Book Review: Murtagh, by Christopher Paolini

Brief Synopsis Taking place post “Inheritance”, “Murtagh” by Christopher Paolini follows the titular character – along with his dragon, Thorn, as they work to uncover a mysterious plot unfolding in the land of Alagaesia. But should Murtagh even bother trying to save a world that has all but abandoned him? Content Warnings: Fantasy Violence (R), … Continue reading Book Review: Murtagh, by Christopher Paolini

I Published (Another) Book!

That’s right! My second book, Arikala Academy: A Wave of Courage, is finally out in the world! Featuring a magical school, water-bending powers, and a herd of corgi-dragons, A Wave of Courage is the first book in the Arikala Academy series, and follows 11 year-old Cassidy Farron as she attempts to survive her first year … Continue reading I Published (Another) Book!

Book Review: The Tenfold Tenants, by E.V. Belknap

Brief Synopsis “The Tenfold Tenants” is a cozy fantasy novel by debut indie author E.V. Belknap. Corvinian Hark really wants you to believe he’s the next big villain…but right now he’s just a simple landlord for supernatural tenants. Content Warnings: Child abuse (mentioned), Character Death What Do I Think? Weirdly, despite the fact that general … Continue reading Book Review: The Tenfold Tenants, by E.V. Belknap

Book Review: Bumps in the Night, by Amalie Howard

Brief Synopsis “Bumps in the Night” is the middle grade horror debut of Amalie Howard, and follows 13 year-old Darika Lovelace as she is sent off to stay with her grandmother in the Caribbean. Sure, she should be happy, but the island isn’t all that she remembers. As sinister forces close in around her, Darika … Continue reading Book Review: Bumps in the Night, by Amalie Howard

I Have a New Book Coming Out!

If you’ve seen any of my other social media – or, heck, paid attention to any of my other posts – than this won’t come as a surprise to you, but: new book alert! Arikala Academy: A Wave of Courage is a new middle-grade fantasy novel following the adventures of Cassidy Farron, an eleven year-old … Continue reading I Have a New Book Coming Out!

Book Review: Thieves’ Gambit, by Kayvion Lewis

Brief Synopsis “Thieves’ Gambit” is the first book in a new YA series by Kayvion Lewis. Ross Quest is already a master thief at seventeen years old, but when a plan goes awry and her mother’s life is in danger, she is forced to enter high-stakes competition called the Thieves’ Gambit. But not everybody survives… … Continue reading Book Review: Thieves’ Gambit, by Kayvion Lewis

Ryckman’s Report: April 2024

There’s a lot to talk about, first of which is: I’m publishing another book in June! Arikala Academy: A Wave of Courage is the first book in a new middle-grade fantasy series. Here’s the synopsis: Courage is the most powerful magic of all. At eleven years old, Cassidy Farron knows two things for certain: that … Continue reading Ryckman’s Report: April 2024

Book Review: Daughter of the Deep, by Rick Riordan

Brief Synopsis “Daughter of the Deep” is a 2021 middle-grade science fiction novel by Rick Riordan. After Ana Dakkar’s school is attacked by a rival while she is on a field trip, she and her classmates must fight for survival. But with secrets abound, how is she to know who to trust? Content Warnings: Intense … Continue reading Book Review: Daughter of the Deep, by Rick Riordan

Retro Review: Alanna: The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce

Brief Synopsis “Alanna: The First Adventure” was written by Tamora Pierce and originally published in 1983. After switching places with her twin brother, Alanna embarks on a journey to knighthood, pretending to be a boy. Forced to hide her true identity, Alanna must master the skills of a soldier and determine who her true allies … Continue reading Retro Review: Alanna: The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce

Book Review: The Dark Lord’s Daughter, by Patricia C. Wrede

Brief Synopsis “The Dark Lord’s Daughter” is a middle-grade fantasy novel by author Patricia C. Wrede. After a day at the state fair reveals to Kayla that she is actually the daughter of a supposed ‘Dark Lord,’ her life is turned upside-down. As she explores a new, tech-free world, she is forced to make a … Continue reading Book Review: The Dark Lord’s Daughter, by Patricia C. Wrede