July is finally here, which means it’s time to kick off my summer reading! I know it’s felt like summer for a few weeks already, but to me, summer will always be July and August; it’s one of those things from being a student that I just can’t shake. And making summer reading lists has always been something I’ve loved doing.

While I have a stack of ARCs from NetGalley, I have an even bigger stack of books on my shelves at home, so this list is going to focus specifically on books that I own physical copies of. One of my goals this year was to read at least 20 books on my TBR, so hopefully I can knock a few off this summer.

So, without further ado, here’s my 2018 Summer Reading List!

Company Town, by Madeline Ashby

Company Town was shortlisted for Canada Reads 2017, which makes me super excited to read it. Canadian science-fiction? Yes, please! Every year I take a look at the Canada Reads list to see if anything catches my eye, and the first few lines of Company Town’s description totally captivated me:

Look at one of Go Jung-hwa’s clients sideways, expect to end up on the floor with a broken arm and a busted nose — if she’s feeling merciful. As one of the few people without bioengineered genetic enhancements, Hwa is part of a dying breed in the city-sized oil rig New Arcadia. But she’s in peak physical condition and, combined with her speed and cunning, can easily go toe-to-toe with some of the most augmented men in town. After all, she’s the best bodyguard employed by the United Sex Workers of Canada.

What about that doesn’t sound awesome? I can’t wait to dive into this futuristic story, because it sounds like it’s going to be one badass ride.

Vicious, by V. E. Schwab

Anyone who has ever talked to be about books knows that I am a fan of V. E. Schwab. Her Shades of Magic series stole my heart, and her Monsters of Verity duology broke it into hundreds of pieces. But, like, in a great way. If you’re looking for a fun, happy story, don’t pick up one of Schwab’s books. But, if you’re like me and want dark fantasy, magic, monsters, and badass characters that won’t stop fighting for what they believe in, you need to read her books. From what I know, Vicious (the first in another duology), will make you weep for monsters, and keep you up past your bedtime, turning pages. I can’t wait.

The History of Bees, by Maja Lunde

The History of Bees is a multi-generational novel that sees characters in 1852, 2007, and 2098. What do they all have in common? Their relationship with bees. From traditional farming to the disappearance of bees, to a futuristic world where our vital pollinators have disappeared. This story weaves together three separate narratives to tell an important story about our relationship with nature. It’s been compared to both Station Eleven and Never Let Me Go, and sounds like a powerful yet enjoyable story.

The Power, by Naomi Alderman

I first heard about Naomi Alderman’s The Power when it was picked for Emma Watson’s Our Shared Shelf book club on Goodreads. Since then, I’ve seen it all over #bookstagram, and have had a few friends tell me to read it, too. It’s technically science fiction, but also has a lot of feminist themes. It also won the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2017, and was given a shout-out by Obama, so you know it has to be good.

But what’s it about? From what I know, something strange happens, and women and girls inherit physical powers that allow them to transmit electricity. The book is also told through the format of a fictional manuscript, written a few thousand years after the event. I’ll admit it sounds a little confusing, but I’ve heard nothing but praise for this book, so I’m looking forward to it.

Artemis, by Andy Weir

You might recognize Any Weir as the same author as The Martin. I devoured that book a few years ago, and have been looking for another epic space adventure ever since. Artemis came out in late 2017, and has been sitting on my bookshelf since this past Christmas. All I know is that it takes place on the moon, on the world’s first lunar colony. I don’t think I need to really know anything else, because that alone sounds awesome. Hopefully it holds up to its wicked description, and is just as (or maybe more) amazing than Weir’s first novel.