Dan's Sci-fi & Fantasy Blog

Another missive from the edges of sanity—it's WIP Report time! In my quest to find comps for the Vampire Dragon WIP, I've read a few creature features. While most probably won't work as comparable titles, these unnerving yarns of unfathomable aliens, unethical genetic experimentation, and eldritch horrors are fun reads.

Ifrit comes roaring back into Bax's life in From Ash and Darkness, J.L. Sullivan's second installment of his series exploring the darkside of wishes.

What aspect of writing do you struggle with the most? When I first started out trying to string sentences together, you could say I wrestled with the whole kit and caboodle—even if I didn't realize it. But what I grappled with the most in those early days was characterization, unless cardboard characters without discernible emotions are your jam! So I thought I'd take a moment to pontificate on some of my favorite denizens in fantasy and sci-fi literature. 500th Post!!!!! Whe

Can AI save us from ourselves?

We've reached the midpoint of the year. How is that possible? I guess time does have a way of flying by! Anyway, that means it's time to give a reading update, namely what have been my best reads of 2026 so far.

Recently, I convinced my now 11-year-old reluctant reader to pick up some science fiction novels. But there is a catch… these are books I read as a child. Not just the same title by the same author, but the exact same copies!

I am always looking for books to entice my reluctant readers, especially my 10-year-old. Here are some books we read together last year, and he positively devoured!

I am familiar with Susie Black's Holly Swimsuit books, which are tongue-in-cheek mysteries. I was curious to see how her snarky protagonists and trademark humor translate into the young adult genre.

Read the books "the man" says are dangerous. Be a rebel! Read banned books! Think dangerous thoughts! Read The Diary of a Young Girl.

Read the books "the man" says are dangerous. Be a rebel! Read banned books! Think dangerous thoughts!

Honestly, I don't even know why I'm dreaming up reading goals for 2026. I read maaaaany books in 2025, but I didn't get to many of the ones I planned to read. There are so many great books and so little time to read them all!

It's that time of year to expound upon my favorite reads. These aren’t necessarily books that were written in 2025, but they are the most memorable I read last year. If you're looking to add to your TBR for 2026, these books are well worth your attention. Without further ado, the books.

Dive into our review of 'The Winter Heir', a captivating YA fantasy book. Discover why YA fantasy books lovers can't miss this thrilling sequel.

Read the books "the man" says are dangerous. Be a rebel! Read banned books! Think dangerous thoughts!

This year, I've delved into some fascinating non-fiction regarding the rise of AI and the pitfalls of social media, which, in my opinion, are intimately intertwined, for better or worse. I also truly enjoyed a work of pure fiction that nevertheless feels eerily prescient.

Discover an in-depth Book Review of Goldsong by Beth Hudson. This informative Book Review explores Traedis's journey as a reluctant hero.

Read the books "the man" says are dangerous. Be a rebel! Read banned books! Think dangerous thoughts!

Today on the blog is another entry in my occasional series Pages2Screen. In this edition, I answer the question of whether Mickey 7 is better than the film adaptation.

Read the books "the man" says are dangerous. Be a rebel! Read banned books! Think dangerous thoughts!

Today on the blog, I have another book review of a tale from an indie author. I don't take on many reviews and had a long dry spell until earlier this year. So far this year, I've chosen an eclectic mix of indies to check out. Super Guardian by Arnav Kapoor definitely fits this mold—it's a graphic novel written by a teen.