The Shadow of the Gods (2021) – John Gwynne

The Shadow of the Gods, is the first book in a fantasy trilogy, collectively called The Bloodsworn Trilogy, that uses Norse mythology as it’s launching point. The gods are dead, their bones litter the landscape, trapping power within them. It is a world of magic and monsters and introduces the reader to a trio of…

Exit Strategy (2018) – Martha Wells

I love the Murderbot Diaries, I find them entertaining, fun, and funny as hell. Martha Wells has created a character and universe that I love revisiting. And with the size of the diary entries, none of the books so far have been much longer than a novella. This story circles back to check in on…

The Future Was Now (2024) – Chris Nashawaty

1982. What a summer at the movies. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, E.T the Extraterrestrial, The Thing, The Road Warrior, Tron, Poltergeist, Blade Runner and Conan the Barbarian. Eight movies, all opening within weeks of each other, some on the same day, and a summer that brought geek culture into the mainstream in…

The Book Eaters (2022) – Sunyi Dean

The Book Eaters is a bit of a vampire story that follows a mother and son as they attempt to leave their trapped lives behind. It’s a story about love, and it’s very enjoyable. That being said, it took about the first third of the book to completely hook me, but when I was into…

The Shining (1977) – Stephen King

Like most horror fans, I’m a huge fan of Kubrick’s The Shining, an adaptation that King himself has sworn off. It’s become indelibly marked in pop culture. And is a fantastic piece of film making. I hadn’t read the original novel since I was in my late teens so I decided it was time for…

Forever and a Death (2017) – Donald E. Westlake

Back in the late 90s, acclaimed author Donald E. Westlake was asked to make an attempt at the story for the next James Bond film, landing solidly in the Pierce Brosnan era. Complications ensued, and it never happened. The story, Forever and a Death was finally unveiled in 2017, posthumously becoming the last book Westlake…

Strange Houses (2025) – Uketsu

I liked Uketsu’s first book, Strange Pictures, and I liked the idea behind their work. Having said that, the second book, Strange Houses, is a stronger, more cohesive effort. The Author, and a friend find themselves caught up in a mystery when the floor plan of a house they come across seems to suggest some…

Rogue Protocol (2018) – Martha Wells

The third novella in the Murderbot Diaries is as entertaining as its predecessor. It combines science fiction, a wonderful sense of humor, and action beats as we join Murderbot on his continued journey of self-discovery, which seems to constantly deliver him into trouble. And Rogue Protocol is no exception. Seeking more information about the corporation…