There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak

This is one of those books that I know I will reread. Elif Shafak takes readers on a journey following three discrete strands – three lives unspooled in There are Rivers in the Sky – in such a way that had me wondering how on earth she'd braid them together. I won't spoil the story, of course, but she does (!!!) and in a way that is both bittersweet and satisfying.

We meet Arthur Smith who is based on a real person (Assyriologist George Smith), and follow his journey from incredibly tough, humble beginnings in Victorian London to his obsession with cuneiform that sees him spending an inordinate amount of time in the British Museum. He eventually ends up working for a publisher, and his life takes unexpected turns.

It is 2018, and Zaleekhah, a hydrologist, has experienced much sorrow. When faced with a marriage that stifles her, she does not see any future for herself and moves onto a riverboat where she makes surprising acquaintances that change her existence in ways she could not predict. Her arc is chiefly concerned with finding meaning in her life while dealing with her profound sorrow.

Then there's Narin, a Yazidi girl, who lives by the Tigris River in the year 2014. We gain a glimpse of Narin's rich cultural heritage but hers is also a world that is torn apart by socio-political strife, and she is soon imperilled. Her journey to safety is fraught and she faces many perils.

But what do all these vastly different lives have in common? At the heart of it is water. Arthur is born to a mother who's a mudlark, on the banks of the Thames. The river that should provide the lifeblood of the city is heavily polluted. Beyond the obvious, with Zaleekhah's career is heavily involved with water, the very fact that she seeks to finish her life on the river – a return to the waters – is telling. And in Narin's culture, she seeks baptism in the holy water of Lalish. Water is the thread that connects all in an endless cycle of birth, baptism, and evolution. It cleanses but it also kills. It brings life but can also cause devastation. 

Shafak's writing is filled with wonder, her careful observations of people and their behaviour astute and poignant, if sometimes difficult to read (in a good way!). How she threads together so much history in a way that makes me curious to learn more is absolutely magical, her prose poetic and lyrical. This is also a book that I've recommended hard to many, and it's got a permanent spot on my shelf.

The Day the World Ended at Little Big Horn – A Lakota History by Joseph M Marshall III

Joseph M Marshall III is perhaps one of my favourite historians, and the real treat is not to read his books but to pick up the audiobooks – he narrates his owns work, and I could listen to him on repeat. Even more important is what he has to impart – the history of the United States as told from the perspective of the Lakota.

Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and even Colonel Custer – they all come to vivid life through Marshall's telling as he takes a deep dive into the complexities of the milieu, where two cultures collided so catastrophically and a great wrong was done to the Indigenous American people.

If anything, I have walked away with a far deeper understanding of this time in history, which has allowed me a far more empathic view of my own country's history and the sheer awfulness of the injustices perpetrated by colonialism globally. 

Marshall himself is a phenomenal storyteller and historian, and not only does he go into great detail about this battle, but he also creates a solid socio-cultural context for readers to understand the actions that led up to the conflict, which I believe is vital in offering a more nuanced representation of events that transpired.

We are faced not only with the repercussions of this battle, but also how the Lakota people's lives were irrevocably changed by the move to life on the reservations, and the countless empty promises and treaties made by the Europeans who took their land.

So often we hear of the 'massacre' of Custer and his troops but how often do we pause to reflect that the Lakota were fighting not only for their land but their very way of life. This book is hard to listen to, but so important – I feel I have stepped away with a greater sense of empathy and a deeper understanding of the other side of history that is not often portrayed in so much detail.

Yet despite the gloom, I still gain a sense that Marshall brings with this work a message of not losing hope and of pride in his people's incredible courage and heritage. 

Hiking Beyond Cape Town by Nina du Plessis and Willie Olivier

I will start by saying that I pretty much grew up in and around Cape Town's mountain hiking trails. My parents were both avid hikers, and from a young age I was dragged up all manner of places – some of them rather daunting, like the infamous hike around the Hout Bay Sentinel (not for the faint of heart). So as someone who still enjoys the occasional excursion, a book like Hiking Beyond Cape Town by Nina du Plessis and Willie Olivier is pretty much a keeper.

This slim volume offers a range of options that will broaden horizons, and is both informative, with beautiful photos, plus also an overview of what to expect in terms of fauna and flora of the Cape region (so I'm guessing this will also make a nifty gift to enthusiastic out-of-town friends who'd like several reasons for return visits).

The book is divided by region, with popular hikes in the Northern Suburbs, the Helderberg, Overberg, the Winelands, and also further afield to locations such as Waenhuiskrans, Cogmanskloof Trail, and others. The authors give practical advice on what to pack and how to plan for your excursions, which is useful to those who're not au fait with hiking in the Cape mountains.

Each hike is accompanied by an informative information panel for location, parking availability, highlights, elevation, grade, distance/duration, the best times for a visit, important information, and availability of maps, permits, and entry times, as well as facilities/amenities, and any other activities that are on offer. The authors then give their own experiences in getting there and what they know of the area, so that by the time you're on the hike, you have a pretty good idea of what to expect, with a little background information to boot. What I especially like is that they give information for which trails are dog-friendly. Of course etiquette dictates that you keep Fido on a lead whenever you are in a wild area, as you don't want to have him bounding off chasing any wildlife.

For me this is a particularly valuable book because of late, I've felt that my old haunts are now so overcrowded with trail runners and cyclists, that it's nigh on impossible to enjoy the mountains like I used to when I was a wee sprite. And while this book is not exhaustive, it's a good starting point for those who perhaps are not an experienced hiker, while also giving insights to other areas that are off the beaten track for those of us who're accustomed to the familiar. 

This book may be small, but it's also chock full of wonderful photos to whet the appetite, and is a gateway to encouraging folks to get out and appreciate all the wonder and beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Precursor (Foreigner #4) by CJ Cherryh

The more I look at this series, the more I begin to realise how prescient Cherryh is in terms of socio-cultural world building – there are lessons for us that are relevant today. For the sake of those who're not invested in this gargantuan series, I'll keep my review short and sweet. 

Humans and the indigenous atevi are simply hardwired differently. But the humans are doing what humans in a post-colonial situation gone tits-up usually do – lean on their incredible sense of entitlement to make a fraught situation worse. And now, added to the mix, we have humans who've returned from an interstellar jaunt to lay claim to the atevi home world's natural resources and the space station orbiting the planet. Even worse, they're fleeing from a big bad from another solar system that may have followed them here.

The space station is a big point of contention. The humans abandoned it ages ago, and now the atevi want to lay claim to it – especially since they've seen the possibilities of space travel thanks to having been given access to the humans' technology. The big question is will everyone play nice (of course not!).

And we're once again walking in our interpreter/diplomat/spy's shoes as Bren, our intrepid paidhi, attempts to navigate this political minefield. As always, his loyalties are called into question – he's been working for the leader of the atevi's strongest political power for so long that he struggles to relate to humans. Yet he can never forget that he's not atevi. The lens with which he views his world is distorted, and at a time when the stakes couldn't be higher, this is a dangerous place to be.

As much as he'd like to remain impartial, he can't help but be drawn into the murky dealings, and things get dangerous, fast – especially when Bren thinks that he has a handle on things. He has some pretty nifty manoeuvrings to perform, and the tension in this instalment had me clawing at my seat. Nothing is ever easy, and everyone he knows – or thinks he knows – has a few spanners to throw at him. Trust, when it's most needed, is in short supply, which is a problem when each group suffers from the conviction that their way of doing things is the only way.

This is part political thriller, espionage, and good, old-fashioned space opera. Advice to any South Africans wanting to read Cherryh's books – they're hard to come by. Either listen to the audiobooks or visit Thriftbooks or Abe books.

Book Review: Remnant: The Palimar Saga: Book One by KR Solberg and CR Jacobson

It's not often that I hit a fantasy novel that's the perfect blend of intergenerational adventure, but KR Solberg and CR Jacobson have pulled together a compelling tale that finds that balance. Jon Therman and his family are smugglers, getting by in a land that staggers under the yoke of an oppressive Drawlen empire ruled by authoritarian immortals and their thugs.

And for the most, he's happy to be smuggling sunrock, and he and his wife are doing their best for their kids ... and maybe things would have continued like that indefinitely if it weren't for the fact that the nefarious immortals are sniffing around for Jon's kids. Because Reasons. I'm not going to spoil it for you.

While things get off to a relatively sedate start, stuff becomes unhinged quite quickly and the story picks up momentum as everyone pretty much gets scattered to the four quarters. And nothing peeves a parent more than having bad people threaten their brood – and hijinks ensue.

What stands out for me is the attention to detail with the worldbuilding. I am an unrepentant Tolkien nerd, so to have an author put so much effort into their setting really tickled me. And yeah, a rather large, diverse cast of characters, too, all of whom you quickly realise have complex backstories. And baggage. Booyeah! The authors throw readers in at the deep end, which I love. There's so much to discover. 

I listened to the audiobook version of this which was dual-narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading (who're known for their reading of Brandon Sanderson's novels). Granted, this was my first time experiencing the pair, and while I liked Reading, I wasn't that sold on Kramer at the start (I'll admit I'm a Simon Vance fangrrrl.) But it's a treat having two immensely talented and experienced voice actors at the helm, so if audiobooks are your jam you so will not be disappointed.

But a word of warning – there is a large cast. So, if you struggle with names and stuff, maybe have a print or ebook handy so you can consult the appendix. This is flintlock adventure fantasy with familiar themes. I was thinking a lot about the old telly series Firefly in terms of the banter and the ease with which the characters interact with each other. I don't see enough of this in epic fantasy.

Even better, we see some non-human sentients like trolls and shapeshifters, all with complex backgrounds – which I always adore. The authors' style is easy to get into, solidly written and engaging, resulting in a series I will heartily recommend to anyone who wants an epic that features ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances where they realise their heroic qualities.

Signs of life... and looking back on 2025

I've realised that the last time I blogged was in September. I have still have a pile of book reviews to write and my resolution to blog more often this year instead of relying on social media has fallen by the wayside. But if you're reading this now, fantastic.

I don't celebrate Christmas nor do I go way out to observe NYE, though this year I will be having low-key gatherings with my closest friends and the few remaining family I have that still speak to me. 

For me the more important date is today, the Summer Solstice, and this year I've had the incredible privilege of being able to celebrate this in one of my favourite spaces: the Klein Karoo. We booked three nights in Red Stone Hills at one of the cottages on the farm. Our little spot is a thatch-roofed dwelling with thick walls, a reed-and-clay ceiling and thatch roof, that was built in 1876. Despite the daytime temperatures that soar well past 30°C on the thermometer, it's a comfortable 20°C inside, which is perfect.

Bird's Nest cottage perches on the flanks of the iconic red hills – oxidised conglomerate outcroppings that crust the khaki-green veld studded with iconic Aloe microstigma and Cotyledon orbiculata. A venerable giant Peruvian pepper tree spreads its weeping branches out back, providing welcome shade. We face a verdant valley where almond orchards create a vivid splash of green and a willow-and-bamboo-lined river flows. Admittedly, it's been a very dry summer, so the river has been reduced to a few puddles, but the valley itself is still quite lush. The bougainvillea planted in and around the houses here offer vivid splashes of magenta.

This is a birdwatchers' paradise, with everything from the shy neddicky, Karoo Prinia, and common chat making up the ranks of the LBJs; to all three species of mousebirds; assorted raptors, like pale chanting goshawk (which we were privileged to see); malachite sunbirds; blacksmith plovers; laughing doves; Cape turtle doves... And bats. Loads of bats at night. We've also been warned that there are leopard, and we did see baboons up in the hills yesterday.

Someone asked me on Threads earlier this week why I would want to go to the Karoo. My answer is complex. My dad was born in Hanover and grew up in Aberdeen, descended from sheep farmers who operated in the area. I spent many childhood holidays every year in September/October at a farmstay in the Cederberg. And since then, we've also enjoyed visiting at the farm Wolverfontein near Plathuis in the Ladismith area. Nieu Bethesda near Graaff-Reinet is another place that's very dear to me, home of my beloved Owl House. So, visiting the Karoo, Little or Groot, in my blood. I just naturally gravitate to these spaces. 

I've learnt to rise early, before the heat, and do my first walk. Then spend the rest of the day lurking indoors reading, making art, working a little... Then at 5pm when it's cooler, walk again. Admire the stars at night. Love the wide-open spaces where everyone stops to have a chat, even if they're total strangers. People drive past and give you a little nod and wave. Life is just different here.

I heartily recommend Red Stone Hills cottages for a breakaway. It's an easy five-hour drive from Cape Town along the R62, with plenty of places for pitstops en route. It's self-catering, but you can arrange for breakfast and 'braai packs' at the farmhouse with Petro Potgieter, the host. Horse-back riding is offered by arrangement. A large swimming pool is available for guests' use at the reception area. There are two hiking trails, and bird-watching enthusiasts will be in for a treat. The cottages are well appointed, if rustic (which I like). The air fryer was a nice touch, and as a freelancer whose work follows her everywhere, I was simply delighted with the fast Wi-Fi. Although telly isn't our thing, there is DStv for those who like to watch. You're well situated here for day trips to various sights in the region, that boasts wine tasting, caving, driving, nature reserves, and more. An extra bonus: Red Stone Hills cottages is pet friendly. Our Malinois Maia has had an absolute jol here.

By contrast, I live in Cape Town in a small 'village' near Simon's Town that I feel has the same vibe as a Karoo dorpie. I get the best of both worlds there, but every December, the world and his wife descends upon my city. The beaches and shops become a nightmare. You must add at least half an hour to 3/4 of an hour to any travel plans. 

I don't begrudge people their plans to holiday in my home town. But I tend to either hunker down in my home during that time or strike out for the Karoo with its versengende hitte. I love the silence. The screaming cicadas at midday. The haunting call of the acacia pied barbet from the thorn thickets. I love meeting the people who live and work here, be they the farmer's wife or the labourer on his way home along the road. I love the way Afrikaans just rolls off my tongue – there's a way my mother tongue is spoken here that's just different from the city.

I've savoured every moment here, have tried to strike a good balance between relaxing and taking pecks at some of my work. I've completed some QA for the publisher I freelance for in the UK, and I've also set aside much-needed time to complete a short story for the Sauúti Collective – something I simply haven't had time for because the last quarter of 2025 was just so batshit crazy. Having dedicated time to writing has been a treat.

And what a year it's been.

We sadly lost Thomas's father in August after a short illness, so we've had that trauma to work through that has thankfully brought our little family closer. We are supporting his mum now, so that is an additional layer to our life.

I've stepped into doing client work with my big corporate client in addition to design, which although not something that I'm unfamiliar with, does add more responsibility to my plate. But it's all right. My clients at the company are wonderful, and they're all women around my age – so there's just a vibe there. And the work is familiar and easy to me.

I'm doing ebook QA, audiobook PDF layout, and alt text writing for a big publisher based in the UK – the money is a godsend when those pounds roll over into rands, and the pay is better than the minimum wage in the UK. So there is that. Even better: I enjoy the work immensely while it leans into all my skills sets.

Work is going apace on the 10-book science-fantasy series I'm writing and project managing. Books 1 and 2 of the Winter Mage series are being published by Mirari Press on February 21, and I've had the incredible privilege of collaborating with the very talented writer and editor Catriona Ross with Daniël Hugo illustrating the covers and the maps. It's really a dream job, and I'm so excited to invite people to step into this world.

I'm also gearing up to release book 1 of my five-book Scatterlings of Fate series, Call the Fire. At time of writing this blog, I've been embroiled in revisions, and I'm really in the trenches. I've made inroads with book 2, though am nowhere near hitting my stride there.

In terms of short fiction, I'm seeing the release of the Sauúti Collective collection entitled Terrors, which has one of my stories in it – we're still planning a launch early next year. I'm just waiting for the folks at Flame Tree to get back to me about availability of books here in South Africa. So, watch this space. 

I'm also seeing the release of a short story in Mirari Press's next anthology Utopia/Havoc, which is super exciting. Which reminds me I still have a story on sub for an uber-cool subs call I'm waiting to hear about.

And while I'd love to set aside more time, I'm still very much in the proofreading trenches for the second book in the The Splintered Fool series. But we have cover art, and I've done the layouts. It's just not going as fast as I'd like it to.

I'm going into the end of the year absolutely shattered after a very challenging last quarter. I'm hoping to have some rest before everyone goes back to the office during the second week of January, which usually means I'll be working but not at the same frenetic pace I have usually. There is another bit of good news still to be announced, but I'm under NDA, so I'll simply have to be vague about it.

If the stars align, I'll have some funds set aside for a winter breakaway once my husband's current contract with a Netflix production ends.

But yeah, some highlights to look forward to are Comic Con Cape Town and Franschhoek Literary Festival next year, where I'll likely be showing face again. Other than that, here is your reminder that my books are available for order from all good book shops, as well as most online retailers like Amazon etc. Do support your friendly neighbourhood SFF author. And if you've read this far, and would like to give the first book of my fantasy duology, Inkarna, a spin, let me know by dropping me an email at nerinedorman@gmail.com – tell me you read this blog.

Southern African Months & their Caterpillars

If were also one of those kids who collected caterpillars and fed them until they formed a chrysalis, purely for the joy of seeing them emerge as butterflies ... or kept silkworms ... or both ... then this is likely the book for you. Southern African Moths & their Caterpillars, by Hermann Staude, Mike Picker and Charles Griffiths is one of the more useful guides for any lover of creepy-crawlies or those irritating flutterers who end up in your wine glass on the stoep at night (true story).

While a bunch of the previous field guides I've reviewed have been somewhat on the small side, this one's got it just right. Surely, unless you're hiking in the bundus specifically to go moth-hunting, you're going to go to the trouble of carting this along and deal with the weight. It's a big book. But for your reference library, it's perfect.

Nice, clear images of the moths appear on the right-hand pages, numbered so that they correspond with the text information on the left-hand pages where we've got distribution maps, Latin and English names, a brief description, biology, habitat and description. It's just enough to get by so you can tell your mates you fished the feather elegant out of your vino the night before. Where possible, images of caterpillars have been included, and dog knows I've seen enough questions on my community WhatsApp group about the same weird-looking fuzzy caterpillars. This book will help you ID them with relative ease, without having to rush off and have fights with "experts" on the iNaturalist app.

Something else I learned, which I hadn't realised, is the incredible diversity and beauty of moths in this region. Yes, many are rather brown and drab but there are some real standout species, with special mention of the emperor moths. Also, I'd had no idea that we found the death's head hawkmoth (I first learnt about this watching The Silence of the Lambs) here in South Africa. A particularly awesome discovery for me was the Bietou Tip Concealer. Who comes up with these names? (That one ended up in my bath.)

This hefty tome also includes a helpful introduction that will help you figure out how to go about identification and also give an idea of regional distribution patterns, while also underscoring the important ecological niche these amazing little critters inhabit. I whole-heartedly recommend this one to all armchair conservationists.