Oh, has this been a busy time for reviews of Angry Robot books? Why yes, it has – thank you so much for asking…

Let’s start off with some details on this month’s titles, Tim Waggoner’s Nekropolis and Chris Roberson’s Book of Secrets:

Over at Bibliophile Stalker, Charles Tan had this to say about Nekropolis:

enough action and mystery to keep readers mesmerized and on their toes.

while over at Barbara Martin’s blog:

Described in vivid detail, the different creatures such as the genetically enhanced shapeshifters and gangs of cyberpunk vampires, and the incidents within the story have a decided ick factor to them.

(“ick factor” is good, right?) and

I recommend this book for any crime, mystery, fantasy or horror reader who wants a taste of something a little bit different.

Meanwhile, over at SciFiChick.com, this is how the book is summarised:

The setting is a lot like Simon Green’s Nightside series with mystery, dark humor, and horror. Though I found myself enjoying this novel even more. The story is darker, a bit more complex, with likeable characters. It’s fresh and fun; and I didn’t want it to end. Fantasy and horror fans, don’t miss this fantastic release.

We agree.

Ok, how about some Book of Secrets lovin’?

Red Rook Reviews tell us that not only is Chris

a damn fine writer,

but that

It moves in two directions–a very readable first person narrative in the form of a crime novel that progresses to the conclusion of the mystery and a fantasy novel that moves in reverse to disclose the nature of the universe. The two stories collide at the portal and the protagonist [minor spoiler removed]

Meanwhile, over at Total SciFi, the Site Formerly Known as DreamWatch describes Chris’ book as

effective and engaging

and finally (for now), Falcata Times tells us that Book of Secrets is

incredibly well done and is a book that has to be applauded for its bravery in this new style of creation. Definitely a book that can spawn a series and one that I hope will continue to expand with each future release. Great stuff.

Incidentally, Falcata Times also has a great interview with Chris. Check it out.

Falcata Times: Writing is said to be something that people are afflicted with rather than gifted and that it’s something you have to do rather than want. What is your opinion of this statement and how true is it to you?

Chris Roberson: I’ve always said that anyone who can stop writing should—if you’re really a writer, you don’t have a choice in the matter. I’m certainly one of those who has written compulsively since childhood, and I couldn’t stop if I wanted to. Luckily, I love writing, so it’s not any kind of burden. But definitely, even if no one was paying me to write, I’d still be doing it.