City of Last Chances – Pallin’ Around With the Underground

Ilmar is a city under occupation. The Pallaseen (known colloquially as the Pals) have patrolled the streets for three years after deposing the admittedly not well liked Duke. They are there to smooth out the rough edges Ilmar has accrued over its lifetime. Culture is being flattened under the direction of the Schools of Correctness.…

Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon Cover Photo

Shigidi And The Brass Head Of Obalufon – Labor Of Love

After writing countless short stories and showcasing his skill in anthologies such as Africa Risen, Wole Talabi treats us to his newest novel and fantasy debut, Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon. The story centers on a heist, but it is so much more than a high-stakes story and goes deeper to explore the…

The Nichan Smile Cover Photo

The Nichan Smile – Grin And Bear It

It’s time for you to switch it up, slow down, and read something unique. C.J. Merwild’s The Nichan Smile tells a haunting yet hopeful story of two young boys and the friendship they develop over many years and against the odds. It is beautiful and terrible and will definitely stand out among your TBR, though…

‎The Serpent and the Wings of Night Cover Photo

The Serpent And The Wings Of Night – No Teeth

I wanted to like The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, I really did. It’s set in a vampiric world, and I was ready to navigate the danger with my humanity on my sleeve. Unfortunately, I entered a world that had big, bloody intentions but fell short by skimming the surface of…

Africa Risen – A Towering Display

Africa Risen is a sizable collection of stories from Africa and the African Diaspora edited by  Sheree Renée Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, and Zelda Knight. The featured stories are a mixture of science fiction, fantasy and even some horror. Though a few fell flat for me, the majority of the pieces grabbed my attention and…