2.5 Stars The plot was very predictable with evil corporations and killer tapeworms. The characters were equally quite flat and forgettable. Not the th2.5 Stars The plot was very predictable with evil corporations and killer tapeworms. The characters were equally quite flat and forgettable. Not the the strongest of the novels written under the Mira Grant pen name. I would personally recommend reading Feed or Into the Drowning Deep instead. ...more
3.0 Stars This story was quite different from my original expectations, which largely affected my reading experience. The novel was more of a fantasy s3.0 Stars This story was quite different from my original expectations, which largely affected my reading experience. The novel was more of a fantasy set in space, rather than a traditional space opera, which was simply not the type of story I was looking to read at the time I picked it up.
By design, the characters in this book are not overally likeable or morally good people. While I do not typically need to like characters in books, I still need to be intrigued by them. In this case, I felt quite ambivalent to both the main characters, particularly one. Furthermore, the motivations behind some of the characters' actions never quite made sense. I felt that the choice of narrative style distanced the reader from the action of the story. As a result, I feel I never became fully immersed in the plot or surrounding universe. As someone who reads science fiction for escapism, I felt unsatisfying unattached from the people and events in this story.
The world building was quite creative and was one of the best aspects of the novel. Everything from the technology to the structures of the society were unique and utterly fascinating. I really appreciated how the author played with the concept of gender by created a female-only universe. The biotechnology and organic world allowed the author to weave elements of body horror in the story, with detailed, vivid and visceral descriptions. As a fan of the horror genre, I did not personally find these scenes very gross, but I know other readers will find some of the chapters more gruesome.
While not a personal favourite, I still appreciated many aspects of the story including the unique world-building....more
4.0 Stars This is such a unique take on the artificial intelligence narrative. This is technically a reread because I wanted to refresh myself on the s4.0 Stars This is such a unique take on the artificial intelligence narrative. This is technically a reread because I wanted to refresh myself on the series before finishing the trilogy and I am so glad I did. This is one of those cases when I appreciated the story so much more the second time around. Yes, I originally liked it, but it was a weird story and wasn't quite what I expected.
Let me just say… this book is a little weird. Readers should not be surprised that a story that starts with a young synthetic girl eating her grandmother is going to be a bit odd.
I am generally a huge fan of science fiction featuring AI characters, but the genre has certainly become saturated with them. So it was a delight to find a book that had a different take that I've never seen before. While the story itself is easy enough to understand, I would actually recommend this book primarily to seasoned Scifi readers because they will most appreciate the future that Ashby imagines.
The narrative of these books is a little odd. It's a strange blend between a fast paced, action packed thriller with moments of deep intellectual thoughts about personhood and identity. Personally, I lived for those more philosophical moments because those are themes that I love to explore in science fiction. So at times, the action sequences felt jarring.
The character work is this story is fairly strong. When I first read this book, I mistakenly labelled it as young adult, but rereading it I can confidently say that it's very mature. The main character is quite young and immature, which makes sense in the context of the story. Yet circumstances cause her to (literally) grow up fast. I thought this was a well done version of a coming of age narrative.
I would recommend this one to science fiction readers who are looking for a kooky AI unlike anything they have read before.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy from the publisher, Angry Robot Books....more
While I enjoyed The Long Way to Small Angry Planet, I actually enjoyed this companion/follow up novel even more. Compared to the first book, 4.0 Stars
While I enjoyed The Long Way to Small Angry Planet, I actually enjoyed this companion/follow up novel even more. Compared to the first book, this novel has a stronger, more straightforward narrative. Rather than following an entire crew, this story focuses on the intertwined relationship between a few key characters, switching between two distinct timelines. The story revolves heavily on themes of found families and person-hood/ There is some darker subject matter addressed in this story, yet the tone is remains decidedly positive and optimistic. I really enjoy reading about this universe and look forward to the next book in the Wayfarers series!...more
4.0 Stars Filled with humour and adventure, this was such an enjoyable, light hearted start to a space opera series. The story felt a bit simplistic, b4.0 Stars Filled with humour and adventure, this was such an enjoyable, light hearted start to a space opera series. The story felt a bit simplistic, but it was still a fun escapist read. The cyborg was definitely my favourite character....more
4.5 Stars This third volume is filled with fantastic character development through backstory flashbacks. I also love the science fiction elements of th4.5 Stars This third volume is filled with fantastic character development through backstory flashbacks. I also love the science fiction elements of this story which give me serious star wars vibes. I personally adore the watercolour artwork style....more
5.0 Stars This is one of the most compelling science fiction graphic novel I have read since Saga. The story starts out strong with a gripping first i5.0 Stars This is one of the most compelling science fiction graphic novel I have read since Saga. The story starts out strong with a gripping first issue that setup a terrifying and mysterious future for humanity. The characters in this story are all distinct and well fleshed out. I was particularly drawn to the lovable android protagonist. This graphic novel is a good mix of action and story development. The artwork is absolutely stunning. I read this digitally and really want to get a physical copy so I can fully appreciate each panel. A fantastic start to one of my all time favourite series....more
3.5 Stars This was pretty fun science fiction novel that explored some unique ideas. I found the concept of Lockstepping to be very fascinating and enj3.5 Stars This was pretty fun science fiction novel that explored some unique ideas. I found the concept of Lockstepping to be very fascinating and enjoyed learning how these hypernation cycles affected every aspect of their society. The characters felt a bit weak and the plot began to drag, but overall I enjoyed this one for the tidbits of hard science....more
4.0 Stars This was an engaging and entertaining story that will appeal to wide range of readers. The novel is heavily focused on the characters who are4.0 Stars This was an engaging and entertaining story that will appeal to wide range of readers. The novel is heavily focused on the characters who are well developed and likable. The main character has a particularly strong narrative voice, which felt authentic for an elderly man with plenty of life experience. This is kind of military fiction that will likely appeal to readers who do not necessarily enjoy reading books involving war and soldiers. The story is written with just enough sarcastic humour to balance out the seriousness of the combat situations. The world building is incredibly accessible. Scalzi has a talent for explain his technology and future concepts in straightforward, understandable terms. I would recommend this book for any readers looking to get into the science fiction genre. ...more
Given the comparisons to the Star Wars franchise, I expected this novel to be an action-packed adventure. Instead this is more of story invol3.5 Stars
Given the comparisons to the Star Wars franchise, I expected this novel to be an action-packed adventure. Instead this is more of story involving court politics and royal protocol. While our main character use to be a gunrunner, she spends nearly the entire book in her other identity, the heir to a powerful empire. At times the narrative felt uneven and unnecessarily slow. I did enjoy the characters and their interactions, particularly the relationship between our main character and her two bodyguards. I also appreciated the elements of the diversity in this novel. This futuristic universe included people of varying skin tones as well as numerous same sex couples. Furthermore, this book addresses infertility, which is an issue I rarely see addressed in fiction. The empire was also founded as a matriarchal society, where the gender inequality is flipped so men are considered the lesser gender, which created some unexpected social dynamics. The plot setup and world in this novel were intriguing, but somehow the execution of the story did not completely work for me....more
After a year away from the series, it was so easy to fall back into this engrossing story. Returning to this universe felt incredibly nostalgic. The elements of diversity were seamlessly woven into narrative of this inclusive story. The world building continued to be easy to understand, yet epic in scope. As always, this space opera story was immersive and highly entertaining.
One of the biggest reasons I keep coming back to the series is to spend more time with these characters. All the characters in this book were well fleshed out, complex, and completely compelling. This book is told primarily from four distinct character viewpoints, which each providing a unique perspective into the larger story. Two of the viewpoints were familiar characters, while the other two were new perspectives. All the major beloved characters made appearances within the course of this novel. While I am always biased towards reading about established characters, I also enjoyed reading from both the new characters, which provided must needed viewpoints in the story.
This book is set a fair ways after the events in Babylon's Ashes and, therefore, plays heavily on the themes of change and aging. At this point in time, we see how not only the ship, but also the crew of the Rocinante, are growing older. They are no longer naive and impulsive. Instead, through the passage of time, we see how the characters have grown and matured
As the seventh book in a nine book series, Persepolis Rising faced the challenges of being a mid-series book. The authors needed to balance writing an exciting self-contained plot while continuing to build towards the final larger climax. This story had to bridge the gap between the previous book and also setup the sequence of events that will lead to the ending of the series. These factor made this book feel more like a transitional book in places. Compared to previous books, the plotting of this book felt a bit slower. The politics between the planets, and other organizations played a larger role in this novel. Toward the second half of the book, the narrative did pick up with more action. The ending of this book had some particularly exciting events that certainly pulled me into the story.
Persepolis Rising laid the groundwork for an incredible finale in the last two books.
I highly recommend that any fan of The Expanse book series (or TV show) hurry up and catch up on this series as soon as possible. I just know that James S.A. Corey will deliver an epic end to this grand space opera.
I adored Nemesis Games! This is one of favourite book in the series so far. I loved all four character perspectives equally. I found myself "fangirling" constantly. It felt like the authors wrote this book specifically for me. It was contained everything I love about this series....more
4.5 Stars Spoiler discussion Video: https://youtu.be/hxhPwGoY0gQ While not quite as strong as the first three books, I still really enjoyed this fourth 4.5 Stars Spoiler discussion Video: https://youtu.be/hxhPwGoY0gQ While not quite as strong as the first three books, I still really enjoyed this fourth novel. At this point, I just love spending time with recurring characters.
I was particularly intrigued by the political uncertainty outlined in the beginning of the novel. I really enjoy reading about the tension between the various interplanetary groups.
I found the new female a bit irritating because I find it frustrating to watch an educated women lose her head over a man. Thankfully that subplot resolved itself in a rather humorous way. I did appreciate that the biologist prospective brought some hard science into the story (an aspect usually lacking in this space opera series).
The authors did an incredibly job setting up the situation for the next book in the series. Needless to say, I am very excited to reread Nemesis Games....more
5.0 Stars I love everything about dinosaurs so it's no surprised that I loved reading Jurassic Park. I
I loved the introduction to the novel, which disc5.0 Stars I love everything about dinosaurs so it's no surprised that I loved reading Jurassic Park. I
I loved the introduction to the novel, which discusses real advancements in bioenginerring rhat were already occurring in the 1980s. Crichton offered an unsettling warning that fiction like this could potentially turn into reality as scientific advances in cloning and genetic manipulation continue. This book is full of discuss of chaos theory, which I actually really enjoyed. Malcolm is the rock star of matheticians!
Overall, this novel is a good mix of adventure and science with a few great, gory dinosaur attacks. I would recommend this to fans of the movie who want a fun, yet intelligent, foreboding story of humans attempting to play god....more
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, which managed to tell a fresh story about zombies that was intelligent and thought-provoking. This b4.0 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, which managed to tell a fresh story about zombies that was intelligent and thought-provoking. This book featured a fantastic cast of well-rounded, imperfect characters. I particularly loved the lead female character. Georgia is a genuinely tough, independent woman with a strong, confident voice. She know exactly what she believes in and does not waiver from her convictions. Moreover, there is no love interest in this novel, which is a refreshing change. I have become so use to romance in dystopian fiction that I was genuinely surprised by its absence. Instead, the main relationship focus is the close bond between a brother and sister, which was endearing to read.
Unlike other zombie books, this novel tells the story of how humanity rebuilt and reacted after the outbreak was contained. I particularly appreciated the author providing an in-depth overview of both the history and current state of this dyptopian world. While this book features some zombie action, this is primarily a story of journalism, told in the setting post-apocalyptic world. This book addresses themes such as truth, ethnics and professional obligations within the media.
I would recommend this book to people looking for a fresh take on the post-apolotypic genre, which is more focused on the world-building aspects rather than the horror.
I listened to this as an audiobook, which was a great experience. The performance features two talented narrators, one male and one female, to voice this compelling story....more
Raid is the follow up or companion to the author`s debut novel, Bite, which I also read and loved. This is set in the same world, but has an entirely separate story with a different set of characters. If you previously read Bite, you will catch up fun Easter-eggs in Raid. However, readers can pick up the books in either order without being spoiled or confused in any way.
The main character in this novel is exactly the kind of female lead I wanted to read in post-apocalyptic world of anarchy. Clementine is strong, kick-butt and wonderfully unapologetic. Living by her own personal code, she is a morally grey character. While she is tough as nails, she is still capable of feeling emotions, from loneliness to betrayal, although she does her best to outwardly suppress these feelings.
Finally, I want to clarify the genre so readers pick up this novel with the right expectations. This certainly not a piece literary dystopian, but rather an addicting action story that takes place within the dangerous of wastelands of some ominous future. There are enough elements of world-building to provide the story with the necessary context. Yet, the novel itself is primarily focused on telling the story surrounding our main characters and crazy events that ensue. The chapters are quite short with cliffhangers to keep the reader engaged, turning pages as quickly as possible. This is a perfect book to pick in a reading slump because the it reads so easily.
This is fast paced action driven story full of twist and turns and plenty of bloodshed. With plenty of language and violence, the author is not afraid to write the darker aspects of a world that has fallen into anarchy.
I would recommend this to anyone looking to go along for a thrill-ride with a fun, bloody story.
4.5 Stars Spoiler Discussion: https://youtu.be/LEHrIg-Cklk I really enjoyed this third installment in the Expanse series. The beginning started out a li4.5 Stars Spoiler Discussion: https://youtu.be/LEHrIg-Cklk I really enjoyed this third installment in the Expanse series. The beginning started out a little slow, but once the story got moving, it did not stop. There are several new characters introduced in this novel. Personally, I found myself more drawn to the chapters which featured previously-established characters. However, I did eventually warm up to the new additions in the cast, although I struggled with Melba's character arc.
I appreciate the moral ambiguity of several of the major and minor characters. The authors are certainly not afraid to write about imperfect aspects of humanity.
At times I wish that the science fiction was a tiny bit harder, since I wanted a more in depth understanding of the ring.
Yet, that did not prevent my enjoyment of this fun and thrilling novel. I am very excited for where the book ended, which sets up some fantastic possibilities in the rest of the series....more
This is a thought-provoking piece of science fiction with a memorable, strong main character. The narrative is fairly slow paced, without a l4.0 Stars
This is a thought-provoking piece of science fiction with a memorable, strong main character. The narrative is fairly slow paced, without a lot of action, yet the story is still incredibly compelling. This is the kind of storytelling that requires the reader to pay close attention to the subtle details. The world building itself was equally fascinating, with the inclusion of vivid descriptions of imaginative, futuristic technology.
One the best aspects of the story is the main character, Ren, who is a well developed, multifaceted individual. It is fantastic to see mental health addressed within science fiction in such a sensitive and honest way. Further, Newman seamlessly includes a lesbian relationship into the story.
This is the kind of story where the author purposely keeps the reader in the dark, slowly revealing the mystery of the planetfall over the course of the novel. This narrative is incredibly compelling, creating a wonderful sense of suspense.
While the ending was not quite perfect, I still thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. I would recommend this book to any science fiction readers as well as fans of the Mass Effect Andromeda video game, which address similar ideas. ...more
This is a fantastic, suspenseful science fiction mystery novel that balances intrigue, excitement and the ethical challenges that emerge with technological advancements.
The premise behind this novel is fantastic. Essentially, the author designs a futuristic version of the traditional closed-room mystery by placing the story on an isolated ship in deep-space with a very small crew. This is such a refreshing take on the traditional mystery setup.
The novel starts out strong, with a gripping first chapter that is guaranteed to pull the reader into the mystery. The characters wake up without recent memories, placing the reader in the same ambiguous situation.
The story is told from multiple perspectives, shifting between the six crew members. These characters are all unique, diverse and fully developed people. It quickly becomes apparent that everyone has a murky past and plenty of secrets to hide. The chapters shift between the current timeline and flashbacks, slowly providing the reader with insight into the backstories of each character. All of the crew members are suffering from large gaps in their memories, which sets up a situation with six unreliable narrators. Essentially, the reader cannot trust any of the characters, because even the characters are uncertain of their own innocence. Along the course of the novel, the author slowly provides the pieces necessary to solve this intricately-plotted murder mystery.
The writing is strong, with clean, simple prose. I found the world building was understandable and easy to follow. Likewise, the technology was relatively straight-forward, including well-established future technology like food replicators and artificial intelligence. Other research discussed in the novel involved advancements in technology that already exists today.
I originally expected this to be only an entertaining science fiction thriller, so I was pleasantly surprised by the level of depth in this story. The author delves heavily into the ethical dilemmas surrounding technology such as cloning and DNA manipulation. Many of these moral issues are already applicable in our present day. It was fascinating to see how these technologies might be utilized and controlled in the future.
This is my first time reading Lafferty, but it certainly won't be my last. In this novel, she demonstrated the ability to write an immersive and engaging story with strong characters and narrative drive. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
This is a cross-genre novel, which masterfully weaves together the best elements of science fiction, mystery and suspense. This would be an excellent novel to pick up for readers who normally read one of these genres and is interested in expanding their reading. I would recommend this novel to science fiction readers looking for an intelligent and suspenseful story. I would further recommend this book to fellow fans of mysteries and thrillers who are willing to venture out of their comfort zones and experience a futuristic version of a psychological suspense.
I requested an ARC from Orbit Books in exchange for an honest review....more
Rachel (TheShadesofOrange)
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