The Cage of Dark Hours by Marina Lostetter builds upon and surpasses the first book in the Five Penalties series. Readers, once again, follow Krona through crimes, through mystery, and through magic. This time, Krona will learn secrets that she isn't prepared for. Highly recommended.
Highly Recommended
Review: Wild Massive
Wild Massive by Scotto Moore describes the lives of the inhabitants of a reality-warping building that may actually contain all of reality, except for the bits outside. Follow Carissa as she navigates increasingly difficult obstacles on her journey to live a peaceful, secluded life in her elevator. Thrill as a species of shapeshifting creatures fight for their freedom against the tyrannical building association. Enjoy a book that defies description. Highly recommended.
Review: Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger
Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger by K.C. Grifant is a fun, fast-paced, action-packed adventure in the Weird West. Melinda's got to save a friend's soul, literally, and this adventure takes her to the Edge of her world. Recommended.
Review: The Nightmare Man
The Nightmare Man by J.H. Markert entertains through engaging characters exploring the effects of their past on the present. A cop tries to find a killer who is recreating the murders from an author's book. Highly recommended.
Review: Apex Magazine 2021
Apex Magazine 2021 edited by Jason Sizemore and Lesley Conner is a fantastic collection from one of the best literary magazines online today. These stories are beautiful, fun, heartbreaking, entertaining, and worth your time. Highly recommended.
Review: Unbound II
Shawn Speakman's Unbound II contains 17 new stories by a variety of authors. Some choose to explore worlds they're currently working in; some wrote in areas different than their current works. All wrote brand new stories for this can't miss anthology. If you're an SFF fan, Shawn Speakman's Unbound II is for you.
Review: Personality and Power
Personality and Power examines the most influential leaders of twentieth century Europe to determine whether it was their personality or the circumstances that surround them that made them 'great.' Kershaw's compelling writing carries a well thought out argument. Highly recommended.
Review: Empire of Exiles
Empire of Exiles by Erin M. Evans begins with a murder that takes the main characters into the lingering effects of a failed coup in the recent past. Secrets are uncovered that were best left hidden, and the very balance of the empire may once again be at stake. Highly recommended.
Review: Pulling the Wings Off Angels
Pulling the Wings Off Angels by K.J. Parker is an excellent novella that will keep you glued to the page. Florio, a thug, is looking for an angel, and he found a man with one in the family. Highly recommended.
Review: Burning Down the House
Burning Down the House is an erudite, well-reasoned examination by Andrew Koppelman of how modern libertarian philosophy was corrupted. Koppelman builds his argument by defining his vision of libertarianism and then critiques other, 'corrupted' visions of it. His analysis is astute, surprising, and worth the read. This book isn't just for libertarians. I'd recommend it to all political junkies, especially those interested in political philosophy. Highly recommended.