Finally a full-length novel in Djèlí Clark’s steampunk Cairo series! What to Expect After three short stories / novelettes, Djèlí Clark delivers us a full length novel in the wonderful world of Fatma el-Sha’arawi! The shorts won many accolades and awards (deservedly), and this novel keeps the quality. The novel is set on a backdrop […]
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Book Review: The Constellation of Alarion and Other Stories, by John Houlihan
I previously read and loved Houlihan’s d’Bois novels, so was interested to explore his other writing. What to Expect A collection of ten short stories (the last a novelette), covering the breadth of speculative-fiction: science-fiction, fantasy, and touches of horror. Themes range from light top dark, from geopolitical to intimately emotional. What I liked I […]
Fleeting Footwear Fashions in Ancient Rome
Romans were notorious for their sandals (and for anyone who ever visited Italy, still are). Felix has been known to talk about how private investigators wear out their shoes only slightly less legionaries, pounding pavement day in and day out. The whole series, in a homage to swords-and-sorcery, have been called ‘swords and sandals.’ When […]
Sci-Fi Book Bundle – wait, what?
Yeah, I know, Sci-Fi isn’t a typical subject of this blog. But I do occasionally read Sci-Fi… and even help publish it. my good friend Eric Klein’s The One (which I previously loved and reviewed) is participating in a 20-book bundle that’s just too good not to pass along! The Space Adventure Book Bundle! From […]
Eclectic Musings (and Murderous Muses)
Salvete! Gratam hac nocte scriptor collectio… Err, nope. My Latin is still horrible. Welcome to tonight’s collection of random musings — mostly murderous muses 🙂
Book Review: A Hag Rises from the Abyss, by Douglas Lumsden
I adored the previous Alex Southerland novels, so when I got the ARC for this one I practically squealed with joy. It was worth the wait! What to Expect Another paranormal case in the wonderful urban fantasy series of Alex Southerland, PI. This time time he gets hired (coerced, more like) into helping the mayor […]
Book Review: A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum: Murder in Ancient Rome, by Emma Southon
A book about murders in Ancient Rome? Gimme! This is a non-fiction work, covering not just the notable murders — but the Roman people’s attitudes towards killing. A great piece to understanding both the ancient world and ourselves, as we take our modern viewpoints to evaluate historical accounts. What to expect Southon does a credible […]
I’m Not Dead! (Or, Tips to Becoming a Recluse Genius)
I owe you guys a bit of an update on how the whole “quitting my job so I could write” is progressing. I’m know many of you are keen for the next Felix case, and some might have noticed the lack of blog posts. Well, wonder no more! I assure you it’s all part of […]
Book Review: The Man Who Bridged the Mist, by Kij Johnson
This novella has won both Hugo and Nebula, a big distinction. I like to occasionally read what’s the art-critics like in the genre, so delved in. What to Expect A short read where nothing much happens — this is a story delving into the way progress changes people, as viewed through the interactions on an […]
Book Review: Sweet Silver Blues, by Glen Cook
As a lover of fantasy and detectives I’ve long had Glen Cook’s Garrett Files on my TBR. This review is for the first in the series, but I expect to read through it this year. What to Expect A private detective of sorts, set in an interesting fantasy world. The tone isn’t quite a noir […]
