The Roving Author

The Lack of Religion in Fiction and Issues this Causes

Kit Sun Cheah had an interesting article on his site recently. Titled “Guy Gavriel Kay’s Religion Without Religion,” he tackles an issue rampant in modern fiction of every variety: modern writers largely cannot write believable religions or religious characters. Every time they try, they leave a hollow world behind that does not satisfy a reader… Continue reading The Lack of Religion in Fiction and Issues this Causes

Reviews

Review: White Ops by Declan Finn

Whew! Apologies for the delayed review, readers. It’s been a busy time and I had to read this work in between breaks. Yes, it’s been that type of busy behind the scenes here at A Song of Joy and I am ashamed to say it has prevented me from reading and reviewing the early copy… Continue reading Review: White Ops by Declan Finn

Flotsam 'n' Jetsam

Evil vs. Antagonism

Take a look at this excellent post by Declan Finn, readers. And since it’s Christmas, remember to give his books a try! He’s got everything from urban fantasy (the Love at First Bite series)*, to modern thrillers (St. Tommy, NYPD* and the Pius Trilogy*), to a new space opera coming from Tuscany Bay Books next… Continue reading Evil vs. Antagonism

Flotsam 'n' Jetsam

A Study in Black – Thoughts on Marvel’s Black Widow and the MCU in General

©Disney I did not intend to give any regard to the MCU following my viewing of Avengers: Endgame, readers. That film was a fine swan song, though I will be the first to admit that I think it could have been done differently and better. Following this film, there was no reason for yours truly… Continue reading A Study in Black – Thoughts on Marvel’s Black Widow and the MCU in General

Vocational Vivications

Reposted: Christian Fiction Sucks

Check out this interesting article by Declan Finn, readers: Christian Fiction Sucks Yes, the title is clickbait. Yes, I supposedly write "Christian Fiction." So, what's the problem of "Christian Fiction"?As with hanging or beheading, it's all in the execution. Read more.... 

Reviews

Review: The Unexpected Enlightenment of Rachel Griffin by L. Jagi Lamplighter

And here we are with another review, readers. You might recall that I mentioned I had read The Unexpected Enlightenment of Rachel Griffin* in my review of Fantastic Schools, Vol. 2*, which you can read here. For this reason, this author had enough familiarity with Ms. Lamplighter’s world that reading the short story was a… Continue reading Review: The Unexpected Enlightenment of Rachel Griffin by L. Jagi Lamplighter

Reviews

Review: Hell Spawn by Declan Finn

Once is impressive. Twice is a record. I should have known that if it took two days to get through one of Declan Finn’s novels*, it should be a fast trip through the second one. Yet I was still surprised when I finished this book in two separate sittings: My name is Officer Tommy Nolan,… Continue reading Review: Hell Spawn by Declan Finn

Reviews

Review: A Pius Man: A Holy Thriller by Declan Finn

Whew! What a ride! I cannot remember the last time I read a book where the end left me feeling as though I had experienced a crash-landing. Here is the blurb for the book: Murder at the Vatican!           Giovanni Figlia checks all the boxes of a typical police detective. He even sacrificed his soccer… Continue reading Review: A Pius Man: A Holy Thriller by Declan Finn

Flotsam 'n' Jetsam

Superversive Dragons from DragonCon!

Convention-goers across the world have found themselves unable to attend these events due to circumstances outside theirs and the organizers’ control. Nevertheless, some conventions have convened virtually through the Internet to provide fans with the essential parts of the celebration. DragonCon, typically held in Atlanta, Georgia, was no exception. Among the panels that occurred virtually… Continue reading Superversive Dragons from DragonCon!