Tsana's May Status

This month has been pretty busy and a bunch of things happened, including in non-book world. But this blog only concerns bookish things, so I shall regale you of those only. I interviewed Marianne de Pierres, I, somewhat amateurishly,  Blogged Against Disablism and two awards shortlists were released, the Ditmar Ballot and the 2014 Norma K Hemming Award shortlist. The Ditmar ballot was particularly exciting for me, because I made an appearance in the Best Fan Writer category. A really big thank-you to everyone who nominated me. It's extremely gratifying to have this sort of external recognition, especially since blogging can often feel like typing into the void.

What have I read?

• Blades of the Old Empire by Anna Kashina, which I enjoyed and then got annoyed at random goodreads reviewers over.
• Assured Destruction by Michael F Stewart — this was a good, fun series. It improved as it went along...
• Script Kiddie by Michael F Stewart , the second book in the Assured Destruction trilogy...
• With Zombies by Michael F Stewart, was the third and — in my opinion — best book of the trilogy. It inspired my "Blogging Against Disablism" post.
• Dimension6, Issue 1, a new Australian online zine
• The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead, the sequel to Gameboard of the Gods and maintaining the things I liked about the first book, while introducing some new elements
• Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan — my review was of the ebook "app" version of the picture book. It was a really interesting experience, on top of the lovely art.
• Dead Americans and Other Stories by Ben Peek, a collection of slightly weird stories by an Australian author.

What am I currently reading?

I just finished reading North Star Guide Me Home by Jo Spurrier. It's not in the above list because I haven't written the review yet, but expect to see it very soon.

I started reading Stolen Songbird by Danielle L Jensen, but didn't get very far (but far enough for the title to take place) before feeling pretty meh about it all. I think I'll probably finish it, but later. It definitely won't compare favourably to Spurrier's book.

So instead, I just started reading Feather Bound by Sarah Roughley. Haven't gotten far enough to form an opinion yet. I also plan to start reading The Back of the Back of Beyond by Edwina Harvey to fit some short stories around the novels.

New Booksies:

• Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan — already reviewed
• North Star Guide Me Home by Jo Spurrier <3
• The Girl in the Road by Monica Byrne — looks interesting
• Heirs of the Demon King: Uprising by Sarah Cawkwell — new fantasy author to try
• Use Only As Directed edited by Simon Petrie and Edwina Harvey — upcoming anthology of ANZ writers
• The Back of the Back of Beyond by Edwina Harvey — collection of linked short stories
• Lock In by John Scalzi — future virus thing plus social consequences, as far as I can tell
• Some Fine Day by Kat Ross — YA science fiction
• The Buried Life by Carrie Patel — gaslamp fantasy/mystery, I think
• Innocence Lost by Patty Jansen — first in a new series. Fantasy.