Book Review: Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory, by Yaroslav Barsukov
What seems like fairly standard science fantasy, combining feudal lives in cities where people walk around open markets with tech like airships and massive building projects, turns into something akin to a trip to a dangerous, mysterious part of the Dreamlands. Back in the this world, things keep getting weirder and more wondrous…
Book Review: Songs for the Shadows: A Sauútiverse Novella, by Cheryl S. Ntumy
“I found the worldbuilding satisfyingly rich and intriguing … What I did find challenging was empathizing with the protagonist, although eventually I found myself at peace with her, as she found her own type of peace.”
Book Review: Someone You Can Build a Nest In, by John Wiswell
You see, the protagonist/narrator is a shapeshifting monster who keeps rebuilding her body from the remnants of defeated enemies, but a lot of the people she deals with are monstrous in their own ways. … and when she meets a uniquely likeable and caring woman, Homily, and tries to help her and communicate with her instead of just eating her, readers like me end up cheering for both of them.
Book Review: The Improvisers, by Nicole Glover
Glover’s prose doesn’t often soar to poetic heights, but it’s direct and practical and a breeze to read. There’s a lot going on in this 443-page book, but it doesn’t feel nearly that long; Glover keeps it all racing along together and lands the ending with a very satisfying touchdown.
Book Review: The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells by Rachel Greenlaw
It’s primarily a semi-supernatural romance, blended with mystery, home renovations, inheritances, and homecoming.
Book Review: Inheritance of Scars, by Crystal Seitz
The word-pictures she paints of Astrid’s childhood memories and the forest journey are immersive, the creatures encountered along the way are creepily described and often quite chilling, and conversations feel convincing.
