So, I’ve been reading a bit more this year.

I honestly don’t know what’s happened. Granted, half of those books are graphic novels, which are much quicker to get through. But that still puts me only two books short of my reading goal for the entire year. This isn’t exactly precedented for me, either.

I’m going to blame the health issues.

Anyway, given the number of books I’ve read in the first half of this year, I thought it might help me to sort through my recollections of them to highlight my top reads so far. I’ll start with the graphic novels, which I’ve been delving fervently into this year. Particularly, I’ve discovered books through my library’s ebook app, which has a fantastic selection of indie and smaller press titles (non DC and Marvel, anyway, although I’ve enjoyed some of those this year as well). Essentially exactly what I’ve been searching for with graphic novels, and I’ve been very pleased with them so far.

Black Cloak by Kelly Thompson and Meredith McClaren

Between The Cull, which I read at the end of 2024, and this, Kelly Thompson is rapidly becoming one of my favourite graphic novel authors. Wonderfully realized fantasy world, interesting and very down-to-earth characters, a tense story with great twists and turns, and overall an excellently portrayed graphic story. And, of course, the art is lovely. This collection is a complete standalone story, but I’m pleased to see that there is another volume coming.

Skyward by Joe Henderson, Lee Garbett et al

A bizarre concept again brought beautifully to life by a deft writer and skilled art team. It’s a story of Earth in which gravity suddenly and inexplicably dropped to a fraction of a G when the main character was a baby, and people have simply had to adapt. A more traditional comic art style with very fun and refreshingly diverse characters, conspiracy, terror, and beauty. This story is now complete in three instalments, but the writer mentioned at the end that there are future stories percolating.

Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas

This one didn’t sink its hooks in quite as firmly as the others, but it was definitely compelling enough to read all three current volumes, and get me excited that the final one is already half released. It’s a rather typical story, and the title character is the least interesting of the cast, but it is cute and rather on the nose, and keeps the tension high throughout. The art, however, is stunning. It’s a more cartoony style, very expressive of course, but the inking, lighting, and texturing are amazing. I cannot get enough of it. I’m still debating whether I should seek out the individual issues of the final volume or wait to buy it when it’s collected.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

Of the non-graphic books I’ve read this year, this is my favourite. Jordan Ifueko has been on my radar since I read Cool. Awkward. Black. last year, and I ended up placing a hold on this book after reading her run of Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. While the different countries in the empire of Aritsar are a little too obvious homages to specific peoples on Earth, I loved the Afro-centric nature of this world, and especially that there are multiple Black societies of equal complexity and power. It was a refreshingly different and yet perfectly normal fantasy world, well developed in an excellent story with a flawed but very relatable and honest star who is caught in a very difficult place. The second part of the duology was also good, but this was an extremely strong debut and an immediate five-star read for me. And I’m so happy to see more Black creators and diverse stories. (And how gorgeous is that cover art?)

Survival by Julie E. Czerneda

It was more a coincidence of circumstance that got me to start this book, which I’d picked up as an ebook only a year or two ago, but I immediately devoured the entire Species Imperative trilogy. Even though this first book released over twenty years ago, the first thing that grabbed me was the delightfully normal science fiction-ness of it: all the little bits of everyday advanced technology that make a complete picture of this future version of Earth. The three books all follow the same general plotline, but they each make a fascinating and fun tale that all contribute to a compelling complete narrative, although I wouldn’t recommend waiting long between reading each book, as they do build off each other quite closely. Some great alien concepts, surprises, and charming character interactions.

Trafficking in Magic, Magicking in Traffic edited by David Sklar and Sarah Avery

This is one of several anthologies I picked up at NASFiC last year, from the publisher’s table in the dealers’ room. I love a good blending of reality/the mundane with fantasy, so despite the somewhat busy cover design, this book seemed right up my alley. And indeed, it delivers exactly what it advertises: half the book is centred on stories about illegal transport of magic and/or magic goods, and the second half on stories about magic involved with travel/transit, each half broken down into sections grouping stories together along similar sub-themes. As an anthology, this is fantastic. The story selection and arrangement are top-notch, giving a wonderful variety of tales within the somewhat rigid theme presented, and each story is solid and entertaining. It’s definitely enough to make me curious about other Fantastic Books anthologies.

Whew. While I haven’t read many books this year that I’d give a full five stars to, I have read a lot that I’ve enjoyed thoroughly and would be glad for more. Had I not spent so much time writing this post already, I might also add some honourable mentions that I feel a little guilty for not including. But then, for those who might be interested, you can always look at my reading log on Goodreads.