Marc Aplin's Blog

November 24, 2025

A Good Day to Die by G.R. Matthews – Sneak Peek

“They didn’t stick around to enjoy my death, and they’re going to regret it. Every last one of them.”
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Published on November 24, 2025 09:00

November 21, 2025

Dust of the Darkness by Deck Matthews – Review

Exciting, sharp, and with just enough new magic and mystery to keep me hooked.
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Published on November 21, 2025 09:00

November 17, 2025

SPFBO 10 Champions League: The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang – Review

"It’s one of those rare books that transforms as you read it, and then transforms you in turn."
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Published on November 17, 2025 10:59

November 14, 2025

A Study in Sirens by Suzannah Rowntree – Review

A quick, charming, and fun installment that will leave you eager for the next full adventure. Perfect for when you need a little taste of werewolves, vampires, sirens, and snarky heroics.
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Published on November 14, 2025 09:00

November 10, 2025

A Pirate’s Life for Tea by Rebecca Thorne – Review

Overall, it’s a fine pick for a cozy filler read, especially if you don’t mind your fantasy leaning more toward fluff than depth.
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Published on November 10, 2025 09:00

November 8, 2025

SPFBO 10 Champions League: The Lost War by Justin Lee Anderson – Review

a wonderful mix of mystery, adventure and heart. It captures the spirit of old-school fantasy while keeping a modern warmth that makes it easy to love.
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Published on November 08, 2025 13:14

November 7, 2025

Anji Kills a King by Evan Leikam – Review

A sharp, magic-tinged fantasy with a strong opening, a welcome lack of romance, and a prickly protagonist you can’t help but root for.
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Published on November 07, 2025 09:00

November 3, 2025

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland – Review

A fierce and clever reimagining of history, full of action, heart, and a heroine you won’t forget. I’m already reaching for the sequel.
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Published on November 03, 2025 09:00

October 31, 2025

First of Shadows by Deck Matthews – Review

How do you kill a shadow?As a raging storm descends on the Blasted Coast, the crippled young rigger, Caleb Rusk, meets a stranger on the road. Little does he know that the encounter will pull him into a conflict that threatens everything he holds dear—and change the course of his life forever.Meanwhile, in the Capital of Taralius, a string of inexplicable deaths have captured the attention of the Ember Throne. Second Corporal Avendor Tarcoth is tasked with uncovering the truth behind a danger that could threaten the very fabric of the Realm.
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Published on October 31, 2025 10:00

October 29, 2025

What Moves the Dead by T Kingfisher – Review

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Perfect for those of us that aren’t wanting nightmares but need a little change. Also, a shorter book so not a huge commitment in between big reads.
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Published on October 29, 2025 10:00