I really enjoyed this book because I haven't dug into a big chonky fantasy book in a long time. It has a great setup in the world, that Gods are everyI really enjoyed this book because I haven't dug into a big chonky fantasy book in a long time. It has a great setup in the world, that Gods are everywhere, but forbidden, and a wonderful dynamic between the main three characters. It also has a kindness to it that is refreshing, in light of the more gritty fantasy that I've been reading lately. The cliffhanger at the end is very cliffy lol, but thankfully the new book is out soon. Def a series to read if you like great female characters, relationships and interesting worlds. ...more
My favorite books transcend genre. This one was particularly compelling in that it mixes fantasy with an alt-world of cold, Lenin-era ambiance. The prMy favorite books transcend genre. This one was particularly compelling in that it mixes fantasy with an alt-world of cold, Lenin-era ambiance. The premise is that gods once actually walked the earth, but then man killed them all. The story of the book follows the consequences of this action. This is a great, meaty fantasy and I highly recommend it for the world building and fantastic characters, including a kick-ass female lead. One of my faves of 2016....more
I really liked this book. The cover has a dude with a tiny pony tail on it, which I think is just the worst. But inside, this is a really solid mysterI really liked this book. The cover has a dude with a tiny pony tail on it, which I think is just the worst. But inside, this is a really solid mystery-sci-fi-romance. I really liked the main characters and setting and world.
I really liked this book. It's a fun historical fiction novel that has some interesting magical elements infused into the political intrigue. I'm a suI really liked this book. It's a fun historical fiction novel that has some interesting magical elements infused into the political intrigue. I'm a sucker for musicians and opera, and this book features a fantastic female protagonist who moves in the world of Hapsburg palaces and nobles. There were a lot of really fun historical details that drew me in the world. There's romance, but it's not a romance book persay. If the unique setting attracts you, give it a look!...more
AMAZING BOOK! I love love love it and frankly, there's no better book to read on the toilet. Off the toilet too, but I learned so much and the writingAMAZING BOOK! I love love love it and frankly, there's no better book to read on the toilet. Off the toilet too, but I learned so much and the writing is so engaging and entertaining and just MARVELOUS. Of course in the style of xkcd, this and Atlas Obscura would be my go-to book gifts this year. ...more
I have really been into non-fiction lately, and this is a TOME ladies and gentlemen. Impeccably researched, sometimes to it's fault, but fascinating aI have really been into non-fiction lately, and this is a TOME ladies and gentlemen. Impeccably researched, sometimes to it's fault, but fascinating and depressing at the same time. I particularly loved how I could really place myself in the world of 17th century America. And it is weirdly reflective of our culture right now in some ways? Where you see a whole society swept up in a fevor of attacking each other, against all logic. Truth was malleable, and innocent people were killed. It goes to show we have an amazing capacity to, as a group, let emotion trump logic. Often to sad consequences. ...more
I don't really like short story compilations. I'd rather have 800 pages than 80. BUT this was a VERY cool anthology of short stories by fantastic authI don't really like short story compilations. I'd rather have 800 pages than 80. BUT this was a VERY cool anthology of short stories by fantastic authors about Mad Scientists. Some were artistic, some were Dr. Horrible-esque, and all were very very enjoyable! Definitely recommend to turn your head around on the bad guy we see in all our genre faves!...more
I think this is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me, but it got 4 because it has some yummy steamy stuff in it. If you are intrigued by the idea ofI think this is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me, but it got 4 because it has some yummy steamy stuff in it. If you are intrigued by the idea of a period romance with LARPers in it? This could be your jam! We read this for Vaginal Fantasy and it was overall really enjoyed by all!...more
Ok so this is a DENSE BOOK GUYS. Very VERY well researched and supported by science, sometimes a bit too much, but nonetheless, a really fun perspectiOk so this is a DENSE BOOK GUYS. Very VERY well researched and supported by science, sometimes a bit too much, but nonetheless, a really fun perspective on the actual plausibility of the worlds and rules in the sci-fi and fantasy literature that we love so much. Only thing: He dogged on Harry Potter rules a BIT much for me, but hey, he does have a lot of points, lol.
Definitely eye opening, but not a light read. Take your time and you'll learn a lot of science, and approach your genre literature and media with more educated eyes!...more
This is a really enjoyable book that blends mystery and steampunk together. I've always been a sucker for cross-dressing ladies a-la Shakespeare, and This is a really enjoyable book that blends mystery and steampunk together. I've always been a sucker for cross-dressing ladies a-la Shakespeare, and this one really does a bang up fun job of having a protagonist who dresses as her "brother" in order to be a detective.
There's intrigue and a cool steampunk alt-world to dive into, and really interesting characters. There are hints of romance but it's certainly not a driving force. The political intrigue and mystery are, and those are where the book shines. Can't wait to read the next one!...more
I'm really into subcultures and history and this was a really fascinating glimpse into a culture I knew practically nothing about: The Romani. This boI'm really into subcultures and history and this was a really fascinating glimpse into a culture I knew practically nothing about: The Romani. This book is fabulously researched and intermixes the current world of this formerly nomadic people with their ancient, ancient history. Upshot: It's not a 100% fun read, but it is mind-opening. Poverty, prejudice, even acts of massacre are enmeshed in their history. It was almost startling to read about all this racism and endemic poverty in Europe, a continent I think most Americans associate with luxury and progressivism.
Anyway, definitely worth a read if you want to learn about a world that is incredibly foreign! I will never use the word "gypsy" again after reading this, for sure. ...more
I was sent this book and I didn't know what to expect. It was written in installments over the last year, and now it's compiled into one work. It's a I was sent this book and I didn't know what to expect. It was written in installments over the last year, and now it's compiled into one work. It's a really interesting cyberpunk-ish novella involving governmental surveillance, paranoia, and a bizarrely engaging set of characters. A really quick and fun read.
It also has my favorite line from any book this year, it made me laugh out loud: ""Dickson appeared from nowhere, like the world's shittiest elf..." ...more
This was a really fun read in the vein of Joe Abercrombie, or Richard Morgan. A great set of characters and interesting world building follows the jouThis was a really fun read in the vein of Joe Abercrombie, or Richard Morgan. A great set of characters and interesting world building follows the journey of a legendary general who tried to "get out" and gets pulled back in.
It's VERY long and definitely requires commitment, but if you like being able to crush large insects with your epic fantasy, this is a good edgy-dark addition to the genre. Looking forward to the next one....more
This is a really fascinating mystery that takes place in 1952 Barcelona, which is my favorite city I've ever been to. This period it time though was oThis is a really fascinating mystery that takes place in 1952 Barcelona, which is my favorite city I've ever been to. This period it time though was one I wasn't familiar with, and is actually a bit frightening. A corrupt government that practically owns the press adds a tense undercurrent to a really interesting mystery.
Love the setting, really interesting lady protagonist, definitely recommend especially if you've been to Spain!...more
I blurbed this book and wanted to share the blurb I wrote with everyone:
"A thrilling action adventure with brilliant literary homages to Bram Stoker'sI blurbed this book and wanted to share the blurb I wrote with everyone:
"A thrilling action adventure with brilliant literary homages to Bram Stoker's original. You never wanted to root for Dracula more!"
This is a fantastic historical novel that a friend wrote and thank goodness it's getting out to an audience! It's a thrilling romp, some of the action scenes leave you breathless. There is also a great female character who it's easy to root for and it's written very much in the style of the original. Incredibly well researched, the book is faithful and deep and fun through and through.
I don't think I've read a more exciting sci-fi novel since Neal Asher's "Owner" trilogy. This is sci-fi thriller writing at its best, I literally coulI don't think I've read a more exciting sci-fi novel since Neal Asher's "Owner" trilogy. This is sci-fi thriller writing at its best, I literally couldn't put the book down. How best to describe it? John Wick in space. Jason Bourne on an alt-Earth. Yeah, those work. All I could do while reading this was picture the John Woo version starring young Chow Yun Fat (Hard Boiled is my favorite action movie, soooo, yes I have good taste :D). If that could happen, please Hollywood, make it so!
The book follows an assassin who works for a corporation on a near-future earth. He has an implant in his brain that essentially gives him amnesia for the duration of a hit. But he's tormented by his job nonetheless. He gets sent on a mission into space to a ship wreck, which leads to an awesome twist that I don't want to spoil, and that jettisons him on the path of a world-bending mission. Upshot, he has to adjust to a strange and not-so foreign culture and kick ass over and over again. There's also an amazing female character who I couldn't stop picturing as Rooney Mara, who is incredibly kick ass herself.
I would recommend this if you like action movies, if you like thrillers like Jason Bourne novels, or Richard Morgan-type sci-fi. Please let this be a series, because I need moooooooore!...more
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