Award-winning collaborative site Celebrators of SFF reviewers of fantasy books. Posts by Nils and Beth No Review Requests Please
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Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social I review The Scour by @richardswanauthor.bsky.social out in October from @grimdarkmagazine.bsky.social “a prequel novella to satisfy those craving an early adventure with their favourite Justice…What a treat this was!” Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/09/the-...
Nils returns to Richard Swan's world of the Empire of the Wolf in his upcoming novella THE SCOUR: "a prequel novella to truly satisfy those craving an early adventure with their favourite Justice and his foul-mouthed companion. What a treat this was!" More: tinyurl.com/yh7xf3w7
Today, TO reviews Claire North's upcoming space opera SLOW GODS: "North gives us a wide-ranging enthralling, resonant and cathartic fable of our own world’s predicament but anchors it with individual characters..." More: tinyurl.com/4wfz7cub @orbitbooks.bsky.social
This week our Monster Botherer considers the nature of what makes a monster in Rose Bitterly's BIRD ON A BLADE: "Get your warm and fuzzy feelings with some inhuman serial killers, it’s honestly a perfect autumnal read!" Read more: tinyurl.com/mpjc862b
Jonathan reviews Jordan Prosser's gonzo dystopian BIG TIME, out now from Dead Ink Books: "Prosser’s unique approach to the speculative has created a delightful masterpiece." Read more: tinyurl.com/yc8h7u7s @deadinkbooks.bsky.social
Today we're thrilled to welcome LL MacRae back to the Hive for an interview with Beth following the completion earlier this year of her Dragon Spirits trilogy with THE BROKEN SWORD Read more: tinyurl.com/2nj5a5he
I received a copy of The Art of Legend by @wesleychu.bsky.social yesterday from Daphne Press which is the last book in the War Arts Saga & I am in love with how these covers match perfectly! I have read The Art of Prophecy and absolutely loved it, I can’t wait to read the next two books!
Beth reviews Stephanie Burgis' romantic vampiric novella A MARRIAGE OF UNDEAD INCONVENIENCE: "A burgeoning romance caught up in a puzzling mystery with betrayals and family curses that left me wanting more" Read more: tinyurl.com/2dyb8aht @stephanieburgis.bsky.social @bethanmay.bsky.social
Lucy reviews Bonnie Quinn's gruesomely funny horror HOW TO SURVIVE CAMPING: THE MAN WITH NO SHADOW - "really unsettling, but thoroughly enjoyable" Read more: tinyurl.com/2zx8efv9 @bonniequinn.bsky.social
To celebrate the publication of the concluding instalment of David Wragg's Tales of the Plains trilogy THE IRON ROAD, Beth was super excited for the opportunity to interview three of the main offenders themselves - Ree, Javani, and Captain Manatas! Read more: tinyurl.com/mhekwxcd @davewragg.com
Theo reviews Louis Sachar's first adult fantasy novel THE MAGICIAN OF TIGER CASTLE: "a fun read very much of the quality and entertainment value I had hoped for" Read more: tinyurl.com/544cphsx
Nils returns to Heather Fawcett's world of Light Academia for the final instalment in her Emily Wilde trilogy, EMILY WILDE'S COMPENDIUM OF LOST TALES: "an enchanting romantic light academia which swept me through hidden doors to magical realms" More: tinyurl.com/3auztkby
Our Monster Botherer was not particularly bothered this week by S. E. Wendel's HEARTSONG: "While Heartsong is well written, has a good secondary plot (the mystery) I can’t in good faith recommend it as a romance" Read more: tinyurl.com/5d25xsu7
To celebrate the release of his epic fantasy THE LAST VIGILANT, Mark A. Latham joins our Nils for an interview: "Top of the list was “Miss Marple and Richard Sharpe go on adventures in Westeros”..." More: tinyurl.com/8z8zuzth @markalatham.bsky.social @orbitbooks.bsky.social
Jonathan review A. Rushby's dark historical fantasy with twists of horror SLASHED BEAUTIES: "the perfect mix of old school horror chills and thoughtful social commentary, all delivered through compelling characters and unforgettable monsters." Read more: tinyurl.com/msr88cy5
“A wildly imaginative ride ... one of the best cyberpunk books I've read in years” @starkholborn.bsky.social "Elegantly written and thought provoking" @thefantasyhive.bsky.social "Funny, strange, emotional" @runalongwomble.bsky.social "Stellar writing" @booksbonesbuffy.bsky.social
"A powerful woman is a threat unless she knows & accepts her place @rgrosvenorauthor.bsky.social ’s narrative twists around these fixed features of Lochlear society, like wattle woven around shafts of hazel in a hut’s mud wall. Old secrets emerge and past victims find a voice" @tomunro.bsky.social
Today, TO Munro reviews Rachel Grosvenor's feminist historical fantasy WITCHBORNE, out now from Fly on the Wall Press: "a tale told from the underside of the patriarchy" Read more: tinyurl.com/bdfe36mr @flyonthewallpress.bsky.social @rgrosvenorauthor.bsky.social
Today we're thrilled to welcome to the Hive authors from upcoming Dark Academia anthology THESE DREAMING SPIRES to discuss what the genre means to them! Read more: tinyurl.com/bd3r7ax3 #DarkAcademia @titanbooks.bsky.social @marieoregan.bsky.social @paulkane.bsky.social
This is, to my mind, Tchaikovsky's best work. A place where you get to see all of the various conflicting influences across all his works come together in a perfect whole. I'd recommend it to anyone, regardless of arachnophobia.
‼️ GIVEAWAY CLOSED ‼️ Congratulations @adamsnook.bsky.social and @ccskeleton.bsky.social you have both won a copy of Wriggly Little Hands! Please DM us your address
My August Reading Wrap Up. I had three 5 🌟 reads but my overall fave was The Last Vigilant by @markalatham.bsky.social I’m partway through Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett which is so magical! Next up will be The Scour, a Vonvalt novella by @richardswanauthor.bsky.social
Only a few more days to enter! Details below 👇🏽
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social I’m reviewing Chilco by Daniela Catrileo @charcopress.com fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/08/chil...
Including my pick ( @unshavedmouse.bsky.social!) ❤️📚
And just like that we've reached the end of August! Check out what the team read over the summer and what were their #TopPicks! What was your favourite read of the month? Share with us in the comments! Read more: tinyurl.com/2dx27c5z
Jonathan reviews Daniela Catrileo's debut novel CHILCO, translated into English by Jacob Edelstein: "a remarkable work of near-future speculative fiction that grapples with the legacy of colonialism and the collapse of capitalism" Read more: tinyurl.com/2frbpfjb
Today our resident Monster Botherer has side-stepped into Dark Romantasy with Liv Zander's FEATHERS SO VICIOUS: "It’s not an easy fun read but it’s kind of hard to tear your eyes away from the pages when things get interesting" Read more: tinyurl.com/bdfarwsv @themonsterbotherer.bsky.social
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social I’m reviewing The Last Vigilant by @markalatham.bsky.social “a tale where classic fantasy meets a puzzling mystery and delivers an unputdownable read. This book was a true hidden gem.” Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/08/the-...
Nils reviews the first instalment in Mark A. Latham's new epic fantasy trilogy THE LAST VIGILANT: "a tale where classic fantasy meets a puzzling mystery and delivers an unputdownable read. This book was a true hidden gem." Read more: tinyurl.com/3xrva79z @orbitbooks.bsky.social
Jonathan reviews Rowe Irvin's debut psychological folk horror LIFE CYCLE OF A MOTH: "deeply moving and utterly compelling. It heralds Irvin as an exciting new voice in the literary Weird." Read more: tinyurl.com/2wn4whe9
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social I’m reviewing @bitterkarella.bsky.social ‘s incredible psychedelic mushroom horror Moonflow fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/08/moon...
Beth reviews T. Kingfisher's latest fairy tale retelling HEMLOCK & SILVER, out now from Tor: "displays a skilful fusion of refreshing worldbuilding, imaginative retelling, and unique storytelling" Read more: tinyurl.com/4aywjywu @torbooks.bsky.social
Jonathan reviews Bitter Karella's debut fungal body horror BITTER KARELLA, from Orbit's new horror imprint Run For It! "Everyone writing mushroom-punk better watch out – there’s a new chaos gremlin in town, and they’re taking the crown." Read more: tinyurl.com/2zafcvuv
I’m currently reading The Last Devil to Die by @richardosman1.bsky.social and it’s as charming, hilarious and heartfelt as the rest of the series. I’m also reading Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett and so far the Fae world is creepy fun! I just love Wendell & Emily!
TO Munro reviews Adrian Tchaikovsky's SPIDERLIGHT, publishing in the UK this September by @torbooks.bsky.social! "As always Tchaikovsky has delivered a narrative that is amusingly inventive, sharply observed and still able to leave you with some serious ‘thoughts’." More: tinyurl.com/mufxrkn5
This is such a fun book! Enter the give away!
Here are two ARCs that have immediately gone on my spooky/autumn TBR. The Everlasting by @alixeharrow.bsky.social is a historical fantasy romance. Thank you @torbooks.bsky.social Play Nice by @rachelharrison.bsky.social is a fresh take on the haunted house novel. Thank you @titanbooks.bsky.social
We have partnered with @authoralexknight.bsky.social to bring you a GIVEAWAY for a paperback copy of Wriggly Little Hands! We have two copies to give away. To enter: Follow us & @authoralexknight.bsky.social & RT this tweet only. Rules: UK only due to shipping restrictions. Ends: 1st Sept
Look how gorgeous @emmypax.bsky.social's cover is for ALL WE HAVE LEFT! I'm obsessed!!
Today, we're thrilled to be taking part in the cover reveal for Emily Paxman's upcoming standalone post-apocalyptic romance, ALL WE HAVE LEFT! Cover artist: Natasha MacKenzie Due for release 2nd June 2026 from @titanbooks.bsky.social Read more: tinyurl.com/568f6ktw @emmypax.bsky.social
Beth reviews S. T. Gibson's upcoming dark folkloric fantasy romance SAVAGE BLOOMS: "a decadent feast of deceit and desire in a gorgeously realised and atmospheric setting" Read more: tinyurl.com/4yauwuu6 @orbitbooks.bsky.social @bethanmay.bsky.social
Today, Cat reviews the first in a brand new #romantasy series from bestselling author @authorsamaclean.bsky.social - VOIDWALKER! Out now from @gollancz.bsky.social "excellent, sassy and genuine characters... a truly entertaining book" Read more: tinyurl.com/4unnppdb @druidcat.bsky.social
We can't have a Monster Romance section without a tentacle romance and our Monster Botherer has delivered with Ava Hall's THE KING IN RED: "forced proximity, only one bed, us against the world vibes" Read more: tinyurl.com/3dprv2ty @themonsterbotherer.bsky.social
I’m currently reading The Last Vigilant by @markalatham.bsky.social which has been published by @orbitbooks.bsky.social It’s giving classic fantasy vibes, a mystery set within a castle, an ancient evil returning and two compelling characters. Basically it’s ticking all the boxes for me! Loving it!
Just a few typos in scheduling. That’s all. We all do it
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social in reviewing King Sorrow by @joe-hill.bsky.social “a triumph of modern fantasy in the hands of a superb storyteller.” Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/08/king... @headlinebooks.bsky.social
Nisl reviews Joe Hills upcoming epic fantasy thriller KING SORROW: "a triumph of modern fantasy in the hands of a superb storyteller." Read more: tinyurl.com/5ekuyz3h @headlinebooks.bsky.social @joe-hill.bsky.social
Today Theo brings us a review of the Korean bestselling vampire murder-mystery THE MIDNIGHT SHIFT by Cheon Seon-Ran, translated by Gene Png: "brings fresh refinements to vampiric lore" Read more: tinyurl.com/2bk3p859 @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social
Thank you to @gollancz.bsky.social for sending over a proof of The Poet Empress by Shen Tao @dragons.bsky.social which will be published Jan next year. This debut fantasy is described as “sweeping, epic & intimate” & features poetry magic which I’m excited about! Isn’t the proof cover gorgeous?!
I’m so excited to receive a proof of The Scour, a novella by @richardswanauthor.bsky.social which will be published by @grimdarkmagazine.bsky.social in October! Thank you all for the copy! “A haunted lightehouse A Justice accused of murder and a single question: What is the Scour?” Sounds so good!
Watch as things get hot and sweaty in this weeks review over on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social #teratophilia #monsterromance #monstersmut #bookreview #booksky
Today, Beth reviews Amelia Blackwell's debut time-travelling Jane Austen murder mystery romp A CRIME THROUGH TIME: "a unique and fun story" Read more: tinyurl.com/3awmncyw
This week our Monster Botherer is getting wet with Ember Holt's OH NO! THERE'S AN INCUBUS IN MY HOT SPRING: "sink into a world with magic, charm, a lot of laughs and a lot of steam (yes I made a hot springs pun)" Read more: tinyurl.com/3h9dsfan @themonsterbotherer.bsky.social
RSL reviews Erik McHatton's speculative STRAW WORLD AND OTHER ECHOES FROM THE VOID: "McHatton ensnares you in metatextual unease... It's a book I’ll treasure for a long time." Read more: tinyurl.com/yckxdube @erikmchatton.bsky.social
Today Vinay reviews Jackson Ford's epic dragon-training fantasy THE BONE RAIDERS - out this week from @orbitbooks.bsky.social "a rip-roaring adventure that delivers massive character moments while packing tons of fun in its action beats" More: tinyurl.com/mvr8xnrn @realjacksonford.bsky.social
Too early for Halloween ornaments? Nope! I love this snow globe from TKMaxx UK I’m still thoroughly loving @joe-hill.bsky.social King Sorrow, I have over 200 pages left but my gosh is it good! The story has switched up to a fantasy thriller & I’m utterly hooked! What are you reading?
This weeks review and we actually get some post shift action, a rare and precious jewel in shifter romances. #teratophilia #monsterromance #monstersmut #gaslampromance #booksky #bookreviews
This week our Monster Botherer Emma reviews Kass O'Shire's shifter monster romance A POLAR EXPEDITION: AND OTHER STIMULATING RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES "Yep, polar bear porn" Read more: tinyurl.com/2h6ncv4d
Our resident Agony Wizard Ulesorin returns in his new guise as relationship advisor with the first in a series of romantic... recommendations: "Similar enough to what is familiar, but with a little exotic flair" Intrigued? Read more: tinyurl.com/ynr7kjj9 #AskTheWizard @gdpenman.bsky.social
‼️GIVEAWAY CLOSED‼️ Congratulations @jamreads.com you have won this entire series! Please DM us your address as soon as possible! Thank you to everyone who entered!
Beth reaches the climactic finale of Juno Dawson's HMRC trilogy HUMAN RITES: "[These books] are compelling, they are devastating, they are relatable and yet unpredictable. They deal with magic but are themselves a feat of sorcery." Read more: tinyurl.com/yahp2znj
Today J.B reviews A THEORY OF DREAMING, the sequel to Ava Reid's dark academia A Study in Drowning: "I was surprised that I liked this book more than the first." Read more: tinyurl.com/4zuusyr8
As we reach the end of another month, it's time we round up our contributors and hear what their top reads of the month were for July's #TopPicks Read more: tinyurl.com/3fjs4hc6
This week our Monster Botherer Emma is bothering with Lola Glass' reality TV inspired fae mating romance LUST AND LOLLIPOPS (SURVIVAL OF THE MATED): "It, like the TV show it was inspired by, was just pure escapism" Read more: tinyurl.com/2ychbcnj
Last day to enter the giveaway below 👇🏽
So excited for this, I loved To Catch a Moon!
Thank you to @thefantasyhive.bsky.social for helping us reveal the stunning cover for HEX HOUSE by @amyjanestewart.bsky.social! A dark and unsettling Scotland-set fairy-tale about a safe haven for women which transforms them into vessels of revenge... Coming April 2026!✨ tinyurl.com/mvfrkjnw
So thrilled by this review of For the Road from the marvellous TO and Fantasy Hive 👇
Today we're thrilled to be featuring another cover reveal for Titan Books - this time, Amy Jane Stewart's debut feminist horror fairy-tale HEX HOUSE, due for release 28th April 2026. Cover design by Julia Lloyd More: tinyurl.com/58bxhx4b @titanbooks.bsky.social @amyjanestewart.bsky.social
TO returns to a favourite author as he reviews @starkholborn.bsky.social 's upcoming Fantasy Western novella FOR THE ROAD: "Holborn’s prose weaves its way through this surreal setting and complex cast binding them together in a delightful reading experience" Read more: tinyurl.com/dz5s3372
Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win paperback copies of the entire (well, as it currently stands) Office of the Witchfinder General cycle.
Today we're thrilled to be able to share the cover reveal for Rym Kechacha's upcoming faerie tale fantasy THE APPLE AND THE PEARL, due for publication 3rd February 2026 from Titan Books. Cover design by Julia Lloyd Read more: tinyurl.com/698xt2x4 @titanbooks.bsky.social
Beth gets swept up by Juno Dawson's HMRC trilogy and reviews the second instalment THE SHADOW CABINET: "You'll burn through these pages like an elemental, and even a Level 5 Oracle won't see what's coming" Read more: tinyurl.com/292hmum5
Beth ( @bethanmay.bsky.social ) revisits Juno Dawson's powerful witchcraft and demon fuelled HER MAJESTY'S ROYAL COVEN: "a contemporary fresh story of witchcraft sisterhood that is vitally relevant in current conversations around gender and the queer community" Read more: tinyurl.com/y7c9u2a2
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social I’m reviewing The Silent Companions by @spookypurcell.bsky.social “in Purcell‘s hands she makes each narrative flow so easily and every chapter is as gripping as the last.” Full review link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/07/the-...
Nils reviews Laura Purcell's gothic haunted house mystery THE SILENT COMPANIONS: "Purcell is becoming the queen of gothic writing for me and this book was darkly divine. " Read more: tinyurl.com/5hawfxwp @spookypurcell.bsky.social
I received a copy of The Tower of the Tyrant by @jeremyteg.bsky.social which will be released in November by @gollancz — thank you for the copy! This is a standalone epic fantasy that features, “A land divided. A history inked in blood. One sorceress’s quest for answers.” Yes please! 😍
Happy Publication day Simon Kewin and his fourth instalment of his Office of the Witchfinder General series THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH VAMPIRE! To celebrate, Simon has written a piece about the origins of his series. Read more: tinyurl.com/4m3pz2kf @elsewhen.press @simonkewin.co.uk
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social im reviewing Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-Il Kim and translated by Anton Hur. “a thrilling Korean epic fantasy novel with an inventive magic system and filled with reluctant but compelling heroes.” Review Link: fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/07/bloo...
Nils reviews the Korean epic fantasy BLOOD OF THE OLD KINGS by Sung-Il Kim, translated by Anton Hur: "thrilling... with an inventive magic system and filled with reluctant but compelling heroes" Read more: tinyurl.com/46mtxvu5 @orbitbooks.bsky.social @sung-il-kim.com @antonhur.com
We have partnered with @elsewhen.press to bring you a GIVEAWAY for one entire set of His Majesty’s Office of the Witchfinder General series by @simonkewin.co.uk and a bonus copy of Red Dragon by Dr Miriam Seacastle To enter: Follow us repost this post only. Rules: international Ends: 1st August
Today Lucy reviews Jamie Mollart's dystopian sci-fi novel KINGS OF A DEAD WORLD: "the narrative and storyline is anything but generic or commonplace, with a twist I genuinely didn’t see coming" Read more: tinyurl.com/47h45cvh
Our Monster Botherer returns to a favourite monster this week - orcs - as she reviews Michelle Mills' monster romance ORCS DO IT BETTER: "Tropes were played with, the characters were so much fun and the setting was interesting" Read more: tinyurl.com/53am7435
Cracking and detailed review in advance of publication in autumn 2025 for The Water That May Come by @amylilwall.bsky.social Preorders open @flyonthewallpress.bsky.social 📚💙 #BookSky
Today, T.O Munro reviews Amy Lilwall's cli-fi novel THE WATER THAT MAY COME: "a sharply focused interrogation of the disparities of wealth and privilege in times of crisis" Read more: tinyurl.com/2zvhyax7 @flyonthewallpress.bsky.social @amylilwall.bsky.social
So glad you loved it too
I received two fab sounding ARCs this week! King Sorrow by @joe-hill.bsky.social is a chunky fantasy novel featuring stolen rare books & a pact with a dragon! The Bone Raiders by @realjacksonford.bsky.social features a misfit band of characters who ride fire-breathing lizards to defend their land!
I have just finished this and ermagherd it's good. It tucks you in with your favourite blanket, kisses the top of your head and delivers a powerful story of found family. At its heart it's a story about seeing and accepting people as they are, not the space they occupy or role they play. *Chef kiss*
Today on @thefantasyhive.bsky.social I’m reviewing Michael Clune’s incredible debut Pan fantasy-hive.co.uk/2025/07/pan-...
Jonathan reviews Michael Clune highly anticipated fiction debut, the psychological coming-of-age PAN: "as one might expect from such an erudite and mercurial mind, it’s brilliant, baffling, and utterly bonkers" Read more: tinyurl.com/mt4wsckz @vintagebooks.bsky.social
Thank you!
I’m reading The Silent Companions by @spookypurcell.bsky.social & loving it! ✅ haunted manor ✅ three different time period ✅ unreliable narrator ✅ unsettling atmosphere I’m thrilled to receive an ARC of House of Splinters which is set in this same world! Thank you @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social
We're thrilled to welcome Karin Lowachee to the Hive with a Guest Post exploring how she wrote and represents dragons in her novella trilogy The Crown of Ishia, the final instalment of which, A COVENANT OF ICE, is out 31st July from Solaris! More: tinyurl.com/56ctzfh7 @solarisbooks.bsky.social
Today Cat reviews Jennifer K. Lambert's emotional fantasy romance debut NEVER THE ROSES: "Gentle, powerful and heartfelt, this is original fantasy at its best." Read more: tinyurl.com/565mu4th
I’m full of useless raccoon wiener knowledge now. #teratophilia #monsterromance #monstersmut #booksky #bookreviews
Nils returns to Megan Bannen's world of Tanria for her fantasy rom-com THE UNDERCUTTING OF ROSIE AND ADAM: "a wholesomely romantic and bizarre feast for us fans" Read more: tinyurl.com/cr9htkzy @orbitbooks.bsky.social @nilsreviewsit.bsky.social
Today, Emma our Monster Botherer reviews Emily Antoinette's shifter romance LOVE IS TRASH IN HALLOW'S COVE: "It’s a trash-panda shifter romance. Yes it’s as unhinged as it sounds." Read more: tinyurl.com/bumv5rnk @themonsterbotherer.bsky.social
My current read is Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim, translated by Anton Hur—I’m hooked! Our characters Loran, Cain & Arienne are on separate missions, each SO compelling! The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell will be my next read & I’m expecting a creepy gothic tale! Have you read either?
A new Stark Holborn? Colour me interested!