I picked up the first book in this series because I'd heard good things about it from readers who also enjoyed the stories in K.J. Charles' Charm of Magpies world. They were spot-on in their recommendation, and I'll also throw in my hat that fans of either series will enjoy the other. Once you get … Continue reading Review: Widdershins (Whyborne & Griffin #1) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by K.J. Charles
This intertwining collection of "short stories" are a blast to read, and I love the idea of a Holmes and Watson style pairing working together in the occult realm. This is definitely a case where the author's notes at the end enhance the coolness of what I just read, and shows how the author's research … Continue reading Review: The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by K.J. Charles
Review: “A Queer Trade” and Rag and Bone (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
This connected short story and novel take place in the world of A Charm of Magpies. A reader will get the most of these stories after reading the initial trilogy and Jackdaw. This story looks at yet another side of the magic world established in the trilogy A Charm of Magpies. Crispin and Ned are … Continue reading Review: “A Queer Trade” and Rag and Bone (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
Review: Jackdaw (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
I thoroughly enjoy this historical fantasy world, and I'm so glad that it extends beyond the initial trilogy. Part of what I loved most about this book in particular was seeing this world through new eyes, by a person who is neither magic nor cushioned by wealth and privilege. I was not expecting to see … Continue reading Review: Jackdaw (A Charm of Magpies World) by K.J. Charles
Review: Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies #3) by K.J. Charles
I found this series right before the previous publishing company it was being published with folded. I was devastated, because it meant waiting months until I could finish the trilogy. Luckily, it was absolutely worth the wait. The conclusion to this trilogy brought together much of the story and plot elements from the previous books, … Continue reading Review: Flight of Magpies (A Charm of Magpies #3) by K.J. Charles
Review: A Scandal in Battersea (Elemental Masters #12) by Mercedes Lackey
The novels of Mercedes Lackey's Elemental Masters series take two forms. The first is re-imagined fairy tales set in Edwardian England (and Europe beyond). The second is a more of a traditional (historical) urban fantasy series that centers around a group of magicians, psychics, and mediums in London, starring two plucky young women and their … Continue reading Review: A Scandal in Battersea (Elemental Masters #12) by Mercedes Lackey
Review: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
This year, many of the contributors to my other blog, Speculative Chic, all set New Year's Resolutions together. Some of them were to catch up on movies, others were to revisit an old favorite video game. Mine was to finally tackle the giant hardcover that had been anchoring my "to be read" pile since I … Continue reading Review: Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Review: A STUDY IN SABLE by Mercedes Lackey
I was excited by both the return of Nan and Sarah in Lackey's Elemental Masters series and the introduction of this universe's version of Sherlock Holmes and the Watsons. The aspect of this novel that I was most impressed with was that my brain never once tried to "cast" my mental images of the characters … Continue reading Review: A STUDY IN SABLE by Mercedes Lackey
Review: ESSENTIAL MAGIC (Fay of Skye #1) by Cara McKinnon
Disclaimer: The author and I attended the same graduate school program and participate in group promotional tours for our books. However, I purchased my hardcopy version of this novel for full price. For a person who doesn't claim to be a "romance book" reader, I seem to keep lucking out with some amazing speculative fiction … Continue reading Review: ESSENTIAL MAGIC (Fay of Skye #1) by Cara McKinnon