# five star (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 4 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover five star. Page: Feed: --- ## [The Monster Maker](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/21/the-monster-maker/) _2026-08-21 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ Project Gutenberg is a massive digital library of public domain works. Its archives contain not merely novels, but also numerous short stories from magazines with adjectives like “Amazing”, “Thrilling”, “Startling” and “Wondrous” in their titles. I’m making my way through its vast catalogue of these speculative fiction works. Today, I’ll be looking at “The Monster … Continue reading The Monster… ## [Tegan and Sara #2: Crush](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/21/tegan-and-sara-2-crush/) _2026-08-21 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ You might be older and taller than me, but we’re on the same frequency. I gotta crush, crush on you. This is a rush, rush with you. Let’s audition for Crush, by Tegan Quin, Sara Quin, and Tillie Walden. Synopsis: From indie-pop twin-sister duo Tegan and Sara and Eisner Award-winner Tillie Walden comes the second … Continue reading Tegan and Sara #2: Crush ## [Fantasy Novel Review: Slow Burn by Amal Singh](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/20/fantasy-novel-review-slow-burn-by-amal-singh/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fantasy-novel-review-slow-burn-by-amal-singh) _2026-08-20 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ This review is based on an eARC (Advance Reading Copy) provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Slow Burn was released on August 18, 2026. Amal Singh has come across my reading list with a few short stories in Clarkesworld, and they’re always good reads. So, while short fiction and long… Continue reading Fantasy Novel Review: Slow Burn by Amal Singh ## [A Little Journey](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/20/a-little-journey/) _2026-08-20 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ Project Gutenberg is a massive digital library of public domain works. Its archives contain not merely novels, but also numerous short stories from magazines with adjectives like “Amazing”, “Thrilling”, “Startling” and “Wondrous” in their titles. I’m making my way through its vast catalogue of these speculative fiction works. Today, I’ll be looking at “A Little … Continue reading A Little Journey ## [Mal Goes to War](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/20/mal-goes-to-war/) _2026-08-20 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ War, I despise ’cause it means destruction of innocent lives. War means tears to thousands of mothers’ eyes when their sons go out to fight and lose their lives. Let’s march with Mal Goes to War, by Edward Ashton. Synopsis: The humans are fighting again. Go figure. As a free A.I., Mal finds the war … Continue reading Mal Goes to War ## [The Road to Sinharat](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/18/the-road-to-sinharat/) _2026-08-18 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ Project Gutenberg is a massive digital library of public domain works. Its archives contain not merely novels, but also numerous short stories from magazines with adjectives like “Amazing”, “Thrilling”, “Startling” and “Wondrous” in their titles. I’m making my way through its vast catalogue of these speculative fiction works. Today, I’ll be looking at “The Road … Continue reading The Road to… ## [Full Shift](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/18/full-shift/) _2026-08-18 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ In a dream I was a werewolf. My soul was filled with crystal light. Lavender ribbons of rain sang, ridding my heart of mortal fright. Let’s put on our fur coats for Full Shift, by Jennifer Dugan and Kit Seaton. Synopsis: In this queer, supernatural YA graphic novel from the author of Some Girls Do … Continue reading Full Shift ## [The Professor Gets a History Lesson](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/the-professor-gets-a-history-lesson) _2026-08-18 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ The Sequels to Rats in the Cellar ## [Out of the Sea](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/17/out-of-the-sea/) _2026-08-17 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ Project Gutenberg is a massive digital library of public domain works. Its archives contain not merely novels, but also numerous short stories from magazines with adjectives like “Amazing”, “Thrilling”, “Startling” and “Wondrous” in their titles. I’m making my way through its vast catalogue of these speculative fiction works. Today, I’ll be looking at “Out of … Continue reading Out of the Sea ## [Mossheart #2: The Ghostwing’s Lie](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/17/mossheart-2-the-ghostwings-lie/) _2026-08-17 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ Keep the balance, mind the wood, and bid the green light grow. Folk to summon, Dlyers to anchor, and Divers to help if flow. Beware the lies of Ghostwings freed, in them the rot remains. Seek the heart within the reeds, for the Blight shall rise again! Let’s see how the fairy (f)lies with The … Continue reading Mossheart #2: The Ghostwing’s Lie ## [Recipe PDFs Ready Fast (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/GN8v7djbXtoC) _2026-08-17 · **Sponsored**_ Turn online or personal recipes into clean, printable PDFs in seconds. ## [Horror Novella Review: Preaching to the Choir by Adrian Tchaikovsky](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/17/horror-novella-review-preaching-to-the-choir-by-adrian-tchaikovsky/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=horror-novella-review-preaching-to-the-choir-by-adrian-tchaikovsky) _2026-08-17 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ This review is based on an eARC (Advance Reading Copy) provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Preaching to the Choir was released on August 11, 2026. I first read Adrian Tchaikovsky six or seven years ago, and he quickly became one of my favorite authors. But I soon realized that… Continue reading Horror Novella Review: Preaching to the Choir by Adrian… ## [N’Chaka #2: Enchantress of Venus](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/17/nchaka-2-enchantress-of-venus/) _2026-08-17 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ Project Gutenberg is a massive digital library of public domain works. Its archives contain not merely novels, but also numerous short stories from magazines with adjectives like “Amazing”, “Thrilling”, “Startling” and “Wondrous” in their titles. I’m making my way through its vast catalogue of these speculative fiction works. Today, I’ll be looking at “Enchantress of … Continue reading N’Chaka #2:… ## [Ghost Roast](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/17/ghost-roast/) _2026-08-17 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ I want you to know that if I can’t be close to you, I’ll settle for the ghost of you. I miss you more than life and if you can’t be next to me, your memory is ecstasy. I miss you more than life. Let’s sear Ghost Roast, by Shawnelle Gibbs, Shawneé Gibbs, and Emily … Continue reading Ghost Roast ## [Science Fantasy Novel Review: The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglass by Leslye Penelope](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/16/science-fantasy-novel-review-the-inevitable-undoing-of-zahara-douglass-by-leslye-penelope/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=science-fantasy-novel-review-the-inevitable-undoing-of-zahara-douglass-by-leslye-penelope) _2026-08-16 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ This review is based on an eARC (Advance Reading Copy) provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglass was released on August 11, 2026. With her roots in fantasy romance, Leslye Penelope is an author I’d seen discussed but had never really sought out in the… Continue reading Science Fantasy Novel Review: The Inevitable Undoing of… ## [Shannach – The Last](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/16/shannach-the-last/) _2026-08-16 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ Project Gutenberg is a massive digital library of public domain works. Its archives contain not merely novels, but also numerous short stories from magazines with adjectives like “Amazing”, “Thrilling”, “Startling” and “Wondrous” in their titles. I’m making my way through its vast catalogue of these speculative fiction works. Today, I’ll be looking at “Shananch – … Continue reading Shannach – The… ## [All the Bad Apples](https://profmorbius.wordpress.com/2026/08/16/all-the-bad-apples/) _2026-08-16 · profmorbius · profmorbius_ Ever on and on I continue circling with nothing but my hate in a carousel of agony till slowly I forget and my heart starts vanishing and suddenly I see that I can’t break free. I’m slipping through the cracks of a dark eternity with nothing but my pain and the paralyzing agony to tell … Continue reading All the Bad Apples ## [Fantasy Novel Review: A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/09/fantasy-novel-review-a-trade-of-blood-by-robert-jackson-bennett/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fantasy-novel-review-a-trade-of-blood-by-robert-jackson-bennett) _2026-08-09 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ This review is based on an eARC (Advance Reading Copy) provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A Trade of Blood was released on August 4, 2026. For much of the summer, I’ve been struggling to find long reads that truly captured my attention. With air travel ahead, I was looking… Continue reading Fantasy Novel Review: A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett ## [The Gospel According to the Cat](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/the-gospel-according-to-the-cat) _2026-08-08 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ Though, as my bio states, I’m sold out to the Kingdom of God (in other words, Christian), I find that an “in-your-face” approach isn’t always the best way to express it. ## [2026 Hugo Awards Ballot: Best Short Story](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/06/2026-hugo-awards-ballot-best-short-story/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2026-hugo-awards-ballot-best-short-story) _2026-08-06 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ All this week, I have been posting my rankings and overall assessments for the four single-work print fiction categories in the Hugo Awards for the year’s best in science fiction and fantasy. I’ve already covered Best Novel, Best Novella, and Best Novelette. For those who have not seen the previous posts, let me re-share my… Continue reading 2026 Hugo Awards Ballot: Best Short Story ## [2026 Hugo Awards Ballot: Best Novelette](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/06/2026-hugo-awards-ballot-best-novelette/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2026-hugo-awards-ballot-best-novelette) _2026-08-06 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ This week, I’m posting my ballots for the Hugo Awards for the year’s best in science fiction and fantasy. Monday, I posted my Best Novel ballot, and Wednesday, I posted my ballot for Best Novella. Today, I’ll be covering Best Novelette. For those who have already read my preamble, skip down one paragraph and jump… Continue reading 2026 Hugo Awards Ballot: Best Novelette ## [From any door to your door (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/twJPrit1ZGVv) _2026-08-06 · **Sponsored**_ Book rides, errands, deliveries, groceries and home help in one app ## [2026 Hugo Awards Ballot: Best Novella](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/05/2026-hugo-awards-ballot-best-novella/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2026-hugo-awards-ballot-best-novella) _2026-08-05 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ For those who missed it Monday, I have also published my ballot for the Hugo Awards for Best Novel. If you haven’t seen the preamble yet, I’ll quote it here. Otherwise, skip down one paragraph. For the sixth straight year, I have read and reviewed the finalists for four print fiction categories in the Hugo… Continue reading 2026 Hugo Awards Ballot: Best Novella ## [Fantasy Novella Review: Cinder House by Freya Marske](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/05/fantasy-novella-review-cinder-house-by-freya-marske/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fantasy-novella-review-cinder-house-by-freya-marske) _2026-08-05 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ I’d heard some positive buzz about Freya Marske’s Cinder House before awards shortlists were released, but seeing as how I didn’t seem to fit any of the target demographics, I let it pass by until a Hugo nomination sent it climbing back up my TBR. Even though I hadn’t picked it off the shelf on… Continue reading Fantasy Novella Review: Cinder House by Freya Marske ## [2026 Hugo Awards Ballot: Best Novel](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/03/2026-hugo-awards-ballot-best-novel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2026-hugo-awards-ballot-best-novel) _2026-08-03 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ For the sixth straight year, I have read and reviewed the finalists for four print fiction categories in the Hugo Awards for the best of the year in science fiction and fantasy. It feels a little different this year, because I am a Hugo finalist (for Best Fan Writer), and my reviews suddenly feel a bit more… Continue reading 2026 Hugo Awards Ballot: Best Novel ## [Horror Novella Review: What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/03/horror-novella-review-what-stalks-the-deep-by-t-kingfisher/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=horror-novella-review-what-stalks-the-deep-by-t-kingfisher) _2026-08-03 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ T. Kingfisher’s Sworn Soldier series offers bite-sized horror stories linked by a common central character. And because the first three have been nominated for Hugos, I keep reading them. I liked What Moves the Dead well enough but did not care for What Feasts at Night, so it was with some apprehension that I approached… Continue reading Horror Novella Review: What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher ## [July 2026 Round-up and Short Fiction Miscellany](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/08/02/july-2026-round-up-and-short-fiction-miscellany/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=july-2026-round-up-and-short-fiction-miscellany) _2026-08-02 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ I’ve gone heavy on the short fiction this month, with a pair of Magazine Minis and my regular magazine review, alongside a couple of longer reviews from my Hugo reading. But as always, that’s not everything, and I have more sci-fi and fantasy short fiction to recommend. Let’s get to it! Short Fiction As I… Continue reading July 2026 Round-up and Short Fiction Miscellany ## [Multiverse Fiction](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/multiverse-fiction) _2026-07-31 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ More along the line of "what if..." ## [“I wouldn’t have made it this far in life without my friends”: Jennifer Garner & Gemma Chan on female friendships, regrets and The Five Star Weekend](https://jesskbacon.substack.com/p/jennifer-garner-gemma-chan-interview-five-star-weekend-female-friendship) _2026-07-29 · Jess Bacon · the culture cut_ Jennifer Garner and Gemma Chan open up about their regrets, the importance of female friendship and why they wanted to work together on The Five Star Weekend. ## [Tar Vol’s Magazine Minis (Again!): Adventitious, Kaleidotrope, and Reckoning](https://www.tarvolon.com/2026/07/27/tar-vols-magazine-minis-again-adventitious-kaleidotrope-and-reckoning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tar-vols-magazine-minis-again-adventitious-kaleidotrope-and-reckoning) _2026-07-27 · tarvolon · Tar Vol on_ Two Magazine Minis in a month? In this economy? Earlier this month, I took a look at some stories from OnSpec and The Deadlands that were included in the Hugo packet. But publishers didn’t stop releasing new things just because I was reading stories from last year. And guess what? There are some new releases… Continue reading Tar Vol’s Magazine Minis (Again!): Adventitious, Kaleidotrope, and… ## [The most profound warning in The Odyssey is to beware of violent men’s ‘disguises’](https://jesskbacon.substack.com/p/the-odyssey-circe-violent-men-disguises) _2026-07-24 · Jess Bacon · the culture cut_ How Circe stole the show from Odysseus with one line ## [Experimenting with Time Travel](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/experimenting-with-time-travel) _2026-07-22 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ More on Orphans of Space-Time ## [Anthony Ettinger on LinkedIn (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/pXliEU3EthFq) _2026-07-22 · **Sponsored**_ Public LinkedIn profile at linkedin.com/in/anthonyettinger. ## [The Time Orphan Universe](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/the-time-orphan-universe) _2026-07-11 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ Alternative rules of time travel ## [How to plan a new sequel to the Back to the Future trilogy in 2026](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/how-to-plan-a-new-sequel-to-the-back) _2026-07-04 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ This is probably the closest I’ve ever come to writing fan fiction, but here goes… ## [Free download for the last time](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/free-download-for-the-last-time) _2026-06-27 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ The Rat Queen ## [A wee piece of flash fiction](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/a-wee-piece-of-flash-fiction) _2026-06-23 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ To my regular readers and everyone else: ## [Alice in the Rabbit Hole](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/alice-in-the-rabbit-hole) _2026-06-06 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ This came to me as I was meditating on Colossians 1 and 2... ## [Human history in a nutshell](https://robbycharters.substack.com/p/human-history-in-a-nutshell) _2026-06-05 · Robby's Occasional eMail · Robby's Occasional eMail_ from the perspective of an alien ## [Harlan Coben on writer’s block, working with Reese Witherspoon and his new series, Lazarus](https://jesskbacon.substack.com/p/harlan-coben-lazarus-book-advice) _2025-10-24 · Jess Bacon · the culture cut_ It’s not very often you get to interview one of your favourite authors. ## [Materialists is anything but broke man propaganda](https://jesskbacon.substack.com/p/materialists-is-anything-but-broke) _2025-08-15 · Jess Bacon · the culture cut_ It's a cautionary tale about mistaking vanity metrics for love ## [How my failures inspired my New Year's resolutions](https://jesskbacon.substack.com/p/my-failures-inspired-my-new-years) _2025-01-08 · Jess Bacon · the culture cut_ failure or first go? you decide... ## [If we're all feeling behind, then who is ahead?](https://jesskbacon.substack.com/p/if-were-all-feeling-behind-then-who) _2024-10-02 · Jess Bacon · the culture cut_ Feel like you're lagging behind your pals? You're not alone, but life doesn't end at 30. ## [35 digital dating stories that will revive your faith in finding love online](https://jesskbacon.substack.com/p/35-digital-dating-stories-that-will) _2024-09-18 · Jess Bacon · the culture cut_ We're rewriting the script: dating apps do lead to long-term love sometimes. Maybe don't write them off just yet... ## [Burnout, a Book Submission and Brunch with Amy Poehler](https://jesskbacon.substack.com/p/burnout-a-book-submission-and-brunch) _2024-09-04 · Jess Bacon · the culture cut_ Let's have a little catch up, shall we?