CW’s listed as moderate, as there aren’t graphic descriptions of the abuse, and it’s indirectly alluded to in most of the novel. Nonetheless, it’s a main theme of the novel and may be difficult for readers to grapple with. 

Second installment in the Dark Star trilogy. Pretty sure James can’t write anything I am not challenged by/don’t enjoy. 

A very different perspective than Black Leopard, Red Wolf but in a way that serves the overarching narrative. Challenging (as all James novels are, really), but in a totally satisfying way. 

While it’s a slow paced narrative, that’s the nature of a good western, so wasn’t a drawback to this read for me. Perhaps faster pace than some westerns, but I don’t agree with the claim of “fast-paced” on the back cover. 

Taking place in mostly Texas at the turn of the 20th century, themes of violence in the changing West, corruption, morals and values, and simply how to survive all take a turn. There’s even some love thrown in for good measure. Solid debut and a solid western! 

Listening to the audio was a joy after having devoured this in written form the first time. Everyone should know Murderbot! 

Big thanks to NetGalley + TOR for an eARC of Sisters of the Forsaken Stars in exchange for an honest review! I thoroughly enjoyed Rather's first installment in this series and this follow up did not disappoint. Just released on 2/22, Sisters of the Forsaken Stars is what many would consider a character-driven sci-fi novel with some unique twists. 

A group of nuns who find themselves having (unwittingly?) taken some revolutionary actions in novella one are now on the run from Old Earth and her religio-political powers. Getting acquainted with their new living ship, having to consider philosophical and faith-centered issues, this novel is for folks who are interested in engaging not only philosophical and human nature questions in sci-fi, but also how the Church (and its associated political powers) might affect those questions out in the vast black. 

Well-paced, and adding some new faces to the series, this second novella is testament (no pun intended) that multiple faith philosophies can co-exist under one roof (or creature-ship-skin, I suppose). Rather's writing is solid with beautiful but concise phrasing, and this second novella even more than the first asks the reader to reminisce on revolutionary religious actors of the past (think Liberation Theology nuns and fathers of El Salvador and Nicaragua here on Earth back in the 70s and 80s), but if they were out in space in a future where the Church's hegemonic reach extends across the stars and in which the capitalist interests are directly threatening the lives of ordinary folks. 

Also for readers who are interested in LGBTQNIA+ representation in sci-fi, and femme character-heavy sci-fi novels. I'll be looking read more of Rathers and look forward to future installments in this series! 

NG review @ https://www.netgalley.com/book/234463/review/926659

I don’t know if I just REALLY needed a laughable lighthearted and warm fuzzy interspecies hilarity and kindness series but Wayfarers hit the fucking spot. *sigh*

Almost zero humans in this one, so lots of hilarity around humans and the way we are seen by other species in this universe, and just tons of found family sweetness. Love love love. Probably not for folks who don’t enjoy character driven SF novels 💜

Confusion and hilarity. Enjoyed this one discovered vis a vis fantasy sub genre listings by other readers.