Book Reviews
The Shelf
The Nose and Other Stories – Nikolai Gogol
The Nose and Other Stories is a testament to a writer at play and an artist who lets his imagination wander. Through Susanne Fusso’s translation, the absurdity that runs through Gogol’s short stories shines through.
Poe Dameron: Free Fall – Alex Segura
Crime writer Alex Segura turns back the clock to add another layer of backstory for fan favorite Poe Dameron and takes a swan dive into the galaxy’s vast and complicated criminal underbelly.
The Shape-Shifter's Guide to Time Travel – Mark Budman
A shape-shifting prince and a time-traveling teen from the US team up to save a rebel leader determined to liberate the imaginary country of Temnota from oppression.
Cursed – Thomas Wheeler
To say Cursed is a gender-bent retelling of the Arthurian legends doesn't quite do Wheeler and Miller's novel justice. Rather, it's more of an origin story of how Nimue, the Lady of the Lake came to be in the lake and guard the sword of power.
When We Were Vikings – Andrew David MacDonald
The fierce love and loyalty Zelda has for her family and friends will leave readers feeling inspired to set out on their own daring quests and become the heroes of their own legends.
Some Time Later – Edited by AJ Sikes, BJ Sikes & Dover Whitecliff
Some Time Later is a sci-fi, fantasy anthology that overflows with the fantastical and is fueled by boundless imagination.
Those Who Knew – Idra Novey
As usual, Idra Novey's prose is sharp and striking. However, while Those Who Knew starts with the promise of a taut political thriller, the narrative quickly goes slack.
One Night Gone – Tara Laskowski
Tara Laskowski’s debut thriller, One Night Gone, takes a well-timed swing at how society has and still treats women like their disposable.
House of Salt and Sorrows – Erin A. Craig
In her debut novel House of Salt and Sorrows, Erin A. Craig has put a dark twist on a classic gothic fairytale and infused it with rich oceanic mythology where goddesses and tricksters mingle with mortals.