Category: Fiction Page 2 of 341

edited by Jim Butcher, Kerrie L. Hughes
Series: The Dresden Files, #14.5; InCryptid, #531; Simon Canderous, #0.5 (I’m guessing) ; and some others that I don’t have a tag for right now
Paperback, 330 pg.
Roc, 2016
Read: January 10, 2017

This is a collection of stories

based on the idea that good and evil are just two aspects of a complicated and very human story . . . [with plots that] play with the concept and invite the reader to explore the edges of their own darkness.

Eleven of the best Urban Fantasy authors working today contributed to this book, each bringing their worlds to life from that basis.

I’m not going to talk about each story, just about those from authors I talk a lot about here — I don’t have the time and energy to talk about Kevin J. Anderson, Kat Richardson, Tanya Huff or the others. If for no other reason, I feel like I should read more of these series/characters/authors before talking about them — many of whom are on my “Try Out Sometime” list.

We, like the book, have to start with “Cold Case” by Jim Butcher. Harry’s former apprentice, Molly, gets to shine in this story. This is one of her first tasks in her new role as Winter Lady — in Alaska, fittingly enough. There’s a large amount of on-the-job training going on for her — more than she bargains for, really. We also get to spend some time with Warden Carlos Martinez — been too long since we saw him. Perfect mix of action, humor and atmosphere — we also get a good idea what’s in store for poor ol’ Molly.

We got to meet another member of the Price family in Seanan McGuire’s “Sleepover”. Elsie Harrington is a half-succubus cousin to Verity, Alex and Antimony. Their presence is felt in the story, but other than a couple of name-drops, they don’t factor into things, it’s just in that series’ universe. Elsie’s watching Antimony in a roller derby match and finds herself kidnapped. Not for any nefarious reasons — just because some people needed her help and are bad at asking for favors. Elsie has a very Price-like voice and outlook on life, but she’s got her own way of doing things. I really enjoyed this — even if the ending felt abrupt.

Anton Strout got to revisit the series that gave him his start in “Solus,” which featured Simon Canderous as a rookie DEA Agent dealing with a haunted house. His partner/mentor, Connor Christos, has almost no use for him at this point and seems to have no interest at all in working with him/training him. Maybe I’m not remembering the character as clearly as I thought, but I thought I liked him as a person more. Still, this was early enough in the relationship that it was probably the right way to deal with it. Other than happening before I was ready for it, I really enjoyed the conclusion of this story. In short, “Solus” was good, it reminded me why I liked the series and why I miss it.

My one complaint about all these stories (save for “Cold Case”), was that they were too short. It’s not just Strout and McGuire. In all the stories, just as things started to get going, they resolved. I’m not saying I wanted a collection of novellas, but another 5-10 pages each, maybe?

Yeah, like all collections, you’re going to get some that just don’t work for a particular reader, and others that are going to get a reader pumped – and maybe one that’ll make you wonder why you bothered. Your lists of each will be different from mine — but there’ll be more than enough of the good ones to make it worth your while. You may even find a new series/author to check out.

—–

3 Stars

2017 Library Love Challenge

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.

Cat on a Hot Tin Woof by Spencer Quinn: Chet Searches for an Influencer Cat

By HCNewton

On April 8, 2026

In Chet and Bernie, Dogs, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Spencer Quinn

This was supposed to go up yesterday…but apparently, the key is to press the “Schedule” button. Just a friendly tip from you to me.

Cat on a Hot Tin Woof

by Spencer Quinn

DETAILS:
Series: Chet and Bernie, #16
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: April 14, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 320 pg.
Read Date: April 1-6, 2026

Before I get into things…that title is great (not that Quinn’s a stranger to good titles). I want to believe he wrote that title down some time ago and spent a couple of years thinking of a story to go with it.

What’s Cat on a Hot Tin Woof About?

One of the best things about the Chet and Bernie books is the wide diversity in cases they investigate—sure, the Little Detective Agency specializes in missing persons cases—but they do it all. Well, almost all. The clients they have this time are something that Bernie isn’t really ready for—and Chet would’ve been happier if they’d never run into them.

It’s a mother-daughter pair—the daughter had accidentally launched herself (well, her cat) to Internet fame and a very respectable income for a high schooler (well, more than respectable). Her mother is her business manager. Their problem? Miss Kitty is missing. Their sponsors are coming in soon to sign a new deal, and her audience is clamoring for fresh content. So the clock is ticking.

Bernie understands very little of this, but signs on—and quickly learns that despite what his clients believed—the cat didn’t slip out of the house somehow. She’s been stolen.

Naturally, it doesn’t stop with a stolen cat—more crimes turn up, as does an element of danger.

Bernie’s ex-wife, Leda, has some drama of her own, for him to deal with, too. But Bernie’s focus is on the case (although he takes time out for a fun scene to help Leda)

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

That’s simple—while Quinn isn’t a stranger to less-impressive books, he’s incapable of writing an un-entertaining one—particularly with this series. And it’s been a while since he stumbled anyway.

Why did I keep at it? There is simply something infectious about Chet’s voice—as much as you want to figure out what happened—who kidnapped the cat and why, will they figure out the other mysteries along the way, will Bernie lose a lot of money doing something foolish, etc.—you want to stay in Chet’s head for longer than it’ll take to finish the book. This book is a textbook example of that.

What does this book tell us about humanity?

There’s a good deal here about the human propensity for making mistakes you’d regret later—if not sooner.

There’s a lot about good parenting and inadequate parenting/parents. There are a couple of good parents in this book (one came so late in the book, you’d almost despair of seeing another one ever again), and several inadequate ones. Most of those didn’t realize they were—but boy howdy, they should’ve.

What this book tells us most about humanity—and this is largely true for every Chet and Bernie book is the importance of a connection between a human and an animal. Even if it’s just a connection for a short-time. We’ve got cats, a pig, and a couple of dogs. The cats enrich (literally, in at least one case) the lives of those they stay with. Chet gets to comfort people going through rough times and gets to support Bernie. The pig? Well, it’s there. The cats and the dogs are just wonderful and will make you want your own (assuming you don’t already).

So, what did I think about Cat on a Hot Tin Woof?

It’s a Chet and Bernie book—of course, I had a good time.

I’d have liked a little more clarity on a point or two about the conclusion. But when your narrator is delightfully unreliable, that’s hard. I think about these cases in a way Chet wouldn’t bother with, so unless Bernie muses about some of the action, there’s just no way that we get the answers I want.

But you have to expect that going in, so it really doesn’t matter.

It’s been a minute since “old man Heydrich” was brought up (and I’m more than okay with that), and I think his replacement could be fun. We get some good Charlie and Leda stuff. Weatherly could’ve been in it more (but was used well). The client herself is the kind that you hope Quinn finds a way to bring back (as he does with another client here), and…well, it’s all just good.

It’s a fun mystery that will keep you smiling throughout—even when Chet solves the mystery (and doesn’t realize it)—maybe it’d be better to say that the reader solves it through Chet’s eyes—and you’re just sitting there waiting for Bernie to catch up. That’s frequently a frustrating experience when I’m that far ahead of the protagonist in a book—but here, it’s just fun.

If you’ve never met our intrepid pair of P.I.s, this would be a perfect book to jump into the series with—honestly, any of them would work, but you might as well start with this one. If you’ve been around the duo before, this is as good as you remember. Either way—check out Cat on a Hot Tin Woof.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post, which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

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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Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite: A Cozy Murder Mystery in Spaaaaaaaaace.

By HCNewton

On April 3, 2026

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Science Fiction

Murder by Memory

by Olivia Waite

DETAILS:
Series: Dorothy Gentleman, #1
Publisher: Tordotcom
Publication Date: March 18, 2025
Format: Hardcover
Length: 100 pg.
Read Date: March 26, 2026

What’s Murder by Memory About?

Dorothy Gentleman is a ship’s detective on a ship called Fairweather on a centuries-long voyage. After one of her lives ended, Dorothy asked not to be put into a new body, but for her data/personality to stay “on the shelf” for a bit. But she finds herself awakened in someone else’s body.

A security protocol revived her and put her in the nearest body in order to investigate a murder.

Dorothy sets out on a series of conversations/interviews over several cups of tea, to not only find out who the murderer was (that was actually pretty easy), but why the murder happened (that’s the tricky bit in this case).

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

I grabbed this from the library because I saw something about the sequel, Nobody’s Baby, and that sounded great. But I have developed an allergy to reading series out of order.

I kept at it because of the narrator’s voice, I was curious about the world, and it moved so fast that I really didn’t have a chance to think about dropping it (I wouldn’t have, I should stress, but I didn’t have the time).

What does this book tell us about humanity?

There’s a good deal to question about if who a person is can be reduced to software that can be uploaded and downloaded. This book isn’t the place for that—but I can’t help thinking of other books that made me ask the same question. This is sort of the sanitized version of Altered Carbon in that way—you just have to accept it unquestionably, or the book doesn’t work.

There’s a lot about grief, loss, inevitability of aging, and what betrayal and (a twisted version?) of love can drive a person to, here as well. But again, it feels like trying to dig deeper than this novella invites you to in order to ask this. It really just seems like it wants you to kick back and enjoy the ride uncritically. Just to have some fun.

And that’s 100% okay. It’s even welcome. It just makes finding something to write about difficult, you know?

So, what did I think about Murder by Memory?

The balance between worldbuilding, character, and the mystery seems off. Worldbuilding and explaining that world takes an inordinate amount of space. However…that’s not true; it’s key for this particular mystery to have the worldbuilding (the tech, the social structure, and behavior of the ship) explained.

I do think that the characters get swallowed up a bit in everything, and could be better fleshed out. The mystery itself was…fine, but your investment in the investigation hinges on learning about the ship and the technology behind the transfer of consciousness from one body to another.

That was enough for me—and enough for me to suggest that you give this a shot—but I hope for better in the next book.

GUEST REVIEW: Wistful Ascending by JCM Berne from The Firsty Duelist

By HCNewton

On March 30, 2026

In Science Fiction, The Hybrid Helix

For years now, I’ve linked to posts by The Firsty Duelist–typically from his mother’s Witty and Sarcastic Book Club in Saturday Miscellany posts. Since he started his blog, he’s taught me more about manga than anyone that isn’t my kid. And now, I get the pleasure of co-hosting this review of JCM Berne’s great debut. Enjoy, and give ol’ Firsty a follow.

Cover of Wistful Ascending by JCM Berne
I got this image from jcmberne.com

This book follows Rohan, a man with half-alien parentage which gives him tremendous and spectacular Powers, who is working as a Tow Chief on the space station Wistful, bringing in ships by flying through space under his own Hybrid Power. However, he wasn’t always a Tow Chief, and he didn’t always use his Powers peacefully… When this past starts catching up to him in the midst of a scientific investigation into a nearby wormhole which recently displayed major signs of activity, will he manage to ride it through, or will he have to revert to his old self in order to save those he cares about? Only time will tell…

To put it simply, I loved this book! The pace kept things moving even during more subdued scenes, the dialogue was great and showcased the characters’ personalities really well, and the worldbuilding was super interesting as well. The idea of beings with one parent from a certain alien race having special Powers granted to them by their heritage that their full-blooded parents don’t exhibit is fascinating, and the additional details explained about how this system works later in the book made for some spectacular revelations.

To put it in more detail, this book is a shining example of the kind of sci-fi (or storytelling pace in general) that I like. From what I can tell a lot of sci-fi is a bit slower, or more of a downer, or tries to go more for weirdness than anything else, and this book doesn’t do any of that, which I appreciate. It reads almost like a comic book, which is a comparison definitely helped by Rohan’s quippyness and the fact that he basically has superpowers. And on the topic of those Powers, that was one thing that really stood out to me with this book as well! The idea that not only do some people in this world have the ability to use their own inherent energy to Push and Pull on things around them, as well as an increased healing factor and above-average strength, is cool enough, but the added wrinkle of it being dependent on heritage, and said heritage often using their Powered offspring for intergalactic conquest and warfare, was super interesting to me.

Additionally, this book does a great job not only expanding on the details that are actively relevant to the plot, but also the details of the universe at large. It really felt like the Empire was a massive looming presence, even though they weren’t directly involved in the story. And the ramifications of recent events, especially the ramifications of Rohan’s involvement in said events, also came into play in great ways, further deepening the overall plot. The story pretty much takes place entirely on Wistful and in the surrounding space, but it feels like a much grander scale due to the way the far-reaching parts of the universe play into things.

Meanwhile, the characters were all great as well! Rohan was likeable while still having his own issues to work out, making him a good protagonist trying to do his best despite his flawed past, but for me the supporting cast is even better. The Security Chief Wei Li’s deadpan sense of humor (or maybe just plain deadpan seriousness?) was fantastic to read and always seemed to catch Rohan off-guard, and the scientific research vessel Insatiable was also a highlight for me, with their extremely energetic personality and difficulty with keeping secrets.

Actually, the idea that a spaceship (or space station, for that matter) could be sentient was something that I wasn’t expecting when going into this book, and it surprised me a bit at first, but I feel it makes the story even more unique, and also adds more weight to things like firefights, with multiple ships taking damage or being destroyed. Depending on the scale and origin of the ships involved, destroying them is the same as taking a life, even without taking into account the lives of the crew members, and that additional wrinkle was very interesting. Plus, like I said earlier, the ship Insatiable was really fun to read, and Wistful definitely has a few secrets which I hope will be explored later in the series…

Another thing this book did well was making the different alien species feel, well, alien! There’s a certain alien race in this book that are basically talking space bears, and the way they’re written makes them feel just different enough to feel like aliens, while still having customs and mannerisms that a normal human can understand. I can’t say much more without spoiling some of the latter half of the book, but I really like how the “Ursans”, as they are called, played into things in particular, and some of the offhand descriptions of their rituals and such that I felt did a great job conveying what sort of society they have.

Overall, I can’t say enough about this book! If you want a fast-paced sci-fi story with an unforgettable world, great characters, and a fantastic balance of intense action, a bit of drama, and some good humor as well, then I highly recommend this book.

But, that’s about it for this post! I hope you enjoyed reading what I had to say, and may you have a fantastic day, night, or whenever it is you’re reading this!

-Bye!
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Opening Lines: Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite

By HCNewton

On March 27, 2026

In Fiction, News/Misc., Opening Lines, Quotations

We all know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover (yet, publishing companies spend big bucks on cover design/art and we all do judge them that way). But, the opening sentence(s)/paragraph(s) are fair game. So, when I stumble on a good opening (or remember one and pull it off the shelves), I like to throw it up here (especially if I’m out of time to come up with a post that involves writing on my part).

from Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite:

Near the topmost deck, in a small lift with glass walls and flickering buttons, I, Dorothy Gentleman, ship’s detective, opened a pair of eyes and licked a pair of lips and awoke in a body that wasn’t mine.

It was the nails that first tipped me off. Blank bodies were just that: blank. My nails ought to have been the same color as the skin beneath—in my case, somewhere in a range of pinks, tending to florid.

Not silver, and not shaped.

This body was already inhabited.

My skin—someone’s skin—broke out in gooseflesh. Of course every human body was a horrifying collection of juices and tissues, acids and effluvia poured into a bag with a bunch of long rocks, a shambling accident of biology that made its own mysterious and often frustrating decisions without reference to the mind. They were disgusting miracles, every one. It was always a bit unsettling to wake up in a fresh form, until habit made a home of it.

But someone else’s home, and my self inside it! A nightmare. Imagine going to the washroom to be sick and having someone else’s sick come out.

I came very close to making this more than a metaphor. It took many deep, deliberate breaths for the squeamish feeling to subside.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

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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.

Head Fake (Audiobook) by Scott Gordon, read by Nick Mondelli: Hoop Dreams and Sometimes Crushing Reality

By HCNewton

On March 24, 2026

In Audiobook, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature

Head Fake

by Scott Gordon, read by Nick Mondelli

DETAILS:
Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc.
Publication Date: April 29, 2025
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 9 hrs., 43 min.
Read Date: February 27-March 2, 2026

What’s Head Fake About?

Mikey has been unhoused a lot recently, but is currently staying with his father to recover from a sickness. If he can keep a job for a while, he can stay with him. His dad has a connection that can get Mikey a job at a school for high-risk offenders with mental illnesses as a bus driver.

It’s not much, but it’s something.

Then, due to a fun set of circumstances, he’s put in the job of coaching the team’s small basketball team.

Oh, I should probably mention that Mikey’s dad is a couple of months away from becoming the winningest High School basketball coach in the U.S., and despite the tortured relationship between the two, Mikey learned a lot from him.

Mikey needs to get the trust of his team (and the school’s administration), fight through his own mental illness struggles, and keep his father from tossing him out. That should be no problem at all, right?

What did I think about the Narration?

I have no notes. Mondelli got everything from Mikey’s attitude, the students, his father, and everyone else just right.

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

I honestly don’t remember how I came across this book. But I put it on a list at some point, and eventually got around to picking it up.

I stuck with it because I liked Mikey—his voice and him as a person. He got his hooks in me right away and wouldn’t let go. I really just had to find out what happened to him—the more I got to know the students, the more I got invested. (just the way a reader is supposed to)

What does this book tell us about humanity?

This is a book about broken people helping other broken people (and, in some cases, hurting broken people). While there are some similarities in the problems each character has faced and is facing, it’s not the commonalities that connect them—it’s that they’ve faced a problem and are still trying, however weakly.

Also, a love for basketball.

So, what did I think about Head Fake?

While set in a high school, this is not a YA book. But it is YA-friendly.

This book is really a mash-up of two sure-fire feel-good stories. First, you’ve got an underdog sports team battling just to be taken seriously—and it ends up winning a lot. Gordon nails this part. Granted, it’s hard to mess that kind of story up—but there’s something so satisfying when it’s done right.

The other part of the mash-up is the outsider connecting with students in an inspirational way. Think Lean on Me or Sister Act 2 (more of the latter than the former). Granted, a bus driver isn’t much of an authority figure—but that’s where the coach part comes in.

You combine the two with some strong character growth from one of the underest underdog characters I can think of, some dumb humor, and a metric ton of earnest goodwill, and you’ve got yourself a wholly pleasant book that I can’t imagine a reader/listener wouldn’t be charmed by.

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.