I’m a massive Jeff VanderMeer fan. His Southern Reach trilogy is one of my all-time favorite series, as are his Ambergris novels. That said, he’s not for everyone. I know that—I accept that. His brand of “new weird” can be pretty far-out a lot of the time, especially when he veers into a more literary writing style. So, when I heard of Hummingbird Salamander, I was surprised that he was leaning more mainstream with this near-future eco-thriller. I couldn’t help but think, how this was going to straddle the line between his longtime fans and those who were new to his work and/or intimidated by it? And the result? VanderMeer does manage to straddle that line effectively, telling an overall great story with a few hiccups and stumbles along the way.
Reviews
Review: The Emperor’s Blades (Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne #1) by Brian Staveley
Synopsis Great intrigues take place in secret in the kingdom and the reigning emperor is treacherously murdered. All the responsibility now rests on the shoulders of his two sons, Kaden and Valyn, and on the shoulders of his daughter Adare. The siblings have not seen each other for some years, as each child receives a […]
Review: Midnight in Everwood by M. A. Kuzniar
Midnight in Everwood is a great wintery read that calls for you to cosy up with a blanket and read it while your mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine cools down beside you.
Review: Battle of the Linguist Mages by Scotto Moore
Published by: Tordotcom Jan 11 2022Length: 448 pgsAudiobook: 17 hrs and 14 minsNarrated by Justis Bolding Synopsis: “It reads like Snow Crash had a dance-off with Gideon the Ninth, in a world where language isn’t a virus from outer space, it’s a goddamn alien invasion.” —Charles StrossIsobel is the Queen of the medieval rave-themed VR […]
Review: The Justice of Kings (Empire of the Wolf #1) by Richard Swan
Synopsis From a major new debut author in epic fantasy comes the first book in a trilogy where action, intrigue, and magic collide. The Justice of Kings introduces an unforgettable protagonist destined to become a fantasy icon: Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice, who is a detective, judge, and executioner all in one. But these are dangerous […]
Review: The Isle of a Thousand Worlds (The Weirdwater Confluence, Book 2) by Dan Fitzgerald
Synopsis An aging alchemist seeks the key to the Universal Tincture said to unlock the Thousand Worlds of the Mind, but she never expected to solve the riddle of the hermetic heart. A meditation acolyte travels the mystical social media known as the Caravan and finds that the Thousand Worlds lie just below the surface, […]
The Spirit War (The Legend of Eli Monpress #4) by Rachel Aaron
Synopsis Your favorite thief Eli Monpress, mercenary Josef, and demon seed Nico continue their adventures throughout the Council Kingdoms as insidious forces conspire to tear the land apart from within. Meanwhile, a looming threat approaches from beyond the horizon that is gonna take not only this band of thieves, but also the aid of Miranda […]
Review – Wing Wind (The Legacies of Arnan #2) by Paige L. Christie
Synopsis Wing Wind The land withers under the pall of Draigon Weather, ushering in a new Sacrifice in the trading town of Melbis. Cleod, lead sword of Kilras Dorn’s renowned caravan, finds himself haunted by his failures and the shadow of long-departed Leiel. Shaa, the Draigon that broke and nearly killed him, has returned, and […]
Review: Light Years From Home by Mike Chen
Light Years From Home is first and foremost a beautifully crafted family drama set within a world where aliens do exist and there is an intergalactic war happening in the vast reaches of space. This is for everyone wondering what happens to those we leave behind, especially those who are picking up the pieces.
Review: Servant Mage by Kate Elliott
Servant Mage is the latest book from veteran SFF , and another feather in the Tor/TorDotCom novella cap. The sibling imprints have become something of an expert in releasing novellas that cover broad strokes while focusing in on intimate moments at the same time. Servant Mage fits right into that mold.
Review: The Living Waters (Weirdwater Confluence, Book 1) by Dan Fitzgerald
Synopsis All painted-faced nobles can choose to go on a roughabout at some point when they are young adults to experience life outside of their luxury and comfort. Usually these experiences lead to uncomfortable situations that are short lived and the nobles are well watched over by trained professionals. However, when two nobles, Temi and […]
Review: Sundial by Catriona Ward
Synopsis “A story where nothing is what it seems—a thrilling hall of mirrors full of deeply disturbing twists. This book will haunt you.” —Alex Michaelides, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sundial is a new, twisty psychological horror novel from Catriona Ward, internationally bestselling author of The Last House on Needless Street. You can’t escape what’s in your blood… All […]