Making History by K. J. Parker
Well this certainly had a unique premise. Our nameless narrator, top in his field of linguistics, along with 11 other top-of-their-field scholars, is voluntold by the tyrannical king of Aelia to create a city. The king wants an excuse to attack a neighboring country that won't get pushback by the … [Read more]
Shrunkation by Janine Amesta
This is a great example of trusting an author you know you enjoy even when the concept doesn’t initially grab your attention. I’m on Janine Amesta’s advanced reader list having loved Love at First Flight and The Wedding Con (The Love Feud is currently sitting on my end table waiting for me). … [Read more]
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
"The River Liss runs north to south, and its waters brim with grammar." What an absolutely musical opening sentence. I had to stop and reread it several times just to let it sink in. Amal El-Mohtar's writing hugs the line between poetry and prose, and results in a truly delicious reading … [Read more]
A River Red with Blood by John Connolly
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review. Trigger warning: We hear about the rape of girls and women, but thankfully we don't get a play by play. Or we may have, I won't lie, I started skipping that part of the book. I feel like this is my … [Read more]
The Children by Melissa Albert
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not impact my rating or review. I didn't really enjoy Albert's Hazelwood, but had hopes for this one, but again, I think she has issues with one with the book premise sounding great, and then the execution not really working. I had … [Read more]
Ladies and Gentleman, the Bronx is Burning by Jonathan Mahler
Jonathan Mahler's Ladies and Gentleman, the Bronx is Burning is an unusual work of non-fiction, blending sports, news, culture, and politics into a fairly comprehensive narrative of life in New York City in the year 1977. It was a dark time in the city. Years of excessive spending on social programs … [Read more]
