A Hero Born (Legends of the Condor Heroes #1) by Jin Yong, translated from the Chinese by Anna Holmwood Fantasy 416 pages Expected Publication: September 17, 2019, from St. Martin's Press Though it has no specific counterpart in Western writing, the wuxia novel has been part of Chinese literature for centuries. 'Wuxia' literally means … Continue reading Book Review: A Hero Born
Book Reviews
Book Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow Fantasy 384 pages Expected Publication: September 10, 2019, from Redhook Books The portal tale has been a staple of fantasy for decades. In this subgenre, a character-- usually a young person-- in the ordinary world opens a strange door, walks through it, and finds themself … Continue reading Book Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Book Review: The Long Call
The Long Call (Two Rivers #1) by Ann Cleeves Mystery 384 pages Expected publication date: September 3, 2019, by Minotaur Books The setting is a vital part of the British crime novel. Whether its a gritty story set in London during any time period or a cozy mystery set in a quaint village full of … Continue reading Book Review: The Long Call
Book Review: Daughter of the Forest
Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters #1) by Juliet Marillier Fantasy 411 pages First published in April 1999, by Tor Books Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of the Lord of Sevenwaters and though her mother died at her birth and left her without female companionship, Sorcha's brothers adore and protect her. She is … Continue reading Book Review: Daughter of the Forest
Fear is the Mind-killer: Rereading Dune
(Warning: major spoilers for Dune) I bought my first copy of Frank Herbert's Dune in a used bookstore in Minnesota. I was twelve years old, had two dollars in my pocket, and some time to kill while my mother shopped next door. To this day, I don't know why I picked up that worn-out paperback … Continue reading Fear is the Mind-killer: Rereading Dune
Reading Valdemar: Storm Warning
Wherein the nicest kid you'll ever meet comes from your country's worst foe, there's a new claimant to the Iron Throne, and the Austrians are definitely not invading.
Book Review: Storm of Locusts
Storm of Locusts (The Sixth World #2) by Rebecca Roanhorse Fantasy 313 Pages First published April 23, 2019, by Saga Press Monster-hunter Maggie Hoskie has had a rough time of it lately. Her last hunt went about as wrong as it could go, she had to betray someone she has known for years, and … Continue reading Book Review: Storm of Locusts
Book Review: Gods of Jade and Shadow
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Fantasy 352 pages Expected publication date: July 23rd, 2019, by Del Rey Though the fairytale retelling is a popular trend among current fantasy authors, most of those fairytales are based upon European stories such as Snow White or Cinderella. Too few authors have delved into the wealth … Continue reading Book Review: Gods of Jade and Shadow
Book Review: Soul of the Sword
Soul of the Sword (Shadow of the Fox #2) by Julie Kagawa YA Fantasy 304 pages Expected publication June 25, 2019, by Inkyard Press (Possible spoilers for Shadow of the Fox) After the events at the end of-of Shadow of the Fox, Yumeko has a choice: try to save Tatsumi, or do as she … Continue reading Book Review: Soul of the Sword
Book Review: The Candle and the Flame
The Candle and the Flame by Nafiza Azad Fantasy 416 Pages Published May 14, 2019, by Scholastic Press The Silk Road, a network of medieval trade routes stretching from India and China to southern Europe, has long existed in the Western imagination as the source of all things exotic. But for the millions of people … Continue reading Book Review: The Candle and the Flame
