I’m a sucker for Roman-era fiction, so no surprises that I’d watch TV series set on the same background 🙂 What to expect The series follows the life of Livia Drusilla, Augustus’ wife and first empress of Rome. She was one of the most influential figures in politics and civic life of the early empire, […]
Book Reviews
Book Review: For a Breath I Tarry by Roger Zelazny
Every so often I like to read something from the classic grandmasters of SFF, and Zelazny has always been a favourite of mine. This came up during a conversation with a friend, so I just jumped on it. What to Expect After the extinction of man, the machines he has set in place are trying […]
Book Review: A Year in the Life of Ancient Greece, by Philip Matyszak
I adore Matyszak’s works for bringing daily life in antiquity to the modern reader. Our perceptions of life in the classical era are influenced so much by contemporary writers that were from and concerned with the 1% plus Hollywood’s misappropriation and misrepresentation, that Matyszak’s works are a breath of fresh air. What to Expect The […]
Book Review: NPCs, by Drew Hayes
I was in the mood for something light and quick (and fantasy), and found NPCs languishing in my TBR pile. Now I’m glad I pulled it out 🙂 What to Expect When a group of careless adventurers dies in a local pub from mushroom poisoning, a few of the locals decide to impersonate them rather […]
Book Review: License to Quill, by Jacopo della Quercia
I heard many good things about License to Quill from someone whose taste I trust (my dearest fan ;-), and being a historical fiction fan the book held a natural interest. What to Expect London, 1604/05. On the backdrop of King James VI of Scotland becoming James I of England, of the brewing Catholic-backed Gunpowder […]
Book Review: Dominus, by Steven Saylor
I loved Saylor’s previous Roma and Empire novels (as well as his Gordianus series), so was naturally keen to read this latest installment. What to Expect A continuation of the Pinarii’s observation of Roman history, covering the period from Marcus Aurelius to Constantine the Great. Saylor has chosen an old patrician family, and has placed […]
Book Review: A Master of Djinn, by P. Djèlí Clark
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
FELIX THE FOX MYSTERIES 