Reviews in Brief

A Victorian rags-to-riches story with a heroic twist, The Colonial Countess by Robin Bell is a historical drama featuring an empathetic young noblewoman from the wilds of Australia navigating a new life in the lap of English luxury. The premise of a stranger in a strange land is perennially intriguing, and it is handled here with subtlety and charm, while the thematic explorations of equality, nobility, and power give the narrative genuine depth. Though the dialogic elements can occasionally feel forced, and Bell sometimes tries to fit too much information in a sentence, this quick-moving tale is an adventurous portrait of a woman on the aristocratic rise, finding a relatable balance between what the world expects of her and who she truly wants to be. An insightful peek into English history, social hierarchies, and the life-changing power of wealth, this novel is an engrossing and thought-provoking read.

A richly creative and dramatic installment of Eric Lewis’ fantasy series, The Heron Kings Rampant leaps forward in time once again. The titular rebellious rangers are little more than storybook legends by now, but when a devastating weapon is set loose, and the band of heroes is framed for the destruction, one man’s quest for vengeance will uncover a new generation of honorable antiheroes. Weaving in timely themes of technological disruption, political division, and violent terrorism, this story hits closer to home than it may initially appear. Delicately balanced on the edge of alchemical fantasy, this third piece of the Heron Kings saga has a few rough corners in storytelling execution, but the Robin Hood atmosphere and steampunk world-crafting are relentlessly inventive and immersive.

A monstrously good reimagining of mythology in the modern world, Where Madness Lies by Heidi K. Allen is a psychological and mystical thrill for fans of the darker side of fantasy. When an oblivious oracle meets a desperate undercover goddess in a psych ward, their unlikely pairing may be just what the dwindling pantheon needs to survive annihilation. Visceral prose, powerful character bonds, and a deeply original plot make this female-driven adventure a contemporary standout. Wielding a patient storytelling pen that perfectly balances the whimsical and the macabre, Allen knows precisely how to hook a reader from the start with engaging characters and inventive detail, for a superb work of mythological fantasy.

A philosophical and political thriller on the contemporary cutting edge, Set Apart by K.J. McCall is a slow-burning, character-driven case for a shift in socialized thinking. Examining the healthcare system through a number of intertwined lenses, a dark conspiracy comes to light – one that may discourage more progressive readers, as it takes less than a chapter for the political perspective of the novel to become clear. However, nationalized healthcare is a perennial hot-button issue, and McCall explores the subject with nuance, creativity, and a confidently informed tone. The storytelling is declarative and the dialogue can be loaded with exposition, which sometimes overshadows the characters’ personalities, but the author manages to merge romance, scandal, family drama, social analysis, and existential quandaries into an entertaining escape.

An inimitably strange plunge into the lives of an odd quartet in Nashville, Apothecary: A Tale of Two Cities (Mas o Menos) by Josh Long is genre-bending, baffling, and refreshingly original. Breaking traditional literary rules, as well as the fourth wall, this novel is experimental and ambitious, overflowing with insightful observations about the human condition, sharply witty dialogue, and effortless thematic weaving. While the structure would be a challenge for any author, the stories within stories make the reading experience an addictive pleasure. Fierce, bizarre, and intimate all at once, Apothecary is a richly crafted and thoroughly unique offering from a strong contemporary voice.

The cruelty of fate clashes with the power of resilience in Nowhere to Hide by Neil Turner, the latest gripping read in the Tony Valenti Mystery series. The relationships between Kevin, Pat, and Tony are crafted beautifully, while the antagonists of the novel are immediately evident, making it easy for readers to choose their side and stay there. With timely themes, compelling characters both familiar and fresh, and relatable storytelling about the dynamics within a family, Turner has delivered another thought-provoking gem of a thriller.