Review: The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
S.A. Chakraborty’s debut novel, THE CITY OF BRASS, is a richly layered historical fantasy inspired by medieval Islamic history and mythologies. One of my favourite reads of 2017!
Mini Reviews: The Queer SFF Edition
Mini reviews for Tristina Wright’s 27 HOURS, K Arsenault Rivera’s THE TIGER’S DAUGHTER, and THE ABYSS SURROUNDS US by Emily Skrutskie.
Review: Under the Pendulum Sun by Jeannette Ng
Jeannette Ng’s debut novel UNDER THE PENDULUM SUN is a stylishly told Victorian gothic that prompts many moral reflections, even as readers revel in her sumptuous descriptions of cruelty, immortality, and misdeeds.
Review: The Winter King by C.L. Wilson
C.L. Wilson’s THE WINTER KING is the first in a fantasy-romance series that introduces a world of wild weather magic…and even wilder passions.
Review: Snowspelled by Stephanie Burgis
A fascinating world of magic and politics combined with plenty of wit makes Stephanie Burgis’ novella SNOWSPELLED a delight for lovers of historical fiction and fantasy alike.
Review: An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock
Curtis Craddock’s AN ALCHEMY OF MASQUES AND MIRRORS is an incredibly accomplished fantasy novel, combining various genre-fiction elements to create a story reminiscent of a decidedly more feminist version of The Three Musketeers.
Book and Movie Review: The Dark Tower by Stephen King
Wherein I review the first book in Stephen King’s horror fantasy series The Dark Tower, and the movie adaptation of the same name starring Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey.
Series Review: The Hawkweed Prophecy by Irena Brignull
The Hawkweed Prophecy series tells the lyrical tale of two young women each thrust into a world they don’t understand. Witchcraft, destiny, and true love figure prominently in this slow-moving YA series.
Review: Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn
With a keen eye for detail, Sharon Shinn has crafted a subtly complex fantasy world that grabbed my attention from the very first page and held it fast.
5 Reasons to Read: The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee
Combining Chinese mythology and the hallmarks of YA contemporary novels, THE EPIC CRUSH OF GENIE LO is sure to be a cult classic in no time.
Review: A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin
A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS combines classic elements of Regency era historical fiction with action-adventure tropes to create a unique alt-history story full of twists and turns.
Review: Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier
Juliet Marillier’s HEART’S BLOOD stands out among the crowd of Beauty and the Beast retellings and proves that talented writers can make even the oldest and most familiar stories feel new again.
Review: The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima
THE CRIMSON CROWN is the finale to one of my favourite YA fantasy series of all time; to say that my expectations were high is an understatement. I’m very pleased to say that it completely lived up to my expectations, and I unreservedly recommend the series.
Review: Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones
Stephen Graham Jones’ novella MAPPING THE INTERIOR is an extremely unsettling story about a young boy haunted by the ghosts of his family, both literally and figuratively. Compelling, searing, and well written, this story will undoubtedly be on my mind for quite some time.
My Top Underrated Fantasy & Sci-Fi Books
Sometimes in the onslaught of shiny new books, incredible backlist titles that didn’t have a huge marketing push get forgotten…which is a crying shame. Today I’m celebrating those books and rounding up a list of some of my favourite underrated fantasy and sci-fi tales!
Review: The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Katherine Arden’s debut THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE is a lush, haunting story inspired by Russian folklore that tells of a girl determined to live life by her own rules.
Review: The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman
Alison Goodman has outdone herself with THE DARK DAYS PACT, an action-packed sequel that’s full of magic, manners, and the ill use of both.
Review: The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst
A slow-to-start but ultimately satisfying story, Sarah Beth Durst’s novel THE QUEEN OF BLOOD is a solid introduction to a promising new fantasy series.
Review: Huntress by Malinda Lo
Malinda Lo’s HUNTRESS is great if you’re looking for a slight twist on more traditional YA fantasy fare, but don’t expect too much in the way of world building.
Review: Brother’s Ruin by Emma Newman
BROTHER’S RUIN is the first novella in a new series that promises inventive historical fantasy, relatable characters, and an undercurrent of mystery.
Review: Conspiracy of Ravens by Lila Bowen
If the phrase “weird western” makes your ears perk up, or if you’re interested in reading YA fantasy featuring a trans character, then Lila Bowen’s The Shadow series is for you.
Review: Handbook for Dragon Slayers by Merrie Haskell
Merri Haskell’s HANDBOOK FOR DRAGON SLAYERS is a sweet story about going on adventures that test your limits, appreciating the people who love you, and accepting yourself.
Comic Review: The Backstagers #1 by James Tynion IV and Rian Sygh
A funny, diverse story full of heart, THE BACKSTAGERS #1 marks the beginning of an exciting new series. Perfect for fans of Lumberjanes and newcomers to comics alike!
Review: Miranda and Caliban by Jacqueline Carey
Gorgeous and utterly heart wrenching, Jacqueline Carey’s MIRANDA AND CALIBAN is a must-read for fans of fantasy and classic literature alike.