Earlier this month I mentioned my concerns over not being able to finish the 8 books I picked out for my August TBR. But not only did I manage that, but I also managed to add a nearly 900 page book to the list! Many of my reads this month were good too – I hope you found the same with your reading!

So here’s everything I read during the month of August:

Uhura’s Song by Janet Kagan

This Star Trek tie-in novel follows Uhura, who many years ago befriended a diplomat from the planet Eeaiuo, and exchanged forbidden songs and secrets. Now the Eeaiuoans are suffering from a plague, and the Enterprise is on it’s way to save them. Uhura’s songs might be the key to ending the plague, but within the song lies mysteries that the Enterprise must resolve first.

I was hoping that Uhura would have been more at the center of this book since her name is in the title, but that wasn’t the case! This book started out so strong, but it sadly didn’t stay that way for most of the book. However, I am still looking forward to continuing reading other Star Trek tie-in novels!

Goodreads | My Review

Loveless by Alice Oseman 

Loveless follows Georgia, who recently started college and has never fallen in love. She’s convinced she’ll find her happily ever after with the help of her roommate and friends, but after her plans end in disaster, she begins to question her true identity.

I was so excited to be represented by this book. And while I did feel seen in much of this book, there were other aspects of Georgia’s and other character’s representations that struck me as problematic. It’s nice to have an aro-ace OV novel and have so many of us feel seen by it, but if you do decide to pick up this book, just keep these things in mind while reading. I discuss these specifics more in my review.

Goodreads | My Review

Children of Time & Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky

The Children of Time duology follows the last of humankind and their quest to find a new planet to settle on as Earth is in ruins. They find a new planet that seems perfectly crafted for humankind. Little do they know that new masters have turned this planet from an ideal habitat to their worst nightmare.

These books showed a really interesting take on contact! While I much preferred the first book to the second, I read these books way more quickly than I would have imagined. In particular I liked the speculation of humans in our future and how the flaws of humankind play in this scenario.

Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women that a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall

Hood Feminism is all about the many issues covered under feminism that are rarely prioritized. It also discusses the lack of intersectionality in much of the mainstream feminist movement and how the lack of inclusion within the movement impacts marginalized groups. This book brings those issues to light and illustrates the importance of solidarity within in order for the feminist movement to benefit more people.

This book is a must-read. So much of what Kendall discusses goes unacknowledged, and the topics that she brings to light are about basic human needs that several movements fail to address. Definitely give this one a read, especially if you’re looking for books about feminism.

Goodreads | My Review

To Sleep in  Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

To Sleep in A Sea of Stars follows Kira Navárez, a xenobiologist who finds a previously undiscovered alien relic on an uncolonized planet. First contact was something that Kira dreamed of, but things aren’t what they imagined once the dust begins to move around her. Kira has uncovered much more than just a relic, and she’s the only one that can put a stop to the chaos before it’s too late.

I really liked this book! It had everything I was looking for in a space opera. The only thing I would say is that I wish the characters were fleshed out more. But other than that, I really enjoyed the story and the world here.

That’s everything I read in August. How did you reading month go! Let me know! 🖤

-Julie Anna