So, two weeks ago, a copy of the new Stephen King book The Institute and pretty much dropped everything else. Usually, I have one book for at home and one book for lunch breaks at work. But I’ve been lugging King’s newest tome around with me everywhere so I can read a page or two when I have a moment. Which is why this list is kinda short.

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars – strange tale of two warring time travelers writing letters back and forth as they move through time, at first mocking each other but later making a connection. Literary sci-fi, for sure.

Famous Players by Rick Geary
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oops, apparently I read this back in 2007 and forgot! Not surprised, this wasn’t the most engaging of murders, though it was interesting to find out about the history of Hollywood’s past as a town with troubles.

La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listed to this because Michael Sheen. HE WAS AMAZING! I listened to ‘Dark Materials’ YEARS ago and barely remember the story so I’m sure I was missing out on a lot of nod/nod/wink/wink moments. But it wasn’t key to enjoying the story, which was a great fantasy adventure. Looking forward to the sequel, especially if Sheen is the narrator again.

The Black God’s Drums by P. Djèlí Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For only 107 pages, that was a LOT packed into one book! I hope that Clark revisits these characters some day, I’d love to read more about Creeper’s adventures. Alternate history steampunk with kickass ladies as the leads and lots of excitement and adventure.

Naturally Tan by Tan France
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tan reads his autobiography and it was such a joy to listen to! He was honest and funny and it felt like I was driving around with him while he rambled on about his life. Highly recommended for any QE fan!