October 8, 2019
I first heard about Carnival Row from literally one million twelve second ads in promoted tweets on my twitter feed and while intrigued, didn’t really think much of it. Then I discovered it had Orlando Bloom (happy sigh) and Cara Delevingne (another happy sigh) as star-crossed lovers, and I got a hell of a lot more invested. No spoilers, I…
September 10, 2019
The Infinite Noise (2019) Written by: Lauren Shippen Genre: YA Fantasy Pages: 329 (ARC) Publisher: Tor Teen Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review. The Premise: Caleb Michaels is a sixteen-year-old champion running back. Other than that his life is pretty normal. But when Caleb starts experiencing mood swings…
August 30, 2019
Hello friends, welcome to your last book club discussion before the relaunch (details coming soon). It’s me, your host, Merrin. Following this short review of my impressions of the book, feel free to discuss your takes in the comments! The Magicians (2009) Written by: Lev Grossman Genre: Fantasy Pages: 416 (Hardcover) Publisher: Viking Premise: In a secret world of forbidden…
August 13, 2019
If you’ve been following along with me on this website at all, you’ve probably run across me saying that Sharon Shinn is an insta-buy for me. She’s such a favorite of mine that to date she is the only author I’ve ever sent a fan letter to, just to tell her how much her characters mean to me. (And I…
July 30, 2019
Invisible Chains (2019) Written by: Michelle Renee Lane Genre: Fantasy Pages: 337 (ARC) Publisher: Haverhill House Publishing Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review. Premise: Jacqueline is a young Creole slave in antebellum New Orleans. An unusual stranger who has haunted her dreams since childhood comes to stay as…
July 11, 2019
Hello friends. First of all, thank you to everyone who has participated in book club, whether it’s just reading along or reading along and commenting, or voting in the polls hoping your book would win. I appreciate all of you. There are some changes coming to book club in the future, but I hope you’ll stick with us. There’s no…
June 28, 2019
Welcome to the Speculative Chic Book Club! Each month, we invite you to join us in reading a book that is voted on by YOU, our readers. Following a short review, please feel free to discuss the book in the comments! The Bone Clocks Written by: David Mitchell Genre: ????? Pages: 641 (Kindle) Publisher: Random House Premise: Following a terrible…
June 11, 2019
I don’t know at what point I stop being a new gamer and just become a gamer. I keep wanting to start these reviews with “well I’m a new gamer, but….” In case you’ve missed my previous reviews, I first moved beyond Sonic and Mario-style platforming games in 2014, when I’d moved up to Austin and had a lot of…
June 7, 2019
Happy birthday to me and my fellow July babies!! This month I made you pick from my to-be-read stack and I’m so pleased with your choice . . . A Darker Shade of Magic (2015) Written by: V.E. Schwab Discussion date: 7/26/19 Premise: Kell is one of the last Antari — magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel…
May 31, 2019
Welcome to the Speculative Chic Book Club! Each month, we invite you to join us in reading a book that is voted on by YOU, our readers. Following a short review, please feel free to discuss the book in the comments! Shards of Honor (1986) Written by: Lois McMaster Bujold Genre: Science Fiction Pages: 255 (paperback) Publisher: Baen Premise: When…