I’ve been meaning to read Rob Hayes’ works for a while (especially considering his record-breaking win in the SPFBO 2017), and so jumped into Where Loyalties Lie. It is an excellent story of piracy set in a fantasy world based on the Age of Sail, though not for the faint of heart. What to expect […]
Fantasy
Book Review: Dragon’s Trail, by Joseph Malik
I came across Joseph Malik first via his article 30 Day Cliff, My Ass: Reflections on 10,000 Sales. It resonated deeply with my experience and choices. Although my journey has been different (I didn’t bother querying), I came to the same conclusions and decisions in choosing the do-it-myself path without compromising on professional quality in […]
Book Review: Jhereg (Vlad Taltos), by Steven Brust
I’m not entirely sure how I came across this novel, (or how come I never heard about it before), which is a shame because some sincere thanks are due. I’ve actually just read The Book of Jhereg, which encompasses the first three novels in the Vlad Taltos series: Jhereg, Yendi, and Teckla. The review therefore […]
Book Review: A Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K. Le Guin
This was one of the first fantasy books I’ve ever read, given to me by the same dear person who introduced me to The Hobbit. It was one of my childhood’s favourite books, and is probably one of my all-time favourites. I’ve re-read it recently, to see how it stacks up against the changing times. […]
Action Choreography for Novels
This post arose out of my review of Six of Crows. I complained that many action sequences were problematic. I didn’t provide examples, to avoid spoilers and in fairness to Bardugo, but I think this subject deserves a full post. There were a few scenes in the novel, more than a passing oversight, where the […]
Book Review: Six of Crows, by Leigh Bardugo
When I first came across Six of Crows I filed it under “potentially interesting” in my TBR. I then got a copy for my daughter (who’s obsessed with Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass), and it seems I matched her tastes well. I decided to give it a read too. What to expect A tale […]
Book Series Review: Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
I’ve previously read the first 3 volumes in the Dresden Files, then let it lapse for a while. This year I’ve been binge reading the rest of the series in order, and reviewing individual volumes on Goodreads and Amazon as I go. Below are my thoughts about the series as it stands to date. My […]
Spring Showers Sci-fi, Fantasy, Mystery Thrillers Box Set Giveaway
You’re here because you like reading, right? Right now, over thirty authors (yours truly included) are giving away novels, short stories and previews for you to read at no cost to yourself, except the time it takes to download this huge boxed-set. You pay nothing and they work for days, weeks and sometimes years to […]
Book Review: Black City Demon, by Richard A. Knaak
Seems like I just can’t stay away from these noir-historical-fantasy-detective blends… This is the second book in the Black City series; I’ve reviewed the first one here. What to expect This book, while a separate adventure, continues straight from the previous one and builds up on the events therein. You can expect to learn more […]
Fantasy Fiends – Dragons, Flying Phalluses, and Exploding Eyeballs!
I was honoured to be invited to the Fantasy Fiends Podcast for their 31st episode on the subject of ‘No Shortcuts!’. (The dancing gladiators have no bearing on the podcast – except that they accurately describe the spirit of the event). The podcast is hosted by Andy Peloquin And Stevie Collier, two talented fantasy authors. Every week […]
