Or: How many different ways can I name my reader's diary? These past few days, I had the pleasure of finishing several novels and beginning several more, as well as reading another short story by the brilliant Ursula Le Guin. A Dangerous Fortune by Ken Follett This is my second proper piece of historical fiction... 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 →
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: 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 →
(Minor Spoilers Ahead) Senlin Ascends (review here) was an excellent first act in Josiah Bancroft's fully realized and fleshed out world, with intricate characters and a number of mysteries which set the imagination on fire. Originally self-published in 2015, Arm of the Sphinx came to be re-released by Orbit this March, in preparation for The Hod King which... Continue Reading →
I've had some trouble putting my thoughts in order where Senlin Ascends, the first book in Josiah Bancroft's Books of Babel series of four, is concerned. This book is an excellent read, the kind whose characters live with you well after you've put it down for good. Perhaps Senlin Ascends is one of those rare... Continue Reading →
Once upon a time, I read Half a King by Joe Abercrombie and was quite fond of it. Half a King was a wonderful entry into the unique brand of subversive storytelling Abercrombie is famed for. It was a thrill to go through but now that I've read four of the six First Law books... Continue Reading →
Work on my reputation. Mercenaries are, by far and large, despised for their tendency to, er, switch sides at the slightest bit of trouble. But there's good money to be earned when you're known for loyalty, 'specially when you've got the employer to appreciate it. Never leave a job unfinished and a commision incomplete. Staunchness is... Continue Reading →
Today, I woke up and listened, for a little over three hours, to George Orwell's Animal Farm. I should do a double feature of China Mieville's October and this book -- one shows the build-up to the Russian revolution, and the other uses allegory with animals to illustrate how easily revolution turns to something much... Continue Reading →
The Grimoire Reliquary 