Book Review: Third Rule of Time Travel

The Third Rule of Time Travel 

by Philip Fracassi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Immensely readable! This foray into Time Travel, with its roots in real (theoretical, obviously) physics is a fast paced, high action novel that (at times) falls somewhere between Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch with some Andy Weir humour thrown in; and re-uses the science of Interstellar (movie). This is an accessible science fiction story with a leading lady who is easy to root for against her corporate (asshole) boss.

With all that, you may wonder, why only four stars?
Honestly, it’s the ending.
What comes below could be construed a spoiler; but I don’t tell the ending, just how it made me feel… so venture with caution if you are sensitive to spoilers…


Time Travel is a tough concept to work with. A lot of factors and elements come into play; and while you get the easy out that it’s just a ‘timeline variance’ for any anomalies, the final note you leave with your readers is critical in my mind. If we are time travelling then, I’d hope, we are learning and progressing as a species. Something Nolan did a super job of portraying in Interstellar; and even in Crichton’s (lesser of his novels) Timeline we see an ultimate final decision that requires sacrifice for our time travelling characters. This is where, for me, The Third Rule of Time Travel doesn’t deliver.

Maybe I’m a jaded cynic who hates happy endings; but I just believe that sacrifice must happen for great discovery to be possible. Moments of great advance in history are often at the expensive of someone or a piece of our humanity (the atomic bomb being the obvious example). And here the ‘sacrifice’ is a bad, annoying, typical trope that just ticked me off. It was obvious, typical, and made me want to insert some angry Chuck Tingle dialogue to sound off about how it’s a Hollywood move with the gloss of ‘happy ending’ tacked on to make it seem okay (read Bury Your Gays for more on this). The ending just cheapens the whole narrative leading up to it; and so I just can’t in any good conscience give this five stars. In fact the more I think about it the more angry it makes me. I have sooo many examples of the same trope over and over again being used to write off ‘sacrifice’ so our leads can benefit; and I’m tired of it.

Thus, while I enjoyed every minute of this read, up to the final chapters; and was absolutely enthralled (reading most of it in less than 48 hours), I just can’t in good faith give it five stars. It just doesn’t deliver the final punch I wanted. There’s no moral lesson, no scientific aha moment, nothing new to add to the time travel narrative. In fact I just might go and watch Interstellar again (which I think is brilliant) just to feel better about a science fiction time travel story (based on the same Kip Thorne theory) that MEANS something.

Grab it for a summer beach or quick plane trip read. You’ll enjoy your time and maybe even be on the edge of your seat for 90% of it. Just know that it will not deliver on the end in any real emotional, humanitarian, or moral way that (for me) includes any satisfaction or adequate sacrifice. All that said, I will try another of Philip Fracassi’s books as I’ve heard very good things about a couple others.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Chaotic Orbits

Chaotic Orbits 

by Beth Revis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This trilogy of novellas by Beth Revis, collectively together is the perfect omnibus of fun, science fiction, silly quips, and yet has many severely perilous moments. To say I adore the Chaotic Orbits trilogy is a bit of an understatement. It’s very rare I read books one after another in a series. Generally I spread them out by a few books and/or months to ensure I don’t get bored or tired of the story, setting, or characters. In the case of these ones I was dying to read the next book immediately, and so took the chance reading all three of these stories within one year. And it was the right choice!

Science fiction can be one of those genres that’s very hard for newer readers, or new to sci-fi to break into. There’s a lot of garbage, and a huge variance between the sub genres with hard science, space opera, survival dystopia, and sci-fi horror all sitting at many folks limits of what they are interested in or can handle. Chaotic Orbits has none of these problems. This cozy, humorous, yet deadly series is easily accessible to anyone while still being engaging for the average sci-fi reader (like myself). Be warned, the blurbs may make it seem like there is romance here, it’s very very mild and not a key piece of the final instalment as the synopsis might make you think.

If you enjoy Murderbot, Firefly/Serenity, Automatic Noodles, or Themis series you’ll likely enjoy this series. I’m super glad to see it in this omnibus as my reason for not giving each book individually 5 stars is because it was broken up and feels like a cash grab. A very ironic thing given the anti-capitalist rhetoric throughout by our leading lady. Therefore, this opportunity to get all 3 stories continuously is key. Keep in mind all three novellas together is barely the length of your average book, so it’s not even that big of a time commitment!

I’ll be picking up a copy in this format to add to my print shelf as I could see myself coming back to this one day. Plus the cover art is gorgeous!!
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Make Me Better

Make Me Better 

by Sarah Gailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sarah Gailey has written a bit of a slog (as in crazy slow burn). The kind of book that Stephen King would write, if you will. A bit too detailed and over written, in my opinion. A novel that takes forever to get through, and yet one you can’t quite give up on or put down as you must know how it ends. I both hated this, and was entranced by it. It was both tame in its horror and yet chillingly awful in the end.

Make Me Better is a number of movies I have seen put together into a novel with unreliable narrators, timelines that swap randomly, and a puzzle that eventually you see and yet wish you hadn’t. It is Midsommar meets The Island (Leo version) meets Mother (with Jennifer Lawrence). Taking all the creepy, disturbing indoctrination and mixing it together to give you a community that seems like the right answer, even when you know it isn’t. Gailey convinces the reader that what our MC is experiencing and thinking is perfectly normal, because in a way it is… even when we know in our gut there’s nothing normal about it.

If you ever wanted to understand why or how people are lured into a cult then this is the book to read. Perhaps you’ll even find yourself agreeing in the end that the horrific price of staying is worth it… or maybe you’ll shiver at how easy it was to follow along and nod. Even knowing you’re reading a horror novel that lacks the gore, jump scares, traditional monsters, or savage slasher moments the genre is known for; yet still has obviously horrific events.

I don’t want to say too much as I think this one is best experienced as it is without much foreknowledge except that it’s a cult and nothing is as it seems. However, I do want you to know that I really struggled to get through almost 65% of it. I had to convince myself to keep reading even when it seemed dull and obvious what was happening. A bit ironic given that our MC is at times feeling so disconnected from the experience as well.

The question, is the pay off worth the work?
For some it will be. For me it was just enough to eke out 4 stars right now. Maybe in a couple days I’ll return and drop it. We will see.
While I’m glad to have completed the book; I’m also glad to return my print copy to the library and not come back to it. I might recommend it for the right person who desires a study of cults or to understand how people become so blind to what is truly around them. Mostly, I think I’ll tell folks to stay away as it is not an enjoyable read per se. However, Make Me Better is a read, I suspect, I will think of in the future when I’m asking myself why I care, why I feel motivated, or why I’m reacting in certain ways. If only to ensure it’s not just because someone told me I should be a certain way.

There’s a mantra somewhere in it all, but it’s too creepy to write or say as that is much too close to assimilation for comfort. If there was something to take away it might go like this: May I always be turned off by the idea of ‘forced’ community and ensure I’m evaluating what’s happening through my own morales and eyes, not by what someone else told me is ‘right’.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: There is no Antimemetics Division

There Is No Antimemetics Division 

by qntm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How do you explain how mind bending a book is when you are not even sure how it ended or what it is conceptualizing?
The core idea here is: how do you fight an entity you cannot perceive or even know exists; as the moment you know it exists you are compromised?

This is one of the most engaging, cosmically horrific, and yet wildly creative scientific engagements I’ve ever encountered. It’s so much more than just a book or story. It’s an idea, a commentary on the world that could only be understood if you lived in our world today. A world with the internet, socials, memes, viral knowledge, misinformation, paranoia post pandemic, and terror of terrorism in your own backyard. I believe if read in 1992 this book would be nonsense and couldn’t evoke the same horror it does today as the ideas would be too abstract. While today they are difficult and make your brain really think, the idea is tangible enough and one that makes the reader question everything around them including the oxygen they are breathing.

I may never ever NOT wonder about white worms wriggling in my overall existence or shadowy figures or spider-like entities or or or. These ideas and antimemes, if you will, are going to stay with me forever. The way that ‘he was a ghost the whole time’ has since I saw The Sixth Sense in high school (when it was first released).

It’s the kind of story that just makes you pause at moments and question everything around you. While reading it I started having ideas for stories I could write that explain away other phenom in our world based on the idea of an antimeme existing. It had me wondering things like, maybe that Déjà vu moment isn’t a glitch in the Matrix, but a mnestic drug side effect (once you’ve read this you will understand what I mean)!

The most surprising part of this novel is the love story embedded at its core. I am surprised no one really talks about the woven in ideal of love being one thing that really sets humans apart. Arguably, what is humanity without love and how powerful can it be… If you forget all the cosmically horrific ideas here and only come to understand the Quinn’s relationship (or non-relationship) then it begs the question: what kind of love does it take to save the world? And yet, it didn’t have to be this particular path that gets us to the end, but I do think it is interesting the author chose the path he did. A lot more should be said about the love story than seems to have been said to date, in my opinion.

I truly believe this is the kind of book and idea that will live on long after its initial readers, author, and fandom has gone. There Is No Antimemetics Division asks you to conceptualize that everything you know is not at all the way you know it. And it does it in such a way that once you start to wonder or get it you are trapped in its horror and unable to escape.

A warning: this is also the kind of book that if you don’t ’get it’ or aren’t pulled in by the idea then you will hate it. I can absolutely see why some detest it. I believe you must go in with an open mind, and ready to really process a reframing of our world. If not you may think it’s ridiculous, stupid, or too complicated. I would recommend going in with only the knowledge that this book is going to ask you to change the way you think about reality, the way the Matrix, Interstellar, Dark Matter, and Piranesi do. If you are not ready to work for the knowledge in this mere 275 page book then you will get nothing out of it. But if you give it your attention and really allow the ideas to expand your mind then I believe you can walk away different.

I read many, many passages twice and in just the last hour of thinking about it have re-read the epilogue three times. This is a book that will occupy my brain for a long time to come (I think) and may very well be the best science fiction book I’ve ever read. I couldn’t have imagined anything hitting like Childhood’s End did when I was 13 yrs old; but this may very well have done it. The kind of book that once you’ve read it you can’t remember what it was like to not read it. (An irony that tickles me given the ideas presented in the narrative!)

If this review feels a bit contradictory, mysterious, or otherwise like you’re missing something that is because without reading the story my little nods likely mean nothing. But once you’ve read the book, come back here and let me know if reading it changed your take on what I’m saying. I’d love to know if I gave just enough to tickle someone’s brain into wanting to read it, while still being too specific. Don’t go looking for spoilers, but don’t worry too much either. It would be hard to understand a spoiler without experiencing the novel itself.

This is a book that is an experience as much as a story. See where your mind goes when asked to think about the impossible, that which cannot be perceived, and then think about how you fight it to save everything, when you don’t remember, or even know, it exists. And then ask yourself how different the world could really be after you read this. Then read it. And come let me know if you’re a hater, or you too had your mind expanded (like me, and so many others) who cannot remember what it was like before we had the antimemes knowledge in our brains.

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Book Review: The Beasts We Bury

The Beasts We Bury 

by D.L. Taylor

Book 1 of The Broken Citadel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Why are more people not talking about this book?! It’s really great for a debut, YA, Romantasy novel. It has all the elements one might desire in a book of its genre and target age group; and yet I can’t help but think the marketing is part of the trouble. Even the tagline on the hardcover from my library feels all wrong. At no time is our leading guy trying to steal the throne or get in the way of it. Instead he is just trying to get by and live. To not starve another day or sleep shivering in the cold, harsh, glass edged world war has left him. And our leading gal is just trying to survive her own existence, while opulent and at the palace, it too is fraught with horror and drenched in the blood of the many animals she has killed with her bare hands!

All of this comes about not by choice for either of our teen characters; but by circumstance. This is perhaps what makes this such a good story. Neither character needs the other, per se; and yet each needs the other more than they can imagine once they realize they could support each other. Amongst politics, lies, magic, alliances, deals, and intrigue is this sweet little romance between two unlikely people. Although I couldn’t help but think street rat and princess like in Aladdin; but that’s okay as it doesn’t have any other resemblance to Agraba or its magic.

The Beasts We Bury is the kind of book that could have made a splash, like Fourth Wing, if it had a bit more refinement and a better marketing campaign. A few things could use fixing up. For example, why didn’t our main gal ever go back to the training academy to check on the improvements she was promised? Why didn’t she have more of a relationship with either mom or her sister (the distance felt so awkward)? And why was she still so in love with dear ol’ daddy even as she understood he was a huge part of the evil in the realm? These types of issues needed a lot more exploration to get this up to 5 stars. Plus both Vie and Rooftop needed to be more than just typical side characters with jealousy and one skill or trait that their whole personality hung on.

I could likely list a few more places I’d make enhancements or changes; I will say this is immensely readable, very clean and suitable for teens, and an overall intriguing premise. The narration from both narrators is solid and I love how each chapter swaps the POV between our guy and gal. Most importantly the ending is a bombshell that must be explored!!!
So yes, I’ll be searching out book 2 quickly, as I definitely want to know where this goes and am hopeful the darkness factor creeps up a bit more.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Marion

Marion 

by Leah Rowan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a ride!! I could have easily finished this in a weekend; but instead dragged it out a bit just because it was so crazy I didn’t want to know the end right away. This is the feminine Psycho. A girl, meets Norman Bates, and wins. But now there is a dead body (or two or three), money from weird circumstances, a sister, a crazy mom, and a lot of details to handle.
With a lot of uniqueness, new players, added plot from every corner, and a base story we all know so well, Leah Rowan takes us on a crazy, wild, kinda fun, with lots of blood splatter, killer ride. I don’t know how else to describe this except a lot of fun, immensely clever, quite satisfying in the end, and a very readable story.
If you like thrillers or murder mysteries, you’ll likely enjoy Marion.
If you enjoy the story from the offenders eyes, you’ll likely enjoy Marion.
If you want to see how someone goes from totally normal to a bit deranged this might be for you.
It’s definitely for those that want a light thriller for the beach or a weekend read that keeps them flipping the pages quick to find out what happens next.

I’m sure some armchair detectives could rip details apart here; I didn’t even try as I had too much fun reading about Marion and her exploits. The best part, she didn’t do it alone and it’s not unreasonably set-up or implausible. Just a good, crazy thriller that keeps you on your toes. Whether as an audiobook or in print (I swapped back and forth) I think the average reader will find something here to admire in this rewrite of the Bates Motel.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: The Fox Hunt

The Fox Hunt 

by Caitlin Breeze
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 star, rounding up to four stars because I think this story concept is excellent, more than acceptable writing for a debut novel and characters have good development arcs. The biggest issue for me was connecting our characters back together in the final chapters.

I felt like I read two or three totally different, yet related, stories. Portal fantasy does tend to do this where you are taken somewhere so different it’s jarring. And yes, you want to create a sense of discomfort for your reader (as your MC is likely having that feeling), it’s still critical to connect the story back to the original pages. And that is where Fox Hunt comes up lacking. There must be a hundred or more pages where the MC’s main ‘enemy’ from the beginning of the book isn’t mentioned directly. It seemed a bit odd for me when we finally circled back around. While the group our boys are members of is mentioned lots they are (seemingly) forgotten for a while and I can’t figure out why. I’d link them back in for part two to help join things up.

Overall, my advice is to go in prepared. A lot happens, it’s not that complex to follow necessarily, but we meet characters early on that we don’t see again (sadly) until the final pages of the story. Our leading gal undergoes a large transformation (in so many ways) from start to finish. And so you must accept that the severity of her circumstances causes her to shift quickly into the person she becomes. I’d definitely pick up another book by debut author, Caitlin Breeze, as I see a lot of promise in her storytelling, especially as her writing style matures.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Pam Kowolski is a Monster!

Pam Kowolski Is a Monster! 

by Sarah Langan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just spent 3 hours listening to this. Straight through. No pauses or breaks, barely a drink of water, while I worked on a stitching project. It occupied my mind, grabbed my attention, and did not let go. I have struggled with audiobooks for years. This past few months somehow I’ve been finding a way to hear them better. The right audiobook will grab me every time. Pam Kowalski is a Monster certainly did that. However, I believe it would have done the same if I’d read the pages because this is a compelling, can’t wait to get to the next moment story.

Sarah Langan gives us a book that may not seem like horror at first. It may seem a bit mundane and silly. A comic, like the cover art. Yet the further you venture into it the more unhinged, and yet creepily familiar it feels. This is a story about unhandled trauma and how it (literally) eats the world around you. Makes you lesser in ways you can’t even see. It poisons your mind and everyone you touch. Or at least that is what I got from it. It might also just be a pre-apocalypse story about where society is headed; not because of technology or war, but instead because of a bizarre monstrous magic or energy that overcomes people. However you look at the final twist of this story, one thing is for certain, it’s stunning, immensely well done, and will entrance the reader (or listener).

The thing it made me think of the most is a movie I adored called Late Night With the Devil. It starts off goofy, silly, and seemingly a hoax, but by the end it just stuns you with it twists, turns, and finale. That is what Pam Kowalski is a Monster does as well. In its own, different, yet similar way. If you love horror that emerges from our world in its own bizarre way check this out. If you love immense twists of a psychological but also that are slightly supernatural check this out.

Overall if you enjoy a good mystery, without feeling like you’re reading a ‘typical’ mystery (I have a real meh reaction to whodunnit stories) then definitely check out this little gem from Langan. It’s quick, efficient, and effective in its telling and definitely well worth a few hours one night when you don’t need to sleep until you’ve encountered the last line.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Lady Tremaine

Lady Tremaine 

by Rachel Hochhauser
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Many are going to love this debut from Rachel Hochihauser that reimagines Lady Tremaine, the evil stepmother from Cinderella. That description is perhaps the first problem here. When I think of Lady Tremaine I always think ‘evil’. Not just stepmother, but evil. I know this is a retelling, a spin and change up of the story we all know and love. I also know unlike most, even as a child and certainly as an adult, I love villains. A good villain is far more intriguing and impressive than a good hero to me. So it is perhaps not surprising that I did not love this downplaying of the evil aspect here.

While Lady Tremaine story is very feminist, well written (or at least quite good for a debut), and very original for a retelling; it just didn’t quite do it for me. Although the narrator of the audiobook has the perfect British tone for the story; I still found myself wandering whether on audio or reading off the printed page. I just wanted more darkness and at times was bored by the banality of details I just didn’t care about.

Before you jump at me, that the blurb made it clear this was a more positive spin on Tremaine, let me reiterate my point. This is the EVIL stepmother. The lady that made our society think of stepmothers as inherently awful. So to add too much vanilla to her is a challenge. Does she do inherently ‘evil’ things? I suppose, spoilers aside, one might argue she does some unsavoury things. But everything she does is to help, save, or better the position of her daughters. All three of her daughters, yes the famous Cinderella (known as Elin here) included. At no time is she ‘mean’ or ‘unfair’ to Elin over her own daughters. In fact it could be said that Elin is the one who is awful most days.

On the note of Elin, I did not understand why Hochihauser changed the names so drastically of the characters. It felt unnecessary. Ella would have been fine, and the original (non-Disney names) better for the girls. Yet the one thing that bothered me the most in the entire story is the cut of the most iconic item from any Cinderella telling, the glass slipper. There are no slippers, no glass, no attempt at symbolism or way to draw in this critical aspect of the tale. This for me is the worst mistake made here. I didn’t need a glass slipper; but I did need some attempt to join the idea back to something left behind. I kept waiting and waiting for something to represent that classic slipper and am stunned it never appeared. I did however enjoy the focus on apples as a nod to the Evil Queen and many other Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and other fairy tale princess story nods.

Ironically, perhaps, the best part of this novel was once we were done with the ball and the original Cinderella story was behind us. Then Lady Tremaine took on a life of its own. This tells me that Hochhauser should be writing her own unique stories. She did a brilliant job with the ending and twisted it all up. This would have been a much better story without any fairy tale base we all know. I’d have much preferred to strip it down to a twisted fairy tale and not bother to tie it to any one specific story or known character.

Generally, I think this is a clever take. I will consider reading a future Hochhauser novel as it was good enough, especially for a debut. I do like the feminist overtones and push of the young girls to not just the ‘be a princess’ like the Mothers all desire. And, not unlike a good Disney movie, the side characters were my favourite. The falcon, Lucy, is a lovely icon and her role is brilliant in the end. The stoic man and prince’s guard, Otto, is absolutely perfect representation of a man stuck in a very feminist toned, but stuck in a patriarchal royal story. He is just trying to live a good life and be fair to all; a trait I always admire in men (my own husband included).

In the end, I just wish there had been more darkness in Tremaine. She could have been just as feminist, strong, and downtrodden as she was without taking so much of the ‘evil’ out of her. It just didn’t quite hit for me; but again I truly believe it will for many others.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Alchemy and a Cup of Tea

Alchemy and a Cup of Tea 

by Rebecca Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This final installation of a four book cozy series is pretty good. I enjoyed the dragon storyline and the alchemy mystery for the most part. The ending was a little too ‘perfect’ for me and I didn’t like that I feel our leading ladies are shirking their main responsibilities. I’m just not convinced you can be the queen of a realm and mage of ages but live in a small town or have unassuming lives even half the time. But sure why not in a fantasy book. I’d have loved to see Pirate Dregg come back. Him and his fabulous boobs were awesome last we saw him. But the dragon story might have sufficiently made up for it. Plus Ponder teaching friendship and growing up a little was very sweet.

The magical system across both elemental magic and alchemy was quite good and I’m a little sad it was ‘wasted’ on simple series like this. It was good enough to be a part of a much more robust and epic fantasy storyline. Not that it needs to be, just that it could have been. I hope Rebecca Thorne will keep at her world building and perhaps bring us something a little less cozy next time.

I don’t read books like this for literary excellence. Just to have some light, fun breaks amongst some of the heavier fantasy, sci-fi, and horror I usually find myself reading.
Did Rebecca Thorne write the best book ever? No.
Was it sufficient that I’d recommend it if someone wanted some cozy fantasy? Absolutely.

So long as you know what you’re getting into this is a solid four book series and I was pleased to spend some time with it over the last couple of years. The narrator is a pleasant consistent reader with excellent voices to add for the dragons and other characters. This is a sufficient ending to a series and I do like when series don’t continue on forever. So while I’m a little sad to say goodbye to our ladies and their friends; I’m also glad it’s not being drawn out past where it should be.

Pick this series up if you want some cute lesbian romance with a side of fantasy. If you enjoy Travis Baldree you’re sure to love Rebecca Thorne. Just make sure you start with book 1 as they are definitely meant to be read in order.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Comic Review: Blink and You’ll Miss It

Blink and You'll Miss It 

by Ethan S. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Weird, a bit macabre, aliens or beings of some sort, time travel, a prehistoric pelican, two in love lesbians, and a lot of cult activity… all this and more happens across this short series of five issues of Blink and You’ll Miss It. I am familiar with previous works by these writers and felt confident I’d enjoy the story; but wasn’t sure about the art. Thankfully, the illustrations by debut artist Keith Browning matched up nicely with the characters and peculiar setting. This BOOM! Studios story has twists and turns in places you may not expect; and by the end I was sad yet smiling… a bittersweet melancholy ending is perfect for an odd little mini series like this.

I’d love to see this as a short mini series, or movie. I think it’s very unique and could transfer really well to the screen. That said, I love the comic treatment here and will definitely be watching for more from everyone involved. BOOM! studios really is bringing us some of the most engaging and vivid horror comics that perfectly match the end of the world apocalypse attitude that seems to permeate everything right now.

”Please note: I received an eARC of this comic volume from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.”

Book Review: The Vengeful Valley of Ghosts

The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts 

by Kim Fu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

2.5 stars. I’m rounding to 3 stars out of respect for Kim Fu and her prior short stories. The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts might have made a good short story or novella. But as a full fledged novel it was a bit frustrating. Not only is the ending not a real ending! But the entire book is like a bad fever dream that just never resolves or gives you the reveal moment.

It was obvious to me from the opening couple of chapters what some might consider the reveal in this book. So maybe that jaded the whole experience for me? I’m even afraid of water, oceans, flooding, etc and I will didn’t find this to be at all scary or concerned. So perhaps the largest fail of the novel is poor marketing as this is not horror. Having a ghost does not make your book horror!

Instead, this is a psychological thriller. A contemporary, non-gothic, boring thriller. The kind I would normally avoid. Nothing about The Vengeful Valley of Ghosts would put it in the horror section for me. Mere ghosts or apparitions is not inherently horrific to me. Far from the horror vibes or descriptions we get from Nick Cutter, Grady Hendrix, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, or Mira Grant. All of whom are sure to thrill you or cause you chills in some way. Not with body horror but just descriptions and overall creepiness. I got none of that here from Fu.

One of the weakest points for me is our leading lady is a very unlikeable character. I get it, she’s a coddled, Mama’s girl who had one (recent) rough go of things. Yet she has a masters degree in psychology!! Obtained before she ever had a truly horrific day in her own life?! I just struggled to imagine someone giving advice to others who has had everything done for them their whole life. She doesn’t even know how to use a washing machine and yet she is telling others how to manage their lives! That doesn’t work for me and continued to make me question her authenticity as a character.

I finished The Vengeful Valley of Ghosts in utter frustration, yet with relief. Glad it was over; yet annoyed I’d wasted my time. It’s just not a satisfying read. Neither the reveals, ending, or struggle of our leading lady are in any way the style of read that I tend to enjoy. I want to be scared, surprised, impressed, or motivated. I want to feel sympathy, hatred, or compassion for characters; not utter disgust at how pathetic I think they are.

Unfortunately this was not a win for me. I will still read Kim Fu as I know she has written some really good stories over the years. But I might wait on her novels in the future to see what other reviewers think. She’s certainly slid down the giant waterfall of my ‘must read’ list and landed in some flooding pools of waters where a book may or may not be recovered from.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: They Bloom at Night

They Bloom at Night 

by Trang Thanh Tran
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I picked up They Bloom at Night for a couple reasons but the primary reason is it’s a finalist for the Hugo Lodestar Award for best YA book.
Unfortunately I do not feel it’s quite up to the benchmark for a Hugo and feel at most 3.5 stars is the best I can give it; even thought I really liked the overall concept and found it very quotable.

”Sometimes we need people to hunt the things we need to die but that we aren’t ready to kill.”

For me, They Bloom at Night drags in place, is a bit overwritten, and definitely too repetitive. Trang Thanh Tran has some quotable passages and great messaging for teens including: passionately talking about loving yourself for who you are and finding yourself over being who society, parents, etc. want you to be. All sentiments I’m passionate about reinforcing, especially for teens. The LGBTQ+ representation here is very well done. Thus it hurts me to give only 3 stars; but the truth is I was bored and disengaged a lot. I felt like I’d more than gotten the message by the 60% mark and didn’t need another 100+ pages to slam it all home.

That said, the story is brilliant, the characters are good, and the plot points are clever; it just doesn’t come together and I’m blaming pacing and writing. The final product is too repetitive and convoluted in its delivery. I know this is a YA book; but I think we need to give teens more credit to read without being reminded every ten pages of the overall messaging and plot of the story. This could easily have been a five star read; but in the end I must be honest and admit that I didn’t love it even though I really wanted to (and felt like I should given its horror focus).

That’s not to say that it shouldn’t be read. I’d actually still buy They Bloom at Night for a well read teen. The overall messaging and presentation of our sucky society and its disappointing expectations is very valuable. I just wouldn’t give it to anyone, teen or not, that struggles to read or isn’t very passionate about reading. I truly believe most will suffer through or just give up. Tran just doesn’t deliver in a way that worked for me which is really too bad.

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Comic Review: The Last Day of H. P. Lovecraft

The Last Day of H.P. Lovecraft 

by Romuald Giulivo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

”For in nothingness, one is liberated at last from the transient and ephemeral, and no desire goes unfulfilled.” 

A very surreal experience. Essentially a comic based on the letters and diary entries that Lovecraft wrote on his death bed. The overall tone of this comic is fairly depressing, gothic, and makes many arching statements on existence that Lovecraft expressed in his life.

I really enjoyed it but would be wary to recommend it to just anyone. Not for anyone struggling to decide why we exist or with depression. I’d only recommend this for those with some ‘darkness’ in them who are curious to explore it in a safe and slightly academic way. The art made me think of Dante’s Inferno and the different layers of hell that are traversed. Much of the time ‘in’ Lovecraft’s subconscious has an overall hellish feel and the reds, blacks, dead imagery is exquisite.

A perfect selection for any goth or dead intrigued comic reader. However there is a lot of narrative here unlike most comics. Be prepared to read. The art is really just a compliment to the text in this case (and not vice versa like most comics). Without the text it would not tell any story and the narrative would be lost.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Detours

I Know a Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours 

by Nat Cassidy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

12 short stories and 1 novella (ish) length story; equals 13 bite sized chunks of delicious horror from Nat Cassidy. Each one of them twisted… and as you read on each seems a bit stranger than the last. Culminating in a storm with an untraditional narrative that is a conscious stream of (nearly) nonsense. My favourite of all the stories was also a different narrative approach in which the story is told in emails back and forth… and it’s brilliant!! Especially the ending that is lines and lines a single emoji! I won’t tell you which one as it’s too good to spoil. Weeks after reading it I still have images of this one in my head, and the descriptive sounds!!

The opening novella length story, Rest Stop, is horror for horrors sake. A little bit of inspiration seems to have come from Jigsaw and trapping your ‘prey’ by tricking them into feeling safe in one place, and then destroying that illusion. It features a huge spider which is a literal nightmare to me. Spiders are the absolute worst!!! *shudder* I almost had to skip through it but luckily the story moves on quickly to a new threat; and (for me) nothing is as terrifying as a spider (unless it’s the vast deep dark ocean that is equal or worse; but that’s a different kind of terror).

The remaining stories are all clever in their own way. The variety of stories here shows the vast range of plot points and items that can be horrific. Nat Cassidy does a wonderful job of highlighting serial killers, supernatural entities, crazed humans, fungus (yep mushrooms) and more to demonstrate the multitude of options available to scare us. I guarantee everyone will find at least one (if not more) stories here that touches a nerve and gives you the horror shudder you are likely looking for when you pick-up a Cassidy book.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Hazelthorn

Hazelthorn 

by C.G. Drews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of the hardest genres to really get right is young adult horror. You have to balance how much gore, nudity, and sex (often all excessive in horror) with what is appropriate for the age group, or what is expected from a lesser horror novel. C. G. Drews does this superbly in Hazelthorn. My first book by this author but certainly won’t be my last.

We are taken to an isolated mansion with two teen boys who’ve grown up together; well sort of. We have murder, amnesia, a wild garden, butlers, greedy in-laws, and a little MM romance blooms. Amoungst all of this our MC, a 17-year-old boy is fighting off panic attacks, ‘episodes’, and crazy ailments while he tries to figure out what is really going on in Hazelthorn.

This one had me riveted and flipping pages at top speed to find out what happens. This is a good entry into horror for anyone age 12 or above. I believe many adults will enjoy this one as it is complex without being totally angsty and annoying (given its YA classification and teen MC). I was pleasantly tickled by the ending as it felt both logical and smart.

I’ll definitely be looking up more of Drews books as Hazelthorn was a delightfully spooky read with a great murder plot set overtop.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: The Macabre

The Macabre 

by Kosoko Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Best book of the year? Maybe… just maybe The Macabre will be the best book I read in 2026. It will certainly be difficult to top. A horror story, undoubtedly, in which magical realism brings paintings ‘to life’ in our world.

The elaborate connections between the characters, paintings, and time periods is impressive. I couldn’t help but see mysterious Cassandra as the Lady in Red from Department of Truth graphic novels at first. I’m glad she broke from that feel later on. Our leading man, Lewis, is both resilient, troubled, and kind in so many ways. The exact kind of person I hope I am most days. Someone who makes the impossible choice correctly knowing a sacrifice is to be made.

In the end, The Macabre is about love and grief, life and death, pain and euphoria. As the ten magical paintings are revealed so too is an elaborate story that transcends culture, sexuality, ethnicity, or religion. Jackson has done a brilliant job of showing how it matters to be a minority; and yet how it really doesn’t at the end of the day. A perfect balance in a (slightly) gory at times horror that has more heart than you’d expect.

The selfish greed and grief at the core of The Macabre is something everyone should consider. Reminding us all not to be a certain way; and that sometimes you must tumble down a hole, or cross into a looking glass to see what is needed from another perspective. Jackson brilliantly marries Alice in Wonderland references, idyllic and horrific settings, and the brush strokes of art into this horror story that is as unique as they come.

The world sucks. No one can really argue otherwise. It’s difficult, unfair, unjust, and certainly doesn’t seem to benefit those whom it should. The Macabre takes that to another level with magic, a worldwide journey through space and time, all tied to one man whose pain was poured into his paintings. While there is an opening for a sequel at the end I actually hope it’s left as is because the opening leaves us to believe that love, happiness, and joy are all possible once we commit to who and what we are. A sentiment I believe any member of the LGBTQ+ community (like myself and the author) can appreciate in their soul. Be yourself, be true, be genuine and maybe you too can fight against evil, find love along the way and turn assumed enemies into friends. And yes some limbs, people, and dignities might be lost along the way; but Jackson makes us hope that even at the end of a horror story there is still something to live for.

A true masterpiece that anyone should read.
I know some of the horror descriptions may be a bit much for many; but if you can push through them I promise the payoff and ending is well worth the commitment. I’ll be going out to get a gorgeous limited edition copy of this hardcover with its interior sketch that builds in each iteration, beautiful inner cover art, and a stunning cover. The Macabre deserves a place in my permanent print library and I can’t wait to tell everyone I know (especially my husband) they need to read this book and delve into the psyche of a creative mind.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: The Swan’s Daughter

The Swan's Daughter 

by Roshani Chokshi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A retelling, ‘anyone but me’ love story (you know the kind where the last people who are supposed to get together do). With an obvious outcome, and a game of challenges to win a Prince’s heart. The Swan’s Daughter is exactly what you would expect from a Romantasy. Its blurb tells you everything you need to know. While there is nothing overly special here; there is also nothing wrong. For me this is a cozy, easy going ‘beach read’. I know (more or less) exactly what is going to happen (and not just because I know the original story outcome) as it is telegraphed from the opening chapters.

I really enjoyed the use of tree imagery, unique ‘life’ of the chosen one, and the overall layout of the curse. A well written, easy to follow story that provides some lovely landscapes to transverse. Roshanki Chokshi is as description and lovely in her prose as ever; whilst making this an easy enough cozy young adult read. There are zero surprises but sometimes that’s okay. A story like this will never be 5 stars for me but I can be content in one when I’m looking for something easy.

A cute, frustrating at times, friends to lovers storyline with a dash of girl power. I am impressed the girls don’t all claw each other’s eyes out during the competition; and it’s nice to see them (mostly) come together as friends supporting one another near the end. Kudos to Chokshi for not making this another woman pitted against woman story that degrades friendship and implies women must always be in competition with one another. This is the perfect type of story to show that there is a place suitable for each and every woman; we need not be all vying for the same life or partner. We aren’t all going to be princesses, and that’s okay. The sooner we accept that each woman’s path is her own and needs to be found for themselves the better off we will all be. I’m happy to say The Swan’s Daughter gives that morale in the end and I felt our ‘chosen one’ girl isn’t the only one to get what she desired. It’s a good message to give teens, and one we could all stand to be reminded of.

Overall, The Swan’s Daughter is a cute narrative, with exactly the right kind of young adult fantasy prose to bring a teen over to fantasy for the first time. A solid choice for any youngster interested in delving into fantasy and romance; or an adult looking for a cliche, predictable break.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: The Wind Weaver

The Wind Weaver 

by Julie Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars if pressed… ironically the fantasy world building is not bad. The romance is a bit cringy and our leading gal somewhat annoying at times. Which confuses me as this is Julie Johnson’s first foray into fantasy (she usually does contemporary romance, a genre I tend to avoid) and I’d have expected the exact opposite. Or maybe it’s that, as a long time fantasy reader, I’m still getting used to this Romantasy ‘thing’ in which decent fantasy books suddenly have heated romances.

The Wind Weaver is a tad long, has sometimes uneven pacing (but fantasy often does so I wasn’t bothered), and the most annoying spelling of magic (maegic). For me, I can’t figure out why you’d spell a couple words different (including fire as fyre) but not develop more lore and change up more items? Instead the choices of ‘made-up’ words or spelling feels awkward and unnecessary. Either embrace it and go all in; or avoid it entirely.

And yet I was flipping pages like mad! I was invested, curious, engaged, and all around on edge for most of the book. Now, that doesn’t make a book ‘good’ necessarily. It makes a book ‘readable’ (my choice of made up words). Or better yet accessible. Like Fourth Wing this is a very accessible fantasy debut. It has enough character interaction, mild spicy moments (not very many), and a lot of yearning and longing to bring you through the journey across the continent and into the lands where our leading man originates. I felt the romance was a bit abrupt (once kissing actually happened)… but it wasn’t awful. Interestingly the most intriguing character, Soren, is the one we see very little of; but appears to be a major player in book two.

However, Soren appears to get a bigger chunk of the pages in book two. Thus, I will continue on. I’m not enamoured but I do like both our leading men enough to balance out the annoyances of our main girl (she’s naive in dumb ways… I dunno she bugs me a bit). And I will get over the use of magic spelled stupid for the sake of wanting to find our other (possible?) elemental and see what twists the prophecy may give. I’m wary… as complex fantasy takes planning and thought. But I didn’t think Rebecca Yarros could pull it off after her Fourth Wing set-up, and I was wrong. So I’m willing to gamble here too; if only because I love a fast paced fantasy novel with powerful men!

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: The Fourth Princess

The Fourth Princess 

by Janie Chang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fourth Princess is a lovely combination of historical fiction, what Janie Chang is know for, and gothic mystery. The reveals caught me by surprise in two instances (while three others were what I expected). This is, however, a good enough ratio (without having anything too convenient happen) that I can say it was an enjoyable story overall. My favourite points are, of course, the most gothic ones. I loved the mansion and its atmosphere, our ghost, and learning more about Chinese superstition. I know the Chinese tend to be very superstitious and Chang certainly portrays that here; as well as shares tidbits of culture including wards to deter the bad and how much ‘evil’ a Chinese household staff can endure before heading for the hills.

A stand out moment for me is the diary entries of our absent, but still close to the narrative, Rosaline. It’s impressive that the diary entries give enough sense of our missing woman that I felt she was a character all on her own; even though we never actually interact with her. I also adored the many languages, and mixture of Western influence on China during this time period which Rosaline seems to embody (as does the crazy Princess). Although, it reminded me how much I hate that Western culture is always so pushy about its ‘ways’ and so disrespectful of others. I try to take solace as a Canadian (Chang is also Canadian) that we embrace many cultures here; but I know we are also suppressing so much more than we should.

I was glad to get a brief overview of the politics of the day. While on one hand it might have been nice to gain a better understand of the political chaos; I’m also glad not to as it was complex and I felt I got just enough to feel the anxiety of our characters living on the cusp of a great change. If you are interested in the intricacy of the politics as the last Emperor falls you may be disappointed as this story mostly revolves around the mansion mystery and our characters personal experiences.

Overall I feel this is a solid mixture of historical fiction (with many facts throughout as Chang always has) and a flavour for the gothic. It’s not quite at the same gothic level as Silvia Moreno-Garcia but it was just enough gothic atmosphere to keep me going. It helps I was pleasantly surprised at the complexity of the ending reveals. I will confess, I might give this only four stars if not for adoring Chang and having met her whilst in the midst of reading this book. There is always something a bit special about hearing the author talk, in person, about what inspired their book and why they chose the people and topic they did.

All caveats aside, you won’t go wrong with this read if you want some gothic mystery threaded with the clash of Chinese and Western culture of the day. And be sure to savour the diary entries as they truly speak out from the page in a captivating way.

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Book Review: The Astral Library

The Astral Library 

by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**** Post review note: I got to meet Kate Quinn and she’s just lovely! This heroine sounds sooo much like her! ****

I’ll confess I wasn’t sold at first, and I was getting very nervous as in 2 days I get to meet Kate Quinn at a talk and signing (thank you Kate Quinn for coming to a lowly Canadian city like Calgary!!). The last thing I wanted was to tell her I didn’t love her first foray into fantasy (magical realism) and so while it was fun at first and a bit nostalgic at times it did take me a bit to really get into it. Our leading lady and I were not quite clicking… but then along came a stunning man, whom I can’t thank Quinn enough for making bisexual(!). And while he’s a relatively minor factor; Beau just made it all work that better for me. The turning point is (naturally) when a dragon shows up; and then all bets are off. Which makes perfect sense for a reader like myself whose number one genre is Fantasy, followed very closely by Science Fiction.

Before I spoil (promise that’s all the juicy tidbits you get) any further plot points I want to tell you this is a cozy story. It has a happy ending, it’s unrealistic to the ultimate, and completely unlike the way stories tend to end in our own world. It’s hope, wrapped in a lot of book references, and many pages talking about library smells, decor, and the rustling of pages. Which is okay. It’s the kind of book I might read again just to feel content when I close the back cover. I do have the limited edition to get signed (2 days!) so I’ll at least be looking at it on a special shelf in my home, and as a part of my own personal library. Yes I confess I meet the ‘criteria’ of owning 1000+ print books!

My least favourite part is that George R. R. Martin is mentioned so many times. Yes his books are incredible (or at least the first 3) but my feud with him will never end and (having met him personally long before HBO snared him) he’s more than a bit of a jerk so I struggle when he’s mentioned with any kind of adoration these days. I could go on and on about all this but I won’t because this is about Kate Quinn’s book!

So yes, I recommend picking this one up. A cozy little read that most will devour quickly. It’s not a ‘best ever’ read, but still worth five stars. I love how much Quinn puts of herself, her parents, and her love of books and reading into The Astral Library. It’s worth a quick read for any ‘book dragon’ or anyone who’s ever lost themselves inside a book and wished they could stay there forever.

The line used time and time again that stands out above all else:
”Have you ever wished you could live inside a book?”

Alternatively have you ever wished you could be Belle? Not just for the love and romance of the Beast story; but even so you could hang out in that amazing library with its glorious ladders? If yes, I bet this one will tickle a bit of your fantasy and even might bring you to get teary eyed or misty as you realize the distinct parallel between The Astral Library’s fight for survival and that of our own worlds literary access.

May we all fight to keep books on shelves and become book dragons ourselves.

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Comic Review: The War

The War
by Garth Ennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Originally published in Hello Darkness comics (and in Vol 1 & 2 collected trade paperbacks), I’ll admit I read War awhile back in parts; it gutted me then and today, re-reading it in its entirety cover to cover in this fully collected edition, I found it just as heart wrenching as the first time. Even knowing what happens, why Ennis is telling the story (to deter nuclear war!), and being wholly prepared for the horror I still put this down and went ‘damn’. The War is a bleak, honest look at scenarios experience by a group of friends (who all go different ways) knowing their city is about to be hit with the bomb.

The War is terrifying in its realism, lovingly tearful with genuine love, and all around horrific in how the world ends. If you are looking for happy endings you will find none here. And yet I love it. It’s sooo well done, and hits me (twice now) so hard that I can’t help but want to experience the genuine emotion on the page again and again. I believe, only the unique medium of a comic, with both words and art, could really bring this kind of a story to a place where you can’t help but flip the pages as you gasp, cry, and whimper at everything seen and heard.

Truly a masterpiece of storytelling and one I hope to only ever experience via printed media. At the end of it all this is a warning, a reminder of what fallout and an apocalypse really looks like. There’s no heroes to save you here, no obvious villains to blame; just the sheer stupidity of the human race and our (seemingly) rush to destroy ourselves and our planet. I want to both recommend AND warn everyone away from this shocking masterpiece. May we all, no matter our power, class, race, sexuality, or politics hope (pray?) we (and everyone who comes next) never EVER see a future of this kind.

While NetGalley and BOOM! Studios provided me an eARC (and this is an unbiased and honest review); I’ll confess that I already owned the single edition comics and trade paperbacks this was first published in.

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Book Review: Outlaw Planet

Outlaw Planet 

by M.R. Carey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow!! I knew 35% of the way in this was shaping up to be an epic science fiction tome. What I didn’t know then was how beautifully Carey would bring everything together.
I’m told this is set in the same world as Carey’s duology (which I haven’t read but I’ve bumped up my list!!). Currently, I don’t feel like I missed anything by reading it as a stand-alone (which is how it’s being marketed). Be prepared for a very dense, high stakes, elaborate science fiction epic. While we don’t leave the planet, this world is both alien, yet familiar all at once. Carey did a brilliant job of making this feel like a place we know; yet one we are baffled by all the same.

The characters are what really makes this a glorious read. The plot is there, the action of a western, a touch of romance and lots of camaraderie; but at its core Outlaw Planet is about two people, our leading lady, Dog Bitch Bess, a scorned, angry, heart broken woman (for most of the book) who just wants the world to know it sucks. Our unknown stranger that shows up in logs at the end of each ‘part’ of the story is a mystery until very close to the end. And trust me you will not see this ending coming. It fits perfect; and yet predicting it is nigh on impossible as Carey has woven things together so well.

If I’ve ever thought a book was written backwards (author starting at the end and writing forward) it was this one. Every piece of the puzzle fits so perfect as you move forwards. Click the ‘click’ is happening only because the future knows what it is. I loved the journey of this epic and (intentionally) read it slowly so as to savour it. In fact I read it so slow I had to return my library copy and bought my own print one so I didn’t have to rush through! And rightfully so, this novel deserves a coveted place in my print library. I’ve even added it to my favourites just now (an elite list) as I’m confident it won’t be leaving me anytime soon (if ever!).

Carey and I have had some good reading times in short stories and Gifts was good. But Outlaw Planet has vaulted him to my ‘must read’ list. And now I need to catch up on the Koli trilogy and the duology attached to this book because I can’t not devour every word he has ever written!

All that praise aside please be cautioned. This is fairly hard science fiction with no chapters, instead 8 dense parts with few breaks. The technology is elaborate, the pieces you are given to start are confusing and meant to leave you unsure of what is going on. Trust the journey. But know it’s a slow, lengthy journey. If that’s not your kind of book that’s okay you can find another. But if you love an epic saga that knows what it is and wants to be so well you feel like it’s already a classic, then pick this beauty up and enjoy the time you spend with Dog Bitch Bess and her sentient gun Slim. Time is unforgiving; and you’ll want to spend some of yours in this world.

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Comic Review: Sunstone Vol. 1

Sunstone, Vol. 1 

by Stjepan Šejić
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stjepan Sejic is one of the premier writers and artists in the comic industry. To see him do an erotica adult lesbian BDSM comic was far too titillating to miss (lol)! Yes there is nudity, but it’s not gratuitous nor is it excessive. And thankfully, while the women are very attractive, they are shown reasonably (ie: not totally shaved, not crazy skinny, etc.) and as real people not just sexy archetypes.

What is perhaps most surprising here, although Sejic is a master storyteller so maybe I was coloured by assumptions because of the topic, is how good the character development is. We are immediately shown the nervousness and uncertainty of meeting someone online in Sunstone. Additionally the BDSM and queer representation is very well done. I would venture to say that Sejic is a dabbler (if not more) in the fetish arts or at least interviewed the right people to get some basic details about safe words, why people enjoy sexual play of this nature, and how a ‘first time’ might go. It actually made me think of Heated Rivalry (the show, the book is on my TBR) in that it represents a misunderstood group of people very well and humanizes an often pre-judged fetish. I also liked (as a bisexual woman) that, for the most part, it being two women is relatively irrelevant overall when it comes to the erotic scenes. We do get a tiny insight into one characters struggle with the label of lesbian (and I’m hoping that is explored further in the future). And I was very pleased that one of our women is bisexual!

There are 7 more volumes of this story. Each already published as web-comics (and originally brought to publication on Kickstarter). I’m glad to see a series like this get picked up by a (smaller) known comic publisher. Now it is Top Cow, whom Sejic has been writing for decades, but I think it’s a great home for the series and gets it on comic book shop shelves (or at least a chance of being ordered in).

Perhaps most interesting of all is the story after the main story where Sejic tells us how the comic came together. He talks genuinely of his struggles to pump out comics at a quick pace and the burn-out he was experiencing. I like how he includes his wife’s influences on the story, discusses the evolution of the story (it didn’t start at the beginning of the timeline), and how it has made him feel better about his career and creative abilities in general. It’s refreshing to see a successful artist talk about their daily struggles. A lot of artists have major doubts about their capabilities or large spells where creative ideas elude them; and I think sharing those stories is very important so others know they are not alone.

So while you might pick this up because it’s hot lesbians in BDSM erotica (ie: sexy!) there is more here than cheap nudity and selling sex. There are genuine emotions on the page, good representation, and a building up of our characters that is refreshing for an erotic comic. I look forward to continuing the journey with our two lovely ladies!

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: Little Rabbit Wants the Moon

Little Rabbit Wants the Moon 

by Lauren Kukla
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Using insomnia to teach about nocturnal creatures! This adorable, perfect for bedtime, storybook tells of a little rabbit that can’t sleep and wishes to touch the moon. I love how clever this story is. It highlights and talks about other animals and their features (ie: bats and wings, possums and tails, etc) whilst also ensuring Mama rabbit points out all the advantages to being a rabbit (ie: quick feet, tail imitation, etc). If only we could always think to answer every child’s request to be like someone else with a way of pointing out how they also have great attributes and reaffirm that it’s okay to be you!
I love how dark and moody the pages are in these illustrations. Perfect for nighttime reading and not overstimulating a child. I see this as the perfect bedtime story for any child in any situation. It’s a universal message presented in a perfect way!

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: The Bloody Brick Road

The Bloody Brick Road: A Wizard of Oz Retelling 

by Maude Royer
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

DNF @ 42%
There is NOTHING about this book that is an Oz Retelling. If you didn’t have a lead gal who was named Dorothy I wouldn’t have EVER figured out it was meant to be somehow Oz related. There is no road, no journey, no goal. Instead there are awful humans, some bloody body horror killings, an asshole detective, and a leading gal that is so ‘woe is me’ without deserving it I just wanted to jump into the book and kill her myself.

Your MC can be flawed; but I wouldn’t recommend making them stupid and obnoxious. As a childless woman (from fertility issues; but I’m at peace with it) I’m insulted by the ongoing miscarriage narrative here that is attempting to pull on heart strings. If our MC truly wanted a baby then yes she would get therapy and do some of the things everyone is telling her. I have a friend who lost a toddler to an epic illness and while we miss her little one, and still mourn him, managed to continue improving her life and get therapy to help cope. Sorry but moping for years on end is not a solution; nor is it worthy of a pass for continuing to indulge in bad or dangerous behaviours.
I’m not sure if I was supposed to feel bad for our MC but, if I was, it missed the mark by a mile. Were I on a rainbow on this journey I’d have plummeted from yellow to indigo in the opening chapter and been dumped as far from the pot of gold as possible; because no one goes over the rainbow here instead they miss it entirely.

I am so disappointed as I really wanted a bloody Oz retelling. The fact that this was also Canadian and translated from Quebecois (French) had me sooo excited. I almost wonder if the translation is the problem (I could read the original text) but I just can’t see it being that vastly different as to help the cause. It would have to be a whole new book to have any chance.

The writing overall is okay. It’s not bad; but it’s not especially good either. I’d have tolerated the meh writing (especially because it is a translation) IF the story had delivered what it promised. Sadly it misses the mark so badly as a ‘retelling’ that it flew past Oz, Wonderland and Neverland; maybe landing somewhere maybe in the Upside Down of a Stephen King novel. A terrible attempt to profit off Baum’s beloved series whilst trying to balance on Wicked stilettos to sell some books. Ick!

The marketing department should be fired for this books blurb and subtitle. The publisher should be chastised for not ensuring this was better written. The author should stick to children’s books where she’s had success (and if any part of this is a memoir probably see a therapist, like asap because I’m seriously concerned if she think her MC deserves sympathy). Reality is that bad stuff happens; and you can wallow in pity or you can learn and move on. And it’s okay to mourn for a while; but after years of the same bad actions please don’t expect sympathy from anyone. Reality is that people need to pick-up and move past their issues. Every single character in this book is so extreme which makes no sense. I couldn’t see where the story was headed and after checking others (I trust) reviews I’m just out. I have (hopefully) way better horror books to read this year.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Book Review: This Princess Kills Monsters

This Princess Kills Monsters 

by Ry Herman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m not sorry to see this one go. While I finished it, the ending hundred pages was a slog. I just didn’t think this was entertaining enough, funny enough, or even cute enough. It tries too hard and missed the mark for me. Our MC is fairly one dimensional, I still couldn’t tell you about anything she actually likes (just that she thinks her stepmother is evil and mean) and her constant inner monologue about how a situation could have been XYZ fairytale reference got very annoying. Like the author wanted to see how many fairy tales they could mention in one book. I bet 50+ pages could be cut if you just took out those mentions alone.
There is an attempted sweet romance here which started out okay but just didn’t do it for me in the end. Again nothing really interesting and sparks did not fly. I was hoping for a cute little break book like Legends and Lattes or How to Become the Dark Lord or Die Trying. Maybe my learning here is I like villains and their struggles more than princesses? (Not surprising)
Irregardless, I feel like I should have DNF’d this (darn challenge prompts it fed into got me continuing). So my three stars as probably a bit generous. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t good. I’m sure some will enjoy it for what it is. For me it was just a bit flat and didn’t quite hit the mark.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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Witchy Stitching

Witchy Stitching: 25 Patterns to Haunt Your Home

by Meg Black

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meg has kicked it out of the park with this amazing collection. There are large projects, bookmarks, mini pieces, and average sized ones. Anyone with a witchy, macabre vibe will love this!

A great bonus is that not only do you get the patterns but there is a wealth of information here to help a new, intermediate, or even senior stitcher! With amazing diagrams, extra notes and tidbits about supplies and other cross stitch nuances. It even includes a glossary of acronyms and words used in the stitching community (especially online)!

My personal favourite is the Ferris wheel (see photo)! I’m going to stitch it up with the previously released (available on her website) patterns that include a carousel, ticket booth, patrons, and more! 

This book is on beautiful glossy paper. The layout is clean and crisp. Full colour large patterns. While I’d prefer black and white charts I do understand that many folks expect full colour in books like this.

A great starting reference, or addition to a witches stash!

Bonus is that Meg is local to be, and therefore Canadian!! :)

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