Marc Aplin's Blog

SPFBO 10 Champions League: Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater – Review

Do not read this book at 3am whilst suffering from insomnia and then discover there is NO chocolate in the house, in any form!!

Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker – Review

... a warm, thoughtful, and unusual book that balances sadness and fear of death with hope, humor, and love.

Julia’s Favourite Self Published SFF Books – A Giant List – Part 6 – Dystopia / SciFi

From epic battles to cosy dragons, grimdark betrayals to hot cocoa comfort, I have had a blast putting these lists together. I hope you have found a few new books to add to your shelves, and if not, at least you have confirmed that my taste is delightfully chaotic.

Julia’s Favourite Self Published SFF Books – A Giant List – Part 5 – Historical / Proggression / LitRPG

So grab your history books in one hand and your skill tree in the other, and let’s dive into my favourites from both sides of the timeline.

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer – Review

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ?Mgmt Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad […]

Julia’s Favourite Self Published SFF Books – A Giant List – Part 4 – Cosy / Cosy-Dark & Cute SFF

... grab your blanket, curl up with a cup of tea (or maybe something stronger), and let’s get cosy, entrails and all.

Phule’s Company by Robert Asprin – Review

This was funny and heartwarming and I was not expecting to like it as much as I did.

Julia’s Favourite Self Published SFF Books – A Giant List – Part 3 – Grimdark Fantasy

... grab your sharpest sword, polish your blackest armor, and let’s head into the shadows…

Ain’t No Witch: The Wanderings of Mamma Lucy by John Linwood Grant – Review

In short, Ain’t No Witch is a beautifully crafted collection that combines folklore, social history, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy to explore fantasy outside the usual settings and tropes.

Julia’s Favourite Self Published SFF Books – A Giant List – Part 2 – Urban Fantasy

Because honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of hidden magic peeking out between coffee shops, office jobs, and late night bus rides? Urban fantasy is where the ordinary meets the impossible, and that mix is half the fun.