Title: Century of Sand
Author: Christopher Ruz (Website, Twitter)
Length: Approximately 120,000 words
Purchase Links: Amazon, Smashwords

As Century of Sand opens, we are presented with a chilling scene: a man, clutching the limp body of a young girl, escapes a castle by cover of night. Nothing is said about who he is or where he is going, but through the language of well-chosen details we sense the seriousness of his crime and the precious nature of his cargo. A glance back over his shoulder makes us feel his anxiety; we are in his shoes now, facing the guards ahead with feigned assurance, knowing that any break in our resolve will spell certain disaster.

And that’s just the first two paragraphs.

Continue reading Book Review – Century of Sand by Christopher Ruz →

Title: HYM and HUR
Author: Philip Frey (Website, Twitter, Facebook)
Length: Approximately 8,000 words
Purchase Links: Amazon, Smashwords

HYM and HUR is a somewhat whimsical short story involving two fairy-like beings who make a pact with Death, and in the process cause trouble for an innocent human and his girlfriend. Despite its sometimes uneven characterization, it succeeds as a light read with brisk pacing.

Continue reading Book Review – HYM and HUR by Philip Frey →

This is the first in a new series of book reviews at the Metanautics Department. The intention is to help readers by calling attention to independent books and authors that might otherwise go unnoticed.

If you would like your book reviewed, click “Book Review Guidelines” above for submission instructions.

Title: The Old Gods
Author: M.K. Lindenberg
Length: Approximately 9,000 words
Purchase Link: Amazon

The Old Gods is Lovecraftian horror in its classic form, with one major twist: in Lovecraft’s tales, the characters were typically humans who investigated or stumbled upon ancient gods or other strange creatures. In Lindenberg’s story, the protagonist is a god himself, albeit one who was once a man.

Continue reading Book Review – The Old Gods by M.K. Lindenberg →