M.A. Kropp: Writer, Blogger, GeekGirl. My Life. My Words. My Way.
One of the trending discussions that cropped up among the genre social media feeds during the past month revolved around the idea of canon. Specifically, the perceived loss of reverence for what the complaining folks considered the classics of science fiction literature. They complain that "these kids today" have no idea what great scifi is … Continue reading Canon? Or Cannon?
My rating: 4 of 5 starsThis is the third in the Custard Protocol series by Gail Carriger. The series follows the crew of the dirigible The Spotted Custard as they travel the globe, investigating, uncovering, and aiding supernatural events and beings. Oh, and there are hats, proper gowns, and tea time, of course. In this … Continue reading Friday Review: Competence (Custard Protocol #3) by Gail Carriger
My rating: 3 of 5 starsThese short pieces were written as add-on stories in the larger Shannara world. As such, none really add a whole lot to the bigger picture, but do give us a bit of a spotlight on events not essential to the novels. They are:Allanon's Quest:This one is set before the events … Continue reading Friday Review: The Paladins of Shannara (Three Short Stories) by Terry Brooks
Flashes: A Collection of Very Short Fiction, my next project, is currently scheduled to be released in January. It will be a set of 24 short pieces, 12 sci-fi and 12 fantasy. There may be a bonus story, as well, but no promises on that one. I am not convinced on the title as yet, … Continue reading Monday Musings: Upcoming- Short Fiction
My rating: 3 of 5 stars In this second installment of the Long Price Quartet, we once again find Maati, the failed poet, and Otah Machi, the youngest son of the Khai Machi, with their lives intertwined. It is fifteen years after the end of A Shadow in Summer and Maati is sent by the … Continue reading Friday Review: A Betrayal in Winter (The Long Price Quartet #2) by Daniel Abraham
My rating: 3 of 5 starsWell. I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. On one hand, it did get a lot of attention when it came out, the series is quite well regarded by many, it won awards, and all that. On the other hand, there are those that really didn't care for … Continue reading Friday Review: The Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen #1) by Steven Erikson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars I watched the Netflix series and, while it took a bit of time to really get into it, I ended up enjoying it and am looking forward to the second season (whenever we can get it). I decided I should check out the books, as well, since it looks … Continue reading Friday Review: The Last Wish (The Witcher #0.5) by Andrzej Sapkowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars With the last of the Shannara novels slated to land this fall, I decided I should probably try to catch up on the series. I have most of the books, but have fallen behind on reading them. I am trying to remedy that now. This is the first in … Continue reading Friday Review: Bearers of the Black Staff (Genesis of Shannara #1) by Terry Brooks
Since we all are- or should be- practicing good social distancing and staying home as much as possible, some of us may find ourselves with more time to catch up on our reading. To support this, Smashwords is currently running an Authors Give Back promotion to encourage people to read more, and maybe find some … Continue reading Wednesday Win (For You)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is a mash-up retelling of the fairy tales Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. In it, a young queen is preparing for her wedding, about which she has reservations. She is made aware of a spreading sleeping sickness that is fast approaching her borders. With three Dwarves as companions, … Continue reading Friday Review: The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman (Audiobook)
