I know, I know. Everyone’s done with apocalypse fiction. Now everyone wants hopepunk and high fantasy and escapism. Fine, fine. That’s valid. The world’s a tire fire and you need relief from the flames. Sometimes the last thing you think you need is another story of destruction and dismay. But allow me to present The …
There are a lot of talented writers out there, and not all of them publish through big-name houses. Unfortunately, spectacular titles sometimes get lost in the incessant churn of publicity and new releases, but never fear! Here are three titles that deserve to be ranked with the best of the big names. 1. The City …
Please note that this contains spoilers for Game of Thrones, including the finale. It also includes spoilers for The Eyes of the Dragon, which came out in 1984, but I’m sure someone will find a way to be mad if I don’t warn you. * In case you were living under several rocks, you know …
Her Silhouette, Drawn in Water, by Vylan Kaftar, never intends to be what you expect. You can feel it gearing up even from the first paragraphs, ready to undermine the darkness and damp through which we watch Bianca climb, already eager to break through. Her companion on the prison planet, her lover Chela, doesn’t want …
A Winter’s Promise was one of those rare books that stood at the exact intersection of nostalgia and innovation. It had the feel of a 20th century classic of children’s literature, but invested with the insight and maturity of more modern YA. I was beyond excited to get my hands on the second installment (of …
If you like horror but haven’t read The Rust Maidens, you’re in for a treat. This story of body horror, industrial uncanny, and all-around eerie ladies is one of my favorite books from 2019. The Bram Stoker awards agree, since it’s also been nominated for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. We were able to …
Hobbes (the philosopher, not the tiger) was right about life being “nasty, brutish, and short,” especially when it comes to the middle ages in Europe. War, famine, plague and poverty were common, and Kate Heartfield didn’t flinch from any of it when building the world for Armed in Her Fashion. Rather than populate her book …
What I loved about The X-Files (while it was still airing; not the reboot garbage) was its commitment to showing all the weird little subcultures and sub-subcultures of American life. The media and the internet was already making America smaller, but The X-Files made it seem so big. Witches and monsters and aliens and mutants …
Do you like action? What about romance? And how about apocalyptic magic that literally turns people inside out? I hope it’s all three, but even if you’re not so sure, Charlie N. Holmberg’s Smoke and Summons will convince you. It’s a wild, breathless dash through a grim urban environment, with mobsters and demons around every …
The holidays are over, the snow is frozen into grayish piles by the corners, and going outside is just not a very good idea. Here are three books to tide you over until temperatures improve, and hopefully make the winter a little warmer. Outside the Gates (Molly Gloss) – This is a re-release and re-formatting …