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CNET
12-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Best Anker Prime Day Deals Still Remaining: Save Big on Security Cameras, Power Banks and More
Amazon's Prime Day sale has come to an end, but there are still some lingering deals available today to help you save on speakers, robot vacuums and other Anker tech if you missed the main event. Anker, one of our favorite makers of accessories and audio gear, is still offering some deep discounts across its wide array of smart home, charging and audio products. Our dedicated shopping team at CNET has been consistently looking through Amazon's deals so you can save on items that can help you keep your devices charged and ready to go. With Anker, you can shop for discounts on vacuums, headphones and projectors. However, note that some power banks were recently recalled. If you own one of the affected devices sold between 2016 and 2022, be sure to claim your free replacement or gift card. Hey did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Best Prime Day Anker deals Best Anker audio and video deals Anker Soundcore AeroClip earbuds: $119 These clip-on earbuds feature an open-ear design so you can enjoy your music without sacrificing awareness whether you're out for a run, walking the dog or hitting the gym. And they come in three colors, all currently on sale. Details Save $51 $119 at Amazon Close Anker Nebula Capsule 3 GTV: $360 This compact Nebula projector allows you to enjoy shows and movies on a massive screen practically anywhere. It's roughly the size of a 16-ounce can, so it can be easily carried in your backpack. However, it still projects a maximum screen size of up to 120 inches. The device also has 1080p HD resolution and 200 lumens of brightness and a built-in battery for up to 2.5 hours of playback on a single charge. Details Save $170 $360 at Amazon Close Anker Soundcore Boom 2: $120 The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 is an excellent value, according to our experts. It's compact, IPX7 waterproof and has an impressive sound. It also has cool LED lighting and a solid battery life. The speaker won an Editors' Choice Award and is our favorite Bluetooth speaker overall this year. Details Save $20 $120 at Amazon Close More audio and video deals: Best Anker mobile deals Anker Eufy SmartTrack Link (two-pack): $20 These tiny Bluetooth tiles make it easy to track down your keys, backpack or other everyday essentials. They're compatible with Apple's FindMy app, so you can easily see their location on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or MacBook. They even have a built-in siren so you can locate them when you're nearby. They also have a replaceable battery with a one-year lifespan. Just note that these are not compatible with Android devices. Details Save $16 $20 at Amazon Close Anker MagGo UFO: $63 This tiny three-in-one charging station is a must-have for frequent travelers. It has three wireless charging pads for your phone, smartwatch and earbuds and can deliver up to 15W of power. Plus, it's just 2.3 inches when folded up so it hardly takes up any room in your bag. Details Save $27 $63 at Amazon Close Anker 622 MagGo: $32 This MagSafe power bank is one of our favorites of 2025, thanks to the integrated phone stand. It has a 5,000 mAh capacity and delivers 7.5W of power wirelessly or via USB-C. Plus, the strong 9N magnet keeps your phone securely in place. Details Save $16 $32 at Amazon Close More mobile deals: Best Anker home deals Anker Eufy C10: $230 With a 3-liter base station, this Eufy robot vacuum can run maintenance-free for up to 60 days. It also boasts 4,000 Pa of powerful suction, and with a slim 2.8-inch design, it can easily fit underneath beds, couches and other furniture. It can also map multiple floors of your home, which makes it easy to set custom cleaning schedules and no-go zones. Details Save $250 $230 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy P3 smart scale: $66 There's more to your health than just body weight, and this advanced Eufy smart scale can help you see the big picture. It also tracks loads of other biometrics, including body fat, muscle mass and water weight. Plus, it even gives recommendations to help you stay on track to meet your fitness goals. Details Save $34 $66 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy E10 indoor lamp: $70 This unique floor lamp makes adding some atmosphere to your living room easy. It boasts 1,700 lumens of brightness and more than 16 million possible colors so you can find the perfect hue for your mood. There are more than 80 preset lighting modes and you can set custom schedules and patterns. It's also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control. Details Save $30 $70 at Amazon Close More Anker home deals: Best Anker security deals Anker Eufy C34 smart lock: $85 Keep your front door secure with this easy-to-install smart lock. With this lock, you have a variety of methods to choose from to securely unlock your door, including keypad entry, a physical key, in-app controls or voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It is also compatible with the Apple Home app. The smart lock offers eight months of battery life with two AA batteries. Details Save $55 $85 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy S120 solar wall light cam: $140 See clearly day or night with this two-in-one wall light and camera. It features a 2K camera with HD resolution and color night vision, as well as a 300-lumen light with motion activation. The light is also solar-powered so you won't have to worry about a complicated installation or remembering to change the batteries. Keep in mind that this price is for the 2-pack. Details Save $50 $140 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy SoloCam S220 (2-pack): $130 With a built-in solar panel that fully recharges the battery in just 3 hours, you can easily install this Eufy security camera practically anywhere on your property. It boasts 2K video resolution, an f/1.6 aperture for excellent low-light performance, and AI detection to distinguish humans, vehicles and animals. The camera is also durable, with an IP67 weather-resistance rating. Details Save $100 $130 at Amazon Close More security deals: When was Amazon's Prime Day event? The online retailer's annual summer sale started July 8 this year and ended yesterdat, July 11. Are the still-available Amazon Prime Day deals worth buying? Depending on what you're after, the short answer is yes. Thousands of items went on sale, including some deals that match or exceed the previous all-time low prices, and many discounts are still lingering. Just note that Amazon stock can fluctuate wildly and the sale is technically over, which means there's no telling how long any discounted items will remain on sale or available. If you see a deal you don't want to miss, we'd recommend taking advantage of those savings sooner rather than later. Are other retailers offering Prime Day deals? While the official Prime Day sale is exclusive to Amazon, other retailers have absolutely been getting in on the action. Walmart is having its own summer sale event that started on July 8 and will continue until July 13. Best Buy is also having a Black Friday in July sales event going on now through tomorrow July 13. How we choose the best Amazon Prime Day deals Many of us here at CNET have covered shopping events for several years, including Black Friday, Prime Day, Memorial Day and countless other sales. In that time, we've learned how to spot the best deals among a sea of thousands of superficial offers and scams and we only highlight the best offers from trusted retailers. We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing the best deals to show you. Real discounts mean genuine savings. We check pricing history for products listed as on sale so we know when it's a case of an inflated list price rather than an actual discount. Quality reviews and testing are super important for any product. A discount isn't worthwhile if it results in a subpar product experience, no matter how much you saved. Remaining sale time is important, too. Some deals are only around for a short time or may be limited in supply. If that's the case, we'll let you know upfront so you don't come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.
CNET
10-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Prime Day Anker Deals: Grab These 30+ Offers on Top-Rated Mobile, Home and Security Tech
Amazon's Prime Day sale -- one of the biggest shopping events of the year -- is in full swing. We're seeing some of the year's lowest prices on a huge selection of tech and home goods. Some of these deals include serious discounts on a variety of Anker devices, gadgets and appliances, which we've started rounding up below. You can shop discounts on vacuums, headphones and projectors but note that some Anker power banks were recently recalled. Be sure to claim your free replacement or gift card if you own one of the affected devices sold between 2016 and 2022. We'll be regularly updating this page throughout the sale so be sure to check back often for all of the latest and greatest deals. Best Prime Day Anker deals Best Anker audio and video deals Anker Soundcore AeroClip earbuds: $113 These clip-on earbuds feature an open-ear design so you can enjoy your music without sacrificing awareness whether you're out for a run, walking the dog or hitting the gym. And they come in three colors, all currently on sale. Details Save $57 $113 at Amazon Close Anker Nebula Capsule 3 GTV: $360 This compact Nebula projector allows you to enjoy shows and movies on a massive screen practically anywhere. It's roughly the size of a 16-ounce can, so it can be easily carried in your backpack. However, it still projects a maximum screen size of up to 120 inches. The device also has 1080p HD resolution and 200 lumens of brightness and a built-in battery for up to 2.5 hours of playback on a single charge. Details Save $170 $360 at Amazon Close Anker Soundcore Boom 2: $90 The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 is an excellent value, according to our experts. It's compact, IPX7 waterproof and has an impressive sound. It also has cool LED lighting and a solid battery life. The speaker won an Editors' Choice Award and is our favorite Bluetooth speaker overall this year. Details Save $50 $90 at Amazon Close More audio and video deals: Best Anker mobile deals Anker Eufy SmartTrack Link (2-pack): $19 These tiny Bluetooth tiles make it easy to track down your keys, backpack or other everyday essentials. They're compatible with Apple's FindMy app, so you can easily see their location on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or MacBook. They even have a built-in siren so you can locate them when you're nearby. They also have a replaceable battery with a one-year lifespan. Just note that these are not compatible with Android devices. Details Save $17 $19 at Amazon Close Anker MagGo UFO: $63 This tiny three-in-one charging station is a must-have for frequent travelers. It has three wireless charging pads for your phone, smartwatch and earbuds and can deliver up to 15W of power. Plus, it's just 2.3 inches when folded up so it hardly takes up any room in your bag. Details Save $27 $63 at Amazon Close Anker 622 MagGo: $30 This MagSafe power bank is one of our favorites of 2025, thanks to the integrated phone stand. It has a 5,000 mAh capacity and delivers 7.5W of power wirelessly or via USB-C. Plus, the strong 9N magnet keeps your phone securely in place. Details Save $18 $30 at Amazon Close More mobile deals: Best Anker home deals Anker Eufy C10: $230 With a 3-liter base station, this Eufy robot vacuum can run maintenance-free for up to 60 days. It also boasts 4,000 Pa of powerful suction, and with a slim 2.8-inch design, it can easily fit underneath beds, couches and other furniture. It can also map multiple floors of your home, which makes it easy to set custom cleaning schedules and no-go zones. Details Save $250 $230 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy P3 smart scale: $60 There's more to your health than just body weight, and this advanced Eufy smart scale can help you see the big picture. It also tracks loads of other biometrics, including body fat, muscle mass and water weight. Plus, it even gives recommendations to help you stay on track to meet your fitness goals. Details Save $40 $60 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy E10 indoor lamp: $50 This unique floor lamp makes adding some atmosphere to your living room easy. It boasts 1,700 lumens of brightness and more than 16 million possible colors so you can find the perfect hue for your mood. There are more than 80 preset lighting modes and you can set custom schedules and patterns. It's also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control. Details Save $50 $50 at Amazon Close More Anker home deals: Best Anker security deals Anker Eufy C34 smart lock: $80 Keep your front door secure with this easy-to-install smart lock. With this lock, you have a variety of methods to choose from to securely unlock your door, including keypad entry, a physical key, in-app controls or voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It is also compatible with the Apple Home app. The smart lock offers eight months of battery life with two AA batteries. Details Save $60 $80 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy S120 solar wall light cam: $130 See clearly day or night with this two-in-one wall light and camera. It features a 2K camera with HD resolution and color night vision, as well as a 300-lumen light with motion activation. The light is also solar-powered so you won't have to worry about a complicated installation or remembering to change the batteries. Keep in mind that this price is for the 2-pack. Details Save $60 $130 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy SoloCam S220 (2-pack): $120 With a built-in solar panel that fully recharges the battery in just 3 hours, you can easily install this Eufy security camera practically anywhere on your property. It boasts 2K video resolution, an f/1.6 aperture for excellent low-light performance, and AI detection to distinguish humans, vehicles and animals. The camera is also durable, with an IP67 weather-resistance rating. Details Save $110 $120 at Amazon Close More security deals: When is Amazon's Prime Day event? The online retailer's annual summer sale started July 8 this year and is continuing through July 11. Are Amazon Prime Day deals worth buying? Depending on what you are after, the short answer is yes. You can expect thousands of items to be on sale, including some deals that match or exceed the previous all-time low prices. Just note that Amazon stock can fluctuate wildly, which means there's no telling how long the item will remain on sale or available. If you see a deal you don't want to miss, we'd recommend taking advantage of those savings sooner rather than later. Will other retailers be offering Prime Day deals? While the official Prime Day sale is exclusive to Amazon, other retailers will absolutely be getting in on the action. Walmart has already announced that it will be having its own summer sale event that runs from July 8 to July 13 and it's likely that at least a few other competitors will follow suit. Plus, we're also seeing many Fourth of July deals and sales spilling over into Prime Day. How we choose the best Amazon Prime Day deals Many of us here at CNET have covered shopping events for several years, including Black Friday, Prime Day, Memorial Day and countless other sales. In that time, we've learned how to spot the best deals among a sea of thousands of superficial offers and scams and we only highlight the best offers from trusted retailers. We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing the best deals to show you. Real discounts mean genuine savings. We check pricing history for products listed as on sale so we know when it's a case of an inflated list price rather than an actual discount. Quality reviews and testing are super important for any product. A discount isn't worthwhile if it results in a subpar product experience, no matter how much you saved. Remaining sale time is important, too. Some deals are only around for a short time or may be limited in supply. If that's the case, we'll let you know upfront so you don't come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.
Techday NZ
10-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Zyxel advances Secure by Design for global SMB networking security
Zyxel Networks has announced details of its progress in implementing Secure by Design principles across its products and services for small and medium-sized business (SMB) networking globally. The company has adopted the Secure by Design Pledge from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which is focused on integrating security from the earliest stages of product development. This initiative encourages manufacturers to build security into their products by default and to improve transparency for users. Zyxel Networks has become the first company in Taiwan and one of the earliest in the global SMB networking sector to take the CISA pledge. The move aims to demonstrate a proactive approach to cybersecurity within the business's product portfolio and operations. Key security measures The company highlighted several key steps it has taken to align with the Secure by Design goals, particularly across its Nebula cloud-managed product line, which includes firewalls, routers, switches, and access points. The first step covers multi-factor authentication (MFA). Zyxel Networks stated that all Nebula cloud-managed devices support MFA. Notably, it became the first vendor globally to offer MFA for wireless access through its Secure WiFi feature, allowing administrators to enforce secure access for remote access point users. For firewalls, MFA is available for both administrative logins and remote VPN users, and is offered via email-based verification or by integrating with Microsoft and Google accounts. On password security, the company reported that devices shipped from the factory are now supplied with random, unique passwords that must be changed during the initial setup. This, it said, ensures improved security from the outset. When creating a Nebula cloud-managed network, users are also required to generate strong credentials upon first login. To reduce vulnerabilities, Zyxel Networks has adopted secure coding and development practices, such as following the OWASP Top 10 guidelines, employing static code and firmware analysis tools like Checkmarx, and using advanced techniques including automated combinatorial testing (ACTS). The business also commissions independent third-party penetration testers to help identify and resolve potential security issues. Zyxel Networks underscored its track record for timely security patches by referencing its role as a CVE Numbering Authority (CNA) since 2021. According to the company, its average Mean Time to Remediate (MTTR) for vulnerabilities has remained in line with industry benchmarks over the past five years, with investments made towards maintaining a fast and coordinated response process. The company has established a comprehensive vulnerability disclosure policy (VDP), offering public guidelines and reporting channels. Zyxel Networks notes that this transparency and consistency in vulnerability reporting has resulted in "the highest level of CNA acceptance, which is unmatched by any other SMB networking brands to date." Network logging and incident response Within its Nebula cloud-managed range, Zyxel Networks has ensured that all products now include between seven and thirty days of detailed network logging, with security insights delivered via SecuReporter, a cloud-based analytics platform providing a centralised perspective on network activity and security threats. For firewalls and security routers, access and operational logs are kept for up to 12 months, supporting comprehensive audit and incident-response capabilities. "We believe that security must be built in, not bolted on," said Gary Chen, ANZ Regional Head at Zyxel Networks. "Our commitment to Secure by Design helps us protect our customers and partners in a fast-evolving threat landscape. It contributes to a healthier IT ecosystem, and transparency in vulnerability reporting is a hallmark of responsible, modern security practice. Our approach is grounded in openness, honesty and long-term trust, which is fully aligned with CISA's vision and, more importantly, our customers' expectations." Zyxel Networks stated that these measures are intended to deliver on customer expectations for product transparency and reliable security. The application of the Secure by Design pledge to its product portfolio continues as part of ongoing cybersecurity improvements for the SMB networking sector.
CNET
09-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Prime Day Anker Deals: Pay Less on Over 30+ of Our Favorite Anker Power Banks, Projectors, Home Security and More
Amazon's Prime Day sale is in its second day, and we've already helped many people secure discounts from their favorite brands, including Anker. Currently, Anker offers numerous discounts on the prices of many of its best appliances, ranging from mobile accessories to audio technology and everything else in between. If you've been hesitating about nabbing yourself some tech or compatible accessories, we recommend not pausing this time around — especially with the upcoming rise in prices and tariffs. A recent CNET survey found that 64% of shoppers are taking advantage of events like Prime Day to dodge potential price increases on tech gear. Sounds pretty clever to us, so why not take advantage of the Prime Day deals and grab something for yourself? If tariffs concern you, read on to discover the top Anker deals -- all picked out by our top CNET experts. However, before you jump straight in, be aware that some Anker power banks were part of a recent recall. That means you'll need to return them if you happen to own one of the affected devices sold between 2016 and 2022. But don't fret, you can claim a free replacement or gift card. It is also worth noting that Prime Day offers some of the biggest discounts of the year. It slashes prices on everything from headphones to projectors to vacuums. You name it, there's probably a discount on it. That's why you should return and check out this page and others regularly, as new deals will be available as the event continues. Best Prime Day Anker deals Best Anker audio and video deals Anker Nebula Capsule 3 GTV: $360 This compact Nebula projector allows you to enjoy shows and movies on a massive screen practically anywhere. It's roughly the size of a 16-ounce can so it can be easily carried in your backpack. However, it still projects a maximum screen size of up to 120 inches. The device also has 1080p HD resolution and 200 lumens of brightness and a built-in battery for up to 2.5 hours of playback on a single charge. Details Save $170 $360 at Amazon Close Anker Soundcore Boom 2: $90 The Anker Soundcore Boom 2 is an excellent value according to our experts. It's compact, IPX7 waterproof and has an impressive sound. It also has cool LED lighting and a solid battery life. The speaker even won an Editors' Choice Award and is our favorite Bluetooth speaker overall this year. Details Save $50 $90 at Amazon Close Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones: $56 These headphones feature 40mm drivers that deliver high-resolution sound, and thanks to their active noise cancellation technology, you can hear every little detail. It supports up to 50 hours of listening time on a single charge with noise cancellation active. This makes it perfect for daily use on your commute, in the gym or wherever you feel you need headphones. Also, remember, if you choose the navy color, you'll save more than 30%. Details Save $24 $56 at Amazon Close More audio and video deals: Best Anker mobile deals Anker Eufy SmartTrack Link (2-pack): $19 These tiny Bluetooth tiles make it easy to track down your keys, backpack or other everyday essentials. They're compatible with Apple's FindMy app so you can easily see the location on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or MacBook and even have a built-in siren so you can locate them when you're nearby. They also have a replaceable battery with a one-year lifespan. Just note that these are not compatible with Android devices. Details Save $17 $19 at Amazon Close Anker MagGo UFO: $63 This tiny three-in-one charging station is a must-have for frequent travelers. It has three wireless charging pads for your phone, smartwatch and earbuds and can deliver up to 15W of power. Plus, it's just 2.3 inches when folded up, so it hardly takes up any room in your bag. Details Save $27 $63 at Amazon Close Anker MagGo 622: $30 This MagSafe power bank is one of our favorites of 2025, thanks to the integrated phone stand. It has a 5,000 mAh capacity and delivers 7.5W of power wirelessly or via USB-C. Plus, the strong 9N magnet keeps your phone securely in place. Details Save $18 $30 at Amazon Close More mobile deals: Best Anker home deals Anker Eufy C10: $230 With a 3-liter base station, this Eufy robot vacuum can run for up to 60 days maintenance-free. It also boasts 4,000 Pa of powerful suction and with a slim 2.8-inch design it can easily fit underneath beds, couches and other furniture. It can also map multiple floors of your home, which makes it easy to set custom cleaning schedules and no-go zones. Details Save $250 $230 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy P3 smart scale: $60 There's more to your health than just body weight, and this advanced Eufy smart scale can help you see the big picture. It also tracks loads of other biometrics, including body fat, muscle mass, and water weight. Plus, it even gives recommendations to help you stay on track to meet your fitness goals. Details Save $40 $60 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy E10 indoor lamp: $50 This unique floor lamp makes adding some atmosphere to your living room easy. It boasts 1,700 lumens of brightness and more than 16 million possible colors so you can find the perfect hue for your mood. There are more than 80 preset lighting modes, and you can set custom schedules and patterns. It's also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control. Details Save $50 $50 at Amazon Close More Anker home deals: Best Anker security deals Anker Eufy C34 smart lock: $80 Keep your front door secure with this easy-to-install smart lock. With this lock, you have a variety of methods to choose from to securely unlock your door, including keypad entry, a physical key, in-app controls or voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It is also compatible with the Apple Home app. The smart lock offers eight months of battery life with two AA batteries. Details Save $60 $80 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy S120 solar wall light cam: $130 See clearly day or night with this two-in-one wall light and camera. It features a 2K camera with HD resolution and color night vision, as well as a 300-lumen light with motion activation. The light is also solar-powered so you won't have to worry about a complicated installation or remembering to change the batteries. Keep in mind that this price is for the 2-pack. Details Save $60 $130 at Amazon Close Anker Eufy SoloCam S220 (2-pack): $120 With a built-in solar panel that fully recharges the battery in just three hours, you can easily install this Eufy security camera practically anywhere on your property. It boasts 2K video resolution as well as an f/1.6 aperture for excellent low-light performance and AI detection to distinguish humans, vehicles and animals. The camera is also durable with an IP67 weather-resistance rating. Details Save $110 $120 at Amazon Close More security deals: When is Amazon's Prime Day event? The online retailer's massive sale started July 8 and will run through July 11. We've seen plenty of deals already come and go, thanks to the Independence Day sales. So, if you've been holding on to your wallet, now's the time to go looking for deals. Are Amazon Prime Day deals worth buying? Depending on what you are after, the short answer is yes. We've seen thousands of items to go on sale, including some deals that match or exceed the previous all-time low prices. Just note that Amazon stock can fluctuate wildly, which means there's no telling how long the item will remain on sale or available. If you see a deal you don't want to miss, we'd recommend taking advantage of those savings sooner rather than later. Will other retailers be offering Prime Day deals? While the official Prime Day sale is exclusive to Amazon, other retailers will absolutely be getting in on the action. Walmart has already announced that it will be having its own summer sale event that runs from July 8 to July 13 and it's likely that at least a few other competitors will follow suit. For example, last year at this time we saw Best Buy launch a "Black Friday in July" sales event. How we choose the best Amazon Prime Day deals Many of us here at CNET have covered shopping events for several years, including Black Friday, Prime Day, Memorial Day and countless other sales. In that time, we've learned how to spot the best deals among a sea of thousands of superficial offers and scams and we only surface the best offers from trusted retailers. We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing the best deals to show you. Real discounts mean genuine savings. We check pricing history for products listed as on sale so we know when it's a case of an inflated list price rather than an actual discount. Quality reviews and testing are super important for any product. A discount isn't worthwhile if it results in a subpar product experience, no matter how much you saved. Remaining sale time is important, too. Some deals are only around for a short time or may be limited in supply. If that's the case, we'll let you know upfront so you don't come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.
Miami Herald
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Why ‘The Witch Roads' author Kate Elliott has many books to recommend
For the past 30 years, Kate Elliott has written fantasy, science fiction, space opera, Young Adult fantasy, as well as two novellas set in the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. Her work has been nominated for the Nebula, World Fantasy, Norton, and Locus Awards. The Hawaii-based author's latest is "The Witch Roads," the first in an epic fantasy duology. Q. Please tell readers about your new book. As I say in the dedication, "The Witch Roads" duology is the book that reignited my love of writing during a rough period when I wondered if I should just quit. So the story was not just a labor of love but a gift from wherever creativity comes from, a grand piano dropping unannounced into my head at a time when I needed a bolt out of the blue. I'm so grateful for it, and particularly so because I don't normally work like this; I'm more of a writer who stirs pots on the back burner, for years oftentimes, until they are ready to be written. Q. How about the story, though? Macmillan's book page says: "When an arrogant prince (and his equally arrogant entourage) gets stuck in Orledder Halt as part of brutal political intrigue, competent and sunny deputy courier Elen-once a child slave meant to shield noblemen from the poisonous Pall-is assigned to guide him through the hills to reach his destination. When she warns him not to enter the haunted Spires, the prince doesn't heed her advice, and the man who emerges from the towers isn't the same man who entered." This is epic fantasy set in a big world with a mysterious past (as well as a ravenous fungal ghost plague!). The story follows a small cast of characters on a journey with all kinds of twists and turns, as well as unexpected joy, friendship, and a few ruminations on how beautiful the world can be, even if it isn't always. Q. Is there a book or books you always recommend to other readers? Reading is so personal that I can't imagine a specific book I would always recommend to any reader. Reading recommendations are more of an art that allows me to talk to other readers (always fun!), hear what interests them that they have to recommend to me, and consider what I want to say in return. For example, I'd likely not recommend non-fiction to someone who wants a fast-paced novel to dive into. And if a person told me they don't like fiction, I wouldn't try to convince them that, "No, it's just that you haven't read this one novel that I really think is great." If I am going to recommend, how will I do it? Will I drill down and figure out a book that will match their specific interests? Or perhaps a book that isn't something they would normally pick up would be a good option. Let me offer six examples, which doesn't even scratch the surface, but these are books I've recommended multiple times. Isabel Wilkerson's "The Warmth of Other Suns" is an in-depth study of the 20th-century Great Migration of African Americans out of the South and into the Midwest, Northeast, and West. Superb history and excellent writing. Atul Gawande's "Being Mortal" is a compassionate and pragmatic (and well-written!) discussion of mortality and what people face as we reach the end of our lives. I avoided reading it for years, but it turned out to be incredibly reassuring, even the parts that are so uncomfortable to contemplate. We are all headed in the same direction, and it helps to be clear-sighted about our ultimate end. Philip Reeve's Railhead trilogy is ostensibly Young Adult, but the incredible world building with sentient trains that travel between worlds and the youth who gets caught up in a revolt against the Powers That Be dazzles me. I've recommended it successfully to both younger and older readers. Audre Lorde's "Sister Outsider" is a collection of incisive essays and speeches about identity, race, feminism, motherhood, and so much more. When I first read it many years ago as a young woman, it hit me hard, and I have come back to it again and again, as one returns to a wellspring. "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors" by James D Hornfischer is a history book my dad recommended to me (and to my Navy son). It covers World War II's Battle off Samar in which an overmatched USA squadron of destroyers and small escort carriers went up against a powerful Japanese force off the Philippines. So well researched (based on first-hand accounts), so readable, grabs you by the throat and doesn't let up. A story of ordinary men displaying extraordinary courage and resolve. Rosemary Kirstein's The Steerswoman books. I wish these novels (starting with "The Steerswoman") were more widely known. They're so well observed. I can't say more because this is one of the very few series that truly it is best to go into without knowing anything much about it, simply because the discovery element is so worthwhile. Q. What are you reading now? Ned Blackhawk's "The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of US History." An eye-opening re-vision of how we look at American history, and in this case through the lens of how the long interaction between the Indigenous people and the settlers (and then government of the U.S.A.) has driven, and created, so many of the institutions and iconic narratives of this nation in a way most histories overlook, ignore, or don't even recognize. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman, about the two systems that drive the way we think. This book was recommended to me, and I was a bit apprehensive that it might be a tough read with a lot of science jargon, but it is so fluidly written that the pages fly past. Fascinating and illuminating. As for novels, I just finished reading Vasily Grossman's masterpiece "Life and Fate"(set during World War II and written by a Soviet journalist who reported through the war) and Ken Liu's forthcoming near-future tech thriller "All That We See or Seem," which was too short; I wanted more! I'm about to start M. H. Ayinde's debut fantasy, "A Song of Legends Lost." Q. How do you decide what to read next? My TBR pile is more of a shelf. Or shelves, to be honest. I am an obsessive book buyer (who needs shoes when you can have books?), so I always have plenty of unread titles at hand. Sometimes I find out about a book and just have to read it right away. Sometimes I finally grab a book I bought five years ago and fly through it because the writing hits me just right or the subject matter becomes incredibly timely. Sometimes I read a book because it's needed research for what I'm writing just now. Sometimes the next installment in a multi-book series that I love arrives, so I have to read it immediately (for example, Juliet McKenna's "The Green Man's Heir" contemporary fantasy series). Q. Do you remember the first book that made an impact on you? Thornton W. Burgess's Mother West Wind series, a gentle children's book series about anthropomorphic animals in a woodland setting, with low stakes, and cute animals, written at the early chapter book level. The books were originally published in the early 20th century, and my dad read them as a child. In my childhood home we had three volumes of the stories. I was obsessed with them in early elementary school, reading them over and over. Q. Is there a book you're nervous to read? "Moby Dick," but my eldest says I have to because it's wickedly funny as well as brilliant. I'm going to venture a read-along with friends next year. Wish me luck. Q. Do you listen to audiobooks? If so, are there any titles or narrators you'd recommend? I don't process audiobooks well because I can't pay attention to the story. What's interesting is that I love storytellers and storytelling, but oral storytelling creates a different rhythm than book narration. That said, I think audiobooks are a great medium for many readers, and I'm glad technology has made them so accessible to so many. I'm delighted to have had such great narrators for my books, including Shiromi Arserio's magisterial narration of my seven volume "everything but the kitchen sink" epic fantasy "Crown of Stars"; Natalie Naudus's impressive skill in dealing with a complex story and cast of thousands for my space opera trilogy, the Sun Chronicles; Zehra Jane Naqvi's incredible attention to detail in the dense world of the Crossroads Trilogy; and Georgia Dolenz nails the tone I'd hoped for with the Court of Fives (YA) trilogy. And more besides these! I'm so excited to see what Ella Lynch does with "The Witch Roads" (the audiobook is coming in August) after she and I had a great exchange via email about names and accents. The voice actors I've interacted with have been so dedicated and skillful. We are really in a golden age for audio in so many venues and media. Q. Is there a genre or type of book you read the most – and what would you like to read more of? I read a lot of history. My dad taught history so I grew up with it as household conversation, and that's probably why I love it to this day. History is a window onto the past that always surprises and amazes me. My favorite fiction genre is science fiction and fantasy (which I lump together). I couldn't tell you why; I've loved SFF since I was a child. Mostly, I'd like to read more of the as-yet-unread books on my shelves. Everything; I just want to cram everything into my brain. Q. What do you find the most appealing in a book: the plot, the language, the cover, a recommendation? Do you have any examples? In fiction, I love best when the story evokes a place so deeply and effectively that I feel as if I am there, that I have experienced that place alongside the characters. For example, J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is set in Middle Earth, a place that feels "real" to me as a reader, as if it could have (and should have) existed. Ken Liu's Dandelion Dynasty epic fantasy series also creates a fully-fleshed out fantastical world and a century's worth of incredible technological and cultural changes as seen through its many people from all walks of life, total catnip for me as a reader. I also love vivid characters whose personalities and journeys I remember years and even decades after I've read their story. Characters I still think about include (but are not limited to) Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"; Tremaine and Ilias from Martha Wells' "The Fall of Ile-Rien" trilogy; the members of the Kaul family, leaders of the No Peak clan, whose lives we see unfold over decades in Fonda Lee's Green Bone Saga. Q. If you could ask your readers something, what would it be? Selfishly, I would love to ask my readers (those who enjoyed a book of mine): what scene or moment has really stuck with them, that they still think about months or years (or decades!) later. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
