The Dark Forest

The second entry in Liu Cixin's trilogy "Remembrance of Earth’s Past, The Dark Forest is a much richer and darker tale than the first in the series. I almost didn't continue with this series, as the first book was hard going, with too many characters and too much gong on. The series settles down a bit in this second novel, and tells the story of the Last Wallfacer Luo Ji and how after the failures of the previous Wallfacers, he gets involved in assisting humanity's struggle for survival. What is particularly dark in interesting in this novel is the titular Dark Forest, Liu Cixin's solution to the Fermi Paradox, which left me with a chill down my spine. This novel is well worth a read if the Fermi Paradox has ever bothered you.

Station 11

Emily St. John Mandel's Station 11 is an excellent take on the post apocalyptic novel; an intricately crafted set of interwoven stories that span the decades before and after an influenza type disease wipes out most of humanity. It was recommended to me by Anna, who is now my official Cultural Curator due to the consistent quality of her recommendations. I won't go into the plot, since it is a delight to watch it unfold as you read, but it is far and away the most gentle  and eloquent post apocalyptic novel I've read.

Kushiel's Chosen

Another fun adventure in the Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel's Legacy series; this one has Phèdre nó Delaunay travel to La Serenissima (the alternate world version of Venice) to track down her arch nemesis Melisande who is in hiding there. As always, far more of the world is visited, Phèdre wins the loyal friendship of various people she meets, and saves various days, but not before risking death several times.