Charlemagne's Champion
Roland, an outcast warrior terrified of his supernatural heritage, seeks redemption through service to Charlemagne. A deeply unlikable protagonist and sloppy prose nearly drove me away, but intriguing magical mysteries and a promising friendship kept me reading—until a disappointing conclusion vindicated my initial doubts.
The Devil You Say
Aubrey Arbuthnot returns for another absurd supernatural adventure in 1920s England. The plot is more ambitious and the humor more outrageous than Strong Spirits, but an increasingly obnoxious protagonist and some unexpectedly cruel stereotypes diminish the fun.
Strong Spirits
When a charmingly useless young aristocrat's father dies, his ghost refuses to leave him alone. A wonderfully absurd little supernatural comedy set in 1920s England, with dry humor, lovable characters, and just enough detail to make its 151 pages feel like a complete world.
Deryni Rising
A young prince, his Deryni magician mentor, and a vengeful sorceress collide in an elaborate struggle for the throne. A classic historical fantasy with impossibly dramatic characters, convenient magic, and an unexpectedly comforting old-fashioned charm.
Silk Roads and Shadows
A Byzantine princess sets out on a perilous journey to China to steal silkworms and save her empire. A promising historical fantasy adventure, but frantic pacing, disorienting transitions, and careless prose made me abandon it after fifty pages.
Those Who Hunt the Night
A Victorian vampire murder mystery with exceptional characterization, rich historical detail, and a conclusion that doesn't quite live up to the journey.