July has a nice assortment of fantasy, science fiction, and horror from diverse authors. There's also quite a few novellas, which I love to read between longer books. Sometimes you need a quick fix before taking on something requiring a longer commitment.
The Blood-Dimmed Tide by Stephen Aryan out July 9 2024
In The Blood Dimmed Tide, Stephen Aryan reimagines the Mongol Empire’s invasion of Persia, continuing The Nightingale and the Falcon series. Descendants of Genghis Khan are on a blood thirsty quest to conquer the known world, but not everyone in the family is onboard. Harboring magical powers capable of mass destruction, Temujin Khan will have to choose between his family’s bloodlust and forging his own path.
Bottom line: It’s a grand historical fantasy drawing inspiration from Persian and Mongol culture, intertwining magic and complex family relationships.
Queen B: The Story of Anne Boleyn, Witch Queen by Juno Dawson out July 23, 2024
Queen B is a novella prequel to Her Majesty’s Royal Coven Trilogy, and tells the origin story of the royal coven, a secret government department established by Queen Elizabeth I. Witch Lady Grace Fairfax is hunting a traitor within the coven all while evading agents of Henry the VIII who is hellbent on a religious excising of magic. This historical fantasy features queer characters, strong female leads, and explores the battle between tradition and change.
Bottom line: It has revenge, queerness, magic, sisterhood, and maybe some sexiness. If you want to see if the trilogy is right for you, you can dip your toes in with Queen B.
Navigational Entanglements by Aliette De Bodard out July 30, 2024
Navigational Entanglements is a sci-fi novella with a healthy dose of the fantastic. I enjoy novellas that combine genres and cultures, creating intriguing worlds. Navigators guide space ships safely through the Hollows, a place filled with dangerous creatures called Tanglers. Misfit apprentices from the navigator clans are sent to handle the issue and take the blame when a Tangler escapes. They’ll have to work together to clean up the mess before they’re blamed and incarcerated for a situation that goes from bad to worse when their imperial envoy is poisoned.
Bottom line: It’s a queer mythical space opera drawing inspiration from non-western cultures.
I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones out July 16, 2024
I absolutely love Stephen Graham Jones’ books, but the online description isn’t great. Tolly Driver, a teenager forced to seek revenge, is the protagonist of a story that will make you sympathize with the killer. That’s about all it tells us. If it’s anything like his previous works, it’ll tackle Indigenous identity and the struggle of being an outsider in your own community, along with graphic violence and horror. Sign me up!
Bottom line: Want a slasher in written form? This is for you.
Yoke of Stars by R.B. Lemberg out July 16, 2024
Yoke of Stars is a novella where an assassin and a linguist exchange stories, forever intertwining their lives. Between them, they have to determine the fate of three men. It sounds like a thoughtful study of linguistics and the persuasive nature of storytelling.
Bottom line: It’s a novella featuring queer characters that explores connection, loss, and companionship.
In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundiran out July 23, 2024
Okay, the cover of this novella is cool. Despite being an acolyte of the Gods, Ashâke can’t establish communication with the orisha like her fellow acolytes, shattering her aspirations of becoming a priest. Determined to realize her dream, she attempts to trap an orisha, instead she’s assaulted by a terrifying vision that thrusts her into the center of an ancient conflict between the orisha.
Bottom line: An epic fantasy immersed in Yoruba culture with a determined female protagonist.
Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle
First, Chuck Tingle is the perfect name for a slash writer. Second, I’m not 100% certain Chuck here is queer. The photo on his website obscures his face, leaving me to pull on stereotypes. He appears to be a white man who is (probably) queer? I dunno. Take this with a grain of salt.
Misha’s career in Hollywood has finally reached its stride until the executives for his show decide to kill off the queers. When Misha refuses, he puts his career at risk. On top of that, creatures from his horror films have come to life and are hot on his heels. Misha is forced to reconcile with his past mistakes before it’s too late.
Bottom line: Queer horror with psychological thriller elements and body horror thrown in. Looks like a fun ride.
