The Exorcist – Possessed, Not Obsessed

Until I started reading The Exorcist, my knowledge of possession was strictly limited to the “Ghost Realtor” segment from Comedy Central’s Nathan For You. Now, I have a much better handle on the concept thanks to William Peter Blatty’s seminal book, which the front cover dubs “the most terrifying novel ever written.”A bold claim, and…

Defending Elysium: A Good Offense

Brandon Sanderson’s Defending Elysium treats readers to a short, fast-paced story set in the Cytoverse (Skyward). The story moves at the velocity of a spaceship; you’ll be able to finish it at lightspeed. Fans of the Cytoverse should consider this required reading for further context, while those who haven’t read Skyward can still appreciate the…

In Loving Memory Of The Books I’ll Never Read Again

This post was originally published on Tor.com. Which books will you never read again? Not because they’re bad or boring, but because you love them. You love what they mean to you, or what they meant to you when you turned that final page. Relegating a book to the realm of wistful memories and fond nostalgia can…

Five Fantasy Swordsmen I’d Never, Ever Want to Challenge

This post was originally published on Tor.com.  Reader, I am not what most would describe as “fit.” Dexterous, sure; I can play ping pong, darts, or Spikeball with the best of ‘em. I walk 10+ miles per week. I’m not particularly strong, but I’ll help you move for the right price (pizza). The biggest thing…

The Legacy Of Yangchen – Airing My Grievances

Welcome back to the Four Nations! FC Yee’s Avatar: The Last Airbender novel series continues with The Legacy of Yangchen. The book follows Yangchen and her waterbending frenemy Kavik after the explosive fallout at the end of The Dawn of Yangchen. Spoilers for the first book follow, so tread lightly.  Avatar Yangchen has sequestered Unanimity—a…

Yumi And The Nightmare Painter – Broad Strokes

Brandon Sanderson’s third secret project is a secret no more! Yumi And The Nightmare Painter catapults us back into the Cosmere after the non-Cosmere Frugal Wizard stumble. Yumi is an excellent return to form, complete with an interesting magic system, intriguing characters, and a brilliant setting. However, Yumi still has its issues.  Yumi is a…

Welcome to the Cosmere

Welcome To The Cosmere: A Brandon Sanderson Reading Order Guide

Come one, come all to the Cosmere! That’s right folks, after years of Brandon Sanderson reviews and discussions, we’re finally laying down the law. Today, one and a half Brandon Sanderson experts (Andrew and Cole, respectively) shoulder the Herculean task of telling YOU the ideal Brandon Sanderson reading order.  A few clean-up notes before we…

Alex White’s Salvagers Series Could Be an Epic, High-Flying Sci-Fi Film Trilogy

This post was originally published on Tor.com.  Hello, fellow readers! I write to you today still feeling caught up in that “I’ve just finished a series” lull. You know the one—it’s an emotional state where you feel at once happy about how much you loved spending time in a fictional world and very  sad that…

Cosmere Cashmere: Finding the Best Fit for Sanderson’s Cosmere Planets

This post originally appeared on Tor.com.  Sometimes, endlessly singing the praises of your favorite fictional universes can pay off. Such was the case with Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere, when a friend who doesn’t read a whole lot finally picked up one of the books. It took some coaxing—in the form of a suggested reading order, a Please Adapt…