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Why I Love and Hate “The Black Company” Series [Part I]
The Black Company is in many ways a triumph of fantasy storytelling, but isn't without valid criticism about its depictions of sexual violence. Is it still worth the read?
5 days ago5 min read
The Makings of a Masterpiece
Few stories leave a lasting impression to compare with this science fiction romance which spans multiverses and takes place in the form of letters exchanged between rival agents. What makes this book so excellent?
Jun 237 min read
Tain Shir, Bane of Wives [Einherjar]
"Look at Tain Shir and you cannot fathom the name behind the cartouche. You cannot extract her reasons. You only see why men turn to religion: for hope that there are gods to oppose her.”
― Seth Dickinson
Jun 166 min read
Life Has Value
Speculative fiction stories have a tradition of placing more value on a few noble lives than on those of the plebeian masses. Is life innately meaningful?
Jun 125 min read
What is Speculative Fiction?
Speculative fiction encompasses science fiction, fantasy, weird fiction, magical realism and more – some of which I might be alone in arguing for. What is it, and what's the point?
Jun 84 min read
Corporate Dehumanization II
In these stories, lives are a disposable commodity whose only purpose is to increase corporate profit. What lessons can we take for our own world?
Jun 54 min read
The Rehearsal's Problem is Traditional Masculinity
The Rehearsal Season Two tries to fix the communication issues between pilots, but doesn't quite make the connection to masculinity. I bridge the gap on Fielder's behalf.
Jun 15 min read
Telling It Like It Is
When it comes to issues you're deeply passionate and knowledgeable about, why stick to subtlety? These books put their messages front and center, and might be better for it!
May 293 min read
Attention & The Speed of Fight
My brand of ADHD and personal experience makes emotional conflict a devastating interruption. How can we relate that to narrative combat in fiction?
May 254 min read
ADHD, Queerness, Chaos & Categorization
Musing on categorization in terms of ADHD and our human tendency towards in- and out-groups. Why doesn't the same useful tool work the same way for every situation?
May 224 min read
Ghost’s Missilia Amori, Umbra: Love & Manipulation
Two Ghost songs about sex, one article for me to get from there to a moral about mindfulness. Can we do it?
May 185 min read
The Murderbot Diaries – What's It About?
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells are an incredible series of books that achieve a perfect tone of humour and love in the face of overwhelming odds. Will the adaptation succeed?
May 155 min read
ADHD & Faster-Than-Light Travel
Neurodivergent minds bear a striking similarity to faster-than-light travel when it comes to maintaining relationships. Is that a good thing? Up to you!
May 115 min read
Sinners: When You’re Dead, You’re Family [Vampires VIII]
'Sinners' explores how vampires can often exist in a symbolic grey area, and how they relate to ideas of life and community. Join me as I discuss this fantastic film!
May 84 min read
Tragedy: The Binding of Isaac Retold in Hyperion
Abraham and Isaac's story is retold in the 2700s, with time wackiness and the Lord of Pain in place of God – and it's brilliant.
May 45 min read
Vampires VII: Self-Acceptance in Ghost's "Lachryma" and Nosferatu
Lachryma by Ghost looks like a simple breakup song at first glance, but offers a deeper reflection on how we deal with our inner demons. I compare the music video to Nosferatu (2024), which deals with similar themes.
May 16 min read
'Marks of the Evil One' by Ghost: Revelations
Ghost's album Skeletá is out! One of my favourite tracks explores a terrifying real-world perspective, how it arose and what it will inevitably lead to.
Apr 275 min read
Dystopia & Privilege
Exploring meaning beyond the binary of right and wrong, and how dystopian fiction can help us recognize real world oppression.
Apr 244 min read
The Symbol of the Cruciform in Dan Simmons' Hyperion
One story from Dan Simmons' 1989 novel involves faith and resurrection, though Jesus is nowhere to be seen. A fitting exploration for Easter Sunday?
Apr 204 min read
Transhumanism IV: Digital Consciousness in Black Mirror
Black Mirror has focused a lot on digital consciousness over the years. What morals do these depictions present regarding transhumanism, when taken as a whole?
Apr 176 min read
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