I can't believe it's over, but the Matthew Corbett series has ended with Leviathan. And what an ending it is! Leviathan is everything I hoped it wouldI can't believe it's over, but the Matthew Corbett series has ended with Leviathan. And what an ending it is! Leviathan is everything I hoped it would be. Each character gets a satisfying resolution, all the arcs are excellent, and the new villains are truly the worst yet. And that's saying something, considering the bad guys Matthew has faced before.
Matthew Corbett is an amazing series and a master-class in characterization. Highly, highly recommended....more
Imagine Dexter set in a world where cutesy animals run hardware stores, sip coffee, and occasionally butcher people.
Samantha Bear is Woodbrook’s4.5/5
Imagine Dexter set in a world where cutesy animals run hardware stores, sip coffee, and occasionally butcher people.
Samantha Bear is Woodbrook’s friendly hardware store owner. She bakes pies, knows all her neighbors, and, oh yeah, drives out to the Big City to murder strangers in her spare time. She’s careful to follow her one rule: Don’t kill the locals.
In short, she’s living her best double life in the idyllic town. But then someone starts killing locals, and Sam’s life gets a lot more complicated. She’s furious and needs to play detective to identify the other psycho.
Horvath’s art is stunning, almost pastel-like. It also makes moments of visceral and gory horror effective. One moment, it’s all flowers and sunshine. The next, there’s blood everywhere. That contrast makes the violence hit harder.
The mystery itself is solid, but some readers will find the ending predictable. Still, the journey is what makes this book shine, and shocking moments and sly humor work well along the way. Sam is the kind of anti-hero you shouldn’t root for but somehow do anyway....more
What’s the truth about Medea? Monster, victim, or something in between? In Medea, Blandine Le Callet and Nancy Peña give the infamous sorceress t4.5/5
What’s the truth about Medea? Monster, victim, or something in between? In Medea, Blandine Le Callet and Nancy Peña give the infamous sorceress the mic to tell her side of the story, and trust me, it’s awesome.
We start in Colchis, where a young Medea grows up in the shadow of her terrifying father, King Aeëtes, and his obsession with saving her sickly little brother at any cost. Her childhood is relatively carefree except for men not allowing her to do archery instead of embroidery. There’s also a family drama and priestesses interested in her. As she learns the arts of healing and magic at the temple of Hecate, it’s clear her father sees her as less of a daughter and more of a tool. A mistake that leads straight to tragedy.
Le Callet’s take on Medea is bold - the story frames her as a strong, clever, and fiercely independent woman in a world hell-bent on controlling her. The book challenges the narrative of Medea as a bloodthirsty villain, instead showing her as a victim of circumstance who occasionally makes, well, very questionable choices. The writing is sharp, and the feminist undertones are unmistakable (and satisfying).
Nancy Peña’s artwork is stunning. I love how she uses color and light to shift between Medea’s bright beginnings and her darker adulthood. The pacing stumbles at times, but Medea’s journey is so gripping it’s easy to forgive a few slow moments.
If you’ve ever wondered why mythology painted Medea as a monster while her male peers got off scot-free, this retelling is for you. It’s bold, tragic, and, most importantly, finally Medea’s story....more
Completely bonkers. This sci-fi classic, first published in 1965, takes place in a future where Earth is way too hot, humanity is fleeing to off-worldCompletely bonkers. This sci-fi classic, first published in 1965, takes place in a future where Earth is way too hot, humanity is fleeing to off-world colonies, and everyone’s drugging themselves to escape their miserable lives.
The main fix of choice is “Can-D,” a hallucinogen that lets colonists step into dollhouse-like fantasies, but then along comes Palmer Eldritch with his new drug, “Chew-Z.” It’s marketed as the ultimate escape. But is it really freedom, or is Eldritch pulling everyone into his creepy, god-like control? Spoiler: it’s the second one.
Barney Mayerson, a stressed-out, insecure “Pre-Fash” consultant (basically a guy who predicts trends before they happen) is great at his job but terrible at life. When he gets tangled up with Chew-Z and Eldritch’s freaky omnipresence, things get... weird. Time bends, reality fractures, and suddenly you’re not sure if anything—or anyone—is real.
Dick throws a lot at you: questions about free will, God, reality, and the commodification of pretty much everything. The book is stuffed with ideas, some of them genius, some of them half-baked. The writing is chaotic but hypnotic, like Dick himself was on some Chew-Z while writing it.
I loved the audacity of this story. It doesn’t care if it’s confusing or if the ending leaves you with more questions than answers. And that’s the point, I think - Dick wants readers to feel as disoriented as his characters. It’s also slyly funny, with plenty of digs at religion, capitalism, and humanity’s endless need to escape.
Is it perfect? Nope. Is it a must-read? Absolutely, if you’re into sci-fi that messes with your head. ...more
I’m impressed. As far as haunted house stories go, Incidents Around The House shines with great ideas, excellent timing and execution. I’ve liste4.5/5
I’m impressed. As far as haunted house stories go, Incidents Around The House shines with great ideas, excellent timing and execution. I’ve listened to the audiobook, and Delanie Nicole Gill’s narration awed me. It made a great story even more thrilling (and chilling).
Bela is eight-years-old and her family (Mommy, Daddo, Grandma Ruth) is everything for her. But there’s someone else in the house, an entity Bela calls “Other Mommy” who asks her every day if it can go inside her heart. Creepy. To make matters worse, Other Mommy is growing tired of waiting and asking the same question again and again, and starts to put some pressure on the family.
The horror here works on all levels. There’s, of course, a spectral figure haunting young Bela that grows restless and bolder. But there’s also more psychological horror tied to family secrets, lies, and complicated relationships. From the outside, everything looks fine, but dig deeper and the cracks start to show.
The child’s POV is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives the narrative a sense of wonder and vulnerability. On the other, it can narrow the lense through which the story is told and limit its complexity and emotional range. For me, Malerman pulled it off; Using Bela’s childlike innocence and naivete made the story even more disturbing and heart-wrenching. Sometimes it’s not about new ideas but about getting an emotional response from the reader. And he got one from me. Bela is convincingly childlike, uncomfortably perceptive, and likable. The adults, on the other hand, lack depth and feel more thinly sketched than her.
In all, Incidents Around The House impressed me. It works with childhood fears, adults nightmares, family drama, and haunted house/ghost story beats. And it all works well. While it may not break new ground, it remains enjoyable and unnerving, and that’s all I want from a good horror story....more
Stang’s The Lamplight Murder Mysteries series is awesome. It remains fun, creative, and full of twists and nods to literary tradition. The story 4.5/5
Stang’s The Lamplight Murder Mysteries series is awesome. It remains fun, creative, and full of twists and nods to literary tradition. The story starts with Isabeau and Ivie witnessing the magician act gone wrong. Guillotines are dangerous, you see. And then another dead body appears, this one with slit throat and a note promising tt won’t be the last victim during the week of Hunter’s Eve.
So, if you hoped Izzie and Evie would get a break and a chance to rest, forget about it. No rest for the wicked, as they say, and if you remember the ominous prophecy from the pages of Murder on the Lamplight Express, then you know what to expect.
The investigation reveals two cases tie to the same mysterious social club filled with powerful and rich, including the police chief, criminal kingpin and the wealthy industrialist. And to make things even more interesting, there’s a werewolf on the streets, jumping from building to building, tearing people to pieces.
Contrary to the previous two books set in closed spaces (a manor, and a train respectively), this one is set in the city, and we finally get a larger look at the world of Lamplight. And it’s interesting, with a Victorian vibe, constant bad weather, and technology slowly transforming the society and police work.
The characters are quirky and while Stang isn’t afraid to go hardcore with horror moments, dark humor and heartfelt interactions between protagonists balance it out. Stang writes charming, skillful, and intriguing characters who are easy to like.
The blend of classic mystery and horror tropes with playful tone works well for me. I also enjoyed piecing the puzzles, but failed miserably. Again. Anyway, the pace is brisk but with more slow moments than in two previous books. It made me let my guard down and then, BOOM, the first big twist made me sit up straight. And the things that happen afterwards? Pure awesomeness.
I love this series, and it’s only getting better. With that said, readers who prefer their mysteries unapologetically dark and gritty might find the occasionally light-hearted approach a bit jarring. And while quirky characters add to the story’s charm for me, I recognize other readers may find them over-the-top.
Murder on Hunter’s Eve is a delightful book with humor and a playful tone that sets it apart from more traditional mysteries and horror/murder mystery hybrids. The big reveals set the stage for more exciting (and self-contained) adventures I can’t wait to read! Well done, Mr Stang. Excellent work....more
The Sword is an engaging, fast-paced comic book that doesn’t try to be more than it is - a tale of vengeance wrapped in a fantasy cloak, with enough aThe Sword is an engaging, fast-paced comic book that doesn’t try to be more than it is - a tale of vengeance wrapped in a fantasy cloak, with enough action and drama to make you binge it....more
Nothing ever happens in Pennystown. Until it does and the clones (?) of a naked woman swarm the city and try to tear any living woman to pieces.
And iNothing ever happens in Pennystown. Until it does and the clones (?) of a naked woman swarm the city and try to tear any living woman to pieces.
And it all starts with Ethan, a disillusioned young man whose day went from bad to worse. Too much booze and failing in life will do that to you. When he meets a mysterious (and naked) woman, he tries to help. His help initiates a doomsday scenario.
The visual storytelling is on point, and it kept my eyes glued to the page. The story moves at a breakneck pace and it fits the sudden apocalypse narrative. I also think brothers Luna handled the themes of the story (fear/survival in the face of the unknown, repressed anger, family drams) well.
With that said, some characters make decisions that add to the drama but are extremely stupid. The fast pace keeps things exciting, but it sometimes sacrifices character development for the sake of cheaper thrills and explicit content.
Despite this, I binged the series in one day and found it both gripping and maddening. If you’re up for a story that toes the line between horror, sci-fi, and social experiment, and don’t mind yelling at fictional characters, then Girls might be a story for you....more
I love Urban Fantasy and protagonists with a faulty moral compass. If you’re like me, then Charles Soule’s “Curse Words” is the comic book series4.5/5
I love Urban Fantasy and protagonists with a faulty moral compass. If you’re like me, then Charles Soule’s “Curse Words” is the comic book series for you. This delightfully irreverent series pulses with magic, mayhem, and a hefty dose of dark humor, and it’s every bit as chaotic and entertaining as it sounds.
The powerful sorcerer from another dimension, Wizord (nope, not a mistake, he’s not subtle), arrives on Earth to destroy it, only to discover he kinda likes it here. Which won’t sit well with Sizzajee, the baddest bad in the entire universe and his master. Long story short, instead of destroying Earth, Wizord sets up shop in NY and becomes a wizard for hire. Sizzajee gets angry and sends Wizord’s old pals to annihilate him. But fear not! Wizord’s trusty (and shape-shifting) sidekick, Margaret the Koala, is a resourceful creature.
Soule’s writing won’t appeal to everyone - it’s not subtle, but it’s sharp and witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny. It balances the absurdity of the premise with some genuinely heartfelt moments, particularly in the dynamic between Wizord and Margaret, and later with Ruby Stitch.
The stakes remain high; the magic is wild, and the humor is dark. Soule has a knack for combining the fantastical with the mundane, which makes the story unpredictable and consistently entertaining. I mean, it’s packed with magical mayhem, including turning a client into platinum folk singer or fighting former magical associates, including a hogtaur.
Ryan Browne’s art is spectacular. I enjoyed his vibrant and detailed style that perfectly complements the chaotic energy of the story. The colors pop off the page, and the character designs are as imaginative as they come—Margaret the koala is a particular standout. As an artist, Browne’s able to capture the grandeur of epic magical battles and the humor in more mundane character-focused scenes.
As you probably guessed, I loved the story. But I’m not blind and need to emphasize its offbeat humor and over-the-top scenarios may not be to everyone’s taste. If you’re looking for a grounded, serious exploration of magic, this isn’t it. The tone is irreverent, and the humor lacks subtlety, which might be off-putting for some readers. Additionally, the plot can sometimes feel all over the place, and rapid shifts in pace and tone don’t always help to get a clear sense of direction.
With that said, I literally devoured the Omnibus in two sittings and enjoyed myself a lot. Curse Words is a magical romp that I found hilarious and heartfelt. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and is all the better for it. It’s wild, different, and unabashedly fun. If you’re in the mood for it, you’ll have a great time.
Rachel Aaron’s Hell for Fire proves she has a knack for writing effortlessly readable stories. It's a fast-paced urban fantasy with a great cast of chRachel Aaron’s Hell for Fire proves she has a knack for writing effortlessly readable stories. It's a fast-paced urban fantasy with a great cast of characters (including demons, warlocks, witches, goblins, familiars) and enough magical mayhem to keep the momentum going. I definitely had a lot of fun with it....more
That's exactly my type of story. The protagonist, Doctor Caroline, is sharp, acerbic, and a little unhinged. She works as a shrink and is able to4.5/5
That's exactly my type of story. The protagonist, Doctor Caroline, is sharp, acerbic, and a little unhinged. She works as a shrink and is able to compartmentalize work, private life, and her slowly revealed traumatic past. Obviously, nothing is what it seems, and it makes the story such a pleasure to follow. The audiobook narration is top-notch. One of my favorite reads of 2024, for sure....more
It was hilarious. And silly. And a pure pleasure to listen to. Third Eye, Felicia Day’s audio-only fantasy, follows Laurel, the chosen one who failed It was hilarious. And silly. And a pure pleasure to listen to. Third Eye, Felicia Day’s audio-only fantasy, follows Laurel, the chosen one who failed to destroy the evil lord and save the magical realm. Considered a failure and officially shamed during yearly ceremonies, Laurel is universally loathed. Then Kate, a Normie, comes along and changes everything.
The story may be silly, but a full cast of brilliant narrators turned it into something truly special. Everyone provides a stellar performance, but I must mention London Hughes, who voices Sybil, a sexy and self-centered fairy, and, of course, Neil Gaiman as the authorly narrator. They're amazing.
I usually listen to audiobooks at 2x speed, but this one was too good for that. I listened at 1.25x speed, which I consider glacially slow 99% of the time. And it was still a delight. Highly recommended to all audiobook fans, especially those in need of something light, easy, and wonderfully entertaining.
Black Sheep is an extremely readable, character-driven horror novel laced with dark humor. Frankly, it felt like a breath of fresh air—Harrison m4.5/5
Black Sheep is an extremely readable, character-driven horror novel laced with dark humor. Frankly, it felt like a breath of fresh air—Harrison makes horror charming. It’s easy to lower your guard, and then, boom, a twist.
Vesper Right is a hot mess, with an awful job and a bad attitude. Six years ago, she left her religious community to look for freedom and her absent father but found neither. When she receives an unexpected wedding invitation, she decides to return home—not to reconcile, mind, but to exact a petty revenge (of sorts). To her shock, the community members welcome her back warmly—almost too warmly.
I loved Vesper despite her flaws. She’s petty, mean, and often ill-tempered, but these traits make her narration full of personality. She’s a complex woman with a troubled past and a strong character arc. I wanted her to break free from toxic family dynamics, but I also found humor in her own toxic behavior. So, yes, complex and frustrating, endearing most of the time.
As mentioned, Black Sheep is funny, and it has precisely the kind of dark, inappropriate humor that I love. The Way Harrison finds laugh-out-loud moments in dark situations is spot on. It’s easy to find yourself chuckling at times when you probably shouldn’t, and that’s the fun of it.
Since genre mash-ups aren’t for everyone, this eclectic mix of horror, dark comedy, and family drama might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some might find it jarring, others will appreciate the unique blend. You can guess which group I belong to.
Black Sheep is a quirky, darkly funny, and occasionally spooky read. It’s perfect for fans of horror with a side of humor and a dash of family drama. If you’re one of them, prepare for a bumpy, twist-filled ride that will keep you entertained from start to finish. Just don’t expect all the loose ends to be tied up neatly....more
I loved this one. It’s creepy and atmospheric, but also entertaining. It’s darkly funny when and where necessary and unsettling most of the time.4.5/5
I loved this one. It’s creepy and atmospheric, but also entertaining. It’s darkly funny when and where necessary and unsettling most of the time. Plus, it provides a fresh spin on the classic haunted house story.
Anna and her dysfunctional family spend a holiday in a tiny Italian village, staying in a villa with a tower that no one should open. But they do, of course, and mayhem ensues.
"Diavola" makes the process of unsettling readers entertaining. Anna’s narration has a tongue-in-cheek tone, and her spiky dynamics with her siblings and parents are hilarious. But it gets even better: the author nails the upper-middle-class vices and idiosyncrasies, particularly their urge to prove they’re important, have well-paid jobs, and are en route to professional and personal success.
Anna is the black sheep of the family. Extremely intelligent but rebellious by nature, she can’t find a common language with her relatives. She’s also a rebel at work (she's an art director working for huge corporations). There’s an epic scene in which she draws her take on a new hot dog visual identity. It’ll make you laugh out loud.
One more thing: the story doesn’t end in Italy. The family's stay in Italy is just the beginning of a horror that follows Anna back to the States. She’s haunted by the ghost, yes, but also by her family’s expectations and the less-than-inspiring work necessary to pay her bills and live in a big city.
I loved "Diavola" - the author takes the best elements of “haunted house” stories and makes them unique, fresh, and full of personality. Anna’s snarky voice won’t appeal to everyone, and that’s fine. Just sample the book, and if you like the tone, prepare for a tense but hilarious ride. ...more
Thrill Switch is a gripping page-turner that kicks off with a brutal murder and rarely slows down. It also comes with a lengthy list of content w4.5/5
Thrill Switch is a gripping page-turner that kicks off with a brutal murder and rarely slows down. It also comes with a lengthy list of content warnings, but if blood and viscera doesn’t faze you, you’ll love this fast-paced cyberpunk thriller.
Detective Ada Byron’s first murder shakes her world to the core. The victim’s demise mirrors the way her father was killed seven years earlier. Hardly possible- the notorious virtual world serial killer, Jazlin Switch, is behind bars with no computer access.
The investigation forces Ada and her partner to consult Jazlin and to navigate the treacherous waters of future Las Vegas politics. Casualties pile up as the conflict between anarcho-libertarians and power-hungry politics escalates.
I prioritise character development over world-building, and I’m rarely impressed by the latter. Not a case here. Hawken captured a nuanced socio-political landscape of a world in which virtual serves as an escape from the harsh realities of overpopulation and limited career opportunities. The virtual reality allows people to experience full freedom without facing consequences for their actions. The thing is, the line between complete freedom and anarchy is thin and easily crossed. Also, when you get killed or raped in a digital world, it doesn’t happen to your physical body, but your mind experiences it fully. This raises the question: what defines “reality” in such circumstances?
The accessible writing and short chapters filled with action and tension make this book gripping. I found myself wanting to know what happens next. Before I realized it, the story concluded (loved the ending), leaving me craving more.
The characterization impressed me. Ada is one heck of a protagonist. Smart, determined, and with a troubled past, just as I like it. She starts off as an eager newbie detective, but the events force her to grow fast and use all of her skills to survive and solve the case.
And while I liked Ada, it’s Jazlin who steals the spotlight whenever she appears. The comparison to Silence of the Lambs holds true, particularly regarding Jazlin’s character.
Thrill Switch is a superbly written cyberpunk thriller that pulls no punches. It’s brutal, so be sure you’re in the right frame of mind. But if you’re game, buckle up and enjoy the thrill.
Audiobook narration: Molly Secours has done a stellar job here. I loved her narration....more
Another excellent book in my favorite Urban Fantasy series. I enjoyed it A LOT! Plus, the Paladin's identity is finally revealed. I'm surprised :4.5/5
Another excellent book in my favorite Urban Fantasy series. I enjoyed it A LOT! Plus, the Paladin's identity is finally revealed. I'm surprised :)...more
Mark Lawrence is an excellent, quotable writer. In The Book That Broke The World he ups the stakes and delivers a fast-paced and surprising seque4.5/5
Mark Lawrence is an excellent, quotable writer. In The Book That Broke The World he ups the stakes and delivers a fast-paced and surprising sequel. The story shifts between four POV characters (including two new) and different points in time.
It’s also darker than the first book in the series, shockingly so in places. Livira and Malar aren’t happy with their new circumstances. Rather unpleasant insectoids and a mechanical monster try to kill Evar and his siblings. New POV characters can’t can't complain about boredom either.
In short, it’s well-written, engaging, and wildly imaginative. ...more
The Storm Beneath The World is another brilliant book from Fletcher, who has firmly established himself as one of dark fantasy’s most original an4.5/5
The Storm Beneath The World is another brilliant book from Fletcher, who has firmly established himself as one of dark fantasy’s most original and talented authors. It’s also a top tier entertainment with insectile ashkaro getting high on their lethal powers.
It’s not as dark or “metal” as the cover suggests. In fact, it’s shockingly heartfelt in places. Still, it’s Fletch’s book, so it’s also bloody and grim. But let’s start at the beginning.
The Storm Beneath The World takes you on a wild ride to a gas planet inhabited by warring tribes of insectile creatures who live on floating islands. They can actually go to the border of their world and see the titular storm beneath.
While ashkaro are alien and their society differs from ours (it’s matriarchal, oppressive, and divided into casts), the author has made the characters instantly relatable. Now, some ashkaro can display superpowers ranging from the power of seduction to incinerating everything around with a thought. Cool. Such powers come with a cost - using them causes a rush of euphoria incomparable to anything else. The Corrupt who fall to the lure of using their powers get high on them and with time starve to death while perfecting the blissful skill.
Each of the story’s protagonist comes from a different cast and background. Witnessing how they discover their powers and how it turns their lives upside down is exciting. Watching them band together and form a bond is great. Watching them in action sequences is pure awesomeness.
Joh is watchful, insecure, and comfortable alone. Wex plunges into action with little thought. Shan is beautiful and considered dumb, and Ash’s fate is most heart-breaking. They met in secret schools in which Corrupt ashkaro are trained to become spies, assassins or insurgents. It turns out the biggest threat doesn’t come from other students, but from Mad Queen’s insane plans. Expect mayhem, adventure, friendship, betrayal, and loss.
The pacing never slows down and I love the way Fletcher incorporates the world in small pieces, important to the current circumstances of his characters. That’s the way I love it. The intrigue and surprises kept me at the edge of the seat.
As with any great fantasy — and The Storm Beneath The World is one — characters and their growth drive the plot. Wildly imaginative, and in turns playful and brutal, it's a must read for fans of dark fantasy....more
The Prestige is full of twists and surprises. The story opens with Andrew Westley, manoeuvred into meeting a young woman wh4.5/5 but I'll round it up.
The Prestige is full of twists and surprises. The story opens with Andrew Westley, manoeuvred into meeting a young woman who claims to have watched him die at her father’s hand when they were children. Say what? Anyway, the two dive into their respective families’ history and delve deeper into the written records of their ancestors, Alfred Borden and Rupert Angier.
The records reveal two stage magicians engaged in obsessive rivalry started in 1878 when Borden tried to expose Angier as a fraud during a seance. Angier’s pregnant wife got hurt in the process and lost their baby. Things got out of control for the two. Things got crazy when each of them perfected an inexplicable feat of “bilocation” - the ability to appear in two places at the same time. The inability to comprehend how the other achieves the ‘prestige’—the moment the trick happens- fuels their mutual obsession.
Their relentless pursuit of greatness has disastrous consequences, and Priest takes his time to build the suspense. I loved watching their obsession with outdoing each other spiral out of control, and the story’s unique structure allows readers to experience certain events twice.
How?
Most of the story is told through journal entries of two prestidigitators engaged in a bitter and deadly feud. The novel works almost as an act of illusion - it tells the truth (or, rather, a version of the truth) while simultaneously misdirecting readers :)
Now, I’ve seen The Prestige adaptation and loved it. I wasn’t sure if the novel could still surprise me. The outline of the two versions is similar, but the book has better characterization and sheds more light on Augier’s point of view. It also adds a present-day struggle of Borden and Augier’s descendants. Andrew, for example, feels he has a twin brother, but his birth certificate contradicts it. Is he wrong?
Anyway, if you’ve seen the movie first, you’ll know most big twists. Will it decrease your enjoyment? I can’t promise anything, but it didn’t spoil the fun for me.
Some readers might say The Prestige is a slow burn, and they wouldn’t be entirely wrong. But trust me, every moment of buildup is worth it for the payoff you get in the end. Priest takes his time setting the stage, slowly ratcheting up the tension until it reaches a brilliant climax.
The characterization is simply extraordinary. The strength of the voice is unforgettable.
“The Prestige” is excellent. It tells an unputdownable story of obsession, deception, and blurred boundaries between reality and illusion.
Audiobook narration: Simon Vance has done a stellar job here. If you’re into audiobooks, I highly recommend this version of the story....more