Marc Aplin's Blog, page 9

Review: A Deliberate Act of Violence by Steve McHugh

This series is one of the best things to happen in years! Finally, a vampire book that isn’t about romance, nor just another horror novel. It firmly belongs in the urban fantasy category.

Review: Echoes of the Imperium by Nicholas and Olivia Atwater

If you’re looking for something a bit different, something that isn’t too fluffy but still a lot of fun, with a crew you’ll grow to love, Echoes of the Imperium is a fantastic choice!

SPFBO Finalist Review: By A Silver Thread by Rachel Aaron

I'm a big UF fan and this book certainly ticks a number of boxes of what I love about that sub-genre of SFF

SPFBO Finalist Review: The Oathsworn Legacy by K.R. Gangi

My favourite parts are mostly the mini stories of the quests the brothers completed, and the creatures and characters they met along the way. 

The Empire’s Ruin by Brian Staveley – Review

The inner conflict that comes with that was bleeding of the page, and addictive.

Last Winter Sun by G.R. Matthews – Review

Last Winter Sun by G.R. Matthews is a mix of dystopian novel, magic, orks and other beasts. The blurb says “A-Team meets World of Warcraft” and as someone who enjoyed both a whole lot, I obviously had to read it!

SPFBO Finalist Review: The Humane Society for Creatures and Cryptids by Stephanie A. Gillis

I really, really like the premise – the sanctuary in the woods, the isolation (ostracism) from the local community, and the rest of the world, and the fascinating creatures (or animals) with amazing, and really cool, abilities, plus the sisters struggling to manage all this and navigate life

The Guardian of the Palace by Steven J. Morris – Review

The tone and voice easily hooked me to the end. More like this please!

A Matter of Execution by Nicholas Atwater & Olivia Atwater – Review

If you want some swashbuckling fantasy, that's full of charm, adventure, a diverse cast, fun and plenty of banter, this is plain gold.

SPFBO Finalist Review: The Tenacious Tale of Tanna the Tendersword by Dewey Conway & Bill Adams

This is a traditional quest fantasy with some cool original ideas, plenty of action, strong characters and humour. In other words, something most fantasy-loving kids are going to enjoy.