So I've always been a fan of Clive Barker's specific blend of horror/dark fantasy. Exciting to find this collection of his early short stories in a real, live bookshop this week - and thus far it does not disappoint. Mwahahaha! 5/5

A search for 'tropical fantasy' brought me here. The Stone Knife is set in a kind of alternative Mesoamerica, where a civilisation in thrall to the great Song enacts bloody sacrifice as it seeks to conquer the last remaining free tribes. 5/5

Yay! A European Bronze Age setting! But sooo slow to gather pace. Enjoyably vivid action scenes later on, rather reminiscent of Robert E Howard. IMO: this self-published e-book could benefit from another edit. 2/5

Kadare is considered one of Albania's greatest writers: this compact historical-fiction satire gives a pretty good indication as to why. Exactly why and how did they build the Great Pyramid of Cheops? Just what was Pharoah thinking? Kadare paints a vivid picture of skulduggery and realpolitik in ancient Egypt - and perhaps it's really not too far from the truth. 5/5

A fascinating look at the Lord of the Rings and its evolution through various drafts. Of great interest to anyone interested in storytelling craft - and of course Tolkien fans! 4/5