Yes, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” Is Somewhat Problematic

So, there's been a TV series based on it recently. There was a movie several years earlier. There was a stage adaptation. And all this inspired by a cult novel of the not-very-prolific author. Yes, I'm talking about The Time Traveler's Wife. And you have no clue how glad I am: That over times, some … Continue reading Yes, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” Is Somewhat Problematic →

Bad Things in “The Stand”

One important thing: It isn't that I dislike Stephen King's books, okay? If I didn't like them, I wouldn't be able to say that I've read six novels by him already. But while many people are just team "King is the King!", I am sceptic about particular things in his universe. You're given an impression … Continue reading Bad Things in “The Stand” →

I’m Bored Again… This Time It’s Epic Fantasy by Sam Sykes

Seven Blades in Black. Or something. Because though I've read over 650 pages about it, I don't care. Akward names, awkward settings. It's steampunk, but you don't get the aura. If your steampunk is just about machines and guns, and if references trying to emulate the given epoch are so vague, than it's no steampunk. … Continue reading I’m Bored Again… This Time It’s Epic Fantasy by Sam Sykes →

“Kingdom of the Wicked” Is Boring

I like reading about Italy. I like reading about Italy when it's described from the perspective of people with Italian heritage. I like Sicily. I like works of art questioning the stereotypical image of violence and poverty on that island. So, Kerri Maniscalco is a Sicilian-American and she wrote a paranormal romance about Sicily. I … Continue reading “Kingdom of the Wicked” Is Boring →

The Crown of Stars Series by Kate Elliott and Its Complicated Legacy

This is the series I was enthusiastic about when I read the first book. This is also the series which has disappointed me by book five, the last which is available in my language (the last two volumes can be bought only on Amazon or so, sadly). And yet, I'd still tell you that in … Continue reading The Crown of Stars Series by Kate Elliott and Its Complicated Legacy →

Postapo and Pandemic

To say that we live in difficult times is to say something obvious. As a person from Poland, I have had this feeling since the beginning of war in Ukraine. Just as a person, I've had this feeling since the pandemic's outbreak. People are afraid of WWIII. People are afraid of nuclear war. And people … Continue reading Postapo and Pandemic →

“Wives and Daughters” and Society

Up to the later parts of the book, reading Wives and Daughters, the last novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, was a pleasant and, after a way, edifying experience for me. Later, however, it made me sad and thinking about questions I didn't necessarily want to ponder on. And then Gaskell sent Roger Hamley to Africa. And … Continue reading “Wives and Daughters” and Society →

Darkover Revisited: The City of Sorcery

What can you say about a book full of well-known and likeable characters, a book which is the last installment of a trilogy? You may try to sum it up somehow, to see how it fits into the previous ones. In The City of Sorcery, though, I can see only a good science fantasy novel … Continue reading Darkover Revisited: The City of Sorcery →

Darkover Revisited: Thendara House

My review of The Shattered Chain, the first book in The Saga of the Renunciates, was actually more like a sporking in two parts. This time, my reflections of Thendara House are going to be closer to a review. However, still BEWARE HEAVY SPOILERS, please. Have you ever had an impression that some fantasy/sci-fi books … Continue reading Darkover Revisited: Thendara House →

Darkover Revisited: The Shattered Chain, Part Two

Today, we'll delve into the second part of The Shattered Chain by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Twelve years have passed since the first time and now Magda Lorne, a Terran agent raised on Darkover, begins a journey in a disguise of a Renunciate, on Lady Rohana Ardais' orders: she thinks that Kyril, the Lady's son kidnapped … Continue reading Darkover Revisited: The Shattered Chain, Part Two →