Book Review: The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey
Posted on August 30, 2024 13 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Book 1 of The Captive’s War
Publisher: Orbit (August 6, 2024)
Length: 422 pages
Author Information: Website
As a long-time fan of the Expanse series, I was beyond excited to dive into The Mercy of Gods, the start of a new series by the duo of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck writing as James S. A. Corey. I had hopes that it would deliver more of what I wanted from an epic sci-fi saga—intricate world-building, compelling characters, the promise of a new universe that blends elements of hard science fiction and space opera that feels both intimate and all-consuming.
In hindsight, I may have set my expectations a bit too high.
Set in the distant future, The Mercy of Gods takes readers to the planet Anjiin, where its unsuspecting inhabitants are about to face an unprecedented threat. The Carryx, an alien species that has conquered countless worlds across the galaxy, has begun its invasion with intent to destroy or enslave the population.
But right before the attack, scientists had just made a startling discovery on origin of humankind on Anjiin, information that has been lost to time since the first colonies settled on the planet. Researchers who were involved in the breakthrough, some of the best and brightest minds humanity has to offer, are quickly rounded up following the Carryx invasion to be shipped off to a prison world where they would be forced to use their talents to help the enemy. Still, it’s arguably better than the fates of the roughly one-in-eight who were slaughtered almost immediately, or the many more who were ultimately cast aside to perish. The story then follows the struggle of the survivors as they grapple with the horrific reality of their captivity along with the members of other species that the Carryx have conquered. Humanity’s only hope may lie in how well our characters will be able to play their part, biding their time long enough to turn the tables on their captors.
Admittedly, things got off to a great start, with the story throwing readers into the chaotic soup created by the alien invasion right away. The initial chapters were packed with suspense and action as our POV characters, primarily scientists and researchers, are left scrambling to try and fight off the invaders. The godlike Carryx themselves are terrifying and almost caricature-like when it comes to their appearance and aggression, from their unsettlingly many-jointed insectile forms to their unsatiable need to subjugate everything they come across. Not gonna lie, I was feeling pumped; the book’s intro had me hooked right away, feeling excited and ready for the ride ahead.
But as the focus shifted from the invasion to a closer and more personal look at the characters, the whirlwind momentum of the early chapters started to fade a bit. The splitting of the narrative into multiple threads as the plot progressed was also reminscent of the structure of the Expanse novels, except in this case the changing perspectives had the unfortunate effect of watering down interest even as horizons were broadened. There simply wasn’t the emotional depth to make each character feel fully realized, and the resulting challenge to form meaningful attachments to any of them made it hard for me to care about their fates of the unfolding drama.
The themes that were so irresistible at the beginning—a planet’s hostile takeover by an alien race, the resulting destruction and humanity’s desperate struggle to resist and save itself—all gradually gave way to a lackluster middle. Despite the breathtaking world-building and lore associated with the story, the novel just wasn’t quite ticking all the boxes. Still, I am hopeful for the series’ future. It’s possible that, just like Expanse which took a couple books to find its footing, all it needs is a little time to grow and improve. I’m looking forward to seeing if the next installment will be able to build upon this foundation and bring back energy and momentum with the ingredients that are already there.
Book Review: Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
Posted on August 27, 2024 9 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Del Rey (August 13, 2024)
Length: 320 pages
Author Information: Website
Ironically, few things excite me more than Shakespearean inspired fantasy, even if years of boring high school lit classes have killed pretty much any enthusiasm I have for the works of the great Bard. These days I’m unlikely to pick up Shakespeare for pleasure, but pitch me a reimagining of Macbeth as told from the perspective of one of literature’s most famous villainesses and throw in dragons, curses, and sorcery for good measure, and I’m like, where do I sign up?
Enter Ava Reid’s Lady Macbeth, and now that I’ve read it, I certainly have opinions, both complimentary and critical. To provide some context though, I think it’s important to acknowledge the elements that stand out, even those aspects which are likely to frustrate readers. The book is a dark and rather loose retelling of Shakespeare’s classic play with a quasi-historical fiction bent, centering around seventeen-year-old Roscille who has been thrust into a world dominated by men and violence upon her marriage to the fearsome Scottish warrior Macbeth. But Roscille, alone and frightened as she is, has some secrets of her own. Said to possess witch powers, she makes furtive attempts at manipulation and charming others with her beauty in order to survive, but her youth and inexperience often lead her floundering in the dangerous power dynamics of her new life.
Brutal as he is, however, her husband appears to trust her, even if it does stem from his regard of her as his own property. He reveals to her his hidden dealings with the world of the occult and his beliefs in magic and prophecy, perhaps giving insight into his uncanny bravado and charisma. Despite her efforts to maintain control over her life, Roscille finds herself surrounded by adversaries in Macbeth’s court, growing increasingly isolated. But just when she hits rock bottom and feels the most desperate, an unexpected alliance and romance may emerge from the least likely of places.
Look around and you might see a lot of reluctance to call Lady Macbeth a retelling, and for good reason. Aside from the plot’s lack of faithfulness to the source material, you’re also looking at significant changes made to the key characters. But this, to me, was a positive. One of the book’s best features is the author’s ability to bring Roscille to life, even if she is a far cry from the strong, ambitious, and morally sketchy woman whom she was based on. Reid’s Lady Macbeth is her own creation, and she has written a protagonist whose trauma and subsequent resilience to those challenges have shaped her personality and motivations, which feel authentic and earned. The story also introduces new elements like magic and mythical creatures that have little to do with the original play, but as this is a fantasy novel, I’m quite happy for these changes placing it solidly into this category.
Still, there were other deviations that were less welcome. For one, we have the huge shift in focus from the main theme of the original Macbeth, which I felt was key to the play and should have been kept somewhat intact or at least present. Instead, opportunities to explore the darker side of human nature—unchecked ambition, the corrupting force of power, soul-rending guilt, etc.—were largely ignored in Lady Macbeth, and that was a little disappointing. Then there was the way the novel handled the relationship between Roscille and Macbeth. In this story, the latter holds all the power, and Reid doesn’t shy away from the harsher realities of their marriage. In her portrayal, though, Roscille is robbed of much of her agency, and the dynamics that exist between the couple in Shakespeare’s Macbeth are either diluted or flipped.
In terms of its technical aspects, the writing was rich and evocative, which enhanced the gothic vibes of the atmosphere. But unstable pacing made the first half a slow read, and in many ways, the fantasy elements were instrumental in helping things pick back up, even if they took the original plot off its rails. Such is nature of retellings or reimaginings—you have to take both the strengths and flaws that come with the author’s creative choices.
In the case of Lady Macbeth, those choices offered a fresh perspective. However, as much as I enjoyed some of Reid’s new interpretations, not all of them resonated with me the same way. In the end, I think readers will largely fall into one of two camps—those who appreciate the bolder changes, or those who would have preferred to see more of the familiar and important themes in Shakespeare’s play preserved.
Summer of DNF
Posted on August 24, 2024 12 Comments
Sorry for the slow month. There has been a lot of traveling for me this summer and I’m back from what is probably (hopefully) my last road trip before the fall season sets in, because I am feeling absolutely beat! I can’t believe I’m about to type these words but I am actually looking forward to September when school starts up for the kids again so my life can get back to its regularly scheduled programming. I feel like not much productive has been achieved in all this chaos. Not to mention my poor feet could use a break.
Plus, the other thing that has taken a hit is my reading. Mind you, not that I’ve stopped, and in fact I think I’ve been reading more than ever, but for some reason, nothing that I’ve been picking up for the last couple weeks seems to be sticking. I guess it’s natural to be pickier when it comes to book choice when you’re on the road and looking for a beach read versus something that’s a drag, but it’s been ridiculous. So you’ll be getting more of these DNF posts from me in the near future, I’m sure.
Granted, of the half dozen books I’ve been crazy sampling lately, not all have been banished to the abandoned pile just yet. Some just might need another chance when I eventually switch my mind off vacay mode, so for now here are comments from a few DNFs from earlier this summer I just need to clear off my plate. For most books, the DNF decision was made around the 25-33% mark, enough to safely say I gave it a fair shot. Keep in mind though, just because I DNFed a book doesn’t mean it was bad, just that, for whatever reason, I wasn’t feeling it and saw no compelling reason to continue. But what doesn’t work for me might work for others; hopefully my perspective can assist you in determining whether you’ll enjoy it or not.
I received review copies from the publisher(s). This does not affect the contents of my reviews and all opinions are my own.
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology
Series: Book 1 of Fate’s Thread
Publisher: Del Rey (June 4, 2024)
Length: 416 pages
This is a contemporary fantasy inspired by Asian mythology in which a nine-tailed fox pairs up with a trickster god to track down a demon before it can destroy the mortal world. If you like any of the elements described in above, I think it will be a match made in heaven. However, the book has also been described for fans of K-drama, and I really think that’s where the story and I had our disagreement. No judgement if you enjoy watching K-dramas, but I can’t think of anything I’d rather do less. It’s just not my thing. I prefer my stories with a little more action and a little less moody broody lovey drama, so no surprise this book and I ended up splitting. K-drama enthusiasts though, run to pick this up!
Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor Nightfire (June 11, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
It’s the 1990s, and five queer kids are forcibly sent to a desert converssion camp in the Middle-of-Nowhere, Utah by their families. Hey, sounds like a great premise for a terrifying novel about a group of characters who confront and persevere against the horrors of isolationa and abuses inflicted upon them! Problem is, in the effort to make the story as shocking and violent and repulsive as possible, the author appears to have forgotten to make it actually interesting. What’s going on? Who are all these people? Who cares! I’m no stranger to extreme horror but at the very least I expect a readable plot and decent character development. This is my first experience with the author and I’m willing to give her work another chance, but if this is indicative of her style, I’ll likely bail again.
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Flatiron Books | Macmillan Audio (April 9, 2024)
Length: 400 pages | 12 hrs and 57 mins
Another unpopular opinion time. I’m a big fan of Leigh Bardugo, especially as of late with her adult fiction, namely the publication of her Alex Sterns novels. Needless to say, I was eagerly anticipating The Familiar, but in the end it fell short of expectations. Granted, there’s nothing really “wrong” with the book, and I think it will perfectly satisfy the author’s fans. However, I really am starting to doubt the abilily of authors, and not just Bardugo, to write historical or folklore-inspired fantasy for adults that are not simply a rehash of the same thing we’ve seen a thousand times before. Honestly, the only author I can think of who reliably and consistently still has fresh takes and unique ideas in this subgenre is T. Kingfisher. The Familiar, unfortunately, exhibits the same pitfalls as everything else–too tropey, too predictable, too unimaginative. I lost interest about half way through, when I realized I could already guess the remainder of the major plot points and how the book will end. Just as an experiment, I skipped ahead and confirmed I was right, so at that point, I saw no more reason to continue.
Review: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Posted on August 10, 2024 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor Books | Macmillan Audio (August 6, 2024)
Length: 336 pages | 11 hrs and 8 mins
Author Information: Website
Audiobook Narrators: Eliza Foss, Jennifer Pickens
As always, absolutely brilliant! Honestly, I’ve not been disappointed by T. Kingfisher yet, and even though I’ve generally been more partial to her contemporary horror in the past, A Sorceress Comes to Call is now a new favorite.
The story begins with an introduction to 14-year-old Cordelia, who has grown up under the harsh thumb of her mother, the cruel and powerful sorceress Evangeline. In many ways, Cordelia’s life is quite literally a living nightmare, as she is constantly being subjected to Evangeline’s “obedience” mind control, a particularly evil kind of magic. Evangeline is also ambitious, and after tiring of her current benefactor and wreaking havoc upon his family and their small town, she’s packing Cordelia off to the country manor of a wealthy Squire, already having set her sights on a new suitor.
But while Evangeline may have the Squire ensorcelled by her beauty and charm, his sister Hester is not fooled. The manor may have seen its fair share of women come calling, drawn to her brother’s status and money, but this one unsettles Hester. She quickly realizes something is wrong when she notices Cordelia’s fearful behavior around her mother and seeks to build a connection with the girl to draw her out. The two become fast friends and Cordelia, relieved to have someone to confide in, finds herself revealing her mother’s abuses to the older woman and her society friends. Still, even with her new allies, Cordelia fears Evangeline is too powerful to let anyone, even her own daughter, stand in the way of marrying the Squire. Her mother has dark magic on her side, including the control of a demon familiar in the guise of beautiful white horse, who acts as a spy for the sorceress, reporting back to her everything he sees and hears. To save her brother, Hester will need Cordelia’s help to defeat Evangeline before it’s too late.
Described as a reimagining of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale “Goose Girl,” A Sorceress Comes to Call is set against a richly atmospheric gothic regency-esque backdrop, and in the middle of it all is an unsettling mother-daughter relationship twisted by fear and control. Interestingly, I found that my unfamiliarity with the original class tale actually made reading this novel all the more enjoyable, as coming to it with a blank slate allowed the plot to unfold unexpectedly and offer up more than a few surprises.
One such surprise is the book’s strikingly dark tone. Of course, being familiar with the author’s penchant for stories that blend fantasy, horror, and heart, I had anticipated some level of darkness. However, this book dives into psychological horror with an enthusiasm that’s almost a little too eager. Evangeline’s Imperius-like spell is disturbing enough (there’s a reason it’s an unforgivable curse) but there’s also an eye-popping amount of violence including bloody murder and headless demons. That said, I did enjoy the resulting tensions and pervasive sense of dread. Occasionally, we still get Kingfisher’s characteristic humor and moments of lightness, but it’s hard not to feel the thrill as the stakes grow higher with each passing chapter.
But as I alluded to before, Kingfisher’s stories aren’t just about doom and gloom; they also have a great deal of love and heart. I was especially taken by Cordelia who, despite being a timid mouse at the start, evolves into a fierce and resilient fighter. She and Hester form an unlikely but dynamic duo, with the older woman stepping in as both protector and teacher—roles that Evangeline failed to fill. Though their alliance was initially one forged out of convenience—Cordelia seeking a way to escape her horrible mother, Hester seeking to get Evangeline to take her claws out of her brother—it eventually becomes the emotional core of the book. Additionally, Hester has a romantic side plot that is just sweet enough to provide a contrast to the darker main narrative, infusing it with a sense of hope.
In short, A Sorceress Comes to Call is more than just a retelling. It’s an addictive novel featuring memorable heroines and a wicked villainess. It’s a delightful blend of gothic horror and regency-era charm. It’s a journey of resilience and friendship through tough times. It’s pure T. Kingfisher. If you’re a fan, this one’s a must-read!
Audiobook Review: You Like It Darker by Stephen King
Posted on August 7, 2024 7 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
You Like It Darker by Stephen King
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror, Paranormal, Mystery
Series: Short Story Collection
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (May 21, 2024)
Length: 20 hrs and 21 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrators: Will Patton, Stephen King
As always, Stephen King’s short fiction collections can be a mixed bag. While some are absolute gems, others feel like he rummaged through his desk drawer and dredged up some old and half-baked drafts to fill up the rest of the book. The important thing is that the quality and quantity of the good ones mostly outweighed the bad. My thoughts on them below:
Two Talented Bastids – A journalist profiles two long-time friends who both became successful artists in their middle age. Much has been made about their sudden rise to fame at around the same time, and some say it had to be more than just luck and talent. Indeed, the story delves into the mysterious circumstances around a hunting trip that occurred with the two men were younger, revealing a otherworldly encounter that changed the course of their lives and careers. This was one of the longer stories, filled with eerie and surreal surprises. I enjoyed its unique perspective on art and talent, which was a little unsettling but also thought-provoking. 4 of 5 stars.
The Fifth Step – Harold Jamieson is sitting on a park bench reading his paper when he is approached by a stranger who reveals he is a recovering alcoholic trying to complete the 12-step program. He is on step five, where he must admit his wrongdoings, and has chosen Harold upon whom to unburden himself. This was one of the shorter stories, but packed a shocking punch at the end that I did not see coming! Very disturbing, but so very King. 4 of 5 stars.
Willie the Weirdo – Willie is a strange little kid who creeps out his sister and his family. He’s always doing weird things like staring at clouds and collecting dead insects. However, Willie shares a strong bond with his grandfather, who tells the boy seemingly farfetched stories from his youth. Maybe it was because I listened to the audiobook, but I had to go over the ending several times to make sure I understood it. It was so predictable that I thought there just had to be another hook. Nope, it was just a “blah” story. 2 of 5 stars.
Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream – The title character, a high school custodian, goes to sleep one night and has a vivid dream about finding a corpse of a woman. Remembering the details, he is able to find the exact location in his dream, and lo and behold, he also discovers the woman’s body right where he dreamt it. Worried that no one would believe him, Danny calls it in anonymously, but the police end up tracking him down anyway and make him their prime suspect. Danny’s only hope is to get through to Inspector Ella Davis, the only one on the force who might hear him out before the real killer can strike again. Another long one, true novella length, but it was so good I could not put it down. From feeling sympathetic towards Danny to being completely addicted to the tension and suspense, I was hooked. A great blend of action and supernatural. 4.5 of 5 stars.
Finn – Finn has the worst luck. Misfortune just seems to follow him around, and it’s been like this ever since he was a small boy. Case in point, as a teenager, while running home from his girlfriend’s house, he collides with another young man who looks a lot like him. Maybe you can see where this is going. But this story about a case of mistaken identity isn’t so simple, as Finn is kidnapped and violently interrogated by a group of mysterious men. This one could have been so much more, but instead, it felt like King had an idea that just failed to develop. Not sure this one had much of a point. 2 of 5 stars.
On Slide Inn Road – The Brown family are on a road trip to visit a sick relative when their journey is waylaid by a washed-out road. As dad Frank tries to turn the car around though, he backs it into a ditch. Billy and his sister go exploring around the ruins of the nearby Slide Inn, and witness something they were not supposed to see. This was a good story, but underwhelming as well, in the sense that anyone could have written it. I mean, way to go, Grandpop, but I have to say I expected more from King. 3 of 5 stars.
Red Screen – NYPD detective Frank and his wife Sandi are an aging couple who are experiencing some troubles in their marriage. What a hot mess this “story” was, a waste of time, completely unsatisfying and barely coherent. 1 of 5 stars.
The Turbulence Expert – What is a “turbulence expert?” It is an agent for a secret organization that can predict clear air turbulence, sent to fly on flights that will encounter this terrifying phenomenon. Dixon is one of these experts who is called in for a “mission” as he reflects upon the traumatic aspects of his job. I found myself feeling quite ambivalent towards this story, though the concept behind it was admittedly fascinating. Whatever you do though, just don’t read this while flying. 3 of 5 stars.
Laurie – A retiree named Llyod becomes severely depressed after becoming a widower, but his life turns around when his sister gifts him a puppy which he names Laurie. Lloyd gradually bonds with the border collie mix, and for the first half this one reads like a dog lover’s dream about the precious relationship between a man and his four-legged best friend. Then the other shoe drops, and things end on a shocking twist. To be honest, I can’t stand it when authors pull these kinds of stunts, but hey at least I got a good dog story out of it. 3 of 5 stars.
Rattlesnakes – This story is kind of a follow-up of Cujo, featuring Vic Trenton decades after the tragic events involving the rabid St. Bernard. Weathering the Covid pandemic, Vic finds himself holed up off Florida’s Gulf Coast acquainting himself with his neighbors. One of them, an elderly woman named Alita, pushes an empty stroller along the road daily, seemingly believing that her long-dead four-year-old twins are still alive. This was a gut-wrenching story with connections to a couple works by Stephen King, but even though I have not read them, I still enjoyed myself. One of the better stories in this collection, containing poignant messages about grief and closure. 4 of 5 stars.
The Dreamers – It is the early 70s, and Vietnam veteran William returns from the war to land a job as a stenographer assisting a scientist performing eldritch experiments. Gotta love it when Stephen King tackles cosmic horror. Grotesque and captivating. 4 of 5 stars.
The Answer Man – It is 1937. Driving down a remote stretch of highway, Phil Parker, a newly minted lawyer spies a sign advertising services for “The Answer Man.” Intrigued, he stops by and pays the non-descript man behind a simple roadside stall $25 to answer any question for five minutes. But this appears to be more than just a scam or gimmick. The man seems to know things he shouldn’t, giving correct responses to questions about Phil’s life that no one else should be privy to. Not only that, but the man is also able to provide answers to questions about Phil’s future, and though it shouldn’t be possible, events end up playing out exactly the way he said they would. Easily one of my top three stories in this collection. It had everything that makes a classic King story: the supernatural, nostalgia, beauty and despair. The bittersweetness was a fine way to end the book. 5 of 5 stars.
Audiobook Comments: I wouldn’t call Will Patton one of my favorite narrators as I sometimes find the pitch and cadence of his voice difficult to understand. However, I can also see why he is beloved among Stephen King fans. His accents are superb and there is a certain gravity to his performance that lends a great vibe to King’s stories.
Book Review: I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
Posted on August 3, 2024 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
Mogsy’s Rating: 2 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Saga Press (July 16, 2024)
Length: 384 pages
Author Information: Website
Ooooof! How could this happen, you ask? I’m still trying to figure that myself. How coming off from the brilliant Indian Lake trilogy, Stephen Graham Jones could follow it up with another horror novel that just crashed and burned so hard for me?
I do have some guesses, but first, a brief rundown of the plot of I Was a Teenage Slasher. Basically, the story features the memoir of a seventeen-year-old who looks back upon his past experiences, reflecting on how they started him on his path of becoming the quintessential teen horror movie killer. Tolly Driver was not what you would call popular, existing on the fringes of high school social circles. Yet he was still just your average kid in the summer of 1989 when he and his friend Amber decide to drop in on a wild house party. Things take a dark turn when Tolly falls victim to a cruel prank and ends up almost dying when someone slips a peanut into his drink, triggering a severe allergic reaction.
The experience is lifechanging, but in the most unexpected way. Tolly wakes up the next day to a new reality, one in which he has become the antagonist of a modern slasher flick, complete with a revenge plot. The stage is set, the outsider has been cast as the hunter, and once this train is set in motion, there’s no stopping it. As Tolly begins his bloody murder spree, his horror-geek friend Amber has to explain to him the ins-and-outs of a teenage slasher movie and help him understand why he has been suddenly overcome with the urge to kill.
Clearly, horror films are a passion for the author, as evidenced by the numerous nods and references to the genre in his Indian Lake trilogy. That said, what worked well there kind of fell flat here. For one, the satirical take and attempts to create nostalgia felt overdone and somewhat forced. While I loved the uniqueness of the idea, which was presumably intended to make us feel sympathy for the murderous Tolly and his fatalistic urges, I found myself numb to his character’s plight. Unfortunately, there was a lack of substance to him in part due to the book’s concept since he was supposed to feel more like a caricature than a real person, but even the story’s subplot involving his crush on Amber and the backstory involving his father (which the cynic in me thinks was built up as a push to add more depth to Tolly’s character) did not help.
But the kicker was the narrative style. Tolly’s incessant stream-of-consciousness narration was more than I could take, often leaving me with a headache and a growing resentment for the character. If you have read SGJ’s Night of the Mannequins you might recognize the very similar narrative style characterized by an unreliable flood of memories, thoughts, and observations, but once more, a device which seemed entirely appropriate for that book felt more like a misstep here. Whereas Night of the Mannequins was a shorter book where the narrative style was a jarring but curious affectation, here it was simply exhausting. Perhaps I would I been more patient if this had been a novella.
All in all, as much as it breaks my heart to say, I Was a Teenage Slasher was just not my cup of tea. In fact, if it hadn’t been by Stephen Graham Jones, who I count among my favorite horror writers, it probably would have been a DNF. However, given the author’s penchant for creative stories and the fascination I held for this novel’s premise, I knew I had to see it through, though ultimately, not even the high points and interesting ideas scattered throughout could compensate for the bigger overarching issues I had with the book.
Book Review: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Posted on July 30, 2024 12 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Bramble (July 9, 2024)
Length: 384 pages
Wow, The Spellshop ended up being everything that The Honey Witch and Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea attempted to be but couldn’t quite achieve. And honestly, I’m not surprised at all that Sarah Beth Durst, well known for her incredible versatility, would be the one to perfectly capture the essence of a cozy romantasy.
The story introduces us to Kiela, a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium. Over the years, she and her assistant Caz—who is a sentient spider plant—have dedicated themselves to preserving the empire’s vast knowledge of magic and collection of spellbooks. However, when a revolution erupts across the city and the rebels set fire to the library, Kiela and Caz are forced to flee with only a few crates of books they were able to rescue from the flames. Escaping by boat, Kiela decides to take refuge in the only place she knows will be safe: Her childhood home of Caltrey, one of the remote islands far from both the influence of the empire and the destruction of the rebellion.
But much has changed in Caltrey, including the now overgrown cottage in which Kiela spent her early years before she and her parents moved to the city. The once thriving island also appears to be struggling, with wilting orchards and the seaside ranches that have failed to produce merhorse foals for years. Well-versed in the ways of magic, Kiela realizes that this decline stems from the absence of the visiting sorcerers from the empire, whose attentions have been diverted by the escalating rebellion for far too long. The island’s woes stem from the lack of magic—magic that Kiela has the power to restore with the (technically stolen) spellbooks in her possession. But using them will be illegal, and if the empire somehow survives being overthrown, getting caught using forbidden magic can mean death.
And yet, after getting to know the island’s inhabitants, including Bryn, the kindly antlered woman who bakes delicious cinnamon rolls, and Larren, her handsome but busybody neighbor who runs the merhorse farm, Kiela could hardly stand by and do nothing. With Caz’s help, she begins creating magical charms to sell alongside jams from her own store, a clever front for Calfrey’s first secret spellshop.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a “cozy romantasy” that actually delivers what it claims to, as so many promising books have ultimately fallen short to varying degrees. But The Spellshop fulfills its promise beautifully; Sarah Beth Durst brings together charming characters and heartwarming magic for this cozy, feel-good tale of love and friendships. Imagine yourself wrapped up in your favorite comfy sweater, breathing in the aroma of fresh-baked cookies, or sipping a warm cup of hot chocolate after coming in from the cold. If these sensations had a literary counterpart, this novel would be it.
So much of it is because of Kiela, a protagonist who is instantly relatable to us bookish types. But even as a librarian, her love of books often went beyond the requirements of her job and as a result of regularly choosing work over human interaction, she developed a certain…social awkwardness. In spite of this though, she is funny, quirky, and utterly endearing. Her witty and insightful observations of the world around her made me smile a lot, while her back-and-forths with Caz added an extra layer of good humor and whimsy. While the protagonists in other romantasy books often feel aloof in their bookishness or are motivated by personal ambition, Kiela is refreshingly authentic and her desire to help others feels genuine.
The plot also stays true to its mission by including a romance as one of its main elements but recognizes that romantasy encompasses way more than just love. It’s also about friendships and community as well as Kiela’s everyday life and interactions with the people of Calfrey rather than solely focusing on her developing feelings for Larren and making it all about getting them together.
My only critique, as small as it is, involves the ending, which I found to be a bit lackluster. While I’m aware action and tensions aren’t the point of this genre, I think I was expecting just a touch more conflict rather than a neatly wrapped-up, anticlimactic conclusion that passed without so much as a ripple. However, given the overall tone of the novel, I can understand the story’s gentle and uncomplicated approach to the ending.
All in all, Sarah Beth Durst has written a romantasy that is near perfection. Rarely does she disappoint, and the tale of magic, love, and self-discovery she has created in The Spellshop would be ideal for anyone looking for comfort and joy in a warm cozy read.
Book Review: The Daughters’ War by Christopher Buehlman
Posted on July 26, 2024 9 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Daughters’ War by Christopher Buehlman
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 0 of Blacktongue
Publisher: Tor (June 25, 2024)
Length: 416 pages
Author Information: Website
Christopher Buehlman is an author I’ve followed for a while, but I first came upon his work with his horror novels. It was 2021’s The Blacktongue Thief that was his first foray into fantasy, introducing readers to a war-torn world devastated by what were known as the Goblin Wars. The book was…interesting to say the least. Looking back on my review, I called it an “eccentric little fantasy novel”, and even though I meant them positively, those words couldn’t quite capture the full range of emotions that I had. With The Daughters’ War, however, Buehlman has truly hit his stride, delivering a prequel that not only enriches the lore of his fantasy world but also stands alone as an epic tale in and of itself.
Set years before The Blacktongue Thief, The Daughters’ War opens with chaos and bloodshed. Galva, whom we first met in the previous book as a supporting character, takes the reins as protagonist as she defies her family’s wishes and joins the Raven Knights, a new unit of the army created to bring giant war corvids to the frontlines to combat the bird-fearing goblins that have overrun the human cities.
The novel is so named because war has taken a terrible toll; most of the men are dead, so now the women must fight too—even a noble daughter like Galva, who will join her brothers in battle. The journey will be long and arduous, especially against a brutal and clever enemy like the goblins. The Raven Knights’ corvids, created by dark magic, are humanity’s last hope, but even they are an unknown quantity, dangerous and unpredictable to their handlers. Galva will need to learn to bond with her birds, while also navigating the complex dynamics of her fellow soldiers and even some of her more mercurial family members.
While reading The Blacktongue Thief is not a prerequisite before diving into his one, being familiar with Galva will probably give more insight into her character’s evolution. We already know what she has lost and what she will become. This is the story behind the scars she bears, both visible and invisible, and the origins of her purpose. Of course, there are many reasons why I loved The Daughters’ War, and I will be going into more detail about them soon enough, but I think exploring the formative experiences and that forged Galva were the moments that resonated with me the most.
Plus, Galva is simply a great character. A likeable character, a stark contrast to Kinch Na Shannack, the titular blacktongue thief in the original novel whose almost stream-of-consciousness narration made you either love him or want to strangle him. Galva, on the other hand, is thoughtful and grounded. She also has a strong moral compass, whose sensitive nature belies her tough exterior. Her empathy and introspection not only enable her to connect with others but also with her corvids, fostering a sense of camaraderie among those who fight with her, and her own loyalty to friends and family is unwavering, even when they don’t always deserve it.
Finally, the author’s world-building here is nothing short of phenomenal. Not only is there meticulous attention to details, but there is also a surprising amount of emotional depth in the world of The Daughters’ War—in the intricate landscapes, diverse cultures, and rich history, which all contribute to the sense of a MASSIVE thought process behind its creation. Each element feels intentionally designed, not just ornamental, and even the verses and songs in the audiobook version are beautifully sung, not simply read aloud.
Perhaps my only critique, a minor one, is the way the story flips between two timelines, one presenting the current state of the war and the other chronicling the events leading up to it. A few awkward transitions here and there caused moments of confusion regarding the timeline of events. There were also occasional lulls in the middle of the book that I felt were unnecessarily drawn out and did not push the narrative forward. However, aside from those issues, I found The Daughters’ War to be nearly perfect.
Book Review: Small Town Horror by Ronald Malfi
Posted on July 23, 2024 7 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Small Town Horror by Ronald Malfi
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Titan Books | Tantor Audio (July 18, 2023)
Length: 384 pages | 9 hrs and 59 mins
Author Information: Website
Well, of course I had to read Small Town Horror. I love Ronald Malfi and will read anything he writes, especially since so many of his books take place in my backyard. Plus, the fact that his style has been compared to Stephen King certainly doesn’t hurt.
Indeed, there’s something quite reminiscent of It in the way this story begins. Five friends reunite in their hometown on Maryland’s eastern shore after one of them suffers what appears to be a mental break. One night, Andrew Larimer, a young up-and-coming lawyer from Manhattan, receives a call from a childhood friend named Dale, who sounds erratic and distraught on the phone, begging Andrew to come home. Despite his misgivings, our protagonist travels to the small seaside village of Kingsport where he grew up, telling his pregnant wife Rebecca that he’s leaving on a work-related trip. Lately, he has been having strange nightmares, which he has been chalking up to soon-to-be-dad jitters, but a part of him wonders if Dale’s anxiety is connected to his own. For you see, many years ago, when they were just teenagers, Andrew, Dale, and their friends Eric, Tig, and Meach were involved in some terrible business.
However, when Andrew arrives in Kingsport, he discovers the reason for Dale’s distress. His wife Cynthia is missing, and their friend Eric, who is now the town’s sheriff, has been trying to investigate the case while maintaining an image of impartiality. Being a lawyer, Andrew had been ostensibly brought in to help—but to do what? Is he here to find out what happened to Cynthia, or to make sure the truth of what happened twenty years ago never came to light? With the anniversary of that fateful night soon approaching, Andrew begins his work at the home of his late father, which has sat abandoned since his death—or so Andrew thought. He finds his old friend Meach, deep in the throes of alcohol and drug addiction, who may have been squatting in the house, judging by the rundown condition and stench. The whole place feels haunted, like the rest of Kingsport. That includes the Wharf Rat, the bar which Andrew’s old flame Tig still owns and runs. With their lives in disarray, it seems none of the five friends have been able to escape the heavy memory of what they’ve done.
Malfi’s talent for atmosphere is on full display here. The setting of Kingsport is the perfect backdrop for the novel’s eerie undertones, and even the people there seem trapped in time and unable to escape the downtrodden spirit and slow decay which permeates the town. The story unfolds across two timelines—one set in the present and one in the past which is conveyed via flashbacks. Despite witnessing the evolution of our characters over time as we flip back and forth, the town itself remains conspicuously unchanging.
Still, on that note, I think perhaps the flashback sections and POV transitions could have been executed with a bit more finesse; these sometimes felt too abrupt and poorly timed, causing confusion and a dragging pace around the middle of the book. The greater mystery here—which goes beyond Andrew’s nightmares, or Dale’s missing wife—is the question: Are the five friends all cursed because of the part they played in the events of that fateful night, or is the weight of their guilt simply too much to bear?
As with his previous works like Come With Me and Black Mouth (which was actually referenced), Small Town Horror contains an element of the supernatural, just enough to provide a bit of uncertainty. Aptly titled, the novel highlights the crucial role that small-town dynamics play in the premise and plot. Secrets, superstitions, and hauntings feel intriguingly plausible in such a place where the lines between reality and the paranormal are blurred, allowing readers to also grapple with their own interpretations of the chilling conclusion, which was mind-blowingly twisted and yet oh so satisfying and appropriate.
Book Review: Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine
Posted on July 19, 2024 14 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Young Adult
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers (June 25, 2024)
Length: 288 pages
Author Information: Website
I had high hopes for Two Sides to Every Murder, brought to us by Danielle Valentine, the same author who blew my mind with Delicate Condition which was one of my favorite books of last year. But this time she’s returning to the Young Adult genre with an off-the-wall thriller about two teenage girls drawn back to the site of a gruesome triple homicide many years ago. Needless to say, it was very different, and to fully appreciate it, I had to look at it in a whole different light.
Willow Creek used to be a friendly place where everyone felt safe. The town’s claim to fame was Camp Lost Lake, a picture-perfect slice of nature where children spent their summers swimming, hiking, and making lifelong memories. However, everything changed one night when the body of one of the local teen counselors was found pierced by an arrow used by the camp’s archery program. Before the night was over, two more deaths would be reported, and the murderer would escape. In the panic of the unfolding horror, the pregnant camp owner and director suddenly went into early labor. And that was how Olivia was born.
Seventeen years later, Olivia has no reason to question the unusual circumstances around her birth during the massacre, which has become infamous. But when a DNA test comes back showing that the man who raised her is not her biological dad as she has always thought, the search for answers leads her back to Camp Lost Lake, which is finally reopening again after all these years. Meanwhile, after a lifetime on the run, a seventeen-year-old girl named Reagan has also found her way back to Willow Creek, but the reasons she has come here cannot be any more different than Olivia’s. Reagan and her mother, Lori Knight, who was found guilty in absentia for the murders, had been lying low ever since. But Reagan has never believed the official narrative. Convinced that her mom is innocent, she is determined to find the evidence she needs to clear her name at Camp Lost Lake.
This is YA horror/thriller at its wildest and most overblown, but so help me, I enjoyed it despite myself. So much of this novel reminds me of the 90s teenage horror series I used to read a la R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike in that ludicrously campy and gruesome way, but which still evokes the heady vibe of nostalgia. Teenage drama mixed with unadulterated terror? Check. The backdrop of a seemingly idyllic town with dark secrets? Check. Characters with convoluted histories? Check.
In fact, let’s underline that last point. I highly recommend taking notes and drawing diagrams while reading so you can get all the characters straight! Without going into too much detail because I’m afraid of spoiling a major plot point which the entire premise of this novel hinges upon, not only do our two protagonists Olivia and Reagan each have their own POVs, but the author also uses dual timelines, creating an intricate and frequently confusing web of relationships that spans the lives of two generations. I was getting a headache simply trying to figure out how everyone was related.
But then one of the hallmarks of campy horror is its ability not to take itself too seriously, and Two Sides to Every Murder fits right into this tradition with tropes riffing on everything from The Parent Trap to slasher flicks like Scream. Much like the outrageous twists and melodrama found in the Fear Street series of yesteryear, Danielle Valentin’s story revels in its own chaos and absurdity, resulting in a book that is as much about fun as it is about horror. This is a nod to the approach of classic YA horror, where dramatic flair meets thrills and chills to create a nostalgically entertaining experience.
The BiblioSanctum 