Marc Aplin's Blog, page 194

Western Fantasy – Mismatch, or Perfect Match?

In January of this year, I began to write a new book, Bloodrush. I was stepping away from my dark, epic, medieval roots and seeking something new in what I believe to be a relatively unexplored sub-genre – Western Fantasy, also called Weird West. I’m not the first to do venture into such a realm, […]

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

Paige Mahoney is one of the rarest and most powerful clairvoyants in the known world. She is the infamous Pale Dreamer, known for her ability to control the minds of others. In the futuristic landscape of Scion London, unnaturals like Paige are policed with Orwellian ferocity. Paige is the second-in-command of the Seven Dials syndicate, […]

Fantastical Biology – Part Five: Fantasy Creatures in Flight

A dragon soars through the clouds; a fairy flutters through the woods; a gargoyle flexes its stone wings—flying creatures are a staple of fantasy literature. There are the traditional ones above, or whatever creature the author wants to slap a pair of wings onto. With fantasy’s focus on wonder and magic, it’s not strange that […]

Fantasy-Faction nominated for Reddit’s Best Fantasy Website 2014

2014 has been an incredible year for Fantasy-Faction. We were nominated for the British Fantasy Award and the World Fantasy Award earlier in the year and now I’m here, writing this, to offer a huge, huge thank you for nominating us for Reddit’s ‘Best Fantasy Site of the Year’ too! This is the third year […]

Swords and Deviltry by Fritz Leiber

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably heard the name of Fritz Leiber and his two most famous creations, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Within the subgenre of swords and sorcery (a term Leiber is credited with creating), Leiber and Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan the Barbarian, loom large, and the impact of […]

Murder by Sarah Pinborough

Years after the horrors of Jack the Ripper and the Torso Killer which terrorised London, not everyone has forgotten about the Upir. Doctor Thomas Bond might have found some peace after Upir stopped lurking in the shadows and started enjoying life in the company of Juliana Harrington, but he is aware that Upir’s terrors are […]

The Fear Institute by Jonathan L. Howard

“Why on Earth did you steal three dead popes?” asked Cabal. “First, to make the Vatican very cross. That was funny. Second reason, delicious.” It’s rare for Johannes Cabal to have visitors that aren’t of the torch-bearing mob variety, so when three strangers show up at his front door asking for his help, he greets […]

Johannes Cabal: The Fear Institute – Review

“Why on Earth did you steal three dead popes?” asked Cabal. “First, to make the Vatican very cross. That was funny. Second reason, delicious.” —Johannes Cabal: The Fear Institute It’s rare for Johannes Cabal to have visitors that aren’t of the torch-bearing mob variety, so when three strangers show up at his front door asking […]

Books Make Great Gifts, But For Authors Book Reviews Are Even Better

This is the time of year where most people feel generous. Many believe that the holidays have been spoiled by consumerism, and to a certain degree that is true. However, my experiences throughout the years have shown me that this is the time when people want to express their gratitude, show their appreciation for someone, […]

Holidays In Fantasy Fiction

With the arrival of the Christmas season I’ve been thinking about the effects of holidays on our lives. The influence of Christmas is incredibly far reaching; I doubt most people can make it through the day without seeing some sign of the festivities or feeling its impact. Holidays are an important part of our lives; […]