B O O K S
In June, I read 5 books (+1 prequel novella)!
Exit 8 By Genki Kawamura
A young man receives a text from his ex-girlfriend, and as he exits the train to meet her, he discovers he cannot escape. Stuck in an endless loop, he must follow strict rules: Don’t overlook any anomalies; if you do, turn back immediately. If the room appears correct, then carry on forward until you reach Exit 8.
Out of all the games I’ve played, Exit 8 is the last one I would’ve expected to become a movie. This book is a novelisation of the film adaptation of the game. (Yeah, a mouthful…) I was impressed that Kawamura was able to adapt and add a story to a game with no real story beyond finding anomalies and escaping the station. It’s a fun quick read, and the film was fun to watch too! The only downside is the movie/book’s decision not to utilise many of the game’s anomalies.
The Sun King’s Dawn by Briar Niran / The Squire and his Prince by Briar Niran
King Richard of Ardenia discovers his kingdom is at risk when a neighbouring realm, filled with unimaginable horrors, threatens to attack his homeland. As he hunts to protect his land, he finds himself at odds with Sir Kaelen, a loyal guard, who has spent years yearning for a King who has no interest but to protect his land.
This BOOK! Oh my goodness. I am still reeling from A Gaze So Longing from last month, and then I’m immediately hit with another pairing to die for. Set in a queer-normative fantasy realm, Richard is asexual and has to balance his duties as king and the very growing whispers amongst his people as they are keen for him to find a match. It doesn’t help that the demon king wants not only his kingdom but also his body. Poor Richard just wants to protect his siblings, and even they aren’t making it easy for him. SUCH sweet moments between him and his family; I loved it!!!
I wasn’t aware of the prequel, The Squire and his Prince, until after I had finished Book 1, and I would definitely recommend reading it first. One thing I didn’t particularly enjoy while reading Book 1 was how insistent Kaelen was with Richard; there were moments when I thought his behaviour was borderline detrimental to the entire story. The prequel provides much more context for Kaelen’s actions, but I still wouldn’t excuse it. (Though it gave some devastating foreshadowing that I know will kill me once we reach that scene.) Overall, I really loved this story, and I just hope that Kaelan goes through some much-needed development and backs off.
We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir by Samra Habib
A memoir by Pakistani-Canadian activist Samra Habib recounting her childhood as an Ahmadi Muslim in Pakistan, her teenage years in Canada, and her adult life as she explores the world around her. Very beautiful thoughts about art and spirituality. A really well-written memoir. I’ve had this on my TBR for years, and I’m kicking myself for taking so long to read it.
The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter Volume 3 by Yatsuki Wakatsu
The final instalment of the series, which follows Seiichirou as he is appointed as a guide for a delegation led by a neighbouring kingdom while also trying to figure out the spell to get back home to Japan.
This is the best of all three volumes of the light novels. A big problem with volumes 1 and 2 was that they constantly reminded readers who everyone was. We’re given a constant reintroduction to people we’ve basically just met. In the final volume, the pacing is much better and more thrilling. If you’re not a fan of the miscommunication trope, then you probably shouldn’t even pick up the series to begin with. Aresh is the biggest yearner, but he also cannot communicate to save his life. I’m not surprised Seiichirou basically throws in the towel as he goes head-to-head with his now boyfriend. Still, this series is really fun. The current manga adaptation has ended, but I really hope it continues because the plot is a lot of fun!
The Tapestry of Fate by Shannon Chakraborty
As Amina al-Sirafi continues her task of hunting down arcane artefacts, her next quest is a fate-rewriting spindle from a sorceress on an inescapable island. But her crew is on the edge, and this journey might just rewrite the fate of her entire crew.
It must’ve been tough to write a sequel to what is arguably one of my favourite books of all time. Such a strong sequel that gives such good development to all the characters we had come to love in Book 1. (Jamal, my son, I WISH you were here more in this book) I had finished this book at 2am and genuinely exclaimed WHAT THE FUCK at the final page. It is cruel I have to wait so long for the third instalment.
That’s it for this month! Tell me what went on in YOUR life this month! What sort of things was important for you this month? New obsessions? New TV shows? Or book? Any new song recs (I’m always open to new music!)? Best books you read this month?
as told by zaheerah 