Synopsis: Full of glimpses into gleaming worlds and fairy tales with teeth, Seasons of Glass and Stories is a collection of acclaimed and awarded work from Amal El-Mohtar. With confidence and style, El-Mohtar guides us through exquisitely told and sharply observed tales about life as it is, was, and could be. Like miscellany from other […]
About Will Swardstrom
Review: Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher
Synopsis: The year is 1899 and Sonia Wilson is a scientific illustrator without work, prospects, or hope. When the reclusive Dr. Halder offers her a position illustrating his vast collection of insects, Sonia jumps at the chance to move to his North Carolina manor house and put her talents to use. But soon enough she […]
Review: The Book of Fallen Leaves by A.S. Tamaki
Synopsis: The fates of gods and samurai converge in this Japanese-myth inspired epic fantasy masterpiece from debut author A. S. Tamaki. Sen Hoshiakari, the exiled son of a traitor, is determined to restore his decimated clan to their former power at any cost. But when his path collides with that of Rui, a lowborn woman […]
Review: Nobody’s Baby (Dorothy Gentleman #2) by Olivia Waite
Synopsis: Becky Chambers meets Miss Marple in the second entry of this cozy sci-fi mystery series, helmed by a formidable no-nonsense auntie of a detective Welcome to the HMS Fairweather, Her Majesty’s most luxurious interstellar passenger liner! Room and board are included, new bodies are graciously provided upon request, and should you desire a rest […]
SPFBO XI Review: No More Levels by Benjamin Barreth
Synopsis: Life sucks when you’re a potato farmer. That’s why Rin can’t wait to turn sixteen and conquer the nearest beginner dungeon. Only then can he acquire a powerful class in the Game of the Gods and begin the earnest grind to leveling up. With enough monster kills, he might even become someone truly strong, […]
Review: Enemy of My Enemy (Marvel Crime #2) by Alex Segura
Synopsis: Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner Alex Segura (Secret Identity) continues the Marvel Crime series of thriller books for adults with the all-new legal noir story of the Punisher on trial for the murder or the Kingpin—with Matt Murdock as his defense attorney. When the call comes in that the Kingpin and a police […]
Review: River of Bones and Other Stories by Rebecca Roanhorse
Synopsis: A stunning collection of award-winning fantasy and science fiction short stories from the New York Times bestselling author of the Between Earth and Sky trilogy—including a new novella set in the world of Trail of Lightning. Rebecca Roanhorse’s first publication, “Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience™”, was awarded both the Nebula and Hugo award […]
Review: The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan
Synopsis: A devastating love story. A bewitching twist on history. A blood-drenched hunt for purpose, power, and redemption. In 1785, Professor Sebastian Grave receives the news he fears most: the terrible Beast of Gévaudan has returned, and the French countryside runs red in its wake. Sebastian knows the Beast. A monster-slayer with centuries of experience, […]
Review: Sauúti Terrors edited by Eugen Bacon, Cheryl S. Ntumy & Stephen Embleton
Synopsis: Co-editors Eugen Bacon, Stephen Embleton and Cheryl S. Ntumy bring us a powerful and haunting collection of short stories from the groundbreaking Sauútiverse, following the success of Mothersound: The Sauútiverse Anthology. Sauúti Terrors tells of the doomed, the damned, the shunned, the cunning, the destroyers, the noxious, and more, in the worlds of the […]
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 […]
SPFBO XI Review: Threadbound by M.E. Moirin
Synopsis: When a powerful vizier curses Jasna, a red thread draws her toward his palace while death follows close behind. Her soul, bound to stone, begins to splinter until a desperate spell casts her into Syanka, a realm shaped by old stories. To reclaim what was stolen and rescue Iliya, once her betrothed, who begged […]
SPFBO XI Review: Butcher Boy (Votker Archives #1) by Aaron Daggit
Synopsis: After having spent entirely too long stuck in a parallel dimension hunting supernatural beasts, Calvin Ryder has found his way home. Much to his chagrin, the monsters are here too; he just never knew about them. Now he’s expanded his traditional private detective business to include eradicating dangerous mythological creatures and tracking down rogue […]