copy of Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell in paperback yet? Snag your copy now and submit your receipt by 1.31.22 to receive this stunning 8.5" x 11" print from Venessa Kelley! Submit your receipt here: https://bit.ly/wo-preorder
