Part One: Father Material by Alexis Hall
I am a fan of Alexis Hall's books. I am a particular fan of this trilogy (starts with Boyfriend Material). I like that he doesn't pretend that being in a great, loving relationship will magically solve all your baggage, even if it can make it easier to carry. I like Luc and Oliver and the hopeful and clumsy way they are navigating that space where young adults start to take on more responsibility. I loved this book. Would recommend to anyone who wants to try reading a romance book.
Part Two: The Fake Divination Offense by Sara Raasch
I was pretty lukewarm on this author's previous book, Entanglement of Rival Wizards, but I thought I would give this a chance since my main complaint was that the prose was clunky and unpolished, which is something a lot of authors improve on as they practice.
Unfortunately I had the same complaint about TFDO. It was fine. I finished it. But it's not particularly good, and for me didn't rise above the milieu of serviceable, poorly worldbuilt, cosy romantasy bookslop.
Part Three: The Clock of Dreams by Brian Lumley
This is pulp fiction. Its dumb as bricks and I had a great time with it.
I tried reading a book earlier this year called Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham, which I really wanted to like. Triffids ultimately failed to hold my attention - I think the scenes lasted too long. The Clock of Dreams does not have that problem. It moves at an absolute breakneck pace, and two of the heroes are mostly naked for all of their "on-screen" time. A rip roaring adventure through Dreamland.
