Category: Doreen

The Summer War by Naomi Novik

Ooh, Naomi Novik, you crafty little devil of a writer, you! I’m always so impressed when an author sets the reader up to intensely dislike a character, only for that same character to eventually and successfully capture our hearts later on. And I get it, there were a ton of mitigating factors for why our …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/15/the-summer-war-by-naomi-novik/

The Underwearwolf by Gideon Sterer & Charles Santoso

I have recently been informed that Summerween — the practice of celebrating Halloween in the summer — is an actual thing, so reading and reviewing this book in July is totally legit, lol. Regardless of what time of year you encounter The Underwearwolf, I’m reasonably sure that you’ll be as charmed as I was by …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/14/the-underwearwolf-by-gideon-sterer-charles-santoso/

The Light In The Mist by PostCurious & Jack Fallows

For those unfamiliar with the phrase, a Tarot puzzle tale (as this game is subtitled) is a puzzle game hidden in a deck of Tarot cards. The Light In The Mist might actually be the first of its kind: I’ve never heard of any others, tho would be immensely pleased to learn that more exist! …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/13/the-light-in-the-mist-by-postcurious-jack-fallows/

Tantalizing Tales — July 2026 — Part Two

Hello, dear readers! This week, we have several exciting books that have only recently published, as well as some terrific books to look forward to! First up is Bridget Walsh’s absorbing historical mystery novel The Spirit Guide. Spiritualism is all the rage in late 19th century Victorian London. When detecting duo Minnie Ward and Albert …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/10/tantalizing-tales-july-2026-part-two/

The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

based on the epic tale attributed to Homer, ofc. I first read The Odyssey in a beautifully written and designed Hamlyn edition meant for young readers when I was 11. The hardcover volume was a gift from my best friend’s parents, and I devoured it repeatedly before I left for boarding school at 14. I …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/09/the-odyssey-a-graphic-novel-by-gareth-hinds/

Hugo Awards 2026: Best Novelette

Ooh, boy, is Doug gonna be surprised when he reads my voting slate for this year’s Hugo Awards nominees for Best Novelette! Presented, as usual, in descending order of preference. Top of my list this year is Catherynne M Valente’s When He Calls Your Name. Perhaps oddly, it is one of the two nominees on …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/08/hugo-awards-2026-best-novelette/

Pooch On The Loose (The After-School Kindness Crew #1) by Goldie Hawn & Lin Oliver

with the most charming illustrations by Breanna Chambers! This world does not have enough kindness and empathy, and certainly not enough readily available mental health support, so it’s wonderful that books like this exist for young readers. Tony, Mia and River are all fourth-grade classmates at Los Angeles’ Sycamore Elementary. Their teacher Mr Ortega wants …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/07/pooch-on-the-loose-the-after-school-kindness-crew-1-by-goldie-hawn-lin-oliver/

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

I admit, dear reader, that I was finally unable to resist the hype surrounding this series and decided to go see what all the fuss is about. And the answer is: a lot, and most of it really good! Full disclosure, the tipping point for finally getting me to pick this up was likely the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/06/dungeon-crawler-carl-by-matt-dinniman/

Tantalizing Tales — July 2026 — Part One

Happy July, dear readers! If you’re in an area affected by high heat, I sincerely hope you have every opportunity to stay cool, especially with a good book or five to keep you company. And as always, I have suggestions, including the recently published Pasha The Storm by the fabulous Lin Codega. If you’re not …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/02/tantalizing-tales-july-2026-part-one/

Welcome To Hell: From The West Bank To Gaza by Mohammad Sabaaneh

As someone who believes in the need for a Palestine free of occupation and genocide, it feels weird to say that nothing in this graphic memoir persuaded me further along towards that cause. The Israeli occupation is horrifyingly cruel, and the abuse the Palestinians continue to endure unthinkable. If, for whatever reason, you don’t already …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2026/07/01/welcome-to-hell-from-the-west-bank-to-gaza-by-mohammad-sabaaneh/