Review: She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
A reimagining of the rise of the Ming Dynasty, She Who Became the Sun is a historical fantasy novel that deftly explores destiny, gender, duty, desire – and the age-old thirst […]
Mini-Reviews: Stardust & The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy
When Victoria tells Tristran Thorn that she’ll marry him if he can fetch a fallen star for her, the poor sod believes her. Only a foolish youngster like Tristran could […]
Mini-Reviews: A Most Agreeable Murder & VenCo
Julia Seales’ debut is a delightful caper bursting with humour and wit. This isn’t your traditional historical mystery meets romance – it has elements of parody and even hints at […]
Review: All the Seas of the World by Guy Gavriel Kay
When a pirate, a mercenary, and a would-be scholar are hired to assassinate the leader of a city state, a chain of events is set into motion that will change […]
Review: A Dowry of Blood by S. T. Gibson
Less a love story and more the unmaking of one, A Dowry of Blood follows our narrator Constanta and her obsessive love for Dracula, referred only to as “My Lord” […]
Mini Reviews: The Eclectic Edition
In today’s Mini Reviews post, I discuss Miriam McNamara’s THE UNBINDING OF MARY READE, Tade Thompson’s THE MURDERS OF MOLLY SOUTHBOURNE, and A PERILOUS UNDERTAKING by Deanna Raybourn.
Review: From Unseen Fire by Cass Morris
Cass Morris’ debut novel FROM UNSEEN FIRE is an accomplished epic fantasy novel that introduces complex characters, politics, and magic.
Review: Torn by Rowenna Miller
Rowenna Miller’s TORN is a fantasy novel that examines what it means to be working class in a monarchical system, and more importantly, what it is to be a woman in a man’s world.
Review: The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
S.A. Chakraborty’s debut novel, THE CITY OF BRASS, is a richly layered historical fantasy inspired by medieval Islamic history and mythologies. One of my favourite reads of 2017!
Review: Under the Pendulum Sun by Jeannette Ng
Jeannette Ng’s debut novel UNDER THE PENDULUM SUN is a stylishly told Victorian gothic that prompts many moral reflections, even as readers revel in her sumptuous descriptions of cruelty, immortality, and misdeeds.
Review: Murder, Magic, and What We Wore by Kelly Jones
MURDER, MAGIC, AND WHAT WE WORE is a Regency romp featuring a young lady with many opinions about lies, spies, and fashions. This delightful tale is chock-full of wit and verve, and while readers may not be blown away by it, they’ll certainly find themselves charmed.
Review: An Alchemy of Masques and Mirrors by Curtis Craddock
Curtis Craddock’s AN ALCHEMY OF MASQUES AND MIRRORS is an incredibly accomplished fantasy novel, combining various genre-fiction elements to create a story reminiscent of a decidedly more feminist version of The Three Musketeers.
Review: A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin
A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS combines classic elements of Regency era historical fiction with action-adventure tropes to create a unique alt-history story full of twists and turns.
5 Reasons to Read: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Mackenzi Lee’s historical YA romp THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE is sure to be one of the biggest books of the summer. With action, wit, and heart, this tale has something for everyone!
Review: The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman
Alison Goodman has outdone herself with THE DARK DAYS PACT, an action-packed sequel that’s full of magic, manners, and the ill use of both.
Review: The Valiant by Lesley Livingston
Do you love historical fiction but want a break from the Regency and Victorian eras? Are you a fan of badass lady types and “training school” stories? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then THE VALIANT is for you.
Review: Duels and Deception by Cindy Anstey
Whether you’re a diehard fan of historical romance or you’re just looking to try something new, DUELS AND DECEPTIONS is a charming read that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling.
Review: Brother’s Ruin by Emma Newman
BROTHER’S RUIN is the first novella in a new series that promises inventive historical fantasy, relatable characters, and an undercurrent of mystery.
Review: Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal
Jane and Vincent are back enjoying married life, using magic to make beautiful art, and maybe even turning the tides of a war in GLAMOUR IN GLASS.
Review: Masks and Shadows by Stephanie Burgis
Stephanie Burgis’ standalone novel MASKS AND SHADOWS is a must-read for fans of historical fantasy, swoon-worthy romances, and classical music.
Review: Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson
Lee and her friends have finally made it to California, but not everything there is golden. High stakes, nuanced characters, and a diverse cast make this sequel a winner.
Review: Burning Bright by Melissa McShane
BURNING BRIGHT is the first book in a new series that’s sure to entertain anyone who enjoys plucky heroines, historical settings, and battles at sea.
Review: Ghost Talkers by Mary Robinette Kowal
Part paranormal fantasy, part WWI drama, and part police procedural, GHOST TALKERS is a strong addition to the flourishing sub-genre of historical fantasy.
Review: Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal
The first book in the Glamourist Histories series introduces a Regency-inspired world of magic, art, and hidden passions. Perfect for lovers of BBC period dramas!