Society in Story
Aaron Miles
There are a number of elements fantasy writers focus on during worldbuilding, traditionally they pour over decisions like mapping locations, designing a magic system and setting empires/species against one another…
The Kingfountain Trilogy by Jeff Wheeler – Spoiler Free Series Review
Zachary A. Matzo
Some of the best series I’ve read are series that have snuck up on me—ones that I’ve gone into cold, either based on a random cover, a sale or some…
The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe by Kij Johnson
Jonathan Thornton
Tor’s novella series was started in 2015, with the aim of promoting this shorter medium. The line includes both established authors and those just making their debut, and has included…
Quotes: Making or Breaking
Geoff Matthews
My 46th article for Fantasy-Faction. I have now written more of these than I have years of life and not many to 50. And always the eternal question; what to…
Heart Blade by Juliana Spink Mills
Trent Cannon
Urban fantasy is absolutely my bag. I write it. I read it. I openly pine to live in a world where I can punch a troll in the face on…
Darkhaven by A.F.E. Smith – Series Review
Laura M. Hughes
You could be forgiven for assuming A.F.E. Smith’s debut is a tame, fluffy tale about a magical unicorn. I assumed the same. But trust me when I say that there’s…
A Wizard Abroad by Diane Duane
Jo Niederhoff
Can any self-respecting fantasy author write a series about magic in our world without mentioning Ireland? The answer, of course, is yes, but facts are beside the point. The point…
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
Spoiler Warning: This review contains spoilers. Read with caution if you have yet to finish the book. Tor’s novella series was started in 2015, with the aim of promoting this…
Science Fiction: Asking The Questions Of The Day
There are few genres in all of entertainment that are more sculpted by the times they are written in than science fiction. From its earliest beginnings, sci-fi has been about…
Everfair by Nisi Shawl
“The settlers of Everfair had come here naively at best, arrogantly at worst. Due to the orders of the king they had found the country seemingly empty. In the fight…
Metronome by Oliver Langmead
Lucy Hounsom
Metronome is an engaging high concept fantasy, incredibly readable and beautifully written. Its unusual hero is William Manderlay, an old sailor who lives in a care home, crippled by arthritis…
Romance in Fantasy – Part One
Amy Rose Davis
I’ve said it before: I write romantic fantasy. I never start out a story intending to write romance, but somehow, romantic threads always show up. I used to fight this…