Marc Aplin's Blog, page 3

Godblind by Anna Stephens

Outside of the carnage there is some delicious political intrigue and machinations which I love in any story.

The Chosen One Con by Trudie Skies – Cover Reveal

This is the first book in their upcoming Lost in the Aether duology, and if you’re into morally grey characters, industrial fantasy, or reality-TV-style magical competitions (with deadly consequences), this book should absolutely be on your radar.

The Summer Goddess by Joanne Hall

The Summer Goddess is a beautifully told, thematically rich fantasy that offers something far beyond the typical “white male protagonist” hero’s journey. It’s a breath of fresh air for anyone looking for fantasy that centers on diverse voices, emotional complexity, and a strong female lead on a journey that feels both personal and epic.

Those Who Dwell in Darkness by Steve McHugh

A gritty, fast-paced urban fantasy with sharp edges, a solid mystery, and absolutely zero romantasy nonsense. Come for the vampire hunt, stay for the clever banter, great characters, and the best dog in fiction. Church alone is worth the read.

These Who Dwell in Darkness by Steve McHugh – Review

A gritty, fast-paced urban fantasy with sharp edges, a solid mystery, and absolutely zero romantasy nonsense. Come for the vampire hunt, stay for the clever banter, great characters, and the best dog in fiction. Church alone is worth the read.

Planetside by Michael Mammay – Books 1-3 Series Review

It’s not flashy space opera, it’s smart, character-focused storytelling with just enough grit, action, and intrigue to keep you hooked from page one.

Ebony Gate by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle

“Jade City meets Never Die” At Emerald City Comicon, Ken Bebelle pitched the book he co-authored with Julia Vee to me as “Asian female John Wick with dragon magic in San Francisco’s Chinatown.” It’s a simple tagline with a well-known touchtone, and at the Con, it was enough to sell dozens of copies of the […]

In Solitude’s Shadow by David Green

... sharp, character-driven fantasy with teeth, full of heart, heartbreak, and hard choices. If you want magic with meaning, battles with consequences, and a cast that actually makes you care, don’t miss this one.

SPFBO 10 Champions League: The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids by Michael McClung – Review

...a clever, gritty little gem. A witty, tightly written fantasy adventure with a phenomenal lead, great humor, surprising emotional depth, and just enough chaos to keep things unpredictable.

SPFBO 10 Champions League: The Thief Who Pulled on Trouble’s Braids by Michael McClung

...a clever, gritty little gem. A witty, tightly written fantasy adventure with a phenomenal lead, great humor, surprising emotional depth, and just enough chaos to keep things unpredictable.