No complaints at all. I totally admit I'm a sucker for honey-sweet fish-catching CALM life.
I guess there's only so much grimdark one can take before tNo complaints at all. I totally admit I'm a sucker for honey-sweet fish-catching CALM life.
I guess there's only so much grimdark one can take before the call of kindness, being good, having devoted friends becomes something of an ultimate goal. Fortunately, this fantasy is delivering on that particularly glorious type of fantasy.
More people are becoming cultivators here, and now the dangers are the old standby of fearful ignorance and belligerent idiocy. What else is new, right? Those who want to live a good life just want to live a good life, after all.
This novel's synesthesia effects are particularly strong. It's a fish paradise that doubles as a foodie paradise, and it sets my nose alight.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Put simply? A fantasy-setting romance. A Paladin whose god has died, and a perfume maker down on her luck.
Light-hearted, a few funny moments, but realPut simply? A fantasy-setting romance. A Paladin whose god has died, and a perfume maker down on her luck.
Light-hearted, a few funny moments, but really, it's mostly just a very horny book.
I won't say it blew me away, but I would recommend it to anyone wanting a little bit of fantasy setting with their heavy-breathing.
My synesthesia went a bit haywire with this one, but between all the sweets and the fresh pie, it's safe to assume that diabetics need not apply.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
To be entirely fair, I shouldn't rate this book at all. Parts were easily a 5 star and parts were an unequivocal 1 star. To split it right down the miTo be entirely fair, I shouldn't rate this book at all. Parts were easily a 5 star and parts were an unequivocal 1 star. To split it right down the middle does an injustice to both the parts I hated and the parts I loved.
Let me explain:
I picked this up because of the obvious. Fear of Books sounds delightfully perverse for someone like me who loves them. And by all accounts, it's a book lover's book. The author posits that she's a professional deep reader, interpreter, and critic, and I won't gainsay her because I saw all of myself in the things she wrote about. And when she turned her analysis on herself, on the very idea of making her life one deserving of (or, as we quickly learn, of ERASING herself from) an overarching narrative, it suddenly hit too close to home.
Sure, the idea is cool, but there ARE limits, whether for personal sanity or simple reality--and the direction that this then takes in the memoir suddenly takes a downturn.
So, wait, what? Brad, do you mean it becomes a poorly-written self-narratization akin to navel-gazing and labyrinthizing of one's self?
Well, it's not poorly-written. But I WILL say that it's a dangerous book.
There are a lot of memoirs about major depression, plopping any reader face-first in the downward spirals of self-harm and suicidal ideation--and if you have a tendency to susceptibility, the point is to AVOID SUCH WORKS.
This one is VERY much a book about suicide, about finding that final narrative end.
On the one hand, it's expressive about all such downward spirals, but it takes the form of pretty much seeing ALL of it through the lens of bibliomania, for all the good and ill, and making sure you follow her down into this pit--perhaps making doubly-sure that you pick up the poison, yourself, and ingest just enough of it to make you question why YOU love reading.
Do you read to efface yourself, to make your ego disappear in the face of a character's more-real presence? Do you silence yourself repeatedly by throwing yourself in somebody else's world? Are you, in effect, committing suicide by degrees?
These are the questions being asked. And honestly, I think they're disingenuous. A major depressive episode, especially when paired with a bright mind, can transform ANYTHING into another of its dark, death-seeking kind. Books, in this case, are merely a lens to see the world--darkly.
So, I say this is a dangerous book. A poisoner's tome, with the poison painted at the corners of every page. Of course, the author may not have INTENDED this, consciously or not, but the effects are clear.
So, reader beware.
My synesthesia smells insecticide with an old paper smell, one like chocolate.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
I'm now finally a solid fan of the series, but it took me two whole novels to push through before I got there. Fortunately, Kingdoms of Death was pretI'm now finally a solid fan of the series, but it took me two whole novels to push through before I got there. Fortunately, Kingdoms of Death was pretty great.
And yes, even if a lot of it comes close to torture porn, there IS a reason for it and why it's necessary. It's obviously a huge turning point for Marlow and it underscores much of what all of human space is going through. So, yeah, I'm on board. Emotionally, even.
As for the rest, expect Hard SF goodness mixed with epic fantasy sensibilities and you won't be disappointed. It's worth getting to this point.
My synesthesia made me feel cold and amazingly uncomfortable, which shouldn't surprise anyone, considering the heart of darkness vibes.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
I want to say that I liked this even more than the first Sworn Soldier Novella, but alas, no. The first had slightly more wry humor and the true horroI want to say that I liked this even more than the first Sworn Soldier Novella, but alas, no. The first had slightly more wry humor and the true horror aspect was superior.
The COVER for this novella, however, had me expecting a LOT more. So yeah, you might say that I may have judged this book by its cover. *sigh*
That being said, it IS a very solid, short horror with compelling characters and a very historical setting, complete with war flashbacks, modern sensibilities, and rampant superstition.
Not that we'd have ANYTHING like that NOW, of course. Oh, no.
Either way, it's worth the read and I'll be excited to read more when they come out.
A very sausage-flavored synesthesia for this work. Good in moderation, but quite heavy on the mental palate.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Well, now. This might be my favorite Kingfisher. At least, so far.
I immediately loved the twisted Usher retelling--the creepy Poe story--with a greatWell, now. This might be my favorite Kingfisher. At least, so far.
I immediately loved the twisted Usher retelling--the creepy Poe story--with a great fungal core. It sucked me in and got me invested and the payoff was truly immense. What can I say? It was a great story.
My synesthesia feels makes this book feel like a block of ice, chilling me to the bone.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
My only complaint is that this series can't already be written and waiting for me to read it forever.
I'm very invested in ALL of these wide-ranging plMy only complaint is that this series can't already be written and waiting for me to read it forever.
I'm very invested in ALL of these wide-ranging places and peoples. Even the King of Destruction has got me chomping at the bit--such a charismatic leader, feeding on loyalty and justice and perception--and I'm even feeling jingoistic. This is, despite how generally anti-war I am, I'm cautiously gracious about him even as every warning bell in my heart goes off.
As for Erin, I'm rocking to her changes. It's going in a very interesting direction.
As for Pallass, the huge battle against the wyverns was epic. And Riverfarm is continuing to get extremely interesting. I cannot WAIT for a particular door to be opened.
All told, I loved every second. I'm hooked.
My synesthesia is almost always eating cake while forever being able to have it--at least while I could still be reading it. So delicious. So decadent.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
"Through These Moments, Darkly" by Samantha Murray -- (4*) While it does have some interesting SFnal aspects, it's primarily a short LitSF, a brief gl"Through These Moments, Darkly" by Samantha Murray -- (4*) While it does have some interesting SFnal aspects, it's primarily a short LitSF, a brief glimpse at a poetical notion wrapped in a longing. Good for what it is, but I found myself wanting a lot more.
"The Seed" by Sheryl Singerling -- (4*) Solid beginning and nicely eerie. I love stories that feel like hope but is twisted, nonetheless.
"Aegiopolis Testudo" by Gordon Li -- (5*) Beautiful story about a traveling parasite-colony of humans harvesting and tending to a leviathan alien creature, moral and sustainability questions being asked--with some interesting, measured answers. Very imaginative. So far, my favorite of the month.
"Still Water" by Zhang Ran -- (5*) A little series of vignettes that suddenly become a gorgeous little wish, and I found myself profoundly moved by it. A mother's wish for his son is a powerful thing.
"Symbiotic" by Carolyn Zhao -- (5*) This is an extremely immersive, sensational (as in senses) work. It gripped me the entire time. It isn't a commentary, but a full-on SFnal story about belonging, be it to yourself, or with another. It's very, very sharp.
"There Is No King in My Country" by Thomas Ha -- (5*) Easily one of the most clear unclear stories I've ever read. :) I love a good subtlety. I think we'll need a lot of that in the future, alas.
"An Even Greater Cold to Come" by Rich Larson -- (5*) A great little SF horror story. Satisfying little emotional romp with an even better bit of body-horror.
All told, this month's collection of stories were pretty solid. Three were wonderfully sensational and visceral: Aegiopolis Testudo, Symbiotic, and An Even Greater Cold to Come.
I also really loved the idea and execution of There Is No King in My Country, but it was easily a lot more intellectual than the rest.
Still Water was smooth and eventually quite rewarding, but it took a moment to get there....more
A good callback to old '80s horror epics with a full ensemble cast, an evil that pulls them all in, and the craziness of trying to survive it, or harnA good callback to old '80s horror epics with a full ensemble cast, an evil that pulls them all in, and the craziness of trying to survive it, or harness it, the real joy of the adventure.
Of course, I got into this primarily because I love punk rock and the REAL punk rockers' ethos. That's exactly the kind of spirit we need to beat down the devil.
After reading? It was pretty good. I won't say it's the best I've ever read, but being what it is, the whole diverse ensemble and the great dialogue made it a solid horror that's fairly unlike most we have these days. Hell, between the black-ops operations, the idiots flailing, or the music, I had enough to feed me for days.
My synesthesia just felt the bass in my chest, the thumps in my head, and the call of the mosh.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
This Inn-verse book featuring Cora, the singer, the undead singer, pop-star, really got to introduce us to some great characters. It's very grounded aThis Inn-verse book featuring Cora, the singer, the undead singer, pop-star, really got to introduce us to some great characters. It's very grounded and has moments of comfort and progression, of course, but I was here for the whole package. Action, excitement, pumping up the audience--OR a group of noob hunters in WAY over their head--had me enjoying it even more.
This next book is just proving to me that I can't get enough.
I'm getting superstar-van-helsing vibes. :)
My synesthesia sees nothing but zombie moth-bears and pink hair. Cool, right?
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Oh lordy, this is really hitting the spot for me. Pirateaba has been reliably hitting it out of the park with everything. The balance between comfort-Oh lordy, this is really hitting the spot for me. Pirateaba has been reliably hitting it out of the park with everything. The balance between comfort-emotions, overcoming odds, dealing with issues, and beautiful worldbuilding that sets up some pretty awesome foils--AND heart-wrenching action on a huge scale, as if the former wasn't enough, is just doing it all for my poor old heart.
The balance, here, is just as good as the later Wandering Inn books, and indeed, we are in the same world and hear some interesting, familiar names. But this one is special all on its own.
A song, whether it comes from an actress or a struggling earther thrust into a fantasy world that behaves by leveling-up rules, can still have enormous power.
It's just a bit more interesting when the song in question has THIS much power.
Really great stuff.
My synesthesia smells not grave-dirt or zombie rats, but comfort-tea and honey, together with a mouth watering biscuit and warm company.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Stephen Baxter has remained a highlight of all SF for me. This newest book is no less outstanding than the rest.
While it isn't of the Xeelee sequenceStephen Baxter has remained a highlight of all SF for me. This newest book is no less outstanding than the rest.
While it isn't of the Xeelee sequence nor of the strange-yet-wonderful Time or Space companion alternate future histories, this one, like those, remains grounded in real science--while showing an appropriately wonderful sense of awe and scope that remains, at least to my widely-read SF sensibilities, the pinnacle of the best of speculative fiction.
The grand WHAT IF story is still alive and well in Baxter's hands.
This one begins with an exploration team heading toward the Oort cloud to visit the proposed 9th planet--which happens to be a singularity. From there, we get a nicely unique first contact story that is both fresh and truly refreshing. There are no space opera battles. Empathy and intelligence are the main movers. And yet, the sense of awe and discovery never lessens or gets dull.
The only concern I may have had about the novel was the disquieting focus on contemplation at the very end, but it's not a big concern. It's QUITE in line with the rest of the novel--and unusual enough in the SF field to warrant an appreciative mention.
Yes, we can be heroic, do the right thing--and yet still be utter fools.
Recommended.
My synesthesia tastes humus and pita bread with a perfect, comforting cup of Earl Grey. I feel tweed on my jacket.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
This war-centered Fantasy continues to deliver with the war-flavor. If you've gotten this far in the story, you're really here for the gritty ambianceThis war-centered Fantasy continues to deliver with the war-flavor. If you've gotten this far in the story, you're really here for the gritty ambiance, the female-led gun-heroes, and a little bit of romance to go with the rare appearances of demon-infused carriers of the Names.
Honestly? I loved the end. I loved a little of the romance. The battles, when they happened, were fascinating.
But the rest--it was kinda a glide. I was there for a bunch of normal stuff written in a normal way. Every day life between battles. I'm sure others will get more out of that than me. I admit to being a bit bored during these much-longer sequences.
But overall, it was still solid--so no harm or foul.
My synesthesia really smelled a lot of airborne ash throughout the read.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Despite the pretty epic confrontation with the old village he founded, with plenty of surprises in store, or the overall re-focus on Earth and Earth'sDespite the pretty epic confrontation with the old village he founded, with plenty of surprises in store, or the overall re-focus on Earth and Earth's image of itself to grow and protect itself from the coming cataclysms, the whole novel has a serious introspective mood to it. Reflection and a sharpening of focus.
I think it's pretty awesome--like a self-therapy session that ultimately builds a brand new foundation for your soul.
Of course, this has happened multiple times in the series, but it really stands out as something that tackles much bigger "state of the universe, of existence," questions.
I'm a sucker for this stuff in OTHER literature. So the fact we're getting it taken seriously in a LitRPG where it OUGHT to be forbidden or laughed out of existence, I'm very pleasantly surprised to get a hefty dose of self-improvement alongside massive magics, cataclysms, and large-scale bloodshed.
I likey.
My synesthesia is getting the sensation of paper under my fingers, of a chocolate smell.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Any book that can keep me up all night wanting to know what happens next is obviously going to be a cherished one. And that's what happened to me withAny book that can keep me up all night wanting to know what happens next is obviously going to be a cherished one. And that's what happened to me with this.
I really enjoyed the progression and the whole "as above, so below" structure to this one. The soul skill, indeed, a whole world-building AS a narrative conceit and source of character power is pretty awesome to behold. And not only do we get to visit as a god, but all changes work both ways, changing yourself.
If that wasn't enough, the full, bright story of the world of Tellus comes to a head, complete with the Calamity and resolution. Nobody comes out of it unscathed.
Very neat novel. Humble beginnings for the series, but this one really made it stand out.
My synesthesia tasted a wholesome ham on rye with really spicy mustard, oddly enough--with a dose of blood in the air.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Solid work. If you've come this far in the series, you know you'll have to challenge your current limits with every volume, so it should come as no suSolid work. If you've come this far in the series, you know you'll have to challenge your current limits with every volume, so it should come as no surprise that Randidly must face some demons and get pounded before arising to the top again.
In this volume, we return to the world of spears. Stronger, a little wiser, and now a bit more smug than is healthy, he turns to ash and cold and mass annihilation to get the respect of his peers. He's living the dream.
Honestly, I'm having as much fun as I generally do with these, which is to say, I'm quite amused and invested. It's all action and leveling and finding all new ways to level. In this case, imagery. And what monstrous power it is.
My synesthesia tastes yet more ash, but this time it's not a hot wind, but a cold one. Kinda perfect for the setting.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
What's weird: novel structure. Some of the characterizations.
I'll explain. Randidly builds his own class at the end of the last novel, and now jumps into a high-level dungeon with a few friends to flesh it out. It's all cool. His old, pre-apocalyptic friends are kinda ass-hats. And upon leaving that dungeon, which takes up what I thought was a big deal of the novel, Randidly up and skips town and levels up in a time jump to an all new place and PoV which builds a nice little western/cyberpunk city that feels like a completely different novel.
Ok, no problem, except, for the most part, we're generally always focused on Randidly. It does go back to him, and he's kinda aimless again, but I enjoyed watching him grind through new skillsets, so the original purpose of the novels was served.
Weird? Perhaps. But still enjoyable in the end.
My synesthesia smells gunpowder and a forge.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
I don't really have anything super bad to say about this except it felt very... how should I say this... done before. Like, very.
I mean it's a SF withI don't really have anything super bad to say about this except it felt very... how should I say this... done before. Like, very.
I mean it's a SF without the charm of Mandolarian, Fallout game minus the humor, and all the the tropes of hundred years or more of westerns.
It's written fine, but it's simply something that doesn't stand out to me. Alas.
I'll try some of her space opera later, perhaps.
My synesthesia tastes dried cowhide. Chewy. Not very satisfying.
Personal note: If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
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