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...

06 Aug

Posted at 18:14h in Reviews by

Exploring the Depths with Ursula K. Le Guin: A Review of The Language of the Night When I first picked up The Language of the Night: Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy, I did so with a twinge of nostalgic curiosity. Ursula K. Le Guin's work has left an indelible mark on my reading life, her stories resonating with a deeply felt magic that invites both wonder and introspection. Returning to her first full-length collection of essays felt like reconnecting with an old friend—one who has much to...

03 Aug

Posted at 15:28h in Reviews by

Title: The Library at Hellebore: A Gripping Exploration of Power and Survival As I cracked open The Library at Hellebore by Tiffany D. Khaw, I felt a familiar thrill—the kind that echoes through the hallowed halls of dark academia and whispers promises of tension, intrigue, and a touch of the grotesque. It’s not often that a book unearths such potent themes wrapped in a narrative that’s not just compelling but deeply personal. Narrated by the sardonic and engaging Alessa Li, this story pulls you into a world where survival...

22 Jul

Posted at 15:08h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Emma Smith As an avid reader with a soft spot for bookish tales, I was immediately drawn to The Secret Library of Hanna Reeves by Emma Smith. The premise alone—a hidden library nestled within a sprawling Maine estate—whispered promises of adventure, mystery, and the kind of unlikely friendships that warm the heart. After diving into this captivating narrative, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts! Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Rose Hill estate, the story invites us to journey back...

13 Jul

Posted at 08:24h in Reviews by

Book Review: The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water by Sarah Domet I've often found that a stunning book cover can pull me in as much as an intriguing plot or captivating characters can. When I stumbled upon The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, with its inviting lake-front scene that whispered secrets of summer escapes, I knew I had to dive in—especially since the story revolves around a writer on a deadline hiding away at her grandfather's cabin. It felt like a perfect match for my literary cravings....

30 Jun

Posted at 19:21h in Reviews by

Review: Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction: How to Create Out-of-This-World Novels and Short Stories As an avid reader and aspiring writer, I often find myself lost in the intricate worlds of fantasy and science fiction. When I stumbled upon Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction: How to Create Out-of-This-World Novels and Short Stories, it felt like destiny calling. With contributions from revered authors like Orson Scott Card and fresh insights from modern luminaries such as Philip Athans and Jay Lake, this comprehensive guide promised not just to enlighten me but...

29 May

Posted at 22:12h in Reviews by

Discovering the Many Layers of Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes As an avid admirer of Terry Pratchett's unique wit and unparalleled storytelling, I was genuinely excited to dive into Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes: The Official Biography. This book promised not only an exploration of the man behind the Discworld, but also a window into the life and legacy of a literary genius. My expectations were high, and while the book certainly fulfilled many of them, it also took me on an emotional journey that came with...

25 May

Posted at 17:52h in Reviews by

My Life as a Villainess: A Journey Through a Remarkable Life When I first picked up My Life as a Villainess by Laura Lippman, I didn’t just expect to encounter insightful essays from an award-winning author; I was also eager to dive into the mind of someone I once nearly rambled over in a book signing. Yes, I had a moment of panic while trying to chat with her—a mix of excitement and nerves led me to accidentally mansplain the complexity of a character she created. Yet, instead of...

10 May

Posted at 08:59h in Reviews by

Review of Wooing the Witch Queen (Queens of Villainy, #1) There’s something undeniably enchanting about diving into a new adventure penned by Stephanie Burgis, a beloved author I've followed since 2016. With each turn of the page, Burgis consistently surprises me with her ability to blend humor, heart, and whimsy. When I first picked up Wooing the Witch Queen, I was drawn in by its premise—a romantasy exploring the complexities of characters and world-building rather than just the romance. I’m thrilled to say it surpassed my expectations, earning a...