Multiple people (whose tastes I trust) have repeatedly recommended me the Memoirs of Lady Trent, and I finally got to reading it. I can see what the fuss was about, as it is certainly a unique work in the realms of fantasy. What to Expect Written in first person as a memoir (an old lady […]
Fantasy
Dressmaking for Werewolves
This was a response from a writing prompt, that caught me in the mood. The original prompt was for up to 3 paragraphs on Small village dressmaker bit by werewolf Here’s my micro-fiction submission: Having been bitten by a werewolf, Betty found that her dressmaking skills were challenged to the extreme. In the first month, […]
Book Review: Son of a Liche, by J. Zachary Pike
Son of a Liche continues Pike’s first novel, and delivers on the promise. This is what Terry Pratchett would write, if he played D&D and poked fun at the GFC. What to Expect The story starts about a year after the end of Orconomics. Pike weaves an excellent epic from multiple threads, building on events […]
Book Review: A Gathering of Ravens, by Scott Oden
A Gathering of Ravens is an intelligent, intriguing, and different kind of fantasy tale. I read it just in time for the release of the sequel, which is now high on my TBR list. What to expect Set at the turn of the 11th century, Oden weaves an incredible tale of historical fantasy that brings […]
Book Review: The Grey Bastards, by Jonathan French
The Grey Bastards is a shining example of SPFBO winner, and I’m reading through them to get all the best indie voices. This novel didn’t disappoint — the accolades are well deserved! What to expect A classic epic fantasy, starting small and building up to a grand finale, through many twists of betrayals, revelations, and […]
Series Review: Rivers of London, by Ben Aaronovitch
I’ve read the first novel in the series, Rivers of London, a few months back. I quite liked the premise, so naturally delved down that rabbit hole. Here’s a review of the whole series to date: seven books, a couple of novellas, six graphic novels, and assorted shorts.
Book Review: The New Magic, by Joseph Malik
The New Magic is a direct continuation of Dragon’s Trail. Considering how much I liked Malik’s first novel, I was looking forward to this one! What to expect An epic fantasy (technically portal fantasy, as the protagonist started on Earth in the first novel), with all the trappings – warring houses, enemies within and without, […]
World-building Historical Fantasy (or, of Unicorns and Icebergs)
The Historical Fantasy Book Club is one of my favourite FB groups (shocking, I know), and back in June they invited me for an “author takeover”. I thought rather than talking about my usual topics (Romans, and their obsession with fantastical beasts and how to cook them), I’d try to create a broader discussion, one […]
Book Review: ‘Rocks Fall. Everyone Dies.’ by Eddie Skelson
I found out about Rocks Fall through SPFBO 2019, and an interview with Corbett (the cranky wizard) convinced me to read. It’s an excellent, lighthearted fantasy adventure that fans of D&D and MMORPGs would adore, and make just about everyone with a funny-bone snort at the jokes. What to expect Expect a funny fantasy romp, […]
All in a Name: Romans, Russians, and Fantasy
A character’s name will be the trait most often referred to in a book, so today I’d like to talk about historical and fantastical names, as well as literary usage. We’d start with a quick review of some interesting naming conventions from history (Romans, duh, but also others), then touch on fantasy and science fiction […]
FELIX THE FOX MYSTERIES 