Category: Fantasy Page 1 of 47

Grandpappy’s Corner: Hey, Al by Arthur Yorinks, Richard Egielski (Illustrator): Maybe a Little Creepy, But Sweet

On April 28, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Hey, Al

by Arthur Yorinks, Richard Egielski (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Square Fish
Publication Date: May 01, 1989
Format: Hardcover
Length: 32 pgs.
Read Date: April 18, 2026

What’s Hey, Al About?

Al is a janitor, and Eddie is his faithful dog. They do everything together–work, leisure, you name it. They live in a cramped apartment in New York. And the quarters might be a little too tight for the two, even as close as they are (Eddie, in particular, seems to want more).

One day, a giant bird offers them a way out–he offers to take the two of them somewhere to get away from all of their lives. That’s a bit much for Al to take in, and he resists. But Eddie puts his foot down, so the next day this giant bird takes them to its home–a floating island in the sky.

Because, of course, it is.

This island is populated by all sorts of various birds best described larger-than-they-should be, and the life seems idyllic.

But, as everything does, there is a cost to this. And it’s not long before the pair learn what it is. Is it too much?

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

Oh, it’s just great. Apparently, Yorinks and Egielski work together a lot–and they should. Egielski’s illustrations are just dynamite. They perfectly capture the story–and they’re attention-grabbing enough that a young reader might not really care about the text, as long as they can flip through the book to look at the illustrations.

The birds are fantastic–and that island (gravity-defying as it may be) looks gorgeous. The emotions–positive and negative–of Al and Eddie are conveyed perfectly.

It’s just great.

How is it to Read Aloud?

It’s fine–there’s nothing dazzling about the text, it’s a solid story that the grown-up reader will be able to make it through just fine while looking at all the art with their younger audience.

So, what did I think about Hey, Al?

Honestly, it seemed a little dark for a couple of pages, given the audience. But I remember kids’ books don’t need to make everything too exciting and happy–kids can handle a little darkness (especially if there’s a happy ending–and spoiler alert, there is one.)

This is just a wonderful book read–full of imagination. It’s one to get your hands on (even if you’re a little “too old” for it).

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson: Survive Long Enough to Gather Power. Gather Enough Power to Make a Difference.

By HCNewton

On April 24, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction

The Traitor Baru Cormorant

by Seth Dickinson

DETAILS:
Series: The Masquerade, #1
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: November 29, 2016
Format: Paperback
Length: 399 pg.
Read Date: April 10-13, 2026

“The tide is coming in,” he said. “The ocean has reached this little pool. There will be turbulence, and confusion, and ruin. This is what happens when something small joins something vast.”

What’s The Traitor Baru Cormorant About?

This is tricky…in brief, the Empire of Masks comes and (mostly peacefully) annexes the island of Taranoke. Social hygienists and others come in to help civilize and educate the inhabitants. Part of that involves teaching their children—Baru Cormorant is one of the (if not the) brightest of the students—and she is told that she can go far in the world. Perhaps even to be part of the Empire’s government. Which makes her study harder.

She knows that the Empire cannot be beaten—especially by her people—militarily. Any change will have to come from within, so she has to earn a position of influence.

After school, she’s sent to be the Imperial Accountant to a region annexed some time before her home was—but there are still many groups trying to rebel and a variety of methods being employed to keep them down.

Baru finds corruption and fraud on all levels—and comes up with a very clever way to throw cold water on the upstarts through a little monetary manipulation.

Then, she’s swept up in a movement on the other side—people from Aurdwynn tired of bowing the knee (literally and figuratively) to the Empire—they want their land back. And Baru ends up acting as one of their leaders in the effort. Maybe she couldn’t help her people, but maybe she can be of service to these?

Things get wild after that.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

I picked this up because it was the Fantasy Book Club pick for the month. I knew nothing about it beyond that.

Why did I stick with it? Well, for the most part, because it was the Fantasy Book Club pick for the month. The writing was good, Baru was interesting, I liked the opening pages. But honestly—economic manipulation, political games that don’t seem to matter, and auditing the finances of the territory and various Dukes/Duchesses is not my idea of a riveting read.

But somewhere after the halfway point (arguably too late, and this would’ve been a good DNF candidate), things started to pick up. And then the action got a bit brisker, the political maneuvering wasn’t just about backroom deals that added up to little victories—they became about life and death—and not just in a theoretical way. The book kept getting better and better—like the proverbial snowball rolling downhill, getting bigger and faster all the way.

And then Dickinson threw in his twists, and…oh, reader, I cannot tell you how hard I fell for this book.

What does this book tell us about humanity?

First, I’m going to lift two paragraphs from my post earlier this week about Adrian Tchaikovsky’s City of Last Chances (a book I thought about a lot as I read this one)

For one, there’s a great depiction of the utter lack of compassion and naked ambition that can befall those who are convinced they/their group are absolutely correct, the only determiner of what is right/wrong, as they try to elevate/educate/correct another group of people.

On the other side, we have a selfishness and greed that a resistance can give shelter to. “Yes, I want to push back against this oppressive regime—but not so much that it’ll interfere with my art/scholarship/business or cause me any more inconvenience than I’m currently experiencing.”

But that’s a cheat—also, it’s not the biggest thing that stands out to me about this book. This book is a fantastic depiction of vengeance and what it can do to a person. Time after time after time, Baru gets the opportunity to live a decent life, to take some pleasure in things, to trust people (at least some), to work for the betterment of someone—anyone. And she really can’t—at least not for long—because she’s so entirely driven by her mission to change the Empire from within. Nothing comes before that—nothing is equal to that.

This makes her life dark, unpleasant, and unfulfilling, sure. It also makes her a handy tool for those who recognize her single-mindedness. I won’t get into who uses her in this way (or tries to, or sets her on a path to being used this way)—but despite what she thinks—and she really can’t see how easily she lets them do it to her. (or does she?)

I think it’s easy to see Baru and her thirst for vengeance all around us—not to the same degree that often (thankfully). But it’s there. It’s one of the uglier sides of humanity (and there are more than enough of those). And the reflective reader is going to pick up on this.

So, what did I think about The Traitor Baru Cormorant?

Even for the 200 hundred or so pages that I really wondered about this book, I couldn’t deny that Dickinson had writing chops. He captured characters and little moments between them so well. His descriptions were vivid and brought this world to life. And there were just so many quotable lines throughout the book, things like “This is the truth. You will know because it hurts.”

But, the pacing…I just don’t know. I don’t know if enough readers will stick with the political posturing, the economics, the audits, and the like to get to the good stuff. Yes, in retrospect, it’s absolutely worth it. And I can make the argument for him pacing it the way he did. I just don’t know that he should’ve. At one point, he writes about Baru, “She accepted the bargain without understanding the price. A terrible mistake, for an accountant.” I similarly wonder if the price Dickinson asks readers to pay to get to the latter half of the book is a terrible mistake for a writer.

But the book as a whole is just brilliant. For all the twists, turns, and shocks that fill these pages, he plays fair with the audience. Towards the end, there are a few pages where Baru thinks back over what had happened, and Dickinson lays it all out for us so we can see where he’d told us everything we needed to know. He’s like a Golden Age mystery writer, putting all the clues right out in the open for the reader to put together.

I was blown away by this book. Baru is a fascinating character—as are so many others, but I can’t really get into the who and why I find them so fascinating without revealing too much about them. Maybe I’ll be able to write about the survivors after the next book—if more than one or two show up.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky: A Lot of Promise, Not A Lot of Delivery

By HCNewton

On April 22, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction

City of Last Chances

by Adrian Tchaikovsky

DETAILS:
Series: The Tyrant Philosophers, #1
Publisher: Head of Zeus  
Publication Date: May 28, 2024
Format: Paperback
Length: 498 pg.
Read Date: March 12-17, 2026

What’s City of Last Chances About?

I’m tired of trying to come up with a succinct way of saying this, so I’m just going to paste the text from the back of my paperback:

There has always been a darkness to Ilmar, but never more so than now. The city chafes under the heavy hand of the Palleseen occupation, the choke-hold of its criminal underworld, the boot of its factory owners, the weight of its wretched poor and the burden of its ancient curse. What will be the spark that lights the conflagration?

Despite the city’s refugees, wanderers, murderers, madmen, fanatics and thieves, the catalyst, as always, will be the Anchorwood – that dark grove of trees, that primeval remnant, that portal, when the moon is full, to strange and distant shores.

Ilmar, some say, is the worst place in the world and the gateway to a thousand worse places.

I’m not sure what I think about this…

There are several groups that oppose the occupation, each for their own reasons, too. Partially patriotic, partially something varied from group to group. And given that, there are different levels of eagerness to begin. Each group has a particular goal, a particular set of events that they’re waiting for to launch their rebellion—and each fully expects the others to join in once the fuse is lit.

That’s a mistake—some won’t when this particular fuse is aflame. Some will claim to be coming to help, but will instead hole themselves up. Others just want to bide their time.

And overcoming that is a lot for those who have thrown their hats in the ring.

This is probably very realistic—it’s never going to be as easy as a well-organized group rising up to counter the invaders/ruling class. It’s going to be various alliances and sects. So well done, Tchaikovsky. It very much makes it feel like a fantasy version of the French Revolution.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

I picked this up because it was the Fantasy Book Club pick of the month.

I kept at it because there were a lot of interesting plot threads, some fascinating characters, and great scenes, and I was eager to see how they all tied together by the end.

What does this book tell us about humanity?

There are some who don’t seem so materialistic in their approach—I should stress, but their motives aren’t necessarily that “pure.” They’re just more intangible, while largely selfish.

There’s a lot of self-delusion to go around, basically.

So, what did I think about City of Last Chances?

There are just so many fantastic characters—on all sides of the conflict. I don’t know how many times I would get into a scene or return to a character and would’ve been content to stay in that POV for hundreds of pages. I never got that opportunity.

Some of the plot lines were just delicious—the combination of characters, their aims, and what they do to try to accomplish those aims. So close to perfection.

There were scenes that you just want to re-read to suck all the marrow out of it. Tchaikovsky phrases things so well, and crams so many ideas into the book that it can make your head swim. There are bits that are so sweet and heartwarming, there are bits that will make you chuckle, some incredibly gross moments, too—and your pulse will pound more than once. And you will frequently bask in Tchaikovsky’s cleverness in how he orchestrates scenes/events/plotlines.

However (yes, sorry, there’s a however). You put it all together and…it just flops. It might be that there’s just too much of a good thing; it could be that everything doesn’t have the chance to breathe and get fully fleshed out; I just might not have the attention span for it all (I would note that most at our Book Club meeting shared my sentiment here, though); it might be the conclusion of the novel wasn’t as satisfying as it could’ve been (I will not get into that more).

It’s entirely likely to be something else, too. I dunno—I just walked away more than ready for my next read.

Oh, and the fact that we don’t get back to this city until (as I’m told) the 5th book in the series? That makes it really hard for me to think about trying Book Two.

Your results may vary, obviously. The book and series have received plenty of honors. The fact that Tchaikovsky has released four books in the series so far, suggests that there is an audience for it. And if one of those wants to fill up my comments with all the reasons I should read on in the series—I’m all ears.

Quick-Take Catchups: The Leftovers from February

By HCNewton

On April 9, 2026

In Audiobook, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Non-Fiction, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy

In an effort to keep my “To Write About” pile from getting out of control, I’ve set a requirement to myself to write a catch-up post at the end of the following month (e.g., At the end of February, write about January books; at the end of June, write about the May books I haven’t gotten to yet; etc.). As always, the point of these quick-takes is to emphasize pithiness, not thoroughness.

Robert B. Parker’s Big Shot

by Christopher Farnsworth

DETAILS:
Series: Jesse Stone, #23
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons 
Publication Date: February 10, 2026 
Format: Hardcover
Length: 320 pg. 
Read Date: February 19-20, 2026

This was a perfectly decent Jesse Stone adventure. Jesse’s fate never felt like it was really in danger—but that’s okay, it’s about the struggle, the journey, right?

I’m a little disheartened by the way that Farnsworth is dealing with Lundquist. I know he’s not Healey—and I’m glad for it, I don’t want Farnsworth or anyone else turning him into a version of him. But the version of him being all by the book and cold here, really doesn’t match with the willing-to-be-maverick we met in Pale Kings and Princes, and I don’t think we’ve been given reason for that change (and I want to say this isn’t the first time I’ve been troubled by his characterization).

I really didn’t like Molly’s depiction for good chunks of the book—Farnsworth had a plan for her, and I liked most of what she did—I just think there was a better way to set up her investigative arc. (it’s hard to talk about vaguely). I think Farnsworth is really finding difficulty with her as she grows as a police officer—I think Lupica, did, too. Hopefully he figures it out soon (I should note, I like the way he’s dealing with Suit in the same situation).

Anyway, it’s not a stellar installment in the long-running series—but it did its job well.
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Fairest Hunter

by M. K. Felix

DETAILS:
Series: The Favored's Curse, #1
Publication Date: January 9, 2026 
Format: e-Book 
Length: 351 pg. 
Read Date: February 25-26, 2026

A little heavy on the romance for my taste—but that’s what it’s marketed as, so I lived with it. I’ll note it’s pure and chaste romance, with no need for doors to be closed (well, at least the primary romance…the door might be firmly shut on another).

So it’s a gender-swapped Robin Hood—who also happens to be the King’s Huntsman. So, instead of taking the (male) Snow White figure and leaving him with some dwarves, he’s left with six merry men. These men rob from the rich, give to the poor, while looking for an opportunity to take out the Evil King (who turns out to be using a bespelled mirror to work his magic).

It’s a fun story, just deep enough to justify—fast acting enough that you don’t care. I quite enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading further in the series.
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Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds

by John Fugelsang

DETAILS:
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio  
Publication Date: September 09, 2025  
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 9 hrs., 24 min. 
Read Date: January 30-February 2, 2026

Okay, I’d played with doing a full post on this one, interacting with all the issues I had—but I didn’t take notes or anything as I was listening. So, I’ll try this.

First—I have a lot of sympathy toward the Fugelsang’s goals and aims. Not to the same extent as he does—but still, I lean in very similar directions and/or share concerns.

Second—this book is a mess. There’s a good deal of re-hashing of Liberal* Theology that has been answered no later than the 1920s and 30s. There’s as much special pleading and Scripture twisting in these pages as he accuses those he takes issue with of doing. His notion of the purpose of Christianity, its content, and its focus—are completely wrong and foreign to the Bible itself. (as is the case for many of his targets).

I’m glad I read it because it scratched an itch in curiosity, but…that’s the only good thing I can say about the experience.

* There’s a distinction between Liberal Theology and Liberal Politics. While the Venn diagram has some overlap (a lot of overlap for Fugelsang), they shouldn’t be confused.
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All Accounts Settled

by Drew Hayes, read by Kirby Heyborne

DETAILS:
Series: Fred, The Vampire Accountant, $9
Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc 
Publication Date: January 13, 2026 
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 11 hrs., 44 min. 
Read Date: February 25-27, 2026

Fred’s adventures bow out the same way they entered the scene—mildly amusing, full of kindness and hope, generosity of spirit, and community. There’s almost no suspense—which is fine, this series didn’t depend on that.

It’s just Fred facing overwhelming odds, coming up with a clever solution or two, relying on his friends (and them relying on him, too). He found a new level to his magic—which was pretty cool, I’ve gotta say. And scored some major victories. The last chapter (or was it an epilogue?) ties up a lot of loose ends and provides a glimpse into Fred’s future.

Heyborne’s narration was as good as ever.

This was a fitting and entertaining ending to this series. Glad I was along for the ride.

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Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books

by Hwang Bo-reum, translated by Shanna Tan, read by Rosa Escoda

DETAILS:
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing 
Publication Date: December 2, 2025  
Format: Unabridged Audiobook 
Length: 3 hrs., 49 min.
Read Date: February 23-24, 2026

This was a perfectly pleasant book. And that’s about all I have to say—there was nothing that made me think—wow! She gets it. Nothing where I thought—I’ve been trying to find the words to express that as a reader. Just a vague pleasantness—that maybe went on too long. Maybe 25-40 ways, max, would’ve worked better.

There seemed to be an expectation that the reader would be familiar with her other work(s) anytime she referenced them—and if you weren’t (or even aware of their existence), it was hard to connect with what she was saying. I can both understand that given the nature of this book she didn’t have time (or possibly the need) to add context, explain the gist of whatever she was referencing. But…it left me cold.

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Hidden in Smoke

by Lee Goldberg

DETAILS:
Series: Sharpe & Walker, 3
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Publication Date: April 22, 2025 
Format: e-Book 
Length: 300 pg. 
Read Date: February 5-6, 2026

I feel like I should have a lot to say about this book—but I don’t. Goldberg delivers what we expect from him—a fast and fun story, some good twists, some great lines—and the return of a few characters I didn’t expect to see again.

There’s part of me that wonders about the scope of all the fires in this series—but, we’ve all seen what happens to California all too often lately. It’s sadly realistic.

I really enjoy these characters, and can’t imagine that ending. I just hope that I can find something to say about the next book (which I can’t wait for).

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A Particularly Nasty Case

by Adam Kay, read by Andrew Serkis

DETAILS:
Publisher: Hachette Audio 
Publication Date: September 16, 2025 
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 10 hrs., 9 min.   
Read Date: February 2-5, 2026

This was…a mess. There’s just no character that I could enjoy spending much time with. The characters’ motivations seem inconsistent and capricious. The comedy (or what I think was comedy) didn’t work, the mystery was pretty weak, and the book seemed more interested in the chaos surrounding the murder than anything else.

Take the murder out, tell some other kind of story, and it probably would’ve worked better. And still wouldn’t have been for me—but I wouldn’t have complained about it.

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The Fact Checker

by Austin Kelley, Jacques Roy

DETAILS:
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio 
Publication Date: April 15, 2025 
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 7 hrs., 1 min.   
Read Date:

If the destination was satisfying, I think I could’ve put up with the journey. If the journey was a bit more interesting/engaging, I could’ve put up with the destination.

But a miss on both, just made this a waste of potential. I liked the premise, there were some good moments, I liked the writing—it just seemed wasted.

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City of Others

by Jared Poon, read by David Lee Huynh

DETAILS:
Series:  The DEUS Files, #1
Publisher: Hachette Audio 
Publication Date: January 13, 2026 
Format: Unabridged Audiobook 
Length: 9 hrs., 16 min.  
Read Date:

This is the first installment in what could become a favorite UF series. Think about the Folly (from The Rivers of London)* filled with humanoid characters from McGuire’s InCryptid series. But set in Singapore. our under-funded and overworked team deal with the supernatural side of Singapore—without letting the non-supernatural set know what they’re up to.

As things are wont to do—something goes wrong, in a very significant way—and the entire city (at least) is soon at risk.

Poon writes with a lighter touch, but he’s not afraid to let things get serious. There are some great emotional moments, and some great mystical/magical scene, too.

* It might be more accurate to describe it as Strout’s Department of Extraordinary Affairs than the Folly—but the Folly is better known.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase from any of them, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

The Lost Daughter of Sparta by Felicia Day, Rowan MacColl: The Unknown Sister

By HCNewton

On March 26, 2026

In Comics, Fantasy, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

The Lost Daughter of Sparta

by Felicia Day, illustrated by Rowan MacColl

DETAILS:
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: March 17, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Length: 193 pg.
Read Date: March 21, 2026

The Origin of the Book

Day explains this better in the book, but I bring this up because it’s kind of a key to thinking about this book. Day came across a reference to a curse that was imposed on Helen of Troy and her sisters—which led to her rethinking Helen. As she looks into that some more, she reads about Helen’s sister Philonoe being made immortal by Artemis. And that’s it. No details provided.

Which gets her imagination percolating and us getting this graphic novel.

What’s The Lost Daughter of Sparta About?

Whereas big sister Helen was a legendary beauty (literally), Philonoe was born with a birthmark denoting her as ugly—think Gorbachev’s scalp birthmark but covering about half her face. She’s sent to live with goatherds for most of her life, but is brought back by her parents following the Trojan War to get married.

Her future husband is a prince of Gla. If he has a redeeming quality to him, Day didn’t do a great job of making sure we saw it. Her mother reveals to her the nature of the curse that Aphrodite had put upon her and her sisters.

Philonoe goes to Aphrodite’s to ask for help with this curse and is sent on a quest to retrieve three items. Due to a previous sacrifice to Artemis, that goddess is paying attention to her, too. Artemis plays Ghosts of Sister Present with her, letting her see how things are going for them in a way to help her learn about the world.

What did I think about the art?

I’m of two minds when it comes to the art. It’s not the cleanest, most attractive, or most consistent art you’ve come across. But there’s a charm to it—the more I read, the more I enjoyed it.

I know MacColl is capable of cleaner work—I’ve checked out their website and have seen it. So what I’m trying to talk about has to be intentional. There’s part of me that sees some similarities between the art and figures on Grecian Urns I’ve seen in books.

So, what did I think about The Lost Daughter of Sparta?

There’s just nothing subtle about the storytelling, or the dispensing of the moral(s) of the story. It might have been a bit more effective if it were.

Still, it’s hard to fault the moral(s) she’s dispensing—particularly if her daughter is the primary target audience.

This isn’t a feminist re-imagining of a classic character, like so many we’ve seen. Philonoe is a blank slate as far as history and literature are concerned, so Day has the freedom to draw whatever she wants on it—and she’s taken advantage of it. There’ve been so many interpretations of Aphrodite and Artemis over the centuries that one more isn’t notable (and Day likely echoes as many as she diverges from)—the two of them are rather amusing together.

It’s a classic hero’s journey that is full of commentary on Greek heroes and how they are used by the Olympians. I’d have liked to see a bit more of that, really. But what Day gave us was pretty effective.

It’s a fast read with some fun turns—it’s not perfect, but what is? Is Day capable of better? Yes. Can you feel her investment in the project on every page? Yeah, pretty much.

I’m glad that I read The Lost Daughter of Sparta, and I assume anyone the premise appeals to will be, too. I’d suggest checking it out.

Banners of Wrath by Michael Michel: Love and War (with a emphasis on War)

By HCNewton

On March 24, 2026

In Dreams of Dust and Steel, Fantasy, Fiction

I borrowing bits from my In Medias Res check-in.

Banners of Wrath

by Michael Michel

DETAILS:
Series: Dreams of Dust and Steel, #3
Publisher: Chainbreaker Books
Publication Date: February 12, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 873 pg.>

Read Date: February 7-18, 2026

What’s Banners of Wrath About?

In short, Namarr is at war—from within and, pretty soon, from without. Some characters are trying to stop the war (which, at this point, equals winning it before it gets worse), some are trying to take advantage of it, some are ignoring it in favor of their own concerns, and some are just trying to survive.

Obviously, the bulk of the book is picking up where Book 2, A Graveyard for Heroes left off. But there are some smaller plots that were largely absent from the last half that get picked up, too. And there’s one storyline that wasn’t really a factor in that book, but is coming back into the spotlight (although not as much—as it was in The Price of Power).

It’s hard to talk about this beyond that—I’ve tried, but really, this is part 3 of something that needs to be read from the beginning.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

This is a very simple answer for both questions: because of the first 100 pages of The Price of Power (possibly fewer). I’m in for this series until the final page, or until Garlenna is killed, whichever comes first.

Okay, that’s not true—I’m in until the last page, if only so I can rant about Michel offing Garlenna with full context and be able to defend how it wasn’t worth it for the ending.

What does this book tell us about humanity?

That we are a giant mixed bag of depravity, self-interest, fear, and noble actions. Sometimes, good—on a micro- or macro- level—comes from this, often it doesn’t. So, you know…it’s a pretty accurate representation.

There’s a lot to admire in various characters—self-sacrifice, acts of love, people trying to improve themselves. People “improving” themselves against their own impulses because of someone else. People fighting dark inner impulses (not always successfully).

So, what did I think about Banners of Wrath?

Michel is on the verge of telling too many stories—and some of them make me wonder why he’s telling them. Are they really going to pay off in a way that justifies stretching our attention? Also, the chronology of too many of the storylines is slippery; it’s hard to know just when past events are happening (and each time I think I nail it down, I’m given a reason to question it).

Note, however the use of the word “verge” there. Also, I’m sure that the chronologies will become clear soon enough.

The important things to say that this book is as good as the last—both almost as good as the first (see what I said about the number of stories). The character development (and/or what we’re shown about them before we met them) is fantastic and entirely satisfying. The combat scenes are so well executed—and most of the emotionally raw scenes are better. The characters…ugh. I can’t talk about how much I love these characters (even the ones I hope end up losing a duel to the Dread Pirate Roberts “to the pain.”).

My big complaint is how Michel spoiled us by releasing the first too books so close together so we were lulled into thinking we’d continue to be fed that quickly (and, yes, he was clear about his schedule from the beginning—shhhhhh). Other than that, all I can say is that book four is going to be so grim, that I can only hope he gives us a few rays of hope as he prepares us for the final book.

If you haven’t yet—go get The Price of Power and A Graveyard for Heroes. Then come back here after you’ve read Banners of Wrath and tell me what you’re thinking. Deal?

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The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter: He is Vengeance, He is the…no, that’s pretty much it, Vengeance.

By HCNewton

On March 20, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction

The Rage of Dragons

by Evan Winter

DETAILS:
Series: The Burning, Book One
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Format: Paperback
Length: 523 pg.
Read Date: February 2-5, 2026

“The days without difficulty are the days you do not improve.”

Tau ran harder. He was not the strongest, the quickest, or the most talented, not by any measure. He knew this and knew he could not control this. However, he could control his effort, the work he put in, and there he would not be beaten.

He made a pact with himself, a pact he swore on his father’s soul. If he were asked to run a thousand strides, he would run two thousand. If he were told to spar three rounds, he would spar six. And if he fought a match to surrender, the man who surrendered would not be him. He would fight until he won or he died. There would be, he swore, no days without difficulty.

What’s The Rage of Dragons About?

Tau is a teenager who is destined for military service—like pretty much everyone in his nation. Tau’s advantage is his father’s tutelage as a swordsman. His father is training Tau’s higher-class friend and works Tau into the lessons.

Their nation, the Omehi, was driven from their ancestral home and took refuge in another land—and has spent every day since then combating the indigenous people for enough land to survive.

Several injustices are visited by people close to Tau, and then his father is struck down in a senseless fight—and those who did the killing (and ordered it) are protected by their status. Tau is not much more than a competent sword-fighter, but he commits himself to becoming skilled enough, powerful enough, to kill everyone involved in his father’s death.

The next few hundred pages tracks all of this learning and efforts toward that goal—the allies he makes, the many mistakes he makes, and the blood he spills along the way as his quest intersects with the Omehi’s war.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

I started this because it was the Book Club pick for the month—and I was pretty curious, because I remember a lot of positive buzz when it was released years ago.

I kept at it because as frustrating Tau was—infuriatingly so, at times—I had to see what was going to happen to him. The broad brushstrokes of the plot were pretty obvious—it was a question of how he got to the point of “greatest living warrior.” Did he have allies left? Had he changed his worldview? Did he actually get any of the vengeance he set out for? Did he become some sort of monster along the way? Did he pick up any kind of wisdom?

Also, it’d just been a while since I’d read a fantasy novel with a bunch of action—and I tell you what, this is so far beyond “a bunch of action.” This was a big brick of adrenaline, and there’s no chance to think about stopping.

A Portrait of Monomania

Single-minded is an understatement when it comes to Tau. Where a lot of people will talk about devoting themselves to revenge, or justice, or a new business. But other than Bruce Wayne before he returns to Gotham, we’ll see them relax with a friend, take time for pleasure in something, and take care of themselves. Tau, on the other hand, literally has to be ordered to bathe; he eats and sleeps just enough to keep going—other than that, from waking to sleep, he’s working. His work ethic (obsession) reminded me of Adam Lowe, the Olympic Long Jumper from Running and Jumping by Steven Kedie, just more intense.

Where Adam is so focused on a millimeter or two of distance for the record—always just a little further, a little faster, Tau looks for just a little bit of edge when it comes to combat. And then a little more, and a little more, and then a little more. He’s destroying himself in the process of becoming what he demands of himself—and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, those of his fighting unit (“Scale”) are not unlike Tau—they’ve lost family members, they’re of the lowest caste—without a real opportunity to make anything of themselves to support their family if not as warriors (and even then, it’s not that much of an opportunity). They want all the things that Tau does—and more. But they’re not willing to give up as much, to deny themselves as much, to push themselves as much. They’d love the opportunity to help Tau, to be a team for him—to take part of his burdens on their shoulders, and have them do the same for him. But he’s so…obstinately focused on his vengeance that he doesn’t pay them the heed he should.

For example, one of his Scale is a solid tactician and could really help Tau with patience, subtlety, a plan. Tau’s idea of subtle is not shouting a battle cry before he attacks; a plan for him is knowing which sword he’s going to use first against you. That’s not true—he comes up with several plans throughout the book—and then abandons them at the first opportunity for a wild impulse to come along.

The Non-Tau Elements of the Book

If it sounds like I’m down on Tau, I’m really not. He’s an impetuous hot-head, but you can’t help rooting for him (as you keep wanting some sense to get knocked into him). But, it’s really good that he’s surrounded by characters who aren’t exasperating—and for the most part, are the kind of characters you’d typically want to focus on. The others in his Scale, his commanders, his love interest, his childhood friend, even some of the men he’s trying to kill are just really good, even fantastic characters—there’s even at least one Xiddeen that I enjoyed getting to know (as angry as I was with her for who she killed).

The magic system, the government of the Omehi, the way they control dragons (although I want to see them burn by dragonfire for it), the mysterious Cull that drove the Omehi from their land…all of that—utterly fascinating, so rich, frequently so unlike things we’re not used to seeing in Fantasy.

And really, you remove Tau from the equation and leave everything else—and Winter’d have the making of a pretty decent Fantasy novel/series. But when you mix in the living weapon that is Tau to the mix? Then you get something epic.

So, what did I think about The Rage of Dragons?

This is deep, this is rich, this is thoughtful—and it’s non-stop action. How Winter pulls off that trick is something you’d have to study this for yourself to really understand. But he does it.

I haven’t actually said it yet, but the combat scenes—either in training, or real combat—or the giant battle scenes? Some of the best I can recall. If it weren’t for Michael Michel, I’d probably say I couldn’t remember the last time I’d read some that were so good.

The Rage of Dragons hits all the marks you want in a Fantasy novel—characters, magic, setting, combat, a struggle between nations/peoples that’s a scale almost to hard to comprehend, an intricate social structure, and the promise of more of all of that in the books to come. Oh, and dragons. Can’t overlook them!

If you haven’t picked this up yet, you’re going to want to. If you have—you’ll understand my excitement about this. I’m eager to find a way to work the second book into my schedule this year—and I heartily suggest you find a spot for The Rage of Dragons.

Nine Goblins by T. Kingfisher: The World’s Wisest Teddy Bear, A Unicorn Birth, and Freakishly Nasty Tea

By HCNewton

On February 26, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction

Nine Goblins:
A Tale of Low Fantasy and High Mischief

by T. Kingfisher

DETAILS:
Publisher: Tordotcom
Publication Date: January 20, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Length: 160 pg.
Read Date: February 20-23, 2026

What’s Nine Goblins Book Jacket Say?

No one knows exactly how the Goblin War began, but folks will tell you that goblins are stinking, slinking, filthy, sheep-stealing, henhouse-raiding, obnoxious, rude, and violent. Goblins would actually agree with all this, and might throw in “cowardly” and “lazy” too for good measure.

But goblins don’t go around killing people for fun, no matter what the propaganda posters say. And when a confrontation with an evil wizard lands a troop of nine goblins deep behind enemy lines, goblin sergeant Nessilka must figure out how to keep her hapless band together and get them home in one piece.

Unfortunately, between them and safety lies a forest full of elves, trolls, monsters, and that most terrifying of creatures…a human being.

Sings-to-Trees

Nessilka and her troops are not the sole focus of the book. We also spend a lot of time with an Elf who is a veterinarian. We meet Sings-to-Trees when he’s struggling to help deliver a breach unicorn—it took me back to James Herriot books that I read in Junior High—but with a bit more graphic detail than the genteel Herriot would give.

I was very happy to read in the Author’s Note that he was the inspiration of Sings-to-Trees, incidentally.

While the goblins are good for laughs and ridiculous antics, Sings-to-Trees grounds this in a sort of reality, and brings most of the heart and maturity to the book.

There’s part of me that wonders why we got him in this book rather than some other party that seems more thematically on point. But I liked him so much that I really don’t care if it doesn’t make sense to feature a veterinarian in this. (then again, something making sense would feel a little out of place)

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

I picked this up on the strength of A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking.

I kept reading for a few reasons: it was too short to quit once I started (not that I ever wanted to, I’m just saying); and it was so sweet and amusing that I couldn’t help but keep going.

So, what did I think about Nine Goblins?

I like this side of goblins—it reminded me of Jim C. Hines’ Jig the Goblin. The nasty, grim, killing type of goblin is all well and good. Same for the super-clever tinkerer types. But there’s something about the not-terribly-bright, misunderstood goblin that really gets me.

But this book is about more than that; there’s this great elf—and some okay elves, too. And the wizard turned out to be a lot more interesting than you’d think when we first met him (and an interesting wizard is always a welcome sight).

I laughed, I chortled and chuckled, and I found a lot of this to be surprisingly sweet. It’s a quick read that’s practically pure pleasure. Fantasy fans should pick it up.

PUB DAY REPOST: Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett: A Tale Strays (of various species) Finding New Homes

By HCNewton

On February 17, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction

Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter

by Heather Fawcett

DETAILS:
Publisher: Del Rey
Publication Date: February 17, 2026
Format: Del Rey
Length: 368 pg.
Read Date: January 30-31, 2026

What’s Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter About?

A widow in her thirties struggles to keep the charity that she and her husband started afloat in 1920’s Montreal. They find stray cats on the street, get them cleaned up, spayed/neutered, whatever other basic veterinary care they need, and then match them with loving homes.

Oh, and her new landlord turns out to be the most feared and reviled magic user in the world.

I know, I know…that tired plot again.*

That’s all well and good—it’s just a business relationship, right? But at a certain point his business starts interfering with and threatening her charity (and the cats!). So Agnes decides she has to start meddling to keep anything truly harmful from happening. Even if that means spending time with said magician. Who is not at all attractive and charming, thank you very much.

* I truly hope the sarcasm there is obvious. But I’ve been missing a lot of swings like that lately.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

I thought the plot seemed amusing enough, but I was probably convinced to pick this up by my curiosity about what Fawcett could do outside of Emily Wilde‘s adventures.

I stuck with it because of Agnes. Sure, the story and other characters were fun and kept me reading. But for me, it’s all about Agnes. Her attitude, her fortitude, the way she acts as if she can bend reality to her will (she sure seems capable of turning the wills of most around her to hers)—she’s just a dynamo and you can believe that this non-magical person (anti-magic actually) can hold her own with people throwing spells around.

What does this book tell us about humanity?

There’s a good deal we can learn from Agnes about tenacity, about the power of people coming together in a common cause, about grief.

But the thing that stood out the most to me—and given the title, it’s probably to be expected—is the very human magic of pairing someone—man, woman, or child—with a pet fit for them. There’s the initial joy, and then long-term benefits as well. It’s that king of magic that keeps Agnes going. It’s what gets her sister to help, her volunteers to keep showing up, and it’s the way that people she’s matched with their cat that come to her aid—that fills the book with its heart.

So, what did I think about Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter?

It’s not often that I read a book featuring pets that don’t happen to be dogs, so it may come as some kind of surprise when I talk about one—I don’t know that I’d go so far as to say it surprised me, too—but it did seem a little strange.

This book was a pleasure from start to finish—I really didn’t know what to expect. But Fawcett sold the setting, the characters, and the story—it was all perfectly charming and engaging. The magic system seems really fitting for this world, and better than others. You get someone like Raistlin Majere or Harry Dresden running around, and I just don’t think it’d work as well.

There were some plot turns that I didn’t see coming—and maybe should’ve, but I enjoyed being taken unawares—and the bigger reveals at the end were so satisfying.

If you like Emily Wilde, you’ll like Agnes Aubert—they’re not the same character, but the core of each is pretty similar (as differently as they express that core). The rest of the characters are almost as good—the tertiary characters and the people she runs into in the neighborhood are just as well-drawn as the primary/secondary characters. Same for the cats and their personalities. There’s a treasure trove of personalities to get to know here.

This is a fantasy that’s full of charm and heart—you’ll be glad you picked this up.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Del Rey via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

In Medias Res: Banners of Wrath by Michael Michel: Just How Many Other Shoes Does He Have to Drop?

By HCNewton

On February 12, 2026

In Dreams of Dust and Steel, Fantasy, Fiction

As the title implies, I’m in the middle of this book (well, almost the middle), so this is not a review, just some thoughts along the way.

Banners of Wrath

by Michael Michel

DETAILS:
Series: Dreams of Dust and Steel, #3
Publisher: Chainbreaker Books
Publication Date: February 12, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 873 pg.>

What’s Banners of Wrath About?

In short, Namarr is at war–from within and, pretty soon, from without. Some characters are trying to stop the war (which, at this point, equals winning it before it gets worse), some are trying to take advantage of it, some are ignoring it in favor of their own concerns, and some are just trying to survive.

A Huge Plus

We get several pages of a recap of the series before the novel kicks off. With something as intricate as this series, that’s so helpful.

I really appreciate the way Michel keeps even this on theme, calling it, “The Cost Thus Far.” This whole series has been about prices to be paid. And this recap underlines many who have already paid.

Dramatis personae

There’s a lengthy dramatis personae at the beginning of the novel–if you’re like me, keep it open on your phone while you use an e-reader for easy reference. If you got your hands on a paper copy, keep a bookmark there–you’re going to want to check it often for the first third or so (results may vary on your attention span or memory).

Michel breaks it down into the 6 major plotlines of the book, so you can easily find who you’re looking for.

I’m almost far enough now that I don’t need to be checking names–but I find it reassuring that I can go back to it just in case.

New Characters

That reminds me–there are (understandably) a good number of new characters–I’m sure some of which will survive until the end of the book, and maybe even until the next. My only problem with any of them that I’ve come across is that the more of these new ones there are, the less time we’ll get with those already established. But other than that, there are a number that I’m eager to get to know better–and a couple that I hope find themselves at the pointy end of a sword soon.

I assume that Michel is going to terminate most that I want to see more of, and will allow the others to prosper. But a guy can hope, right?

So, what am I thinking about Banners of Wrath?

This book hits the ground running, and doesn’t let up. There’ve been some pretty exciting scenes already, some good fights–and they’re all precursors to sometime more–you can tell.

In each storyline there’s a very imminent threat of doom–very likely doom brought about by betrayal. The reader will have been told about some forms of betrayal soon to be seen–and the rest you’re pretty sure where they could come from. I don’t know that each storyline is going to take a big turn due to betrayal of some sort–but most of them will. I’m just sitting here on the edge of my seat wondering which, when and how.

I’m finding some characters that I really enjoyed previously leaving me feel pretty ambivalent at the moment. And there are two characters that I didn’t care much about–if I didn’t outright dislike/distrust them–that I’m coming around on. I’m not expecting that they’ll turn out to be heroes of the piece or anything, but I can see wanting more of them on the page.

I’ll come back in a few hundred pages–following several character deaths and a lot of harrowing moments for the survivors–with some fuller thoughts, but for now, here’s where I am. If you’ve read books 1 or 2, you’re probably waiting for this book already–and, at best, need this post to remind you that this is available. If you haven’t read any of these yet, let me encourage you to give them a try.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from the author but this my honest opinion—but also, the copy I ordered months ago downloaded to my e-Reader before I posted this, so…I only got a little bit of a head-start.

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