The nitty-gritty: Another fantastic entry into the Africanfuturism subgenre, Noor blends sci-fi tech with interesting characters and an intriguing African desert setting. I’ve read enough Nnedi Okorafor books now to recognize her particular writing style, and Noor not only embraces that style, but it’s full of the author’s brilliant, futuristic ideas and social commentary. If […]
The nitty-gritty: A complex world full of fascinating characters, Nightwatch on the Hinterlands is an excellent start to a new science fiction series. I was so excited when this book was announced, a story set in K. Eason’s Rory Thorne universe but far in the future with different characters. And wow, was this a lot […]
The nitty-gritty: Richard Gadz channels Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in this thoroughly original, gruesome thriller set in Victorian London, perfect for fans of classic horror tales. This was my first time reading a title from Deixis Press, and I have to say I’m very impressed, both by the quality of the story and the gorgeous hardcover […]
The nitty-gritty: Unsettling and atmospheric, I loved some of the elements, but the author’s writing style kept me from completely enjoying this story. “Hope has no place on this vessel of death and disease, aimless and everlasting in its path.” This is an odd one, folks. Flowers for the Sea is an atmospheric, angry tale […]
The nitty-gritty: A surprisingly emotional story about family bonds and the lengths one father will go to protect his child. I don’t think I’m alone when I say that I expected These Silent Woods to be a thriller. I’ve seen lots of reviews from readers who were surprised that the story they expected wasn’t the […]
The nitty-gritty: Time travel, danger and romance blend together seamlessly in Fisher’s lively finale to her Faery Rehistory series. I’ve enjoyed the Faery Rehistory series so much! With The Warrior Poet, Sharon Lynn Fisher brings her carefully researched historical fantasy to a close, and she did a bang up job. I would personally recommend reading this […]
The nitty-gritty: Despite a couple of intriguing mysteries and an atmospheric setting, Summer Sons ended up being a disappointing read. The description and early blurbs for Summer Sons promised a queer, spooky, Southern Gothic ghost story, and the creepy cover made it even more appealing to me. And while it’s unabashedly queer and creepy and atmospheric […]
The nitty-gritty: A clever and surprising mystery steeped in myth, Comfort Me With Apples is told in Catherynne M. Valente’s unique style. If there’s one thing I can count on with Catherynne M. Valente, it’s that she always surprises me. Her stories are not your normal, run of the mill variety. Rather, she creates scenarios […]
The nitty-gritty: Five friends come together for a wedding in this spooky, Japanese-themed horror story. Nothing But Blackened Teeth certainly wins the creepy cover of the year prize, but does the story inside live up to the macabre artwork? In many ways, the answer for me is “yes.” Cassandra Khaw’s evocative writing style is perfect […]
The nitty-gritty: Strange and thoughtful, Aliya Whiteley’s latest short story collection is brimming with inventive world building and plenty of heart and emotion. Each time I pick up an Aliya Whiteley book, I’m reminded of just how unique her stories are, and I’m grateful for the hours I’ve spent with her weird but wonderful characters. […]