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Why You Need to Read: “She Who Became the Sun”

The Radiant Emperor, #1: She Who Became the Sun By: Shelley Parker-Chan Published: July 20, 2021 Genre: Historical Fantasy, Military Fantasy             She reached out and touched the amulet. Chongba had become nothing. “If he took my fate and died…then perhaps I can take his, and live.”             Her worst fear might be of becoming nothing, but that didn’t… Continue reading Why You Need to Read: “She Who Became the Sun”

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An Analysis of the Genre: Grimdark, Horror & Dark Fantasy

NOTE: This post is a rewrite of an assignment I wrote for a graduate school course. If you would like to read the original essay, then click here. Also, this is written in APA Format. Speculative fiction is the general term used when describing books which fall under the genres of fantasy, science fiction and horror,… Continue reading An Analysis of the Genre: Grimdark, Horror & Dark Fantasy

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TV Episode Review: “His Dark Materials”: “Tower of the Angels”

            This episode opens with how the Subtle Knife was created and the history of the world where it was created, and how both fell to corruption. The narration is similar to the opening scene in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring film, and I believe this was done intentionally in order to keep… Continue reading TV Episode Review: “His Dark Materials”: “Tower of the Angels”

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TV Episode Review: “His Dark Materials”: “The Theft”

The episode opens with the devastation left behind by the Magisterium on the witches, who swear vengeance against them. However, the clans acknowledge that their priority is to search for Lyra Silvertongue before the Great War begins. Unfortunately, they have no idea where she could be.              Lee Scoresby continues his search for Lyra—in his world—by… Continue reading TV Episode Review: “His Dark Materials”: “The Theft”

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Why You Need to Read: “Black Sun”

Between Earth and Sky, #1: Black Sun By: Rebecca Roanhorse Published: October 13, 2020 Genre: Fantasy/Folklore/Historical Fantasy             This year, the solstice will be marked by the rarest of celestial occurrences. As the year divides into old and new, so also will the earth, sun, and moon align in the Convergence. Over our very heads, we will… Continue reading Why You Need to Read: “Black Sun”

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Why You Need to Read: “The Year of the Witching”

The Year of the Witching By: Alexis Henderson Published: July 21, 2020 Genre: Dark Fantasy/Occult Fiction             Immanuelle had always felt a strange affinity for the Darkwood, a kind of stirring whenever she neared it. It was almost as though the forbidden wood sang a song that only she could hear, as though it was daring… Continue reading Why You Need to Read: “The Year of the Witching”

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Why You Need to Read: “The Shadow Saint”

The Black Iron Legacy: Book 2: The Shadow Saint By: Gareth Hanrahan Published: January 7, 2020 Genre: Fantasy, Grimdark             Ten months ago, at the height of what some call the Crisis and others the Gutter Miracle, a new city exploded into being within Guerdon, (Chapter 2).             When you read a book that becomes one of your favorite… Continue reading Why You Need to Read: “The Shadow Saint”

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Why You Need to Read: “The Rage of Dragons”

The Burning #1: The Rage of Dragons By: Evan Winters                                               Audiobook: 16 hours, 15 minutes Published: July 16, 2019                                    Narrated by: Prentice Onayemi Genre: Fantasy/Military/Historical Fiction/Folklore             And if Tau didn’t feel better, it had to be because there was still so much to do. He needed to go to Kigambe and test to become an Ihashe. Then he’d… Continue reading Why You Need to Read: “The Rage of Dragons”

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Why You Need to Read: “The Dragon Republic”

The Poppy War: #2: The Dragon Republic By: R.F. Kuang Published: August 8, 2019 Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Grimdark, Folklore, Military  WARNING: The following contains minor spoilers from both The Poppy War and The Dragon Republic. You have been warned.              She didn’t care about anyone’s visions for the future. She’d stopped wanting to be great, to carve out… Continue reading Why You Need to Read: “The Dragon Republic”

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Why You Need to Read: “Darkdawn”

The Nevernight Chronicle: #3: Darkdawn By: Jay Kristoff Published: September 3, 2019 Genre: Fantasy, Grimdark, Historical Fantasy, Folklore NOTE: This review contains spoilers from both Nevernight and Godsgrave.             Goddess, if only we’d known what she’d become…(Chapter 33, Wellspring).              Darkdawn is the stunning conclusion to The Nevernight Chronicle. Jay Kristoff gives his readers a blood-soaked conclusion to his antiheroine that rivals… Continue reading Why You Need to Read: “Darkdawn”