ladybusiness | (Reply)

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I've heard a lot about this book! I feel like it captures some kind of zeitgeist that's been floating around among SF/F fans for years, and we're all going to be wild about it.

I just read "The Shadow Cipher" by Laura Ruby, which is middle grade steampunk, set in an alternative version of New York. Three kids have to solve a cipher to preserve their home. It's wonderful escapism, and feels very optimistic, as well as dealing with pain and trauma in a real way. I was really surprised by how complex and good it was.

I also recommend "Other Words for Smoke" by Sarah Maria Griffith, which is a haunted-house YA novel, about a mysterious owl that can draw the reader into other worlds, but demands a terrible price. Smart, atmospheric, and full of awesome queer ladies.