Gideon the Ninth Review: Dem Bones, Tho
e.e. cummings exhorted his readers to “dive for dreams or a slogan may topple you,” and I have tried to keep that warning in mind since I read it long ago. But today I…
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Category: Reviews
Catfish Lullaby: Swamp Gothic
I’m guessing that the pitch for Catfish Lullaby, by A. C. Wise, was: imagine True Detective season one from the perspective of women and queer people of color. That’s certainly an intriguing premise as…
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Only Ashes Remain: Now Who’s the Monster?
The second installment of the Market of Monsters trilogy is finally here, and it was so worth the wait. This is another fast-paced, blood-drenched installment that lives up to the promise of the first…
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September Releases: Book Battle Royale, Now with More Murder
September 3-10 is the Week of Doom, the days when all the presses and houses put on their very finest, select their champions, and then show up to watch a bookish battle royale. Let…
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Kingdom of Souls Review: Price of Power
Since 2018, African rooted fantasy narratives been have been gaining exposure, and the first book of this YA Fantasy series doesn’t disappoint. In the letter to the reader, Rena writes “I can never truly…
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The Wolf’s Call Review: Return to Form
Vaelin Al Sorna has returned, both literally and spiritually. While Blood Song, the book that introduced us to Vaelin, is a must-read for any fantasy reader, its follow-ups left much to be desired. Disappointing…
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Darkdawn Review: Blood Moon Rising
What a ride it's been! We went from Murder Hogwarts to Magic Spartacus to this, a dark, Tolkienian triumph I’m going to dub Return of the Goth. Surprised? Me too. But we shouldn’t be.…
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Black from the Future Review: Blerds Seen and Heard
Growing up as a blerd, loving speculative literature was always a conflicting experience. On one hand I absolutely loved the world building of science fiction and fantasy novels, but on the other, I rarely…
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Six Books to the Nines: Nice
There are always trends in publishing, but a recent one was particularly odd: the use of "nine" in titles. Was everyone excited about 2019 for some reason? Is there some kind of numerology pact…
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Stranger Reads: Book Recs for Playing a Bard in Hawkins
Oh, Dustin. You have confidence, but your charisma-based checks don’t always succeed. Also, nobody believes you have a girlfriend from summer camp. But that’s ok, boo! You just keep singing. Riddle-Master Trilogy (Patricia A.…
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