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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


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


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


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


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


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


Swift Riffle: Lesbian Representation in Speculative Fiction
From necromancers to accountants, come and meet some of the coolest women in their own worlds.
Jun 17, 20245 min read


Bound(less) Possibility: Narnia and The Magicians
A serene forest of inviting pools. An infinite city of courtyards and locked buildings. What does it mean that they seem to be the same?
Jun 9, 20244 min read


Obsession’s Folly: “Pitcher Plant” Spotlight & Analysis
Adam-Troy Castro’s short story draws you in and never lets go. What does this horror/fantasy tale have to say about obsession and meaning?
May 26, 20247 min read


Vampires III: Who are We?
Getting to the heart of the vampiric condition, in order to learn about the human one. The hunt, memories and mind, bliss and redemption.
May 19, 20247 min read


Vampires II: Puzzling Reflections
'Dracula' is a cultural phenomenon with few rivals. What can we learn about ourselves through the stories and voices which surround him?
May 12, 20244 min read


Vampires I: Ageless & Imminent
Vampires are more than silly Halloween costumes. Their nature and depictions in media have a lot to teach us about our societal fears.
May 5, 20244 min read


Perspective, Plot and World: What Makes Great Speculative Fiction?
Does great worldbuilding entail comprehensive structure or minimal hints which feed the imagination? I'll offer my take on a few novels.
Apr 27, 20246 min read


Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, We Love “This is How You Lose the Time War” and so Will You
A Multimedia dive into one of the greatest works of speculative fiction ever written. The future is Red, the future is Blue; what is love?
Apr 20, 20244 min read


Short Fiction: Class Trip
Darwin-Moses Super Education Center prides itself on producing incredible additions to global society. Their ads follow one Class' journey.
Apr 14, 20247 min read


Audio vs. Physical Books: Reading into Storytelling Traditions
What are the pros and cons of different formats of reading? Audiobooks can be easier, but are physical texts more satisfying?
Apr 7, 20245 min read


Swift Riffle: Gay Representation in Speculative Fiction
Taking a broad look at gay characters and relationships in some of my favourite novels, with brief thoughts to their impact on the stories.
Mar 31, 20244 min read


Adulthood, Brutally (or, the Brakebillsroman)
'The Magicians' says a lot about growing up and engaging with the world from an adult perspective. Or Quentin trying desperately not to!
Mar 23, 20247 min read


The Hidden Message of the Dune Books
Frank Herbert's Dune explores humanity under pressure. His books come to a lot of fascinating conclusions, but one is easy to miss.
Mar 16, 20244 min read


Becoming Transhuman Part Three: Of Masks and Wolves
Exploring consciousness and transhuman ideas in Seth Dickinson's "The Masquerade" series and Vernor Vinge's "A Fire Upon the Deep".
Mar 11, 20246 min read
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