Read: Cazadora (Romina Garber): Sequel to Lobizona, in which our heroine and her friends have many adventures in the magical realm but do not overcome the weight of culture, leaving them in an even worse position but ready for a third book. Also, smooches.

Read: Iron Widow (Xiran Jay Zhao): Inspired by the history of China’s only female emperor, apparently, but recast in the form of a mecha war story against alien hordes and also against her own society, government, and oligarchs. The main character kills a lot of people, who mostly deserves it, manipulates people who probably deserve to be killed instead, and finds out very upsetting things. A fine book, but not for the squeamish.

Words: Check.