Dead Letter is one of four books from Pornokitsch SPFBO group, that still have chances to qualify for finals. That’s why I’ve picked it. I trust JaredDead Letter is one of four books from Pornokitsch SPFBO group, that still have chances to qualify for finals. That’s why I’ve picked it. I trust Jared’s taste in books. Additionally I want to increase number of indie / self-published books I read.
The story follows Novice Kettna who is sent to city of Calimska to solve a string of robberies. Kettna is daughter of Archmagus, she has strong intellect and vast knowledge but her practical skills in magic aren’t most impressive. Actually in order to shine she needs stimulants (like Mana frog). She accepts the mission for few reasons, one of them being finding her Love – Rix. It seems her parents prefer to make it safe for her as they sent guards with her: caustic and beautiful Adept Lanuille and two twins (view spoiler)[that are metaphysically present, yet physically absent (they’re illusions) (hide spoiler)]. In the city Kettna uncovers deadly conspiracy that threatens the great city.
I liked the writing – Benjamin Descovitch has rich vocabulary and uses it in elegant and effective way. Characters were introduced in interesting way that made me interested in them. Inspector Kettna is great heroine, she’s skillful, intelligent but she has some flaws and lost love that add some complexity. Her Mana level is low, so she can’t show off too much. Lanuille was great – a bitchy, cold character with some interesting background and future that seems even more interesting. There’s also Elrin who’s supposed to be main interest in Dragon’S Choir book that Dead Letter is a prequel to. It makes me hesitant to try it as I really didn’t care about Elrin at all. He seemed indistinct to me (sure he has backstory but it didn’t help).
Magic system is quite unique and interesting. I think it’s cool that the number of tattoos on hands show how advanced the magus is. Casting spells requires Mana. You can haveinnate Mana but you can also use stimulants like Mana Frog. Spells has fun names like Death Orb or Dread Shroud. Interesting magic system. I would be interested to learn more about it.
There’s one thing though that doesn’t allow me to praise the book. While I did enjoy the fantasy elements of the story, the pacing and adventure lost me. The book didn’t hold my attention well. For me it was just ok. I may reach for Dragon Choir in the future but I just don’t feel the need to do it anytime soon. Especially that Elrin, as a character, was most boring one in the story. At least for me.
Merged review:
Dead Letter is one of four books from Pornokitsch SPFBO group, that still have chances to qualify for finals. That’s why I’ve picked it. I trust Jared’s taste in books. Additionally I want to increase number of indie / self-published books I read.
The story follows Novice Kettna who is sent to city of Calimska to solve a string of robberies. Kettna is daughter of Archmagus, she has strong intellect and vast knowledge but her practical skills in magic aren’t most impressive. Actually in order to shine she needs stimulants (like Mana frog). She accepts the mission for few reasons, one of them being finding her Love – Rix. It seems her parents prefer to make it safe for her as they sent guards with her: caustic and beautiful Adept Lanuille and two twins (view spoiler)[that are metaphysically present, yet physically absent (they’re illusions) (hide spoiler)]. In the city Kettna uncovers deadly conspiracy that threatens the great city.
I liked the writing – Benjamin Descovitch has rich vocabulary and uses it in elegant and effective way. Characters were introduced in interesting way that made me interested in them. Inspector Kettna is great heroine, she’s skillful, intelligent but she has some flaws and lost love that add some complexity. Her Mana level is low, so she can’t show off too much. Lanuille was great – a bitchy, cold character with some interesting background and future that seems even more interesting. There’s also Elrin who’s supposed to be main interest in Dragon’S Choir book that Dead Letter is a prequel to. It makes me hesitant to try it as I really didn’t care about Elrin at all. He seemed indistinct to me (sure he has backstory but it didn’t help).
Magic system is quite unique and interesting. I think it’s cool that the number of tattoos on hands show how advanced the magus is. Casting spells requires Mana. You can haveinnate Mana but you can also use stimulants like Mana Frog. Spells has fun names like Death Orb or Dread Shroud. Interesting magic system. I would be interested to learn more about it.
There’s one thing though that doesn’t allow me to praise the book. While I did enjoy the fantasy elements of the story, the pacing and adventure lost me. The book didn’t hold my attention well. For me it was just ok. I may reach for Dragon Choir in the future but I just don’t feel the need to do it anytime soon. Especially that Elrin, as a character, was most boring one in the story. At least for me....more
If you've ever wondered if there's such a thing as a retina-searing book cover, there is. Right here.
The cover is also a clue - dActual rating: 3.5/5
If you've ever wondered if there's such a thing as a retina-searing book cover, there is. Right here.
The cover is also a clue - don't expect subtle and moderate content. Expect insanity, bold characters, and unexpected twists and turns.
Bix the Gatekeeper is a former Dark Ops agent, currently living in exile. Unexpectedly, she's summoned by Hel who offers her a chance to get early parole. She needs to drag a soul to Hel - pantheon's ambassador was attacked in the Mid World and left in a comma. Nordic gods would love to have a word with the perpetrator.
It’d be a sweet contract, if not for the details. The ambassador is Bix’s ex-girlfriend, the lead suspect is the key witness from Bix’s trial, and the organisation leading the official investigation is the same intelligence guild that disavowed Bix when a covert op went pear-shaped.
Expect secrets, torture, treason, dragons, angels, gods and unexpected.
How do I even describe this insane book? Urban Fantasy Nordic Noir?
Bix is an exciting and complex character, but it takes time to see it. My first impression of her wasn't favourable. I took her for a classic bitch. There's more to her; you just need to look past snarky, offensive comments, exalted behaviour (I believe she bats her lashes million times in the book), sex talk, posing and stuff. She's over the top, guys. Other characters, especially Drew, are even bolder. To give you a taste of the style of conversations, here are two samples:
“Being long-lived is horrendously boring if you don’t challenge yourself to constantly learn new things.” He set the book on the altar, then stepped aside as Gurp entered with two large clay containers replete with engravings. “I hope you’re not squeamish.” “Dude.” She gestured to herself. “Bathed in Phoenix blood with a nice facial of god gore. There’s really no room for squeamish after that.”
“Warded his body?” Drew sucked her cheeks into hollows. “And how close were you to that body?” “He is awfully snuggly in spite of zero body fat.” Bix batted her lashes. “Back one day and you score a top-level hottie.” Drew slapped the back of her hand against her brow. “I expect all the intimate details. All. Unedited.” “No.” Bix chortled. “Always some editing.” “Fine. We’ll do the adulting thing and investigate the Consortium. Then I get the details to which every bestie is entitled.” Drew flopped back on the floor. “I need a drop-off. Can’t leave the corpse of a little girl in the ambassador’s home, things being what they are and what not.”
It's not a lousy dialogue. Actually, it's pretty fun, when you in the mood for this kind of banter. The thing is this kind of writing won't appeal to everyone, and it's good to know what to expect before reading the book. As for other characters, they're cool. And crazy. Let's take Drew an entity who treats human corpses as suits or Tobek, seven-foot-tall non-Viking helping Bix. They're all memorable in this over the top, pulpy way.
While characterisation is done well, at times, it's challenging to follow diverse characters we're introduced to. And we meet a lot of potential friends and foes. Angels, dragons, gods, you name it. It's disorienting and confusing, to be honest.
The same can be told about the assault mystery. It's difficult to follow. Despite the things, way too many things, happening all the time, it stalls. A sensory overload maybe? Unexpected happens all the time, and while it doesn't grow old, it becomes tiring.
In the end, it's a strange and insane book. I can't help but admire KA Krantz creativity - her world, and her characters are bold, unique and exciting. On the other hand, the plot is difficult to follow, and at times I felt tired of snarky writing and overload of diverse characters.
I can guarantee you one thing, though - this book is unlike any other in a fantasy genre.
Merged review:
Actual rating: 3.5/5
If you've ever wondered if there's such a thing as a retina-searing book cover, there is. Right here.
The cover is also a clue - don't expect subtle and moderate content. Expect insanity, bold characters, and unexpected twists and turns.
Bix the Gatekeeper is a former Dark Ops agent, currently living in exile. Unexpectedly, she's summoned by Hel who offers her a chance to get early parole. She needs to drag a soul to Hel - pantheon's ambassador was attacked in the Mid World and left in a comma. Nordic gods would love to have a word with the perpetrator.
It’d be a sweet contract, if not for the details. The ambassador is Bix’s ex-girlfriend, the lead suspect is the key witness from Bix’s trial, and the organisation leading the official investigation is the same intelligence guild that disavowed Bix when a covert op went pear-shaped.
Expect secrets, torture, treason, dragons, angels, gods and unexpected.
How do I even describe this insane book? Urban Fantasy Nordic Noir?
Bix is an exciting and complex character, but it takes time to see it. My first impression of her wasn't favourable. I took her for a classic bitch. There's more to her; you just need to look past snarky, offensive comments, exalted behaviour (I believe she bats her lashes million times in the book), sex talk, posing and stuff. She's over the top, guys. Other characters, especially Drew, are even bolder. To give you a taste of the style of conversations, here are two samples:
“Being long-lived is horrendously boring if you don’t challenge yourself to constantly learn new things.” He set the book on the altar, then stepped aside as Gurp entered with two large clay containers replete with engravings. “I hope you’re not squeamish.” “Dude.” She gestured to herself. “Bathed in Phoenix blood with a nice facial of god gore. There’s really no room for squeamish after that.”
“Warded his body?” Drew sucked her cheeks into hollows. “And how close were you to that body?” “He is awfully snuggly in spite of zero body fat.” Bix batted her lashes. “Back one day and you score a top-level hottie.” Drew slapped the back of her hand against her brow. “I expect all the intimate details. All. Unedited.” “No.” Bix chortled. “Always some editing.” “Fine. We’ll do the adulting thing and investigate the Consortium. Then I get the details to which every bestie is entitled.” Drew flopped back on the floor. “I need a drop-off. Can’t leave the corpse of a little girl in the ambassador’s home, things being what they are and what not.”
It's not a lousy dialogue. Actually, it's pretty fun, when you in the mood for this kind of banter. The thing is this kind of writing won't appeal to everyone, and it's good to know what to expect before reading the book. As for other characters, they're cool. And crazy. Let's take Drew an entity who treats human corpses as suits or Tobek, seven-foot-tall non-Viking helping Bix. They're all memorable in this over the top, pulpy way.
While characterisation is done well, at times, it's challenging to follow diverse characters we're introduced to. And we meet a lot of potential friends and foes. Angels, dragons, gods, you name it. It's disorienting and confusing, to be honest.
The same can be told about the assault mystery. It's difficult to follow. Despite the things, way too many things, happening all the time, it stalls. A sensory overload maybe? Unexpected happens all the time, and while it doesn't grow old, it becomes tiring.
In the end, it's a strange and insane book. I can't help but admire KA Krantz creativity - her world, and her characters are bold, unique and exciting. On the other hand, the plot is difficult to follow, and at times I felt tired of snarky writing and overload of diverse characters.
I can guarantee you one thing, though - this book is unlike any other in a fantasy genre....more
I’m a fan of Raymond St. Elmo’s imaginative and genre-blending works. I like how he juggles elements of fantasy, magic realism, and literary fiction. I’m a fan of Raymond St. Elmo’s imaginative and genre-blending works. I like how he juggles elements of fantasy, magic realism, and literary fiction. Colleen The Wanderer makes a nod toward classic adventure stories. And yes, there’s quite a bit of wandering :) Longer review to come, probably, when I have more time.
Stang’s The Lamplight Murder Mysteries series is awesome. It remains fun, creative, and full of twists and nods to literary tradition. The story 4.5/5
Stang’s The Lamplight Murder Mysteries series is awesome. It remains fun, creative, and full of twists and nods to literary tradition. The story starts with Isabeau and Ivie witnessing the magician act gone wrong. Guillotines are dangerous, you see. And then another dead body appears, this one with slit throat and a note promising tt won’t be the last victim during the week of Hunter’s Eve.
So, if you hoped Izzie and Evie would get a break and a chance to rest, forget about it. No rest for the wicked, as they say, and if you remember the ominous prophecy from the pages of Murder on the Lamplight Express, then you know what to expect.
The investigation reveals two cases tie to the same mysterious social club filled with powerful and rich, including the police chief, criminal kingpin and the wealthy industrialist. And to make things even more interesting, there’s a werewolf on the streets, jumping from building to building, tearing people to pieces.
Contrary to the previous two books set in closed spaces (a manor, and a train respectively), this one is set in the city, and we finally get a larger look at the world of Lamplight. And it’s interesting, with a Victorian vibe, constant bad weather, and technology slowly transforming the society and police work.
The characters are quirky and while Stang isn’t afraid to go hardcore with horror moments, dark humor and heartfelt interactions between protagonists balance it out. Stang writes charming, skillful, and intriguing characters who are easy to like.
The blend of classic mystery and horror tropes with playful tone works well for me. I also enjoyed piecing the puzzles, but failed miserably. Again. Anyway, the pace is brisk but with more slow moments than in two previous books. It made me let my guard down and then, BOOM, the first big twist made me sit up straight. And the things that happen afterwards? Pure awesomeness.
I love this series, and it’s only getting better. With that said, readers who prefer their mysteries unapologetically dark and gritty might find the occasionally light-hearted approach a bit jarring. And while quirky characters add to the story’s charm for me, I recognize other readers may find them over-the-top.
Murder on Hunter’s Eve is a delightful book with humor and a playful tone that sets it apart from more traditional mysteries and horror/murder mystery hybrids. The big reveals set the stage for more exciting (and self-contained) adventures I can’t wait to read! Well done, Mr Stang. Excellent work....more
Rachel Aaron’s Hell for Fire proves she has a knack for writing effortlessly readable stories. It's a fast-paced urban fantasy with a great cast of chRachel Aaron’s Hell for Fire proves she has a knack for writing effortlessly readable stories. It's a fast-paced urban fantasy with a great cast of characters (including demons, warlocks, witches, goblins, familiars) and enough magical mayhem to keep the momentum going. I definitely had a lot of fun with it....more
Thrill Switch is a gripping page-turner that kicks off with a brutal murder and rarely slows down. It also comes with a lengthy list of content w4.5/5
Thrill Switch is a gripping page-turner that kicks off with a brutal murder and rarely slows down. It also comes with a lengthy list of content warnings, but if blood and viscera doesn’t faze you, you’ll love this fast-paced cyberpunk thriller.
Detective Ada Byron’s first murder shakes her world to the core. The victim’s demise mirrors the way her father was killed seven years earlier. Hardly possible- the notorious virtual world serial killer, Jazlin Switch, is behind bars with no computer access.
The investigation forces Ada and her partner to consult Jazlin and to navigate the treacherous waters of future Las Vegas politics. Casualties pile up as the conflict between anarcho-libertarians and power-hungry politics escalates.
I prioritise character development over world-building, and I’m rarely impressed by the latter. Not a case here. Hawken captured a nuanced socio-political landscape of a world in which virtual serves as an escape from the harsh realities of overpopulation and limited career opportunities. The virtual reality allows people to experience full freedom without facing consequences for their actions. The thing is, the line between complete freedom and anarchy is thin and easily crossed. Also, when you get killed or raped in a digital world, it doesn’t happen to your physical body, but your mind experiences it fully. This raises the question: what defines “reality” in such circumstances?
The accessible writing and short chapters filled with action and tension make this book gripping. I found myself wanting to know what happens next. Before I realized it, the story concluded (loved the ending), leaving me craving more.
The characterization impressed me. Ada is one heck of a protagonist. Smart, determined, and with a troubled past, just as I like it. She starts off as an eager newbie detective, but the events force her to grow fast and use all of her skills to survive and solve the case.
And while I liked Ada, it’s Jazlin who steals the spotlight whenever she appears. The comparison to Silence of the Lambs holds true, particularly regarding Jazlin’s character.
Thrill Switch is a superbly written cyberpunk thriller that pulls no punches. It’s brutal, so be sure you’re in the right frame of mind. But if you’re game, buckle up and enjoy the thrill.
Audiobook narration: Molly Secours has done a stellar job here. I loved her narration....more
Another excellent book in my favorite Urban Fantasy series. I enjoyed it A LOT! Plus, the Paladin's identity is finally revealed. I'm surprised :4.5/5
Another excellent book in my favorite Urban Fantasy series. I enjoyed it A LOT! Plus, the Paladin's identity is finally revealed. I'm surprised :)...more
I devoured the first two books in The Ranger of the Titan Wilds series. The Hidden Guardian ramps things up tenfold, and avid epic fantasy reader3.5/5
I devoured the first two books in The Ranger of the Titan Wilds series. The Hidden Guardian ramps things up tenfold, and avid epic fantasy readers will adore its "more is more" approach.
Here's the thing, though. I'm not really a fan of epic fantasy. What I admired about the previous two books was their ability to balance personal stakes with a touch of politics and broader danger. Here, though, everything gets bigger.
Is it better?
Yes, for most fans of epic fantasy. You'll be thrilled guys!
For me - not necessarily; I prefer tighter narratives and shorter books. The Hidden Guardian hasn't lost its heart, but at 711 pages long, I certainly felt its length....more
The Storm Beneath The World is another brilliant book from Fletcher, who has firmly established himself as one of dark fantasy’s most original an4.5/5
The Storm Beneath The World is another brilliant book from Fletcher, who has firmly established himself as one of dark fantasy’s most original and talented authors. It’s also a top tier entertainment with insectile ashkaro getting high on their lethal powers.
It’s not as dark or “metal” as the cover suggests. In fact, it’s shockingly heartfelt in places. Still, it’s Fletch’s book, so it’s also bloody and grim. But let’s start at the beginning.
The Storm Beneath The World takes you on a wild ride to a gas planet inhabited by warring tribes of insectile creatures who live on floating islands. They can actually go to the border of their world and see the titular storm beneath.
While ashkaro are alien and their society differs from ours (it’s matriarchal, oppressive, and divided into casts), the author has made the characters instantly relatable. Now, some ashkaro can display superpowers ranging from the power of seduction to incinerating everything around with a thought. Cool. Such powers come with a cost - using them causes a rush of euphoria incomparable to anything else. The Corrupt who fall to the lure of using their powers get high on them and with time starve to death while perfecting the blissful skill.
Each of the story’s protagonist comes from a different cast and background. Witnessing how they discover their powers and how it turns their lives upside down is exciting. Watching them band together and form a bond is great. Watching them in action sequences is pure awesomeness.
Joh is watchful, insecure, and comfortable alone. Wex plunges into action with little thought. Shan is beautiful and considered dumb, and Ash’s fate is most heart-breaking. They met in secret schools in which Corrupt ashkaro are trained to become spies, assassins or insurgents. It turns out the biggest threat doesn’t come from other students, but from Mad Queen’s insane plans. Expect mayhem, adventure, friendship, betrayal, and loss.
The pacing never slows down and I love the way Fletcher incorporates the world in small pieces, important to the current circumstances of his characters. That’s the way I love it. The intrigue and surprises kept me at the edge of the seat.
As with any great fantasy — and The Storm Beneath The World is one — characters and their growth drive the plot. Wildly imaginative, and in turns playful and brutal, it's a must read for fans of dark fantasy....more
Gibson’s debut pits the mushroom-headed denizens of Neo Kinoko against the Coprinian forces. Even though the Spore War ended, it still impacts societyGibson’s debut pits the mushroom-headed denizens of Neo Kinoko against the Coprinian forces. Even though the Spore War ended, it still impacts society - food shortages, poverty, and an influx of war refugees are common. Coprinian oppressors exploit their power and offer nothing to improve the lives of the “Fungals”.
I need more fungi in fiction, and Gibson brings the goods to the table. His world-building is impressive and filled with vivid descriptions of mold, mycelium, and floating spores. While getting a full grasp of the claustrophobic setting may require patience, it’s also exciting. Neo Kimoko is a unique fungal city - I loved the richness of the setting. The story offers insights into the lives of all sides of the conflict, including those living in poverty, their human oppressors, "mushroom" gangsters, and corrupt authorities.
Henrietta and Koji are excellent characters with complex dynamics. Henrietta is a strong female lead who tries to deal with social pressures, past traumas, and investigative duties. She starts as mycophobic and racist, but she’s willing to grow. She has no choice given what the author has in store for her (including a stomach-churning fungal body horror).
Koji, meanwhile, grapples with conflicting loyalties as a cop serving under oppressive authorities and Neo Kimoko’s inhabitant. Loathed by his colleagues, and not trusted by his compatriots, Koji leads a strenuous life.
Mushroom Blues blends genres just how I like it: it incorporates elements of police procedural, murder investigation, body horror, action, and psychological drama. Not to mention surreal fungal weirdness, which is incredibly cool. I appreciate the fresh take on familiar themes.
While the pacing occasionally falters, and the resolution of life-threatening situations through Deus ex machina moments disappoints, these issues didn’t significantly decrease my enjoyment of the story.
Mushroom Blues is a strong debut written with passion and clarity. If you crave some fungal weirdness in your life, you’ll have fun reading it. Recommended....more
This cover is fantastic, and I absolutely love it! How about the content? Well, I appreciated many aspects of the story, but I also have a few issues This cover is fantastic, and I absolutely love it! How about the content? Well, I appreciated many aspects of the story, but I also have a few issues with it.
Smoker on the Porch is a difficult book to categorize; It embraces the metaphysical extensively. It contains elements of cosmic horror, coming-of-age, and school drama. I enjoyed the dark and eerie atmosphere of the book, and the general idea of adolescents fighting with cosmic evil.I also think some moments of horror were done extremely well.
That being said, I have issues with the delivery, and most of them come to the writing style. It is inconsistent (overly descriptive passages turn into abrupt, choppy sentences). The excessive use of unnecessary details adds nothing substantial to the narrative, and the metaphorical language sometimes lacks finesse.
While the premise holds potential, the execution falls short in creating a compelling and cohesive story. The lack of focused storytelling, underdeveloped characterization, and uneven pacing often led my attention to wander elsewhere ...more
Ah, finally! Another fix of Schaefer's unique blend of pulp, noir, heist, and urban fantasy. As a die-hard fan of all of Schaefer's series (they're liAh, finally! Another fix of Schaefer's unique blend of pulp, noir, heist, and urban fantasy. As a die-hard fan of all of Schaefer's series (they're linked), I had a great time reading this one. It's violent, fast-paced, pulpy in a good way, and ends with a curious development for Harmony. Now, I need another Faust novel :)
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