SciFi / Fantasy / Horror
Plot/Idea: Witch Fire returns to the world of the Sundancer Mystery series in which figures called 'Watchers' guard against a magical underworld of beasts, Gods, and other creatures of legend.
Prose: Brian and Juliet Freyermuth write in an energetic, humor-filled prose style that succeeds in making the extraordinary supernatural circumstance feel commonplace.
Originality: While Witch Fire borrows from paranormal conventions, the authors blend in a wealth of paranormal legends, evoking a menagerie of beings in the most unlikely of places to keep readers on their toes.
Character/Execution: Nick St. James is a likably enigmatic character attempting to overcome his dark family legacy. The authors fill out the cast with Nick's girlfriend, her ticked-off brother, and other figures of human and other origin. While the series tosses in just about everything but the kitchen sink, the deadpan humor paired with brushes of horror, is a winning formula.
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Plot/Idea: Life, Undiminished is brimming with potential but ultimately let down by its execution. Despite tackling contemporary themes such as pandemics and ecological sustainability, the plot fails to truly engage the reader.
Prose: Lemmert's futuristic sci-fi is enterprising and creative, but the writing style becomes repetitive. The story is presented as a series of events, many of which are intriguing, but they are never allowed to properly flourish.
Originality: Despite its original premise, and ideas that set it apart from similar titles, the novel is constricted by dry exposition.
Character/Execution: The character interactions in Life, Diminished are lacking emotional connection, though the relationship between Nick and Aurora is quite endearing.
Plot/Idea: The plot inches along initially, but once Caz stumbles onto the strange happenings in Dunland, the pace picks up, and readers will be treated to bouts of action and otherworldly mystery. Series fans will relish the seamless extension of earlier installments.
Prose: The prose is delivered in an almost diary-like fashion, a choice that drags the plot at times. The author hints at the magic of Caz’s world without overemphasizing, effectively building a believable system that naturally falls into place as the story progresses.
Originality: The backdrop of FitzDuncan’s Hope is certainly creative, and the author balances exposition with dialogue and action well; however, the characters struggle to keep up with the story’s intricate world.
Character/Execution: Caz is fairly non-reactive, despite the bevy of intrigue and danger facing him at every turn. His cool demeanor may challenge readers who wish to connect on a deep level with their main characters, but ultimately it fits the book’s style and setting. The supporting characters all hover around Caz, which helps move the plot forward, though it leaves them feeling one-dimensional.
Plot/Idea: Readers will be haunted by Omog'ryl'ak’s plot, and the writing will spark immense contemplation. The novel manages to come across as mysterious while subtly drawing attention to its hidden meanings.
Prose: The prose in the story’s myth is archaic and challenging to wade through in parts, but there are deeper messages hidden throughout that echo the book’s theme—and the background presented in the introduction.
Originality: This novel is wholly original, to the point that genres become intriguingly blurred, and readers will need to be diligent to tease out what is truth and what is myth in the book’s context.
Character/Execution: Jynx is a standout character, a courageous and enigmatic lead that suffuses the novel with boldness and passion. Supporting characters meld into the novel’s mythological context well, while adding whimsy and adventure.
Plot/Idea: Stars Like Acid is an enjoyable and convincing sci-fi romance that follows Tea as she overcomes a series of early childhood obstacles only to be faced with a set of devastating discoveries later in life. Despite its many strengths, the plot is occasionally labored and the doomed romance between Tea and Zephyr can sometimes cross into clichéd territory.
Prose: Though there's much to savor here, and the work's tense and dramatic action sequences are gratifying. Stars Like Acid doesn't fully deliver in other respects, however. The increasingly brutal denouement clashes with the sweeping romance and evocatively described atmospheres described earlier in the book.
Originality: Stars Like Acid is an emotionally resonant work that carves out an intriguing niche within the genre.
Character/Execution: While aspects of the story may strike readers as overblown, the author establishes fine-tuned worldbuilding. The relationship between Tea and Zephyr, while fraught with a degree of melodrama, offers many touching and tender moments that allow their individual characters and relationships to shine.
Plot/Idea: Lost Long is an adventure/fantasy thriller that uses Norse mythology (including familiar characters like Odin, Thor, and Loki), to frame a modern quest/love story. When Lia accidentally witnesses a battle between two gods, he life becomes forfeit--however, one of the gods--Freyr, the Norse God of love--has sworn to protect humanity and is determined to keep her safe. What follows is an epic adventure as Freyr, sister Freya,(human) husband Will, and Lia must race their enemies to Asgard. Along the way, Lia and Freyr must also confront their love for each other and weigh the sacrifices of their choices.
Prose: Overall, Wilcox's prose is detailed, fast-paced, and easy to read, and Lost Long does a good job of worldbuilding for future modern/ Norse mythological adventures.
Originality: Mythological figures in a modern setting, a fantastical quest, an unlikely love story--none of the above are overly original. However, despite this, Wilcox does succeed in crafting a fun to read, imaginative tale; and she clearly has a passion for Norse mythology that shines through on every page.
Character/Execution: Overall, the characters are well-executed and developed, and, despite the familiarity of some characters, Freyr and Freya add interest and dimension. Unfortunately, Lia is only seen through the lovesick eyes of Freyr, so she sometimes reads as flat--however as this is Book 1, all of the main characters are adequately developed as an intro to the world/plot.
Plot/Idea: This alternate reality/fantasy tale follows the Reeve--a peace officer/sheriff looking for answers after a questionable suicide in his home city Beldenridge. However, he finds more than he bargained for when he discovers an ancient threat in the wilderness of a mythical and devastating foe.
Prose: Lewis's prose borders on the purple, sometimes oversaturated variety--forcing the reader to adjust to its melody. However, overall the lyrical descriptive prose accentuates the story and heightens its suspense and mystery.
Originality: It's somewhat unclear whether From Legend is set in a dystopian future, or alternate reality--and its mythos sometimes enters Dark Tower territory. However, the Reeve's world has enough of its own mysteries to lend it an originality; a layered world worth exploring.
Character/Execution: The Reeve is a loner with a past, he feels deeply yet must remain vigilant and watchful while shouldering the responsibility of many: a well-developed, multi-layered character with the appeal of loner/hero. The supporting cast also works well, (though somewhat in the background), while The Veil serves as an acolyte to the Reeve.
Plot/Idea: After a hard fought war to defeat the 'father' of vampires, Vince and his vampire clan exist in peace with the werewolves. However, the truce (and their very existence) is threatened with the appearance of a strange dragon symbol--and a mysterious young woman, Melia, who is more than what she seems; and Vince is forced to face demons both past and present.
Prose: Ryder's prose is oddly hurried at times and is often jarring in its rhythm, switching somewhat suddenly between stilted dialogue and an effort to capture the 'magic' of the world. Despite this, the storytelling overall doesn't really suffer significantly; the reader just has to try and adapt and even ignore its prosy foibles in order to try and enjoy the story.
Originality: Vampires, werewolves, magic, destiny--an epic battle where two unlikely allies must work together to defeat a greater evil--all familiar (and some would argue overused?) tropes that Ryder uses as a basis for "Light." In spite of its familiarity, fans of the genre will easily appreciate this work of vampire fiction.
Character/Execution: Both Vince and Melia are well-written and complex--and, as the centerpieces of the story, they definitely do a lot of the heavy lifting; Ryder does well to develop them both. The supporting cast, while in the background, also does an adequate job of both filling out the narrative, and, in some cases, (Camille, Lamont, Cecily) add much-needed depth and conflict.
Plot/Idea: The novel opens with immediate action that throws readers right into the mix of things. Background context is lacking, and the plot slows until the last third of the book, when characters come face to face with a serious problem to solve. Throughout the story, readers will glean that Caz can handle whatever challenge is thrown at him.
Prose: The prose works out its kinks as the novel progresses, and Caz's first-person narration gradually allows readers to connect with him on a deeper level.
Originality: FitzDuncan's Gambit will feel familiar to fantasy fans. The story is formed by a castaway hero with royal roots and a noble heart, slightly mystical undertones, an urgent quest, and female characters who support the male heroes without commanding their own storylines.
Character/Execution: The main characters have well-established relationships with each other, and the rapport they share is an appealing aspect of the novel. Many of their qualities remain static over the course of the book, with their growth and development slowed somewhat in this volume.
Plot/Idea: When an introverted and independent maternity nurse discovers that her neighbors aren't fully human, her entire world changes. The Neighbors offers a striking setup, though the supernatural elements diffuse some of the initial psychological tensions.
Prose: Ryder makes the intriguing choice to tell the story through a second-person perspective. This contributes some stylistic novelty, though it also keeps readers at a distance from the heroine. Frequent references to songs may prove more distracting than illuminating.
Originality: Readers will enjoy the buildup to Zoe's assault and the subsequent reveal of her neighbors' otherworldly nature. Ryder integrates some original worldbuilding, but the novel ultimately embraces familiar paranormal romance conventions.
Character/Execution: Zoe is initially alluring, particularly in her devotion to her profession, distrust of strangers (men especially), and reclusive nature. Terrence and Jensen are compelling, but they are largely defined by their vampiric characteristics rather than distinctive traits.
Plot: In My Pet Werewolf, Brady's world is turned upside down by the death of his father. As he tries to contend with his malignant stepfather and a belligerent school bully in the aftermath, he unwittingly becomes drawn into a bloody battle sparked by a chance encounter with a werewolf. Kaine's text begins as a sincere look at family dynamics following a tragic death before its horror elements take root.
Prose: Kaine is a solid storyteller with a knack for telling details, though the prose doesn't always capture the youthful voices of its characters, which may sometimes create a disconnect for readers.
Originality: Kaine uplifts the werewolf lore by creating an intriguing backstory for the story's central character; readers may ultimately engage more with the novel's central relationships than with the supernatural elements.
Character/Execution: The novel's primary strength is in its character development. A sometimes outlandish storyline can feel at odds with the more nuanced coming-of-age threads.
Plot/Idea: Following a divorce, June Williams is forced to return to her childhood home with her young son. But secrets abound within the household. As June attempts to uncover the truth about her biological father, quiet, unseen forces are gathering their powers. Kane's novel is somewhat uneven in its execution, with the more realistic, relationship-centered elements providing more interest than the paranormal ones.
Prose: Kane's narrative focuses closely on both June and her mother, Lillian. The work is at its strongest when exploring the women's complex emotions surrounding June's biological father and the secrets Lillian conceals.
Originality: The blending of family drama with a more otherworldly element is unique, but the paranormal circumstances can come across as forced.
Character/Execution: Kane's characters are certainly complex, and the slow-building suspense is well-executed. The denouement can come across as jarring, though, diffusing the tension carefully woven throughout.
Plot/Idea: Lucy’s dystopian plot is complicated to follow, and the story’s events unfold in a winding, disconnected manner. The ending ties up some loose ends but leaves more questions than answers.
Prose: The prose subtly lays the stage for the novel’s events, but there are many instances of awkward phrasing and some grammatical errors that take away from the reading experience.
Originality: The worldbuilding is creative, as are the conflicts faced by the story’s main characters while they work through the aftereffects of Earth falling apart.
Character/Execution: Lucy’s characters are multilayered and complex as they navigate the story’s post-apocalyptic scenery. Nova becomes more direct and courageous as the story advances, and Tac is a street-smart character whose quick thinking and resourcefulness is appealing.
Plot/Idea: This is a supernatural fantasy about a girl who learns she is an Element who can control air and lightning powers. The plot follows a mostly linear structure, though there is some play with time and space manipulation, as a mounting battle of good and evil between near-gods develops to an exciting climax.
Prose: Though the writing skews toward the descriptive with an emphasis on visual imagery, clumsy and imprecise phrasing can detract from the rich concept.
Originality: The character archetypes and plot arcs are reminiscent of anime tropes and structures. Within this context the scenario and setting are creative and vibrant. Throughout the book are links to K-pop songs on YouTube. Their connection to the story is unclear, but they presumably exist as conduits for particular emotions; it's unfortunate the writing isn’t trusted to do this on its own.
Character/Execution: Characterization largely props up the narrative conflict engine, with little exploration of supporting characters beyond their relationship to the plot and protagonist’s growth. The power-fantasy arc of the eponymous protagonist builds at a nice pace and reaches a satisfying climax.
Plot: Leggett's novel integrates clear, straightforward worldbuilding along with some interesting ideas and vibrant details. However, the execution is somewhat labored. The groundwork of a compelling sci-fi fantasy yarn is present, but hampered by a focus on mundane events.
Prose: The writing style is readable, and there are some descriptive passages that offer glimpses of style, but the book is hindered by long passages of dialogue that don't propel the story.
Originality: East Sol integrates a number of sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, and romance tropes to engaging effect, though the work doesn't fully carve out its own niche.
Character/Execution: The characters in Leggett's novel are plentiful and are generally described quite well. However, their development is weakened by clunky dialogue that serves more as exposition than to further their relationships and growth.
