Book Review: Twelve Months by Jim Butcher
Posted on January 24, 2026 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book 18 of Dresden Files
Publisher: Ace Books (January 20, 2026)
Length: 448 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
It’s kind of wild to think it’s been almost six years since Battle Ground came out, because Twelve Months very much feels like a sequel that has been cooking quietly in the background all that time. But instead of throwing readers straight back into the action, Jim Butcher hits the brakes to bring us a Dresden Files novel that’s much more subdued and reflective. In other words, this one is very much an “aftermath story” that explores what happens after the dust settles.
The last time we saw Harry, who is now openly operating as the Winter Knight, Chicago burned as the city became the site of a full-scale magical assault which resulted in the deaths of thousands. Though the attack was eventually thwarted and the enemy defeated, this came at an enormous cost. The supernatural world has been exposed for all to see, and Harry also lost someone very near and dear to him, only barely containing his anger and grief before he did something he’d regret. Still, given his history and his increasingly erratic and risky behavior, the White Council ultimately decided to cut ties with him, leaving our protagonist more isolated than ever.
And so, Twelve Months basically follows Harry across a year of his life as he tries to regain some sense of control and normalcy while trying to manage the crushing stress caused by grief, guilt, and an endless list of responsibilities. That said, there’s no more saving the world for Harry Dresden, at least not at this time. Right now, he’s in recovery mode, putting all his efforts into healing after loss and rebuilding the support systems around him, both emotionally and physically.
Stylistically, Twelve Months is one of the more unusual entries in the series. It’s certainly different from many of the previous sequels which saw Harry facing down supernatural foes and dealing with ever escalating threats. In this, the pacing slows down, but if you think that means the stakes disappear or the story loses its momentum, think again. The conflicts are alive and well, they’re just more intimate, and the focus turns towards character development and relationship dynamics.
Because of this, I can see this book receiving mixed reviews, but personally I enjoyed the change of pace. Having some room to breathe is a good thing, not to mention it’s also more realistic. Places don’t just bounce back from the brink of utter destruction, and neither do people. A lot happened in Battle Ground leading to significant repercussions that are going to take more than a few pages to digest, and Twelve Months gives us the chance to do a deep dive into the fallout, looking at how Chicago has changed. People are scared, resources are strained, and Butcher’s storytelling here truly drives home the point that the world of the Dresden Files is, and always has been, bigger than just Harry’s personal sphere.
There’s also a noticeable shift in the way Harry interacts with the greater world around him. He’s no longer the young, brash wizard who storms into every situation with his guns blazing. It’s been more than twenty-five years since the first book burst onto the scene, and in that time, the books have seen Harry mature and become a hardened man shaped by real-world experiences and fatherhood. Of course, he’s always been a reluctant hero, but there’s a lot more people now who look up to him and depend on him, and he’s becoming increasingly aware that his actions have consequences well beyond the here and now.
In the end, I do think there’s value in having a book like this every so often, especially in a long-running series. If nothing else, it helps break up the usual pattern and to prevent monotony. In this case, Dresden Files fans got a much calmer ride than we’re used to, but to be honest, I probably wouldn’t want too many more installments in this similar vein, and I certainly wouldn’t be too heartbroken if the next one swung back towards a more action-oriented approach. I’ll even admit I was cheering inside when the end of this book finally ramped up and delivered a genuinely exciting climax and conclusion.
In the end, Twelve Months feels very much like a transitional novel, nudging the overarching plot of the series forward, but not by too much and not in any way that’s too dramatic. By this point, Jim Butcher clearly knows his audience and trusts both their patience and their investment in Harry’s journey. In a way, this also feels like a book the author himself needed to write, since I’ve heard that so much of the emotional beats in the series are often a reflection of what he’s going through and feeling in his own life. As a sequel, this one feels necessary, giving the story a chance to decompress, while also efficiently laying the groundwork for what comes next.
Book Review: The Murder at World’s End by Ross Montgomery
Posted on January 21, 2026 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Murder at World’s End by Ross Montgomery
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Series: Book 1 of Stockingham & Pike
Publisher: William Morrow (January 6, 2026)
Length: 336 pages
Author Information: Website
And just like that, I already have my first contender for best read of 2026 and it’s a straight-up old-fashioned whodunit. There’s just something deeply satisfying about a mystery that knows exactly what it wants to do, and Murder at World’s End absolutely nails it, delivering a treasure that feels like a love letter to the Golden Age of detective fiction.
The novel is set in Cornwall in 1910, the same year Halley’s Comet sparked widespread panic as a sensationalist media warned that all life would perish as Earth passed through the comet’s poisonous tail. Ensconced in his remote island estate ominously named World’s End, the Viscount of Tithe Hall has a plan for himself and his family to survive the apocalypse. Every window, door, and chimney will be sealed down to the tiniest keyhole, supposedly to protect the manor’s guests and servants from all kinds of dangerous gases or noxious space dust falling from the heavens.
On the eve of Halley’s expected appearance, an earnest young man named Steven Pike arrives at Tithe Hall and steps into a world of utter chaos. Recently released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he has come desperately in search of work, knowing how slim his chances are due to his questionable past. With the pre-comet preparations in full swing, however, the place is short-staffed and Steven is hired on the spot. He is then given the curious task of chaperoning Miss Decima Stockingham, the Viscount’s curmudgeonly and foul-mouthed octogenarian aunt who has already driven away all her lady’s maids. Warned that the old lady might not be entirely in possession of her marbles, Steven is surprised to find Miss Decima is in fact far less unhinged than her reputation suggests, with a mind as sharp as her interest in science, though her spectacular temper and lack of tact are unfortunately very real.
Obviously, the world has not ended by the time morning arrives, and the houseguests all emerge from their sealed rooms in a state of collective bemusement and relief—all except one. Sometime in the night, the Viscount was murdered, and his body is discovered alone in a room that had been sealed from the inside. On the surface, the crime appears impossible, though with the island cut off by the high tide, the only certainty is that the killer is someone already at World’s End. As the newest arrival and a former convict, suspicion immediately lands on Steven, but with the help of Miss Decima, the two set out to clear his name by solving the case.
Eccentric suspects, multiple nefarious motives, a literal locked room—The Murder at World’s End has it all. From the very first page, it had me completely hooked, and by its end, I was already giddy with excitement to find this is only the first of hopefully many more Stockingham & Pike books to come. What I loved about the story is how unapologetically classic it feels. This is a proper mystery where the clues matter, the motivations make sense, and the reader is invited to play along rather than be distracted by spectacle. Of course, there are red herrings aplenty, but in my opinion, they are fair ones where the plot never resorts to outrageous twists or last-minute revelations to force a surprise. Instead, the novel features sensible detective work that unfolds with patience and care, rewarding close attention and logical thinking, which made the ending all the more satisfying.
Also, I truly enjoyed the unlikely detective duo of Miss Decima and Steven. The latter’s gradual development is wonderfully handled, portraying his transformation from a skittish young man into a confident go-getter who learns to trust his instincts. And how I loved Miss Decima! Witty, brilliant, and having absolutely no patience for bullshit, she steals every scene she’s in and completely owns it, and yet, while she can certainly be a lot, it never feels too forced or over-the-top like it’s tipping into caricature. What really makes it work, though, is the dynamic between the two characters. Their partnership forms naturally, initially built on shared curiosity and then later mutual respect, eventually evolving into a friendship that was easily the highlight of the entire book.
Historical fiction fans will further appreciate the setting. The looming presence of Halley’s Comet and the hysteria surrounding it serve as such a cool backdrop for the story, giving it an eerie and almost mystical atmosphere. Tithe Hall itself stands as an intimidating presence, and the author uses the environment—the surrounding sea, the dark woods nearby, and even an honest-to-goodness hedge maze—to incredible effect.
In the end, The Murder at World’s End is exactly the kind of mystery I’ve been craving. I could hardly put it down, and every time I was forced to, I found myself jonesing for the next time I could pick it up again. Clever without being convoluted, charming without being pretentious, and most importantly rooted firmly in the traditions of classic detective fiction, this novel is a perfect reminder of why the genre is so beloved and enduring. I would happily follow Steven Pike and Miss Decima Stockingham into as many investigations as Ross Montgomery is willing to write.
Audiobook Review: My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
Posted on January 14, 2026 9 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (January 20, 2026)
Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrators: Bel Powley, Henry Rowley, Richard Armitage
Alice Feeney is an author I can usually depend on to deliver an edge-of-your-seat thriller, and on its surface, My Husband’s Wife sounded like it would be exactly that. So, imagine my disappointment when it did not work for me the way it clearly has for so many others. Now, I’m aware I’m in the minority with this one, but somewhere along the way I felt the story just went so far off the rails that I stopped enjoying myself.
The book opens with Eden Fox, an artist about to have her career breakout moment, deciding on an evening run to blow off some steam before her first gallery exhibition. As always, she leaves all her valuables including her phone, wallet, and wedding ring at home before she heads out. When she returns, however, she discovers something very wrong. The key to her house no longer works. Someone answers the door to see what’s going on, and it’s a stranger who looks remarkably like Eden—similar build, hair, facial features—and she claims that there must be a mistake, because she lives there, not Eden. Then, a man come downstairs to investigate the commotion, and Eden is relieved because it’s her husband, Harrison. He’ll sort out this mess and kick this crazy lady out of their house! Except to Eden’s shock, Harrison stares back at her with no recognition in his eyes. He insists the strange woman beside him is his wife, and that he has no idea who Eden is but if she doesn’t leave the property, they will have no choice but to call the police. Carrying no proof of her identity, Eden is forced to flee into the night, feeling frightened, hurt, and confused.
Running alongside Eden’s story is a second one following Birdy, a reclusive woman living in London who has just received a devastating diagnosis and may only have months to live. That same night, however, she is visited by a representative of her estranged grandmother’s estate and learns she has unexpectedly inherited a house in the seaside village of Hope Falls, where her family once lived. When Birdie arrives at the property, affectionately known to all the locals as Spyglass, she discovers a letter among her late grandmother’s belongings from a mysterious corporation claiming it can predict the exact date of a person’s death. Given the timing of her diagnosis, Birdy’s curiosity is understandable, and she decides to look more closely into the company’s mission and history. As her investigation unfolds, the novel gradually stitches together these two seemingly separate narratives, linking half-truths and coincidences that may not be coincidences at all.
For the most part, this works. I’ll say this about all Alice Feeney’s books: her prose is snappy, the atmosphere is intense, and the pace is so brisk that the thought of taking a pause is nearly impossible. I was genuinely curious and looking forward to the reveals for at least the first half of My Husband’s Wife, even when I wasn’t entirely sure what the hell was going on. After all, confusion is part of the deal here, completely by design, and the plot is structured in a way to make the reader feel disoriented.
Where the story started to lose me was in the second half, with its handling of twists. Not because there were too few, but because there were too many! At a certain point, the story completely gives up on building upon its own foundations and begins pulling the rug from under itself, over, and over, and over again. Shocking revelations became less about providing answers and more about being completely unpredictable, even if it doesn’t really make sense or throws everything that we know about the characters out the window. When you realize that anything can change at any second and none of the truths that were previously established matter, it all starts to feel rather pointless.
To be clear, I have nothing against twists. It’s one of the best reasons to read thrillers and why I enjoy the genre so much. But at the same time, My Husband’s Wife was a bit much even by Feeney standards. Thing is, I don’t want to remove all thinking from the equation. I’d like to be given the chance to form coherent theories and emotional attachments to characters that could hold out to the next chapter. Without that expectation, I’m afraid it undercuts tension rather than heightens it for me.
That said, the audiobook narration is fantastic. Read by Bel Powley, Henry Rowley, and Richard Armitage, all three delivered strong and engaging performances. I’m especially a big fan of Armitage, who does incredible voice work on anything he does, not just Alice Feeney audiobooks. To be honest, even when the story frustrated me, the narration kept me listening.
In the end, I think My Husband’s Wife will be very much a “your mileage may vary” thriller. For me, the book started strong but ultimately collapsed under the weight of its need to induce whiplash, leaving me entertained but mentally exhausted and emotionally detached. But like I said, I suspect I am the outlier here, and fans who love Alice Feeney’s books despite or perhaps because of her bold, major-suspension-of-disbelief twists will probably have a great time.
Book Review: Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson
Posted on January 12, 2026 11 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Tailored Realities by Brandon Sanderson
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Series: Anthology
Publisher: Tor Books (December 9, 2025)
Length: 448 pages
Author Information: Website
I’ve always found myself somewhat on the fence when it comes to Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the books themselves, but following the ever-expanding web of connections has never been a big part of my interest. I just care that the stories stand well on their own, which is why Tailored Realities, a collection of Sanderson’s non-Cosmere short fiction, felt especially appealing. As I’ve always said, he’s also one of the rare authors whose storytelling and world-building generally leave a lasting impression, whether he’s writing ten pages or a thousand.
There are a few exceptions to that, of course. The following are my thoughts on each story, though a couple have already been previously reviewed on their own, and you can search for these earlier reviews for more detail. In addition, Tailored Realities includes three brand-new stories appearing for the first time.
Snapshot (4.5 stars)
Reviewed previously, and even better the second time around.
Brain Dump (4 stars)
A very quick and clever sci-fi vignette that wastes no time getting to the point. Imagine a near future where prospective parents can literally shop for a designer child, browsing through genetic models in a showroom. While the concept isn’t especially groundbreaking, it’s the execution that makes this story work. For one thing, it embraces brevity, and though Brain Dump reads almost like a thought exercise, sometimes that’s exactly what sci-fi needs: a simple setup, a clear social question, and the restraint to step away before it becomes overly trite and pretentious. Sanderson’s trademark humor also helps make his point without bogging things down, and despite its short length, this was one of my favorites.
I Hate Dragons (3 stars)
Speaking of experimental, this story about a boy’s magical talent for smelling good to dragons as well as his ability to hear spelling and punctuation makes for a fun little tale, and not surprisingly, it was born out of a writing exercise. Not much else to say about this one, but I did find it useful as a way to show my middle schooler what effective dialogue looks like.
Dreamer (2.5 stars)
Dreamer is a horror story about body snatchers, but it’s handled in a subtle way that’s less about what’s happening on the page and more concerned with making readers uncomfortable through ideas. In a way, this conceptual approach is very typical Sanderson, messing with your mind instead of relying on shock value. That said, this story didn’t do much for me. It’s simply much too short to leave a lasting impression, and while the ideas are interesting in theory, they aren’t explored deeply enough to make them particularly memorable.
Perfect State (3.5 stars)
Perfect State explores perceived realities and asks, what if nothing is real and our brains are simply living in fully simulated worlds tailored to our wants and needs? This is the case with the protagonist of this tale, who rules a fantasy kingdom in a simulation created just for him. He can be the hero he wants to be, even if it’s only in his own virtual existence. But does it really matter? This story examines consciousness and ambition, as well as the ways one measures satisfaction and achievement. Compared to the previous entries, this one is thematically heavier and denser in its world-building, which made it a bit harder to get into. While the concept itself is fascinating, the execution didn’t quite hold my interest and ultimately felt a little too slow to fully engage me.
Probability Zero (1.5 of 5 stars)
Ugh, I hate flash fiction, so take my rating with a grain of salt, but this story exemplifies why. Again, this one is told entirely in dialogue but has none of the charm of I Hate Dragons. At under 500 words, I barely see a point in reviewing this one, but it follows a human selected by aliens to be uplifted, and aside from a clever little twist at the end, it passed by with barely a blip on my radar. I have to say, I got far more insight from Sanderson’s author’s note for this story, which ended up being more enjoyable than the story itself.
Defending Elysium (3 stars)
I love the Skyward series, so I was giddy with a fair bit of anticipation by the time I got to Defending Elysium which apparently lays the groundwork for the Cytoverse. That said, the age of it shows, and as this is early Sanderson still developing his craft, the writing can feel a bit rough around the edges, as in heavier on description and telling rather than showing. While I’m fascinated by what feels like the origin seeds for the Skyward books, the mystery plot itself was fairly underwhelming, and the storytelling occasionally drags under too much detail. Still a neat little read though, especially if you are a Cytoverse completionist.
Firstborn (2.5 stars)
This is one I wish I had enjoyed more, and maybe I would have had I been more of a short fiction fan. However, I tend to struggle with novelettes, especially when they try to cram so much into such a small space. Firstborn is about a young man who follows in the footsteps of his legendary older brother, a brilliant and admired military strategist he knows he will never live up to. With so much potential for human conflict alone, the story barely has room to explore the characters once the epic battles are factored in. Any messages about inherited talent versus personal circumstance are completely overshadowed along the way.
Mitosis (4 stars)
Previously reviewed, this mini-story takes place in the Reckoners universe after the events of Steelheart. A quick, fun read that stands alone from the rest of the novels but worth reading for the supervillain and his cool powers alone.
Moment Zero (4.5 stars)
Moment Zero is the longest story and likely the collection’s selling point as it is also a brand-new, never-published-elsewhere-before novella. Part detective story, part time travel adventure, and part zombie apocalypse, it follows two police investigators and former lovers as they try to stop the same catastrophic event from happening, but from opposite directions in time after one is transported a few days into the past while the other is thrown forwards into the future. The dual-timeline structure here is clever, but like all time travel stories, it’s probably best not to think too hard about the mechanics behind them. Still, what’s lovely about Moment Zero is its longer page length, which gives readers more time to know the two main characters. The relationship between them carries a surprising amount of emotional depth, hitting harder than I expected for a novella. This one is hands down the best story in Tailored Realities—not only the most memorable, but the most satisfying as well.
Audiobook Review: The Storm by Rachel Hawkins
Posted on January 6, 2026 11 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (January 6, 2026)
Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrators: Alex Knox, Cathi Colas, Dan Bittner, Jane Oppenheimer, Patti Murin, Petrea Burchard, Stephanie Németh-Parker
The Storm marks my fourth Rachel Hawkins novel, and I always like to keep track of these things because I think repeat reads say a lot, especially with a genre as crowded as thrillers and mysteries. Standing out from the crowd isn’t easy, but Hawkins has become an author whose books I will make time for because they always deliver twisty, atmospheric stories while still finding room to surprise me.
A southern thriller, The Storm takes place in St. Medard’s Bay, a coastal town in Alabama known for its summer beach vibes but also for the deadly hurricanes that regularly hit its shores. In 1984, during one such monster storm, a politician’s son named Langdon Fitzroy was killed, his body found washed up in the aftermath with his skull caved in. Still, despite these circumstances, some claimed that it was in fact murder that took his life, with suspicion falling on his barely legal mistress at the time, a local girl named Lo Bailey. What followed next was a very public trial that gripped the nation, but without solid evidence to convict, Lo walked away a free woman.
In the present day, Geneva Corliss is the proprietor of St. Medard’s historic Rosalie Inn, a beloved mainstay which has seen plenty of ugly hurricanes over the decades yet somehow managed to survive them all. But now, business is struggling, and if things don’t turn around soon, bankruptcy might be what finally takes the inn down. Then all of a sudden, a welcome reprieve arrives in the form of August Fletcher, a true crime writer who reserves a long-term stay at the Rosalie while doing research for his work. To Geneva’s surprise though, August shows up at check-in with an unexpected guest in tow, none other than Lo Bailey herself. The one-time murder suspect is traveling with the author as a consultant on his new book about the death of Langdon Fitzroy, which she claims will clear her name once and for all.
However, even after all these years, Lo’s return immediately stirs up old resentment in a town with a very long memory. At the same time, Geneva can’t help but be drawn to August and the subject of his research, which begins to uncover unsettling truths about the town she thought she knew and the inn that has been in her family for generations.
What I love about Hawkins’ writing is how readable and immersive her prose is, which makes her books incredibly addictive. Her last two novels, The Heiress and The Villa, impressed me with how vividly she brought their settings to life, from a secluded estate high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains to a luxurious Italian summer home in sun-soaked Tuscany, respectively. She works that same magic again in The Storm, this time turning the cozy beach town of St. Medard’s Bay into a setting that feels just as deeply involved and alive. It’s a charming slice of coastal paradise on one hand, but on the other, it can feel oppressive for those left behind once the summer crowds disappear, forced to weather the storms that come with each hurricane season.
The storytelling is also quite unique, relying on multiple timelines and character POVs to form a framework made up of different sections tied to specific named hurricanes, reinforcing the idea that destruction and heartache come to this town in cycles. Flashbacks and excerpts from letters and various documents are used to reveal new information and clues, allowing readers to draw connections between people and places across the two time periods. While sometimes it can get a little confusing, not to mention the occasional plot twist that is just so out there that it strains credibility, on the whole, I felt it was worth a few leaps of logic and some suspension of disbelief.
Overall, The Storm was a solid Rachel Hawkins novel. The audiobook also deserves a special mention, with its use of several narrators which does wonders for immersive listening and makes the multiple shifts between timelines and perspectives so much easier to follow. I had a blast with the story, and even a certain predictable plot twist couldn’t bring me down. Recommended if you enjoy slow-burn suspense and mysteries with simmering tension.
Best of 2025 and The Year in Review
Posted on December 31, 2025 20 Comments
Overall, 2025 was a good year, but like all years it had its ups and downs. I will say though, the changes to the blog I implemented this year has led to a happier and a less neurotic me (okay, maybe still very neurotic) due to a more casual posting schedule. Sometimes I still wish I was doing all the book tags, challenges, and weekly meme posts that I used to do, but then I remind myself that shifting to mainly reviews has allowed me more time to actually read. And we all know that TBR pile never gets smaller, only grows.
But of course, I will always make time for an end-of-year post where I look back at the last twelve months and do a roundup of my favorite reads! This is always one list I look forward to doing, as it lets me see all the reading I’ve accomplished in the past year and also relive the books that stood out the most. As usual, I’m going to highlight each genre category and all the titles in it that I loved.
Fantasy
Fantasy is always one of my favorite genres to read, and this year delivered no shortage of unforgettable stories from the epic and mythological to the paranormal and historical.
Romantasy
With the romantasy genre having exploded in popularity in 2025, I think it’s earned itself a brand new category on my list this year. As with any oversaturated market though, there were plenty of so-so entries, but these are the ones that stood out.
Science Fiction
Science fiction once again underperformed for me this year, and I can only hope we’ll see a bit of a genre renaissance soon. Until then, there’s still the Dungeon Crawler Carl series to satisfy my aliens and sci-fi fun fix.
Horror
Horror continues to be one of my most reliable genres, featuring diverse themes and stories that keep things interesting. These books are a reminder of why I keep coming back for more.
Mystery & Thriller
I’ve been exploring more mysteries and thrillers lately, though much of it tends to blur together with familiar formulas. These are the books that managed to break the mold.
Young Adult
My YA reading has dwindled to almost nothing this year, with only three titles on my “read” shelf. Still, one of them made the best-of list, which is always my favorite kind of surprise.
Nonfiction
This year, I also started picking up some nonfiction books purely for fun, interest, and learning. While I don’t usually review these, I’ve included these recommended titles for being particularly well researched and engagingly written.
And now, on to the Goodreads stats! First, I crushed my GR reading challenge, which I always set at 100 books a year. This also lines up perfectly with my current goal of averaging two reviews a week.
Last but not least, the pretty Year in Books collage! Happy new year, everyone!
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Best of 2014 and The Year in Review
Best of 2015 and The Year in Review
Best of 2016 and The Year in Review
Best of 2017 and The Year in Review
Best of 2018 and The Year in Review
Best of 2019 and The Year in Review
Best of 2020 and The Year in Review
Best of 2021 and The Year in Review
Best of 2022 and The Year in Review
Best of 2023 and The Year in Review
Best of 2024 and The Year in Review
Book Review: Outlaw Planet by M.R. Carey
Posted on December 27, 2025 12 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Orbit (November 18, 2025)
Length: 465 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
There was a time when picking up a new M.R. Carey novel was almost always a safe bet for me, but admittedly his work in recent years has been more hit-or-miss. That said, this is because he’s always pushing himself to try new ideas, which I admire, even when it doesn’t always click for me as a reader. His sci-fi in particular has grown increasingly cerebral and info-dense, packed with mind-blowing concepts that I can still appreciate on an intellectual level while struggling with the reading experience itself.
Outlaw Planet is once again Carey taking a big swing at something different, this time a genre mashup blending space opera and classic Western into a story that’s ambitious and strange, interesting even if it didn’t always hold my attention. As a note, while the novel is technically set in the same universe as his Pandominion books, it works perfectly well as a standalone, and no prior knowledge is required to jump right in. The sentient, bipedal characters featured here are animal-descended beings evolved from various Earth mammals in different parallel worlds, and the plot focuses primarily on Elizabeth Indigo Sandpiper, a canid-descended schoolteacher who journeys far from home to settle in a rough fronter town on the edge of the State’s Union. But when a brutal raid destroys her home and kills the woman she loves, Elizabeth joins a rebellion force, becoming the feared and infamous outlaw known as Dog-Bitch Bess.
Alongside Bess’s journey, the novel also introduces a second thread occurring in another timeline that follows Vel Esten, a military engineer involved with a Pandominion strike team that gets stranded on an unfamiliar world whose inhabitants are being enslaved and subjected to terrible experimentation. Our two storylines eventually converge, as Bess picks up an unlikely traveling companion in the form of sentient weapon of mysterious origin. Calling itself Wakeful Slim, the “smart gun” soon proves to be both the outlaw’s most powerful and faithful ally as well as one of the most intriguing aspects of the book.
As the author gradually pulls together the connections between his story threads and characters, they reveal a bigger picture with much to say about the hardships and injustices of a world caught in a forever war. A lot of this is accomplished through the world-building, portraying the setting as a harsh product of its history marked by centuries of colonialism and slavery. Its inhabitants are described as anthropomorphic animals, though their behaviors, motivations, and personalities are so similar to ours they might as well be humans. Not surprisingly, given the book title, Western tropes also abound with an overall sense of lawlessness with bandits, gunslingers, and dusty frontier towns.
That said, the sheer amount of content to digest means Outlaw Planet is not an especially fast or light read. The pacing is mixed, with some parts coming at you fast in erratic bursts while others drag, particularly the middle stretch when readers are still trying to figure out how everything is related. During those sections, there’s not much happening on the page while big movements are unfolding beneath surface. If it weren’t for the characters, I might have thought about putting this one aside, but Bess proved emotionally engaging enough that I felt invested in what happens to her. Every time we returned to her perspective, I felt invigorated again with my interest in the story renewed. Carey does a careful and meaningful job of showing Bess’s transformation through the different stages of her journey, and her relationship with Wakeful Slim manages to become humorous and unexpectedly moving all at once without it feeling gimmicky.
In the end, Outlaw Planet didn’t always hold my attention as strongly as I’d hoped, but it made up for that with some big ideas and standout characters. While it’s not even close to being my favorite novel by M.R. Carey, it’s also a solid and memorable one from him that I enjoyed. It’s perfect for readers looking for unique genre mashups and stories that aren’t afraid to explore some heavy, uncomfortable themes. As long as you’re prepared and willing to power through some slow moving bits, this book is an adventure worth checking out.
Book Review: Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Posted on December 24, 2025 9 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 2 of Legends & Lattes
Publisher: Tor Books (November 11, 2025)
Length: 336 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
After how much fun I had with Legends & Lattes, I was more than happy to return to Travis Baldree’s cozy fantasy world for Brigands & Breadknives. I’ll say up front though, somehow I missed Bookshops & Bonedust, the prequel novel that was released in between, which involves a prominent character in this one. Thankfully, that never became an issue, as apparently all the books in this series can be enjoyed as standalones. I never felt like I was missing anything crucial, and what Baldree delivers here is once again a low-stakes character-driven fantasy, though I found I loved it even more with the increased action, journeying, and contemplation.
In Brigands & Breadknives, we follow Fern, a rattkin bookseller who, despite running a shop in the city alongside her best friend’s thriving coffeehouse, finds herself deeply unsatisfied and increasingly restless. She knows she should be happy with her comfortable, charmed life. Business is booming, she’s surrounded by people who care about her, and everything seems to be going right. And yet, Fern can’t shake the feeling that something is missing. And so, acting on a drunken impulse one night, she secretly stows away on the wagon of Astryx One-Ear, a legendary elf adventurer turned bounty hunter, only to wake up far from home on a rickety road with a pounding headache and no small amount of regret.
Still, turning back didn’t feel like an option. At least, not yet. For one, she’s curious about her traveling companions, which, in addition to the stoic Astryx, includes her current bounty who is a strange and erratic goblin named Zyll. Determined to prove that she’s made of sterner stuff, Fern decides to stick around and see where this reckless decision might lead. Very quickly, however, the journey proves more dangerous than she anticipated, even for someone who thought she knew what she was getting into. Bandits, rival bounty hunters, and a prisoner who refuses to stay put are all complications that upend their plans. As Fern travels farther away from home and from the friend she left behind, with only the piles of unsent letters to mark the days, she’s forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about herself, her choices and dreams, and what she truly wants out of life.
If you loved Legends & Lattes, there is a very good chance you will enjoy Brigands & Breadknives as well. That said, there is a noticeable shift in vibe as things take a sharp turn away from the familiar routines of a slice-of-life fantasy, diving headfirst instead into the more action-oriented and quest-focused side of the genre. Personally, I loved it. While I can certainly find myself appreciating a story that focuses on the mundane and everyday experiences of characters, I’ll also never say no to higher stakes and a faster pace. And to put it simply, this sequel felt like a rollicking fantasy road trip. Granted, it’s not like Fern, Astryx, and Zyll are on some grand, world-saving mission, but still I delighted in the more traditionally adventurous tone this story exhibited. Plus, the fun and approachable style of Baldree’s writing continues unchanged, and it’s so easy to relax and slide right back into the easy prose.
But as ever, the characters are the best part. Fern is good at what she does, and she’s built a life around what she thinks she wants, only to find herself burned out in a way she can’t quite explain. That confusion leaves her feeling guilty and a little lost, especially since, from the outside, her life looks just about perfect. Running away from her problems probably isn’t the smartest choice she’s ever made, but it’s easier than facing the disappointment she imagines on the faces of the people she loves back home. Then there’s Astryx, a tough, no-nonsense bounty hunter who’s been doing this long enough that very little rattles her anymore. She moves through life with competence but also a kind of weariness that suggests she’s seen it all. Finally, throw in Zyll, the wild card of the group, who is random chaos incarnate. Oh, and there’s a breadknife too! The result? Instant mayhem with a surprising amount of heart.
In the end, Brigands & Breadknives offers a slight shift in tone from Legends & Lattes universe, but it’s definitely not an unwelcome one. It’s still a lot of fun, warm and character-focused…just with more swordfights! A very enjoyable read and I’m happy to keep coming back to this world.
Book Review: The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
Posted on December 19, 2025 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor Books (October 28, 2025)
Length: 320 pages
Author Information: Website
Obviously, Alix E. Harrow is a writer I admire; I wouldn’t have read so many of her books if I didn’t. But there’s just something about The Everlasting that feels different. Not only is it a huge step forward in both execution and ambition, it’s also on a whole other level for the author.
The story follows Owen Mallory, a former soldier whose recent life choices seem to have only deepened the disappointment of his devoted but demanding father. After returning home from war, Owen decides to try his hand at being a scholar, inspired by his lifelong fascination with the legendary lady knight known as Una Everlasting. It is said that Sir Una’s gallantry and sacrifices helped establish the great nation of Dominion when she fought alongside its founder, Queen Yvanne. Over the centuries, however, these stories have become further ingrained into the country’s culture and mythology, blurring the lines between truth and fiction, thus inspiring Owen to uncover who the true Una was behind the songs and tales.
Out of nowhere, he catches a huge break. A surprise arrives for him in the form of an artifact so rare that its existence is almost mythical, a book called The Death of Una Everlasting, which is supposedly a firsthand account of what happened to the knight in her final days. Then, upon his examination of the book, Owen receives another shock: contained within its pages is a means of sending him back to the distant past, to the time when Una Everlasting still lived. Of course, it’s not every day a man gets to meet his hero, but soon, he discovers there may be more to his role than simply being an observer. History is fluid, and there are forces insisting that it flows a certain way, even once Owen and Una find each other and try time and time again to forge the future that they want for themselves.
Quite simply, The Everlasting is a gorgeous story, displaying a complexity and confidence I hadn’t seen from Harrow until now, and honestly, not from many authors at all. This novel genuinely surprised me, the way it took bold risks with its structure and a unique approach to its themes. Inspired by chivalric lore but also involving time traveling elements, it shines a light on the way readers look at stories themselves. Like, what versions of history survive, and why? And what gets left behind when that is decided?
Of course, the time travel aspect can be disorienting, but then again, time travel almost always is. What makes The Everlasting work despite this dizzying confusion is how unapologetically it embraces it. The repetition and time loops are woven into the shifting POVs, reinforcing the book’s questions about free will and sacrifice. Yes, this story demands patience and, granted, I wasn’t always in the most patient mood, but I’m glad I stuck it out because the payoff is massive as patterns started emerging and earlier scenes took on new meanings.
Also, no review of The Everlasting would be complete without mentioning the phenomenal character work. The love story at the heart of this book wouldn’t be so powerful if our protagonists weren’t written so well. Owen, who begins as a stuffy scholar with an unhealthy obsession, gradually comes into his own, growing into someone capable of real courage and passion with the heart of a hero. Una, meanwhile, transforms from the symbolic and distant figure we know from Owen’s time into a fully realized human being once we meet her in the flesh, complete with hopes and dreams. Already aware of the legend she is destined to be, and struggling under the weight of those expectations, she and the starstruck Owen start off awkwardly at first, but pretty soon that relationship slowly builds toward trust and comfort. Eventually, their bond deepens to the point where their struggle to hold on to one another, even as fate works relentlessly to pull them apart, is what makes the story so gut-wrenchingly emotional.
By the time I reached the final page, it was clear this is Alix E. Harrow’s best work yet. It’s no exaggeration to say this is a novel that stays with you. It is melancholic and touching, exploring the messy relationship between love and difficult choices. It is also a story that feels classic and timeless, both thematically and in tone. In that sense, it reminded me strongly of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, another story that buried me in an avalanche of feels. Suffice it to say, every glowing review you’ve seen for The Everlasting is on to something. This is one I wholeheartedly recommend.
Book Review: The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers
Posted on December 15, 2025 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Redhook (November 18, 2025)
Length: 374 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
I can never say no to a book about books, especially when its concept involves a magical bookstore complete with dangerous bargains and secret societies. The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers boasts all the right ingredients on paper, so it was no surprise it drew me in. That said, it also moved more slowly than I would have preferred, which is probably why it failed to fully click despite its lovely atmosphere and gorgeously written prose.
The story follows Cassandra Fairfax, a former protégé of Chiron, the enigmatic owner of a magical bookshop hidden below the city. Some years ago, however, a rift formed between them, and she was cast out from the only home she ever knew. Left to fend for herself, Cass became a book thief to survive, using her intimate knowledge of powerful ink magic to earn money through less-than-legal means. But when word reaches her that Chiron has died under suspicious circumstances, leaving the bookshop in her name, she is pulled back into the world she thought she’d left behind.
At first, our protagonist is content to settle back into the honest life, selling books legitimately as the new owner of her mentor’s old shop. Soon, though, she realizes she may be in way over her head, especially when unpleasant surprises like rivals start showing up on her doorstep. One of them is Lowell Sharpe, an infuriatingly polished and arrogant (but also very handsome) fellow bookseller who seems determined to force Cass out and seize her bookshop for himself. As Cass struggles to reestablish herself, she finds support from Byron, her own protégé, even as secrets from their uneasy history threaten to surface. Still, with signs that the magical river powering the entire network of hidden bookshops is starting to fail, they may all have bigger problems on their hands.
First, the positives. For me, the writing is easily where The Bookshop Below shines the brightest. Summers tells this story with a soft, almost delicate touch that is a perfect match for the novel’s magical realism themes. From the hidden river of magic to the idea of ink having the immense (and sometimes deadly) power to change someone’s life, there’s a subtle darkness underlying the whole premise which I found appealing. Yet, there’s a caveat. Magical realism as a genre has always been a bit hit-or-miss for me, and the world-building here goes all in on the whimsical elements without really going into the details. Readers who prefer a little more explanation into the ins-and-outs will likely feel starved for more answers.
Still, another area in which the book excelled was character development and dynamics. Cass herself is a solid and interesting lead whose complex personally meshes convincingly with her morally iffy past. She’s strong and independent, and even though she has every reason to wallow in self-pity, she refuses to let her past mistreatment drag her down. By the time Lowell Sharpe enters her life, their enemies-to-lovers relationship is all but expected, but nevertheless I found their developing romance engaging. Lowell’s lovable pomposity ultimately grew on me, and watching his back-and-forth banter with Cass had to be some of my more enjoyable moments.
But now, we go into why I found myself a bit frustrated with this book, and as you can probably guess, it had a lot to do with the pacing. Granted, I get that the story unfolds at a leisurely pace by design, letting the atmosphere do all the heavy lifting, but this sometimes left me feeling disconnected with the world, scattering my focus as a result. I also really wish there had been more emphasis on the idea of the bookshop, but because we’re in Cass’s head so much, and because she commands such a dominant presence, it’s like we’re expected to just shut up and go along with it all without asking too many questions, so don’t get your hopes up about receiving more clarity or having any vagueness dispelled.
In the end, The Bookshop Below is a well-written, thoughtfully constructed fantasy novel that had a lot of great ideas but didn’t quite live up to its full potential for me. Of course, your mileage may vary, since I admittedly struggle with slower-paced and more abstract magical realism. I can see it working better for other readers who don’t have that difficulty, and especially if atmospheric vibes and strong characters are important for you, this one may be worth checking out.
The BiblioSanctum 