Davetopia

Higgins presents a world in which good does not always triumph over evil but the human spirit can triumph over adversity, creating a realistic vision of post-apocalyptic society. This novel is (unshockingly) the fourth volume in Higgins’ Solar Apocalypse series. This review might therefore suggest some outcomes of events in the previous books. The novel is also part of the Ravaged Skies universe,…

The United Kingdom has a new prime minister. Yet another prime minister. And I admit to concerns that Andy Burnham is a careerist rather than a genuine reformer. And whether, even if his avowal of Manchesterism is genuine rather than cynical, Manchesterism is a movement that benefits all rather than being a different privileging from Londonism. What do you think my opinion is of radiotherapy? The…

Retelling ancient stories in modern verse, Bush both draws forth timeless insights into the human condition and rejects the weaponisation of scripture to oppress or divide. …

“Half the output of AI is plagiarised or wrong—the trouble is no one knows, perceives, recognises which half.” —Jon Wanabaker

Arenson blends an interesting magic system with a world heavily based on classical Mediterranean history, creating gritty military fantasy. …

One of my acquaintances uploaded a few videos of a recent trip they took to the Hemei Mountain Trail with their drone. Some of the footage is the sweeping vistas and soaring pans that drones have opened up to photographers who don’t have easy access to a helicopter; and do offer an eye-pleasing view of the liminal zone between the natural world and the nearby city. But this one created by setting…

Higgins continues to balance the overall benefits of human society against the immediate advantages of selfishness, creating a post-apocalyptic tale that offers hope of a better future without ignoring the imperfections in human nature. This novel is (shockingly enough given the title) the third volume in Higgins’ Solar Apocalypse series. This review might reveal some outcomes of the first…

The rocks are melting I scream without an effect Long past third degree

Finelli combines the need to defeat aggressors with the challenge of keeping people alive, creating small unit science fiction that is as much about the dangers outside combat as within. …

The WordPress algorithm reminded me this morning that ten years ago I posted a Lovecraftian alternative to Brexit discourse, which in turn reminded me about all the times people then—and since—have referred to leaving political decisions to “the adults in the room”. Glancing at my feed, I fear mummy and daddy are fighting again. …

Pantley adds a portmanteau cast and transportation to other realms to the cosy mystery format, creating an engaging variation from the norm. …

Unexpectedly yet pleasingly, two previously unknown poets invited me to riff on my Yellow Emperor haiku, weaving a rengay. A decadent mask tip to Nara Moore and Paul David Mena for both the enjoyable collaboration itself and the opportunity to make a play on words about being jazzed. Continue reading Ragweed Unicorn

Wilson combines an engaging setting with realistic portrayals of human imperfection, creating a novel that is both epic fantasy and gritty thriller. Continue reading A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson

This morning, I found myself randomly musing on a primary school trip to St. Fagans; specifically, the utter horror I felt during the re-enactment of Victorian schooling when those of us who were left-handed were required to write with our right hands. Less than an hour in a life, soon followed by compassionate explanation of how it showed the United Kingdom had left a prejudice behind—yet it…

Like murmuration, Khan and Ashcroft’s anthology both draws forth a whole from swirling parts and evokes thought of the liminal space between sight and darkness. Continue reading A Distant Light by Yasmin Khan & Simon J Ashcroft

Lesser Purple Emperor (Apatura ilia)©Clemens M. Brandstetter – CC BY-SA A grub-sculpted bloom Woven with gossamer veil Gilt smears my fingers

Rose collects a selection of fantasy quests, heists, and other tales that are each of their setting rather than merely happening in it. Continue reading Magic and Majesty: A Midwest Fantasy Sampler 2026, ed. Justin Rose