Dan
This book captivated my attention and maintained it throughout the narrative. Its writing style was clear and accessible, and I found the characters mostly relatable. The story evoked the feel of a space opera, reminiscent of Star Wars, which is quite an achievement. However, I felt that towards the end, the character development seemed rushed as it hurried to conclude certain storylines or initiate new arcs without sufficient foreshadowing. Overall, it was a solid and enjoyable read.
On a New York morning, a man named Aristotle Zurr-McIntyre, or Adam Micah, steals a newspaper and shoots himself, only to vanish. He's a vanisher—reappearing elsewhere with dim memories after each death. Pursued by The Wisher in a deadly game, every death chips away his identity. In Atlanta, he meets Lilyanne, experiencing love and belonging for the first time. But her past holds secrets that threaten their future. As Adam grapples with the mysteries of mortality and immortality, he delves into a world of science, conspiracy, and the cost of endless life.
Mikheyev crafts a raw, expansive world brimming with tension. His writing prowess is undeniable, presenting a compelling protagonist and nemesis. Yet the narrative drowns in its own excess, burdened by redundant side arcs and characters that lead nowhere. It screams of a decade's work, cluttered with brilliant ideas left underdeveloped. While the characters, settings, and core plot dazzle, the tale wavers, often losing its way, uncertain of its own genre. It lingers too long in spots, stalling the momentum. With tighter focus, this could've been a masterpiece.
It's a descent and original read.
Thanks to Hiddengems for the ARC!
This book didn't grab my attention from the beginning, and I had a hard time staying engaged due to its slow pace and disjointed storyline. I couldn't connect with the characters, making it difficult to care about their journey. While the writing was polished, the lack of a coherent plot left me feeling disconnected. Though it's not a book I'd personally recommend or enjoy, readers who appreciate this style might find merit in it.
“The Siphoning” immediately ensnared my interest, pleasantly surprising me with the artistry of a gifted writer who breathed life into a tale that possesses all the makings of an instant classic. The prose flows effortlessly, offering vivid descriptions that might lead readers to believe they've anticipated every twist, only to be masterfully baited back in. It's an enthralling journey, a harmonious blend of fantasy and science fiction, set in a world brimming with intricate caste systems, enchanting magic, and layers of intrigue. While the conclusion could hint at what lies ahead in subsequent books, my overall experience with this novel was thoroughly enjoyable.
Staked is about a young Frenchman named Gregorie Babin, who wakes in a world he doesn't recognize. First of all, he's adrift in the ocean with no idea how he ended up there. As he swims to shore in the dark of night, small snippets of memory come to him but only leave him frustrated. Who is he? Why is here? What has happened to him? He collapses on the shore and when he gathers enough strength to move, a strange scent leads him frantically across the beach and into the woods. What happens next baffles him even more than waking in the ocean did.
As Gregorie regains his memories, the story leads to a small village in France, where he grew up with his Maman (the town healer) and the girl next door (Michaelangela Martineau), who he'd planned to marry. In front of him lies a dramatic, speculative journey led by his desperate desire to get back home to the ones he loves.
My thoughts: In this captivating narrative, the elegance of the 18th century collides with the edgy allure of 1980's lost boys. It crafts a tapestry where the angel of death intertwines with vampiric lore, and where personal traumas and histories either find solace in forgiveness and acceptance or remain shrouded in denial. The author's command of the written word is evident — the prose masterfully depicts a journey from confusion to understanding. The seamless integration of French phrases with English not only enriches a character's depth but also ensures that the reader isn't overwhelmed by overly ornate language. While I yearned for a few unpredictable plot twists, the book remains a compelling read.
Special thanks to the author or the eARC
Synopsis: War has engulfed Destia, reaching even the remote country-side, where foundling Eva Thirsk lives. When army recruiters come to town, Eva sees a chance to find a place where she truly belongs—something she's never found on her adopted family's farm. She enlists, hoping for adventure...and perhaps a chance to learn what happened to her parents.
But when one of her missions goes disastrously wrong, a powerful enemy is accidentally freed. The Venistrare Warlock, sealed away eons ago to protect Destia, has been unleashed—and things begin to change for Eva.
Strange visions, an electric sense of energy, and an odd feeling of deep connection to Perrell, the pack dragon she's befriended... If she didn't know better, Eva would think she's somehow gained magic. Including the ability to bond to a dragon, but that's not possible at her age...is it?
As the war rages on, the stakes grow higher each day. Can Eva and Perrell figure out Eva's new powers in time—or will they be consumed by the fires of annihilation?
My thoughts: The book gripped me from the get-go with its vivid yet unembellished prose. The characters were carved with precision, each bearing scars and stories that drew me in. The narrative doesn't shy away from the gritty realities, serving high-stakes situations and unexpected twists that keep the adrenaline pumping. It's a raw journey of peaks and troughs, stripped of pretense yet deeply profound. The characters' struggles hit close to the bone, their interactions raw and real. A damn good read overall; while a couple of characters could pack a bit more punch, it stands solid in its delivery.
Synopsis: Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she's packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she'll never be able to return to it. What's a thwarted soldier of fortune to do? Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn't possibly imagine.
My Thoughts: The prose in the book is solid, and it's clear that it has been edited with care. There's an attempt to recapture the cozy and comfortable atmosphere of the first book, though it's only somewhat successful. I personally would have preferred a stronger emphasis on either more dynamic action sequences or more charming, bookshop-related scenes. Unfortunately, both elements seemed lacking, leaving the story feeling somewhat incomplete. The inclusion of a necromancer plot offered potential for an interesting twist, but instead, the narrative unexpectedly veered into exploring a romantic subplot between an Orc and a Dwarf, which felt out of place to me. The storyline also hinted at involving a rat female character in this dynamic, contributing to a sense that I was delving into someone's personal and rather unconventional fantasy. Overall, the book is an average read – it's not entirely unenjoyable, but it's not something I'd be keen on revisiting
The Wishing Game is a feel-good read without much drama. The book starts off slowly, then picks up pace and maintains a moderately slow tempo. The characters are intriguing and relatable. The focus is more on the protagonists rather than the game itself. It would have been enjoyable to solve the puzzles along with the characters, but that's difficult to portray effectively. I didn't notice any glaring grammatical or spelling errors. Readers seeking an intensely captivating or unpredictable story may be disappointed. However, as a comforting, predictable read between more suspenseful books, The Wishing Game delivers a cute and uplifting experience.
I enjoyed reading this latest book by Ann Leckie. Even though it's part of a series, the story stands just fine on its own. I was able to jump right in without having read the previous books.
Leckie's writing style is smooth and easy to follow. The plot moves along at a brisk pace, and I was intrigued by the cast of characters. Each one has a distinct voice that comes through clearly. Their world and relationships are complex, but Leckie gives just enough detail without overdoing the backstory or terminology.
The heart of the story focuses on three main characters trying to figure out where they belong. While dealing with larger power struggles in the galaxy, they also face more personal conflicts. In the end, they realize that loyalty and sacrifice are what brings a family together — not necessarily who you're related to biologically.
There's a nice mix here balancing the action-driven sci-fi plot with these resonant emotional notes about found family. Even as the book wrapped up, I felt invested in the characters and interested to see where Leckie takes things next.
For sci-fi fans who appreciate well-constructed worlds and nuanced relationships, I strongly recommend this book and series. The author has crafted something special — exciting yet heartfelt. I'm looking forward to whatever she writes in this universe next.
Imagine being bequeathed your uncle's supervillain empire—sounds cool, right? Prepare for undersea lairs, an army of minions, and a globe-trotting game of ‘who-wants-you-gone.' But the real twist? The top brass are tech-savvy cats that hold board meetings. Yup, you read that right!
Starter Villain? Hands down, the most delightful misadventure I've delved into this year. From sentient feline bosses to dolphins with agendas, and that quintessential villainous volcano lair, it's a rollicking romp that had me side-eyeing my own cat, wondering about her double life. Bursting with humor and lightheartedness, it's a one-sit, chuckle-a-minute, sci-fi frolic. Dive in and thank me later!
Synopsis: An enormous snow-covered mountain has appeared in the Pacific Ocean. No one knows when exactly it showed up, precisely how big it might be, or how to explain its existence. When Harold Tunmore is contacted by a shadowy organization to help investigate, he has no idea what he is getting into as he and his team set out for the mountain. The higher Harold's team ascends, the less things make sense. Time moves differently, turning minutes into hours, and hours into days. Amid the whipping cold of higher elevation, the climbers' limbs numb and memories of their lives before the mountain begin to fade. Paranoia quickly turns to violence among the crew, and slithering, ancient creatures pursue them in the snow. Still, as the dangers increase, the mystery of the mountain compels them to its peak, where they are certain they will find their answers. Have they stumbled upon the greatest scientific discovery known to man or the seeds of their own demise?
Thoughts: From the outset, the novel had me captivated and managed to sustain my interest until the last page. The prose was finely crafted, and the intricate blend of science, theology, and emotional depth was compelling. The narrative choice of framing the story as letters to a young relative felt somewhat forced and lacked a clear direction or purpose. Some of the characters felt formulaic, though one could argue that certain roles necessitate specific personality types. To be candid, only a handful of characters resonated with me, and the main players fell short of making a lasting impression. The conclusion, however, left me puzzled. It's unclear if even the editor fully grasped the intended outcome, as it could have benefited from some refining. Despite these critiques, the book offers a riveting experience, and I'd recommend it. Just be prepared for an ending that's open to interpretation.
Synopsis: In remote northern Canada, a team led by a visionary American architect is break¬ing ground on a building project called Camp Zero, intended to be the beginning of a new way of life. A clever and determined young woman code-named Rose is offered a chance to join the Blooms, a group hired to entertain the men in camp—but her real mission is to secretly monitor the mercurial architect in charge. In return, she'll receive a home for her climate-displaced Korean immigrant mother and herself. Rose quickly secures the trust of her target, only to discover that everyone has a hidden agenda, and nothing is as it seems. Through skill¬fully braided perspectives, including those of a young professor longing to escape his wealthy family and an all-woman military research unit struggling for survival at a climate station, the fate of Camp Zero's inhabitants reaches a stunning crescendo. Atmospheric, fiercely original, and utterly gripping, Camp Zero is an electrifying work and a masterful exploration of who and what will survive in a warming world, and how falling in love and building community can be the most daring acts of all.
Thoughts: The book failed to captivate me from the start, and I struggled to maintain interest throughout due to its slow pacing and lack of a cohesive story arc. While the premise held promise, the multiple storylines didn't blend well, leaving me disconnected and unengaged with the characters. Although the writing was technically sound, I found it challenging to connect with the characters or care about their outcomes due to the absence of a compelling plot. While this book doesn't receive my recommendation, I'm intrigued by the author's potential and hope to see improved execution in future works, as the underlying idea was intriguing despite its current shortcomings.
This book truly captivated me. Its intricate storyline and the way the author crafted it left me in awe, pondering how such a complex narrative came to be. Right from the start, it held my attention effortlessly. My edition was flawlessly written, devoid of any errors or grammatical slip-ups. The characters felt genuine, and the suspense surrounding the events kept me deeply engaged. Witnessing how all the elements seamlessly converged astounded me.
It's a remarkable narrative that delves into life's essence, time travel intricacies, pivotal life choices, and the impact of a pandemic. I never foresaw experiencing a global pandemic earlier in life, making the novel's backdrop incredibly relatable. Overall, it's an exceptional story with an array of surprising twists and turns that thoroughly delighted me.
Synopsis: Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission - and if he fails, humanity and the Earth itself will perish.Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he's been asleep for a very, very long time. And he's just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, he realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Alone on this tiny ship that's been cobbled together by every government and space agency on the planet and hurled into the depths of space, it's up to him to conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And thanks to an unexpected ally, he just might have a chance.
Thoughts: This captivating novel immediately grabs your attention and sustains it throughout. The relatable and quirky characters add depth to this hard science fiction story, making it appealing to those who enjoy the genre without delving too much into fantasy. While some may find the occasional spelling and grammatical issues distracting, others may see them as contributing to the overall atmosphere. The well-executed world-building and character challenges enhance the engaging story arc, with notable strength in the personal journeys of the characters. The plot twists, centered around the characters, contribute to the novel's appeal, and the story concludes satisfactorily. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel, especially for enthusiasts of hard science fiction.
My Thoughts: The writing of the book was commendable. However, the narrative's frequent shifts across various timelines occasionally disrupted the flow and coherence of the plot. While at times these transitions were clearly indicated, at other instances they were not, leading to moments of confusion. Among the characters, Luc emerged as particularly intriguing. In contrast, I found Addie, the main character, to lack significant development, making her character arc somewhat unsatisfying. Henry's character was even less appealing to me; his personality neither evolved nor seemed to align with the overall tone of the book. The plot itself was initially captivating but lost momentum due to the stagnant development of the characters. While the book was a decent read overall, I couldn't quite connect with the characters as I had hoped. 3.5 rounded to 4
The Doomsday Book is a beloved sci-fi classic blending thrilling time travel with sobering history. A university student named Kivrin journeys back to the Middle Ages, eager to study this bygone era firsthand. But a mistake lands her in the year 1348—at the very onset of the Black Death, the devastating plague that will decimate medieval Europe. Back in the present day, an eerie plague emerges just as Kivrin's adventure goes awry.
Given our recent brushes with pandemic, it's striking how Connie Willis imagined people grappling with plague back in this 1992 tale. Yet more captivating than the danger is Willis' rich worldbuilding and character crafting. From intrepid Kivrin to ingenious Professor Dunsworthy, stalwart Father Roche, and courageous youngsters Collin and Agnes, the memorable characters linger as much as the tension.
Three decades later, The Doomsday Book still enthralls, thanks especially to its richly crafted world and people. More than just time-travel excitement, this sci-fi classic contemplates human resilience and purpose in the most dire adversity.
This book soared to Sovereign heights! Its storyline was as gripping as a Reaper's blade, forging a path through uncharted territories of originality. Set in a distant future on the terraformed plains of Mars, the narrative unveils a bustling solar system teeming with life. From the outset, the narrative snatched my attention and hurled me through a whirlwind of peaks and pitfalls, weaving an unbreakable bond with its characters. The diverse spectrum of characters, from the noble to the nefarious, stood as a testament to the novel's strength.
The intricate tapestry of factions, the intricacies of the caste system, and the scholarly backdrop painted a canvas of mesmerizing depth. My copy, a flawless testament to the scribes, contained not a single blemish that dared distract from the saga. I reveled in the unexpected twists and turns, vowing to procure the complete set, to relish, revisit, and enrich my personal library. This read, I proffer as a recommendation without reservation. (Written in my version of high Gold, It's Prime!)
The Longest Autumn starts promisingly with engaging court intrigue, a creative magic system, and a budding romance. However, the plot soon loses momentum, meandering without direction and slowing down significantly. The characters, frustratingly passive, struggle to solve the central mystery, often relying on chance rather than taking initiative. The romance subplot is flat and uninspiring. After a slow narrative, the story concludes abruptly, resolving the mystery with little character involvement, leaving an unsatisfying ending. Despite strong world-building and a unique magic concept, the novel ultimately falters. The protagonist, hindered by severe headaches, is particularly passive. This book offers a glimpse into the author's potential, despite its shortcomings.
I am grateful for the advanced reader copy provided by the author.
MacLean's portrayal of the Starkweather murders is compelling. The book immediately drew me in, maintaining a strong grip on my attention through the initial chapters. However, the pacing slowed in the latter half, only intensifying towards the conclusion. My edition was impeccably written, devoid of errors or grammatical flaws. The author skillfully combines factual accounts with a narrative style that breathes life into the characters' stories, compelling readers to follow their journey to the end.
A noteworthy aspect is MacLean's inclusion of the trials and the aftermath, intertwining his personal journey through the present-day scenes of the crime. Being a Nebraska native and having experienced the era of the crimes, MacLean shares his reflections on guilt and innocence, which prompts readers to question the author's biases. Despite this, the book is well-crafted, particularly for enthusiasts of true crime. Although it's not a genre I typically delve into, this author's rendition was impressive, making it a recommended read.
Special thanks to the author and publisher for the giveaway read.
Synopsis: Set in a future where humanity is no more and animals reign supreme, a curious young rabbit begins to question the age-old notion of rabbits being mere prey. Her bold inquiries to the warren's elders lead to her banishment.
Left to fend for herself in the vast wilderness, she seeks alliance with other outcasts. As they face relentless challenges, they engage in a fierce fight not just for survival but also for a chance at liberation.
“War Bunny” deftly weaves a tale of adventure and modern allegory, emphasizing the themes of friendship, valor, self-advocacy, and the transformative journey of coming of age.
My thoughts: I found myself engrossed in the book, even though I was initially skeptical. The gradual revelation about the human race's downfall intrigued me, though I wish there had been earlier hints to this mystery. It felt as if I were experiencing the world alongside the reading rabbits, piecing together history from remnants of human documents and inherited rabbit lore. The narrative skillfully interweaves themes of warfare and betrayal with religious undertones. The rabbit society's faith bears a resemblance to human Christianity, but it's not without its own corruptions. Our protagonist, Anastasia, holds a profound belief in a peaceful coexistence between predators like coyotes and prey like rabbits.
Book Review: Or Else My Lady Keeps the Key
Rating: ★ ★ ★
Synopsis: It's 1672 in Port Royal, Jamaica. John James, London bricklayer's apprentice turned pirate, is returning from the sack of Panama with his share of the loot (a lousy 200 pieces of eight) and a resolve to go back to bricklaying, since piracy pays so badly. First, though, he has a duty: he must deliver a letter to a lady. The letter is from his dead comrade, Sir Thomas Blackstone, who was a court intriguer on a mission for Prince Rupert of the Rhine. The letter's recipient is Clarissa Waverly, Blackstone's mistress and accomplice. Before he went off to Panama, Blackstone hid four thousand pounds of the prince's money, unwilling to trust his lady friend not to make off with it in his absence. Dying of battle wounds, he wrote to let her know where he'd concealed the money.
Thoughts: While initially unremarkable, this brief read eventually piqued my interest after a quarter of the way through. I encountered no spelling or grammatical errors in my copy. The characters, though relatable and mostly likable, felt somewhat cliché with a lack of a compelling character arc. The world-building was solid, but the introduction of magic/paranormal elements seemed forced and disconnected from the story until later on. Despite a satisfactory conclusion to the story arc, it lacks the gripping hook to captivate most readers. It serves as a decent, easy-to-read option for passing the time, but falls short of delivering an emotionally gripping masterpiece.