Zach Laengert's Pick of the Month Archive

Every month I like to showcase a book that brought me joy, and might do the same for you!

May 2025

The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie

Ancient gods feeling out their place in the world. Schemes to steal a throne amidst national

danger. A moral about being true to yourself. This novel will open your eyes to new wonders while also touching your heart and soul.

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April 2025

Semiosis by Sue Burke

What does it mean to be alive? Could you apply your definition to plants? Prepare to have your preconceptions challenged by a heartfelt, fascinating look at first contact, reminiscent of Children of Time, Arrival and more.

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March 2025

The Bees by Laline Paull

A bee hive presented as a medieval castle rife with politics and court drama. Our perspective is that of a newborn queen, struggling to find her place against threats within and without. A brilliant novel that will raise your appreciation for our buzzing  friends – and hate wasps even more.

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February 2025

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

What would happen if a goblin unexpectedly became leader of the greatest nation in the world? Well in this case at least, the goblin is the kindest soul in the world and he’s here to teach these snobby elves some decency.

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January 2025

Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher

The New Year can be a great time to reflect on our past and grow as people. T. Kingfisher’s novella is a dark fairy tale with two lovable protagonists from different worlds doing exactly the same, and will start your year off on a wondrous new track.

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December 2024

Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell

Enter the expansive political starscape of Everina Maxwell’s imagination, through the eyes of two unexpectedly betrothed young men who must put aside their caution and learn to trust if they are to survive.

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November 2024

Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee

Yoon Ha Lee’s sci-fi epic is transcendent in its imagination of both the beautiful and the horrifying; sometimes together at once. Queer, political and similar to Seth Dickinson’s Baru Cormorant novels, this book is perfect for anyone who wants to try something fresh and exciting.

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October 2024

Wild Fell: A Ghost Story by Michael Rowe

Canadian author and journalist Michael Rowe's novel is a remarkably queer entry into the horror genre, perfect for anyone looking for a few inclusive spooks this October!

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September 2024

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

If we’re going back to school this month, why not make it an occult-shadowed Yale seen through the eyes of high school dropout Alex Stern. Leigh Bardugo combines her proven abilities with her love for the setting and some chilling urban fantasy to produce a modern classic and staple of the dark academia genre.

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August 2024

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie

Colonization, postgenderism, artificial intelligence, religion, intrigue, ethics and more tea than you could drink in your lifetime. Ann Leckie’s breakout 2013 space opera opened up a universe of storytelling which has been explored by many of my favourite authors over the past decade.

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July 2024

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin is among the most important authors in the history of the speculative fiction genre. As a woman writing in a typically male field, Le Guin set the stage for many of my favourite storytellers today. First Published in 1968, A Wizard of Earthsea is both the original 'wizard school' book and stars Indigenous-inspired characters. It's short and sweet, so consider giving it a shot!

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June 2024

Amberlough by Lara Elena Donnelly

For Pride Month, a heart-gripping tale about loveable characters fighting to maintain their way of life in the face of misplaced fear and discrimination. As culturally relevant as it gets, and thrilling all the way.

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May 2024

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

For South Asian Heritage Month, a modern Fantasy classic about blood, djinn and choosing one's path forward. You'll need the stomach for some cutthroat politics, but will be rewarded with a novel which never refrains from taking the most stunning and intriguing course possible.

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April 2024

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

Environmentalism, prophecy, AIDS, magic, war and a family growing apart over the course of decades. This novel pulled me in and didn't let me go until I closed the final page in tears. Give it a look!

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March 2024

Saga: Volume One by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Romeo and Juliet, except their families are warring galactic empires and they must fight for their lives every day. A beautiful graphic novel with a brutal and heartfelt story to tell about humanity and choosing to survive in a world bent on the destruction of all you hold dear.

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February 2024

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

Cities are people, people are cities. Racism is as insidious as any Lovecraftian monster. Jemisin explores these ideas and more through her love of New York City.

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January 2024

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

A new age has come for the world, and figures out of Indigenous lore have returned with claims of authority. An action-packed and heartfelt tale putting a refreshing spin on the urban fantasy and dystopian literature genres.

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December 2023

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

This book stands tall at the intersection between dark comedy, magic school, and cosmic horror. Content warnings aplenty, but this is a masterpiece of a debut novel.

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November 2023

Inside Man by KJ Parker

This short, hilarious novel dives into the morality of complicity in a world much like our own - just with exorcists and demonic possession.

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October 2023

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

Brutal, emotional, and based on real East Asian history. This book explores ambition and the quest for vengeance thoroughly, with disturbing and fascinating results.

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September 2023

The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons

This mind-bending science fiction series examines the worthiness of humanity: as individuals, populations, and as artists. It grapples with religious delusions, artificial intelligence, and even colonialism while telling a lot of heart-wrenching stories.