“The Symphony of Ages” by Elizabeth Haydon

"The Symphony of Ages" is a long cycle, and so far, I've read the first four novels and the last one. I know how it began, and I know how it ended. And, despite its drawbacks, I consider this series one of my favourite fantasy sagas. Why? Because nowadays, you don't have so many readable … Continue reading “The Symphony of Ages” by Elizabeth Haydon →

“When Women Were Dragons” and the Shortfalls of Pop Feminism

"When Women Were Dragons" by Kelly Barnhill is one of those novels you generally agree with because of their good intentions... And then you discover that your agreement is indeed more in general than in detail. Thus, this post will be more like a short analysis than a review, because in artistic terms, it's a … Continue reading “When Women Were Dragons” and the Shortfalls of Pop Feminism →

My Problems with “The Witching Hour” by Anne Rice

Anne Rice is one of those authors who, as for her genre, operated with exquisite style. She is also one of those authors who raised creepy and problematic topics without engaging herself in anything creepy or, worse, criminal. Why do I frame it like this? Because it happens to many authors and because those "creepy … Continue reading My Problems with “The Witching Hour” by Anne Rice →

The Daughter of the Lioness Duology by Tamora Pierce

"Trickster's Gambit" and "Trickster's Queen" form the aforementioned duology set in the most famous world of the author. Aly, daughter of the famous knight Alanna and spymaster George, is kidnapped and sold as a slave to the Copper Isles, ruled by the white-skinned luarin caste, though their native people, the raka, are brown. At first, … Continue reading The Daughter of the Lioness Duology by Tamora Pierce →

“To Paradise” by Hanya Yanagihara

It's a big novel—a big novel on so many levels. It doesn't meet all the expectations I've had about it, but it doesn't have to. It is, just like “People in the Trees” and “A Little Life”, complicated, bold, and original. And I think that we need such stories. “To Paradise”, though having three very … Continue reading “To Paradise” by Hanya Yanagihara →

“Duma Key”

"Duma Key" is a novel that reminded me why I still like Stephen King's books and why I keep returning to his works. It's moving, scary, climatic, and thrilling. It's everything a good horror novel should be. There are supernatural abilities, there is suspense, there are high stakes, and there is a big, complex backstory. … Continue reading “Duma Key” →

Why “Prince of Thorns” Sucks

Do you know the talking point they wouldn't write a novel like that these days? Well, I am glad that certain novels wouldn't look as they do if they were published today. If there is a naive fantasy novel about a cheeky princess and a novel about a prince turned murderer and rapist, I choose … Continue reading Why “Prince of Thorns” Sucks →

How to Make Your Setting Captivating: “The Lies of Locke Lamora”

I think that everyone has their own definition of a 'working' eclectic setting in the fantasy genre. For someone, very vague inspirations may work. Someone may not need names and landscapes that are based on a given place or culture from our world. It works brilliantly in such classics as LeGuin's 'Earthsea', and it works … Continue reading How to Make Your Setting Captivating: “The Lies of Locke Lamora” →

‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern

I really liked 'The Starless Sea' by this author. Maybe the pacing and the execution weren't perfect, but many elements there drew me in. But once I've read 'The Night Circus', the first book by Morgenstern, I think that it's a proof of certain thing. She's become a better writer, why not. However, it's hard … Continue reading ‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern →

‘The Goblin Emperor’ Isn’t only About Fantasy Stuff

I don't mean that most fantasy books are shallow except for the Few Chosen (though I've been quite disappointed with the YA strain of the genre for a time). But if someone thinks that fantasy is only about adventures and fight, then they should read more books like 'The Goblin Emperor' by Katherine Addison. I … Continue reading ‘The Goblin Emperor’ Isn’t only About Fantasy Stuff →