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Book Reviews

“Song of the Navigator” by Astrid Amara

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Genre: Gay Science Fiction Length: Novel TOVER IS one of Harmony Corporation’s best navigators. The cochlear implants they inserted in his brain are designed to help him hear minute spatial frequencies, so he can send shipments through interdimensional space with the vibrations of his voice. For his impressive work, he’s given everything he wants: fame, fortune, and an aviary full of exotic birds. Unfortunately, during another one of his many parties, Tover’s ripped away from his charmed life by a group of rebels, and forced to work against his own company. In the midst of an economic battle, Tover’s eyes … Read more

For Readers: Biased Reviews

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bad review

Today’s reader discussion topic comes from Julia Flowers: How can you tell a legitimate review from a solicited (or paid) review, or someone’s spouse or family member? It’s a good question. I’m not sure if there’s any concrete way to “tell”, per se. But maybe other readers out there have some insight. For reviews, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff when looking for a new book to read? Join the chat

B. A. Brock’s Best Books of 2015

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Best Books of 2015, in no particular order. They are novels I read in 2015, but weren’t necessarily published that year. Usually I try to do ten top books, but I couldn’t decide which one to leave out, so it’s eleven. Most are speculative fiction, because of my review work with QSF, but there are a few exceptions. Blue on Black by Carole Cummings Review: “Blue on Black” by Carole Cummings Channeling Morpheus by Jordan Castillo Price “Channeling Morpheus” by Jordan Castillo Price The Lightning-Struck Heart by T. J. Klune “The Lightning-Struck Heart” by T. J. Klune Zenith by Arshad … Read more

Review: The Young Protectors: Engaging the Enemy, by Alex Woolfson

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OK, I just finished my second Christmas present – another graphic novel from Alex Woolfson, this one illustrated by the talented Adam DeKraker. And I loved it! But I’m going to level the same complaint against Alex that I have often gotten myself for my novellas. It’s not long enough. Now don’t get me wrong. This is a good thing. The main story kept me engaged right through, and I was thrilled with the relationship between the two characters. My anticipation was definitely whetted. Without giving spoilers, it’s hot hot hot. And it’s nice to see such an unapologetically gay … Read more

Review: Artifice, by Alex Woolfson

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Now I see what all the fuss is about. I just finished reading the graphic novel Artifice, by Alex Woolfson (illustrations by Winona Nelson). When we planned to attend Rainbow Con, Angel was all excited about the featured guest, some guy I’d never heard of. Turns out Alex had the table across from QSF in the dealer room – he’s a great, sweet, personable guy. I’m sorry it took me so long to review this, Alex! I planned to buy it at RC, but Mark dissuaded me – apparently because he wanted to surprise me for Christmas with a signed … Read more

“Channeling Morpheus” by Jordan Castillo Price

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Genre: Urban Paranormal M/M Romance Length: Novellas   CHANNELING MORPHEUS is a series of ten novellas. It focuses on a vampire hunter, Michael, and a vampire, Wild Bill, who fight to stay together. Sometimes the forces that pull at them are other vampires and humans, and sometimes it’s their own natures. Michael’s on a revenge mission to kill every bad vampire. And despite his love, sometimes Bill sleeps with one eye open, because he knows there are no bad or good vampires, or humans really–they’re all killers–and it’s only a matter of time before naive Michael comes to the same … Read more

“The Secret King: Lethao” by Dawn Chapman

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THEIR SUN is dying, and Kendro, King of the Aonise, has to evacuate his people from their planet. With merely a handful of ships and resources, the Aonise take off into space, in search of a new home. A space opera, brimful of battles, futuristic technology, and an epic plot, The Secret King: Letháo is the beginning of a beautiful saga. There are plenty of wonderful things to say about this novel, but for me, the world-building of the Anoise was the most interesting. We get tantalizing tidbits of their biology and psychology throughout the novel, and the following is … Read more

“Becoming Omega” by Wolf Specter, and “Top Dog MPREG” by Angel Knots

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Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance Length: Novellas I have a guilty pleasure—mpreg. Believe me, I know the psychological implications of being interested in this sort of kink, and I’d probably agree with most of what would apply to me, but that doesn’t change the fact that I love it. I’m sure everyone knows what mpreg is at this point, but for those that don’t, mpreg is male impregnation… and I can’t even say it’s fantasy, because there are actually dudes who get pregnant these days. However, in most mpreg, there’s an element of fantasy, and because it’s also a kink, there … Read more

“A Little Bit Langston” by Andrew Demcak

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Genre: Gay YA Science Fiction Length: Novel   James has a pretty boring life. Sure, his mom is nuts, and also sort of interesting, but that’s par for the course for adults, who all seem a bit off. He’s in high school, but he still has problems with reading, and his best friend, Paul, seems to have a few problems as well. But people pretty much leave them alone, and all in all, he has nothing to worry about—just the average life of an average teenager. Until one day when he blacks out, and wakes up to find he’s written … Read more

“Meatworks” by Jordan Castillo Price

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Genre: MM Urban Science Fiction Length: Novel THE CHARACTERIZATION of Desmond Poole in Meatworks by Jordan Castillo Price is some of the best protagonist work I’ve seen in a while. Desmond Poole is a punk, a drunk, and a dirty asshole. He’s disabled and living off the government (though not well), and his ex, Jim, is his social worker. At this point the faint of heart should probably put the book down. It’s not the rest of our problems if you thought you liked it gritty but then realized that you were a pansy. If you do stick with it, … Read more