Military history author (writing as Russell Phillips). Tabletop RPG and board game player. Lapsed wargamer.
Non-binary. They/them pronouns.
This link opens in a pop-up window
I hadn't fully appreciated how young the RAF was at this time, and how many within its ranks believed they had to fight to keep the service alive and independent.
Understanding that helps to explain the bomber supremacy belief and hostility towards airborne forces.
There was a night bomber regiment in World War Two composed entirely of women. Natural-born …
I've had my eye on this for a while. I finally bought a copy, and was pleasantly surprised to find the digital version includes an ePub.
Even when you’re dead, you can’t catch a break. Ainlay Harrison is surprised to wake …
A fun story. In some ways, it reminded me of the TV series Ghosts. I like that the author deliberately didn't specify the gender of any characters, although I only realised that when I read the acknowledgements 🙂
If Agatha Christie ran Unix cons
The BSD North conference draws some of the smartest …
If you're a computer geek, this is a great murder mystery. I'm sure others could enjoy it, but computer geeks will understand more of the references and acronyms.
STRANDED IN DEEP SPACE ... BUT AT LEAST THEY HAVE DONUTS.
When a warp engine …
I'm really enjoying this series. As the description says, this book is a cross between The Thing and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The term "cozy horror" seems like it should be a contradiction in terms, but that's what this book is. It's also very funny.
It's not remotely scary, but nonetheless kept me wondering what was happening and how things were going to be resolved. The ending was unexpected but also very believable.
STRANDED IN DEEP SPACE ... BUT AT LEAST THEY HAVE DONUTS.
When a warp engine …
My pre-order of the latest in @clacksee@wandering.shop's Starship Teapot series just arrived 🙂
An excellent sequel, focused on life on Mars rather than planning the colony. I was particularly pleased to see that there was more about Devon.
I'm just hoping the author will write more in this series.
Katya should be on top of the world. She’s overcome a traumatic past and now …
A great short story. I read it when I had almost finished Livid Skies. It was interesting to see events that I'd recently read from Georgie's perspective, told from Katya's side.
Content warning Livid Skies spoiler
I didn't realise just how much I liked Brian until now. I've got tears in my eyes reading the funeral.
other stories will take you to mars. this one will take you inside the boardroom, …
As the author says, this is a very niche book. There's a lot of science (and there are notes about the science at the back), but if you're a geek, you'll probably love it.
Personally, I really appreciated and liked the representation of the autistic character Devon. It was sympathetic and most of all, it felt right.
What’s a bit of blackmail between friends?
In a quaint café in the heart of …
I was surprised that the blurb said this one only featured Peggy and Baz. I thought it odd that those two were left alone, but the explanation makes sense.
The characters work well together in the story, and it was good to see a little more of Peggy's family and background. Overall, it's a fun short story that fits with the canon.
Murder’s never been such a drag.
In vibrant south-east London, a group of grannies stand …
I really like the concept of this series, and this book delivers. The characters are all interesting, but very different, and I feel like I'm starting to get to know the Aunties better, especially Baz.
The idea that drag queens are targeted for violence is all too realistic, and there are some very unpleasant individuals, but the author manages to keep the tone light.
As a fan of both Douglas Adams and Dharma Kelleher, the references to them made me smile :)
Good book, but didn't really like the audiobook narrator.