The Summer Goddess by Joanne Hall
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
The Summer Goddess is a beautifully told, thematically rich fantasy that offers something far beyond the typical “white male protagonist” hero’s journey. It’s a breath of fresh air for anyone…
Those Who Dwell in Darkness by Steve McHugh
A gritty, fast-paced urban fantasy with sharp edges, a solid mystery, and absolutely zero romantasy nonsense. Come for the vampire hunt, stay for the clever banter, great characters, and the…
Planetside by Michael Mammay – Books 1-3 Series Review
It’s not flashy space opera, it’s smart, character-focused storytelling with just enough grit, action, and intrigue to keep you hooked from page one.
Ebony Gate by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle
JC Kang
“Jade City meets Never Die” At Emerald City Comicon, Ken Bebelle pitched the book he co-authored with Julia Vee to me as “Asian female John Wick with dragon magic in…
In Solitude’s Shadow by David Green
... sharp, character-driven fantasy with teeth, full of heart, heartbreak, and hard choices. If you want magic with meaning, battles with consequences, and a cast that actually makes you care,…
SPFBO 10 Champions’ League: The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids by Michael McClung – Review
...a clever, gritty little gem. A witty, tightly written fantasy adventure with a phenomenal lead, great humor, surprising emotional depth, and just enough chaos to keep things unpredictable.
Bounty Inc. by Adam Holcombe – ARC Review
Bounty Inc. is a fun, surprisingly heartfelt but sharp space adventure about building something of your own, finding your people, and figuring things out along the way. Expect banter, bounty…
Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence
Jayna
...in typical Lawrence fashion the ending left me with just enough questions that I need to read the next book to have some closure.
Engines of Empire by Max Carver
A timely AI-dystopia with strong narration, bold worldbuilding, and a few sharp edges that don’t always cut cleanly, but still leave a mark.
Orishas Among Mortals – Collection 1: An Old Gods Story by Antoine Bandele
... a vibrant, myth-rich (African meets Greek) short story collection that makes for a great entry point into the TJ Young universe. With standout narration and immersive audio touches.
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
What in a Necromancer’s fever dream did I just read? I’m still not sure but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. If you’ve got a thirst for something dark and…
War for the Rose Throne by Peter McLean – Series Review
A masterclass in grimdark fantasy. Spanning four novels, it delivers a gritty, emotionally charged saga of war, power, loyalty, trauma, and survival.