An innovative and clever thought-experiment. A dark, dystopian future. A world in which we pay for our crimes with money. Every crime has a price. PayAn innovative and clever thought-experiment. A dark, dystopian future. A world in which we pay for our crimes with money. Every crime has a price. Pay it and you're good to go. Yes, even murder.
What makes this a difficult read is that North chose a style depending heavily on fragments. It's somewhat jumpy and didn't read as nicely as some of her other books.
A must read for Claire North fans, but not the one I'd recommend to readers new to her work. Please consider reading The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August instead....more
This made me want to play Dungeons and Dragons, and after not playing Dungeons and Dragons for thirty-five years, I finally did. Partly because a frieThis made me want to play Dungeons and Dragons, and after not playing Dungeons and Dragons for thirty-five years, I finally did. Partly because a friend kept nudging me, and partly because damn, now I had to.
Mark Lawrence has an amazing voice, and by the end of the first page it's clear One Word Kill can only turn into a great book, and there's nothing that can stop it.
"But as it turned out, I would die even before February got into its stride."
What a sentence. On the first page.
The story is told through Nick who is an incredibly likeable and compelling character. The rest of the cast is well developed, and I cared deeply about their relationships with each other.
Lawrence's writing is imaginative and hilarious. He's got the reader chuckling, then welling up three sentences later.
The biggest theme here is friendship, but the novel has a bit of everything: The kids from Stranger Things meet Donnie Darko's time travel, topped with a healthy dose of young adults growing up in England.
It's a short book, the pacing is impeccable, and it can be swallowed in one swift gulp. And the best part? This could be a standalone. It wraps up neatly, and I actually thought it wasn't part of a series. I am pleased to hear there will be more, but people who are afraid of cliffhangers: don't be.
I recommend this to all Mark Lawrence fans, of course, and beyond that anyone who enjoys time travel, the 80's, Dungeons & Dragons, Stranger Things and anything else I've mentioned. Basically: read this, and you will love it....more
My thoughts summed up: Humanity sucks, and I had a lot of fun with this one.
I think I'm finally warming to Holden, which means a lot considering I almMy thoughts summed up: Humanity sucks, and I had a lot of fun with this one.
I think I'm finally warming to Holden, which means a lot considering I almost stopped reading this series because of how much I wanted to smack his cocky little head. I enjoyed the new POV characters that were introduced, especially Melba and Anna. They're great additions to the cast. (I did miss Avasarala quite a bit.) The writing is nothing special and the story is a fun space romp. The latter half of this book opened up a lot of possibilities for this series and I'm excited to see where the authors take it....more
Right after finishing, I declared this may be my favourite read, since I first came across Pride and Prejudice two decades ago, which means a lot, truRight after finishing, I declared this may be my favourite read, since I first came across Pride and Prejudice two decades ago, which means a lot, trust me. Don't worry though, this is NOTHING like Pride and Prejudice.
House of Suns is something special. Filled with wonders and surprises. A story spanning millions of years and several galaxies. It took me a few chapters to wrap my head around the world; it's a lot to take in at first. Afterwards, I couldn't put it down. I just ploughed through, savouring each word.
Alastair Reynolds' prose is just as wonderful as the world(s) he's created. I'm gushing, I know, but I can't help myself. I'm in love with this book.
I didn't know anything about the plot when I started reading, and I'm glad I didn't read any reviews, because I feel like it's best experienced blind. Just dive into the galaxy and trust Reynolds to tell a compelling and captivating story.
The characters are all amazing and somehow Reynolds wove a love story into this tale that made me weep.
I recommend House of Suns to all sci-fi fans, especially those of you who love space opera. I wish I could give a sixth star!...more
This book has a solid start with intriguing world building and interesting politics. I enjoyed the new characters, especially Avasarala. Sadly, the beThis book has a solid start with intriguing world building and interesting politics. I enjoyed the new characters, especially Avasarala. Sadly, the beginning is followed by a boring middle. It felt a bit like the first book all over again. Chasing a girl across space.
The last line, though? Makes up for it. I’ll definitely be reading the third book. ...more
Dogs of War tells the story of Rex, a bioform engineered for war, but ultimately an enhanced dog with sentience, an integrated weapons system and the urge to be a good boy. It's a tale of ethics and morality, and the reader gets to explore what makes us human, what gives us the right to exist and what happens if such a dog turns against its master.
They're not easy questions and there's no easy answer.
I recommend this to everyone who thinks the blurb sounds at all interesting because damn this book is good....more
I am always worried when I pick up a sequel to a beloved series. Worried I might be disappointed or that something terrible could happen to some of myI am always worried when I pick up a sequel to a beloved series. Worried I might be disappointed or that something terrible could happen to some of my favourite fictional characters.
Halfway through Iron Gold a certain disappointment did start to seep through. I felt like I wasn't connecting with the book and the characters. Thankfully, the second half of the book grabbed me and by the end I was excited to read more.
A similar thing happened with Red Rising. I liked it but didn't love it, and then...Golden Son blew my mind.
Iron Gold takes place ten years after Red Rising and is told from the point of view of four characters and not just Darrow like Red Rising. At first I didn't really care much for the other characters, and because the first half is mostly set-up and moves considerably slower than the second half it wasn't until much later that I discovered that I was suddenly attached to everyone.
Pierce Brown's writing is elegant. He excels at fast-paced action scenes and can really crush your heart with emotional moments.
If you liked the Red Rising series don't hesitate and give this one a try....more
Otherworld is a game, the kind I've always wanted to play. The participants leave their physical bodies behind and step, literally, into the game. VirOtherworld is a game, the kind I've always wanted to play. The participants leave their physical bodies behind and step, literally, into the game. Virtual reality is an amazing premise and one I hope to see more often in science fiction novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It moves with a good pace, is thrilling, entertaining and there's not a single dull moment. I finished it in a single day.
However, it's definitely a book for young adults and the writing style is aimed at the younger age bracket. The story is simple and straightforward and the teenage love story made the novel less interesting for me. People who have read Tad Williams' Otherland or similar books, might think this is not as original as it could be.
The characters are definitely well developed teenagers that sound authentic and the world building is intriguing, if a bit lacking.
I would recommend this to people who enjoyed the Maze Runner series and loved Ready Player One not because of the 80s nostalgia but because of the focus on virtual reality....more
You know how sometimes you read a book and from the very first few pages you fall in love and can't really say why? And every time you pick it up someYou know how sometimes you read a book and from the very first few pages you fall in love and can't really say why? And every time you pick it up something magical happens? That was this book for me.
It took me almost 300 pages to realise there are parallels to The Count of Monte Cristo and only then did it hit me that Edmon Leontes, the main characters name, is pretty damn close to Edmond Dantès. And you know what? That discovery made me giddy, because damn do I love The Count of Monte Cristo. (And no you don't need to have read Monte Cristo to enjoy this book... it was just a nice tidbit.)
It's a dark book and I know as a writer you're supposed to torture your main character and make things worse for them, but for Edmon it just does not get any better EVER. Throughout the book until the very end I thought, oh my... MORE? Leave the poor boy alone. It does not help that Edmon just can't keep his mouth shut when necessary... he keeps pushing.
The book is told in first person present tense which I often dislike, but I highly enjoyed Burch's prose and writing.
The world is exciting and I loved the idea of a planet that no longer spins and thus has a side on which it's eternally night while on the other side it's always day.
Edmon is a well developed character who loves music, and I really liked that he was so much into art and so opposed to fighting.
I can't really talk about the female characters in this novel without spoiling the plot. Let's just say that's the one bit that bothered me somewhat.
I highly recommend Song of Edmon to Science Fantasy fans.
P.S. Can I just hijack my own review to say: if you're into anime and love The Count of Monte Cristo as much as me and are not opposed to have it set in space and the Count be some sort of space vampire, please please please check out the absolutely underrated Gankutsuou....more
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I requested Crazy House because I've always wanted to read a JamesI received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I requested Crazy House because I've always wanted to read a James Patterson book and I quite enjoy novels with a dystopian setting. The premise is simple: Becca Greenfield is thrown into prison known as the Crazy House where she's told that she's on death row. In the meantime her twin, Cassie, is trying to find her. A fight for survival begins.
The writing is nothing spectacular, in fact I found it quite juvenile in places, but the world building is intriguing and the story is fast paced and I ended up reading it in one sitting. The novel comes with a few decent twists and turns and kept me guessing until the end. The characters are well developed and believable teenagers.
Recommended for fans of dystopian YA, but do not expect anything groundbreaking or special....more
Young Adult set in space? Sign me up! Those were my thoughts when I requested this title from Netgalley. I ended up having a lot of fun with the storyYoung Adult set in space? Sign me up! Those were my thoughts when I requested this title from Netgalley. I ended up having a lot of fun with the story and read it during a long, sleepless night.
It's not groundbreaking, but it's exactly what it promises to be. It'll probably be sold as Hunger Games in space, which makes me want to roll my eyes, but I also have to admit, it is a bit like Hunger Games in space.
Ten teenagers are on board this spaceship on its way to a planet called Eden. They're being trained to mine a new element called Nyxia... but only eight out of the ten will be allowed to do so. Let the competition begin!
This book has a great and varied ensemble. For the average reader the beginning might be a bit overwhelming, since ten teenagers are introduced. It took me a while before I was able to keep them straight, but Reintgen made sure to give each one an individual voice. They're all well developed, and by the end I felt like I knew them all.
I recommend this to fans of Young Adult (who don't mind books aimed at the younger end of the YA audience) and Science Fiction novels, who are looking for something like the Hunger Games, Ender's Game or The 100....more
Maybe, after four failed Discworld attempts and Good Omens, I just have to admit Sir Terry isn't for me? And maybe it's finally time, to let it go? I Maybe, after four failed Discworld attempts and Good Omens, I just have to admit Sir Terry isn't for me? And maybe it's finally time, to let it go? I adore the premise of The Long Earth and I enjoy parallel worlds but in my opinion the execution fell a bit flat. The plot felt weak, the pacing was off and the characters remained two-dimensional. I was intrigued enough to finish the book, but I won't continue with the series....more
Neuromancer is a cornerstone of sci-fi and hence an important and groundbreaking novel.
BUT.
Dear Neuromancer, it's not you, it's definitely me, and I Neuromancer is a cornerstone of sci-fi and hence an important and groundbreaking novel.
BUT.
Dear Neuromancer, it's not you, it's definitely me, and I am sorry but I couldn't quite bring myself to care enough to dive further into your world and familiarise myself with the terminology and the vocabulary, which means that most of the time I was lost.
Let me start by saying something negative: as a sci-fi novel I didn't really enjoy this one. It has a predictable and simple plot and is just not veryLet me start by saying something negative: as a sci-fi novel I didn't really enjoy this one. It has a predictable and simple plot and is just not very interesting. The time travel just happens, isn't explained and doesn't seem to follow any rules.
But.
It is interesting and frightening, downright frightening, to read about a modern (well, 1976) black woman who suddenly finds herself in the 19th century.
Butler uses this novel to talk about a not so great period in American history and by using time travel she can do so from the point of view of a woman who grew up in a world where slavery is abolished and it is painful to read how shocked and outraged she is at how she's being treated.
After a while she realises where she is and most importantly when she is and it dawns on her why she's being treated this way and that she's in a hell of a lot of trouble...
And even though she knows why she's being treated this way, she is, obviously, still horrified and the reader is horrified alongside her.
As the reader you get to ask yourself a very important question: how would I have behaved if I'd been alive in the 19th century?
"I never realised how easily people could be trained to accept slavery."
Honestly? The second book in the series is the true highlight, at least in my opinion. But I must admit, this is one of the best series I've4.5 Stars.
Honestly? The second book in the series is the true highlight, at least in my opinion. But I must admit, this is one of the best series I've ever read.
If you love Sci-Fi and Space Opera do yourself a favour and read the Red Rising trilogy. It's not YA, so don't let that put you off. Yes, the main character is 16 years old in the first book but he's older in the sequels and the story is far too gritty and dark to pass as YA.
The series is full of plot twists and amazing action scenes. It offers a deep and compelling story with believable characters, intriguing political narratives and a main character who makes morally grey decisions. I absolutely love Darrow because he is flawed and hot-headed and makes the wrong decision more than once but he is also strong and courageous and ultimately believes in the good in others. Gaining strength to overcome oppression without losing sight of loyalty, friendship, family and love is an important theme in the entire trilogy.
I was hesitant to read Morning Star at first, not because I was worried I wouldn't like it but because I didn't want it to be over. Pierce Brown tied everything together in the last book and I'm satisfied with the ending....more
HDGLJGHJAARGH! That was basically my reaction after reading the last sentence of this book. I promptly proceeded to yell at my pillow, then burst intoHDGLJGHJAARGH! That was basically my reaction after reading the last sentence of this book. I promptly proceeded to yell at my pillow, then burst into tears. I don’t even know where to start. I don’t even know what to say.
I haven’t connected with characters like this in a while. Especially not when they’re this young. The first book was marketed as YA, I don’t think the second still deserves that tag. It’s too dark, too gritty, and too violent. I got attached. I’m a huge sucker for characters with layered flaws. I love Mustang. I love Darrow. I love Sevro. My heart breaks for them.
This is better than Red Rising. Red Rising was a solid set-up. Golden Son is when all the fireworks go off at once, blinding the audience with spark after spark. The writing and plot are noticeably stronger. The prose tighter. The tension higher, the pacing better.
Heads roll within the first few chapters and don’t stop rolling. We find out more about the politics and the world behind the happenings in Red Rising.
Everything in this book came as a surprise. I couldn’t tell any of the twists or turns. And THAT ENDING. SPEECHLESS.
If you like science fiction, do yourself a favour, give this one a chance!...more
I read the summary of this book with a sort of annoyed eye roll. I immediately pictured Pierce Brown realising that all these dystopian-the-governmentI read the summary of this book with a sort of annoyed eye roll. I immediately pictured Pierce Brown realising that all these dystopian-the-government-is-evil books have already been written and that the market is saturated. Then, one morning, he thought, I KNOW! I'll set mine on Mars. And whilst that might have been what happened, I have to give credit where credit is due.
This book is good.
Not excellent. But good. I hope it'll turn into something much bigger and better (and from what I've heard it will) in the sequels, but for now it's good.
The plot is incredible. It's fast-paced and sets itself apart from everything else on the YA market. It's dark and intense. There's love, friendship, betrayal, intrigues and as a reader you end up really attached to some of these characters. The characters have to make impossible and terrible choices. They have to grow and they have to accept defeat.
The world building is excellent and I think we haven't even seen all of it just yet. The glimpse we got however suggests a complicated and wonderful set up for the rest of the trilogy.
After all this, why didn't I give it a perfect rating?
Because Darrow is too perfect. He feels a bit like a cardboard cutout. He has no flaws, but at the same time he's just your average dude. I did like him, don't get me wrong, but he's not fleshed out. At least not yet. Then there's the second half of the book, and whilst most of the reviews say, that's where it really took off, that's actually where I was somewhat bored. I enjoyed the world building, and the character introduction much more than the actual action scenes later on. But that seems to be just me.
Red Rising is a great book and I highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind their YA dark and gritty and set in space....more
I don't usually enjoy space all that much, but this one had me up past midnight because I needed to know how it ends.
The plot is straightforward: EartI don't usually enjoy space all that much, but this one had me up past midnight because I needed to know how it ends.
The plot is straightforward: Earth died, humanity can no longer live and survive on the surface, but some can escape in spaceships. They find a planet that has been terraformed some time ago as part of an experiment; unfortunately it's already inhabited.
This is my first Tchaikovsky, though I have his fantasy series (Shadows of the Apt) waiting for me.
Children of Time offers great storytelling, memorable characters and an epic scope following several generations. It asks important questions: what makes us human? What is intelligence?
I highly recommend this one for everyone who likes sci-fi and isn't opposed to read about intelligent spiders and their society....more
It's a bit difficult to review Dark Matter, to be honest, because basically anything I can say about the philosophical questions it poses wou3.5 Stars
It's a bit difficult to review Dark Matter, to be honest, because basically anything I can say about the philosophical questions it poses would give part of the plot away. Don't read up on it, just read it.
The most important thing you need to know is this: I read it in one sitting. Dark Matter is a little over 300 pages and I started reading one afternoon and I refused to make dinner until I was done. I literally could not put it down.
If it weren't for that aspect I'd probably have given it 3 stars. Why, you ask? Because despite it being a thrilling story that asks some deep philosophical questions and offers an original and creative premise, I was somewhat disappointed by the final act.
It starts out great, even the dreaded slow middle is fantastic. The entire book feels more like a movie than a book, that's how fast the plot moves forward. I predicted the twist, but only because I'd read similar books before.
While the beginning and middle are surprising and original, sadly, the ending is a bit too neat and played out exactly as I thought it would. I would have appreciated and even expected Blake Crouch to take the story one step further, which he failed to do.
Nonetheless definitely worth a read if only because of its addictive nature....more
About halfway through reading The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, I wasn't convinced. I thought it was a bit long, didn't really understand where tAbout halfway through reading The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, I wasn't convinced. I thought it was a bit long, didn't really understand where the author was going with it and almost put it to the side. The last 200 hundred pages are heart-warming, tense and brilliant though and I closed the book feeling happy. Obviously I wouldn't recommend a book just because of the last 200 pages, but looking back at the rest of the book, I think I was expecting more action, and the wrong expectations sometimes lead to disappointment. This isn't about action. This is life. This is the story of a ship and its crew. This is about their lives and about all these interesting alien species they meet who each have their own extensive cultures and history. This is the story of several characters that live together and form a family. They are a unique and interesting bunch and their purpose isn't to save the galaxy, instead it's building tunnels. This is a story that explores sexuality, gender, cultural differences, race and politics and it's beautiful....more
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