This post originally appeared on Simon Williams newsletter. He writes dark fantasy, and we’ve hosted his characters on The Protagonist Speaks. Go check his work out! Readers are often surprised that straight-up historical fiction requires “world-building,” a term most often associated with fantasy and science fiction. I mean, it’s just history, right? Don’t we know […]
Alternate History
Book Review: Twisted Expectations, by Brent A. Harris
Who doesn’t like Dickens and Dinos? What to Expect Expect some favourite Dickensian characters, re-imagined in a world with Steampunk technology and a touch of the supernatural. This one sees Oliver Twist and his colleagues visiting the 1851 Crystal Palace exhibition with its reconstructed dinosaur exhibits — only to have a real Megalosaurus (with feathers, […]
Book Review: The Signet Ring: A Trouvères Adventure, By Ellis Knox
I loved Knox’s AltEarth blend of historical-fantasy since I first saw (the excellent Goblins at the Gate), so I was very keen to try this latest installment, especially as it’s promising a mystery. What to Expect Expect a classic tale of mystery, where the protagonists – in this case, a band of actors – are […]
Book Review: Mad House, by Ellis L. Knox
I love Knox’s mix of history and fantasy, so was happy to find this novelette. What to Expect A quick read about a roguish sprite, a loyal ogre, and a house made of magic.This story is mostly atmospheric, but serves as an excellent intro or sample of Knox’s longer works. What I liked I liked […]
Book Review: Into the Second World, by Ellis L. Knox
I’ve previously read Goblins at the Gate by Ellis Knox and loved it, and was looking forward to delve again into his brand of alternate-fantasy-history. What to Expect Into the Second world is a novel of nineteenth-century exploration and adventure, in the style of contemporary masters like Jules Verne and HG Wells. In fact, the […]
Book Review: Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City, by K.J. Parker
I first saw Sixteen Ways to Defend A Walled City when it came out, and it caught my attention: a potentially humorous, military fantasy exploit by an author known for his historical and humorous works (KJ Parker is a pseudonym for Tom Holt). I’m glad I read it. What to expect The story starts by […]
Book Review: The Last Gladiator, by Daniel Ottalini
Daniel Ottalini’s Steam Empire Chronicles have an obvious appeal to me – writing fellow alternate history based on Rome – so I was quite glad to jump on the prequel novella. What to expect A story set in Ottalini’s Steampunk version of the Roman Empire, but a few years before the events of the main […]
Book Review: Goblins at the Gate, by Ellis Skip Knox
Guess what? I found an historically-based, military style epic-fantasy on the backdrop of ancient Rome. Can you guess how quickly I jumped to read it? Goblins at the Gate is a masterpiece blending historical and epic fantasy elements. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys military epic fantasy and ancient Rome. What to expect An epic […]
The Wendy, by Erin Michelle Sky and Steven Brown
To open 2018 on a grand note, I’m honoured to be a part of the world-wide cover reveal for The Wendy, by Erin Michelle Sky and Steven Brown! The Wendy is an historical-fantasy novel, set in late 18th century London and mixing up some well-loved children stories for a truly fantastical twist. Before I tell you […]
Book Review: Dying to be Roman, by E.M. Swift-Hook and Jane Jago
In case you missed it (it’s easy, I know), I’m a bit of a nut when it comes to ancient Rome and alternate histories. Yeah, who would have thunk it. So I was really excited to get my hands on this new addition to the field. I was not disappointed. What to Expect Imagine that […]
FELIX THE FOX MYSTERIES 