Category Archives: Science Fiction/Fantasy

A fresh perspective: The cursed Harry Potter

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Linda

Again this year, students in Paul T. O’Connor’s opinion-writing class in the School of Media and Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have contributed book reviews to Briar Patch Books. We welcome these reviews, which offer … Continue reading →

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“A true masterpiece”

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Linda

Steve Wishnevsky, who knows a lot about the subject, takes a look at a classic collection by one of the giants of science fiction and fantasy. Reviewed by Stephen Wishnevsky THE COMPLETE LYONESSE. By Jack Vance. Gollancz. 1,040 pages. Hardcover, … Continue reading →

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Wishnevsky a la Lincoln

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Linda

Steve Wishnevsky weighs in with a review that reminds me of a quote that’s been widely circulated as having been written by Abraham Lincoln when reviewing a book: “People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort … Continue reading →

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Of witches and satire and a universe

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Linda

Steve Wishnevsky takes a look at the latest book in the Discworld series, one in the subset of Tiffany Aching books. The Tiffany Aching books are technically classified as young-adult novels, suitable for high-school age readers. But as Wishnevsky well … Continue reading →

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Here’s where the twain shall meet (pun intended)

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Linda

Stephen Wishnevsky must have … jet lag? Airship lag? In no time at all, he’s traveled from Mark Twain and The Gilded Age to Agatha H and a wild Girl Genius fantasy. Who knows where he will venture next? By … Continue reading →

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The Fuller Memorandum

Posted on November 18, 2010 by Linda

Here’s our latest post, a sci-fi/urban fantasy book reviewed by Steve Wishnevsky of Winston-Salem.  Steve says he’s also reading some more serious fare to review later. By Steve Wishnevsky THE FULLER MEMORANDUM. By Charles Stross. Ace: Berkley Publishing. 320 pages. … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Fiction/Fantasy, Urban Fantasy | 2 Comments

Anno Dracula

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Linda

Just in time for Halloween, Steve Wishnevsky offers a review of a spooky classic. By Steve Wishnevsky ANNO DRACULA. By Kim Newman. Simon and Shuster. 1992. There is a minor branch of Fantasy known as the Pastiche, where the author … Continue reading →

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White Night

Posted on October 25, 2010 by Linda

Our latest book review is not of a newly published book, but rather of one representative book in a series that our reviewer considers worthy of discussion. The book can be found in hardback and paper editions. The reviewer is … Continue reading →

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