Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Young Adult Author
Sworn to the Gods is a fantasy romance by Lexi Caine. I came across it as it was listed on Amazon as an “other books you may like” for one of my own fantasy books. This struck me as odd, as fantasy romance and… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: Sworn to the Gods”
The Authentic Adam Smith: His Life and Ideas by James Buchan is an erudite but straightforward biography of Adam Smith. I was a bit worried at first that it would be partisan and revisionist, because the book cover claims Smith and his theories have… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: The Authentic Adam Smith”
Tree of Ages, by Sara Roethle, opens with Finn waking up, which is odd, since she’s a tree. Although now she seems to have arms and legs, and she finds the air is so, so cold. She tries to dig her feet in the… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: Tree of Ages”
I did not fully understand American History until I read this book, especially colonial history. Isn’t that crazy? With a year of AP US History in high school, and as a frequent reader of history as an adult (just click on the “History” tag… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: Albion’s Seed”
Bolivar’s Sword, by Jamie Edmundson, is the second book in the Weapon Takers Saga. I reviewed the first novel in the series here. This review will be a bit shorter than that one, as most of the same strengths and weaknesses in the writing… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: Bolivar’s Sword”
Charles Emmerson’s book about 1913 is exactly what the title promises: an exploration of the world on the eve of World War I. Rather than proceeding according to, say, a calendar of the year, or a survey of personalities or events, Emmerson has chosen… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: 1913: In Search of the World Before the Great War”
I was looking for a fantasy book with a bit of a twist, and thought Jamie Edmundson’s Toric’s Dagger looked like a fun heist novel–something like a team of fast-talking professional thieves out to steal valuable weapons. And it does start out that way,… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: Toric’s Dagger”
Now here’s a beautifully written novel for older kids: Lotería, by Karla Arenas Valenti. And great for practicing your Spanish, too, as there are numerous Spanish phrases throughout, always followed by a translation in the text. The book is organized around a game of… Continue Reading “What I’m Reading: Lotería”