March 2025

The Shadowed Sun by N. K. Jemisin

The novel “The Shadowed Sun” by N. K. Jemisin was published for the first time in 2012. It’s the second book in the Dreamblood series and follows “The Killing Moon”.

Gujaareh seems to be struck by some sort of plague but it’s not a common disease because it seems to afflict people in the world of dreams causing their death during sleep after an agony that can last a long time. The priests try to keep the gravity of the situation secret so as not to create panic and because it’s a crucial moment for the future of the city.

Hanani and her mentor Mni-inh are charged with accompanying Wanahomen, the son of the old prince of Gujaareh, as part of a new alliance that involves the Banbarra tribes as well. Their task is to assist the allies as healers but the agendas that the various parties have in mind are not always aligned.

The Book of Being by Ian Watson

The novel “The Book of Being” by Ian Watson was published for the first time in 1985. It’s the third book in the Black Current trilogy and is the sequel to “The Book of the Stars”.

Yaleen was reborn on her home planet and has become a priestess who can testify to the wonders she has experienced over the course of several lives. That situation also allows her to live with her family again, but things are far from simple.

For Yaleen, returning home doesn’t represent the end of her journey or her tribulations. The Godmind continues to pursue its plans towards humanity on all planets and Yaleen knows she will have to fight it again. An ally like the Worm is precious but it’s difficult to understand its true motivations.

Hospital Station by James White

The novel “Hospital Station” by James White was published for the first time in 1962. It’s a fix-up of five short stories published in the previous years. It’s the first book in the Sector General series.

When two workers are killed in a work accident during the construction of a section of the Hospital Station, O’Mara is suspected of negligence. An investigation must shed light on the events and in the meantime, the man is assigned the task of looking after the victims’ very young child.

For O’Mara, babysitting is a complex task because he knows nothing about what a child who belongs to that alien species needs. This is another problem considering that he will only be acquitted thanks to the testimony of another worker with whom he has a far-less-than-friendly relationship.