The nitty-gritty: An original world-building idea that just didn’t get off the ground for me. Perhaps a novel might work better? I was excited to check out a shorter piece of fiction by Fran Wilde, whose Updraft I really enjoyed, and so when Tor.com announced The Jewel and her Lapidary, I jumped at the chance […]
The nitty-gritty: A time travel story with loads of potential and an important message about feminism, which could have benefited from more editing. I’m always up for a good time travel story, and Weighing Shadows seemed like it was going to be a good one. And it was—to an extent. There were many things I enjoyed, […]
Bat Out of Hell was one of those books that ended up in a much different place than it started, at least for me. The story gets off to a strong start as we witness a horrific outbreak of an Ebola-like virus in Indonesia, a virus that kills 100% of people who contract it only hours […]
The Awesome by Eva Darrows Genre: Young adult horror/humor Publisher: Ravenstone Release date: May 26 2015 Source: eARC from publisher via NetGalley Pages: 352 The nitty-gritty: A fast-paced and funny story told by a very mouthy narrator, which ultimately fell into the “too silly” category for me. Have you ever tried running in anything with […]
Hidden Huntress (Malediction Trilogy #2) by Danielle L. Jensen Genre: Young adult fantasy Publisher: Angry Robot Release date: June 2 2015 Source: eARC from publisher via NetGalley Pages: 464 The nitty-gritty: A slow start but a strong finish, uneven pacing, but still beautifully written. Oh Hidden Huntress, I wanted to love you more! **Spoilers ahead […]
Unseemly Science (The Fall of the Gas-Lit Empire #2) by Rod Duncan Genre: Adult steampunk Publisher: Angry Robot Release date: May 5 2015 Source: eARC from publisher via NetGalley Pages: 368 The nitty-gritty: Happily, more of the wonderful character of Elizabeth Barnabus, but ultimately, a plot that sputtered along slowly until it picked up at […]
Severance by Chris Bucholz Genre: Adult Science Fiction Publisher: Apex Books Release date: November 2014 Source: e-book from publisher Pages: 324 The nitty-gritty: A fascinating premise for a story, lots of laugh-out-loud moments, but ultimately a meandering plot that failed to hold my attention. The trolley continued on its way, though by now Stein […]
Dead Funny: Horror Stories by Comedians edited by Robin Ince & Johnny Mains Genre: Horror Anthology Publisher: Salt Publishing Release date: October 2014 Source: Finished copy from publisher Pages: 199 The nitty-gritty: A healthy dose of horror from famous British comedians, and a unique collection, but only moderately successful, in this reader’s opinion. So, under […]
This review is part of Sci-Fi November, hosted by Oh, The Books! and Rinn Reads! Superheroes Anonymous by Lexie Dunne Genre: Adult Fantasy Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse Release date: November 18 2014 Source: eARC from publisher via Edelweiss Pages: 336 The nitty-gritty: A clever story that pokes fun at superhero mythology, with some very funny moments, but […]
Sublime by Christina Lauren Genre: Young adult paranormal romance Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers Release date: October 14 2014 Source: ARC from San Diego Comic Con/eGalley from publisher via Edelweiss Pages: 336 The nitty-gritty: An atmospheric and creepy tale, written in gorgeous prose, heavy on the romance, but ultimately confusing in the […]