Book Reviews and More
"Gardens of the Moon" is the first book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erickson. Although it may not be exceptional on its own, it serves as an introduction to a more captivating story. The book has good plotting, an interesting world, and unique characters. The series improves significantly from book two onwards, with book three being particularly excellent. Overall, it is...
What is LitRPG LitRPG, short for Literary Role-Playing Game, is a new genre of fantasy literature that is inspired by the leveling up and other elements found within Role Playing Games ranging from Dungeons and Dragons to actual video games. The magic system in these stories is often developed around a leveling system where characters will actually level up and gain skills, abilities, or other...
If you are anything like me you have heard excellent things about this series for years and are likely wondering if it lives up to the hype. I am happy to say that this Jade City met and exceeded my expectations. Jade City tells the story of two rival clans in a large city who are in a contest over the control of Jade, the only source of magic in the world. If you are a fan mafia stories in any...
Unlock the secrets of 'The Challenger Sale' to elevate your sales game with transformative strategies for success in the modern era. Should you read it? Dive in and find out!
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree is one of my new favorite slice of life fantasy stories. Follow Viv the former orc adventurer as she retires to follow her dream, starting a coffee shop. Is coffee popular in this medeival setting town? Not one bit, but Viv is ready to bring this gnomish delight to the common folks. If you want a low stakes, relaxing story that will make you smile (and maybe...
For those enraptured by the sweeping scale and depth of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, the Prince of Nothing, the Five Warrior Angels, and The Wheel of Time are all series which offer similarly expansive worlds, cultures, and stories.
Dive into the enchanting world of Progression Fantasy, a subgenre that has been taking the literary world by storm over the last decade. In this realm, characters grow and evolve, unlocking extraordinary powers and abilities through relentless determination. Join me as I explore some of the most gripping books in this genre, where underdog protagonists challenge the odds, form found families, and...
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth asks what is the biggest indication of future excellence and comes to the conclusion that it is grit, a combination of passion and perseverance. The ideas, case studies, and research at the core of this book are compelling and clear in their explanation. Angela Duckworth, PhD, is a 2013 MacArthur Fellow and professor of psychology at...
The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is an excellent addition to the dystopian genre. A friend recommended this book to me last week and I read it on their recommendation. I enjoyed the key ideas presented by the main character in the story but struggled with the dark tone at times and am still haunted from a few of the scenes in this book. I don’t personally read much dystopian...
You have a choice. Mindsets are just beliefs. They’re powerful beliefs, but they’re just something in your mind, and you can change your mind. As you read, think about where you’d like to go and which mindset will take you there. Carol Dweck – Mindset Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck is one of my all time favorite books on the psychology of motivation, mindset, and the...
Book Reviews and More
Hey there! I'm Wyatt McGillen, a 26-year-old book enthusiast from Wisconsin. My background includes a bachelors of arts with majors in Philosophy, History, and Politics and Government and a national finalist in impromptu speaking.
I love learning about our world and how we fit into it. This blog is an accumulation of philosophy, sociology, and impromptu speaking. These topics are all filled with captivating stories, interesting facts, and profound ideas. All of which enrich my life and hopefully yours.
