In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight works of science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal romance, as well as a parenting book and a writing guide.

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Piers Platt

Synopsis: Platt puts a relatable face on the future of human warfare in this sci-fi tale of self-discovery, conflict, and loss.

PW’s Takeaway: Platt brings otherworldly conflict down to Earth in thrilling action sequences, adroitly portrays the bleakness of depression, and crafts a well-rounded cast that’s diverse in sexuality, ethnicity, and gender.

Comparable Title: Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game

Sample Line: “In my first battle, I made fourteen thousand dollars in five minutes.”

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★ The Wolf of Oren-yaro

K.S. Villoso

Synopsis: Villoso begins her Annals of the Bitch Queen fantasy series with this remarkable tale of nonstop tension, action, and betrayal.

PW’s Takeaway: The pace is breakneck but never exhausting. This excellent work will appeal to all readers of epic fantasy.

Comparable Titles: Sarah Beth Durst’s Queen of Renthia Series

Sample Line: “They call me ‘bitch,’ the she-wolf, because I murdered a man and made my husband leave the night before they crowned me.”

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★ Stones of Dracontias

N.D. Jones

Synopsis: A paranormal romance full of intrigue, with an unusual spin on dragon shapeshifters.

PW’s Takeaway: This is a fascinating, enticing beginning to a very promising series.

Comparable Titles: Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changeling Series

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The Kind of Parent You Are

Brian Vondruska

Synopsis: A father of two presents a wise and thoughtful guide to child rearing.

PW’s Takeaway: This perceptive guide will be useful to readers.

Comparable Title: Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish’s How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

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Writing to Be Understood

Anne Janzer

Synopsis: Janzer uses insights from psychology and science to aid writers gear their work to readers.

PW’s Takeaway: Janzer’s belief that we need effective communicators provides this entry with a compelling reason for being.

Comparable Title: William Zinsser’s On Writing Well

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