Book Reviews

By T. Kingfisher
8/67/24
336 pages
$27.99
Tor Books

‘A Sorceress Comes to Call’

Fairy tales are supposed to teach us things. Sometimes trite truisms like not telling lies, other times the tales are meant more as a warning, a call to trust your instincts, to know that not everyone is who they say they are.

Cordelia knows she isn’t a normal child. Most children are allowed to have friends, allowed to play, allowed to move. Not her. Her mother is a powerful sorceress who strictly controls every move her daughter makes with no explanation. After a suspicious death in their village, Cordelia finds herself in a strange country house, where her mother’s devious plans are laid bare. Only with the help of some newfound friends will Cordelia uncover the truth about herself and the evil around her.

Dark, funny, heartful and full of sharp wit. I loved every second of this book. I am a big T. Kingfisher fan, and she’s getting better with each new book. This one is an absolute delight and perfect for a late summer read. ♦

— Review by Julie Goodrich

By Matt Dinniman
8/27/24
464 pages
$30
Ace Books

‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’

Let’s get to the point. This is a fantastic book, and you should read it.

The synopsis won’t make any sense. The comparisons I’ve heard — the Hunger Games meets the Roman Colosseum — sound terrible, and the whole concept seems like it should be a children’s book. Forget all that and read it anyway. 

It all starts when Carl’s ex-girlfriend’s cat jumps out of a window at 3 a.m. Carl chases her in just his boxers and a leather jacket at the exact moment Earth is changed into a video game. Carl and Princess Donut (the cat) quickly find themselves stuck in a dungeon intent on killing them for nothing more than entertainment. And money, of course. This madcap game is broadcast live to the alien masses, complete with fans, factions and talk shows. Carl and Princess Donut can’t just learn how to survive, they have to do so in style.

I haven’t had this much fun reading in ages. This book is the best of escapist fantasy with the single best talking cat in all of fiction. Yes, I will argue that point until my last breath. Go on, read it. You won’t regret it. ♦

— Review by Julie Goodrich