Saint Elspeth takes place in a gritty, post-apocalyptic San Francisco where aliens once appeared in the sky, humanity panicked, and nukes flew. Now, tSaint Elspeth takes place in a gritty, post-apocalyptic San Francisco where aliens once appeared in the sky, humanity panicked, and nukes flew. Now, twenty years later, the world’s still a mess, and Dr. Elspeth Darrow, overworked, under-supplied, and grieving the loss of her family, is trying to keep what’s left of her city alive, one patient at a time.
Elspeth is a great lead. She's smart, determined, and doing her best in impossible circumstances. The story follows her on a dangerous scavenger-hunt mission into the ruined city, where, instead of much needed supplies, she stumbles across a truth that changes everything: the aliens are back, and this time, they want to talk. Sort of.
There’s a lot going on in this book - first contact mystery, political tension between factions, scavenger missions, emotional flashbacks, and moments of high-stakes medical drama (some of which might make you squeamish if you're not into improvised surgery). Despite all that, the pacing (almost) never drags. There’s always something happening, and the tension rarely lets up.
That said, the structure could’ve used a little smoothing out. The story shifts between timelines and plot threads. Most of it is compelling, but some of the transitions feel a bit choppy. You may occasionally find yourself flipping back to check where (or when) you are. A tighter focus would make parts of it hit even harder, I think.
Still, Wecker nails the characters, especially Elspeth, and delivers a thought-provoking story about fear, power, and what it means to trust the unknown. The aliens (the Hila) are truly strange, and their biology is fascinating. The book handles the first contact element with creativity and just enough weirdness to keep it interesting without getting too abstract.
In the end, Saint Elspeth is a smart, intense and character-driven sci-fi story. It’s not perfect, but it’s a rewarding ride, especially if you enjoy character-driven stories with high stakes and alien mysteries. I'll definitely read more from Wecker....more
I did not expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. I picked it up thinking I was in for a goofy sword & sorcery romp and I was right. What I didn't I did not expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. I picked it up thinking I was in for a goofy sword & sorcery romp and I was right. What I didn't expect was how much personality it packed between the quips, one-liners, and brawls.
The Glorious and Epic Tale of Lady Isovar is a fun mix of sword & sorcery, heroic epic, Monty Pythonesque humor and a buddy-cop tropes. Lady Isovar is a knight in shining armor. She’s brave, bold, big on honor, and low on planning. She's also unstoppable.
Chevson, her squire and damage control specialist, trails behind with a notebook and a growing sense of dread. He's doing his best to rescue bystanders and stop Izzy from offending people or starting conflicts. The lad deserves a raise.
The plot is quite simple - there’s a wrong that needs righting, and by the gods, Izzy will right it! Possibly twice, just to be safe. The duo faces lots of classic fantasy villains - necromancers, dragons, tyrants, an oversized snake, and more. Lady Isovar dispatches them with a flair, usually in fun and chaotic ways. The plot consists of multiple interconnected (mostly) mini-adventures.
Tonally, it’s a joyful romp with likable characters, laugh out loud moments, and no brooding. The humor worked for me - it's clever, a little absurd, and occasionally so ridiculous I couldn't help but laugh. The sacred vows alone are worth attention. The friendship between Izzy and Chevson glues everything together. The knight has ADHD and the squire is just trying to get through the day without concussion, but despite being so different, they make a wonderful team.
Dobson pokes fun at genre tropes but in a good-natured way and with respect. Brave deeds and heroic speeches do happen, but they never feel forced or out of place. Instead, they add some nuance, especially that Izzy's past isn't explained for a while. And when we get to finally learn about it, things get clearer.
It’s silly. It’s heartfelt. It’s occasionally bloody(ish). And I very much enjoyed the ride. I’d follow these two into battle....more
rtcBy Blood, By Salt swaps out epic spell-slinging for sharp character drama and cultural nuance. J.L. Odom takes readers to the desert sands of MaurortcBy Blood, By Salt swaps out epic spell-slinging for sharp character drama and cultural nuance. J.L. Odom takes readers to the desert sands of Maurow, where survival often comes down to how well you navigate politics, prejudices, and your commanding officer’s death glares.
By Blood, By Salt’s protagonist, Azetla, is the ultimate underdog - a debt soldier clinging to his place in a battalion that barely tolerates him. His knack for staying alive and keeping his battalion in one piece is impressive. He’s no chosen hero—just a man who has survived 13 years of bigotry, bad odds, and life-or-death missions. His arc is gritty, and personal; It’s easy to root for him even when he’s making deals with beings he really shouldn’t trust.
Then there’s James Sivolne, the emperor’s bookish, tea-loving brother dragged into rebellion by his friend Wesley, and a mysterious figure you’ll have to discover for yourself. Their dynamic brings a touch of levity and humanity. There are more players here, but don’t expect to fall in love with every character—beyond Azetla, some personalities fade into the background, and you’ll need time to orient yourself in the sea of names.
The book starts slowly. Odom takes her time building the world—the desert setting, inspired by Middle Eastern cultures, is immersive and beautifully rendered. Language, religion, and social hierarchies are detailed, and it requires time, but also gives the story nuance. While the first quarter may feel like a slog, it’s worth(ish) sticking around. Once the battalion hits the desert, the story shifts into higher gear with tense missions, brutal hardships, and strong political intrigue. With that said, even once the action picks up, some sections still feel bogged down, and the slower moments risk losing your attention.
Ultimately, By Blood, By Salt is a good read if you’re willing to wade through its denser parts. It’s not perfect, but its blend of grit, cultural nuance, and character-driven drama is clearly well-thought-out. Just be patient....more
Magical forests are nothing new in fantasy, but the one in The Forest at the Heart of Her Mage isn’t a typical enchanted glen with sparkling stre3.5/5
Magical forests are nothing new in fantasy, but the one in The Forest at the Heart of Her Mage isn’t a typical enchanted glen with sparkling streams and the occasional talking tree. No, this forest is alive, hostile, and more than a little creepy. Tiller, our protagonist, is voluntarily walking right back into it after two decades of carefully avoiding the place. Brave? Sure. Questionable life choices? Absolutely.
But she’s not going alone. Carnelian, a mage with a bad reputation and a knack for making things complicated, accompanies her. Together, they deal with monsters, mysteries, and politics. There’s also a slow-burn romance with more tension than action.
Let’s start with the good stuff: this is a beautifully layered book. The magical system, split between regimented human magic and the wild, unknowable magic of the forest, is well-thought-out and intriguing. The forest itself feels like a character - alive, unpredictable, and unsettling. And then, the budding relationship between Tiller and Carnelian is as much about peeling back emotional layers as it is about fending off literal monsters, and their dynamic is a highlight. If you like your romance slow-burn with a healthy dose of secrets and snark, this delivers.
But - and there’s always a but - the pacing could be tighter. The story leans into introspection and atmosphere, which is great when it’s working, but occasionally makes the story feel like it’s wading through mud. Tiller and Carnelian spend a lot of time trekking through the wilderness and working through their issues, which is interesting in parts but sluggish in others. The action scenes, while sharp, are scarce, and the overall pace is steady.
Still, the payoff is, I think, worth the time. If you’re in the mood for a book that’s eerie, emotional, and a little meandering, The Forest at the Heart of Her Mage is precisely this....more
Rachel Aaron kicks off her DFZ Changeling trilogy with By A Silver Thread, a fast-paced urban fantasy set in her ever-evolving Detroit Free Zone.3.5/5
Rachel Aaron kicks off her DFZ Changeling trilogy with By A Silver Thread, a fast-paced urban fantasy set in her ever-evolving Detroit Free Zone. It’s a solid start, full of cool magic, intriguing lore, and a likable main character. To me it doesn’t quite hit the heights of her best work, but for the sake of the competition I shouldn't compare it to Rachel's books I read and loved, but as a single entry.
The story follows Lola, a faery changeling trapped under the thumb of her blood mage master, Victor. Bound by magic and dependent on his pills to keep her human form intact, she’s left scrambling when Victor vanishes. Without the pills, she risks dissolving into nothing—and worse, taking her sister down with her (now, the sisterhood is not typical and it's best to understand it by reading the book). We get a tense, fast-moving mystery as Lola races to survive, solve Victor’s disappearance, and confront her own monstrous nature.
Lola is a great protagonist, likable and relatable, and I think Aaron has written her well. I appreciated her struggle to maintain her humanity despite years of abuse, and her rebellious spirit. Her shapeshifting abilities, which depend on belief to hold their form, are creative and cleverly tied to her story. However, her characterization can feel a bit surface-level at times—her growth is satisfying but predictable, and she doesn’t quite stay in your mind the way some of Aaron’s past leads do.
The world-building is, as always, a highlight. Aaron’s DFZ feels alive, and the addition of faery lore fits the setting. Longtime fans will appreciate the nods to her previous series, while new readers should still find the story accessible, though they might miss some of the nuance.
That said, the book stumbles a bit in its pacing. The tension builds well thanks to the countdown mechanic with Lola’s pills, but the plot can feel a little rushed, and some supporting characters—like the enigmatic Black Rider—don’t get enough space to shine.
Overall, By A Silver Thread is an entertaining, if slightly uneven, start to the series It’s not Aaron’s strongest work, but with its creative magic and heartfelt moments, it’s well worth a read for fans of the DFZ or urban fantasy in general. A solid 7.5/10-good, but not unforgettable....more
The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword tries to be a quirky, offbeat fantasy romp with an eager heroine, a reluctant sidekick, and a peg-legged rThe Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword tries to be a quirky, offbeat fantasy romp with an eager heroine, a reluctant sidekick, and a peg-legged rooster who may or may not be hiding a blade. It’s got humor, it’s got adventure, and it’s got an ominous creeping fog. On paper, this sounds like a fun, middle-grade fantasy. In execution? I found it a bit underwhelming.
The biggest issue is that the book doesn’t quite commit to anything fully. The humor is present but not sharp enough to be truly funny. The adventure is in motion but rarely feels urgent or exciting. The magic system has some interesting ideas - time-based gods, song magic - but the story barely scratches the surface. Even the villains, including the ominous Thistle Willow and her foggy menace, feel more like background threats than real forces of tension. Galdifort’s grumpy Chronicler POV is a nice twist, but it doesn’t do enough (deeply subjective) to elevate the story beyond standard fare.
Younger readers new to fantasy might enjoy the lighthearted tone. Since I'm usually looking for something with more depth or originality, this one didn’t leave much of a lasting impression....more
Imagine a world where witches run a magical animal shelter while dodging pitchfork-wielding neighbors, and you’ll have an idea of what The Humane SociImagine a world where witches run a magical animal shelter while dodging pitchfork-wielding neighbors, and you’ll have an idea of what The Humane Society for Creatures & Cryptids is all about.
The story revolves around the Lambros sisters—Melpomene, Calliope, and Thalia—three women juggling the care of mystical creatures, a deeply suspicious town, and lots of personal baggage. Throw in a sprinkle of cryptids, a dash of generational trauma, and a pinch of sisterly drama, and you’ve got a recipe for a chaotic, but entertaining, tale.
Melpomene is the oldest, and she’s keeping the house (and everyone else) from falling apart with a wrench in one hand and financial accumen in the other. Calliope, the middle child, is the unofficial cryptid whisperer, who battles agoraphobia and a complicated past. And then there’s Thalia, the youngest, who’s desperate to flee small-town life—until a certain new girl, Asha, steals her heart. As if managing their own problems wasn’t enough, the sisters must also face Mr. Underwood, a shady figure who’d like to exploit the creatures and the sisters’ unique connection to them.
There’s a plot and intrigue, but above all, this is a story about family, healing, and the magic of sisterhood, all wrapped up in a cozy yet occasionally tumultuous package. The writing balances humor and heartache; it gives weight to the characters’ struggles but rarely loses its whimsical edge. The cryptids, from Harriet the feminist Bigfoot to other magical beings, are all charming and fun.
The downsides? Well, it’s a long book, and I felt it could use some serious tightening in places. As mentioned, it feels chaotic in places, meandering in others. Given its coziness, the stakes aren’t that high and to me, it lacked a palpable tension and suspense. Basically, it wasn’t hard to guess most reveals and twists way ahead.
It’s part cozy, part serious, with a dash of romance and some adventure. Perfect for fans of magical creatures, heartfelt stories, and sisterly love. ...more
Dead Letter is one of four books from Pornokitsch SPFBO group, that still have chances to qualify for finals. That’s why I’ve picked it. I trust JaredDead Letter is one of four books from Pornokitsch SPFBO group, that still have chances to qualify for finals. That’s why I’ve picked it. I trust Jared’s taste in books. Additionally I want to increase number of indie / self-published books I read.
The story follows Novice Kettna who is sent to city of Calimska to solve a string of robberies. Kettna is daughter of Archmagus, she has strong intellect and vast knowledge but her practical skills in magic aren’t most impressive. Actually in order to shine she needs stimulants (like Mana frog). She accepts the mission for few reasons, one of them being finding her Love – Rix. It seems her parents prefer to make it safe for her as they sent guards with her: caustic and beautiful Adept Lanuille and two twins (view spoiler)[that are metaphysically present, yet physically absent (they’re illusions) (hide spoiler)]. In the city Kettna uncovers deadly conspiracy that threatens the great city.
I liked the writing – Benjamin Descovitch has rich vocabulary and uses it in elegant and effective way. Characters were introduced in interesting way that made me interested in them. Inspector Kettna is great heroine, she’s skillful, intelligent but she has some flaws and lost love that add some complexity. Her Mana level is low, so she can’t show off too much. Lanuille was great – a bitchy, cold character with some interesting background and future that seems even more interesting. There’s also Elrin who’s supposed to be main interest in Dragon’S Choir book that Dead Letter is a prequel to. It makes me hesitant to try it as I really didn’t care about Elrin at all. He seemed indistinct to me (sure he has backstory but it didn’t help).
Magic system is quite unique and interesting. I think it’s cool that the number of tattoos on hands show how advanced the magus is. Casting spells requires Mana. You can haveinnate Mana but you can also use stimulants like Mana Frog. Spells has fun names like Death Orb or Dread Shroud. Interesting magic system. I would be interested to learn more about it.
There’s one thing though that doesn’t allow me to praise the book. While I did enjoy the fantasy elements of the story, the pacing and adventure lost me. The book didn’t hold my attention well. For me it was just ok. I may reach for Dragon Choir in the future but I just don’t feel the need to do it anytime soon. Especially that Elrin, as a character, was most boring one in the story. At least for me.
Merged review:
Dead Letter is one of four books from Pornokitsch SPFBO group, that still have chances to qualify for finals. That’s why I’ve picked it. I trust Jared’s taste in books. Additionally I want to increase number of indie / self-published books I read.
The story follows Novice Kettna who is sent to city of Calimska to solve a string of robberies. Kettna is daughter of Archmagus, she has strong intellect and vast knowledge but her practical skills in magic aren’t most impressive. Actually in order to shine she needs stimulants (like Mana frog). She accepts the mission for few reasons, one of them being finding her Love – Rix. It seems her parents prefer to make it safe for her as they sent guards with her: caustic and beautiful Adept Lanuille and two twins (view spoiler)[that are metaphysically present, yet physically absent (they’re illusions) (hide spoiler)]. In the city Kettna uncovers deadly conspiracy that threatens the great city.
I liked the writing – Benjamin Descovitch has rich vocabulary and uses it in elegant and effective way. Characters were introduced in interesting way that made me interested in them. Inspector Kettna is great heroine, she’s skillful, intelligent but she has some flaws and lost love that add some complexity. Her Mana level is low, so she can’t show off too much. Lanuille was great – a bitchy, cold character with some interesting background and future that seems even more interesting. There’s also Elrin who’s supposed to be main interest in Dragon’S Choir book that Dead Letter is a prequel to. It makes me hesitant to try it as I really didn’t care about Elrin at all. He seemed indistinct to me (sure he has backstory but it didn’t help).
Magic system is quite unique and interesting. I think it’s cool that the number of tattoos on hands show how advanced the magus is. Casting spells requires Mana. You can haveinnate Mana but you can also use stimulants like Mana Frog. Spells has fun names like Death Orb or Dread Shroud. Interesting magic system. I would be interested to learn more about it.
There’s one thing though that doesn’t allow me to praise the book. While I did enjoy the fantasy elements of the story, the pacing and adventure lost me. The book didn’t hold my attention well. For me it was just ok. I may reach for Dragon Choir in the future but I just don’t feel the need to do it anytime soon. Especially that Elrin, as a character, was most boring one in the story. At least for me....more
I admit the page count of most SPFBO X’s finalists terrifies me. The Oathsworn Legacy is on the chunkier side, but it reads surprisingly fast. Why? ItI admit the page count of most SPFBO X’s finalists terrifies me. The Oathsworn Legacy is on the chunkier side, but it reads surprisingly fast. Why? It’s well-written and structured more like a mini-series than a typical novel with a linear progression of the plot.
It’s made of interconnected stories, so instead of a straight shot from start to finish, each “episode” builds on the previous one but focuses on different aspects of the bigger story. Chapters introduce new players (good and evil), deepen relationships and the world. This might throw some readers off, but for me, it worked well. Especially that the characters are one of the strongest parts of the story: well-rounded, memorable, and complex.
Brothers Rawley and Baelin Terricaut, start as monster hunters but quickly become something much bigger. Along the way, they meet an excellent cast of secondary characters who all add something important to the story. My favorites were Helgatha (a witch) and Simon (shapeshifter and scribe).
The world here is definitely dark and dangerous, and I loved that. Despite bleaker moments and devastating deaths, it never turns nihilistic. The focus on strong relationships between protagonists and their found family dynamics keeps the hope alive. The magic system? There is one, and it’s beautifully vague; it hints at immense, mysterious forces without trying to explain them—and it feels perfectly suited to this world.
If there’s a downside, it’s the length and unconventional structure, which may not work for everyone. But for me, the layered narrative felt right for this story. The Oathsworn Legacy isn’t for the squeamish or impatient, but if you’re up for a long, complex fantasy that makes you care, it’s worth the read.
If you've ever wondered if there's such a thing as a retina-searing book cover, there is. Right here.
The cover is also a clue - dActual rating: 3.5/5
If you've ever wondered if there's such a thing as a retina-searing book cover, there is. Right here.
The cover is also a clue - don't expect subtle and moderate content. Expect insanity, bold characters, and unexpected twists and turns.
Bix the Gatekeeper is a former Dark Ops agent, currently living in exile. Unexpectedly, she's summoned by Hel who offers her a chance to get early parole. She needs to drag a soul to Hel - pantheon's ambassador was attacked in the Mid World and left in a comma. Nordic gods would love to have a word with the perpetrator.
It’d be a sweet contract, if not for the details. The ambassador is Bix’s ex-girlfriend, the lead suspect is the key witness from Bix’s trial, and the organisation leading the official investigation is the same intelligence guild that disavowed Bix when a covert op went pear-shaped.
Expect secrets, torture, treason, dragons, angels, gods and unexpected.
How do I even describe this insane book? Urban Fantasy Nordic Noir?
Bix is an exciting and complex character, but it takes time to see it. My first impression of her wasn't favourable. I took her for a classic bitch. There's more to her; you just need to look past snarky, offensive comments, exalted behaviour (I believe she bats her lashes million times in the book), sex talk, posing and stuff. She's over the top, guys. Other characters, especially Drew, are even bolder. To give you a taste of the style of conversations, here are two samples:
“Being long-lived is horrendously boring if you don’t challenge yourself to constantly learn new things.” He set the book on the altar, then stepped aside as Gurp entered with two large clay containers replete with engravings. “I hope you’re not squeamish.” “Dude.” She gestured to herself. “Bathed in Phoenix blood with a nice facial of god gore. There’s really no room for squeamish after that.”
“Warded his body?” Drew sucked her cheeks into hollows. “And how close were you to that body?” “He is awfully snuggly in spite of zero body fat.” Bix batted her lashes. “Back one day and you score a top-level hottie.” Drew slapped the back of her hand against her brow. “I expect all the intimate details. All. Unedited.” “No.” Bix chortled. “Always some editing.” “Fine. We’ll do the adulting thing and investigate the Consortium. Then I get the details to which every bestie is entitled.” Drew flopped back on the floor. “I need a drop-off. Can’t leave the corpse of a little girl in the ambassador’s home, things being what they are and what not.”
It's not a lousy dialogue. Actually, it's pretty fun, when you in the mood for this kind of banter. The thing is this kind of writing won't appeal to everyone, and it's good to know what to expect before reading the book. As for other characters, they're cool. And crazy. Let's take Drew an entity who treats human corpses as suits or Tobek, seven-foot-tall non-Viking helping Bix. They're all memorable in this over the top, pulpy way.
While characterisation is done well, at times, it's challenging to follow diverse characters we're introduced to. And we meet a lot of potential friends and foes. Angels, dragons, gods, you name it. It's disorienting and confusing, to be honest.
The same can be told about the assault mystery. It's difficult to follow. Despite the things, way too many things, happening all the time, it stalls. A sensory overload maybe? Unexpected happens all the time, and while it doesn't grow old, it becomes tiring.
In the end, it's a strange and insane book. I can't help but admire KA Krantz creativity - her world, and her characters are bold, unique and exciting. On the other hand, the plot is difficult to follow, and at times I felt tired of snarky writing and overload of diverse characters.
I can guarantee you one thing, though - this book is unlike any other in a fantasy genre.
Merged review:
Actual rating: 3.5/5
If you've ever wondered if there's such a thing as a retina-searing book cover, there is. Right here.
The cover is also a clue - don't expect subtle and moderate content. Expect insanity, bold characters, and unexpected twists and turns.
Bix the Gatekeeper is a former Dark Ops agent, currently living in exile. Unexpectedly, she's summoned by Hel who offers her a chance to get early parole. She needs to drag a soul to Hel - pantheon's ambassador was attacked in the Mid World and left in a comma. Nordic gods would love to have a word with the perpetrator.
It’d be a sweet contract, if not for the details. The ambassador is Bix’s ex-girlfriend, the lead suspect is the key witness from Bix’s trial, and the organisation leading the official investigation is the same intelligence guild that disavowed Bix when a covert op went pear-shaped.
Expect secrets, torture, treason, dragons, angels, gods and unexpected.
How do I even describe this insane book? Urban Fantasy Nordic Noir?
Bix is an exciting and complex character, but it takes time to see it. My first impression of her wasn't favourable. I took her for a classic bitch. There's more to her; you just need to look past snarky, offensive comments, exalted behaviour (I believe she bats her lashes million times in the book), sex talk, posing and stuff. She's over the top, guys. Other characters, especially Drew, are even bolder. To give you a taste of the style of conversations, here are two samples:
“Being long-lived is horrendously boring if you don’t challenge yourself to constantly learn new things.” He set the book on the altar, then stepped aside as Gurp entered with two large clay containers replete with engravings. “I hope you’re not squeamish.” “Dude.” She gestured to herself. “Bathed in Phoenix blood with a nice facial of god gore. There’s really no room for squeamish after that.”
“Warded his body?” Drew sucked her cheeks into hollows. “And how close were you to that body?” “He is awfully snuggly in spite of zero body fat.” Bix batted her lashes. “Back one day and you score a top-level hottie.” Drew slapped the back of her hand against her brow. “I expect all the intimate details. All. Unedited.” “No.” Bix chortled. “Always some editing.” “Fine. We’ll do the adulting thing and investigate the Consortium. Then I get the details to which every bestie is entitled.” Drew flopped back on the floor. “I need a drop-off. Can’t leave the corpse of a little girl in the ambassador’s home, things being what they are and what not.”
It's not a lousy dialogue. Actually, it's pretty fun, when you in the mood for this kind of banter. The thing is this kind of writing won't appeal to everyone, and it's good to know what to expect before reading the book. As for other characters, they're cool. And crazy. Let's take Drew an entity who treats human corpses as suits or Tobek, seven-foot-tall non-Viking helping Bix. They're all memorable in this over the top, pulpy way.
While characterisation is done well, at times, it's challenging to follow diverse characters we're introduced to. And we meet a lot of potential friends and foes. Angels, dragons, gods, you name it. It's disorienting and confusing, to be honest.
The same can be told about the assault mystery. It's difficult to follow. Despite the things, way too many things, happening all the time, it stalls. A sensory overload maybe? Unexpected happens all the time, and while it doesn't grow old, it becomes tiring.
In the end, it's a strange and insane book. I can't help but admire KA Krantz creativity - her world, and her characters are bold, unique and exciting. On the other hand, the plot is difficult to follow, and at times I felt tired of snarky writing and overload of diverse characters.
I can guarantee you one thing, though - this book is unlike any other in a fantasy genre....more
I’m a fan of Raymond St. Elmo’s imaginative and genre-blending works. I like how he juggles elements of fantasy, magic realism, and literary fiction. I’m a fan of Raymond St. Elmo’s imaginative and genre-blending works. I like how he juggles elements of fantasy, magic realism, and literary fiction. Colleen The Wanderer makes a nod toward classic adventure stories. And yes, there’s quite a bit of wandering :) Longer review to come, probably, when I have more time.
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
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
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