Martha Wells' The Element of Fire
I’m checking out another of Wells' earlier series; this one is more in the mode of traditional fantasy, set in a world that is basically 1800s Europe, focusing on the captain of the queen's guard, the queen's half-fairy step-daughter, political machinations, magical machinations, etc. It was perfectly satisfying, though not as /interesting/ as some of Wells' other works. Still, I need escapist diversion and she is good at that. B+.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
2020 book 87
Jaclyn Moriarty’s The Whispering Wars
The sequel to Bronte Mettlestone is actually a prequel, explaining the origins of the Whispering Wars through two rival bands of children—one narrator is from a local orphanage, the other from a well-off (and strict) boarding school. Both narrative voices are funny and their interactions are even funnier. Anyway, lots of danger and adventure and squabbling, what’s not to like?
The sequel to Bronte Mettlestone is actually a prequel, explaining the origins of the Whispering Wars through two rival bands of children—one narrator is from a local orphanage, the other from a well-off (and strict) boarding school. Both narrative voices are funny and their interactions are even funnier. Anyway, lots of danger and adventure and squabbling, what’s not to like?
Monday, April 27, 2020
2020 book 86
Jaclyn Moriarty's The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone
Jasmine Guillory recommended this in her most recent newsletter, which of course both delighted me and made me want to reread it (not that I ever really need an excuse to reread something by Moriarty, who is probably my favorite/most comforting author). Anyway, this is a very charming middle grade book about a ten year old girl whose parents have been off adventuring her entire life, only now they’ve been killed by pirates, and their will is making her travel all around delivering gifts to her many aunts. Adventures ensue, along with cousins, aspiring circus performers, mysterious paintings, a little bit of magic, and more. So good.
Jasmine Guillory recommended this in her most recent newsletter, which of course both delighted me and made me want to reread it (not that I ever really need an excuse to reread something by Moriarty, who is probably my favorite/most comforting author). Anyway, this is a very charming middle grade book about a ten year old girl whose parents have been off adventuring her entire life, only now they’ve been killed by pirates, and their will is making her travel all around delivering gifts to her many aunts. Adventures ensue, along with cousins, aspiring circus performers, mysterious paintings, a little bit of magic, and more. So good.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
2020 book 85
Jane Austen's Emma
I finally read Emma! (See my history of trying to read Emma here.) I still struggled a bit, even though several friends advised me to approach it like a mystery, and even though the recent movie allowed me to appreciate characters like Mr Woodhouse and Miss Bates much more. Parts of this are very funny, parts are tiresome, parts are weird and racist, and parts are very frustrating (Frank Churchill is an ass! And his letters are too long). Soooo. Not my favorite Austen by a long shot, but at last I have completed it, 25 years after my first attempt. (I have a lot of thoughts about how Clueless improved upon the source material, lol.)
I finally read Emma! (See my history of trying to read Emma here.) I still struggled a bit, even though several friends advised me to approach it like a mystery, and even though the recent movie allowed me to appreciate characters like Mr Woodhouse and Miss Bates much more. Parts of this are very funny, parts are tiresome, parts are weird and racist, and parts are very frustrating (Frank Churchill is an ass! And his letters are too long). Soooo. Not my favorite Austen by a long shot, but at last I have completed it, 25 years after my first attempt. (I have a lot of thoughts about how Clueless improved upon the source material, lol.)
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
2020 book 84
Ysabeau Wilce's Flora Segunda
I'm still big into my escapism into fantasy novels--this one is the first of a trilogy about a young girl from a military family who wants to be a spy, and also there are magical butlers and a dad with PTSD and warlords, an impending birthday celebration, a foppish best friend, etc. I read this years ago and had no memories of it whatsoever, but liked it pretty well, or anyway it was interesting enough to provide a satisfying escape! Looking forward to the next two.
I'm still big into my escapism into fantasy novels--this one is the first of a trilogy about a young girl from a military family who wants to be a spy, and also there are magical butlers and a dad with PTSD and warlords, an impending birthday celebration, a foppish best friend, etc. I read this years ago and had no memories of it whatsoever, but liked it pretty well, or anyway it was interesting enough to provide a satisfying escape! Looking forward to the next two.
Monday, April 20, 2020
2020 book 83
Emma Straub's All Adults Here
I didn't know anything about this going in except NEW EMMA STRAUB, and that was all I needed to know, because I love her books. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, since it was full of delightful (and some non-delightful) surprising moments, so I'll just say it's the story of three generations of a family in a small town in the Hudson Valley. It’s full of messiness and optimism in equal measure. REALLY good. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 5th.
I didn't know anything about this going in except NEW EMMA STRAUB, and that was all I needed to know, because I love her books. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, since it was full of delightful (and some non-delightful) surprising moments, so I'll just say it's the story of three generations of a family in a small town in the Hudson Valley. It’s full of messiness and optimism in equal measure. REALLY good. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 5th.
Saturday, April 18, 2020
2020 book 82
Phyllis Ann Karr's At Amberleaf Fair
I’ve been looking for nice gentle things to read, and this certainly fit the bill. It’s set in a far future world, very pastoral, at the titular fair. There are romantic rivalries and small mysteries (who stole a certain necklace) and everything works out just as it should. A/A-.
I’ve been looking for nice gentle things to read, and this certainly fit the bill. It’s set in a far future world, very pastoral, at the titular fair. There are romantic rivalries and small mysteries (who stole a certain necklace) and everything works out just as it should. A/A-.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
2020 book 81
Frances Cha's If I Had Your Face
This is the story of five women living in an apartment building in Seoul—a mute hairdresser and her childhood friend/roommate, a woman in an unhappy marriage, an artist dating the son of a wealthy family, and a woman who is a high-class escort. But it is also about social and familial pressures, the hardships of being a woman, class issues, friendships, etc. I really loved this, and my only complaint is that it ended in a place where I wanted it to keep going! A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
This is the story of five women living in an apartment building in Seoul—a mute hairdresser and her childhood friend/roommate, a woman in an unhappy marriage, an artist dating the son of a wealthy family, and a woman who is a high-class escort. But it is also about social and familial pressures, the hardships of being a woman, class issues, friendships, etc. I really loved this, and my only complaint is that it ended in a place where I wanted it to keep going! A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
2020 book 80
Martha Wells' The Harbors of the Sun
The final Raksura book picks up where the previous one left off, with the crew trying to defeat a bunch of genocidal maniacs. Like its predecessor, this one has more POV sections, which I appreciated. I especially liked all the dealings between various queens and their courts (they’re a matriarchal society, but the two main characters in these books are men, so there isn’t a ton of that throughout). Anyway, a satisfying story, though there were some plot things I would have liked more resolution on (River!). A-.
The final Raksura book picks up where the previous one left off, with the crew trying to defeat a bunch of genocidal maniacs. Like its predecessor, this one has more POV sections, which I appreciated. I especially liked all the dealings between various queens and their courts (they’re a matriarchal society, but the two main characters in these books are men, so there isn’t a ton of that throughout). Anyway, a satisfying story, though there were some plot things I would have liked more resolution on (River!). A-.
2020 book 79
Martha Wells' Edge of Worlds
The sixth Raksura book is back to being a regular novel, and finds our usual cast of characters recruited to explore an ancient city--a city that might bring DANGER. This one was interesting because there are brief interludes from other POVs, which helps drive the narrative (which moves a little slowly, lots of wandering around). This one also doesn’t have a concrete ending, instead leading directly into the last book. Mildly unsatisfying for that reason. B+.
The sixth Raksura book is back to being a regular novel, and finds our usual cast of characters recruited to explore an ancient city--a city that might bring DANGER. This one was interesting because there are brief interludes from other POVs, which helps drive the narrative (which moves a little slowly, lots of wandering around). This one also doesn’t have a concrete ending, instead leading directly into the last book. Mildly unsatisfying for that reason. B+.
Monday, April 13, 2020
2020 book 78
Martha Wells' Stories of the Raksura Volume Two
Like the first volume of the Stories of the Raksura, this compiles two novellas (along with a few short stories) featuring our characters. One focuses on the protagonist in younger days, and the other on him as an expectant father. But of course there are still bad things to fight! There's also a short story set in this world but with different characters entirely, and I’m not sure why it was included unless it will be relevant in later books. A-.
Like the first volume of the Stories of the Raksura, this compiles two novellas (along with a few short stories) featuring our characters. One focuses on the protagonist in younger days, and the other on him as an expectant father. But of course there are still bad things to fight! There's also a short story set in this world but with different characters entirely, and I’m not sure why it was included unless it will be relevant in later books. A-.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
2020 book 77
Martha Wells' Stories of the Raksura: The Falling World/The Tale of Indigo and Cloud
The fourth Raksura book is actually two novellas—the first follows our usual characters in search of a missing queen, where they find a place of strange magic; the second tells the story of their court's namesakes. I liked the second more, because I'm generally more interested in character building/problem solving than in dramatic adventure, but both were entertaining. A-.
The fourth Raksura book is actually two novellas—the first follows our usual characters in search of a missing queen, where they find a place of strange magic; the second tells the story of their court's namesakes. I liked the second more, because I'm generally more interested in character building/problem solving than in dramatic adventure, but both were entertaining. A-.
2020 book 76
Martha Wells' The Siren Depths
The third Raksura book finally reveals the protagonist's backstory, we meet lots of interesting new characters, there's a lot of action, etc. This is perfect escapism reading.
The third Raksura book finally reveals the protagonist's backstory, we meet lots of interesting new characters, there's a lot of action, etc. This is perfect escapism reading.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
2020 book 75
Martha Wells' The Serpent Sea
The second volume in the Raksura series finds our characters trying to settle into a new home, and also in search of a magical artifact. I like these characters a lot and this one was a good diversion for sure. It also features a city built on the back of a leviathan, so that's fun. A-.
The second volume in the Raksura series finds our characters trying to settle into a new home, and also in search of a magical artifact. I like these characters a lot and this one was a good diversion for sure. It also features a city built on the back of a leviathan, so that's fun. A-.
Friday, April 10, 2020
2020 book 74
Martha Wells' The Cloud Roads
I’ve been looking for more fantasy series to read, for large chunks of escapism, and I’ve heard good things about this one (plus I love Wells' Murderbot books). This centers on a young dude, a shapeshifter whose family was killed when he was young, so now he tries to blend in with non-shapeshifters since he doesn’t know where he belongs. And then he encounters someone like himself. The villains here are pretty gross but I found the world-building and characters to be interesting. I look forward to reading six more books about this society. A/A-.
I’ve been looking for more fantasy series to read, for large chunks of escapism, and I’ve heard good things about this one (plus I love Wells' Murderbot books). This centers on a young dude, a shapeshifter whose family was killed when he was young, so now he tries to blend in with non-shapeshifters since he doesn’t know where he belongs. And then he encounters someone like himself. The villains here are pretty gross but I found the world-building and characters to be interesting. I look forward to reading six more books about this society. A/A-.
Monday, April 06, 2020
2020 book 73
Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan's The Heir Affair
Ooooh, it’s the sequel to The Royal We! It’s not out till July, but since it was my birthday and I had to spend it in social isolation, I read this as a treat, and was duly entertained/distracted. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll say that it picks up not long after the end of The Royal We, and goes to some interesting places, dealing with hardships in marriage and with uncovering past royal secrets. I am not sure this sequel was necessary, but it was a good read and nice to see these characters again (Bea remains a real standout). Can't wait to reread and discuss with my book club when it’s officially released! A-/B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in July.
Ooooh, it’s the sequel to The Royal We! It’s not out till July, but since it was my birthday and I had to spend it in social isolation, I read this as a treat, and was duly entertained/distracted. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll say that it picks up not long after the end of The Royal We, and goes to some interesting places, dealing with hardships in marriage and with uncovering past royal secrets. I am not sure this sequel was necessary, but it was a good read and nice to see these characters again (Bea remains a real standout). Can't wait to reread and discuss with my book club when it’s officially released! A-/B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in July.
2020 book 72
Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan's The Royal We
When you’re stuck home alone on your birthday during a pandemic, it’s time to bust out a satisfying book to keep you company! (Plus I have an ARC of the sequel, and reading that is my present to myself!) If you tried to describe the plot of this, it would sound super fluffy, but the Fug Girls somehow keep this story down to earth and populate it with a great cast of characters. Anyway, the faster I wrap up this blog entry, the faster I can read the sequel, so, bye!
Thursday, April 02, 2020
2020 book 71
Martha Wells' Network Effect
Yesssssss it’s a new MURDERBOT story, the first full length Murderbot novel! (The description says it is a standalone, but I really don’t think any of it would make sense if you haven’t read the four novellas.) Anyway, I am super here for more sci fi action adventures, with the crustiest-with-a-secret-heart-of-gold narrative voice there ever was. PLUS my favorite character makes a dramatic return. Every bit of this was awesome, and some bits were also heartbreaking and/or kick-ass. Great stuff. A.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 5th.
Yesssssss it’s a new MURDERBOT story, the first full length Murderbot novel! (The description says it is a standalone, but I really don’t think any of it would make sense if you haven’t read the four novellas.) Anyway, I am super here for more sci fi action adventures, with the crustiest-with-a-secret-heart-of-gold narrative voice there ever was. PLUS my favorite character makes a dramatic return. Every bit of this was awesome, and some bits were also heartbreaking and/or kick-ass. Great stuff. A.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 5th.
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