Quickie but a Goodie

A short yet hearty review of "The Light Stones," which was exciting for me. I never found the story creepy much (whereas others of mine have had that effect on me), but I can see how worms invoke that sensation in others.

And, mushroom cannelinis and caulipots.

While I thoroughly enjoyed my leftovers today for lunch, I wasn't as thrilled with the initial meal on Saturday. I believe the caulipots (cauliflower, tiny golden potatoes, veggie broth) just needed more salt, and the mushroom cannelinis perhaps fresh dill on top, and lots of it, rather than the dried dill that I used. Just more flavor, and that leafy green-ness that gives things a fresh, crisp taste.

Reading lately: Over the weekend, I made it about twenty-five pages through Amanda Downum's The Bone Palace before I put it down, although I'm willing to say it's me, not the book. As much as I love the idea of a third gender and necromancy and royal suspicions, I wasn't interested enough, nor driven crazy by hooks like I hope for every time I pick up a new book. Maybe it's too traditional for my current tastes? But today I did buy Kameron Hurley's God's War, which I've been looking forward to for awhile now. And I was still hooked five pages later. The writing lacks a certain lyrical eloquence, but more than makes up for it in color and grit and blood, and I'm perfectly willing to make that trade. Also, Holly Black's White Cat, which is finally in paperback. I managed to resist Jo Walton's Among Others, because it's hardcover - we'll see how long I can hold off on that one.

There's more I want to dither on about, including the AMAZING Caitlyn R. Kiernan reprint I read yesterday, which John Joseph Adams may publish in Lightspeed. I really hope he does - the writing is simply stunning. Someday I will write like that, no matter how much blood and sweat it takes. Anyway, we've been seeing a lot of really good slush submissions lately, too, several of which he's accepted, and I'm very eager to see published. Most of them have phenomenal worldbuilding, an exciting plot, and well-rounded characters that usually have some serious flaws, e.g., very human, and with the occasional AI thrown in. Keep 'em coming!