In a world invaded by two powerful forces, a band of misfit wizards (vampire kangaroo among them) fight as best they can. Written “in a humorous tone that draws the reader’s attention quickly from the first page,” a sequel to a 2023 novel disappoints our reviewer only by ending too soon. —Myshara McMyn reviews The Malevolent Eight, by Sebastien de Castell (New York: Hachette Mobius, 2025) $36.00 / 9781529440911
“Don’t mistake my criticisms of this book for my full opinion: there are reasons that I read both Unbalanced and Unbent in very quick succession. The plot kept me enthralled and even when certain moments pushed me out of the story, I was able to quickly jump back in and follow the sisters toward another danger. Formatting, sentence structure, and diction: all put together stunningly.” —Myshara McMyn reviews Unbent, by Courtney Shepard (Calgary: Champagne Book Group, 2025) $31.00 / 9781957228471
Vunt and Oldo—squabbling sidekicks, current quest-mates, accidental traffickers—arrive in a town where wizards (power-hungry or deranged) vie for supremacy. With time travel thrown in, a charming maximalist tale grows a little overwhelming. —Sophia Wasylinko reviews Henchmen, by Matthew Hughes (Seattle: Amazon, 2025) $19.99 / 9781927880463