Author Archives: Spells and Spaceships

An Interview with Deck Matthews!

I’m thrilled to welcome Deck Matthews, author of the Riven Realm series aswell as Varkas chronicles, both set within his wider world of Varkas! I gave The First of Shadows 5 stars, if you’d like to read the review! Social Twitter: @varkaschronicle Facebook: Varkas Chronicles Instagram: @varkaschronicle Website: VarkasChronicles.com Hi Deck! It’s great to beContinue reading “An Interview with Deck Matthews!”

Review of the novelette, Bloodchild – Octavia E.Butler

Publisher: Headline This review does contain potential spoilers Synopsis: Years ago a group known as the Terrans left Earth in search of a life free of persecution. Now they live alongside the Tlic, an alien race who face extinction; their only chance of survival is to plant their larvae inside the bodies of the humans.Continue reading “Review of the novelette, Bloodchild – Octavia E.Butler”

The First of Shadows – Review

The worldbuilding, characterisation and intrigue of a full novel packed into less than 200 pages. The perfect shorter fantasy read. Author: Deck Matthews Pages: 159 Publication: Self Published, January 2019 Synopsis How do you kill a shadow? As a raging storm descends on the Blasted Coast, the crippled young rigger, Caleb Rusk, meets a strangerContinue reading “The First of Shadows – Review”

This Is How You Lose The Time War – Review

Authors: Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone Pages: 209 Publication: Jo Fletcher Books, 16th July 2019 Synopsis Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandant finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading.Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, whatContinue reading “This Is How You Lose The Time War – Review”

10 Fantasy and Science Fiction Standalone Novels to read in-between series.

Most people love a good series to get lost in, but sometimes it can just be a bit much. You need a break and to enjoy a story that’s all wrapped up within the space of one book. Here are 10 standalone suggestions for when you next feel daunted by the thought of a newContinue reading “10 Fantasy and Science Fiction Standalone Novels to read in-between series.”

Dragonslayer – Review

A fast paced ‘back to basics’ traditional fantasy tale that keeps the fun factor high. Author: Duncan M Hamilton Publisher: Tor Pages: 304 Rating: 4.5 stars (Rounded up to 5 on Goodreads/Amazon) Synopsis: With the dragons believed dead, the kingdom had no more need for dragonslayers. Drunk, disgraced, and all but forgotten, Guillot has longContinue reading “Dragonslayer – Review”

Kalanon’s Rising – Review

A gripping murder-mystery fantasy thriller with great characters, exciting twists and turns and a fleshed-out world. Author: Darian Smith Website Twitter Facebook: DarianSmithAuthor Pages: 424 Synopsis Solve a murder, stop a war, save the world. Sir Brannon Kesh spent years building a new life as a physician and leaving the name Bloodhawk (and the wartimeContinue reading “Kalanon’s Rising – Review”

#ArmedWithABingo 2020 Reads

I’m taking part in Ariel and Kriti’s #ArmedWithABingo. I thought I’d share with you as there’s still time to take part yourself. And of course a preliminary look at the books I’ll be reading to fill my bingo squares this year! I could have probably read one of the books in the time it’s takenContinue reading “#ArmedWithABingo 2020 Reads”

Feb & March Diversity Reads!

As mentioned in this blog post, I am spending February and March reading and reviewing works from women and/or non-white authors to highlight and celebrate diversity within the Fantasy and Science Fiction genre. For more information please see the hyperlink above. Although I have allocated February and March for these reads, should I take longer,Continue reading “Feb & March Diversity Reads!”