Source/Heard about: SPFBO 9 - Purchased (and then bought books two and three!)TL;DR: Fun and 100% worth the read! 5/5 Stitched Stories Thoughts: I really enjoyed this. The narrative style was fantastic, especially as E.C. Greaves really leaned into the first person perspective. Since we’re behind Zyntael’s eyes throughout the whole story we really are... Continue Reading →
The Circumference of the World by Lavie Tidhar
Source: NetGalley & the Publisher! Thank you so much!!TL;DR: I loved it - a set of interconnected stories of a book, a religion, and how fiction can affect reality. Plot: Each story within the book is like a nesting doll, starting with a woman seeking her missing husband and the book and (totally not a... Continue Reading →
The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill by Rowena Miller
Source: Netgalley - Many thanks!TL;DR: A slow, somewhat predictable story about two sisters making bad decisions. Somewhat disappointing for me. Plot: I was not super impressed with this. Based entirely on the story and the major events this felt incredibly slow - and perhaps like it needed a bit more editing.Characters: Both sisters felt somewhat... Continue Reading →
The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang
Source: Netgalley - Thank you to the publisher!TL;DR: A very dense story with far more telling than showing. It might stick with me for a time, but I doubt I'll continue what seems to be a series. Plot: If I'm honest, a bit messy and overwrought but the story is simple when boiled down, a... Continue Reading →
Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo
Source: NetGalley, Thank to to Tor!!TL;DR: While not my favorite in the Singing Hills Cycle I still think this is a valuable story in the series, giving us a closer look at the order and it's inner workings. Plot: For the most part I enjoyed the plot of this. It did loose me at the... Continue Reading →
Night of the Living Queers edited by Shelly Page & Alex Brown
Source: NetGalley - Thank you to the publisher!TL;DR: A fun collection overall with a few standouts and only two big disappointments. Collection: For the most part the collection felt cohesive but there were two jarringly dark stories I didn't care for.Characters: A fun and diverse cast, none of them stood out, but I enjoyed them... Continue Reading →
Sir Hereward & Mister Fitz by Garth Nix
Source: NetGalley, thank to Harper for the arc!TL;DR: A collection of very fun, classic fantasy stories about a knight and a magical puppet. It surprised me and made me laugh out loud several times. If Fantasy shorts are your cup of tea - this is a great pickup. Plot: The nucleus of each story is... Continue Reading →
Ravensong by TJ Klune
Source: NetGalley - thank you to Tor for the advanced copy!TL;DR: I was scared TJ Klune couldn't pull it off after destroying me with Wolfsong but here we are. Gordo is the most grumpy, precious witch in the world. I loved it. Plot: This one is covers both the time that Gordo and the others... Continue Reading →
Thoughts: Abeni’s Song by P. Djèlà Clark
Source: NetGalley - Thank you Tor for the arc!TL;DR: An absolutely magical adventure novel about a young girl trying to save her family. Highly recommend. Plot: There are two distinct halves to the story, but it seems natural and reasonable for the setup. I liked that a lot, the plot is solid and well stitched... Continue Reading →
Thoughts: The Book of Witches edited by Jonathon Strahan
Source: Netgalley! Many, many thanks!TL;DR: One of the better collections I've read. The selection is diverse and unique. I recommend it! Selection: A great selection here. It's broad with voices from several age ranges and a few outside of the prose formatEditing: A great mix of tone and view, nothing felt too similar or close... Continue Reading →