TL;DR Review: Big on the adventure and action, even bigger on the feelings. A visceral and emotional exploration of identity and vulnerability. Synopsis: This is How You Lose the Time War meets Ex Machina: Seth Haddon’s science fiction debut, Volatile Memory, is a sapphic sci-fi action adventure novella. With nothing but a limping ship and an outdated mask to […]
About Andy Peloquin
Book Review: 24-Hour Warlock (Chronos Chronicles #3) by Shami Stovall
TL;DR Review: Bigger, badder, and better! The stakes keep rising, and our hero rises with them. Synopsis: The most powerful warlock in the world, Adair Finch, has drawn the ire of a sociopathic wizard. While building up his PI agency, Finch’s sister-in-law, Jessica, comes to him with a major problem. She cheated the wizard, Maldonado, […]
Book Review: The Gryphon King (The Chaos Constellation #1) by Sara Omer
TL;DR Review: Action, intrigue, rebellion, and dark legends abound in this epic, addictive historical-feeling fantasy story. Synopsis: The first in a stunning Southwest Asian-inspired epic fantasy trilogy brimming with morally ambiguous characters, terrifying ghouls and deadly monsters. Combining cut-throat dynastic politics with expansive worldbuilding and slow-burning romance, this book is perfect for fans of Godkiller […]
Book Review: A Graveyard for Heroes (Dreams of Dust and Steel #2) by Michael Michel
TL;DR Review: Ambitious, imaginative, and incredibly compelling. The most epic grimdark world I’ve read since Abercrombie. Synopsis: Treachery looms across the land. The Scarborn have deposed the once-great Ironlight family. With scores to settle, the lowborn shake rust from their knives and trade allegiances for a promise of blood while the highborn rally their armies. […]
Book Review: Words of Power by Shami Stovall
TL;DR Review: A new approach to leveling up and gaining power. A progression fantasy hero unlike any other, and a fresh addition to the genre. Synopsis: Power is not given. It’s taken. In the Tze Empire, spirits and demons rule the wilds, but Ring Warlocks control civilization. For Rimon, the son of a courtesan and […]
Book Review: Death on the Caldera by Emily Paxman
TL;DR Review: Murder on the Orient Express meets Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and A Discovery of Witches. Synopsis: It’s Murder on the Orient Express – with witches!A thrilling blend of fantasy and classic murder mystery, this rollicking adventure with a wide cast of suspects is ideal for those who love both Agatha Christie and […]
Author Interview: Andrew Johnston
Andrew Johnston is a fantasy author from southwestern Pennsylvania. He began writing at the age of twenty-five after reading the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Each novella or novel he writes has autistic representation. He studies history and hangs out with his nephew when not writing. His novella, The Discarded Knight, is his […]
Book Review: The Palace of Illusions by Rowenna Miller
TL;DR Review: Slow in pace but rich in wonder. A quirky character you’ll enjoy following as she discovers the world of magic is real—and there is a threat only she can stop. Synopsis: The Palace of Illusions brings readers to a Paris breathless with excitement at the dawn of the twentieth century, where for a select […]
Book Review: Everybody Wants to Rule the World Except Me (Dark Lord Davi #2) by Django Wexler
TL;DR Review: Beautifully balanced between epic and cozy, it’s an adventure as action-packed as it is heartwarming. Synopsis: Dark Lord Davi rules the kingdom, but she must now break the time loop that binds her in this hilariously bloody conclusion to the Dark Lord Davi duology. After countless failures (let’s not dwell on it), Davi […]
Book Review: Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove
TL;DR: Van Helsing, but as played by a Murderbot-style ship’s AI, with the delightfully cozy and heartwarming flavor of Becky Chambers The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. Synopsis: Spaceships aren’t programmed to seek revenge—but for Dracula, Demeter will make an exception. Demeter just wants to do her shuttling humans between Earth and Alpha […]
Book Review: Crueler Mercies by Maren Chase
TL;DR Review: Rapunzel meets Man in the Iron Mask. A helpless, naïve prisoner becomes a cunning, revenge-driven queen. Synopsis: “Vita’s rage overflowed until she was prepared to drown in it, and she knew that she would never again dam this anger to please another.” After nine years as the people’s beloved princess in the sun-soaked […]
Book Review: The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
TL;DR Review: Razor-sharp dialogue, a wildly imaginative alt-history fantasy world, and wonderfully extravagant characters result in what may be Joe Abercrombie’s best work to date. Synopsis: Holy work sometimes requires unholy deeds. Brother Diaz has been summoned to the Sacred City, where he is certain a commendation and grand holy assignment awaits him. But his […]