After A Country of Ghosts introduced me to the Black Star series by AK Press, I decided to dive into Grievers by adrienne maree brown. It is a decidedly different story that focuses heavily on the nature of grief and loss in a community devastated by a plague. I know a lot of stories I…
They’re backkkk. James S.A. Corey, that delectable writing duo, have come back together for a new space opera after finishing their quintessential Expanse series. Their new series is called The Captive’s War, and it starts with The Mercy of Gods. The Corey duo have established themselves as first in class when it comes to complex…
Continue reading ➞ The Mercy Of Gods – World’s Worst Escape Room
I’ve unfortunately sat on this book for longer than I should have. The Fractured Dark—the second book in Megan O’Keefe’s The Devoured Worlds trilogy—is an excellent follow up that sets the stakes for the final installment, raising new questions and creating new fears. Spoilers for The Blighted Stars follow. Naira and Tarquin are struggling to…
Continue reading ➞ The Fractured Dark – A Confusing But Worthy Sequel
This Fatal Kiss by Alicia Jasinska conjured up warm, hazy feelings of when I was an unburdened teenager with an entire summer of opportunities unfolding before me. I may not be a magical being or dutiful exorcist like this story’s characters, but I did go on adventures, discover new things about myself, and create friendships just…
As a fantasy and science fiction book reviewer who takes himself entirely too seriously, I am constantly looking for the latest cerebral and poetic hit to recommend and impress people I know. But, there is a time and a place for almost everything in fiction, and sometimes you just want pulpy fun that has a…
TJ Klune followed up The House In The Cerulean Sea with a hotly anticipated sequel, Somewhere Beyond The Sea. The book marks a return to Klune’s heartfelt and thoughtful world packed with magical kiddos who will make your heart grow three sizes. We said the original had “enough love and heart to fill an ocean,”…
Continue reading ➞ Somewhere Beyond The Sea – Klune Strikes Again
I’ve always enjoyed looking for lesser-known books, but lately I’ve been hungering for them. I still enjoy the heavy epic stories that come out every month, but I need breaks. Enter A Country of Ghosts by Margaret Killjoy, a fantasy story about a collection of anarchist communities fighting for their survival against a larger empire.…
Continue reading ➞ A Country of Ghosts – Haunting, In A Good Way
A new Quill to Live tradition we started last year is to allow each reviewer to recommend one book that has to jump to the front of your to-read pile. Brandee’s choice for 2023 was The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner, and I liked it so much that I ended up reading the entire six-book…
The dark and alluring cover for a Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright easily captured my attention, and it won me with its compelling premise. Blood workers have sanctuary in the Kingdom of Aeravin. Ruled by an immortal Bloodworking king, those with the ability can use their powers and flourish under his rule. But only…
Continue reading ➞ Mistress Of Lies – Deceptively Disappointing
Anyone who wants to put out any short-form content should be taking notes from Nghi Vo—her ability to put out consistently well-written and captivating stories at around the two-hundred-page mark. You might naively think that shorter books are easier to write than longer books, and I would think you are wrong. It takes extreme focus…
Continue reading ➞ The City In Glass – Break For A Good Time
