Gary Rendell is the lucky (lucky, so lucky!) astronaut chosen as part of a team to investigate a mysterious artifact found in the outer reaches of the solar system. As Gary descends into the depths of the artifact, he also descends further and further into insanity as the Crypts slowly strip of him of any remaining humanity. … More Walking to Aldebaran by Adrian Tchaikovsky
The Undefeated is a novel that fails to live up to an interesting premise. I was excited to read about a “warrior of words” and “no holds barred” journalist – the blurb mentions front-line war zones, courageous exposés on corruption, scandal, et cetera. I came in expecting a thrilling space opera with excitement and action. … More The Undefeated by Una McCormack
The plot and all of its twists and turns is carried lightly atop Bear’s prose. She is not, however, pretentious in her word-weaving – far from it! I was taken by both her ability to create a glistening, crystalline scene that seemed to hold me hostage as well as her ability to drop me back down to earth with surprising grace and humor. I laughed aloud at several lines, and grinned at the wry comments sprinkled throughout the novel. … More The Stone in the Skull by Elizabeth Bear
This book ripped me apart and wrote me back together again. Alix E. Harrow’s debut novel is truly a work of art. I laughed, I cried, and I sat on the edge of my seat in suspense. January’s voice comes through each and every word – first like a gentle rain when her life is filled with upper class stability, and later like a typhoon when she must break away from the chains and preconceived notions holding her back. She wants so badly to be free, but can’t quite tear away without a push. … More The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
The heavens have burst and the gods have fallen. Some are minor pests, mere godlings, but some are high gods with unknown magics and powers. David Mogo, a half-god, contracts himself out to the people of Lagos to help with godling infestations. However, when the local ruling wizard offers him a contract to capture a pair of twin gods, David knows the job is bad news. … More David Mogo, Godhunter by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
This is such an interesting square! It’s often challenging to find novels that include protagonists who suffer from a disability. There are a wide variety of options here, ranging from something mild like anxiety or depression all the way up to a physical disability that severely impedes a normal life. It’s nice to see a focus on inclusion like this. … More Books Featuring Disability
The first son is the heir son, the second son the solider son, and the third son to the priesthood. This is as the Good God demands of his nobles, and thus Nevare has been destined to be a Cavalla officer from the moment of his birth. However, when his father places him in the care of a man from the Plains Tribes in order to learn skills the Cavalla Academy cannot teach, Nevare touches a magic stronger and more ancient than he can understand. With the magic of a foreign people coursing through him, will Nevare remain loyal to his country, or will be serve the interests of the forest? … More Shaman’s Crossing & Forest Mage by Robin Hobb
Slice of Life is a sub-genre that’s near and dear to my heart. It’s cozy, friendly, and generally carried on prose and atmosphere – which are my two favorite things! For this square, I’ll be reading Vita Nostra by Marina & Sergey Dyachenko. In the meantime, here are a few bite-sized reviews of books I’ve already completed. … More Slice of Life / Small Scale Fantasy
This will be my first year getting “serious” about bingo, and I’m quite excited! I’ve chosen a variety of books that I intend to read for the challenge. … More Book Bingo: Let’s Try Something New!
This is actually the worst book I’ve ever read. Literally, the worst book. I’ve read and enjoyed some trash in my time, but the only reason I kept going with The Path Keeper was to see just how far this train wreck could take me. This book is essentially what you’d get if you took Twilight, removed everything about it that was even remotely interesting, and THEN you added in a dose of super fun sexual assault and a variety of other utterly tasteless spices to the whole hot mess. Almost every decision Bella, whoops, I mean ELLA, made me want to (╯°□°）╯︵ 📘 The Path Keeper out the window. … More The Path Keeper by N J Simmonds
Black Forest Basilisks 