Great Tension, Middling World Building: Georgia Summers – The Bookshop Below My attention is easy to grab when you say the words magical and bookshop in the same sentence, so it was a no-brainer that I would read Georgia Summers's book. Thanks to Hachette Audio/Orbit and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC. THE BOOKSHOP BELOWby Georgia Summers Published: Orbit/Hachette Audio, 18 November 2025Ebook: 427 pagesAudiobook: 13 hours, 24 minutes…

Great Tension, Middling World Building: Georgia Summers – The Bookshop Below

My attention is easy to grab when you say the words magical and bookshop in the same sentence, so it was a no-brainer that I would read Georgia Summers's book. Thanks to Hachette Audio/Orbit and NetGalley for the…

Time-Loopy, Heartbreaking Perfection: Alix E. Harrow – The Everlasting I fully expected to love Alix Harrow's newest book, but I was not prepared for how much I would end up loving it. This is not only my favorite book of the year so far, and my favorite book by this author, but probably one of my favorite books of all damn time! Seriously, folks, it's that good. THE EVERLASTING…

Time-Loopy, Heartbreaking Perfection: Alix E. Harrow – The Everlasting

I fully expected to love Alix Harrow's newest book, but I was not prepared for how much I would end up loving it. This is not only my favorite book of the year so far, and my favorite book by this author, but probably one of my…

Messing Around With Time: Various Authors – The Time Taveler’s Passport The last time I read one of these Amazon anthologies, it was all about fairy tales. This time, it's time travel we're looking at, and just like previously, I was surprised at the routes some of the authors took, as well as by which stories I ended up loving and which ones I found only okay. Looking at the list of authors, I thought I could predict my favorite stories, but it's always nice to be surprised...

Messing Around With Time: Various Authors – The Time Taveler’s Passport

The last time I read one of these Amazon anthologies, it was all about fairy tales. This time, it's time travel we're looking at, and just like previously, I was surprised at the routes some of the authors took, as well as by…

The State of SFF – November 2025 What is going on? How is it November already? That's only two months away from the new year and less than two months away from Christmas. I did buy the advent calendars (one for each family member) super early, but I wasn't as Type A when it comes to presents. So wish me luck during this trying time... Quickie News…

The State of SFF – November 2025

What is going on? How is it November already? That's only two months away from the new year and less than two months away from Christmas. I did buy the advent calendars (one for each family member) super early, but I wasn't as Type A when it comes to presents. So…

Starts Out Strong, Then Loses Steam: Tasha Suri – The Isle in the Silver Sea Out of the three lady knight novels that came out in relatively short succession this year, this was the first one I picked up. If you're interested, the other two are The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow (my most anticipated one) and The Second Death of Locke by V. L. Bovalino. I will read both of these very soon, to complete the lady knight trifecta of 2025.

Starts Out Strong, Then Loses Steam: Tasha Suri – The Isle in the Silver Sea

Out of the three lady knight novels that came out in relatively short succession this year, this was the first one I picked up. If you're interested, the other two are The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow (my most…

The Chronicles Begin: Anne Rice – Interview With the Vampire When the Sword & Laser podcast chose this book as their October book club pick, I was shocked to learn that I had never actually read any Anne Rice before. Yes, as a life-long reader, you sometimes forget which authors you have and haven't read. I was sure I had tried Anne Rice before, but it turns out I was wrong.

The Chronicles Begin: Anne Rice – Interview With the Vampire

When the Sword & Laser podcast chose this book as their October book club pick, I was shocked to learn that I had never actually read any Anne Rice before. Yes, as a life-long reader, you sometimes forget which authors you have and…

Now This is How You Do Enemies-To-Lovers: Brigitte Knightley – The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy In this year of the Dramione fanfiction writers getting books traditionally published, this is the one that's not super dark or trying to be something it's not. I have read one of the original fanfictions (the one that turned into Alchemised) as well as two of the traditionally published, changed-beyond-most-recognition, novels, and this one is easily my favorite. My goodness, reading it was just so much fun.

Now This is How You Do Enemies-To-Lovers: Brigitte Knightley – The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy

In this year of the Dramione fanfiction writers getting books traditionally published, this is the one that's not super dark or trying to be something it's not. I have read one of the…

Let’s Explore the Desert: Steven Erikson – Deadhouse Gates I am only two books into the epic saga that is the Malazan Book of the Fallen, but it's been a pretty awesome journey so far. As a Malazan newbie, it was tough for me to let go of the characters I had come to love in the first book and join an (almost) entirely new crew for this adventure. But so far, it's really paying off and I am determined to continue reading.

Let’s Explore the Desert: Steven Erikson – Deadhouse Gates

I am only two books into the epic saga that is the Malazan Book of the Fallen, but it's been a pretty awesome journey so far. As a Malazan newbie, it was tough for me to let go of the characters I had come to love in the first book and…

Where’d the Fun Go? Matt Dinniman – This Inevitable Ruin It was bound to happen eventually. No series can just keep being this awesome or get better all the time, at least not for every reader. Sadly, this biggest instalment of Dungeon Crawler Carl may also have been my least favorite so far. With a rating of 7/10 that isn't saying too much, but I am still a little disappointed and hoping the next one will be more up my alley again.

Where’d the Fun Go? Matt Dinniman – This Inevitable Ruin

It was bound to happen eventually. No series can just keep being this awesome or get better all the time, at least not for every reader. Sadly, this biggest instalment of Dungeon Crawler Carl may also have been my least favorite so far. With…

Good, but Unnecessary: Suzanne Collins – Sunrise on the Reaping I skipped the first Hunger Games prequel, both because I had no interest whatsoever in reading about the villain's backstory, especially if it is supposed to humanize him. There's no excuse for holding Hunger Games, so I don't care who broke his teenage heart. This second prequel, however, had very good reviews, and it dealt with Haymitch, whom we know from the original trilogy, and who is an interesting character in his own right.

Good, but Unnecessary: Suzanne Collins – Sunrise on the Reaping

I skipped the first Hunger Games prequel, both because I had no interest whatsoever in reading about the villain's backstory, especially if it is supposed to humanize him. There's no excuse for holding Hunger Games, so I don't care…

Orilium Magical Readathon: Autumn Equinox 2025 – Wrap-Up I did it!!! I finished my first career at Orilium Academy and now my character is a Master Scribe. Now it's time to think about whether I'll start a whole new character next year or just have Sistani spend a few more years at the Academy studying a whole new subject. (runs to peruse the wide selection of callings) Here's Sistani's diploma.

Orilium Magical Readathon: Autumn Equinox 2025 – Wrap-Up

I did it!!! I finished my first career at Orilium Academy and now my character is a Master Scribe. Now it's time to think about whether I'll start a whole new character next year or just have Sistani spend a few more years at the Academy…

Petty People Doing Nothing: Mia Tsai – The Memory Hunters Look, I was promised Indiana Jones meets Inception, and this is not that. I know that book marketing can't always be trusted, but to be so far off with your comparisons can only lead to frustration. Without my expectations, maybe I would have gotten at least some enjoyment out of this, but I kept waiting for the actual hunting of memories, for the Indy and/or Inception vibes, and when they never showed, I got a bit grumpy...

Petty People Doing Nothing: Mia Tsai – The Memory Hunters

Look, I was promised Indiana Jones meets Inception, and this is not that. I know that book marketing can't always be trusted, but to be so far off with your comparisons can only lead to frustration. Without my expectations, maybe I would…

A Multi-Layered Psychological Horror Story: Catriona Ward – The Last House on Needless Street As someone who doesn't read a lot of horror books, this novel was one that still kept coming up. It came recommended so highly and from so many sources that I finally caved and picked it up myself. And now I have to join the chorus of people singing its praises because that was one damn good horror novel! THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET…

A Multi-Layered Psychological Horror Story: Catriona Ward – The Last House on Needless Street

As someone who doesn't read a lot of horror books, this novel was one that still kept coming up. It came recommended so highly and from so many sources that I finally caved and picked it up myself. And…

They’re Back and Better Than Ever: Robert Jackson Bennett – A Drop of Corruption The Tainted Cup was easily my favorite novel published in 2024, so I was both excited and scared to read the sequel. Could it live up to the first book or would I end up disappointed once the novelty of Robert Jackson Bennett's world has worn off? I'm happy to report that not only did the book live up to…

They’re Back and Better Than Ever: Robert Jackson Bennett – A Drop of Corruption

The Tainted Cup was easily my favorite novel published in 2024, so I was both excited and scared to read the sequel. Could it live up to the first book or would I end up disappointed once the novelty of Robert Jackson…

ICYMI. Here's the glorious cover for The Sourdough Compendium (3 mosaic collections: Sourdough, Bitterwood Bible, Tallow-Wife). Pre-order links are here titanbooks.com/72850-the-so... not all are working due to circumstances beyond my control but B&N, Waterstones and the 'zon have preorder pages.

A Clever Trip to Hell, But a Meh Romance: R. F. Kuang – Katabasis R. F. Kuang gets a lot of love and a lot of hate on the internet. Depending on where you go (Goodreads, Reddit, etc.) she can either do no wrong, or people are doing their very best to pick every nit they can find to discredit her immense talent. I fall more into the first camp, although I don't think even someone as gifted and skilled as her is without fail.

A Clever Trip to Hell, But a Meh Romance: R. F. Kuang – Katabasis

R. F. Kuang gets a lot of love and a lot of hate on the internet. Depending on where you go (Goodreads, Reddit, etc.) she can either do no wrong, or people are doing their very best to pick every nit they can find to discredit her…

A Ragtag Suicide Squad: T. Kingfisher – Clockwork Boys The day has yet to arrive when I am truly disappointed in a T. Kingfisher book. This first novel in a duology, and also the first in the wider series that takes place in the world of the White Rat, definitely felt like "early T. Kingfisher" to me, in that you can see all the things that make her books special, but they've not quite reached their peak.

A Ragtag Suicide Squad: T. Kingfisher – Clockwork Boys

The day has yet to arrive when I am truly disappointed in a T. Kingfisher book. This first novel in a duology, and also the first in the wider series that takes place in the world of the White Rat, definitely felt like "early T. Kingfisher" to…

Of Tricksters and Revolutions: Martin Cahill – Audition for the Fox

Look, sometimes I judge books by their cover, okay. And sometimes, that leads to mediocre books, but occasionally, it leads me to discover not only a book that is absolutely wonderful, but also to an author I'd never read before…

Depressing, Dystopian, Damn Good: Jacqueline Harpman – I Who Have Never Known Men I admit that I picked this book up mainly because various reading challenges I'm participating in required a translated book, and I kept hearing about this title. Now, to be fair, I did cheat that reading prompt a bit by reading the original version of the translated book, but I'm sure the book police won't come knocking on my door. Also, it was really nice to read something in French again.

Depressing, Dystopian, Damn Good: Jacqueline Harpman – I Who Have Never Known Men

I admit that I picked this book up mainly because various reading challenges I'm participating in required a translated book, and I kept hearing about this title. Now, to be fair, I did cheat that reading prompt a…

The Best (and Biggest) One Yet: Matt Dinniman – The Eye of the Bedlam Bride This series keeps getting better, with the sixth volume being my favorite thus far. Matt Dinniman is truly a master at what he does, and he's getting better with every book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. In SFF, a genre known for its long, sprawling series, that's the jackpot. MAJOR SPOILERS FOR BOOKS 1-5 BELOW!!! THE EYE OF THE BEDLAM BRIDE…

The Best (and Biggest) One Yet: Matt Dinniman – The Eye of the Bedlam Bride

This series keeps getting better, with the sixth volume being my favorite thus far. Matt Dinniman is truly a master at what he does, and he's getting better with every book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. In SFF, a…

Orilium Readathon: Autumn Equinox 2025 TBR Hooray for another Orilium Magical Readathon! If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that the months of April and September count among my favorites when it comes to reading related stuff. G - the Magical Readathon's host - is endlessly creative and keeps coming up with new and interesting prompts, side quests, and collective challenges that push us to read more, connect more, and get the most out of our hobby.

Orilium Readathon: Autumn Equinox 2025 TBR

Hooray for another Orilium Magical Readathon! If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that the months of April and September count among my favorites when it comes to reading related stuff. G - the Magical Readathon's host - is endlessly…

A Worthy Sequel: T. J. Klune – Somewhere Beyond the Sea The House in the Cerulean Sea was one of my favorite books when it came out. Having loved it as much as I did, I was a bit unsure if a direct sequel could really win me over the same way. I needn't have worried because T. J. Klune knows what he's doing and he is very, very good at it.

A Worthy Sequel: T. J. Klune – Somewhere Beyond the Sea

The House in the Cerulean Sea was one of my favorite books when it came out. Having loved it as much as I did, I was a bit unsure if a direct sequel could really win me over the same way. I needn't have worried because T. J. Klune knows what…

The joy on your face! ❤️

My Thoughts On the Hugo Award Winners 2025 Welcome to another year of Hugo Award winners. Last year, I was lucky enough to be able to attend the awards ceremony in person at Glasgow Worldcon (it was lovely!), and this year, I count myself somewhat lucky too, because the time difference between Seattle and Vienna worked out in my favor. Yes, I did have to get up pretty early, but seeing as I'm a toddler mom, that's basically just a regular Sunday for me.

My Thoughts On the Hugo Award Winners 2025

Welcome to another year of Hugo Award winners. Last year, I was lucky enough to be able to attend the awards ceremony in person at Glasgow Worldcon (it was lovely!), and this year, I count myself somewhat lucky too, because the time difference between…

The #HugoAward for Best Novel goes The Tainted Cup, Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Rey; Hodderscape UK).

The #HugoAward for Best Graphic Story or Comic goes to Star Trek: Lower Decks: Warp Your Own Way, written by Ryan North, art by Chris Fenoglio (IDW Publishing).

Another Lovely Cozy Romantasy: Sangu Mandanna – A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping Sangu Mandanna's The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was one of my favorite books to come out during the cozy fantasy hype, so I was eagerly anticipating the follow-up (though not sequel), hoping for the same cozy vibes, a dash of magic, and a cute romance. I got exactly what I wanted. A WITCH'S GUIDE TO MAGICAL INNKEEPINGby Sangu Mandanna…

Another Lovely Cozy Romantasy: Sangu Mandanna – A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping

Sangu Mandanna's The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was one of my favorite books to come out during the cozy fantasy hype, so I was eagerly anticipating the follow-up (though not sequel), hoping for the…

Let’s Do This: Steven Erikson – Gardens of the Moon I've had this book on my TBR for half my life. Literally. What kept me from picking it up was the page count and the way people talk about this series. Steep learning curve, utter confusion, having to push through the point where things make sense, being super concentrated while reading, etc. I'm more than happy to report that I think those warnings are way over the top, but the book community was indeed right when they said this book was awesome!

Let’s Do This: Steven Erikson – Gardens of the Moon

I've had this book on my TBR for half my life. Literally. What kept me from picking it up was the page count and the way people talk about this series. Steep learning curve, utter confusion, having to push through the point where things make…

If you love science fiction, fantasy, and horror you MUST already subscribe to Locus Magazine... Right?

linktr.ee/locusmagazine
link in bio!

Great Book, Stupid Ending: Emily Tesh – The Incandescent I can't keep my hands off of Emily Tesh's SFF books. Some Desperate Glory was a well-deserved Hugo Award winner, and her Greenhollow novella duology quite lovely. Naturally, I was more than eager to see what Tesh would do with Dark Academia, especially since it's not from the students' perspective, but that of a teacher. I had so much fun with most of this book, but sadly, the ending was a big let-down.

Great Book, Stupid Ending: Emily Tesh – The Incandescent

I can't keep my hands off of Emily Tesh's SFF books. Some Desperate Glory was a well-deserved Hugo Award winner, and her Greenhollow novella duology quite lovely. Naturally, I was more than eager to see what Tesh would do with Dark Academia,…