Fantasy Book Review feed

Review - The God is Not Willing by Steven Erikson

2021-11-22

In the end, I dont think youll find a better book to read: Not just a better fantasy book, but a better book. And if you have yet to dip your toe into the Malazan world created by Erikson and writing partner Ian C. Esslemont, then I encourage you to pick up ‘The God is Not Willing. It is beautiful, it is captivating and utterly enthralling, and it is a high-water mark for literature.

Review - The Fall of Babel by Josiah Bancroft

2021-11-18

The Books of Babel is an original and brilliant saga that is even better on the second read-though. It has left an unmistakable footprint in the self-published and traditionally-published world of storytelling. There's nothing else quite like it.

Review - Risen by Benedict Jacka

2021-11-09

Sad as I am to say goodbye, I think Jacka did his series justice, both in the high-action battles and in the character outcomes for all those who are left alive. At that, I'll say no more. A wonderful series that I'm already looking forward to reading again. Recommended.

Review - A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

2021-11-05

Let me put my cards on the table. I loved every part of this book. From the hoity-toity English to the queer romance to the UF style murder investigation - all of it was utterly perfect and so much fun to read.

Review - Winterlong by Elizabeth Hand

2021-11-03

The most basic thing I can say about Winterlong, is that if people really want to explore flawed, human, at times beautiful, at times extremely ugly people trying to cope in a world that is truly strange, unnerving and alien, well here it is!

Review - The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers

2021-10-22

Is The Galaxy, and the Ground Within worth reading? If you are looking for complex science fiction that actually deals with real issues and explores alien perspectives, rather than offering simple soundbites, then probably not. If you're looking for a quirky and cute character drama with people you come to love, strange happenings and a warm sense of community, then it absolutely is.

Review - Choir of the Damned by Steve McKinnon

2021-09-23

Not only was it an exciting page-turner, but I was impressed at how deep the lore of the world was explored this time around. We were previously only given hints of what the outside world looked like, and we got to spend most of this story deep-diving into new cultures and settings other than Dalthea and its allied nations.

Review - The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie

2021-09-21

'The Wisdom of Crowds' is Abercrombie's most political book to date - some of it subtle, some of it banged over your head with the flat of a blade before it guts you with sharp commentary. 'The Trouble with Peace' ended on the cusp of The Great Change, and I thought 'Wisdom' would take some time before the Change itself became the centerpiece to the story. But there was no time wasted, as the big battle was gotten out of the way early. I was surprised to see a lengthy 'Little People' section (a consistent favorite of mine) occurred so early in chapter 2 when the narrative hopped around POVs during the madness of a battle. It was at that point in time when I realized that the book wasn't going to focus on the war itself, like his standalone, 'The Heroes,' but rather the aftermath of it, while attempting to answer the question on everyone's mind -- what now?

Review - Spirits of Vengeance by Rob Hayes

2021-09-16

Hayes ability to write epic action scenes has always been one of his strongest assets, and they are relentless in this novel. Demonic yokai threatening towns and destroying schools, hunting families and shattering pasts. However, it seemed like more time was given toward developing the nuance of the yokai than the four main characters of the story.

Review - We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

2021-09-13

Its a craft in character - Constance, Merricat, Uncle Julian and cousin Charles all excellently evoked, the plot imbued with suspense, tension and unease.

Review - Lost and Found: Case One by Nita Round

2021-09-13

Lost And Found works as both a stand alone novel and an introduction to this series. There is a good evocative sense of setting, which Round has planted the seeds for more exploration in future instalments.

Review - Bacchanal by Veronica G Henry

2021-09-09

Bacchanal takes the dark carnival/circus setting and reinvigorates it, blending the fantastic and the mundane with a perfect touch of horror.

Review - The Hounds of the Morrigan by Pat OShea

2021-09-07

Whether you have some small humans to introduce to the pleasures of reading, or just want a whimsical, charming tale of the dreams of the Emerald Isle, with a surprising turn into chaos and darkness towards the end, Hounds of the Morrigan is definitely one classic which deserves to be remembered!

Review - A Spindle Splintered by Alix Harrow

2021-08-24

This one is a fun one. Not to say that Harrows other short stories and novels arent fun, but theres something special about turning Ye Olden Fable that is a literal snooze-fest into an exciting multiverse-spanning race against time with magic, love, abandoned jail parties, a smidge of astrophysics, and some other witchy ingredients that makes a modern fairy tale a winner.

Review - The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

2021-08-19

One thing I can say is that, possibly even to a greater extent than Morgenstern's first novel, this is one book which is absolutely unique! Certainly, anyone who really wants to test the limits of what is possible in speculative fiction, and journey into truly strange and wondrous places , should definitely take a voyage on The Starless Sea.

Review - Wanderers by Chuck Wendig

2021-08-18

I would wholeheartedly recommend Wanderers to fans of post-apocalyptic and dystopian books. If, like me, The Stand and Robert McCammons Swan Song are all-time favourites then you can get ready to add another one to that list.

Review - A Sudden Wild Magic by Diana Wynne Jones

2021-07-31

Despite the fact that the plot gets a little too quickly shoved around by random magic at times, and despite the slightly overly large, if not actually plot irrelevant characters, I'd still absolutely recommend A Sudden Wild Magic, a book which unquestionably succeeds in being simply what Wynne Jones wanted it to be: a good story, and yet, in simply being a good story, for all its whimsical plot turns and sudden bursts of magic, actually has a few far more important things to say as well.

Review - Dark Orbit by Carolyn Ives Gilman

2021-07-29

While I would still ultimately recommend Dark Orbit, as an above average science fiction story with some interesting philosophical musings and several societies to explore, I'd also recommend anyone reading it has a good think about how human blind people; such as the fellow who wrote this review, really are!

Review - The Hand of the Sun King by JT Greathouse

2021-07-26

Greathouse has written a memorable character in Wen Alder and Forbidden Cur. He is a man whose life has been divided in two since his birth and given no choices of his own along the way, and I found it hard to root against him. When he fails, he fails through action, not lack of it. He has a constant drive to succeed, no matter where life places him, and his brilliance that outshines his peers doesnt always go over so well in each environment. Its all compelling stuff. Add in a very cool magic system with weighty consequences, a cast of meaningful, well-developed characters, and a lush world that carefully considers its lore, economic struggles, and religious history, its easy for me to call The Hand of the Sun King one of my top reads of 2021.

Review - Howl\'s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

2021-07-20

Howls Moving Castle is an endearing, amusing fantasy novel ideal for children that can be enjoyed by readers of any age. Highly recommended.

Review - The Taking by Dean Koontz

2021-07-20

The Taking is much like a ride on a ghost train. The track is one way, and you know that when you get to the end of it none of the nasties will be leaving with you, but that doesn't stop you getting to see some good old gruesomeness, and getting a shiver or two during the ride.

Review - The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

2021-07-20

Atwood masterfully crafts a narrative which gives the reader equal measures and reflection. The Testaments is top tier speculative fiction, providing social commentary which is seamlessly woven into the story. The book provides not only a satisfying read but also a hopeful one too. For readers seeking to see more of Gilead and what led to its fall, look no further.

Review - A Man Rides Through by Stephen Donaldson

2021-07-17

I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Mordant's Need. Exploration of a fascinating world, with poetry and pathos, complex side characters who you truly grow attached to, some wonderfully nasty villains and horrific monsters, and above all, the chance to follow someone who grows from an out of her depth damsel to a triumphant hero, who achieves love, honour and self-understanding, Mordant's Need absolutely has it all!

Review - Mirror of Her Dreams by Stephen Donaldson

2021-07-16

Mirror of Her Dreams is; like all of Donaldson's works, a difficult book. At times disturbing, frustrating or turgid, yet with an undercurrent of wonder, wit and even sweetness. It explores some interesting ideas and dark themes, and goes to some genuinely disturbing places. It's not something I started lightly, and yet something I absolutely wanted to finish. Though its main character is an incredibly damselly damsel, Terisa is probably the most 3 dimensional, and understandable damsel I've seen, albeit that I really hope this will change in the next volume.

Review - The Free Bastards by Jonathan French

2021-07-03

Jonathan French is a Crafty one, wrapping up Jackal, Fetching, and Oats stories with the heart and loss and depth it deserves, but it also leaves the door open for more Lot Lands stories to explore. No matter what the future may bring, for three books Ive lived in this saddle, and with the killer conclusion of The Free Bastards, Im fortunate to die on this hog.