September 2, 2020
When I first heard that Katherine Addison wrote a new book, I was excited. I love her writing! When I heard it involved angels, my response was a disappointed, “Oh no.” I have significant issues with angels in fantasy novels. Then I read a review that said that The Angel of the Crows was Sherlock Holmes WingFic, which meant that…
August 5, 2020
Seems hard to recall a time when I didn’t like podcasts, especially when there are shows like Unwell to keep me happily occupied. When I first started trying to listen to podcasts, I had a hard time finding shows that made it worth struggling through my audio-processing issues. Now, frankly, I’m drowning in them! And more keep coming out every…
July 1, 2020
Some months I read really chewy books that require analysis. Some months I read books that are just so excellently put together, it’s a pleasure to review them. And some months, everything is so chaotic, I just read for the simple escape of it. Some books are meals, and some are appetizers. This is an appetizer plate for your consideration.
June 3, 2020
Technically, this is a reread, but it’s a reread with purpose. Robert Jackson Bennett is one of my favorite writers, slipping onto my auto-buy list. The thing is, it wasn’t always that way. I read The Company Man, and didn’t like it. So then I read Mr. Shivers and didn’t like it. After that, I read The Troupe and almost…
May 29, 2020
Some people like their book club books to be the kind of literature they would never read on their own: books they need to be goaded into reading. Others like book club books to be challenging — in either a socially-conscious way or in provocative writing style. There is nothing wrong at all with those approaches; I’ve enjoyed book clubs…
May 6, 2020
So I’m spending more time hanging out at home these days, and more time seeking serious distraction from real-world worries, as one does. Just before the shelter-in-place order came down, I had (thankfully) stopped by the library and picked up a slew of (frankly disappointing!) books, and one wildcard TV choice: season 1 of Killjoys. Why Killjoys? Hannah John-Kamen. I’ve…
April 1, 2020
When the people behind Serial Box offered a copy of Machina to Speculative Chic for review I jumped at the chance, because I liked the work of three of the involved authors, and the fourth, I’d heard good things about. Plus, the plot piqued my interest: scientific teams competing to see whose AI might just save humanity? Sure. Sign me…
March 4, 2020
My favorite genre is probably urban fantasy. What’s not to like? Magic and crime mixed together, plus the fun of seeing how each story posits magical events happening in an otherwise regular modern world. I devour the books, and I devour the television shows. The Lost Room, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Haunted, Supernatural, The Umbrella Academy… you name it, I’ll…
February 5, 2020
After my podcast resolution two years ago, I have to admit two things. One, despite all my original doubts, I am hooked on this form of entertainment. And two, I am very picky. I’ve tried a bunch and stuck with only a few, which often leaves me wanting to listen to podcasts and not having anything to try. I’m always…
January 1, 2020
Ninth House (2019) Written by: Leigh Bardugo Genre: Urban Fantasy/Horror Pages: 480 (Hardcover) Publisher: Flatiron Books Why I Chose It: Because it’s been on my radar for some months now, after reading a sample somewhere on the web. Because I love secret magical societies in university settings. Because the premise was compelling. Because the cover was slinky and pretty. The…