May TBR Challenge: Free Choice Fifteen

No theme, no overarching reasoning this month – just fifteen books I kind of fancy reading! My reading in April was pretty slow for me, and I can feel a bit of a slump coming on, so I think the best thing to do is let myself read anything I’m excited for…

One Foot in the Fade – Luke Arnold

The third book in the Fetch Philips Archive is one I’m pretty nervous to read, given how emotionally explosive the ending of Dead Man in a Ditch was. This just came out on the 28th April, and I’m not putting it off – it’ll be one of the first books I pick up this month!

Misrule – Heather Walter

This is maybe a little bit of a cheat, since I’m on the blog tour for this on the 15th so I need to read it, but I’m really excited to read the second half of this duology, since Malice was so much fun (find my Malice review here).

Unnatural Magic – CM Waggoner

This is an older title, but one I keep meaning to read every month – it sounds like just my kind of fantasy, with an interesting world, a clever heroine, and plenty of romance. Reading it will also mean I can read the companion book on my TBR a little sooner too!

Starfell: Willow Moss and the Magic Thief – Dominique Valente

Into some middle grade fantasy for the next few! I’m a huge fan of the Starfell books (as you’ll know from my reviews of book one and two) and I cannot wait to dig into number four!

The Accidental Wizard – Kimberly Pauley

This was a birthday present, but it’s been on my list of books to check out for ages, so it’s getting read straight away! I’m expecting a lighthearted magical story with some fun leads, if that cover is anything to go by.

Spellstoppers – Cat Gray

I actually have an ARC of this one, because it’s not out until July – it sounds like a fabulous mix of classic summer holiday adventure and fantasy!

A Strange and Stubborn Endurance – Foz Meadows

This is one I’m reading for a project over at the Fantasy Hive. It sounds like it’s going to have amazing court intrigue and a very queer cast, both of which are definitely my jam!

Under Fortunate Stars – Ren Hutchings

Some sci-fi! I don’t read a lot of very space-shippy sci-fi, but when I do find a good one I really fall in love, so I’m hoping this is going to be as interesting as it sounds, with time slips and mysteries to solve…

Violet Made of Thorns – Gina Chen

YA court fantasy isn’t always something that works for me (I need it to really commit to the politics and statecraft to be perfect!) but I think this one is going to be good. It sounds like it’s full of double-crossing and intrigue!

Tokyo Ever After – Emiko Jean

This isn’t my typical kind of read but I just kept getting tempted by it, so when I saw it in someone’s unhaul I grabbed it. I’m hoping it’ll be something nice and light if I do get slumpy!

How to Read a Dress – Lydia Edwards

I’ve been wanting to read this book for ages – though it’s more of a reference book than a cover-to-cover read, I thought I’d put it here so I can make sure I do spend some time with it since I was given a copy for my birthday! It’s a history of women’s clothing with really useful descriptions of all the elements, which should be really helpful for writing.

A Single Thread of Moonlight – Laura Wood

I’m pretty sure this was in my December Decimation TBR but I didn’t get to it, so maybe May can be the month it finally gets read. I’m pretty sure this is going to be a lovely, gentle, romantic read.

Lady Odelia’s Secret – Jane Steen

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Lady Helena Investigates (review here) so I’m looking forward to another fun historical mystery in a similar vein.

Sirena – Gideon Marcus

This is the sequel to Kitra, a fun YA space adventure which I reviewed here, and I’m very keen to dive back into the series! I’m hoping this will be another short, fun read to give me a boost if I feel a slump coming on.

Odder Still – DN Bryn

And to finish on a high: I can’t wait to read the next These Treacherous Tides book! This one comes out in June and from all the teasers I’ve heard, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be amazing!

So, by this point you know the drill – I’ll see you on the 16th for an update on how I’m doing and some mini-reviews!