The Warden by Daniel M. Ford is a fun fantasy adventure set in country village where secrets, the past, and an ancient threat are stirring. The result could be an end to the peace between humans and orcs. Warden Aelis de Lenti is the only hope to stop the evil before war once again breaks out. Highly recommended, especially for fans of Brandon Sanderson.
Books
Review: Blind Spots
Blindspots by Thomas Mullen follows a detective trying to solve a murder where the murderer is able to hide themself from sight. How do the police catch someone who can't be seen? Highly recommended.
Review: Rubicon
Rubicon by J.S. Dewes shows the horrors of immortality. This military science fiction novel is fast-paced balancing action with a look at how finding human connection can ease trauma. Highly recommended.
Review: The Dirty Tricks Department
The Dirty Tricks Department by John Lisle is an excellent new additional to historical nonfiction. This untold story of the Research and Development Branch of the Office of Strategic Services documents the sad, horrifying, and funny efforts to improve the craft of spying. Highly recommended.
Review: The Collaborators
The Collaborators by Ian Buruma tells the story of three liars from World War 2. Each had their reasons; each rewrote their own lies; each ultimately believed their own lies. While history cannot forget what they were a party to, Buruma shows how they weren't outliers. Highly recommended.
Review: What Have We Done
What Have We Done by Alex Finlay is a fun, fast-paced thriller about the past coming back to haunt three friends. Alex Finlay has created a page turner that will have you staying up late, wanting to read just one more chapter to find out what happens next. Highly recommended.
Review: The Mimicking of Known Successes
The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older is fun and shows that Older is an author to watch. Highly recommended.
Review: The God of Endings
The God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland is a unique take on vampire stories. It's an existential novel pondering whether life is a blessing or a curse. This all too human portrait of Collette is wonderful. Highly recommended. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Review: A Mystery of Mysteries
A Mystery of Mysteries by Mark Dawidziak dispels the caricature of Edgar Allan Poe to show the real person. It turns that that the real Edgar Allan Poe is way more interesting than the caricature. Dawidziak's biography attempts to reframe the mystery surrounding Poe's death while enlightening readers to the oddities of Poe's life. Highly recommended.
Review: The Tyranny of Faith
The Tyranny of Faith by Richard Swan continues the adventures of Sir Konrad Vonvalt and his retainers as they seek to save the Sovan Empire from itself. Highly recommended.