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 […]
Tag Archives | Reviews
The Last Jedi – review
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 […]
Some thoughts on Bladerunner 2049 (with spoilers clearly marked)
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 – book review
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 […]
Review – Winterwood
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 […]
Review: Occupy Me
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 […]
Review: Sailor to a Siren
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 […]
Review: Crashing Heaven
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) […]
Review: Empire of Dust
Space Opera isn’t dead; instead, delightfully, it has grown up. Empire of Dust, the debut novel from Jacey Bedford, published by DAW, is a fine example of a novel which has its roots in the sub-genre, but grows beyond it. Cara Carlini is a woman with a past, and she’s running away from it as […]
Review – Shadowboxer
Referring to a female protagonist as feisty, sassy or plucky in a book review is likely to result in a rolling of eyes. Rightly so in most cases but Jade, the hero of Shadowboxer, earns the right to those terms. Jade is an adolescent cage fighter. That phrase might make you suck in a sharp […]