The Sworn is the first book in a new fantasy series by Gail Z. Martin, The Fallen Kings Cycle.  It starts about 6 months after the end of Martin’s previous series, The Chronicles of the Necromancer (composed of The Summoner, The Blood King, Dark Haven, and Dark Lady’s Chosen, respectively).  In spite of the fact that it is a continuation of the story began in these other books, it is supposed to work as a starting point even for new […]

The Native Star, M. K. Hobson’s debut novel, has been nominated for the Nebula Award this year.  This historical fantasy, set in an alternate America in the year 1876, had piqued my curiosity so when The Book Smugglers announced a Nebula Readathon I knew it was time to read it.  I am so glad I did – I was hoping to like it, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.  A sequel, The Hidden Goddess, […]

This week was another huge week for books – I received 3 review copies, got 5 books as gifts from a friend, accepted one e-book review copy, and downloaded a free e-book offered to me by the author on Twitter.  And now that I just finished The Native Star by M. K. Hobson for the Nebula Readathon I have no idea what to read next (especially since I really just want the sequel to The Native Star right now – […]

The Lens and the Looker is the first book in the Verona trilogy, a young adult series by Lory S. Kaufman.  Since the series takes place after a time of dystopia but isn’t quite a utopia, the author has been referring to it as post-dystopian fiction.  The first volume in the series will be released on March 16, and The Bronze and the Brimstone is scheduled for release on July 12 of this year.  The third book does not yet […]

Today I have a guest post about where characters come from by Lory S. Kaufman, author of The Lens and the Looker, to share with you.  The Lens and the Looker is the first book in the Verona trilogy, a YA science fiction trilogy in which three teens from the 24th century are sent back to 14th century Verona. “Where do characters come from?” You might as well ask, “Is there life on other planets?” This is a question to […]

The Skin Map is the first book in Stephen Lawhead’s new Bright Empires series, which he describes as “the most challenging work I’ve ever undertaken.”  Lawhead is the author of such excellent fantasy series as the Pendragon Cycle and the King Raven Trilogy, so he certainly has the pedigree to take on a work of the scope that he describes on his website as the future of science fiction and fantasy.  Unfortunately, one is left not only wondering what is […]