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booksandfin's reviews
82 reviews
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This is my favorite installment of the Murderbot series yet! I loved Micky so much. I thought he was absolutely hilarious. I also loved that we are shown another caring relationship between bot and human in this book.
I cannot wait to see the old characters in the next one. I’ve missed them!!
Artificial Condition (Dramatized Adaptation) by Martha Wells
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I didn’t love this one as much as the first. I found the dramatized version to be rather distracting, but it was all my library had on hand.
I’ll still continue with the series because I NEED to know more about Murderbot’s past. I’m also just invested in how this socially anxious sec-unit grows into their own.
I’ll still continue with the series because I NEED to know more about Murderbot’s past. I’m also just invested in how this socially anxious sec-unit grows into their own.
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
I really enjoyed this novella. I was skeptical going in, but I (like so many others) fell in love with Murderbot.
I’m excited to keep going with the series.
I’m excited to keep going with the series.
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.25
This was an interesting novella. A quick and gruesome read. I loved a lot of the elements in the story and how it fell back into original myth telling that is dark and eerie. I wish it had been a little longer so we could have gotten to know characters a bit better though. I think that there just wasn’t enough time for me to become invested in the characters.
Great for body horror fans! :-)
Great for body horror fans! :-)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, Medical content, and Cannibalism
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Becky Chambers has made me fall in love with Sci-Fi.
In this book we follow The Wayfarer, a tunneling ship in space with its rag-tag and interspecies crew as they journey through space and take on a job that could change the trajectory of their careers forever.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is the definition of “it’s about the journey, not the destination”. I feel so in love with these characters, their stories, troubles, and futures. Becky Chambers knows how to write real characters. My favorites were probably Sissex and Doctor Chef, but I really did love all of them. (Even Corbin grew on me)
This book hits the sweet spot of “cozy” for me. It’s lighthearted and hopeful, while also remaining realistic. In a lot of ways, it’s reminds me of original Star Trek with the format of chapters, the cast, and how queer it is.
Over all such an amazing book I want to buy and reread!
In this book we follow The Wayfarer, a tunneling ship in space with its rag-tag and interspecies crew as they journey through space and take on a job that could change the trajectory of their careers forever.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is the definition of “it’s about the journey, not the destination”. I feel so in love with these characters, their stories, troubles, and futures. Becky Chambers knows how to write real characters. My favorites were probably Sissex and Doctor Chef, but I really did love all of them. (Even Corbin grew on me)
This book hits the sweet spot of “cozy” for me. It’s lighthearted and hopeful, while also remaining realistic. In a lot of ways, it’s reminds me of original Star Trek with the format of chapters, the cast, and how queer it is.
Over all such an amazing book I want to buy and reread!
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This book surprised me in the best ways possible. Initially I thought it would be a quick pallet cleanser book, but as I read on small parts of me were changed alongside the characters.
This book weaves four stories centered around this cafe that allows a customer to travel back in time so long as they drink their coffee before it gets cold (among other rules).
Each story made a stronger and stronger emotional impact on me. I went in mostly blind to this novel and would recommend the same for others. The translation is well done and the writing is easy to understand.
I’ll definitely be returning for the other works when I need some realistic light in my life between reads.
This book weaves four stories centered around this cafe that allows a customer to travel back in time so long as they drink their coffee before it gets cold (among other rules).
Each story made a stronger and stronger emotional impact on me. I went in mostly blind to this novel and would recommend the same for others. The translation is well done and the writing is easy to understand.
I’ll definitely be returning for the other works when I need some realistic light in my life between reads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Death
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
This is something I would have LOVED when I was 12 or 13. Unfortunately I found the only character who had any depth to be Jacks (not even our main character). Too many of the characters were extremely flat and the world building was disjointed and surface level.
I feel a little conflicted because there were scenes I loved and it was a fast read. I only wished that the author had taken the time to make the other characters feel more real and less one dimensional.
also I’m sorry but everything was so predictable and the lines about how ‘it took courage to have faith’ made me cringe so bad. I don’t understand how anyone can like or have strong emotions for Apollo because he wasn’t even there? That and the step sister was so bland her ‘betrayal’ had no emotional impact.
I feel a little conflicted because there were scenes I loved and it was a fast read. I only wished that the author had taken the time to make the other characters feel more real and less one dimensional.
A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I thought the writing of this book was absolutely beautiful and amazing. I loved being thrown into different character’s perspectives. I think each one (except maybe Frae’s…) added incredible depth to the story and mystery at large.
Some of the reveals were horribly predictable while others had me stunned. The magic system was unique and well thought out and explained. I loved the differences between the sides of the island and how Cadence is a character of its own. (Multiple if you think about it)
I’m absolutely reading the next book! I love Jack and Adiara so so much. I can’t wait to read what’s next for them and see their story wrap up.
Some of the reveals were horribly predictable while others had me stunned. The magic system was unique and well thought out and explained. I loved the differences between the sides of the island and how Cadence is a character of its own. (Multiple if you think about it)
I’m absolutely reading the next book! I love Jack and Adiara so so much. I can’t wait to read what’s next for them and see their story wrap up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, and Grief
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Miscarriage
The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke
fast-paced
3.0
This was a bit of a let down. I found the story to be mid and lackluster. I’ve read short stories that are able to pack a punch, but this just fell a bit short.
That being said, the illustrations were beautiful. I think it would have served better as a fully realized graphic novel.
That being said, the illustrations were beautiful. I think it would have served better as a fully realized graphic novel.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This was my first Brandon Sanderson novel and I absolutely loved it. I found the narration to be so incredibly endearing and while I thought the plot predictable, the world and characters were truly unique and enriching.
This was absolutely a more adult fairy tale and I’d give anything for it to be made into a Ghibli film!
This was absolutely a more adult fairy tale and I’d give anything for it to be made into a Ghibli film!