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The Fatal Flaw of Predicting (Wind and Truth)
The limits of analysis and prediction in the face of an author's vision, and the lessons we can learn from them.
Nov 3, 20244 min read
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The Ideas of K.J. Parker's "The Siege" Trilogy
Centered around a few ‘Great Men’ who save a race of people from genocide, with their female counterparts ready to bring them down a peg.
Oct 27, 20246 min read
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K.J. Parker's World of Deadpan Fantasy
K.J. Parker's darkly humourous stories poke a lot of holes in the ideas of empire and history. But first, who is this author anyway?
Oct 20, 20244 min read
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4 Books I'm Thankful for Reading in 2024
These novels were incredibly meaningful to me in various ways, so I wanted to share them with you today!
Oct 13, 20244 min read
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The Extraordinary Symbolism of the Stag & the Wolf
The image of the dead stag and wolf in Game of Thrones has incredibly wide-reaching meaning and foreshadowing. Join me as I explore it!
Oct 6, 20244 min read
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5 Phenomenal Speculative Fiction Stories you can Read in 5 Minutes or Less
Micro-fiction is a fascinating space for SFF writers to tell stories filled with emotion and important ideas on the smallest scale. Join me!
Sep 29, 20243 min read
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How to Finally Read More Great Books, with ADHD
Focusing on reading a book with ADHD can be close to impossible. But with a bit of patience, I hope to help you find your stride in reading.
Sep 22, 20244 min read
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Masquerade III: Hard-Won Hope
Speculating about the future of Seth Dickinson's Masquerade series, Renascent's potential identities, the lightning in the east and more.
Sep 15, 20248 min read
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Masquerade II: Compliance vs. Rebellion
Seth Dickinson's Masquerade novels explore the reach and influence of empire and colonialism, and attempt to show how we might break free.
Sep 8, 20246 min read
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Welcome to the Masquerade I: Guests and Theme
Join me in exploring how the Baru Cormorant novels ingeniously confront the colonialist ideas of race, gender, queerness and control.
Sep 1, 20246 min read
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Starting Points: Piranesi
Susanna Clarke's Piranesi is an incredible novel of curiosity and wonder, with important lessons to impart beneath the surface. Why read it?
Aug 25, 20244 min read
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Swift Riffle: Neopronouns in Speculative Fiction
What are neopronouns, how are they used in our world and where do they appear throughout speculative fiction? Let's explore!
Aug 18, 20244 min read
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Audiobooks on Spotify: Details, Tips and Recommendations
Spotify's new feature lets you listen 15 hours per month, included in your premium subscription. Here's how to make the most of your time!
Aug 11, 20243 min read
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Vampires IV: The God of Endings Review & Analysis
Jacqueline Holland's novel explores many essential vampire themes while telling a tale of a young woman grappling with her newfound agency.
Aug 4, 20246 min read
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Starting Points: 'The Thief' by Megan Whalen Turner
Perhaps the perfect entry point into speculative fiction, suitable for all ages and with a few unrivalled scenes to set it forever apart.
Jul 28, 20243 min read
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Descent into Madness: A Song of Ice and Fire
When the collective imagination of a fandom diverges from the future of the work itself, and how to prepare for possible disappointment.
Jul 21, 20245 min read
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Lyrical: History, Education and 'The Book of Fire'
The importance of history and education, through the lens of a song about losing it all.
Jul 14, 20244 min read
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What Makes a Good Read?
What makes a book easy to read, as opposed to a difficult slog? I give my opinions with examples of books I've enjoyed and struggle with.
Jul 7, 20246 min read
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Making Up a Mind: Inside Out 2 & Dimension 20
Inside Out 2 offers some great lessons, but they need a little expanding upon. Mentopolis offers similar themes from an adult perspective.
Jul 1, 20245 min read
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Sacrifice: Robin Hobb and House of the Dragon
Art imitates life, and vice versa – can we do better with the stories we tell? Comparing rulers of GRRM, Robin Hobb and real life.
Jun 22, 20244 min read
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