Of Mages and Makers by Rel Carroll – SPFBO #11 Semi-Finals Review
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
Steampunk, chicanery, and robbery all collude to deliver a romance that is lighthearted, but which emphasizes a lesson in consent.
Women Writing SFF
City of Stone by K. T. Holder – SPFBO #11 Semi-Finals Review
Overall, this is a book with a solid foundation, a lot of heart, and characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with.
Try This Instead: Children’s and YA Lit Recommendations
Aly Noel
A lot of readers carry a “magical orphan child who goes to school and defeats the evil villain with help from their found family, as the prophecy foretold” shaped hole…
Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee – Review
Summer Hanford
Sixteen-year-old Jun dreams of proving his worth as a warrior in the elite Guardian’s Tournament, held every six years to entrust the magical Scroll of Earth to a new protector.…
Between Earth and Sky by Rebecca Roanhorse – Series Review
The Between Earth & Sky series by Rebecca Roanhorse deserves a spot at the top of your TBR (to-be-read) list and to be the center of more conversation in the…
The Farseer/Romantasy Parallel: No, not Molly
While it’s doubtful that modern romantasy writers set out to consciously mimic Hobb’s masterful construction, the choice of first person, the intricate and deep emotional growth, and the form both…
European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman by Theodora Goss – Review
Witty, character-driven, and richer in scope, this sequel sends the Athena Club across Victorian Europe, mixing reimagined monsters, found family warmth, and darker historical realities into a story that is…
The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss – Review
Charming, witty, and deeply character-driven, this Victorian-era mystery reimagines classic literary monsters through a warm, modern lens. With a strong focus on found family, sharp dialogue, and a playful narrative…
The Tattling Whisperwoods by Tilly Wallace – Review
playful, magical, and full of heart. Stronger than the first book, richer in character, and still deeply comforting. It’s not about sweeping epic stakes. It’s about community, care, stubborn hope,…
To Ride a Rising Storm by Moniquill Blackgoose – Review
Dragons, colonialism, and resistance, with a cast that reflects the full spectrum of humanity and a world that keeps getting richer, Blackgoose is building something special here.
The Poet Empress by Shen Tao: A Vague Review (Because Anything Specific Will Ruin the Ride)
JC Kang
I have concluded The Poet Empress needs to be experienced with very little knowledge of the story and characters, so the enigma of the villain can be unraveled as expectations…
Gather the Anarchists by Tilly Wallace – Review
Overall, this series feels like wrapping yourself in your favourite blanket after a long, draining day. It’s steady, reassuring, and quietly engaging without demanding too much from you.