https://reviews.brianseitel.com/ 2026-10-05T06:00:00Z Brian Seitel https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-city-of-last-chances.html 2026-10-05T06:00:00Z

This took probably a third of the way in before I really understood what was happening, but I thought it ended very well. Not Tchaikovksy's strongest work, in my opinion, but the city itself and the characters and the worldbuilding were so fascinating. The first of five books! I'm interested in seeing where this goes.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/to-green-angel-tower.html 2026-09-27T00:00:00Z

I loved the story, but honestly, I think it was just too long. I think the second book was so forgettable, and the first book had so few moments that set up the ending, that it should've just been one book. But I did enjoy it.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-fury-of-the-gods.html 2026-09-17T00:00:00Z

Went straight into this from book 2 and the struggles from before vanished. This book was a non-stop ramp to Tensionville, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened with Orka and Varg and Elvar. Fantastic conclusion to the series. Only reason it's not a 5 is because I think it's a little long and could've been shorter.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-hunger-of-the-gods.html 2026-09-07T00:00:00Z

I struggled with the first half of the book, same as book 1. The POV switches were *very* frequent and happened right when I felt like I was finally getting into the groove of the characters. That said, this is nonstop action and worldbuilding. Good stuff. The ending was worth it.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-knight-and-the-moth.html 2026-08-29T00:00:00Z

I'm a sucker for nameless, strong independent women and gruff knights. The worldbuilding here was great. My two big nitpicks were the surprises along the way felt a little telegraphed, and this ends on a very obvious cliffhanger. I'm used to Book 1 tying things up mostly nicely and leaving the door open. This is a straight up cliffhanger.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-cairndale-orphan.html 2026-08-26T00:00:00Z

I enjoyed this one. A bit darker than the others, much less cozy, but it definitely brought the magic and mystery. Very Sixth Sense vibes.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/battle-of-the-round-house.html 2026-08-25T00:00:00Z

Didn't like this one. Well written, but expectations are everything. I expected magic and mystery, and what I got was a quasi-historical tale of Blacks moving out West. Nice in a different context, but this was supposed to be magical and mysterious, and it was neither.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-wizard-who-kept-himself-suspicious.html 2026-08-24T00:00:00Z

I love pompous wizards and I love Scott Lynch, so when you mix the two together, you get a very clever story! The primary protagonist is instantly a classic character and I'd love to read more in this world.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/a-labyrinth-of-honeybees.html 2026-08-23T00:00:00Z

Possibly the most creative of the short stories so far, this one follows an inquisitor investigating the disappearance of the heir to the kingdom and getting stuck in the middle of some interpersonal drama between gods. Quite well written, gripping, and fun. Kind of forgettable, though, if I may say so.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-lions-tusk.html 2026-08-22T00:00:00Z

A short story set in the Ana & Din world. While I think the story is a miss narratively (told from Ana's perspective instead of Din's), the mystery itself is quite good and I was pleasantly surprised at the conclusion!

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-wednesday-witches-book-club.html 2026-08-22T00:00:00Z

The coziest short story I've read so far, suitable for anyone who loves witches! This definitely makes me want to pick up more books by Durst.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/morel-dilemma.html 2026-08-21T00:00:00Z

Excellent third book in the series! I love the introduction of the elf queen and getting some background on Sylin.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/miss-gentle-and-the-case-of-the-very-flat-monk.html 2026-08-16T00:00:00Z

A delightful, very short murder mystery about a monk who was murdered by being tossed off a tower. Cute and fun! Classic Baldree!

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/theft-of-swords.html 2026-08-15T00:00:00Z

Avoided this for a long time because Sullivan's other series are crap. This one is fine. I didn't like how it's effectively two books in one. Book 2 os $10 and I don't think I liked it enough to move on, but if it goes on sale, I'll read book 2.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/a-trade-of-blood.html 2026-08-07T00:00:00Z

The Ana and Din series is soooo fun. I'm a sucker for murder mysteries, but I'm also a sucker for well-developed secondary worlds. With each book, the world of leviathans gets more fleshed out and more interesting. I can't wait for book four!

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-last-contract-of-isako.html 2026-08-04T00:00:00Z

Hooked me from the start, and I could not put it down. Read it in a day. Lee has created a vivid world of consiglieres in a company town battling for the protection of their clients, with a world that reveals ever deeper mysteries as the story goes on. Fantastic all around.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/there-be-dragons-here.html 2026-08-03T00:00:00Z

A well done cozy that suffers from the same flaw as most cozy fantasties, namely that the protagonists don't _do_ very much. Rather, things happen _to_ them. Also, the catalyst for adventure wasn't really resolved to my liking. But it's a quick read and enjoyable.

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/mossd-in-space.html 2026-08-02T00:00:00Z

Firefly meets sentient moss! I knew from the first chapter that I would enjoy this. This gives me Buroker Star Kingdom vibes, so I'm stoked for the rest of the series!

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/silverthorn.html 2026-07-31T00:00:00Z

Solid entry in the series. Wasn't quite as compelling as the first two, but I can see how it's leading into book four. Onward, Pug!

https://reviews.brianseitel.com/the-wisdom-of-crowds.html 2026-07-27T00:00:00Z

Nobody does violence and despair and pain and horror with just the right touch of comedy as Joe Abercrombie. Truly a masterpiece. I might like it better than the first trilogy!