About Book Marks
Recent Reviews
L. X. Beckett
Rave Booklist Set in the twenty-second century, the second book of Beckett’s post-cyberpunk space opera (after Gamechanger, 2019) finds pilot Frankie Barnes and her pack family neck-deep in conspiracy, sabotage, and political intrigue as they work to open interstellar space travel based on advanced alien technology ... Beckett crafts an intricate world in which there is no privacy, social media is capital, and human or AI consciousness can be transferred into new \'printed\' bodies. The narrative is quite unique; the story is strewn with hashtags and trademarks that emphasize a world driven by greed, power, and the importance of trending. Amid the harrowing adventure is a good bit of humor, as well as speculation on the future of gender identity, family, and the evolution of AI. This story will appeal to readers who want to explore the next iteration of cyberpunk or crave an intricate and modern space opera.
Arkady Martine
Rave Booklist Martine weaves a dramatic and suspenseful story of political intrigue and alien first contact. Multiple points of view add depth to the narrative as each character is rendered in exquisite detail, and that in turn propels the varied plot lines of diplomatic strategy, space conflicts, interpersonal relationships, and self-discovery. Elaborate and complex, with a diverse cast of characters, this saga will appeal to those who enjoy the detailed history-based world building of Guy Gavriel Kay combined with the intimate camaraderie and grand adventure of James S. A. Corey’s Expanse series.
Carole Stivers
Rave Booklist Debuting author Stivers, a biochemist, blends hard science, emotional relationships, and artificial intelligence to produce a chilling and realistic narrative. While the plot is compelling and thought-provoking, it is the characters that shine as they come to terms with their own mortality while simultaneously trying to ensure humanity’s survival. This story will appeal to readers who enjoy the cinematic style of Michael Crichton as well as those who may recall the unsettling combination of viruses and human evolution in Greg Bear’s Darwin’s Radio (1999).
Stephen King
Rave Booklist ...original suspenseful and chilling stories ... This set of novellas is thought-provoking, terrifying, and, at times, outright charming, showcasing King’s breadth as a master storyteller ... King’s love of short fiction makes this a powerful addition to his megapopular oeuvre and fans will be on the hunt.
M. R. Carey
Positive Booklist ... quirky and imaginative ... Koli narrates the story with a unique dialect that takes some getting used to, but the cadence and pacing of his voice adds a depth and richness to the strange and malevolent world.
Matt Ruff
Rave Booklist Ruff is an expert at keeping readers off-balance and providing entertaining stories that cross genres ... Employing a diverse cast of characters and weaving historical facts with an abundance of pop culture references, Ruff’s richly imagined world of next-generation internet is plausible and a bit frightening. The action inside the virtual gaming world is sleek and exciting, but the extrapolation of identity, friendship, and human relationships makes the narrative shine.
Jennifer Giesbrecht
Positive Booklist ... dark, atmospheric ... The uncovering of secrets and the evolving relationship of Johann and Florian is a true delight and is supported by crisp dialogue and narration. With elements of gothic, horror, and fantasy, the story will appeal to readers who enjoy witty and dark tales smeared with blood and vengeance.
Stefan Spjut
Positive Booklist Set against a backdrop of the harsh but beautiful Nordic landscape, the story burns with tension; psychological horror; and very real, visceral violence. This tale will appeal to readers of dark fantasy based on folklore and myths as well as readers who enjoy the ominous and creepy novels of John Ajvide Lindqvist.
Benjamin Percy
Positive Booklist ... slim but entertaining ... Percy’s stories are atmospheric, concise, and at times terrifying, and he leads readers into unexpected revelations and visceral violence ... Readers who are drawn to dark and unexpected twists will enjoy Percy’s musings on life, identity, and the powerful effects of nature on the human condition.
David Dalglish
Positive Booklist \"A dark and lush epic fantasy brimming with magical creatures and terrifying evil ... Dalglish’s world building is subtle and fluid, and he weaves the history, magical workings, and governance of his world within the conversations and camaraderie of his characters. Readers of George R. R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss will find much to enjoy here.\
Kevin A Munoz
Positive Booklist Debut author Muñoz paints a bleak picture of morality in a postapocalyptic world, and his narrator is continually wrangling with self-doubt in regard to maintaining a moral foundation in dire times. The body count is high in this tense and bloody story, and although there are zombies, it will appeal to readers who enjoy postapocalyptic fiction that presents the best and worst of society.
Alex White
Positive Booklist White combines elements of magic and traditional space opera to create an intricate world laced with fascinating characters, expansive spaceships, and compelling settings. While the narrative shines with witty banter and explosive battles, the effusive dialogue occasionally detracts from the formidable and exciting action. With elements of military science fiction, thievery, and political intrigue, this story will appeal to readers of James S. A. Corey’s Expanse series and fans of the popular television series, Firefly.
Waubgeshig Rice
Positive Booklist Power outages are a normal occurrence on the reservation of an Anishinaabe community in northern Ontario, but an unusually extended lack of outside communications or food deliveries causes fear and panic among the residents ... This title will appeal to fans of literary science fiction akin to Cormac McCarthy as well as to readers looking for a fresh voice in indigenous fiction.
Hank Green
Rave Booklist \"Green uses mathematics, science, and classic rock references to energize April’s journey of self-­discovery as she navigates her own relationships, fear-mongering enemies, and a press that feeds off endless speculation. At once funny, exciting, and a tad terrifying, this exploration of aliens and social-media culture is bound to have wide appeal to readers interested in either theme.\
Sue Burke
Positive Booklist Burke’s ambitious debut takes to the stars and offers a thought-provoking look into the politics of survival.