I’ve recently read Learn Like a Polymath: How to Teach Yourself Anything, Develop Multidisciplinary Expertise, and Become Irreplaceable, by Peter Hollins, and thought it had quite an interesting overlap to do with writing. It’s a short book, covering what polymathy is (and isn’t), the core idea of skill transfer, and how to break knowledge down […]
Book Reviews
Books Review: Trapped, Hunted, and half of Besieged, by Kevin Hearne
I’ve been enjoying the Iron Druid series, more or less binge-reading it. What to Expect Trapped takes place 12 years after the previous one, Tricked. Granuaile has finished her training, and it’s time to bind her to the earth and make her a full druid. Nothing goes to plan, of course, and despite Atticus’ best […]
Book Review: The Fire Islands, by Gilbert M. Stack
I’m not sure where I first heard about this novel, but it drew my interest for obvious reasons — another reflection of Roman culture mixed with fantasy. What to Expect Expect a fantasy world loosely inspired by Ancient Rome. Marcus Venandus is a member of the legions of Aquila (the world’s version of Rome; ‘Eagle’ […]
Book Review: Pulling the Wings Off Angels, by K.J. Parker
I love KJ Parker’s works, and was in a mood for something more philosophical (while otherwise tearing through the highly-entertaining, non-brain-taxing, Iron Druid series). What to Expect A novella that explores good and evil, predestination, free will vs original sin, and a plethora of other religious themed subjects, all packaged up in Parker’s usual fantasy […]
Book Reviews: Hexed & Hammered (Iron Druid #2 and #3), by Kevin Hearne
The Iron Druid chronicles started as a fun series, a perfect read over the holiday season. What to Expect Picking up from the last novel, Hexed sees Atticus and his gang square off against those who think him weakened after the last novel, particularly witches from the old world. Expect the same shenanigans, with quips […]
Book Review: Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles #1), by Kevin Hearne
I’ve heard good things about the Iron Druid chronicles, and finally found the time to start the series. What to Expect A solid contemporary urban-fantasy, steeped in Irish mythology. Atticus is a 2,000 year old druid, with deep connection to the earth and some old enemies he’d rather not meet again. Naturally they come hounding […]
Book Review: Crime Wave 2: Women of a Certain Age: A Canada West Anthology
Sometimes one is in in an uncertain mood, unsure of what to read next and wishing to try several things. Anthologies offer a selection of quick samples, showing windows into what might be worth exploring further. What to Expect Sixteen short stories, written by women and with female protagonist, all involving and revolving around a […]
Book Review: A Nymph Returns to the Sea, by Douglas Lumsden
The Alex Southerland series is one of the very best urban fantasy detective series out there, and I’m always keen to jump into the latest installment (see my reviews on past novels). What to Expect Alex is in a bad place in his life, sinking into a bottle of rye after a bad breakup. In […]
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 […]
Hard-boiled detectives: Then and Now (a philosophical review of The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler)
It’s been a while since I read the classic hard-boiled detectives, and felt like revisiting the pillars of the genre. The Big Sleep is one of those genre-defining works, but a lot has changed in the 80+ years since its publication. Following is a review of the novel, with a summary that is waxing philosophical […]
FELIX THE FOX MYSTERIES 