Spotlight on Devils Game by Michael Wolk

NEW YORK CITY – From Michael Wolk, an innovative New York theater producer and creator, comes the unique and immersive new interactive e-novel “DevilsGame” (Nov. 19, 2024) that’s not just bending genres — it’s recreating the very essence of the ebook format. Enter cyber fiction — a story set in the recent past, formatted for the uncharted future.  The interactive fiction elements are unlike anything the literary world has seen before, with savvy multimedia elements optimized for mobile and web reading. Multilevel storytelling includes pop-up illustrations and interactive links that plunge readers into the heart of the action to make “DevilsGame” an addictive and wickedly funny thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, ahem, screen. 

Ready to play DevilsGame? 

In a world where pixels collide with prayers, an unlikely duo emerges as the last line of defense against digital Armageddon. Meet Claire Bodine, the fiery televangelist with a penchant for preaching, and Nathan Rifkin, the cunning mastermind behind the world’s most addictive video games.

As a cross-platform virus sweeps across the globe, turning our beloved devices into tools of destruction, Claire and Nathan find themselves thrust into a high-stakes game of survival. Armed only with their outdated BlackBerrys and an unshakeable resolve, they must navigate a treacherous landscape of  interconnected smartphones and sinister plots. But this isn’t just a battle against code and circuits — it’s a clash of ideologies. Claire sees the hand of Satan behind the chaos, while Nathan smells a geopolitical conspiracy. And as the clock ticks down and the world teeters on the brink of collapse, they must put aside their differences and confront a common enemy.

Buckle up, log on and head down the rabbit hole to join Claire and Nathan on a journey that will test their faith, their wit and the very essence of what it means to be human. 

Enter DevilsGame

Michael Wolk | Nov. 19, 2024 | Cyber Fiction / Technothriller | $9.99

SEE THE COMPLETE BOOK TRAILER

About the Author

Michael Wolk, author of the cyber thriller DevilsGame, has written screenplays (Innocent Blood, Warner Bros., directed by John Landis), mystery novels (“The Beast on Broadway,” “The Big
Picture,” “Signet”) and plays (“Femme Fatale,” “Broadway Play Publishing”). He wrote the book, music and lyrics for “Deep Cover” (New York Musical Theatre Festival) and for “Ghostlight
9” (Cherry Lane Theatre) and wrote the book for the musical, “The Pilot and the Little Prince,” currently premiering in Poland at Katowice Miasto Ogrodow.

He is also a Broadway producer (“Job,” “Once Upon A Mattress,” “The Hills of California,” “Prince of Broadway,” “Pacific Overtures,” “A Class Act,” and the forthcoming “The Karate Kid”), and has also produced at Lincoln Center (“Musashi and Temple of the Golden Pavilion”), Kennedy Center (“Up In The Air”), BAM (“MacBeth”), George Street Playhouse (“The Pianist”), and in Central Park (“Japan Day @ Central Park 2007-2017) as well as in the U.K. (“Kenrex” premiere at Sheffield Theatre).

He founded the nonprofit All For One Theater, which has staged over 50 solo shows off-Broadway since 2011.  He directed the award-winning documentary “You Think You Really Know Me: The Gary Wilson Story,” which screened at the Film Society of Lincoln Center (Plexifilm DVD). He is a member of the Dramatists Guild and works and lives in Times Square.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Life and Times of Gunnery Sergeant Jackson Mason:The Quest For Freedom by Mark Jordan

Gunny Mason is a mustang officer who has worked his way up through the ranks. Sergeants are the true leaders of most armies, so Gunny makes a reluctant but highly effective officer. The story centers on an unnecessary war and the corruption that led to its inception. Gunny’s honor impacts the war's results and consequently the ensuing revolt.

Jordan seems to reflect current events and project them into the future; conversely, he looks at historic events and the inception of our nation.

I enjoyed the concepts of honor and trust particularly as they are so rare in today’s political world.

I recommend the book, I wasn’t entranced with Jordon’s writing style but I really enjoyed his message. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

A Darkness Returns : Book One of The Dragonwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist

I read my first Feist in 1995.   I’ve attempted to read every ensuing book as I like his books that much.   This book is no exception.  It is like walking into your favorite watering hole and seeing some old friends you haven’t seen in ages. I won’t mention who is back but rest assured you will enjoy the book. The villain is, again, the Void.

There are some new heroes and some new Void pawns in the form of religious fanatics.  There is plenty of action and an interesting sidebar story.

I recommend both the author and this book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Cure by Kali Metis

This is a shapeshifter story.  A death in the family leads Luna Auber to discover her hidden talents.

I’ve suffered the bricks and sticks when I previously stated that my dislike of a character limited my enjoyment of a book.  So bet it!  I didn’t like the main protagonist, resulting in a struggle to like the book.  

The subject matter is enjoyable.  Shapeshifting is almost always fun to read.   I struggled to get into the story while liking the culinary talents of Luna, her personality was repugnant.  I have not doubt the author crafted Luna to be who she was but for me, I want to like the main protagonist.  

There is a second volume and for those who do not suffer my malady of character likeability, it looks interesting.

Some mild not overly detailed violence with a somewhat confusing plot. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Rumor Has It by Cat Rambo

The Thing is back with a crew of astounding diversity.   Tubal Last is still chasing them.  The Thing, a sentient bioship is still experimenting with its identity.  The ship docks at Coralind and their troubles begin.

Captain Niko seems to be as much a peacemaker as a ship’s Captain.   Coralind’s festival provides the setting for all the troubles that occur.   The sentient bio-system that functions as the planetoid’s governor and chief engineer is an old friend of Captain Niko.  

Darby, the intelligent chimp and executive officer makes a soul-shaking discovery.

Atlanta, the “heir” to an empire or simply a disinformation clone, comes into her own while discovering the nature of a paladin.

The plot is complicated by a paranoid, vengeance-driven Gnarl Grusson who will stop at nothing to harm Niko.

Multiple plots, entertaining characters, and exotic settings characterize the book.

I recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Witch Queen of Redwinter by Ed McDonald

Five Stars

Raine is back and now she is Bad! She finds and loses love and thinks she faces two great evils to discover that they are one and the same.  She also discovers that she is capable of things she never dreamed of being able to do, both ethically and physically. 

My previous review noted my frustration with Raine’s whining insecurity.   This in some ways doubled and decreased simultaneously.  

The book abounds with monsters, true villains and some not actually villainy villains. There is plenty of action, magic and surprises. 

I enjoyed the book and the conclusion the author crafted. 

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Overcaptain by L. E. Modesitt

Overcaptain by L.E. Modesitt

 

I believe that Modesitt is a philosopher who disguises his work as fictional.   Alyiakal is a Mirror Lance officer who is entirely too successful for the comfort of his superiors.  Unbeknownst to them for his continued life is his hidden Magi talent.   He surreptitiously uses his talent to complete missions that would be suicide for most young officers.  The book details his remote relationship with Saelora a young woman with Merchanter talent.

While the relational aspects of the book are entertaining what captures me is the soul-searching Alyiakal does in accomplishing his tasks as well as his contemplations on why the government is assigning said tasks.  It isn’t too hard to extrapolate his musings to the insidious relationships that exist between some of our government agencies and the industrial complexes that provide them with their goods and weapons. Take the $1000.00 wrench urban myth or truth as an example.

Occasionally I find the day-to-day descriptions somewhat plodding. They do not detract from the thought-provoking aspects of the book.

I highly recommend all of Modesitt’s books.
 

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Angel of Vengeance by Douglas Preston; Lincoln Child

The Pendergast family is well represented in the chapter of their story.  Constance Greene plays a more important role, too.   The story seemed too familiar initially and I thought I might have previously read the book.  However, it was merely setting up the back story which I like. 

One of my most frequent criticisms of series is the author’s lack of a back story.   Preston and Child provided the necessary context to follow the story.   1881 is the year that the story is initially focused on Dr. Leng, a Pendergast antecedent who is the main villain. 

There is a wealth of action, violence abounds, settings are both sumptuous and exotic as in a pirate tunnel.  The age of conspicuous consumption and international intrigue is alluded to and demonstrated as in the Rockefeller cottage.

I enjoyed the lavish settings and the intricate and violent plots and seeing surprising spots of sunshine is some normally dire characters.

I highly recommend. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

This is a fairy tale with a narrator.  That may appear off-putting but surprisingly it is not.   The story has a seemingly naivete but has an underpinning of social awareness.  If the book-banning bigots read this they’d probably ban it but the title doesn’t announce its underpinnings and face it most of the book-banning bigots don’t read.  Two boys are lost or kidnapped.   What happens next is the story.

The perspective of the book is focused on a different kind of bigotry.  Rafe’s dad is determined to make a man out of his son and his methodology leaves much to desire.  

Emile, adopted, wants to find her biological sister.   Jeremy is an internationally known people finder.   Emile turns to him for help without realizing she is the catalyst for a more in-depth story. 

In a faraway land with unicorns and dragons, the story uses fantasy as an allegory.

Shaffer handles questions of gender identity tactfully.  The story carefully incorporates some LGBTQ issues in a manner not likely to offend anyone.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

A Compelling Q&A with Matthew Donald Author of Teslanauts and Teslamancer

In a thrilling blend of historical fiction and steampunk adventure, Matthew Donald's "Teslanauts" (August 16, 2022, Lyra Publishing) introduces us to seventeen-year-old Raymond Calvert, whose life is forever changed when he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his missing father. Raymond's search leads him to a hidden base beneath the Hudson River in New York, where he discovers the Teslanauts, a secretive organization led by the brilliant Nikola Tesla. Armed with advanced electrical technology, the Teslanauts work behind the scenes to keep the world safe.

"Teslamancer" (August 27, 2024, Lyra Publishing) continues the saga two years later. Now an experienced agent, Raymond has completed missions across many countries, thwarting numerous underground factions using Tesla's cutting-edge volt-tech. In 1924, the world braces for the emergence of the Teslamancer, the ultimate wielder of Tesla's breakthrough science.

         Here is a compelling Q&A with Mattew Donald

Q&A for Matthew Donald

Where do you come up with your ideas? A: There’s a huge pool of wildly interloping wackiness in my brain at all times, this pool being a stew mixed up of all the sci-fi and fantasy books I read when I was younger, silly blockbuster movies chock-full of CGI, a lot of video games either strategy or shooter, and whatever nonsense I’ve concocted myself. Often I imagine the scenes in my head as movies while listening to instrumental music and bouncing around my house, or often ideas come flooding to me in the shower. You ever realize just how much showers stir creative juices? It’s crazy!

 What drew you to writing about Tesla and Rasputin, an unlikely historical pairing? A: I had always loved Nikola Tesla’s wild ideas and inventions, and that was the basis of the series as a whole. When exploring ideas for the second book I thought of going into the as-of-then newly instated Soviet Union, and how Russia struggled with the ramifications of its recent revolution. That’s when the idea of a somehow revived Rasputin came into being, as Rasputin’s mysterious death has always been fascinating for many years. For a while there were rumors about how difficult he was to kill, so it made sense that in this steampunk-esque world of my books he would have still escaped the clutches of mortality. While the real Rasputin was a complicated man, fiction loves to portray him as a mad monster or necromancer type, and I thought it’d be fun to take that but turn it into a steampunk sci-fi version rather than fantastical. As I started planning to have Rasputin as the villain of my series’ second book, the idea of having these two historical figures face off in a WWE-style showdown became more and more appealing. The real Tesla and Rasputin had no interactions in real history as far as we know, but they did live around the same time and are both portrayed in fiction as equally crazy, albeit in different ways. So I started thinking about how the two could meet, interact, and eventually fight in ways that are fitting to their real characters. I wanted them to have a personal reason for their conflict rather than just have them face off because it’s cool, although it is obviously very cool. So I looked into real history to find a potential real reason in real life why these two real people who never interacted would have a connection, which was a fun challenge. Eventually, a big lightbulb switched on in my brain when I realized that while the two of them had no personal connections in history, their home countries (Serbia and Russia respectively) certainly did, so I worked from there. Plus, having the two of them fight is also just awesome. It’s not like a brawl or anything, as neither of them are trained fighters and that wouldn’t be fitting for their characters. Instead, it’s more like a wizard duel. You should read the book and see if I did it justice. It comes out in August.

 Did you find it difficult shifting from writing about prehistoric to modern historical eras? A: I love prehistoric times, and my Megazoic books certainly involved a lot of paleontological research of both the species and its Late Cretaceous setting, but since it also involved a sci-fi style civilization hidden to humanity, I could also invent a lot of stuff and make up a culture from scratch. That was fun and allowed a ton of freedom, so switching from that to a real historical setting was certainly a challenge. I had to do more research than I’ve ever done before about the time period, the culture, the styles of dress, the vernacular; everything, far beyond any research I did for Megazoic. One tricky aspect in particular I remember finding odd at first, and this is admittedly a bit silly, is describing the clothes on the characters. My dinosaurs very rarely wore anything but armor, so describing dresses, shirts, cufflinks, hats, skirts, belts, or whatever other apparel a person might have was not fully in my nature as a writer yet. It’s kind of funny, but that ended up being a finicky thing that I remember finding difficult at first. But it was fun to overcome these challenges, and I became a better writer because of it.

 What sets you apart from other historical fiction writers? A: Admittedly my historical fiction reading is a bit limited and mostly from my earlier years, but one thing I recall from the specific books I read is that they were a bit dry and humorless. Obviously this doesn’t apply to every historical fiction book and may not actually apply to very many of them at all, but I remember that these stories were rarely fun and were often about the hardships of the time in order to educate us spoiled modern audiences and remind us of how easy we have it now in comparison. While there’s definitely a bit of that in both books in my Teslanauts series, I also made sure the ton of them were a lot more fun and adventurous, with a lot of banter and pulpy action.

 What are some key points you hope readers take away from the series? A: There are some key themes from each book as well as the series as a whole that I would really like readers to take away from when reading my books. For the first book Teslanauts, I’d like readers to learn the lesson through what Raymond and his friends and fellow cohorts experience throughout the plot: we are not defined by where we come from, but by what we do. Several characters are from countries while going against what their country stands for, either in good ways or bad, and some of them have parents that they’ve either stepped away from or learned to not pin everything about themselves on their legacy. Raymond believes for a long time that he’s only good enough through his father’s actions, and what he wants to do isn’t important, but as his arc continues he learns that he can indeed be his own person and can take what his father has left for him and build upon that legacy rather than merely repeating it or living in its shadow. The second book, Teslamancer, has a theme about finding one’s purpose, either individuals, factions, or whole nations, and the struggle of how feeling a lack of purpose can weigh down on you. But both books, as well as the whole series, have the wider theme of how technological advancement, while good overall, can be used nefariously and must be regulated before being normalized, and to have hope that eventually, one day, we will be ready for it. The Teslanauts are a secret organization and their technology being used to advance and aid humanity rather than hurt it is strictly enforced, and their whole purpose is to stop other factions using this technology for ill will. While the majority of people of the time might not be able to handle the power of Tesla’s technology, a few of them did, biding time for civilization to eventually benefit from its positive advancements. There’s hope for us. There’s hope for humanity. It might take a bit, but we will make it. I truly believe that, and I hope people who read this book come away with that feeling too.

 

Why do you like to write? What got you started in writing? A: I love writing because I love being creative. I love coming up with wacky ideas and putting them down, either in written form or some other venue. When I was younger I made stop-motion LEGO movies, my favorite of which involving my cockatiel at the time stomping around a LEGO city like  a giant monster with thunderous stomping sound effects added with each step of her claws. In my college years I often made games, usually simple ones but occasionally ones more complex like strategy games based on the world of my books. And lately I’ve been seriously thinking about making an animated movie based on my Megazoic books using computer-animation software both 2D and 3D and a little bit of AI to aid with some of the busywork. Book-writing just came about for me as another outlet for my creativity, and I really started getting into it in high school. I remember writing a fantasy trilogy with books bigger than any of my current ones before I went to college, and no one else other than a few online friends at the time has ever or will ever read it due to how amateurish it is compared to my writing now. I’ve grown so much more as a writer since then, but I’m glad I wrote that story and I am proud of it to a degree.

What books from your childhood really influenced your writing? A: I really enjoyed the fantasy works of Michael A. Stackpole, T.A. Barron, Christopher Paolini, and Terry Brooks when I was in high school, and as a millennial I also quite enjoyed the tie-in LEGO Bionicle chapter books by Greg Farshtey and C.A. Hapka that came out throughout that toyline’s run. I read those until I was way too old for them, but boy did I enjoy them and I still have them all on my bookshelf at home. I also liked reading the sci-fi thrillers by Michael Crichton, particularly Jurassic Park and Timeline. The former is actually quite different from the movie adaptation, and it’s very interesting to compare the two. I also enjoyed the Anonymous Rex books by Eric Garcia, and in contrast to the Bionicle books I read those at way too young of an age than I should have. I’ll never forget telling my parents at the dinner table about a scene with this T. rex character throwing out F-bombs left and right, and my dad humorously stated “If a T. rex could talk, I imagine it would throw out F-bombs all the time.” Just imagining the T. rex roaring in Jurassic Park, but rather than an animalistic bellow it’s shouting “F**** YOUUUUUUU!!!” is very funny and oddly kind of fitting.

Can readers expect more from the Teslanaut series? A: Of course! I have five books planned total, so after Teslamancer there are three more to go. It will continue to go on throughout the decades, with the plan being to eventually go into World War 2 and deal with the consequences of this technology in that kind of setting. While Raymond Calvert is the main character of both books one and two and will also be in the upcoming third installment as well, the plan is for a new character to take the reins in books four and five, as by that point Raymond might be getting a little old for young adult audiences to relate to at a degree I’d like. You’ll have to see who that is, but it’ll be fun! Just stick around and be preparing for an electrifying experience! Yay, Tesla puns!

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Others by Evette Davis

A different look at the folks of fantasy.  Vampires, witches, and demons, oh no!

Olivia discovers that San Franciso’s weirdness has roots in its otherworldly denizens.  Olivia finds her political consultant skills required to maintain stability in the world.   

There is a wide range of fantasy characters with a surprising semi-official governing body that is in charge of balancing off the negativity of the devil.

This book focuses more on interpersonal relationships than action.  A young woman delves into her well of talent while developing connections to others.  Olivia discovers empathy may be overrated. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

This is a psychological or perhaps astrological series of stories that are loosely tied through a script writer or substitute teacher.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop only appears at a full moon and seems to appear to people who may be as a cusp in their life. 

The unusual serving staff prompt the patrons to evaluate their personas.

This was a bit of a strange book that I wasn’t overly captivated by regardless of some of the interesting characters. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Lies Among Us by Sarah Beth Durst

This book focuses on lying, and ghosts or pseudo ghosts, not sure which. .  Hannah, Leah, and their mother have a very complicated relationship.   Events spiral after one of them dies.  

I’m a Durst fan. I inevitably like her books. This is the first one that I am decidedly lukewarm about.  There is a premise regarding lies that is thought-provoking.  If lies are told convincingly enough and with great frequency, do they create a life of their own? One merely has to look at the political climate to see there is some accuracy to the premise.   

I never invested in any of the characters and wasn’t fond of the book.  

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Daughter's War by Christopher Buehlman

This book showed an egalitarian society where all genders appeared to be treated or ill-treated as equals with the exception of succession. War with goblins is the theme.   Black and white, no good can be found in Goblins so they are the perfect villains.   Galva is the daughter who isn’t expected to inherit the title and decides to ignore the perks of her station and go to war.

Galva is a Raven Knight.  Not ordinary Ravens but magically enhanced war ravens.  

In the course of the war, Galva discovers an unknown aspect of her beloved ravens that is devastating to the goblins.

The book has some interesting interrelationships between friends, lovers and family.   There is magic accompanied by monsters and heroes. 

This was a delightful tale despite describing the horrors of war.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.

 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Doors of Midnight by R. R. Virdi

I really like Virdi's writing but struggle with his books.  He goes from his tale as an adult to his tale as a child and then tells


the tale of someone else.   It becomes taxing to read.   I love the world and the characters, If I had it in a Word document I'd pull it apart and do a linerar progression of the storyline.   

I recommend the book if you are patient. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy by Ursula K. Le Guin, A Spotlight

Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy by Ursula K. Le Guin

With a new introduction by Ken Liu

 

 

“We like to think we live in daylight, but half the world is always dark; and fantasy, like poetry, speaks to the language of the night”: so begins Ursula Le Guin’s famed essay collection, THE LANGUAGE OF THE NIGHT: Essays on Writing, Science Fiction, and Fantasy, which Scribner will proudly reissue on May 14, 2024.

 As Ken Liu says in his introduction, “there is one good reason to read an introduction to a monumental classic – a book of criticism so influential that it has become a work of art itself –which is to converse with a fellow reader who also admires that classic.” Another good reason, I would argue, is to reframe that classic in a modern context. Liu does just that, pointing out that the questions Le Guin poses in these essays (Why does art matter? What happens to a society without art?) are as relevant today as when Le Guin first published this collection in 1977.

 As one of the most prominent speculative fiction writers today (the NYT profiled him in 2019), Liu is uniquely positioned to introduce the work of one of the most brilliant and prolific fantasy and sci-fi writers of all time. But you’d be remiss to think that LANGUAGE OF THE NIGHT is just for dedicated Le Guin fans or fantasy/SF readers. While centered on these genres, Le Guin’s essays extend far beyond the bounds of genre and become rigorous, deeply engaging cultural commentaries, asking the reader to contemplate the necessity of art, the responsibility of the artist and the audience to each other, the societal convention of gender, why a robust imagination is integral to both individuals and societies, how the politics and culture of a country affects its national taste, why Americans are “afraid” of fantasy, and so much more.  There is truly something for everyone in this timeless classic.

 

URSULA K. LE GUIN (1929–2018) was the celebrated author of twenty-three novels, twelve volumes of short stories, eleven volumes of poetry, thirteen children’s books, five essay collections, and four works of translation. Her acclaimed books received the Hugo, Nebula, Endeavor, Locus, Otherwise, Theodore Sturgeon, PEN/Malamud, and National Book Awards; a Newbery Honor; and the Pushcart and Janet Heidinger Kafka Prizes, among others. In 2014, she was awarded the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and in 2016 joined the short list of authors to be published in their lifetimes by the Library of America. Le Guin was also the recipient of the Association for Library Service to Children’s May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award and the Margaret A. Edwards Award. She received lifetime achievement awards from the World Fantasy Convention, Los Angeles Times, Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association, and Willamette Writers, as well as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Grand Master Award and the Library of Congress Living Legend Award. Her website is UrsulaKLeGuin.com.

 

KEN LIU is an award-winning American author of speculative fiction. His collection, The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories, has been published in more than a dozen languages. Liu’s other works include The Grace of Kings, The Wall of Storms, The Veiled Throne, and a second collection The Hidden Girl and Other Stories. He has been involved in multiple media adaptations of his work, including the short story “Good Hunting,” adapted as an episode in Netflix’s animated series Love, Death + Robots; and AMC’s Pantheon, adapted from an interconnected series of short stories. “The Hidden Girl,” “The Message,” and “The Oracle” have also been optioned for development. Liu previously worked as a software engineer, corporate lawyer, and litigation consultant. He frequently speaks at conferences and universities on topics including futurism, machine-augmented creativity, the history of technology, and the value of storytelling. Liu lives with his family near Boston, Massachusetts.

On-sale May 14, 2024

 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

THE SILVERBLOOD PROMISE by James Logan

THE SILVERBLOOD PROMISE by James Logan

Finally, a protagonist I can relate to, Lukan is stubborn, driven, prone to unwise verbal outbursts and emotionally vulnerable which leads to overcompensation.  Oh, he also drinks too much.  Lukan is on a quest due to a promise he makes.  The quest  is arduous and leads him to unforeseen perils.  

Lukan’s personality is off-set by Flea who provides him with a street-wise sidekick who protects his undeserved six. 

There is magic, monsters, greed, mysteries, treachery, perfidy, and action.   What more could you want.  

I highly recommend the book and can’t wait for the sequel. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

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The First Binding by R.R. Virdi

 Ari is a storyteller.  The book is his story.  It is well-written and captivating and frustrating.   Virdi jumps all over the place in his tale-telling.  Back story is good, side stories and future stories and what the heck is that in here for stories aren’t as good to me.   I really enjoyed the book but admittedly I’m fond of a more linear approach.

The book is set in a feudalistic world with some Fagan components.  Implacable supernatural enemies and powerful political forces are abundant in the book.  Ari is a complex child and an adult with a self-created complex identity.

Despite my frustrations, I will be reading the next volume.  I enjoyed it but am just not fond of the story structure. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

WICKED PROBLEMS byMax Gladstone

 

This may or may not be a dystopian story, I never could tell.   There is a wealth of gods, characters, and monsters.  It really needed a backstory.   I vaguely remembered the plot but the complexity of the book made my recollection quite foggy.

The likeability of characters is a major criterion of how much I enjoy a book.   I liked Mal but was a bit indifferent about Dawn and Tera.   Frankly, the number of characters was a bit overwhelming.   The book has aspects I enjoyed but it will never land on my most liked books page. 

 

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A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci

 

This book departed from what I normally expect from David Baldacci.  Normally, it would be a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-chair action adventure, ie. The Camel Club, which I highly recommend or Mercy, or Amos also highly recommend.  This book is a thought-provoking metaphor for our current state of affairs.  Baldacci recreates “To Kill a Mockingbird” in his own unique, and oblique manner.

The book forcefully makes you look at how you look at people of another color.  Race is the plot's focus, but the situations posed are not just plot devices.   Baldacci weaves a mystery around social commentary.  I’m not privy to Baldacci’s thoughts but from my perspective, the book abounds with similes that apply to current events.   

I always enjoy David Baldacci’s writing but this book may have provided more fodder for introspection than any of his other many books I’ve read. 

I applaud his courage to tackle a controversial topic.

I highly recommend it.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Forge of the High Mage by Ian C. Esslemont

 

After finishing the fourth book of this series I must reiterate that the author is fond of complexity and that forces you to pay attention. On that note, Dorin from earlier books is now Dancer.   Wu is now Kellanved.  Luckily Esslemont who is still Esslemont the author, provides a list of characters in the preface. Succinctly the plot is that Kellanved wants to conquer the known world.

 Esslemont will introduce a character, provide significant details to their portrait, and then abandon them for a hundred pages.  

 There are oddities and characters to appeal to any appetite.  Giants, shape-shifters, semi-sentient cyborg monsters, gods, demi-gods, mages, warriors, soldiers, frankly if you have read any fantasy, you will probably find a character to identify with in this book.

 Again a strong admonishment that due to Esslemont’s attention to detail and the complexity of the plot, I would recommend reading the books in order and pay strict attention to what you read.

 

I recommend the book. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett NOW AVAILABLE

NOW AVAILABLE

First kudos to Bennet for the creative use of botany, which underpins the entire storyline.   The empire is threatened by seaborn (e) titans.  Concentric semicircle walls protect the population with the gentry occupying the safest section.   Din and Engraver is paired as an assistant to Ana an investigator in a tiny backwater of the empire.   They are drawn into an insidious plot to possibly destroy the empire.   Din, with secrets, serves Ana who has greater secrets, the two end up with the daunting task of discovering who is threatening the empire.

Bennet’s creativity is captivating.   The plot is important but I found myself looking forward to seeing what new graft or contagion might shift the storyline.   The types of characters let alone the mystery of the titans made this difficult to put down.  

Other books by Bennett I’ve enjoyed and reviewed are below, click on the links to see the review.

Locklands

Shorefall

Foundryside

 

 

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Kellanved's Reach by Ian C. Esslemont

 Esslemont is the master of complexity.  His books demand you pay attention to what you are reading.   This volume has Kellanved mastering more exotic arts.  An enigma to the other mages, demigods, gods, demons, and assorted supernatural beings, Kellanved continues to quest.  Dancer, an assassin, professional assassin if you please, accompanies him against his considerable reservations as to Kellanved’s sanity.

Reviewing this series is difficult, not for the normal fear of spoilers, but due to the often overwhelming complexity of the plot. Frankly, I’m not sure I could do a spoiler, that anyone not reading the series would understand.  

 This is not negative!  I am enjoying the series and marveling at Esslemont’s mind.   This is an author capable of juggling chainsaws while spinning plates.

 If you are a fantasy fan willing to sort through allegiances and characters to get to the multi-layered plot, this series is for you.

 I’m loving it.

 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned