Scan barcode
maryannjohanson's reviews
42 reviews
Amongst Our Weapons by Ben Aaronovitch
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Wizard's Hall by Jane Yolen
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
As with many of Robinson's other books, he manages to be optimistic about humanity's near future (without being anywhere near pollyannaish) while also confronting head-on the enormous challenges we face. I think of his work as best-case-scenario for us: the next couple centuries are not gonna be easy, but we do have paths forward that can lead to a brighter future than can often seem possible now. Love his work, glad I still have more of his books to read!
Once Upon a Crime by Fergus Craig
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Absolutely brilliant sendup of detective fiction. I laughed out loud a lot!
The Notebook Of Gismondo Cavalletti by R.M. Lamming
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
A fascinating novel. Achieves the remarkable feat of making a truly unpleasant protagonist -- he's petty, aggrieved, thinks the whole world is out to get him, sees the absolute worst in almost everyone (except the distant woman he unreasonably idolizes -- really intriguing. A compelling immersion into everyday life in Renaissance Italy, too.
The Last Emperox by John Scalzi
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
All the usual Scalzi shenanigans, this time at the end of civilization (or is it?). This is supposedly the last in this series, but did he cleverly leave room for more? I think he did... and if so, I will be there for it.
Riviera Gold by Laurie R. King
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Always a pleasure to spend time and solve murders with Miss Russell and Mr Holmes. Would love to see this series adapted for TV.
The Wild Dead by Carrie Vaughn
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
As compelling and as unputdownable as the prequel, Bannerless. I hope there will be more in this series… and I’d love to see TV adaptations of these.