Cibola Burn is one of my favorite science fiction books of all time. It’s such a powerful book, particularly thanks to the third act that profoundly changes the future of the series as a whole. It manages to pull together powerful themes, an exciting plot that feels like a blockbuster movie and is packed full…
I am never one to shy away from retellings, and I can’t deny Alix E. Harrow presented an intriguing remix of Sleeping Beauty in A Spindle Splintered. I certainly loved what this story tried to be, but unfortunately, there were other forces at play. Zinnia Gray is obsessed with Sleeping Beauty because she’s been cursed…
Continue reading ➞ A Spindle Splintered – Fractured Fairy Tale
If I am being honest, the first thing that appealed to me about The Coward by Stephen Aryan is its stunning cover. That slick midnight blue with the gold trim makes this book stand out on the bookshelf. Luckily, The Coward is more than just a pretty face and has a personality to back up…
I am disappointed and frustrated. First, disappointed that I will likely have to give Abercrombie the title of the best book of the year a second year in a row because I hate repeating myself. Telling you that reading Abercrombie’s works is a good idea is like telling you that the sun shines - it’s…
Continue reading ➞ The Wisdom of Crowds – A Strong Closing Argument
When I read the summary of The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling it piqued my interest, but I was a little hesitant to pick up this genre again after my experience with Mexican Gothic. I am glad I did because this book packs more punch. But, I am starting to think that gothic…
Continue reading ➞ The Death Of Jane Lawrence – Reborn Again
I picked up Lincoln Michel’s The Body Scout as a sort of olive branch. Perhaps this novel about cyborgian baseball leagues and corporate greed would kickstart the process of changing my mind about America’s pastime. It didn’t. And for that reason, I think it’s safe to say your mileage with the book may vary. The…
Another year, another slamming sword and sorcery novella from Anthony Ryan. Welcome back to the newest installment of “novellas that are killing it that you have never heard of,” starring City of Songs. This is the third installment of The Seven Swords, a novella series published by the independent company Subterranean Press who are famous…
I love a good “getting the team back together trope”. There is something so fun about going down a list of unlikely allies and having the hero show up on their doorsteps and convince them to come back for one. Last. Job. It’s a simple and easy plot device, but it does a great job…
Continue reading ➞ The Maleficent Seven – Short Of Magnificent
It’s officially time to kick off the spooky season, and I do declare that Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo should be your first pick. The book is part southern gothic, part paranormal mystery, and part dark academia set against the backdrop of prestigious Vanderbilt University and rural Tennessee. It’s hot and humid and confusing as…
Cadwell Turnbull’s sophomore book, and opening novel in the Convergence Saga defies expectation and easy definition. Turnbull’s first book, The Lesson, was one of my favorite books of 2019, so this next one was saddled with high expectations. In a lot of ways, those expectations were met, but I also experienced a lot of confusion…
Continue reading ➞ No Gods, No Monsters – But Werewolves and Metaphors
