J.L. Gribble book review

Review: Shattered Empire (Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens) by Greg Rucka

One of my biggest pet peeves about most war movies is how the characters celebrate at the end of a big battle as if everything is going to be easy from there on out. This graphic novel shows how the opposite is the case and does an excellent job of leading into how the remnants … Continue reading Review: Shattered Empire (Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens) by Greg Rucka

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: Bizarre Tales From World War II by William B. Breuer

This is an easy-to-read collection of short snippets organized by time period before, during, and after World War II. I'd hesitate to call them bizarre tales, however. Curious coincidences and interesting anecdotes is probably more appropriate. I would not recommend this as a reference book for those writing about WWII. It is, though, probably a … Continue reading Review: Bizarre Tales From World War II by William B. Breuer

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: Pathways (Tales of Valdemar #11) edited by Mercedes Lackey

While I usually call out two specific stories in anthologies, my favorite and the one I'd most like to see expanded into a novel, I'm unable to do that with this Valdemar collection. I enjoyed most of the stories, but none of them jumped out to me as amazing. A few of the stories also … Continue reading Review: Pathways (Tales of Valdemar #11) edited by Mercedes Lackey

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: Closer to the Chest (Herald Spy #3) by Mercedes Lackey

It's taken quite a few books, but I think Lackey is back on her stride with her long-running Valdemar series. While I still noticed a few editorial discrepancies, I enjoyed this novel a lot more than any of the previous books that featured Mags and Amily. This particular story acts as a culmination to what … Continue reading Review: Closer to the Chest (Herald Spy #3) by Mercedes Lackey

J.L. Gribble book review

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

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: Canyon Shadows (Dark Tyrant #2) by C.R. Langille

Disclaimer: I consider myself friends with the author, via the graduate writing program we both attended. However, I purchased the hardcopy version of this novel for full price. Though this book is the second in a shared world of stories, you do not have to read the first in order to get full enjoyment from … Continue reading Review: Canyon Shadows (Dark Tyrant #2) by C.R. Langille

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: The Ruin of a Rake (Turner Series #3) by Cat Sebastian

This was a satisfying conclusion to the romantic tales of the extended Turner family. While I was concerned that Lord Courtenay wouldn't appeal to me as a romantic lead after his introduction in The Lawrence Browne Affair, author Cat Sebastian proves a deft hand at hidden depths that do not negate any of the character … Continue reading Review: The Ruin of a Rake (Turner Series #3) by Cat Sebastian

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: “A Case of Spirits” (A Charm of Magpies short) by K.J. Charles

This short story was included in my Kindle edition of A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies #2). This delightful short story doesn't add much to the interpersonal relationship between Lord Crane and Stephen Day, but it does show how Crane and his manservant Merrick have become intricately linked with Day's world of magician justiciars. … Continue reading Review: “A Case of Spirits” (A Charm of Magpies short) by K.J. Charles

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies #2) by K.J. Charles

This was not a long novel, but I think I would have devoured it just as quickly had it been twice the length. I've decided that I adore Lord Crane. Like any true romantic hero, he has looks, brains, and money. But his personality, lack of regard for polite society, and familiarity with the world … Continue reading Review: A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies #2) by K.J. Charles

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: The Soldier’s Scoundrel (Turner Series #1) by Cat Sebastian

I'm starting to see the appeal of romances, especially the ones where a happily ever is guaranteed. I don't always like the emotional angst characters have to go through to get there, and I've discovered that I'm not a huge fan of the "you're better off without me" trope (it hits a bit close to … Continue reading Review: The Soldier’s Scoundrel (Turner Series #1) by Cat Sebastian

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: Bookburners (Season 1) created by Max Gladstone

Also written by Margaret Dunlap, Mur Lafferty, and Brian Francis Slattery I first learned about Bookburners and the modern concept of the serial novel through a blog post at Speculative Chic. I was intrigued by both the format and the story premise, so downloaded the first season on my Kindle. It languished for a while, … Continue reading Review: Bookburners (Season 1) created by Max Gladstone

J.L. Gribble book review

Review: The Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies #1) by K.J. Charles

Now that I've discovered a newfound love for queer historical romance, it was really only a matter of time before I made the jump to the urban fantasy variety. This novel was an excellent introductory choice that I devoured in the space of one airport wait + flight to Florida, and I had to resist … Continue reading Review: The Magpie Lord (A Charm of Magpies #1) by K.J. Charles

J.L. Gribble book review, guest post

Review: While the Black Stars Burn by Lucy A. Snyder

In the spirit of Halloween month, I was asked by a fellow blogger to participate in her round-up of monster discussions. In looking for a way to talk about Cthulu, when I have very limited experience in the horror genre in general and H.P. Lovecraft in particular, I remembered a book that's been sitting on … Continue reading Review: While the Black Stars Burn by Lucy A. Snyder