The Shore of Women
A fascinating post-apocalyptic society where women rule technologically advanced cities and men live as wilderness barbarians. Unfortunately, the intriguing worldbuilding takes a backseat to a tedious, unconvincing romance, uneven pacing, and frustrating gender essentialism.
Out There
What promises to be a post-apocalyptic adventure turns out to be a rather dull nature-club field trip. Thin characterization, a depressing ending, and some egregious fatphobia make this one hard to recommend. Worst of all? Not a single raccoon.
Far Edge of Darkness
A group of modern-day strangers find themselves enslaved in ancient Rome, caught in a dangerous time-travel conspiracy. A well-written, suspenseful action novel that's solidly enjoyable, even if its central mystery proves more compelling than its resolution.
Chrysalis of Death
A fossil collector unearths prehistoric caterpillars that unleash a horrifying epidemic on a tiny desert town. Competently written, genuinely suspenseful pulp horror whose relentless cruelty and hopelessness left me furious.
The Time of the Dark
A medieval historian, a drifter, and a magnificent old wizard find themselves fighting to survive an apocalypse in another world. An unexpectedly thin plot and unconvincingly resilient protagonists disappoint, but Ingold nearly saves the whole thing.
Found
A childhood favorite that holds up beautifully, with evocative prose, unexpected friendships, and a surprising amount of emotional depth.