Dealing with Dragons Review

When I was told that Patricia Wrede‘s Dealing with Dragons book had knights, dragons, princesses, talking frogs, wizards, and witches in it, I probably made a weird, scrunched up face. It sounds like the typical damsel in distress (and there are some of them in the story) in a fantasy setting. But Dealing with Dragons is not quite… Read More

“We are not things” in Mad Max

Mad Max: Fury Road is being heralded as the best movie this year everywhere you turn. Some people are even saying it’s the best action movie in the last 20 years, or the best since Alien. I enjoyed, for the most part, the original Mad Max movies with one glaring exception. It was sometime during… Read More

The History Channel’s Vikings Ain’t Half Bad

I was initially prejudiced against this show based on the promotional material and the fact that the History Channel isn’t exactly a bastion of entertainment. Given the other types of “historically accurate” shows I’ve steered away from in the past, I was certain that Vikings would offend me. This was in spite of various panelists… Read More

Why Harry Potter fans should read Septimus Heap

If you find yourself wishing there were more Harry Potter books to read, or just want something similar but don’t want to re-read the series for the hundredth time, I definitely have a book series for you: Septimus Heap by Angie Sage. This seven book, middle grade series is a nice, quick read, and the pages… Read More

Forget Pride and Prejudice, Watch Belle

If you celebrated Women’s History Month by exclusively watching period dramas, I can’t say I blame you. There’s something fascinating about watching women from “back in the day” navigate the tricky waters of a restrictive society, all while exquisitely dressed. Add on top of that a frank discussion of race and you’ve got Amma Asante‘s Belle. Belle is… Read More

Through the Looking Glass: A (not so) Warped View of Alice

Warning: *spoilers* ahead! Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has become iconic, whether as an imitation of the original story or new adaptions. Alice has inspired everything from art to movies to games to story spinoffs. The book has given people pause, conjured bizarre thoughts, made us think Lewis Carol was on drugs, and twisted its way into our everyday language.… Read More