May 19, 2017
Everfair (2016) Written by: Nisi Shawl Genre: Steampunk Pages: 383 (Hardcover) Publisher: Tor Books Why I Chose It: This novel has caught my eye since it was released because of the alternate history premise (outside of speculative fiction, I’m a huge fan of historical fiction) and the African setting. Also, the cover is gorgeous. The premise: An alternate history/historical fantasy/steampunk…
May 19, 2017
I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying that writers love having written, not actually writing. We all know people who say they are writers, talk up a good game but haven’t written anything yet, or in a long time. Many people want the life of a writer, but not to sit down and write. Who wants to sit alone at…
May 18, 2017
The Ballad of Black Tom (2016) Written by: Victor LaValle Genre: Dark Fantasy/Historical Fiction Pages: 149 (Paperback) Publisher: Tor.com/Tom Doherty Associates Why I Chose It: I’m not normally a novella reader. When I find characters and a universe that I like, I prefer sweeping epics with multiple, lengthy books, like George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series…
May 18, 2017
Almost a month has passed since I saw Raw in the theater and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. As a horror fan, I was excited to check out this French movie written and directed by a woman and staring a female lead. I will be avoiding spoilers, so you are safe.
May 17, 2017
A Taste of Honey (2016) Written by: Kai Ashante Wilson Genre: Fantasy Pages: 100 (Nook) Publisher: Tor/Forge Why I Chose It: Many reasons. That gorgeous cover, for one. The story is about two men of color, and that’s what’s on the cover. (Because publishers whitewashing book covers is a thing.) Also because I haven’t read much fantasy lately. And lastly…
May 16, 2017
Welcome back to Sound Off!, a semi-regular column where members of Speculative Chic gather together to chat about the latest BIG THING in entertainment. This time, reclaim your birthright and discuss King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, which premiered in the United States on Friday, May 12, 2017. Sound Off! is meant to be a reaction, but not necessarily a review.…
May 16, 2017
Every Heart a Doorway (2016) Written by: Seanan McGuire Genre: Dark Fantasy Pages: 174 (Kindle) Publisher: Tor.com Why I chose it: I first heard of Seanan McGuire back in 2009 when I picked up Feed by Mira Grant at the bookstore. Feed is a novel about an internet blogging team covering a presidential campaign about 25 years or so after…
May 15, 2017
They might not be raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, but that doesn’t mean that we love them any less. Welcome back to My Favorite Things, a weekly column where we gab about the greatest in geek. This week we have two video game selections- including an old favorite, and a MMORPG perfect for people who don’t normally like MMORPGs. On…
May 12, 2017
We already know that Hollywood buys up far more properties than it can possibly adapt for the big and small screen. Sometimes, those properties are adapted to great success, and other times, fans wish that Hollywood had never heard of their favorite property. Last month, the contributors of Speculative Chic told Hollywood what to leave alone, so it made perfect…
May 11, 2017
I’ve talked a lot about Conventions this past year and I’ve got one more set of important topics to touch on. You might hear some of these terms from seasoned con-goers: Con Prep Con Crud Con Drop The last two, especially, are things you’ll hear regular con-goers talk about. Prep is just really what happens before a convention and can vary,…