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…
October 29, 2019
Eridani’s Crown (2019) Written by: Alex Shvartsman Genre: Epic Fantasy Length: 265 pages Publisher: UFO Publishing Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy for free in exchange for an honest review. Why I Chose It: Politically intricate epic fantasy is one of my favorite speculative fiction sub-genres. True story: for our first holiday season together, I bought my now-husband the first three…
July 3, 2018
You know how there are good things in the world that just aren’t for you? I experienced a massive dose of this lately. To preface, let me begin by confessing something: I am a fantasy reader who is very picky about epic fantasy. I didn’t like The Lord of the Rings. I loved the movies, but the books? I barely…
April 6, 2018
A Clash of Kings (2000) Written By: George R.R. Martin Narrated by: Roy Dotrice Genre: Epic Fantasy Length: 37 h 18 m (Audiobook) Series: A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2 Publisher: Random House Audio via Audible The premise: A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. And from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding…
February 22, 2018
Oathbringer (2017) Author: Brandon Sanderson Narrated by: Kate Reading, Michael Kramer Genre: Epic Fantasy Series: The Stormlight Archive (Book 3) Length: 1,248 pages (Kindle); 55 h and 4 m (Audiobook)* Publisher: Tor Books Why I Chose It: I read Oathbringer as part of 2018’s Resolution Project. Also, I’m a big fan of both the series and the author. The Premise: Oathbringer, the…
January 5, 2018
This year I resolved to read George R. R. Martin‘s A Song of Ice and Fire and watch HBO’s Game of Thrones, both series. For all of you who have seen the entire series and/or read all the books, here is your chance to experience it for the first time all over again! If you haven’t seen the series, there will…
August 23, 2017
I can’t actually remember which of Carol Berg’s books I read first, but the Lighthouse duet has always been my favorite. It might have been the covers that drew me originally with their evocative colors, or it might have been the name of the series. I come from a family of sailors, and I’ve always liked the idea of lighthouses as…
August 15, 2017
From the Salt Mines: A new occasional series in which I will talk about the things that stick under my craw for various reasons. Future plans include other TV series, several books, and at least one video game. I have a lot of feelings, and not all of them are pleasant ones. I first heard about A Game of Thrones…
August 1, 2017
Ever since Game of Thrones debuted on HBO in 2011, awards have been heaped upon it — and with good reason. Adapted from George R.R. Martin’s sweeping epic fantasy novels (the series is officially named A Song of Ice and Fire), it features an excellent cast, top quality effects and costuming, the exceptional soundtrack skills of Ramin Djawadi, and of…