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spinstah's reviews
1319 reviews
Never Too Old to Save the World: A Midlife Calling Anthology by Alana Abbott, Addie King
3.75
These stories were a little more uneven than I expected. The standout is By the Works of Her Hands, about a social worker who goes into a portal world and starts bringing the outcasts back and helping them live better lives. It had a strong concept and good character development and was overall really well done.
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
4.5
Once this got going it was riveting, and I liked the twists. The characters were sympathetic as well, even when they were making bad choices. A great thriller but definitely look into to the content warnings first.
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
4.0
Fun, fast, gripping. I liked the ambiguous characters and that everyone was at least a little unlikeable.
Hum by Helen Phillips
4.0
This novel looks at the impacts of AI, capitalism, and overconsumption in a near future world. I enjoyed it but I don’t think it’s for everyone. The narrator is spiraling enter being laid off and is making questionable decisions - but on the other hand, she lives in a world where those questionable decisions are in some ways encouraged and supported by society.
Bear by Julia Phillips
5.0
I did not expect that ending, but I don't think any other ending would have worked. There's a single POV character in this novel and I really liked how the character development was woven in, and slowly changed my opinion of the narrator. Really glad I read this, it was very immersive and moody and the tension that built was so subtle, it was really great.
Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson
3.0
I started to lose interest in this about 75% of the way through, but I kept with it just to see who the culprit was. I like the conceit of this series but for me I think it's more of a one-book kind of thing.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
4.5
I really enjoyed the setting and characters, especially once I settled in. There are quite a few threads, but nothing that felt out of place. I also really liked the ending, it was sad but also felt right for the overall tone.
The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei
4.5
I really enjoyed the camaraderie and seeing how the characters' relationships developed. Plus a fun space romp involving an archive, what's not to like?
The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths
4.0
Another enjoyable installment. Ruth isn’t as involved in this one, but at this point I’m interested in the whole crew.