Synopsis: “God-killing seemed a lofty ambition. Then again, is that not what we’re here to do in our hunt for the Dweller in Darkness?” All of Cassius Marius’ life has been spent in service to the Pale King. Ever since his birth sixteen years ago on the night the Hero of Hathur died, his mother […]
About A.J. Calvin
Review: Spores (The Creature Files #1) by Michael McBride
Synopsis: Secrets aren’t the only things that won’t stay buried. When an earthquake strikes downtown Denver, far from the nearest active fault system, the USGS dispatches Dr. Dayna Raines and an emergency response team to investigate. They discover that the epicenter corresponds to a decommissioned deep injection well once used by the U.S. Army to […]
Review: The Monsters We Feed by Thomas Howard Riley
Synopsis: The morning before he found the dead body, Jathan Algevin thought he had his whole life just the way he wanted it. He knows his city inside and out, and doesn’t bother carrying a sword, trusting his wits and his fists well enough to get by, hustling extra coin by ratting out loathsome magi […]
Review: Reflections of Lilje Damselfly (Folk with a Disregard for Convention #1) by Natalie Kelda
Synopsis: When a mysterious ailment refuses to leave water nymph Lilje, her father sends her to a human spa retreat. Lilje quickly discovers she has a lot to learn about human nature and culture when she accidentally scandalises the Edwardian spa guests by showing up undressed. In hope of relieving her chronic pain and fatigue, […]
Review: The Bartender Between Worlds (Greatest in the Multiverse #1) by Herman Steuernagel
Synopsis: Emma is a witch hunter. At least, she was until she discovered she has magic. Now she needs to disappear. With dreams of becoming a bartender, she leaves behind everything she’s ever known in search of a quiet bar in a forgotten corner of the kingdom. All she wants now is a simpler life. […]
Review: Death Show Colossus by Bill Adams
Synopsis: 20 Climbers. 20 Watchers. 5 Hunters. 1 Colossus. After both their parents die during the live broadcast of the Tournament of the Colossus, Quinne promises to always keep Benn safe. Even from the deadly Hunters who scour the slums for those who can wield magic. But when Benn’s rare ability manifests during a public […]
Review: Our Ways Unmasked (The Apidecca Duology #2) by C.B. Lansdell
Synopsis: Return to Knyadrea, a world of sea-born people shaped by tumultuous forces. Picking up nearly a year after the events of Far Removed, we follow our protagonists, the resourceful Oklas and guarded Prismer, as they face a unique set of challenges in their socially stratified society. Knyadrea’s sovereigns grow ever more paranoid. Armed enforcers patrol […]
Cover Reveal: The Turbulent Appearance of Brise Collier by Natalie Kelda
I’m excited to help with this cover reveal for Natalie Kelda’s upcoming book, The Turbulent Appearance of Brise Collier. It’s a gothic historical fantasy standalone novel with sapphic/queer romantic main plot, releasing October 27, 2026. * * * * * * * Cover illustration by Natalie Kelda, with assistance/advice from C.B. Lansdell, Miriam Yvette, and […]
Review: StarHawks: Aegis (StarHawks #1) by Vennessa Robertson
Synopsis: Citizen. Civilian. Veto. In the distant future, when mankind leaves FirstEarth to forge a new home among the stars, these three words are used to classify every person in the galaxy. Alanwe Treskae, commander of the StarHawks, has always served the High Council with honor. Until she is asked to falsify a report concerning […]
Review: The Pawns of Havoc (Envoys of Chaos #0.5) by Dave Lawson
Synopsis: No Mercy, No Questions Asked. Cork has quickly made a name for himself among the Kosellan mercenaries, but now his boss has come to him with an unusual job. Cork’s erstwhile countrymen, the Winn, have hired to him to travel into the barren Frozen Lands and destroy a convoy, leaving only one survivor. Cork […]
Review: The Rill Lord (The Triempery Revelations #6) by L.L. Stephens
Synopsis: The final battle is here. The Wall has been destroyed–and magically restored–by Dorilian Sordaneon. Instead of a hero’s return to Prince Handurin’s army, the Kheld and Esseran troops are mutinous, fearing Dorilian’s newly revealed powers. The rift allows the sorcerer Nammuor to spring a deadly trap. When Handurin and Dorilian finally engage with Nammuor’s […]
Review: Children of Memory (Children of Time #3) by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Synopsis: Earth failed. In a desperate bid to escape, the spaceship Enkidu and its captain, Heorest Holt, carried its precious human cargo to a potential new paradise. Generations later, this fragile colony has managed to survive, eking out a hardy existence. Yet life is tough, and much technological knowledge has been lost. Then strangers appear. They possess […]