Hey!

This week there are so many reviews! You know that feeling when in your heart you’re sure of something and then you get validated? Yeah, that’s me this week re: writing about science fiction and fantasy online. Take that, pivot-to-video (that said, there are lots of great videos in here! But writing lives on!).

I also share my three favorite books from July, the regular news and happenings that came across my desk, some book recs from some generous folks, and a call for book recs with a new theme!

Hey!

There’s lots of reviews this week. Thanks to everyone who recommended me their favorite reviewers.

Also, in a wild turn of events, we almost have 100 subscribers via email? I’m very grateful to everyone who allows me into their inbox each week. If you know an SFF fan who is also into Niche SFF Happenings & Commentary, please share this newsletter with them. :D

Hey!

Last week I did a giveaway for a copy of The Witch Roads by Kate Elliott. Congrats to Ellie, who random.org selected! Thanks to everyone who entered and promoted the giveaway. I appreciate you all. :)

This week, Hugo voting wraps to some final commentary, there are more short fic reviews than you can shake a stick at, and I collected so many author reviews/chats. Enjoy!

Hey!

This week I have my favorite books of the year so far, the first book giveaway for U.S. readers, and a ton of reviews, including a lot for older titles. Yes. I love this trend! Let’s dig into those back lists, my friends! Can we recreate the midlist author career from the power of our reviews? Never say it’s impossible!

A-Side

Hey!

First, welcome to all the new subscribers! I'm so happy you're here. Intergalactic Mixtape is a newsletter geared toward the SFF community, and I'm always looking to grow its reach. Sharing issues with your SFF pals or posting about it when you find things you like helps a lot. :)

This week we have some video game retrospectives, a slew of Murderbot news, and book recs from some of y’all!

Hey!

There are the usual reviews and happenings that caught my eye, my SFF reading recap for the month, plus what books I’m looking forward to in July.

And finally! It’s time for a call for book recs! It’s time to shout about your faves. What 2025 books do you want more people to read? What's your favorite SFF book published in 2025 so far? Send in a rec via the book rec form.

Hey!

It was a light reading-internet-time for me this week, as I’m taking seriously the fact that time to read/vote for the Hugo Awards is quickly running out. I finished Alien Clay, though! (Please clap.)

Onward to the happenings!

Hey!

This week there are great essays, lots of reviews, tons of cool announcements, and a soft-launch of book recs!

A-side

Hey!

Since there's no non-awkward place to put this, I'll stick it up here. I'm a finalist for the Ignytes in the Ember Award category for unsung contributions to genre. I'm nominated alongside Charles Jane Anders, Nisi Shawl, Indrapramit Das, and Sonia Sulaiman! It feels very surreal, but wow, how wild to be sharing a category with such incredible artists. The Ignytes are always a delight! Please check out the rest of the finalists. RIP our TBRs.

Enough being perceived. Onward to the SFF happenings!

Hey!

This week, there’s a grab bag of link round-ups, lists, and the obligatory Murderbot content. The B-side got a little wild because things I was interested in Kept Happening. There’s also a special section on my SFF reading in May.

Meanwhile, who else is behind on their Hugo reading?

Hey!

This week felt chaotic in media discussion and I wonder if it’s because we’re getting closer to summer in the U.S. Summer reading has arrived in the northern hemisphere!

This week there’s a few essays, but lots of reviews and art (so much art). Enjoy!

Hey!

I hope everyone who wanted to got to watch the first two episodes of Murderbot. I liked it a lot and I’m in awe of their casting department. Ratthi? was perfect? Are these people from The Hunger Games casting department?

This week is full of more Murderbot content, fun headcanons, and my ongoing obsession with rebuilding the art feeds I lost when I left Twitter. Happy exploring!

Hey!

What a week! I’ve been blown away by the support from everyone who has subscribed to the newsletter and promoted it to their friends. I appreciate it very much. :D

Today’s issue comes to you pre-Murderbot debut. It’s heavy on the Murderbot content, but I did read/watch other things. That said, if you see any interesting Murderbot headcanon, reviews, analysis, or commentary about the show/book series between now and next Wednesday, reply and let me know!

Hey!

In my main group chat we regularly go, "what if we started an SFF newsletter?" This happens on a cycle, about every 8 - 9 months. In the past, we have generally talked each other out of it because:

This time, I did not consult anyone when the intrusive thought found me (oops).