Book Review: USURPATION by Sue Burke
Unlike in Semiosis with the colonization of Pax and discovery of rainbow bamboo, humans on Earth are too familiar with their surroundings, too occupied with global turmoils, and too full of assumptions based on Terran life to give much deep thought to imports and immigrants from Pax such as the rainbow bamboo plant. The humans of Earth don’t realize the plant is sentient …
Book Review: ON VICIOUS WORLDS by Bethany Jacobs
On Vicious Worlds continues, and significantly expands those themes of the first novel [These Burning Stars], with the continued stories of its characters and the introduction of some fascinating new characters.
Into the Wardrobe: WAIT TILL HELEN COMES by Mary Downing Hahn
It’s a dark-fantasy/supernatural-horror middle grade novel that would’ve delighted young me with its spookiness and darkness, but also the strong central story and its emotional resonance.
Paperbacks from Hell #2: WHEN DARKNESS LOVES US by Elizabeth Engstrom
Two very different types of horror stories, the novellas are linked by female protagonists who struggle to survive the difficult situations of their lives and maintain control and choice in directing their futures.
A Book by its Cover: THE ADVENTURES OF TOM BOMBADIL by J.R.R. Tolkien
Joke column: “In recent years, several critics have argued that there would surely have been no Princess Bride or Secrets (Trials) of Mana if it weren’t for the pioneering neo-realist folk fantasy of Cather and Cummings combining as Tolkien.”
Book Review: CRYPT OF THE MOON SPIDER by Nathan Ballingrud
Gothic creepiness pervades the entirety of the novella, with a self-contained story whose characters and plot perfectly fit into the strengths of that format’s length.
