Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans follows Siyon Velo's unique education in alchemy. An act of public magic sets Siyon and Bezim itself on a path towards salvation or armageddon. Highly recommended.
SFF
Review: Babel
Babel by R.F. Kuang tells the story of Robin Swift, a boy caught up in the games of empire. His journey is a moving tale of complicity. Does he continue to take the luxuries empire provides him - though it will never accept as fully human - or does he attempt to change the empire? Kuang's story still haunts me. Highly recommended.
Review: The First Binding
The First Binding by R.R. Virdi is fantasy to fall in love with. It's an excellent world filled with characters that move you. This book is an instant classic. Highly recommended.
Review: Second Spear
Second Spear by Kerstin Hall cements the Mkalis Cycle as an imaginative fantasy series worth reading. Highly recommended.
Review: Eversion
Eversion tells the tale of Silas Coade and his many pulp-style adventures. As with any Alistair Reynolds book, there's more going on than meets the eye. Will Coade and crew ever reach the mysterious Edifice?
Review: What Moves the Dead
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher retells the story of The Fall of the House of Usher in a deeper, more visceral way that has been updated for modern readers. Recommended.
Review: Daughter of Redwinter
Ed McDonald's Daughter of Redwinter blew me away. This slim fantasy novel is packed with action, magic, and mystery while giving readers characters to root for, to care for, and to hope for. Highly recommended.
Review: In the Shadow of Lightning
Brian McClellan delivers another innovative magical system in a fantastic society on the verge of magical collapse. In the Shadow of Lightning will please any fantasy fans and especially fans of Brandon Sanderson. Highly recommended.
Review: January Fifteenth
January Fifteenth by Rachel Swirsky follows four women on the day they receive their universal basic income. These four, richly detailed lives depict the effect of such a bold policy. Highly recommended.
Review: Ordinary Monsters
Life and death battle in J.M. Miro's Ordinary Monsters. This historical fantasy opens the Talents trilogy, and it's a wonderful read. Come for the superpowers, stay for the amazing characters. Highly recommended.