Synopsis: An orphan’s life is harsh—and often short—in the mysterious island city of Camorr. But young Locke Lamora dodges relentless danger, becoming a thief under the tutelage of a gifted con artist. As leader of the band of light-fingered brothers known as the Gentlemen Bastards, Locke is soon infamous, fooling even the underworld’s most feared […]
About A.J. Calvin
Review: Crimson in Quietus by Eugen Bacon
Synopsis: In a world where sound is a tangible force, Muso’mi is a maadiregi―an expert in the art of consuming it. At the prestigious Mahadum, she researches the language of silence, seeking to master the gift her mother calls theft. But academic intrigue turns to deadly peril when her friend vanishes after unearthing a hidden […]
Meet the Badly Behaved: Six Authors Rewriting History
Meet the Badly Behaved: Six Authors Rewriting History Written by Jillian Laine If you could go back in time to any era to right one of history’s wrongs, where would you go? Honestly, I wouldn’t last very long in the court of Henry VIII before my 16th-century counterparts declared me a witch and burned me […]
Review: Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Synopsis: She’s been called a murderer, a monster, a villain. But the truth was never hers to tell―until now. Born a Spartan princess. Married to a tyrant. Forced to watch her child sacrificed to appease the gods. In a world where women are used, silenced, and discarded, Clytemnestra does not mourn―she waits. And when her […]
Review: Dweller in Darkness (The Deadlights Duology #2) by Sam Flynn
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 […]
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 […]