Hot Girls Read Podcast

Ayesha 

I’m currently reading two ARCs at the moment. Artificial Wisdom by Thomas S. Weaver – I’d characterize as “The Jetsons” meets “Black Mirror”. Hopefully that gives you enough context of this read. Funny story of how I got this proof. The couple next to me at the Capital Crime Festival in London actually had this copy and despite me telling them that they’d left it on the floor, they didn’t want it. I of course snagged it because why leave it behind? I’m short of 10 chapters in and it’s certainly got the creepy feel of “Black Mirror” with its neuroreality and talk of weather manipulation. In our current age of AI being used increasingly, I am very curious to see how this story unfolds.

The second ARC I’m reading is Seven Deadly Thorns by Amber Hamilton. I received this copy as part of Bloomsbury’s Creator Circle. This is a YA fantasy set in a dark academic environment. Witches and magic are outlawed and if you are discovered to be a meiga (witch), well it’s off with your head. For Viola Sinclair, she’s doing whatever she can to hide her shadow magic but is ultimately found out by her nemesis, the crown prince. Assigned by the queen to kill Viola within seven days or face his death instead, Prince Roze decides to go against his mother and work with Viola to uncover secrets and plots. Seven Deadly Thorns gives more haters to lovers (they’re not lovers yet) versus enemies but it’s certainly setting up for tension between Roze and Viola and I love tension. Stay tuned for my thoughts once I finish this!