The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks by Mackenzi Lee – Review
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
Highly recommended, especially if you’re looking for mental health rep that feels both grounded and empathetic.
2025
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire – Novella Review
It’s about grief, identity, longing, and self-acceptance. It's a murder mystery, a love letter to weird kids, and a meditation on the doors we wish we could open, or reopen.…
The Company of Death by Elisa Hansen – Review
Jayna
for those who like post-apocalyptic worlds with zombies and vicious vampires, instead of the current trend of romanticised vamps, it could be worth a read
Once Was Willem by M. R. Carey – Review
Once Was Willem is dark, strange, and often brutal, but also moving and full of heart. It’s about monsters and men, about power and corruption, about finding family in the…
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee – Review
If you’re craving a historical seeing with a strong, flawed, growing female lead and beautifully complex friendships (and pirates!), this one’s absolutely worth your time.
That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E. K. Johnston – Review
It presents a hopeful, inclusive future that’s rare in fiction, especially one where queerness and cultural diversity are both celebrated.
SPFBO 10 Champions’ League: Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater – Review
Do not read this book at 3am whilst suffering from insomnia and then discover there is NO chocolate in the house, in any form!!
Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker – Review
... a warm, thoughtful, and unusual book that balances sadness and fear of death with hope, humor, and love.
Julia’s Favourite Self-Published SFF Books: A Giant List (Part 6) – Dystopia / Sci-Fi
From epic battles to cosy dragons, grimdark betrayals to hot cocoa comfort, I have had a blast putting these lists together. I hope you have found a few new books…
Julia’s Favourite Self-Published SFF Books: A Giant List (Part 5) – Historical / Progression / LitRPG
So grab your history books in one hand and your skill tree in the other, and let’s dive into my favourites from both sides of the timeline.
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer – Review
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a sequel that delivers just as much fun and charm as the first book. The quirky world, lovable characters, and sharp…
Julia’s Favourite Self-Published SFF Books: A Giant List (Part 4) – Cosy, Cosy Dark, & Cute SFF
... grab your blanket, curl up with a cup of tea (or maybe something stronger), and let’s get cosy, entrails and all.