Marc Aplin's Blog, page 22
August 23, 2022
The Pact by J. E. Hannaford
The Pact is the second, and final book in The Black Hinds Wake duology. She trembled like a poked jellyfish, shaking her head in panic. I loved revisiting old friends and exploring ever more of the world. There’s a whole new layer of mysteries and complications, and our crew has to dash and suffer a […]
August 16, 2022
The Raveling by Alec Hutson – Series Review
I listened to the audiobook for The Crimson Queen, book one of Alec Hutson’s The Raveling, back when it was a finalist in the first SPFBO in 2018. At the time, I was blown away by the breadth of worldbuilding and the luscious prose, and was ready for book two, The Silver Sorceress. The narrator, […]
August 12, 2022
Ahab’s Return, Or the Last Voyage by Jeffrey Ford
*Content Warning for novel: racism, child murder, drugs.* A new(ish) entry into the grand tradition of reimagining or sequelising classic novels, Ahab’s Return explores what might have happened if Ahab had survived his final encounter with Moby Dick and eventually found his way back to the USA in search of the wife and son he […]
July 25, 2022
The Liar’s Knot by M. A. Carrick
Narratives are stories about characters who are trying to achieve a goal. Regardless of whether or not they are protagonists, antagonists, villains, other characters, etc., these characters are willing to do anything to get what they want. There are times when such goals are self-motivating, and there are moments when such plans are part of […]
July 14, 2022
Steel Guardian by Cameron Coral – SPSFC Finalist Review
*Disclaimer* Everyone is different and likes and dislikes different things. Reading is no exception. One person’s all-time favorite might seem too bland or too high stakes for another. That being said, the opinions of our judges in this contest are just that, opinions. Just because we let a book go, doesn’t mean it isn’t good. […]
July 11, 2022
The Last Ranger by J.D.L. Rosell – Kickstarter
Today I need to tell you about an amazing book because it has a Kickstarter running. Until now it was only available via the Kindle Vella format, but it is going to be made available for a wider audience! As I absolutely adored the book, I am very excited to finally be able to recommend […]
July 10, 2022
In the Orbit of Sirens by T. A. Bruno – SPSFC Finalist Review
*Disclaimer* Everyone is different and likes and dislikes different things. Reading is no exception. One person’s all-time favorite might seem too bland or too high stakes for another. That being said, the opinions of our judges in this contest are just that, opinions. Just because we let a book go, doesn’t mean it isn’t good. […]
July 7, 2022
Iron Truth by S. A. Tholin – SPSFC Finalist Review
*Disclaimer* Everyone is different and likes and dislikes different things. Reading is no exception. One person’s all-time favorite might seem too bland or too high stakes for another. That being said, the opinions of our judges in this contest are just that, opinions. Just because we let a book go, doesn’t mean it isn’t good. […]
July 6, 2022
A Star Named Vega by Benjamin J. Roberts – SPSFC Finalist Review
*Disclaimer* Everyone is different and likes and dislikes different things. Reading is no exception. One person’s all-time favorite might seem too bland or too high stakes for another. That being said, the opinions of our judges in this contest are just that, opinions. Just because we let a book go, doesn’t mean it isn’t good. […]
July 3, 2022
Duckett & Dyer: Dicks for Hire by G. M. Nair – SPSFC Finalist Review
Michael Duckett is fed up with his life. His job is a drag, and his roommate and best friend of fifteen years, Stephanie Dyer, is only making him more anxious with her lazy irresponsibility. Things continue to escalate when they face the threat of imminent eviction from their palatial 5th floor walk-up and find that […]
