Welcome to Trope Check, what is either a one-off or a possible series, in which I examine how unique works of fiction deal with familiar tropes in fun, new, and exciting ways! #0. Play Catch-Up! If you're unfamiliar with the bloody brilliant 𝖕𝖎𝖊𝖈𝖊 𝖔𝖋 🅐🅡🅣 that is Adrian Tchaikovsky's SHARDS OF EARTH, you should first... Continue Reading →
Whatever you say about Jonathan Franzen (and there's plenty to say, no small amount of it critical), you can't deny the man his insight. He's a fine writer, as this collection of republished essays proves; though they all originate in the 90s and very early 2000s, few come across as dated; the topics Franzen addresses... Continue Reading →
I don't remember how I came across Ecstasy and Terror but I knew when I read its blurb that I would love it. Having read every one of the essays in this collection, I've found myself not only loving it but hungry for more of Mendelsohn's writing. This anthology by Mendelsohn(who is Editor at Large... Continue Reading →
Hello and welcome! I'm Filip Magnus and I'm an English Studies major, currently doing a Theory of Literature class. I find it utterly fascinating and quite complex -- so what better to do in order to learn more about Forms than to write about it on my blog?! In this short series of blog posts,... Continue Reading →
I've been meaning to explore the great Ursula Le Guin's writing for a few years, now. I always thought I'd start with Earthsea if not for a serendipitous occasion in my new university library thanks to which I stumbled upon this, a short 280-page first part of a trilogy by the name of 'Annals of... Continue Reading →
Oh, lawks, I read another Discworld novel. Small Gods was Terry Pratchett's most intricate examination of organised religion and faith yet. Where do the gods come from? How many masks do they wear? Are they just a big lot of buggers sitting on their arses, pulling the limbs off mortals for the giggles? That's what... Continue Reading →
I received Melokai for free as part of r/fantasy's TBRindr initiative, meant to popularize and highlight the works of independently published authors. Melokai's opening held a great deal of promise, which could've propelled the story forward. Unfortunately, this novel didn't ultimately deliver on the promises made, both by its opening and its cover. Before I... Continue Reading →
Disclaimer: Spoilers for Promise of Blood's ending and minor spoilers for The Crimson Campaign. Read the review for Promise of Blood here. I read Promise of Blood within the span of three-four days. The Crimson Campaign, in contrast, I read over six adrenaline-fueled hours. For three-quarters of Campaign, my heart was in my throat, my... Continue Reading →
(Disclaimer: Some minor spoilers ahead.) Brian's Style Promise of Blood isn't the first novel I've read by Brian McClellan. That honour goes to Sins of Empire, which holds a special place in my heart as both the first flintlock fantasy I've read, as well as the first title I purchased because of a recommendation read... Continue Reading →
Disclaimer: This book has been kindly provided by Darrel Drake for free, in exchange for a review. No one said anything about being honest but I wasn't told to lie either, so it evens out somewhere along the line, I reckon. A Star-Reckoner's Lot has been an interesting ride, one that left me some strong impressions.... Continue Reading →
