​Michael Knightsbridge isn't exactly an overachiever, living off of government programs as opposed to his twin brother, Wendell who is a researcher at UC Berkeley.  In the year 2040, Artificial Intelligence has a larger role in society and Wendell is digging into his research in dark matter.  Wendell invites Michael to help coordinate volunteers at his lab, scanning people's brains for dark matter bundles.  Within days of a scan of his own, Michael is thrown into the world of dark matter, is connected with a powerful Chinese broker named Anni and thrown into the political scene.  While Michael's life is turned upside down, he discovers purpose as a mysterious illness called the sleeping sickness hits the world.  With Anni in his corner and his insight into dark matter, Michael is in a unique position to help save the world or destroy it. 

2040 is a fast-paced speculative fiction novel set in the not too distant future. I could immediately relate to Michael's character.  In a world of over achievers, Michael has chosen to sit back and live a slower paced life; however, his life changes drastically after he accepts the position with his brother's lab.  From here, the plot moves super quickly.  I would have loved to dig deeper into Michael's character as all the changes were happening around him as well as into the larger picture of the world's reactions with the discovery of dark matter, sleeping sickness and the quickly changing political views. I was intrigued by the sleeping sickness as well as the being behind it and would have loved to delve deeper into that other world.  Anni's character was another enigma whose true identity I guessed at early.  I was interested in how her consciousness developed and her partnership with Michael.  The ending wrapped up rather quickly and it would have been great to see how Michael's action affected the world. Overall,  a wonderful speculative fiction story with amazing ideas that I would have liked to see dug into even more. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

After a night of partying on her boyfriend's yacht, Briony finds herself waking up naked in a tidepool on the beach.  Briony is soon found by Sylvie, who encourages Briony to stay with her in the water and explore.  Sylvie brings Briony clothes and gifts and soon exposes herself to be a mer.  Sylvie encourages Briony to learn how to swim better and spend more time in the water with her.  After convincing Briony to stay, Sylvie explains the truth of Briony's accident and Sylvie's purpose for Briony with the mer.  


Mermother is a contemporary, new adult fantasy that delves into mermaid lore.  Mermother moves at a fast pace with Briony waking up in the tide pool and Sylvie finding her.  I was surprised at how naïve Briony seemed with accepting everything that Sylvie was throwing at her and how Briony never actually tried to connect with her former life.  Sylvie and the other mers still held a mysterious and dangerous air, even with Sylvie explaining certain things to Briony, the mer culture and habits were mostly unknown.  I was really interested in the mers Mermother needs and how new mers are created. Briony and Sylvie's relationship through the story was tumultuous and I wonder how their differences and secrets played into their relationship.  Briony's journey of acceptance into her new life was most intriguing and I'd love to see where it goes in the future. 

Ashe is a Sky Rider astride her trusty bird, Lufet. Since the Illirium war, Ashe has not kept up with Sky Rider duties, opting for mercenary assignments that she chooses.  Ashe accepts an assignment to help the Dwarven Kingdom of Rokad against a new aggressor deemed the Erog. As Ashe and Lufet travel to Rokad, they meet Thian, a being called a Seoran that helps them through the mountains and keeps them safe.  The Seorans are an ancient race who help take care of nature.  Ashe's mission for the Rok doesn't go exactly as planned.  Ashe ends up capturing an Erog named Raez.  With her capture of Raez, Ashe is led on a separate quest, one that is much bigger than she can imagine.  Together, these three very different beings must complete their quest. 

Three Shades is an epic fantasy set in the world of Illirium.  This is the second book set in this world, but it is not necessary to read them in a certain order.  I was immediately transported to Illirium from the first chapter.  Told in three sections, from the points of view of Ashe, Raez and Thian, the story first dives into Ashe's point of view.  I enjoyed Ashe's character, hardened from her experiences, but caring, realistic and a fighter.  The relationship between Ashe and Lufet was also wonderful.  Raez' point of view helps to fill in information about the Erog race and their quest.  I was really interested in their social structure and community.  I also liked seeing Raez and Ashe's partnership develop from both of their points of view.  Thian's point of view shed light on the Seorans and the importance of Ashe, Raez and Thian working together.  It seems that their journey might be just beginning.