An accomplished mystery that blends organically with its chosen setting, Child 44 is a genuinely gripping read.
My buddy-reader and I have our own littAn accomplished mystery that blends organically with its chosen setting, Child 44 is a genuinely gripping read.
My buddy-reader and I have our own little TBR, and this has been on it for at least a year. We finally started it in January of 2022 and were having amazing discussions about it... mainly because it's one of the few books where we haven't been grumpy about skill and style. Child 44 is well crafted, no debate, and that left us wide open to focus on the story itself.
But then Russia loudly took center stage as current real-life villains, and suddenly this historical suspense novel set in Stalin's Soviet Union felt like...too much. Not bad, just a doubling down of atrocity that made it hard to escape the realities of our world right now. So, we took a step back and moved on to rabidly judging the skill and style of Sanderson and set Child 44 aside.
I picked at it off and on, by myself, until the mystery got its feet under it and started gaining momentum.
There's been a string of children killed across a region, and MGB agent LEO Demidov begins making connections between the incidents. In a country where the state has decreed that its citizens are happy and murder doesn't exist, trying to catch a killer is more dangerous than you know.
Smith uses the setting expertly, highlighting the atmosphere of oppression, fear, and distrust while Leo must face his crisis of conscience. During a time when people had to turn on neighbours and even family to ensure their own survival, the book is an exciting exploration of which moral lines are uncrossable.
Also fascinating was the examination of Leo and Raisa's marriage and how it evolves.
There are a few logic leaps in the investigation, and the somewhat broadcasted 'twist' was far-fetched without a bit more supporting set-up, but overall this was really good. Well written, fast-moving, but with enough attention to the human side of things. I'd recommend this widely....more
I love these books, and a reread is doing happy things for my soul
One of the things I appreciate so much is the exploration of connection throughout tI love these books, and a reread is doing happy things for my soul
One of the things I appreciate so much is the exploration of connection throughout the whole series. In this full length novel we get to touch on multiple aspects of it: Murderbot's humans, the extended community of Murderbot's humans, ART (ART!), ART's humans, and various machines and constructs. In what can be, at surface level, a great adventure story with a fractious narrator, we're also getting a really careful consideration of what it means to relate; one that goes far beyond the way we tend to oversimplify or easily define in our own lives.
There's the whole rest of the story, too, which contains all the other hallmarks of the series thus far, in longer form. It's great. I'm taking comfort in the elements that are maybe a bit repetitive while enjoying the fun scenarios that Wells creates to freshen things up.
While at moments I was longing for the tidyness of the novella format of the previous offerings, there were long stretches where I was happy to be immersed and know that it wasn't going to end anytime soon.
While marketed as a standalone, I'm not sure that is the best approach to the novel. The whole series is wonderful, and really builds to this point in SecUnit's personal arc....more
Historical Fiction, what?? But...isn't this George? The cover says it's George!
So, some groovy 70's college professor let Martin hand in a story as a Historical Fiction, what?? But...isn't this George? The cover says it's George!
So, some groovy 70's college professor let Martin hand in a story as a history assignment on the siege at Sveaborg. The narrative voice feels strong as it incorporates known history into the speculation of what brought about Finland's surprise surrender to the Russians in 1808. It manages to include some strong characterization.
It's a nifty little piece that ultimately feels vanilla only because of the author who produced it. It's so...grounded in the real world. It must have given him twitches, too; apparently George heavily rewrote this short later on with the title “Under Siege” and went ahead and added all the fantastical elements we expect from him. But the Clever Boots included it in the second volume of Dreamsongs, which I don't have yet. Dang it, Martin....more
A fairly fantastic second novel that does away with the occasionally awkward tone of the first book in the series. I liked this one.
Having said that, A fairly fantastic second novel that does away with the occasionally awkward tone of the first book in the series. I liked this one.
Having said that, I'm going through a stage where my brain is a bit too flighty for audiobooks, so this is a review that is most fairly left for a second read-through.
I will say that the stakes keep building, and the ensemble cast is really gelling. A few years have passed since the events of the first book, and that added character age seems to have taken this out of the New Adult zone. Also, it allowed Bennett to deal with the romance in a really respectable way.
I know a few things weren't awesome, but I'm not positive that they can't be attributed to my own distraction. I am definitely invested, so hopefully I'll track these down in a physical format, and rewrite this review someday with my better brain in attendance....more
Me, 30 years later: So. Wow. This Glen Cook fella, hey guys?
Both simple in the grandest scheme and densely layered in its details, The Tower of Fear iMe, 30 years later: So. Wow. This Glen Cook fella, hey guys?
Both simple in the grandest scheme and densely layered in its details, The Tower of Fear is accomplished and compelling.
For fans of political fantasy, the scenario is straightforward: an occupied city is approaching a crisis point as factions vie to achieve their own aims.
Although most standout for masterly writing, the story itself also kept me hooked. The Tower of Fear is a standalone book, and Cook weaves a lot of complexity into its (relatively) few pages. This is praise, yes, but also a warning of sorts. There's a handful of factions, and so. many. names and though I think Cook handled it deftly, it can get a bit much.
I've finally acquired the first of the Black Company books, and having read this as a placeholder I am really excited to jump in....more
Maybe be wary of spoilers. It's hard to capture the essence of this short without at least putting some labels on it, and that may be revealing a bit Maybe be wary of spoilers. It's hard to capture the essence of this short without at least putting some labels on it, and that may be revealing a bit too much for some readers.
Who doesn't love the mysterious shop trope?
This is a disturbing comeuppance tale of big proportions, and it is highly entertaining. George writes us an outright detestable main character – not pathetic, not pitiable, not sadsack – just an unquestionably horrid man. Anticipating him getting what's coming to him is a genuine treat.
Looking for new sadistic entertainments for his equally asshat friends, Kress wanders into a mysterious shop and finds a curious colony of insects to replace his piranhas. Karma is a bitch in delightful ways, and things go terribly sideways for him, because he's a prat.
This is creepy and fun. A novella that would be a great introduction for those interested in trying out Martin's short fiction, it's got some fun worldbuilding, great character names, and good story movement. Though I am sad to report that I have yet to stumble across Jala Wo's shop in any of his other works. Missed opportunity, George....more
In The Half-Made World Felix Gilman comes at the familiar with a wealth of imagination that turns expectations sideways. This book feels wonderfully fIn The Half-Made World Felix Gilman comes at the familiar with a wealth of imagination that turns expectations sideways. This book feels wonderfully fresh and innovative.
It's a tricky business trying to describe the strange meshing of genre and tropes going on here. A high stakes quest fantasy set in a magically half-made wild west. Kind of (and just kind of) like dropping competing bands of jaded murderous hobbitses on the dusty trails, with Mordor existing as a purgatory of land that has not yet been fully created. There's barbed wire tangles that blow like tumbleweeds, horses, demon-powered machinery, and weapons that control their bearers.
It is bananapants bizarre, and highly entertaining.
Essentially, the two factions warring for control over the 'wild west' are searching for one old man, whose fractured mind may hold the key to definitively ending the war.
The buildup of the first third is slow moving, but with purpose. The setting, the politics and the characters are crafted and plumped up carefully. Not all of the details end up fully relevant, but they give solid form and footing to the a world imbued with wild creativity.
It's all very grand and uses so many recognizable touchstones without being defined by any of them. The characterization is mostly superb, though our reader stand-in, Liv, ends up – despite her careful crafting – getting pulled along through the story with fairly ineffective agency.
This was surprisingly standout for me. I'd recommend it for speculative readers who are a bit played out by the most modern trends and are looking for something unique in feel. I've got Gilman, and the second book in the series, high on my watch list....more
A clever little sci-fi thought piece that I quite enjoyed.
Humans have fairly recently discovered spots in the near space-neighborhood where “jump” traA clever little sci-fi thought piece that I quite enjoyed.
Humans have fairly recently discovered spots in the near space-neighborhood where “jump” travel is possible, and have built Star Rings around them to facilitate the process. Interestingly, despite study, observation and exploration, they cannot map where - in the universe – the exit points of these jump gates sit. There are competing theories as to why, but no one knows for sure. It certainly hasn't stopped mankind from making the jumps and expanding beyond them...except at the Nowhere Star Ring. Beyond the Nowhere Star Ring is nothing. No stars, no planets, no Matter at all.
Kerin is a lone philosopher on a station full of scientists who are experimenting at the Nowhere Gate to see if they can spin up enough energy to make the Star Rings self-sustaining. While everyone else is focused on the Ring, Kerin cannot look away from the nothingness beyond the gate...
This short ends with a stylish ambiguity that makes the whole thing satisfying, but suffers drag from both the “hard” science included, and all of Kerin's introspection.
I'm a bit sad that my little Skype group didn't get around to this one, as my mind is made up on a specific interpretation of the ending, and I would have enjoyed some outside perspective.
This is not a part of George's 1000 World Universe, and gets less attention because of that, I think. This and “The Second Kind of Loneliness” seem to be the only Star Ring stories......more
This took me by surprise in different ways than a mystery story typically might. That's kind of nifty.
I must have enjoyed the two previous Campion booThis took me by surprise in different ways than a mystery story typically might. That's kind of nifty.
I must have enjoyed the two previous Campion books that I've read well enough to prompt me to snag a third, though I don't remember them at all. Tether's End has languished in my book collection for over a decade.
There are some topical genre deviations here that are of note. As a series with a headlining detective, in this novel Campion appears only peripherally. Indeed, very little of this mystery actually needs solving, as we start off knowing not just the crime but the perpetrator as well. We know that Charlie Luke and Campion are investigating, but that is in the background of the story that we are following.
The plot itself centers instead around our criminal, Gerry, and the lovely old Polly Tassie – who he has been charmingly ingratiating himself to for years. We only really spend one day with Gerry, Polly, her niece Annabelle, and Annabelle's friend Richard. So very much unfolds in a rather cunning and tense way.
Most remarkable was the examination of the relationship between Gerry and plucky Polly. It is surprisingly in-depth for a somewhat cozy detective series. There's a strong consideration of all the main characters, which makes this story really stand out.
I'll have to revisit the two books I've long forgotten. If they are near this same caliber, I may have to give the rest of the series a try!...more
Another fun space romp that I enjoy best when I don't think about it too hard.
Viewed as a whole, this book is very much about the journey as opposed tAnother fun space romp that I enjoy best when I don't think about it too hard.
Viewed as a whole, this book is very much about the journey as opposed to the destination..there's very little happening in the largest story arc. The protomolecule has set up a big ring in space and no one knows what it is, what it does, and what to do about it. The story focuses mostly on everyone who's trying to get out to it, for various reasons.
When I focus in on the ways the authors are changing up the movements and progressions through character growth, I'm appreciative, though I find that I also notice the redundancies more as well. This is most apparent to me in the new POVs who are just so very much the archetypes that they were based on, which seems to be an authorial schtick. I still liked them (except for Melba, who sucked), but they ultimately felt unrealized because they were just too tropey.
But I burned through this volume easily and happily. I was fully entertained and I want to keep on with the story. At this point, I'm not asking for any more from this series than the good time that I am already getting. That's enough for me....more
Part of my threeple survey of Martin's shorter fiction, this review is for the text-only version found in 'Dreamsongs Volume 1'...
Living in the heart Part of my threeple survey of Martin's shorter fiction, this review is for the text-only version found in 'Dreamsongs Volume 1'...
Living in the heart of the Canadian prairies, it has not been uncommon at any given point in my life to know a handful of people who drive almost an hour each day to go work at the nearest slaughterhouse/meatpacking plant. I won't lie...it sounds like a decidedly unpleasant place to work. The titular Meathouse in this George story, though...well, it sounds a whole lot worse. Not the same sort of meatpacking. At. All.
Indeed, there's a great deal to unpack in this interestingly uncomfortable offering. One of three connected shorts, it takes place on a 'corpse-handler' world. All by itself this is a fascinating exploration: facing a shortage of labour on the resource-rich planets that humanity is exploiting, one answer has been to reanimate the dead with synthetic brains that allow them to be controlled remotely by an experienced Corpse Handler.
I mean...there's a depressingly efficient rational about that, isn't there?
Now, sad and lonely George (who clearly reeled for a long time from his early personal disappointments) takes this right to Big Squick Town for Trager, his sad and lonely main character.
And y'all, I cannot stop imagining this particular universe's version of the popular musical “Best Little Meathouse in Skrakky.”
I'm relying on allusion here. Because ewwww.
Here's the thing: GRRM is a skilled author. On the surface this is all about Corpse Handlers who are really enthusiastic about the 'handling' bit, but ultimately and very emotionally, this is a close examination of loneliness. Trager is desperate for deep connection. I feel like Meathouse Man is a very vulnerable exploration of powerfully romantic ideals.
That's the fascinating rub of it (yuck), for me. I roll my eyes at Trager's (and George's) dedicated certainty that romantic love is both the answer and bane for everything. The representation of living women, and the resentment attached to them, is problematic...but I'm still compelled to rate this highly. Martin uses a distasteful vehicle to emphasize the emotional depth of this story, and he does it well. I doubt I'd recommend the Graphic Novel edition that I'm leaving this review under - that feels unnecessary and sensationalizing – but the text version is certainly an interesting, sad, and uncomfortable read.
This one is not for everyone, but in the event you're playing GRRM Bingo, this is a frontrunner for most boxes checked, including: “Nipples,” “Awkward Interactions With an Ex,” “Awkward Interactions With New Partner of an Ex,” “Food-Based Descriptions of Human Physical Features,” “Squicky Sex.” “Sexy Redhead,” “Animated Corpse,” “Non-Monogamy,” “Beige Male Protagonist with Feelings for a Vibrant, Free-Spirited Woman,” and of course, “CRUSHING DISAPPOINTMENT.”...more
This was dark and darling. Pure diversion for an uproariously heroic escape.
I love to laugh, but I admit in real life I've been called a comedy snob. This was dark and darling. Pure diversion for an uproariously heroic escape.
I love to laugh, but I admit in real life I've been called a comedy snob. See, when it comes to guffaws, I prefer to experience a story told with humour rather than a story that exists as a platform for humour, if that makes sense? I've got this resultant trepidation when a book opens with witty quips every other line – a worry that it'll just be too much; that the humour will be so shoehorned in that there will be no room for an actual story.
Blacktongue has witty quips every other line...and more. It doesn't let up for the whole entire book. And yet the tone is almost perfect.
Somehow, amid all the wit, Buehlman takes the time.
Conjuring nostalgia of my cherished 90's-era Fantasy, this is a sprawling quest adventure with a dark-washed tint. The worldbuilding is dense and extensive, not just physically but with a strong sampling of cultures, politics, customs and religions.
Our main character, Kinch, avoids the stereotypes of the perpetually sarcastic by actually also being friendly and able to make connections. He has true strengths and a wry sense of observation. And although we don't get quite the same depth of character development for the rest of the cast, they each feel present in their own right
It might be fair to say that the questing went on just a bit too long, like Buehlman's characters suddenly took a detour on him for just one more quick stop. I was ready for the final scenes a bit sooner than they actually happened.
There were some neat twists, though. A bit of understated magic, a solid setup to continue the series with, and a whole lot of chuckles...
This was fun. I'm a fan, and I'd like some more....more
When considering the aphoristic and oft-repeated writing advice 'write the book you want to read,' one of the hooks that I've rarely come across as weWhen considering the aphoristic and oft-repeated writing advice 'write the book you want to read,' one of the hooks that I've rarely come across as well-done is one of perspective: I love the idea of a story told from the eyes of a true side character. Not a sidekick or a right-hand or a chronicler, but an actual bit player in a larger storyline. This sounds a bit vague and potentially boring, I know, but I think it has dynamite potential in the right hands.
The longer I reflect on The Fencing Master, the more I feel like that's actually what I'm getting in this story, though somewhat unsatisfactorily.
At its strongest, this short novel is an intelligent character study. Don Jaime Astarloa is an accomplished swordmaster, an aging holdover from a time when that sort of fighting was essential. As warfare (and firearms) have evolved, Don Jaime has seen the skill (and art and philosophy) that he's spent his life passionately pursuing become less relevant, and demoted to the rank of sport. He clings to the ideals of his past, valuing the notions of an honour-filled life, and gets by trying to impart these ideologies to his fencing students. These rigid, gentlemanly practices keep him a step (or more) removed from the modern world; having lived the height of his passions at an earlier time, he has little concern for the political debate or romantic sighs of his peer group.
His sense of propriety and his remove mean that he is genuinely unaware when he becomes a player in a bigger story – though of course it all begins with a mysterious and beautiful woman asking to learn a difficult fencing move.
That's the interesting thing, though. Beyond the character study, the bulk of the actual plot happens off-page, to characters who are mostly on the fringes of the narrative. Don Jaime is a pawn, a dupe, a stepping stone. The story gets large in scope, but because our fencing master is so insular he himself doesn't pay much attention to any information that gets handed to him. In the end, he has to have everything straight out explained to him, and he still mostly only cares because his honour has been slighted.
In is an interesting stylistic choice, but leaves the plot feeling remarkably passive, and the bulk of the story slow.
On the flip side, Astorloa is an interesting man, and the story happens in 1860's Madrid, where political unrest is at a peak. Perez-Reverte is a lovely writer with a keen eye for observation, so this was a good read. Don Jaime just wasn't the dupe I was looking for....more
Being a bit of a GRRM vet by this point, I made a solid projection of the flow of this short story by the time the first paragraph was done.
A skilled Being a bit of a GRRM vet by this point, I made a solid projection of the flow of this short story by the time the first paragraph was done.
A skilled enough piece, I guess. It is solid in its premise: war commercialized, and sold as high-stakes adventure holiday. This one told through the eyes of a resentful participant, trying to impress his boss.
Interestingly, if you had told me the plot points without any character details, I might have guessed it was from the Bachman oeuvre of Stephen King. The character details, however, make this unmistakably Martin's story.
Ok in the real world, but lower on a George-specific scale, I'll round this out to a three star rating....more
I tend to associate “beach read” with suspense/thriller novels, and I feel as though I need an equivalent term for the Urban Fantasy genre. I'm takingI tend to associate “beach read” with suspense/thriller novels, and I feel as though I need an equivalent term for the Urban Fantasy genre. I'm taking suggestions! For me they are those books that are exciting and gripping but ultimately ubiquitous. Not bad at all, just utterly forgettable.
With all that preamble, the good news about Strange Practice is that a few things elevated it just out of that category of entertainment for me:
-Greta Helsing is a doctor to the undead. This is a variation of the (fun but) common UF/detective riff that adds a fresh new flavour that I quite liked. I would gladly read a whole series of short novels just about the job itself, even without a dark sinister over-plot.
-Even though this book has a dark sinister over-plot, it seemed to me that Shaw made some effort, within the action, to show me who her characters are when they are at home. I could have done with more of it, but I felt like she worked it in fairly skillfully.
-Greta has potential, I think, but she has not hit her stride yet. Luckily and surprisingly, Strange Practice has an ensemble cast. The shifting points of view add interest and allow for an expanded view of Shaw's worldbuilding...
-...which I thought was pretty great. Digging deeper than your standard vampires, there is a ton of potential with all the creatures and the society that keeps them secret. And even with the vampires the author has created different 'types', which I thought was a nice touch.
Without doubt there are things that didn't impress me. Most frustrating were some unconvincing connecting threads in the story's big mystery. Nothing was polished quite as nicely as it could have been, and as I peruse other reviews I am identifying with much of the criticism.
After a bit of time away from it however, it is the fun stuff that stands out in my memory. That and a few surprising stylistic choices make me want to see how this trilogy plays out.
(still, this is a 'rounded up' rating. It's not quite a solid four stars on its own.)...more
The standout strength of this short is not really the plot itself. It's a creepy little tale, sure, but not overly innovative. What is remarkable is hThe standout strength of this short is not really the plot itself. It's a creepy little tale, sure, but not overly innovative. What is remarkable is how concisely Martin captures the frustration and guilt that comes with the relationship described between Ted and Melody. It amps up the tension, and brings some real-life discomfort to the speculative horror. Overall, it is really effective, and a show of skill.
Also an interesting one to discuss, though it can be quite personally resonant for some readers, I think. ...more
This review from my little George book club may contain a minor spoiler, so read at your own risk
There is something sadly uproarious about the fact thThis review from my little George book club may contain a minor spoiler, so read at your own risk
There is something sadly uproarious about the fact that, among all of the George shorts I have read, this may just have the happiest ending of them all.
Oh George.
Kind of glum. Definitely strange and troubling. Fits most solidly in the horror genre, straddling 'wish fulfillment' (of the monkey paw sort) and 'body horror'. An entertaining but, “happy” ending aside, not outstanding offering from the Martin catalogue....more
Gawd I effing hated this book, right up until the moment I realized I kind of loved it.
I didn't even want to read it (so.much.hype., and I'm cool liGawd I effing hated this book, right up until the moment I realized I kind of loved it.
I didn't even want to read it (so.much.hype., and I'm cool like that) but TOR was offering it up for free so there it was sitting on my ereader...and here we are.
Impossible even to describe both its irksomeness and its strong appeal, Gideon... earns a spot as one of those books that is just its own unique experience. That's all I've got.
The unease conveyed in this short story is very relatable. Like the blurb says, and even with the actual phyFull marks for the creep factor. Eeeeeugh.
The unease conveyed in this short story is very relatable. Like the blurb says, and even with the actual physicality set aside, I feel like many of us have a Pear-Shaped Person (or two) in our lives; the one whose intentions and attentions are vaguely strange and uncomfortable; the one whose communications and habits are so very different from our own that interactions are awkward and confusing; the one who carries an underlying sense of menace...The sort of person that you can't seem to stop bumping into, even though you eventually start trying to actively avoid them.
This disturbing little story captures the dread of that really well. Powerful in its buildup, I admit that I don't feel like Martin nailed the ending at all, but the sense of familiarity and fear are top-notch.
This may be the story that got my little Skype group going on the Martin collection. I don't think it was part of our group-read, but we had each read it at some point or other and it got us chatting. It's an interesting one to discuss...more
Michelle F
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