The nitty-gritty: A surprisingly well-written, well crafted and thrilling adventure. I still recall a line from that feckless Everyman’s Guide. It said something like, “the Tower’s real trade is in whimsy, adventure, and romance.” I cannot image a less accurate trio. Though, who in their right minds would’ve come if the editors had said, “the […]
The nitty-gritty: Another fantastic collection from Damien Angelica Walters, with a wide range of stories that explore the themes of fear and grief. This is the third book I’ve read by Damien Angelica Walters, and each time I read her work I’m surprised anew at how good she is. Her short stories often deal with […]
The nitty-gritty: An uneven collection of short horror fiction that nonetheless delivers some truly terrifying tales. It’s very rare these days that I accept a book for review directly from an author, especially one unfamiliar to me. But I decided to take a chance on Deborah Sheldon and her debut short story collection, Perfect Little […]
The nitty-gritty: A big, bold, and chaotic futuristic story where the absurd is commonplace, dragons patrol the skies, and everyone has a chance at redemption. Grub and Morsel told me on another occasion that one day soon, Duluth will take them to touch a dragon–it seems this is a coming-of-age ritual in this savage locale. […]
The nitty-gritty: A heady combination of romance and simmering danger make this an irresistible story, set in the realm of faerie. I really enjoyed this book, and even though I read a bunch of negative/unenthusiastic reviews before I got around to it, I was pleasantly surprised by both the story and Margaret Rogerson’s beautiful writing. […]
The nitty-gritty: A dangerous and thrilling tale that grips the reader from the first page and never lets up. If one thing is certain, you can usually count on seasoned and experienced writers to deliver a great story, and I’m happy to report, like so many other reviewers, that The Cruel Prince is a winner. […]
The nitty-gritty: Exquisite writing and magical worldbuilding made this a reading experience I won’t soon forget. Lussadh turns on the heating and listens to the ghosts murmur, a low purr that thrums through walls and ebony boards. Shamans–alchemists of the spirit–can hear and understand their chatter, it is said, the secrets of the dead. If […]
The nitty-gritty: This story had some wonderfully magical elements and compelling characters, but as a whole it didn’t quite work for me. “You were a mermaid, weren’t you? That’s what Nadya said.” “I still am,” said Cora. “I just have my scales under my skin for now.” It pains me to admit that I didn’t […]
The nitty-gritty: A fun and character-driven debut, fans of Star Wars will find much to love in this fast-paced space opera. In Michael Moreci’s afterward to his fun and furious debut, he unabashedly calls Black Star Renegades his “love letter to Star Wars,” and it shows. It’s easy to make your way through the story […]
I feel very lucky to have a copy of this beautiful book in my hands. Gregory Manchess is first and foremost a very talented artist, but I’m grateful he decided to step out of his comfort zone and write a story to go along with his amazing artwork. According to the publisher’s notes, there are […]