Ring the Bells by C. K. McDonnell – Review
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
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…
Reviews
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.
A Shattering of Glass by Deck Matthews – Review
Tightly written, full of action, with answers that spark new questions. A Shattering of Glass proves again that Deck Matthews can deliver epic scope in a compact package.
Murder in Absentia by Assaph Mehr – Review
Felix himself is a strong lead. He is clever, snarky, and knows when to keep his mouth shut. He is refreshingly aware of his limits and hires muscle or gets…
Wolves (I Bring The Fire, #1) by C. Gockel – Review
My favorite parts were definitely the scenes outside of Midgard. The Asgard bits, and the way the gods interact, were the highlights for me.
SPFBO 10 Champions’ League: Reign & Ruin by J. D. Evans – Review
... blends romance, magic, and courtly intrigue into a story driven as much by emotion as by politics. Set in a richly imagined, Middle Eastern inspired world, it follows characters…
SPFBO 10 Champions’ League: The Sword of Kaigen by M. L. Wang – Review
"It’s one of those rare books that transforms as you read it, and then transforms you in turn."
A Study in Sirens by Suzannah Rowntree – Review
A quick, charming, and fun installment that will leave you eager for the next full adventure. Perfect for when you need a little taste of werewolves, vampires, sirens, and snarky…
A Pirate’s Life for Tea by Rebecca Thorne – Review
Overall, it’s a fine pick for a cozy filler read, especially if you don’t mind your fantasy leaning more toward fluff than depth.