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Lilith Press Books!

Books!

When was the last time you read something truly incredible?

And I don't mean the Song of Ice and Fire series or "Fifty Shades of Grey"... I mean a book that inspires you and makes you think beyond your own petty greed and need for instant gratification?!

Well this section of Lilith Press Magazine is dedicated to book reviews of books we recommend other people try reading. Why? Because they're seriously that good. We wouldn't be recommending them if we didn't really like them.

Sincerely,
Suzanne MacNevin
British-Canadian Feminist Writer


Comic Books

  • 10 Classic Comic Books you should Definitely Read
  • 10 Classic Comic Books with Female Leads you should Definitely Read
  • 10 Graphic Novels Worth Reading
  • The Often Misunderstood She-Hulk

    Fantasy

  • 10 Classic Fantasy Books you should Definitely Read
  • 10 Historical Fantasy Books Worth Reading
  • The Adventures of Wrathgar, A Heroic Fantasy Book Series for Archery Enthusiasts
  • Children of Blood and Bone, A Book Review
  • The Demon's Pawn, A Book Review
  • A Wizard of Earth Sea by Ursula K. Le Guin, A Book Review
  • Bastion by Mercedes Lackey, A Book Review

    Historical Fiction

  • 20 Historical Fiction Books Worth Reading
  • Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O'Dell

    Horror

  • 10 Classic Horror Books you should Definitely Read
  • Stephen King, Biography and Career Highlights

    Non-Fiction

  • 22 Books Handy for Learning Russian or Ukrainian
  • 15 Handy-to-Have Non-Fiction Books

    Mystery

  • 10 Classic Mystery Books you should Definitely Read

    Romance

  • 10 Classic Romance Books you should Definitely Read
  • 10 Fantasy Romance Books you should Definitely Read

    Science Fiction

  • 10 Classic Science Fiction Books you should Definitely Read

    Survival Fiction

  • 10 Classic Survival Fiction Books you should Definitely Read
  • 10 Classic Wilderness Adventure Books you should Definitely Read
  • Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, A Book Review
  • Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O'Dell

    Sword & Sorcery

  • Is Sword and Sorcery Dead? Hardly
  • Conan the Barbarian, A Book Review
  • Imaro by Charles Saunders, A Book Review
  • Imaro 2 by Charles Saunders, A Book Review
  • Fire and Sword, A Book Review
  • The Witcher Book Series, A Book Review


    Book Reviews Wanted

    Our staff writers only read certain types of books (mostly fantasy, historical fiction, horror, etc) so we are in short supply of other genres of books. Freelance writers / book reviewers looking to send us book reviews to be posted should email lilithgallery@gmail.com. We are currently supplementing the list above by including links to book reviews on Charles Moffat's YouTube Channel, as he has been busy making video book reviews of various fantasy, historical fiction and other books. However we would like to see more written book reviews, so if you want to tell us about a book you've read which you feel deserves more attention please tell us about it.


    Is Sword and Sorcery Dead? Hardly.

    By Charles Moffat, February 2020. Updated January 2021.

    What do you think of when you think of Conan the Barbarian?

    Do you think of the movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger or Jason Momoa? Or do you think of the short stories by Robert E. Howard, who is widely regarded to be the Grandfather of Sword and Sorcery.

    Robert E. Howard published his original Conan stories between 1932 and 1936, before committing suicide in 1936. Many of his Conan stories were later published posthumously after his death, including various stories featuring similar characters which were edited and changed into Conan stories after his death by other authors due to the popularity of the Conan character.

    The original stories are now considered to be classics by fans of the Sword and Sorcery subgenre, and unauthorized additions to Conan's timeline have been posthumously added by a variety of fantasy authors including L. Sprague de Camp, Robert Jordan, Andrew J. Offutt, and many others.

    Conan the Barbarian is just one example of Sword and Sorcery however. The most famous example perhaps, but just one of many. There are many other authors who have also written within this particular fantasy subgenre. Authors like Marion Zimmer Bradley and Charles Saunders.

    Being written and published in the 1930s the original Conan stories suffer from a number of issues and now feel outdated. Editors in recent years have been "cleaning up" old Robert E. Howard stories to remove racial biases. The same problem persists in books by Edgar Rice Burroughs (creator of Tarzan and John Carter of Mars) and other authors from that time period. Authors from the 1950s and other decades were also prone to this problem. Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond/007) was a notorious racist. Anyone reading the original version of "Dr No" will be amazed at just how racist he was.

    The sexism of the era is also a concern, and inspired authors like Marion Zimmer Bradley to write their own Sword and Sorcery stories in an effort to eradicate that problem in the genre.

    So how do we fix this problem?

    Well, we can't change history. History is fixed. Editors may decide to alter the original stories to make them less racist/sexist or to try to eliminate the racism/sexism entirely, but there will always be original copies of the stories floating around in used book stores, and there will also be some readers who prefer the original versions in their unvarnished style. The original stories are well written after all, and despite their faults are enjoyed by many.

    The only real solution is for authors of today to be creating new Sword & Sorcery stories that grow in popularity, and for readers to start buying those books to see if they are worthy of replacing the original Sword & Sorcery classics of the 20th century with a new Sword & Sorcery of 21st century that depicts such things in a more realistic, honest, and hopefully worthy replacement.

    Doing my part, I have been writing my Wulfric the Wanderer stories since 2007. Stories like:

    1. Portal of Destiny (Short Story)
    2. The Cult of the She-Bear (Novella)
    3. Shifting Shadows in Iztark (Novelette)
    4. Black Monoliths of Al-Kazar (Short Story)
    5. The Unbreakable Arrow (Novelette)

    In the Wulfric the Wanderer series I depict racial diversity in a positive light, and while you might still see harem girls, they are usually trying to escape and defeat their male captors. While you can certainly see the influence of Robert E. Howard's writing on my work, it is certainly not the only influence. I am also influenced by David Eddings, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Andrzej Sapkowski, George R. R. Martin, J. R. R. Tolkien, Dave Duncan, and others.

    The length of each story in the series varies between being a short story, novelette or novella in length, and they are similar in length to the stories that Robert E. Howard wrote. Like REH stories they don't need to be read in any particular order, although some readers will certainly prefer to read them in order.

    Portal of Destiny | Sword and Sorcery The Cult of the She-Bear | Sword and Sorcery

    Portal of Destiny
    Sword and Sorcery
    Ebook $0.99
    Paperback $3.99

    Wulfric has grown weary of hunting in the Snowfell Mountains of Korovia and decides to head south, looking for danger and adventure. What he finds however is a portal that takes him back in time to when legendary warriors walked the land, and when great dragons ate warriors like himself as a snack.

    The Cult of the She-Bear
    Sword and Sorcery
    Ebook $2.99
    Paperback $5.99

    Wulfric the Wanderer has traveled back in time to Korovia's Stone Age, when it is on the cusp of the Bronze Age. He has earned the trust and respect of the chieftain Ko Margus, and Wulfric has accepted that he is somehow destined to be trapped in this time period for the time being. When the Flintrako tribe finds megalithic carvings of bears in the side of a mountain the two sides begin to bicker about whether to destroy the carvings. Wulfric is tasked with investigating the nearby caves and the cave art within, finding more caverns that delve deeper into the mountain. What he doesn't know is that the bear carvings outside are magical wards that prevent an evil entity inside the mountain from escaping. If the carvings are destroyed the entity will be freed and it will be able to feed once more...

    Shifting Shadows in Iztark | Sword and Sorcery Black Monoliths of Al-Kazar | Sword and Sorcery

    Shifting Shadows in Iztark
    Sword and Sorcery
    Ebook $2.99
    Paperback $5.99

    Wulfric the Wanderer has defeated the dark wizards inhabiting the Ivory Tower of Iztark, but upon exiting a strange old man approaches him with the promise of riches if he can assassinate the dark wizard known as Merchant-Lord Phrax Al-Amun. But Phrax's palace and harem full of women is guarded by more than mere mortal guards and the wandering barbarian-turned-assassin will have to battle his way through all manner of dangers and distractions.

    The Unbreakable Arrow | Sword and Sorcery

    Black Monoliths of Al-Kazar
    Sword and Sorcery
    Ebook $2.99
    Paperback $5.99

    Tahira, Wulfric's great love, is dead and the barbarian from Korovia decides to strike out on his own. His journey brings him to a Quinian trading post on the coast of Al-Kazar... But what he encounters there however is black magic and 'Black Monoliths of Al-Kazar'. Forced into slavery Wulfric the Wanderer must unlock his own rage within the dark abyss of his soul.

    The Unbreakable Arrow
    Sword and Sorcery
    Ebook $2.99
    Paperback $5.99

    The stranger arrived in the village leading a dying injured horse. The villagers live in the woods, away from the keen eyes of the dragons and demons that fly overhead during the Dark Ages of Korovia. When pressed by a local Xarsian priest the stranger is convinced to find a legendary magical arrow, said to be unbreakable, in order to slay a demon. There is only one problem. The magical arrow is said to be in the lair of a sleeping dragon...




  • 22 Books Handy for Learning Russian or Ukrainian

    Lonely Planet Ukrainian Phrasebook

    By Chaz G. T. Patto - June 2023.

    Some people really like learning new languages, but if you've been recently inspired to learn a new language then it is important that you get a few books on the subject to help with your learning process. Below we use the examples of Russian and Ukrainian, which despite their similarities have different alphabets and Ukrainian is arguably more like Polish than it is like Russian.

    Books for Learning Russian

  • "Russian Phrasebook & Dictionary" by Lonely Planet
  • "The New Penguin Russian Course: A Complete Course for Beginners" by Nicholas J. Brown
  • "Russian For Dummies" by Andrew Kaufman and Serafima Gettys
  • "Colloquial Russian: The Complete Course for Beginners" by Svetlana Le Fleming and Susan E. Kay
  • "Living Language Russian, Complete Edition: Beginner through advanced course" by Living Language
  • "Assimil Russian with Ease: Learn Russian for English Speakers" by Assimil
  • "Russian Tutor: Grammar and Vocabulary Workbook" by Michael Ransome
  • "Russian Short Stories for Beginners: 20 Captivating Short Stories to Learn Russian & Grow Your Vocabulary the Fun Way!" by Lingo Mastery
  • "Russian Learner's Dictionary: 10,000 Russian Words in Frequency Order" by Nicholas Brown
  • "A Comprehensive Russian Grammar" by Terence Wade
  • "Russian-English Bilingual Visual Dictionary" by DK

    Books for Learning Ukrainian

  • "Ukrainian Phrasebook & Dictionary" by Lonely Planet
  • "Beginner's Ukrainian" by Yuri Shevchuk
  • "Teach Yourself Ukrainian" by Olena Bekh and James Dingley
  • "Ukrainian: A Comprehensive Grammar" by Ian Press and Stefan Pugh
  • "Ukrainian: An Essential Grammar" by Ian Press and Stefan Pugh
  • "Colloquial Ukrainian: The Complete Course for Beginners" by Ian Press and Stefan Pugh
  • "Intermediate Ukrainian: A Grammar and Workbook" by Rory Finnin and Larissa Zaleska Onyshkevych
  • "Ukrainian for Speakers of English: Written Exercises" by Roman Szporluk and Olga Kagan
  • "English-Ukrainian and Ukrainian-English Dictionary" by M. Hrinchenko
  • "Ukrainian-English/English-Ukrainian Practical Dictionary" by M. Striuk
  • "Ukrainian Short Stories for Beginners: 20 Captivating Short Stories to Learn Ukrainian & Grow Your Vocabulary the Fun Way!" by Lingo Mastery

    Furthermore, while researching this topic we also came up with some ways that AI could be used to help someone learn a new language:

  • Intelligent Language Tutors: AI-powered language tutors can provide personalized instruction and feedback to learners. Using natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, AI tutors can analyze a learner's speech, writing, and comprehension skills, identify areas for improvement, and offer tailored exercises and explanations to address specific weaknesses.

  • Interactive Conversational Agents: AI chatbots or conversational agents can simulate real-life conversations and provide language learners with interactive practice. These agents can engage in text or voice-based conversations, respond to learners' queries, correct errors, and offer suggestions to improve fluency and accuracy.

  • Automated Language Assessment: AI can automate language assessments, providing instant feedback on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI systems can evaluate written or spoken responses, compare them to reference models, and generate detailed feedback and recommendations for improvement.

  • Adaptive Curriculum Design: AI can analyze learners' progress, performance, and individual needs to dynamically adjust the curriculum and learning materials. By tracking learners' strengths and weaknesses, AI systems can generate personalized learning paths, recommend appropriate resources, and adapt the difficulty level of exercises to optimize language acquisition.

  • Natural Language Processing for Language Practice: AI-powered language practice platforms can utilize NLP techniques to generate interactive exercises, comprehension tasks, and writing prompts. Learners can engage in real-time conversations with AI systems, play language games, and complete language tasks to reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and language skills.

  • Pronunciation and Accent Training: AI can assist in pronunciation and accent training by analyzing learners' speech patterns, comparing them to native speakers' models, and providing targeted feedback. AI systems can detect pronunciation errors, suggest proper articulation, and offer practice exercises to improve learners' spoken language skills.

  • Language Immersion and Virtual Reality: AI can create immersive language learning experiences through virtual reality (VR) simulations. Learners can engage in virtual environments where they practice language skills, interact with AI characters, and explore culturally relevant scenarios, providing an immersive and realistic language learning environment.

  • Gamification and Interactive Learning: AI-powered language learning platforms can incorporate gamified elements to increase engagement and motivation. AI algorithms can adapt game difficulty based on learners' progress, offer rewards and challenges, and provide instant feedback to make language learning more enjoyable and interactive.

  • Language Translation and Contextual Learning: AI-based language translation tools can assist learners in understanding texts and conversations in real-time. By providing instant translations and explanations, AI systems help learners grasp the meaning and context of unfamiliar words or phrases, facilitating comprehension and vocabulary acquisition.

  • Language Learning Analytics: AI can analyze large amounts of data generated by learners' interactions with language learning platforms. This data can be used to identify learning patterns, assess the effectiveness of teaching methods, and provide insights to optimize language learning strategies and instructional design.


    15 Handy-to-Have Non-Fiction Books

    By Chaz G. T. Patto - June 2023.

    Here's a list of non-fiction books that can be handy to have in your home:

  • "The Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine" by Steven Bratman and David Kroll
  • "The Joy of Cooking" by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker
  • "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
  • "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
  • "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
  • "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
  • "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
  • "The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals" by Michael Pollan
  • "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo
  • "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl
  • "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert B. Cialdini
  • "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
  • "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu
  • "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
  • "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain

    These books cover a wide range of topics, including health and wellness, cooking, grammar and writing, personal development, history, psychology, and more. They provide valuable knowledge and insights that can be useful in various aspects of life.


    10 Classic Horror Books you should Definitely Read

    By Chaz G. T. Patto - June 2023.

    Below is a list of some of the best horror books ever written, along with a brief summary of why each book is important in the genre. These books have had a significant impact on the horror genre, showcasing exceptional storytelling, exploring profound themes, and leaving a lasting impression on readers with their unsettling narratives and masterful execution.

  • "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley: Considered the cornerstone of Gothic horror, Shelley's novel explores themes of creation, identity, and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.

  • "Dracula" by Bram Stoker: This iconic vampire tale introduced the world to Count Dracula, establishing numerous tropes and characteristics associated with vampire lore, and influencing countless subsequent works.

  • "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson: Regarded as one of the greatest haunted house stories, Jackson's novel expertly blends psychological terror and a chilling atmosphere, leaving readers questioning reality and the power of fear.

  • "The Shining" by Stephen King: King's gripping tale of a haunted hotel and a troubled writer's descent into madness showcases his mastery of psychological horror, atmospheric tension, and the exploration of dark human impulses.

  • "IT" by Stephen King: A monumental work of horror, King's epic novel weaves together childhood fears, small-town secrets, and an ancient evil embodied by the shapeshifting clown Pennywise, delving into themes of trauma, friendship, and the power of belief.

  • "The Exorcist" by William Peter Blatty: Blatty's chilling and unsettling novel tells the story of a young girl possessed by a malevolent entity, delving into themes of faith, doubt, and the battle between good and evil.

  • "Pet Sematary" by Stephen King: Known for its relentless exploration of grief, loss, and the dangers of tampering with death, King's novel presents a haunting tale of a burial ground with sinister powers.

  • "Hell House" by Richard Matheson: Matheson's novel follows a team of investigators exploring the notorious Belasco House, an infamous haunted mansion, and delves into themes of the supernatural, sexuality, and the blurred lines between the living and the dead.

  • "The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories" by H.P. Lovecraft: Lovecraft's collection of cosmic horror tales introduced readers to his distinctive mythos, featuring ancient, otherworldly beings, forbidden knowledge, and humanity's insignificance in the face of cosmic forces.

  • "Rosemary's Baby" by Ira Levin: Levin's psychological horror novel revolves around a young couple's unsettling experiences during pregnancy and the sinister secrets lurking within their new apartment building.


    10 Classic Mystery Books you should Definitely Read

    By Chaz G. T. Patto - June 2023.

    Below is a list of some of the best mystery books ever written, along with a brief summary of why each book is important in the genre. These books have made a significant impact on the mystery genre, captivating readers with their intriguing plots, memorable characters, and unique contributions to the art of suspense and investigation.

  • "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie: Considered Christie's masterpiece, this novel features a group of individuals lured to an isolated island, where they are systematically murdered one by one. Known for its intricate plot and surprising twists, it remains one of the most celebrated mystery novels of all time.

  • "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle: This collection of short stories introduced the world to the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson. Doyle's creation revolutionized the mystery genre, establishing the archetype of the deductive detective and inspiring numerous adaptations and spin-offs.

  • "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn: Flynn's psychological thriller revolves around the disappearance of Amy Dunne and the subsequent suspicion falling on her husband, Nick. Known for its gripping narrative and unreliable narrators, this novel explores themes of marriage, deception, and the dark complexities of human relationships.

  • "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson: Larsson's novel follows the investigation into the disappearance of Harriet Vanger, with journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander uncovering dark family secrets. Notable for its intricate plotting, compelling characters, and social commentary, it became an international sensation.

  • "The Big Sleep" by Raymond Chandler: Chandler's hardboiled detective novel introduces readers to private investigator Philip Marlowe, who is hired to handle a case involving blackmail and murder. Known for its gritty atmosphere, sharp dialogue, and intricate plotting, it remains a quintessential example of the noir mystery genre.

  • "In the Woods" by Tana French: French's debut novel combines a modern-day murder investigation with a haunting unresolved case from the protagonist's childhood. The book garnered critical acclaim for its atmospheric writing, complex characters, and psychological depth, launching the popular Dublin Murder Squad series.

  • "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Arthur Conan Doyle: A classic Sherlock Holmes tale, this novel presents a seemingly supernatural mystery surrounding the Baskerville family and a legendary spectral hound. Known for its atmospheric setting on the eerie moors of Dartmoor, it showcases Doyle's storytelling prowess and enduring appeal.

  • "The Maltese Falcon" by Dashiell Hammett: Hammett's iconic novel introduces hardboiled detective Sam Spade as he becomes entangled in a web of deception and murder surrounding the search for a valuable artifact. Renowned for its gritty realism, terse prose, and complex characters, it influenced the noir detective subgenre.

  • "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt: While not strictly a traditional mystery, Tartt's novel revolves around a group of college students and their involvement in a murder. It delves into themes of guilt, obsession, and the corrosive effects of secrets, captivating readers with its atmospheric prose and psychological depth.

  • "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith: This charming series follows Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's first female detective, as she solves cases with wisdom, wit, and empathy. Known for its endearing characters and portrayal of African culture, the series offers a refreshing take on the mystery genre.


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