Nicholas J’s Reviews > Rogues > Status Update

“The Rogue Prince, or, A King’s Brother” by George RR Martin - a convoluted chronicle that later formed the basis for HBO’s House of the Dragon. An interesting read if you like histories, but not much of a story.

“The Lightning Tree” by Patrick Rothfuss - a day in the life of Bast as he does some mischief and solves some problems in the village

“Now Showing” by Connie Willis - girl goes to massive cineplex to see a movie, but is prevented by unlikely circumstances and a grand conspiracy. Fun story by a hugely celebrated writer.

“How the Marquis Got His Coat Back” by Neil Gaiman - tidy adventure in London Below. Charming and clever of course.

“The Curious Affair of the Dead Wives” by Lisa Tuttle - the case of a woman perhaps dead or perhaps alive is taken up by a budding investigator and her Holmes-like partner in Victorian London. Great story thoughtfully written, with keen observations about women’s status that continue to resonate today. ****

“The Caravan to Nowhere” by Phyllis Eisenstein - a wandering minstrel joins a caravan journey across a desert. Beautifully written compelling story. *****

“Diamonds from Tequila” by Walter Jon Williams - Intrigue involving a movie star shooting on location in Mexico and synthetic drug production. Zippy writing and clever plotting.

“A Cargo of Ivories” by Garth Nix - a short escapade about Sir Hereward, a knight, and Mister Fitz, a sorcerer-puppet. Fun banter, vivid writing, and fast pacing. Must seek out more! ****

“Ill Seen in Tyre” by Steven Saylor - amusing yarn about a youth and his tutor seeking out a magic tome

“A Better Way to Die” by Paul Cornell - a British agent in a Victorian England that is starting to use parallel realities. Weird and fascinating, with just enough exposition woven into the narrative to keep the reader afloat while still preserving some mystery to it all. Might be worth looking into more books about the protagonist, Hamilton.