A speculative fiction advent calendar of quotes: Dec. 15, 2025

One of the most engaging anti-hero rogues in all fantasy, Locke Lamora is even more fascinating when paired with his buddy Jean. If you haven’t read The Lies of Locke Lamora, you have a treat in store. It is Book One of The Gentleman Bastards series.

Find out more HERE.

A speculative fiction advent calendar of quotes: Dec. 14, 2025

quotation from Susanna Clarke's "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell," framed by an antique mirror

Susanna Clarke’s brilliant tour de force of a fantasy novel was published in 2004.

cover of "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell," by Susanna Clarke
Learn more HERE.

A speculative fiction advent calendar of quotes: Dec. 13, 2025

Here in the mountains east of Albuquerque NM it’s a bright mild day in December and the real 1984 is decades in the past, but Orwell’s dystopian classic still fits, now more than ever. Sadly. What better quotation to use for my 13th? Happy holidays. You’re welcome.

cover for George Orwell's novel 1984, 75th anniversary edition
Find out how to get this 75th anniversary edition HERE. In general, be careful which edition of a “classic” book you read. Once a book leaves copyright protection and enters the public domain, scummy publishers out to make a quick buck may churn out a multitude of cheap and poorly edited editions. While Orwell’s novel still enjoys copyright protection in the U.S., the book entered the public domain in other parts of the world in 2021.