At its core, N.K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season is an examination of revenge, of how we seek it and why. It's also an allegory of marginalization in general, and of U.S. racism in particular. Most importantly, it's a damn fine novel. The story begins with Essun, who returns home to find that her husband, Jija, … Continue reading The Fifth Season: A Review
What if the Underground Railroad had been a physical, subterranean means of transport? That's the premise that drives Colson Whitehead's latest novel, The Underground Railroad. But the Oprah Book Club pick spreads beyond this catchy and convenient gimmick to become a gripping tale of survival, family, determination, and race. Cora is the third woman in … Continue reading The Underground Railroad: A Review
It's not often you find a novel that tells you everything you need to know in the title, but Jeremy P. Bushnell's The Insides is one such book. Bushnell's magical realist tale about a special knife, a psychic for hire, and a street magician turned butcher is all about the interior: of our world, of … Continue reading The Insides: A Review
In all honesty, when I skimmed Harry Potter and the Cursed Child spoilers online, I thought J.K. Rowling had completely jumped the shark. What little I read of the story seemed like a cliché mess, crafted more out of greed than love. I've never been more happy to say I was wrong. Harry Potter and … Continue reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: A Review
I used to be a devoted fan, but I stopped reading fantasy, somewhere along the line. With that being the case, I was pleasantly surprised at just how much I enjoyed The Color of Magic, the first title in Terry Pratchett's legendary Discworld series. If you aren't a fantasy fan at all, fear not. The … Continue reading The Color of Magic: A Review