by Joe Abercrombie
It’s clear that Abercrombie is laying the groundwork for a larger narrative by assembling a cast of fascinating, morally complex characters, but readers will need patience, as the true payoff doesn’t begin to unfold until the second book.
by Robert Jackson Bennett
Bennett builds a fascinating world of political intrigue and an enticing pantheon of dead gods, with memorable characters I grew to love, ultimately falling just short due to minor pacing issues.
by Travis Baldree
A book as cozy as the smell of fresh-baked bread and a cup of coffee on a rainy day, Legends & Lattes is filled with low-stakes adventure and an enviable community of true friends.
by Jim Butcher
While 'the vampires did it' starts to feel repetitive as a reveal in Butcher’s magical whodunnits, the final standoff in the cave is thrilling enough to leave me with a favorable view of the handsome wizard’s shenanigans.
by Terry Pratchett
While Victor is more of a B-list protagonist in Pratchett’s pantheon, the sheer fact that Moving Pictures crossbreeds Hol(l)ywood magic with Lovecraftian horrors makes the book utterly enjoyable.
with Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page
A movie that captures the feeling of actually running a D&D adventure — complete with random magical objects that the characters forget to mention until the minute they need them — would have been a perfect experience, were it not for the slight tendency to overuse one-liners.
by Jim Butcher
While the movie monster chase was stifled and awkward — because Butcher could not use existing horror movie staples — the expedition to Arctis Tor and Molly's subsequent trial played to the strong suits of the series.
by Terry Pratchett
While Pratchett is far from done spreading his wings as an author, the second Discworld novel is a charming, hilarious, and deeply memorable book, further cementing Rincewind's place in my heart.