I like Arthurian stories, provided they don’t take liberties. Of course, my definition of ‘liberties’ is subjective, not least because my interest comes from reading a lot of them in my adolescence, and concluding then that I much preferred Mary Stewart to T H White. No idea if that’s still true of course… This book […]
Liz Williams, the author of these books, is a friend but we’re also capable of critiquing/reviewing each other’s work objectively, and have often done so at Milford SF Writer’s Workshop. I first read at early version of the opening chapters of Comet Weather, the first of the four Fallow Sisters novels, at Milford some years […]
Awakening Mages is the second book in Maria Herring’s Age of Acamedicians series. Mid-series books can be a challenge but the author does a good job of keeping up the pace and building tension; even though I knew the story wouldn’t conclude in this novel, I still found myself carried along to see how far […]
I’ve left it a while to post this review, for two reasons. Firstly, I needed to see the film again to gather my thoughts. Secondly: here be spoilers, so I was waiting until most of those who have an interest had probably seen it. Overall, I wasn’t that impressed. This was, in part, because the […]
This isn’t a comprehensive review, more an attempt to record my initial impressions after seeing the film last night. I’m sure there’s plenty of stuff I missed or misinterpreted on first viewing. First off, there will be further viewings, because – thank ghu! – it was essentially sound. I liked it. I did not love […]
The Worm Within is a story of loyalty, intrigue and extra-dimensional threats set in a future so far distant it looks a lot like a mythical past. The protagonist, Iago, is a sorcerer’s apprentice, of sorts; he is also an orphan with a destiny, who goes on what could be seen as a quest. These […]
I should read my outside my comfort zone more often: this book proves it. Winterwood by Jacey Bedford is an easy, compelling read which ticks loads of boxes – pirates, fae, adventure, angst, ghosts, wild magic – whilst managing to surprise you with unexpected plot developments and delight you with its beautifully paced story and […]
If I had to categorise Occupy Me it would be as speculative fiction about a secret and unseen war. Or about secret and unseen dimensions; also, time-travel and non-linear causality. Or perhaps as an exploration of selflessness through conflict. Or maybe a mystery thriller where the mystery stretches human comprehension. Actually, I’d rather not try and […]
If you like your space opera fast and violent, this book is for you. The story centres on two brothers, Connor and Logan: Connor is the (relatively) responsible one, and worries for his feckless brother – especially when Logan rekindles a old relationship with a dangerous woman. Both of them are neck-deep in gang politics […]
I have to admit an interest here: I’ve known Al Robertson for some time, both as a writer and as a friend. But whilst I’ve always known he was a good writer – a damn good writer even – I have to confess that not everything of his I’ve read (and in some cases critiqued) […]