Fantasy 
For all things related to the genre.
The Big Over Easy
It’s not a hardboiled mystery. (I really, really couldn’t resist.) Detective Inspector Jack Spratt of the Nursey Crimes Division–understaffed, underfunded, and underwhelming (though not how you might think)–is called in to investigate the demise of Humperdinck Jehoshaphat Aloysius Stuyvesant van Dumpty, aka Humpty Dumpty. Businessman, philanthrophist, and large egg, Dumpty has seemingly committed suicide. It… Read More ›
Dragon Bones, Dragon Blood
To survive, Wardwick of Hurog plays the role of simpleton; to regain a kingdom, Ward must prove his mettle and his worth. “Hurog means dragon.” As we discover several times during the course of the two novels that–to date–tell the story of Ward, heir of the Shavig throne; his family, and the land of the… Read More ›
Blackout
Imagine waking up, alone, and not remembering who you are. “I was a killer. I woke up knowing that before I knew anything else.” Cal Leandros hasn’t forgotten everything, just the important parts of his life. Who is he? Does he have family? Friends? And, more importantly, why is the beach where he came to… Read More ›
D’Aulaires’ Greek Myths
In Olden Times, when men still worshipped ugly idols, there lived in the land of Greeve a folk of shepherds and herdsmen who cherished light and beauty. They did not worship dark idols like their neighbors, but created instead their own beautiful, radiant gods.” So began one of my most treasured books from childhood. D’Aulaires’… Read More ›
Trolls
With the recent release of The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim—an awesome game by the way—which is set in the homeland of the Nords, I’m reminded of one of my first forays into Norse Mythology. As a kid, I discovered The Troll Book at my local library and checked out—more than once—this informative look at the lore of Trolls…. Read More ›
The 10th Kingdom
It opens with a song… I’m wishing on a star To follow where you are I’m wishing on a dream To follow what it means And I’ll wish on all the rainbows that I see I wish for all the people who dream a dream Once upon a time, an evil queen cursed a prince—transforming… Read More ›
Achilles
A lyrical exploration of the Greek hero Achilles, this short novel by Elizabeth Cook reads like an epic poem. Just over a hundred pages in length, the story is told in three parts. The first deals directly with Achilles and his exploits. The second describes the aftermath of Achilles’ death and the fall of Troy. Finally, the short… Read More ›
Odysseus on the Rhine
Book by Edward S. Louis Though not my favorite hero of legend, I was intrigued by the title of this book by Edward S. Louis. Odysseus on the Rhine imagines the further adventures of Odysseus and other veterans of the Trojan War in this solid, entertaining “sequel.” Even those not familiar with their mythology will find… Read More ›
Dog Days
Looking for something to read while waiting for the next Harry Dresden book? John Levitt’s Dog Days series might suit. This urban fantasy series is set in present day San Francisco, a setting that is captured well in the story’s narrative. Our hero here is Mason, a magic practitioner, who once served as a sort… Read More ›
The Company of Wolves
Because I have a love of fairy tales–even if they’re twisted and dark–and as there’s the new Red Riding Hood movie (starring Amanda Seyfried and Gary Oldman) due out soon, I thought I’d revisit a curious movie that is like a waking dream, The Company of Wolves. In this 1984 version of the Little Red… Read More ›
The Poisoned Martini 