The Saint of Steel series (books 1-3) by T. Kingfisher – Review
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
The blend of cute, fun, cosy and quite dark and bloody is a mixture I never knew I needed, before I found this author.
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
The Silencing of the North by G. R. Matthews – Review
It is a colder book in many ways, but also a richer one, and by the final page, I was more than ready to follow this story wherever it goes…
Under the Lesser Moon by Shelly Campbell – Review
There are no knights or swords here, just a travelling tribe that hunts and gathers everything it needs to survive.
Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis – Review
Wooing the Witch Queen is a wonderfully immersive, playful, and warm story, perfect for anyone who loves quirky magic, complex friendships, and a touch of romance, all wrapped in cosy-dark…
Julia’s 2025 Reading Wrap Up/Favourite Books of the Year
Expect dragons, witches, robots, rogues, and worlds so magical I wanted to move in permanently. There’s everything here from cosy and charming to grim and gory, from light-hearted popcorn reads…
Deathless by Rob J. Hayes – Review
What is real history, what is a lie, and what has simply been forgotten over time?
Starter Villain by John Scalzi – Review
A clever, chaotic sci-fi comedy full of talking animals, double-crossing villains, and absurd plans. Starter Villain is sharp, funny, and an absolute joy from start to finish.
Ring the Bells by C. K. McDonnell – Review
A chaotic, foul-mouthed Christmas entry in the Stranger Times series, packed with ancient gods, bad decisions, bodily fluids, and zero cozy vibes. Perfect for readers who like their festive reads…
Julia’s Updated List of Christmas SFF
A festive deep dive into my favourite Christmas-themed SFF reads, from cozy and whimsical to dark, bloody, and chaotic. Fantasy, science fiction, ghosts, gods, zombies, and tinsel included.
Christmas Spirits at Honeywell House by Sharon Booth – Review
It was refreshing to see a middle-aged woman at the centre of a fantasy story, dealing with very recognisable pressures.
SPFBO 10 Champions’ League: Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike – Review
Absurd quests, unexpected twists, and a steady undercurrent of satire kept the pacing brisk and the tone light, without slipping into pure farce.
Saints of Storm and Sorrow by Gabriella Buba – Review
Rich in magic, rooted in Filipino history, and unafraid to challenge the legacy of colonization, this is a bold fantasy that gives voice to stories too long silenced.