07 Dec

Posted at 16:39h in Reviews by

Embracing Midlife Adventures in Brigands & Breadknives There’s something irresistibly charming about the world that Travis Baldree has crafted in Brigands & Breadknives, the second installment in the Legends & Lattes series. After falling head over heels for the cozy atmosphere of the first book, I was eager to dive into this new chapter—or should I say journey—filled with whimsical characters and delightful escapades. And trust me, it did not disappoint! In Brigands & Breadknives, we’re welcomed back to a fantastically mundane world, albeit with a shift in focus from...

06 Dec

Posted at 13:11h in Reviews by

Title: Diving into the Depths of Humanity with John Ajvide Lindqvist’s The Writing in the Water From the moment I picked up The Writing in the Water (Bloodstorm, #1) by John Ajvide Lindqvist, I was drawn in by the promise of a psychological thriller that dances on the line between reality and fiction. Having previously immersed myself in Lindqvist’s superbly haunting vampire tale, Let the Right One In, I was curious to see how he would navigate the human psyche without his signature supernatural elements. The juxtaposition intrigued me:...

15 Nov

Posted at 14:32h in Reviews by

Discovering The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters: A Mixed Bag While leafing through the shelves at Barnes & Noble, I stumbled upon The Game Master’s Book of Non-Player Characters: 500+ Unique NPCs by Jeff Ashworth. As a tabletop RPG enthusiast always on the lookout for tools to enrich our gaming sessions, the concept of a comprehensive guide filled with NPCs piqued my interest. The hardcover format and a reasonable price were just cherries on top. With anticipation bubbling beneath the surface, I dove into the pages, only to...

12 Nov

Posted at 16:00h in Reviews by

Female Fantasy: A Road Trip Through Love and Literary Yearning When I first stumbled upon Female Fantasy by Zara Hossain, the premise immediately caught my attention. An Iranian-American female lead chasing down the guy her book boyfriend was based on? As a romantic at heart, I couldn't resist the allure. Here was a narrative that promised not only a journey through the fantastical world of love but also a deeper exploration of identity and desire—all while riding the waves of humor and satire. Alas, while the book had moments...

07 Nov

Posted at 15:54h in Reviews by

Book Review: Witches of Dubious Origin by A.L. McCaffrey There’s something irresistibly enchanting about the notion of witches—powerful women navigating a world that often misunderstands their gifts. When I stumbled upon Witches of Dubious Origin, I was immediately drawn in by the clever title and the promise of humor intertwined with darker themes. A.L. McCaffrey’s work sparked my curiosity, and I dove into the witchy narrative with eager anticipation. At its heart, Witches of Dubious Origin weaves together themes of identity, belonging, and the often tumultuous relationship between personal power...

05 Nov

Posted at 15:51h in Reviews by

Book Review: Das Schloss der Träumenden Bücher by Walter Moers I’ve often found myself wandering into the whimsical realms crafted by Walter Moers, my imagination ignited by his inventive storytelling and quirky characters. When I picked up Das Schloss der Träumenden Bücher (The Castle of Dreaming Books), I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a fantastical journey through the enchanted world of Zamonien. As someone who revels in the joys of reading, I was eager to see how Moers, a true literary enigma, would weave his magic...

01 Oct

Posted at 01:38h in Reviews by

Review of The Only Fantasy Workbook You'll Ever Need: Your New Magic System Bible by T.M. Holladay As a lifelong lover of fantasy, there’s something utterly thrilling about diving into a new world brimming with enchantment and wonder. Yet, as I began plotting my own fantastical tales, I found myself tangling in a web of sticky notes and scattered ideas—hardly the organized tapestry I envisioned. Enter T.M. Holladay’s The Only Fantasy Workbook You'll Ever Need: Your New Magic System Bible. This workbook caught my attention instantly, promising a comprehensive...

07 Sep

Posted at 09:30h in Reviews by

The Nature of Middle-Earth: A Journey into Tolkien’s Imagination As someone who has immersed myself in Tolkien’s vast universe—having tackled all 12 "History of Middle-earth" books, the two-part "History of the Hobbit," and now The Nature of Middle-Earth—I felt an irresistible pull to dive into this latest release. It’s as if I’ve passed an elaborate test set within the pages of Arda: I will diminish, and go into the West and remain Mitchell, a devoted traveler on this literary journey. Tolkien’s writings, always a feast for the imagination, unfold...

02 Sep

Posted at 11:39h in Reviews by

Finding Empowerment in Color: A Review of Primer: A Superhero Graphic Novel As someone who has always been captivated by the intersections of creativity and heroism, Primer: A Superhero Graphic Novel by Jennifer Muro and Thomas Krajewski instantly piqued my interest. The idea of a young girl transforming from an artist into a superhero using body paint was not only unique but a vivid metaphor for how creativity can empower and uplift us. And let me tell you, this graphic novel does not disappoint! At the heart of the story...

09 Aug

Posted at 00:28h in Reviews by

Unleashing Imagination: A Reflection on How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card As a lifelong lover of both science fiction and fantasy, I’ve often wondered how authors create those expansive worlds brimming with magic, technology, and complex characters. Enter Orson Scott Card, the genius behind Ender’s Game, and his illuminating guide, How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy. This book immediately caught my attention, promising to unlock the secrets behind crafting speculative fiction, and I found myself both eager and anxious to dive into its...