August is shaping up to be a writing heavy month, which is so interesting to me. I go through bursts of creativity where I just unglue and love chasing feedback and getting a manuscript done. I'm so close with Icarus Book 1, I can feel it.

However!

That doesn't mean we aren't also locked into our reading. Here's what I've got left to consume for the rest of August according to my TBR. Subject to change as the mood strikes, of course, because we don't box ourselves in around here.

The Engines of Reason by Adrian Tchaikovsky

This is an ARC read for the second novella in his Elder Race series. I loved the first one. It was so inventive and beautifully done, very sci-fantasy in a way that was emotional and thoughtful. I like Tchaikovsky's writing so, so much.

Halfheart by Linden A. Lewis

Another ARC, this is a fantasy standalone about a woman seeking revenge against the God of War. Lewis asked if I'd like an ARC and who says NO when an author asks you directly? I'm so excited for this premise.

The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport by Samit Basu

A dying world, a robot monkey brother, and an artefact that can turn the tides. This looks like such a ride. I'm a big mech book sucker and apparently this is one I will delight in as a unique, weird sci-fi lover.

Ebony Gate by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle

Emiko has no magic, but she's great at killing people. Until she retires. Or... at least tries to, until a shinigami calls in a debt she's obliged to repay. I love this concept for an urban modern fantasy in San Francisco. I've had it on my shelf forever and I'm finally going to stop putting it off.

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

The amount of grief I have endured for not yet reading this gem should qualify me for sainthood at this point. I love a cozy sci fi and as someone with a complex and difficult definition of family, found family is my favorite thing in books. I love knowing that possibility exists for family to come together outside of blood bondage.

The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri

Already The Burning Kingdoms doesn't get enough love and apparently Book 2 is even better than the first. This world is dangerous, lush, unforgiving, and entirely unique in fantasy. I never see south Indian settings, but Suri leaned in and painted this incredible picture with a unique magic system and an overbearing misogynist emperor who actually makes me afraid.

Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff

Book 2 in Empire of the Vampire sees the aftermath of sad French goth Gabriel failing to undo the apocalypse. I love this morose, grouchy man and his hallucinations. I'm very concerned for the fate of all the horses Kristoff will inevitably hurl off a cliff, but what can you to expect hope.

John Dies at the End by Jason Pargin

This is an unexpected add because, well, my Libby hold came up. I've had it on my radar for years and it looks like Fate has decided its time. One thing I enjoy about Libby holds being frightfully random is how they force me to pick up books I would have put off.

In the end, the August TBR is still alive, well, flush, and suffering from my crippling focus on writing. However, it doesn't stop me from devouring book after book after book after...