SPFBO 10 Champions’ League: The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson – Review
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
A wonderful mix of mystery, adventure and heart. It captures the spirit of old-school fantasy while keeping a modern warmth that makes it easy to love.
Anji Kills a King by Evan Leikam – Review
A sharp, magic-tinged fantasy with a strong opening, a welcome lack of romance, and a prickly protagonist you can’t help but root for.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland – Review
A fierce and clever reimagining of history, full of action, heart, and a heroine you won’t forget. I’m already reaching for the sequel.
First of Shadows by Deck Matthews – Review
How do you kill a shadow? As a raging storm descends on the Blasted Coast, the crippled young rigger, Caleb Rusk, meets a stranger on the road. Little does he…
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher – Review
Jayna
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Perfect for those of us that aren’t wanting nightmares but need a little change. Also, a shorter book so not a huge commitment in…
The Ashen Orb Bounty by Patrick Dugan – Review
Sometimes, you just want a fun, tropey quest with a lovable crew , and this book hits that sweet spot perfectly.
SPFBO 10 Champions’ League: Where Loyalties Lie by Rob J. Hayes – Review
It is sharp without being flowery and keeps the focus where it belongs, on the characters and their choices.
The Tale of Gurion Thricebound by Angela Holder – Review
If you're interested in a thoughtful exploration of societal structures, privilege, and revolution, seen through the eyes of one family living through the upheaval, then this book is absolutely worth…
The Magicians by Lev Grossman – Review
This was like two books in one and I felt pretty strongly about each half in different ways.
A Good Day to Die by G.R. Matthews – Reveal and Review
A brutal, layered tale of vengeance, faith, and survival. Rawlins’ journey from merciless killer to something almost human is gripping
A Winter’s Mercy by Phil Williams – Review
a dark, muddy, and deeply human military fantasy that manages to be both brutal and heartwarming. It is a story about survival, loyalty, and the people who keep fighting when…
SPFBO 10 Champions’ League: The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French
French deserves credit for doing something original with grimdark genre and creating a setting quite different to what you will usually have read.