Book Reviews
I read books and say things about them.
Tales from the Territory
Listening to Tales from the Territory narrated by the author Travis Baldree was like catching up with old friends. I love settling into some cozy fantasy for my horror reading palate cleanser, and five new stories set in the world of Legends & Lattes were a welcome early autumn retreat.
Mothman Is My Boyfriend
When I read the title - and saw the cover art - of Mothman Is My Boyfriend by McCayla Coyle, I thought I’d be reading a cute, breezy, potentially clever light romantasy - like a G-rated version of one of Chuck Tingle’s infamous cryptid eroticas.
This is not that.
How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days
In How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days, Jessie Sylva builds a recognizable fantasy world populated by halflings, goblins, dwarves, and humans; in this world, halflings and goblins are nemeses, pitted against each other in the last Great War which, though ending several decades earlier, left a lasting resentment between the two.
Another Fine Mess
A mix of horror, mystery, and dark humor, with a dash of nostalgia thanks to the mid-90s setting, this second entry in the Bless Your Heart series is as comforting as a cozy mystery - though the body count and some descriptions of gore - not to mention the snark of high school homecoming queen wannabes - probably bump it out of the cozy category.
Witches of Dubious Origin
Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay is a cozy witchy fantasy filled with libraries, curses, and romance - like all the best cozy witchy books.
Happy People Don’t Live Here
Happy People Don’t Live Here by Amber Sparks is a quiet, atmospheric cozy gothic horror that is darkly humorous with an undercurrent of melancholy.
Brigands & Breadknives
Returning to the world Travis Baldree built in Legends & Lattes is like any of the metaphors having to do with coziness - being wrapped in a warm blanket, having a cup of tea or cocoa or mulled wine or brandy, enjoying an evening by the fire in the company of friends.