A no-nonsense mystery story that just happens to occur during Halloween. I gave it three rockets because, while it's an entertaining enough book, it could have used a bit of drama to liven it up.
This collection of Halloween shorts demonstrates consistently good writing with characters that come to life (or death, as the case may be) in a realistic manner. This is a great read to help shift your mood into the spooky season.
The Deep and Snowy Wood by Elwyn Tate is a beautifully illustrated picture book made especially it seems for a setting where the fire is blazing and the kids are gathered round.
Krampus is as much a story about the traditions of Christmas and Yule as it is a tale of discovery, as the titular character struggles to find his place in a world that has moved on without him.
Letters from Father Christmas is a fun, almost nostalgic-like glimpse into the lives of the Tolkiens. It’s the sort of book one can share with the children each and every year much like Mr. Tolkien did with his own children.
If you’re looking for something beyond the traditional Dickens to read this holiday season, A Lot Like Christmas may fit the bill for you. Despite a couple of the stories feeling like duds to me, I’m giving it four rockets because there are many more stories I enjoyed than not, and even a few which stand out as holiday gems.
We've selected and reviewed four spooky, spine-chilling reads to help you keep the dark at bay (or let it in) as we approach this Halloween season.
A diverse collection of entertaining, frightening, and sometimes unsettling Halloween stories.
Dark Harvest is the perfect Halloween story. Well-written, engaging, and full of rich characters, it's one I can see myself reading every Halloween.
Slaying the Dragon is an insightful and well-researched account of the history of Dungeons & Dragons.
Blood of the Serpent fails to live up to the legacy of Conan and the vibrant world of Hyboria.
Shadows of Sanctuary offers readers a dark, introspective look at the city of Sanctuary.
Storm Season offers fans more of the gritty, morally complex stories that have defined the series.
A worthy follow-up to the original Thieves' World anthology.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy a richly detailed, morally complex world filled with unpredictable characters and stories.
Before They Are Hanged is a solid follow-up to The Blade Itself.
The Face of Chaos continues to deliver the gritty, morally complex stories that fans of the Thieves’ World series have come to love.
Best Served Cold is a masterful exploration of vengeance and its consequences.
Last Argument of Kings is a thrilling conclusion to Joe Abercrombie's First Law Trilogy.