ADRIFT IN A NEARLY DESERTED VENICE in the early months of the 2020 pandemic, a writer contemplates his native Nigeria, his life in Detroit, his love of travel, but most of all his complicated family. Beautifully crafted prose, distinctive story. B PLUS
"What a curious, quiet little book. Garner Hayes is a young man, working in an unnamed city as a waiter in an upscale Italian restaurant. Then he becomes aware of a beautiful dark-haired man... I readily embraced the book’s low-key quirky manner. 4 stars."
A DELICATELY HAUNTING THAI novel unfolds like a late-night story from its protagonist, a monk in his 90s telling tales of his youth in the remote jungles of the late 19th century, where tigers and crocodiles lurked in the darkness. Stunning. A MINUS
Neat Nick’s Big Mess is an adorable picture book focusing on OCD and anxiety.
Chad Otis’ illustrations and story are charming and warm. I just fell in love with this friendly big dog. It is a wonderful story full of love and friendship that young readers, especially dog lovers, will adore !
My #bookreview is brief/won't spoil, to spread good, great, & spectacular #horror#books far & wide.
💙📚 HOT DEMON BITCHES NEAR YOU from J.E. Erickson is an exuberant blast of gore & grue. The Horrors are heavy here, but balanced with deliciously devilish delights & a LOT of heart. (Lots of OTHER body parts, too.) You'll be disturbed, delighted, horrified- but also cackling. HELL, yeah! (Self-published)
INTERTWINED NARRATIVES OF MOTHERHOOD and madness weave a subtly unsettling spell in this little gem of a novel of psychological horror and suspense. B PLUS
1911, on a winter's night in arid New South Wales wool country, mounted trooper Augustus Hawkins discovers the bodies of three young people. They are scions of the richest family in the district...
Young dragon lovers will love this extraordinary tale about courage, determination and the power to stay true to ourselves despite the circumstances.
Strong is an inspiring story with beautiful illustrations. I loved the sweet atmosphere and the strong will of the main character. It is a great read to remind young ones how special they are.
As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West – review
"In As Gods Among Men, Guido Alfani examines the history of the rich in the West from the Middle Ages to modern times, including paths to wealth, societal perceptions and their resilience against shocks."
As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West – review
"In As Gods Among Men, Guido Alfani examines the history of the rich in the West from the Middle Ages to modern times, including paths to wealth, societal perceptions and their resilience against shocks."
My #bookreview is brief/won't spoil, to spread good, great, & spectacular #horror#books far & wide.
WHEN THE DEVIL is a novelette from Emma E. Murray that packs many horrors inside of its compelling, feverish intensity. Libby's world is dark and cruel, and any peace, joy, or deliverance comes with a price. Devils abound, but sometimes the fruit they offer makes the damnation worth it. (Shortwave Publishing)
New: Laura R. Samotin's queer grimdark fantasy The Sins on Their Bones.
Set in a Jewish folklore-inspired reimagining of 19th century Eastern Europe, this queer dark fantasy debut pits two estranged husbands and a daring spymaster on opposite sides of a civil war. Perfect for fans of Leigh ...
... first novel featuring DI Nyree Bradshaw (BETTER LEFT DEAD is now available), set in the upper north island region of New Zealand, with idyllic scenery, pockets of poverty, a strong, tight knit Māori community, and a lot of fractious relationships.
STYLISH CALIFORNIA THRILLER keeps the energy high with action and hot romance. Vivid details and strong characterizations make this a glossy rollercoaster of a read. B PLUS
This book was absolutely unhinged. That’s the best way I can describe it. The main character was unhinged, the way the book took a turn and nearly became a horror novel was unhinged. The way it ended was unhinged. I was getting so enraged at the main character’s behavior that I was live reacting as I read in a mutual’s DMs who had just finished reading the book the week prior.
Would I read this book again? Probably. Not anytime in the near future though. Aside from the insane plot line, this book touched on themes like interpersonal racism, discrimination, identity and authenticity, representation, cultural appropriation, and cancel culture.
#BookReview Jennifer Croft's 'The Extinction of Irena Rey' is a completely off-the-wall and exhilarating novel set at the edge of the primeval forest of Białowieża which stretches across the border between Poland and Belarus.
When the book rumored to be her magnum opus is finished, a well-known Polish writer calls her eight translators together at her home to translate it as the group has done previously.
But the author disappears shortly after they arrive and things slowly, then with increasing speed, spin out of control. The falling apart of the translators' group and their relationship with the author is mirrored in problems in the forest--climate change is having an obvious impact and the Polish government is logging within this protected place.
Mirrors within mirrors, shifting group dynamics, relationships between an author and translators, the natural world at risk, the ruthlessness of creators, Croft writes about all of it here with a deep appreciation for and playfulness with language. #reading@bookstodon