The nitty-gritty: Unusual formatting, a captivating story and distinct character voices make Calypso a unique treat for sci-fi fans who are looking for something different. Novels in verse require an extra level of attention from the reader, but they can be so rewarding if the author knows what they are doing. Case in point, Oliver […]
The nitty-gritty: Cottagecore turns bloody in this uneven slasher/romance. I’ve been looking forward to another book by Delilah S. Dawson ever since I read and loved The Violence. Bloom seemed promising, with it’s beautiful but disturbing cover, but unfortunately this was just OK for me. Maybe the novella length had something to do with that, […]
The nitty-gritty: Two paranormal mercenaries for hire try to outwit a demon in this short but lively story with plenty of humor and heart. This is my first Richard Kadrey book, and I’m not sure why I waited so long to check him out. The Pale House Devil is a fun, funny paranormal story with a […]
The nitty-gritty: Gareth L. Powell raises the stakes—and then raises them again—in this stellar stand-alone sequel to Stars and Bones. Descendant Machine is the most fun I’ve had all year! Gareth L. Powell has not only written a sequel that’s better than the first book, but he completely changed the vibe as well. Stars & […]
The nitty-gritty: An excellent sequel, Hel’s Eight brings readers more of Ten Low‘s desolate and dangerous desert setting and larger than life characters, with just the right balance of action and emotion. Last year I read Stark Holborn’s Ten Low and loved it, and I’m so happy that the author decided to continue Ten’s story. […]
The nitty-gritty: At times uncomfortable and disturbing, Eric LaRocca’s stories explore the dangerous side of human relationships. Eric LaRocca is quickly becoming my go-to horror author when I’m looking for well-written, edgy horror, horror that isn’t like anything else out there. I believe this is my third book of theirs I’ve read, and in fact […]
The nitty-gritty: Four childhood friends are forced to confront the past in Ronald Malfi’s latest, an epic, nightmarish tale with unforgettable characters. “Do you want to see a magic trick?” After absolutely loving Come With Me last year (which made my top five books of 2021), I was both excited and hesitant to read Ronald Malfi’s […]
The nitty-gritty: Bizarre, funny, and shocking, Glitterati is as sparkling and dangerous as the outfits worn by the characters. “From her clutch she had taken a tiny bottle of tears (sourced, no doubt, from only the cleanest unfashionables) and had dripped several into her eyes to make them fill and glisten. Currently, there was a […]
The nitty-gritty: An ode to fandoms and the nostalgia of 1980s fantasy films, The Shadow Glass drips with magic, humor, perfect pacing and thrilling adventure. “Jack, didn’t you hear Brol’s story? The Shadow Glass was stolen from the kettu castle, Nebfet was enchanting it when Zavanna found her…none of that happened in the movie. We’re […]
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. […]