Victoria Sandbrook's Blog, page 5

Review: SIGNAL TO NOISE by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

4/5 Stars. In 1988, three teenagers from Mexico City discover that they can cast spells using magic. In 2009, one of them returns home after twenty years and confronts the messes they made. So much heart in this book, and as Meche's grandmother says, "Magic will break your heart."

Review: MASKS AND SHADOWS by Stephanie Burgis

4/5 Stars Several intriguing guest arrive at opulent Esterháza in 1779 and take their places in a court drama only heightened by a dark presence that threatens them all. This might be closer to "historical horror," but it didn't creep me out exactly. Keep a lookout for actual people and events.

Review: THE WATCHMAKER OF FILIGREE STREET by Natasha Pulley

4/5 Stars. A telegraph operator né pianist, a physicist fighting for her own future, and an enigmatic/genius Japanese watchmaker navigate 1884 London (and each other) amid nationalist terror attacks, arch looks from rank-and-file Londoners, and fanciful clockwork.

The Not-Writing Life

I haven’t written anything but blogs since early February. As someone who recently left a 9-to-5 job intending to focus on my writing career, this is a really tough admission. Plenty of blogs and workshop teachers and well intentioned fellow writers with their lives in order will tell you that there’s no good excuse. You’re … Continue reading The Not-Writing Life

Review: SHADOWSHAPER by Daniel José Older

4.5/5 Stars Brooklyn teen Sierra inherits the power to work with the spirit realm through her art. But it's not a gift easily mastered: the adults in her life are unable or reluctant to help and her fellow shadowshapers are disappearing. No matter: she's determined to protect her family and their legacy.