Science fiction and fantasy
Older Book ReviewsThese are the reviews of older fantasy and science fiction books, including some popular works and some by authors who are not so well known. They are as spoiler-free as possible so you can still enjoy reading the book. Binti by Nnedi Okorafor A young woman leaves her tribe to go to university across the galaxy, far from her home culture.  Radiance by Grace DravenTwo minor royals marry to secure an alliance between their countries, although they find each other hideous and others will scheme to tear them apart. The first novel in the Wraith Kings series.  Rat Queens: Volume Two: The Far Reaching Tentacles Of N'Rygoth by Kurtis J. Wiebe, Roc Upchurch and Stjepan SejicThe second instalment of the Rat Queens series the Queens take on demons from another dimension who are destroying their town. A graphic novel.  Rat Queens Volume One: Sass And Sorcery by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc UpchurchA group of young women would rather get drunk and slay trolls than call their parents. A graphic novel.  Eidolon by Grace Draven A very different couple face the imminent destruction of their world as demons move in, and they wonder if impending doom will rob them of love as well as everything else. The second in the Wraith Kings series.  Future Arctic by Edward StruzikA detailed look at how the Arctic is changing and is likely to continue changing in response to politics, climate change, animal movements, and other ecological challenges.  The Upside Of Stress by Kelly McGonigalStress is commonly thought of as an entirely negative condition that makes us sick. Kelly McGonigal reveals the evidence that challenges that view, and explains how to use stress to improve our lives.  Magisterium: The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and Cassandra ClareSome people seem to believe Callum Hunt is the personification of evil, and the young mage is afraid they might be right. The second novel in the Magisterium series.  Sleepless by Lou MorganA group of students take a mysterious study drug to help them cheat at their exams. But none of them are prepared for the side effects.  The Incredible Unlikeliness Of Being by Alice RobertsAlice Roberts looks at the amazing journey of human development and why our bodies have evolved in the way they have.  Sleeping Late On Judgement Day by Tad WilliamsBobby Dollar has already been to Hell, but his toughest test will come when he takes on a rogue angel who outranks him many times over. The third Bobby Dollar novel.  The Organised Mind by Daniel LevitinThe modern world can bombard us with information, making it exhausting to try to keep organised. Daniel Levitin examines the neuroscience behind keeping order and remembering what we need to.  Farmageddon: The True Cost of Cheap Meat by Philip LymberyAn exploration of how the move to industrialised farming has affected animal welfare, human health, and the environment. Taking a global perspective, this book pulls no punches in its critique of intensive factory farming.  Solatium by Becca MillsBeth Ryder has hidden powers that mark her out for a different life, but she is about to find out how different when she embarks on a fantastic and dangerous journey. The second novel in the Emanations series.  Saga: Volume Three by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona StaplesNew parents from opposing sides of a conflict hide out in a lighthouse, but their pursuers are on their trail. A graphic novel.  The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth KolbertWe are in the middle of a mass extinction event, caused by the actions of mankind. This book tells the story so far, and examines how we are changing the biosphere.  Breach Zone by Myke ColeA witch invades New York with a plan to take over, and she wants illegal magic users to join her against humanity. The third novel in the Shadow Ops series.  Mine To Spell by Janeal FalorA young woman living in a repressive society struggles to conceal her forbidden magic. The second novel in the Mine series.  Magisterium: The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly BlackA boy gets the chance to go to magic school, but he would rather do anything else. The first in the Magisterium series.  Written In The Blood by Stephen Lloyd JonesA young woman with the power to change her appearance is tasked with saving her kind from extinction. Unfortunately, people like her are more hunted than she knows. |
