Novel
The Tainted Cup
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett I made this entire series to write this review. The 2024 Hugo Winner is a Holmes and Watson style whodunnit taking place in a fantasy world that blends Area X from the Southern Reach Trilogy and The Lost World–more on the setting later.
By Matthew J. Fromm2 days ago in Critique
Words of Radiance
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson And so we come to the yearly ovation for Mr. Sanderson. The man is a genius, his lecture series is one of the most important resources ever developed for writers, and I’m yet to pick up a Sando that’s scored below a 70. I have critiques that we’ll come to, but suffice to say I am a big supporter of Sanderson.
By Matthew J. Fromm4 days ago in Critique
The Blade Itself
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie Every once in a while, I pick up a book that reminds me fundamentally why I enjoy reading—a book that turns my brain off and sweeps me away to some far flung world that I can sit at any quiet moment and. . . disappear into.
By Matthew J. Fromm7 days ago in Critique
The Fall of Arthur
The Fall of Arthur by J.R.R. Tolkien/Chris Tolkien Naturally I’d start this series with my hardest evaluation of the year. I snagged this copy from Shakespeare & Co in Paris to appropriately cap off a trip that included seeing the Bayeux Tapestry (a lecture series for a different time, but it’s so important to the fantasy genre).
By Matthew J. Fromm9 days ago in Critique
Report on the Rumor of a Fire at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Report on the Rumor of a Fire at the Grand Egyptian Museum In recent days, news spread rapidly claiming that a major fire had broken out at the Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Giza Pyramids. These reports caused widespread concern across media platforms and social networks. However, official authorities later confirmed that these stories were false and that the museum remains fully operational, with no incidents reported. This report explores what actually happened, how the authorities handled the rumors, and why verifying news before sharing it is essential.
By America today 2 months ago in Critique
🇨🇳🤝🇺🇸 Trump in China: A New Chapter in U.S.–China Relations?
Donald Trump’s latest visit to China has sparked a wave of global attention. The former U.S. president, known for his bold diplomacy and unconventional style, has arrived in Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Their meetings, reportedly centered on trade, economic cooperation, and regional security, are being viewed as a potential turning point in U.S.–China relations. But beyond the photo opportunities and handshakes, the real question remains—can Trump and Xi truly bridge the growing divide between Washington and Beijing?
By The researcher 2 months ago in Critique
Truth Demands Proof
I saw a post on Facebook where a man shared a letter he had sent to his elected officials calling for the impeachment of the sitting president. He claimed that the offenses were “so obvious” and “so well documented” that he did not even need to include them. That single assumption captured everything wrong with modern political thinking. When someone says “the reasons are obvious,” what they often mean is that they cannot defend them. Emotional conviction replaces evidence. The appearance of certainty replaces truth itself.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast3 months ago in Critique
Play Nice Horror Novel Review: An original story for the haunted house subgenre
Throughout 2025, the horror literature has produced some great stories. In September, best-selling American author Rachel Harrison published a new horror novel that is captivating readers everywhere. Play Nice is a work that combines horror with a profound exploration of identity and family, offering a reading experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
By Ninfa Galeano3 months ago in Critique
Mark Twain: The Father of American Literature
When people talk about the greatest writers in American history, the name Mark Twain always comes up. Mark Twain was the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who was born in 1835 in Missouri, USA. He became famous as a writer, humorist, and lecturer. Many readers around the world love his books because they are both funny and meaningful. He is often called the “Father of American Literature” because his writing shaped the future of storytelling in America.
By aadam khan4 months ago in Critique
If Great Dead Writers Were on Facebook - 4
I have sent out small tips to everyone who submitted a story to my unofficial challenge from the third installment of these series. If you didn't get your tip (I'd wait a little to see for it to show up, though) please let me know. The challenge was announced here:
By Lana V Lynx4 months ago in Critique
