scifistalker's reviews
83 reviews

Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland

challenging dark informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

The Black Crescent by D.C. Wynters

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I truly did.  The premise is interesting & the setting itself is intriguing.  It’s pretty easy to read too—I could knock out several chapters each sitting.
My issues with the book that dropped it to a 3.75 were mainly in my desire for a bit more world-building.  If the story had slowed down a bit to unpack the world & hint at how the world got to be the way it is I would have LOVED it.  So ultimately, I wanted MORE because I thought it was pretty cool.  I also think there could have been a little more show and less tell.  
Otherwise—man—great fun.  Will probably pick up anything that comes next!

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective 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? Yes

5.0

I know it’s a classic.  I know you’ve probably already heard about this book.

But I’ll add my voice to the mix: it lives up to the hype.  It’s VERY good.  Perspectives from each character given as the crew is carried to an unknown fate paint, not only a picture of the characters themselves, but they unravel a mystery in-universe & flesh out an entire universe.

It’s all masterfully done

He Who Fights with Monsters Book 10 by Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If you’ve read any of these books you know what to expect.  It’s just as awesome as the rest!

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I found this book to be a refreshing & poetic love story tied to sci-fi. It was interesting & fun—I really had no idea what to expect going in & I'm glad.  It was really cool!

Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I just finished this book & series—& I struggle to find the right words.  I’ve got a lump in my throat & I’m impressed by the symmetry of the story.  Overall I loved this story & I’m sad to leave it behind—but, I suppose—that’s the mark of a great story. 

He Who Fights With Monsters Book 9 by Shirtaloon, Travis Deverell

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This series goes deep into ridiculous territory & it only adds to the story in good ways.  Character development goes hand in hand with world building. It’s all gravy

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Keller has a way of writing that is accessible & easy to understand without dumbing down the content.  He speaks with eloquence about difficult topics & lays out clear arguments & compelling questions designed to lead us into understanding &, maybe faith.

Infinitude by J.T. Rath

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I enjoyed this story!  The main plot was interesting & the mystery, once the main story is begun, is the kind that makes you want to discover the secret.  When the truth is finally revealed, it’s comes with a really fun & crazy twist.
There are a variety of settings that allow the reader an opportunity to dip into several genres over the course of the book—add to that a time-spanning romance & you’ve got a great read.
I will say that, if l could give any constructive criticisms to the book—I’d like to have had more time getting to know some of the side-characters & see them developed.  I’d also say that, at times I wanted more “show” & less “tell”.  And—the start was a bit slow & I wasn’t fully hooked until a third of the way through.

Otherwise—I enjoyed this time-travel adventure!

Shift by Hugh Howey

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Solid second book in a trilogy—leaves the stage set for the final installment in a satisfying way.