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thecaptainsquarters
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
The cover drew me in and three things convinced me to read this book:
1) I previously read some of the author’s short stories and loved her writing style;
2) It is a Subterranean Press book and they do great work; and
3) One of the characters is a mindship . . .
This mindship, named The Shadow’s Child, is not just any ship. It was previously a military ship who physically survived an ambush and massacre but since retired from active duty and is suffering PTSD and struggling to make ends meet. One of the things the ship does to make money is brew special blends of tea. These teas are made to suit the drinker’s specific goals and body chemistry. One day a woman named Long Chau comes in and requests a serenity blend to focus her mind. The ship takes the needed money and finds itself not only involved in a crime investigation but also having to face deep space where the ship swore it would never enter again.
Apparently this book is part of a series of books and stories set in the Universe of Xuya. I had never read anything set in Xuya before. I found the world-building and characterizations to be fascinating. I absolutely loved the neurotic, damaged The Shadow’s Child and the story told from the ship’s perspective. I didn’t really care much about the crime story itself but was more focused on how the ship was dealing with a situation it didn’t care for. Long Chau is a purposefully unlikeable character who is trying to do the right thing.
Ultimately while I really enjoyed the story, I think I would like a longer work with more detailing of how the society functions and how the mindships work. But this character-driven piece was a good introduction to a new world that I hope to visit more often. Besides who doesn’t love mindships? Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Subterranean Press!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
The cover drew me in and three things convinced me to read this book:
1) I previously read some of the author’s short stories and loved her writing style;
2) It is a Subterranean Press book and they do great work; and
3) One of the characters is a mindship . . .
This mindship, named The Shadow’s Child, is not just any ship. It was previously a military ship who physically survived an ambush and massacre but since retired from active duty and is suffering PTSD and struggling to make ends meet. One of the things the ship does to make money is brew special blends of tea. These teas are made to suit the drinker’s specific goals and body chemistry. One day a woman named Long Chau comes in and requests a serenity blend to focus her mind. The ship takes the needed money and finds itself not only involved in a crime investigation but also having to face deep space where the ship swore it would never enter again.
Apparently this book is part of a series of books and stories set in the Universe of Xuya. I had never read anything set in Xuya before. I found the world-building and characterizations to be fascinating. I absolutely loved the neurotic, damaged The Shadow’s Child and the story told from the ship’s perspective. I didn’t really care much about the crime story itself but was more focused on how the ship was dealing with a situation it didn’t care for. Long Chau is a purposefully unlikeable character who is trying to do the right thing.
Ultimately while I really enjoyed the story, I think I would like a longer work with more detailing of how the society functions and how the mindships work. But this character-driven piece was a good introduction to a new world that I hope to visit more often. Besides who doesn’t love mindships? Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Subterranean Press!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
While I enjoyed this book while reading, I find that overall my impression is that it is just an okay read. The book has a very Norse feel to it (in me limited experience) and is about two cultures at war.
The Anakim are the Northerners who have a culture of battle and a deep-seated love of nature. They are long-lived, have an oral tradition, and have very little art. The Suthern folk are more like medieval humans. Both sides dislike the other but have been at a limited peace. Then an upstart Suthern commoner, Bellamus, has a plan to use the Anakim in a plot to gain power and fame. The Northerner, Roper, is suddenly thrust into a position of power when his father is killed. Can he keep the Anakim intact with also fighting a civil war from within?
I felt that the characters, battles, and politics were a little flat. Me favourite sections were the discussions of the culture of the Anakim and particularly their relationship with nature and hardship. I also liked the civil war elements of the Anakim sections and the parts that took place at the Northern keep. Roper’s wife was awesome and I wish she would have played a bigger part.
While in general I cheered for the Anakim side, I did occasionally find Roper to be a ineffectual leader whose successes seemed more lucky than skillful. Also the set-up for the next book was a bit abrupt in the end. I will potentially be reading the next book in the series but will wait for me crew’s reviews before making that decision.
Side note: I wish that fantasy authors would stop using the North as lands of ice, snow, and barbarians and the South as lands of heat, culture, and learning. There be other cardinal points, folks!
So lastly . . .
Thank ye Orbit Books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
While I enjoyed this book while reading, I find that overall my impression is that it is just an okay read. The book has a very Norse feel to it (in me limited experience) and is about two cultures at war.
The Anakim are the Northerners who have a culture of battle and a deep-seated love of nature. They are long-lived, have an oral tradition, and have very little art. The Suthern folk are more like medieval humans. Both sides dislike the other but have been at a limited peace. Then an upstart Suthern commoner, Bellamus, has a plan to use the Anakim in a plot to gain power and fame. The Northerner, Roper, is suddenly thrust into a position of power when his father is killed. Can he keep the Anakim intact with also fighting a civil war from within?
I felt that the characters, battles, and politics were a little flat. Me favourite sections were the discussions of the culture of the Anakim and particularly their relationship with nature and hardship. I also liked the civil war elements of the Anakim sections and the parts that took place at the Northern keep. Roper’s wife was awesome and I wish she would have played a bigger part.
While in general I cheered for the Anakim side, I did occasionally find Roper to be a ineffectual leader whose successes seemed more lucky than skillful. Also the set-up for the next book was a bit abrupt in the end. I will potentially be reading the next book in the series but will wait for me crew’s reviews before making that decision.
Side note: I wish that fantasy authors would stop using the North as lands of ice, snow, and barbarians and the South as lands of heat, culture, and learning. There be other cardinal points, folks!
So lastly . . .
Thank ye Orbit Books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! This was another audiobook that I picked up because of a cat on the cover.
I am so glad I did. Nick and Marta are in a biology class taught by the dreaded Bunny Starch. She is feared by students and teachers alike. The class goes on a field trip to the Black Vine Swamp. A fire breaks out and the kids are evacuated but Bunny Starch doesn’t come out. Who started the fire? Where is their teacher? Is she dead or alive? Nick and Marta have to find out or an innocent student might end up behind bars!
This book was so funny and clever. The narration by Edward Asner was fabulous. The story has multiple viewpoints from the crazy people involved with the school and the case. The principal, the substitute teacher, and Smoke’s dad were me favourites. I personally enjoyed the first half of the book best. Once the mystery is “solved,” the story then becomes about protecting the environment and how to stop the bad guys. It wasn’t bad at all. It is just that in the first half, I had no idea where the plot was going to go. And that was fun!
It was a fantastic introduction to the author’s work and I will be reading other novels by him. Apparently he has 3 other books in this series. And a non-fiction book that makes golf sound interesting. Can’t wait.
Side note: The First Mate told me that Carl Hiaasen is an award winning journalist! I didn’t know that. The First Mate didn’t know that he wrote novels. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I am so glad I did. Nick and Marta are in a biology class taught by the dreaded Bunny Starch. She is feared by students and teachers alike. The class goes on a field trip to the Black Vine Swamp. A fire breaks out and the kids are evacuated but Bunny Starch doesn’t come out. Who started the fire? Where is their teacher? Is she dead or alive? Nick and Marta have to find out or an innocent student might end up behind bars!
This book was so funny and clever. The narration by Edward Asner was fabulous. The story has multiple viewpoints from the crazy people involved with the school and the case. The principal, the substitute teacher, and Smoke’s dad were me favourites. I personally enjoyed the first half of the book best. Once the mystery is “solved,” the story then becomes about protecting the environment and how to stop the bad guys. It wasn’t bad at all. It is just that in the first half, I had no idea where the plot was going to go. And that was fun!
It was a fantastic introduction to the author’s work and I will be reading other novels by him. Apparently he has 3 other books in this series. And a non-fiction book that makes golf sound interesting. Can’t wait.
Side note: The First Mate told me that Carl Hiaasen is an award winning journalist! I didn’t know that. The First Mate didn’t know that he wrote novels. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! So back in 2015 I was mesmerized by the John W. Campbell award finalists and was determined to read them all. Why that year versus any other year? I have no idea. But since that time me determination has not waivered. Getting copies of the novels and the time to read them were more of the problem. This novel marks me finally making it to the half-way point.
This novel is a hard one to categorize. The story is written in four parts with each part portraying a different perspective. All four characters are interlinked in odd ways. There is an additional epilogue that expands one character’s story.
I do know that the first part was me favourite. It dealt with greyhound racing wherein the dog is partnered with a human via a mind-link. Me second favourite was the fourth part which follows a woman who can mind-link. These were the two very sci-fi parts of the book. The other two chapters are not sci-fi but are rather very interesting character studies.
In fact, while the plots of each section were interesting, the characterizations were the highlight of the book. Ye truly get into the head of each person. Some might feel bogged down by those details and minutiae. I felt that the depth of feeling was quite lovely and even lyrical at times.
The world-building itself was fascinating. All chapters seemed to take place in a place like our world only slightly skewed. The author seemingly has an idea of alternate or mirror worlds. But were they really? I don’t know. The book certainly brought up more questions than providing answers. I feel like the first read barely scratched the surface and that it deserves a re-read after some time has passed. While certainly not for everyone, I am very glad to have read this one.
Side note: there is a rape scene in this book. Had I known I might not have read it. It did fit into the story so ultimately I finished the novel. But be forewarned.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This novel is a hard one to categorize. The story is written in four parts with each part portraying a different perspective. All four characters are interlinked in odd ways. There is an additional epilogue that expands one character’s story.
I do know that the first part was me favourite. It dealt with greyhound racing wherein the dog is partnered with a human via a mind-link. Me second favourite was the fourth part which follows a woman who can mind-link. These were the two very sci-fi parts of the book. The other two chapters are not sci-fi but are rather very interesting character studies.
In fact, while the plots of each section were interesting, the characterizations were the highlight of the book. Ye truly get into the head of each person. Some might feel bogged down by those details and minutiae. I felt that the depth of feeling was quite lovely and even lyrical at times.
The world-building itself was fascinating. All chapters seemed to take place in a place like our world only slightly skewed. The author seemingly has an idea of alternate or mirror worlds. But were they really? I don’t know. The book certainly brought up more questions than providing answers. I feel like the first read barely scratched the surface and that it deserves a re-read after some time has passed. While certainly not for everyone, I am very glad to have read this one.
Side note: there is a rape scene in this book. Had I known I might not have read it. It did fit into the story so ultimately I finished the novel. But be forewarned.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there mateys! I have been a fan of Ann Leckie ever since I read her debut novel. And what a doozy that one was. It still be one of me all-time favourites ever. In fact, I featured and gushed about this author in me Broadside No. 16 due to provenance coming out. And now I finally read her newest book. Hooray!!
I must start by saying that I loved it. The characters, writing, plot, and world are so well done. While the story about Ingray was fabulous and plot-twisty and stellar and just plain fun, what I really took from the book was not the story at all but the juxtaposition between the society of the Hwaeans in this book and the Radchaai in her imperial radch trilogy. This was not me intention but, well, this aspect provided me myriad entertainments.
Ye see this novel is technically a standalone that is set in the same world as the trilogy. I absolutely love what I would consider companion books that exist in a world but showcase other aspects and cultures of said world - like in me reviews of the Culture books or the Craftworld books. So this was a mind-puzzle gift that I found fascinating. If ye haven't read the first book in the trilogy, ancillary justice, then the next section will likely not make sense to ye. And I suggest ye read that novel before reading this one because of said paragraphs below. So while there are no plot spoilers ahead, I will be doing some mild comparisons and random thoughts so if ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
- I adored that the Radchaai were the protagonists of the trilogy and of course considered themselves the highest-cultured beings of the universe. And in this book we showcase the Hwaean culture who believes they are superior. Both cultures spend time pointing out how certain habits of other societies proved they were uncouth. That being said, both cultures also like to see themselves as being open-minded, which I found to be hysterical.
- For example there is a Radchaai diplomat in this novel. Though a very minor character, the diplomat was used perfectly. The author highlights the hypocrisy of the Radchaai in terms of the person appointed for the diplomatic job and also in the diplomat's attitude towards her job. Yet in certain situations the diplomat takes her tasks extremely seriously and is an important component to how the plot progresses and is resolved. It was awesome!
- We get to see multiple cultures in all the books. Geck, Radchaai, Rrrrr, Omken, and others. So very different and complex and fun. In particular the use (or non-use) of terms of gender vary by culture and language and the complexities rock! The mistakes are sometimes very funny and yet somehow also insightful into how gender is dealt with in this day and age.
- I also adore the different types of justice systems portrayed and the intricacies in how twisted interplanetary law can be. In Tyr Siilas there is a fine based system. Hwae seems slightly more like the British judicial system. Also how all of the cultures deal with the treaty with the Presger is portrayed so well in all of the novels. Citizenship was never such an interesting conundrum.
- I loved how the Radchaai have their memorial pins and the Hwae have their vestiges. I have to admit that I am more partial to a memorial pin. However the use of the vestiges in this book were central to the story and a hoot besides. I kinda want the Radchaai pins and the tourist vestiges.
- Speaking of tourism, Ann Leckie is awesome about writing about tourist places that are normal for the regular population but that I would totally visit. From bridges in the trilogy to Eswae Parkland in this book, I am fascinating and wish I could visit. I would sail the stars just to see the ruin glass hills. If only . . .
Me writing skills are not good enough to get into more particulars and I certainly don't want to give away spoilers. But this novel has been lingering in me head and heart and thoughts. I suggest if ye haven't read Ann Leckie's work then ye should witness for yerself the magic of her writing.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I must start by saying that I loved it. The characters, writing, plot, and world are so well done. While the story about Ingray was fabulous and plot-twisty and stellar and just plain fun, what I really took from the book was not the story at all but the juxtaposition between the society of the Hwaeans in this book and the Radchaai in her imperial radch trilogy. This was not me intention but, well, this aspect provided me myriad entertainments.
Ye see this novel is technically a standalone that is set in the same world as the trilogy. I absolutely love what I would consider companion books that exist in a world but showcase other aspects and cultures of said world - like in me reviews of the Culture books or the Craftworld books. So this was a mind-puzzle gift that I found fascinating. If ye haven't read the first book in the trilogy, ancillary justice, then the next section will likely not make sense to ye. And I suggest ye read that novel before reading this one because of said paragraphs below. So while there are no plot spoilers ahead, I will be doing some mild comparisons and random thoughts so if ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
- I adored that the Radchaai were the protagonists of the trilogy and of course considered themselves the highest-cultured beings of the universe. And in this book we showcase the Hwaean culture who believes they are superior. Both cultures spend time pointing out how certain habits of other societies proved they were uncouth. That being said, both cultures also like to see themselves as being open-minded, which I found to be hysterical.
- For example there is a Radchaai diplomat in this novel. Though a very minor character, the diplomat was used perfectly. The author highlights the hypocrisy of the Radchaai in terms of the person appointed for the diplomatic job and also in the diplomat's attitude towards her job. Yet in certain situations the diplomat takes her tasks extremely seriously and is an important component to how the plot progresses and is resolved. It was awesome!
- We get to see multiple cultures in all the books. Geck, Radchaai, Rrrrr, Omken, and others. So very different and complex and fun. In particular the use (or non-use) of terms of gender vary by culture and language and the complexities rock! The mistakes are sometimes very funny and yet somehow also insightful into how gender is dealt with in this day and age.
- I also adore the different types of justice systems portrayed and the intricacies in how twisted interplanetary law can be. In Tyr Siilas there is a fine based system. Hwae seems slightly more like the British judicial system. Also how all of the cultures deal with the treaty with the Presger is portrayed so well in all of the novels. Citizenship was never such an interesting conundrum.
- I loved how the Radchaai have their memorial pins and the Hwae have their vestiges. I have to admit that I am more partial to a memorial pin. However the use of the vestiges in this book were central to the story and a hoot besides. I kinda want the Radchaai pins and the tourist vestiges.
- Speaking of tourism, Ann Leckie is awesome about writing about tourist places that are normal for the regular population but that I would totally visit. From bridges in the trilogy to Eswae Parkland in this book, I am fascinating and wish I could visit. I would sail the stars just to see the ruin glass hills. If only . . .
Me writing skills are not good enough to get into more particulars and I certainly don't want to give away spoilers. But this novel has been lingering in me head and heart and thoughts. I suggest if ye haven't read Ann Leckie's work then ye should witness for yerself the magic of her writing.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I was mesmerized by books one and two of the Binti series but couldn’t get a hold of the third book quickly. I then spotted this book instead. I thought it was a novella. Nope!
While the Binti series is sci-fi, this one is young adult fantasy. It had a completely different feel from the author’s other works and I loved it.
The story centers around 12 year old Sunny. She was born in the US but currently lives in Nigeria with her family. Not only does Sunny’s Americanism set her apart but so does her albinism. Yet Sunny tries her best to be a normal kid and to do well in school. She is bullied and one day is attacked by a popular female classmate. Only one person tries to come to her aid, a boy named Orlu. As she and Orlu become friends, Sunny soon discovers that she may have the magical powers of the Leopard People. How did she get these powers? And how is she supposed to help stop a killer?
I loved the magical system of this book. I loved that magic had very dangerous side effects and rules. I loved that Sunny still has to stay in “regular” school in addition to her magical training. I loved her friendships. I loved that her family was present in the book even if there were problems. I loved the rich tapestry of world building involved with the Leopard People. I wanted to go into the magical bookstore!
This book was another that led me to read more about the history of the Leopard People, Igbo people, and Efik people. I loved reading about the Efik, particularly the section about the written language mentioned in the book. I will certainly be reading the next book in the series once I get ahold of it. Arrr!
Side note: Lots of people seem to be calling this series the African Harry Potter. Personally I think it trivializes a book that completely stands on its own.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
While the Binti series is sci-fi, this one is young adult fantasy. It had a completely different feel from the author’s other works and I loved it.
The story centers around 12 year old Sunny. She was born in the US but currently lives in Nigeria with her family. Not only does Sunny’s Americanism set her apart but so does her albinism. Yet Sunny tries her best to be a normal kid and to do well in school. She is bullied and one day is attacked by a popular female classmate. Only one person tries to come to her aid, a boy named Orlu. As she and Orlu become friends, Sunny soon discovers that she may have the magical powers of the Leopard People. How did she get these powers? And how is she supposed to help stop a killer?
I loved the magical system of this book. I loved that magic had very dangerous side effects and rules. I loved that Sunny still has to stay in “regular” school in addition to her magical training. I loved her friendships. I loved that her family was present in the book even if there were problems. I loved the rich tapestry of world building involved with the Leopard People. I wanted to go into the magical bookstore!
This book was another that led me to read more about the history of the Leopard People, Igbo people, and Efik people. I loved reading about the Efik, particularly the section about the written language mentioned in the book. I will certainly be reading the next book in the series once I get ahold of it. Arrr!
Side note: Lots of people seem to be calling this series the African Harry Potter. Personally I think it trivializes a book that completely stands on its own.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! For those of ye who are new to me log, a word: though this log’s focus is on sci-fi, fantasy, and young adult, this Captain does have broader reading tastes. Occasionally, I will share some novels that I enjoyed that are off the charts (a non sci-fi, fantasy, or young adult novel), as it were. So today I bring ye:
the lost city of z: a tale of deadly obsession in the amazon (David Grann)
This pirate Captain has a slight obsession with exploration, treasure, and secrets. I recently read a fascinating non-fiction book about a stowaway to Antarctica. Then I saw this book about the Amazon which features missing people, a lost city, treasure, exploration, and death. Arrr! A must-read or in this case must-listen.
Now first off all let me just say that I will keep me sharks, kraken, and man-eating white whales. The sea has nothing on the Amazon. The Amazon has so many types of disgusting flesh eating bugs, flesh eating diseases, and flesh eating fish. Ye thought piranhas were bad. Try candiru. Ugh. Sailing that river does not appeal.
What did appeal was the lengths and struggles that man would go to find and conquer nature. Or attempt to conquer it. This novel mostly chronicles the adventures of Percival “Percy” Harrison Fawcett. Percy was a “British geographer, artillery officer, cartographer, archaeologist and explorer of South America.” He became obsessed with finding a lost city in the jungles of Amazon. Some called it El Dorado. He called it Z. Finding the city would consume him and eventually lead to his disappearance in the jungles of Brazil in 1925. What happened to hardened and experienced Percy on that last ill-fated expedition? Author David Grann was determined to solve the centuries old case.
Like the book about Antarctic explorers, this tale was full of details about the lengths to which these men would go to protect “their” finds and their fame. It also showcases how much effort went into planning and funding an expedition. I found the details of the flora, fauna, and geography of the Amazon to be fascinating. The author even portrays his own trip into the jungle in the name of research.
Really the novel is dense with detail and history. It was riveting and seemingly well researched. The only downside I had was the ending which mentioned some interesting new archeology finds in the area of the Kalapalous tribe that may change the entire historical landscape of South America. These findings by Michael Heckenberger were only touched on. I wanted more!
Side note: While researching for this post, I found a rather scathing article by John Hemming on how the author’s book was immensely exaggerated and factually incorrect.
the lost city of z: a tale of deadly obsession in the amazon (David Grann)
This pirate Captain has a slight obsession with exploration, treasure, and secrets. I recently read a fascinating non-fiction book about a stowaway to Antarctica. Then I saw this book about the Amazon which features missing people, a lost city, treasure, exploration, and death. Arrr! A must-read or in this case must-listen.
Now first off all let me just say that I will keep me sharks, kraken, and man-eating white whales. The sea has nothing on the Amazon. The Amazon has so many types of disgusting flesh eating bugs, flesh eating diseases, and flesh eating fish. Ye thought piranhas were bad. Try candiru. Ugh. Sailing that river does not appeal.
What did appeal was the lengths and struggles that man would go to find and conquer nature. Or attempt to conquer it. This novel mostly chronicles the adventures of Percival “Percy” Harrison Fawcett. Percy was a “British geographer, artillery officer, cartographer, archaeologist and explorer of South America.” He became obsessed with finding a lost city in the jungles of Amazon. Some called it El Dorado. He called it Z. Finding the city would consume him and eventually lead to his disappearance in the jungles of Brazil in 1925. What happened to hardened and experienced Percy on that last ill-fated expedition? Author David Grann was determined to solve the centuries old case.
Like the book about Antarctic explorers, this tale was full of details about the lengths to which these men would go to protect “their” finds and their fame. It also showcases how much effort went into planning and funding an expedition. I found the details of the flora, fauna, and geography of the Amazon to be fascinating. The author even portrays his own trip into the jungle in the name of research.
Really the novel is dense with detail and history. It was riveting and seemingly well researched. The only downside I had was the ending which mentioned some interesting new archeology finds in the area of the Kalapalous tribe that may change the entire historical landscape of South America. These findings by Michael Heckenberger were only touched on. I wanted more!
Side note: While researching for this post, I found a rather scathing article by John Hemming on how the author’s book was immensely exaggerated and factually incorrect.
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
This book was a fun and entertaining read. To save money, a corporation decides to train convicts to be the first exploratory crew on Mars. It is a one way trip. Their purpose is to build and set-up the living quarters for the NASA scientists that follow and then be the maintenance crew for the station. Except that once they get to Mars, they start to die one by one and it doesn’t seem to be an accident.
The good:
- Frank – I very much enjoyed Frank as the primary perspective. He does not always make the best decisions (i.e. why he went to jail) but he is intelligent and likeable. I was certainly rooting for him.
- Concepts- I loved the idea that the subcontractors are trying to save money and use the convicts and other horrible ideas to stay under budget.
- Characters – In general, I liked all the other convicts. They are not really fleshed out at all but I enjoyed all of them in various ways.
- Mars – I liked the descriptions of the planet and the science of the set up of for the dwelling fabrications. It makes me realize, yet again, that I am not meant to ever be a space explorer. I will stick to the sea!
- Build-Up – this is a slow build-up book with a lot of training and introduction. It takes a decent amount of time to even get to Mars. Now I love this kinda start but others may not. It was a fast read even with the slow build-up.
- Writing Style – I enjoyed the author’s writing and manner of speech.
The not as good:
- Mystery – The book claims to have one. It is no mystery. Even though I didn’t know it was supposed to be a who-dun-it tale, the bad guy and the set-up were obvious from the start.
- Bad-Guy – A boring cookie cutter two-dimensional figure. So very stereotypical.
- Characters – I would have liked more insight into each of the characters rather than just seeing them as generic “types.” But as they are only seen through Frank’s eyes, it wasn’t a major problem.
- Mars – There is not much description of the planet itself or really what it feels like to live there. The danger of oxygen loss is the most prevalent danger. Besides murder of course!
- Epistolary Prologues to the Chapters – These were short segments like transcripts, documents, etc. from the XO Corporation that were interspersed between chapters. I enjoyed some of them but they didn’t appear to be in order and were such small snippets. Many were just confusing. I did want the information about why and how XO made its choices but don’t know if it would have been better served in their own chapters or as an appendix or short story or something.
- Ending – an abrupt set-up for the sequel. It annoyed me that it stopped there but I still want to know what happens next!
This is a light thriller read with very little mystery but is fluffy good entertainment. A very quick, likeable read but nothing earth-shattering (Hardy har har!). I will likely pick up the sequel.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Orbit!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This book was a fun and entertaining read. To save money, a corporation decides to train convicts to be the first exploratory crew on Mars. It is a one way trip. Their purpose is to build and set-up the living quarters for the NASA scientists that follow and then be the maintenance crew for the station. Except that once they get to Mars, they start to die one by one and it doesn’t seem to be an accident.
The good:
- Frank – I very much enjoyed Frank as the primary perspective. He does not always make the best decisions (i.e. why he went to jail) but he is intelligent and likeable. I was certainly rooting for him.
- Concepts- I loved the idea that the subcontractors are trying to save money and use the convicts and other horrible ideas to stay under budget.
- Characters – In general, I liked all the other convicts. They are not really fleshed out at all but I enjoyed all of them in various ways.
- Mars – I liked the descriptions of the planet and the science of the set up of for the dwelling fabrications. It makes me realize, yet again, that I am not meant to ever be a space explorer. I will stick to the sea!
- Build-Up – this is a slow build-up book with a lot of training and introduction. It takes a decent amount of time to even get to Mars. Now I love this kinda start but others may not. It was a fast read even with the slow build-up.
- Writing Style – I enjoyed the author’s writing and manner of speech.
The not as good:
- Mystery – The book claims to have one. It is no mystery. Even though I didn’t know it was supposed to be a who-dun-it tale, the bad guy and the set-up were obvious from the start.
- Bad-Guy – A boring cookie cutter two-dimensional figure. So very stereotypical.
- Characters – I would have liked more insight into each of the characters rather than just seeing them as generic “types.” But as they are only seen through Frank’s eyes, it wasn’t a major problem.
- Mars – There is not much description of the planet itself or really what it feels like to live there. The danger of oxygen loss is the most prevalent danger. Besides murder of course!
- Epistolary Prologues to the Chapters – These were short segments like transcripts, documents, etc. from the XO Corporation that were interspersed between chapters. I enjoyed some of them but they didn’t appear to be in order and were such small snippets. Many were just confusing. I did want the information about why and how XO made its choices but don’t know if it would have been better served in their own chapters or as an appendix or short story or something.
- Ending – an abrupt set-up for the sequel. It annoyed me that it stopped there but I still want to know what happens next!
This is a light thriller read with very little mystery but is fluffy good entertainment. A very quick, likeable read but nothing earth-shattering (Hardy har har!). I will likely pick up the sequel.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Orbit!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I don’t know where I first found out about this one. But I do know that it has a kick-ass cover. With that cover I had to see what it was about.
So this involves a detective named Skulduggery Pleasant who just happens to be a walking, talking skeleton who can do magic. Through a series of truly quirky circumstances that I won’t spoil, he meets 12-year-old Stephanie who inadvertently becomes involved in a mystery and then refuses to go back into her ordinary life. Curiosity wins.
The banter between the two and the humor in this story overall made this a quick and fun read. The downsides were that Stephanie didn’t do very much, her parents are clueless, and the mystery was not the focus of the plot. I wanted it to be a skeleton and girl solving weird cases. Instead it is the two of them fighting the evil ancient enemy to save the world.
That said it was very enjoyable and I liked the magical world the author has set up. I think I might read more in the series but there are 10 books in it which makes me wary. But every now and again this might be just the type of light fluffy fun read I am looking for.
Side note: I truly loved the illustrations by Tom Percival!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
So this involves a detective named Skulduggery Pleasant who just happens to be a walking, talking skeleton who can do magic. Through a series of truly quirky circumstances that I won’t spoil, he meets 12-year-old Stephanie who inadvertently becomes involved in a mystery and then refuses to go back into her ordinary life. Curiosity wins.
The banter between the two and the humor in this story overall made this a quick and fun read. The downsides were that Stephanie didn’t do very much, her parents are clueless, and the mystery was not the focus of the plot. I wanted it to be a skeleton and girl solving weird cases. Instead it is the two of them fighting the evil ancient enemy to save the world.
That said it was very enjoyable and I liked the magical world the author has set up. I think I might read more in the series but there are 10 books in it which makes me wary. But every now and again this might be just the type of light fluffy fun read I am looking for.
Side note: I truly loved the illustrations by Tom Percival!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
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Ahoy there me mateys! While drawin’ up me lists of 2016 for me log, I realized a curious thing – out of 134 books read, not a single one was a re-read. In me enthusiasm of discovery and taking suggestions from me crew, I did not revisit a single old port for plunder! And part of what I love about readin’ is re-visitin’ old friends. So I decided to remedy that and thus created me new category where I take a second look at a previously enjoyed novel and give me crew me second reflections, as it were, upon visitin’ it again . . .
Now I had touched upon this novel and the author in me previous log post, the first Broadside No. 1. I adore Garth Nix and have re-read the Old Kingdom series many times over the years. I only recently began listening to audio books and generally prefer to listen to old favourites while I multitask so I feel like I’m not missing anything. Well me best friend told me that the Tim Curry narrates this book and so I knew I had to listen to it.
But before I give me second reflections, a story . . . I had read a negative review of this book by dan @ onemanbookclub where he states “Huh. There are a lot of people who really love this book. Obviously I missed something.” He thought the plot was tedious and that the characters were idiots. I of course told him that while he had an interesting take on it, he was of course, wrong! Dan said he was happy to be convinced otherwise if I could explain it to him. While I don’t feel that I can capture the true love I have for this book and in fact delayed writing this review for quite some time while pondering the question, here is me response to give Dan (and crew members) me ideas about it.
After a small adjustment period getting used to hearing Tim Curry’s voice reading, I ended up sucked right back into one of me favourite stories. One of the elements that hit me this time around was that ye have two main characters in opposite situations but with similar feelings. One, Lirael, wants nothing more than to have the Sight like everyone else and finally feel like she belongs in her family and community. She feels worthless without it. The other, Prince Sameth, has been told that he is the next Abhorsen and has been training all his life for a role he doesn’t want. He is surrounded by love and affection but feels horrible because he wants nothing to do with this future that has been plotted for him. I found the juxtaposition of the longings of the characters to be rather interesting this time around because I never thought of it before. One wants the birthright she thinks she should have and the other spurns the birthright that has been given to him. And both are miserable about it.
I do see how the two characters could maybe become tedious in their immense focusing of how they don’t fit in and are disappointments. But as a rather quirky human meself, I remember being the odd one out so often in life. I have always wanted different goals then “average” people and felt adrift due to me own expectations and desires. So I guess ultimately I can sympathize with young folk who are so concerned about their futures and the expectations of society. I mean, I look back at me earlier self and how different life has become and how much I have changed and wish sometimes that I could go back to me younger self and tell her that those feelings would lose their power and almost seem silly in retrospect. Of course in this book Prince Sameth and Lirael are facing actual world-ending problems and the deaths of many if they don’t succeed so their stakes are way higher than mine ever were!
The plot is slowly built and so much of it is in day to day descriptions. There is action but it is in small bits that tend to happen towards the end of the book. I just love the world building so much that I feel that the Old Kingdom exists and it is almost like I am an invisible spirit getting to watch someone I admire go about their lives. Cause Lirael is a wonderful, strong fabulous person despite her own self-doubt.
Nowhere is this better shown then from her adventures in the library. Now, I have always believed that libraries, especially old cool ones, are some of the most awesome places on the planet. For example, I got to visit the United States Supreme Court’s library and was in heaven! Lirael works in a library full of books of amazing facts. There is magic and danger in the library. There are hidden passages and monsters and mysteries. Lirael’s work in the library gives her a strength of purpose and solidifies her love of learning. Also how I wish that I could sneak into forbidden sections and learn magic and other things forbidden to me.
This book shows Lirael making mistakes and learning from them. She is a person who finds comfort in her own company. As an introvert in a family of extroverts, it was wonderful reading about someone who felt like me. She has a best friend that is a magical dog! I prefer cats meself but I adore their relationship. Ye get to follow Lirael as she grows up and matures and I love her.
As for the ending of the book, this really is only half of a story that doesn’t pick up pace until the next book in the trilogy. That can be off putting for some. But for me, I feel that this trilogy is basically perfection. So if ye haven’t read this series by Garth Nix, I for one recommend it wholeheartedly.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Now I had touched upon this novel and the author in me previous log post, the first Broadside No. 1. I adore Garth Nix and have re-read the Old Kingdom series many times over the years. I only recently began listening to audio books and generally prefer to listen to old favourites while I multitask so I feel like I’m not missing anything. Well me best friend told me that the Tim Curry narrates this book and so I knew I had to listen to it.
But before I give me second reflections, a story . . . I had read a negative review of this book by dan @ onemanbookclub where he states “Huh. There are a lot of people who really love this book. Obviously I missed something.” He thought the plot was tedious and that the characters were idiots. I of course told him that while he had an interesting take on it, he was of course, wrong! Dan said he was happy to be convinced otherwise if I could explain it to him. While I don’t feel that I can capture the true love I have for this book and in fact delayed writing this review for quite some time while pondering the question, here is me response to give Dan (and crew members) me ideas about it.
After a small adjustment period getting used to hearing Tim Curry’s voice reading, I ended up sucked right back into one of me favourite stories. One of the elements that hit me this time around was that ye have two main characters in opposite situations but with similar feelings. One, Lirael, wants nothing more than to have the Sight like everyone else and finally feel like she belongs in her family and community. She feels worthless without it. The other, Prince Sameth, has been told that he is the next Abhorsen and has been training all his life for a role he doesn’t want. He is surrounded by love and affection but feels horrible because he wants nothing to do with this future that has been plotted for him. I found the juxtaposition of the longings of the characters to be rather interesting this time around because I never thought of it before. One wants the birthright she thinks she should have and the other spurns the birthright that has been given to him. And both are miserable about it.
I do see how the two characters could maybe become tedious in their immense focusing of how they don’t fit in and are disappointments. But as a rather quirky human meself, I remember being the odd one out so often in life. I have always wanted different goals then “average” people and felt adrift due to me own expectations and desires. So I guess ultimately I can sympathize with young folk who are so concerned about their futures and the expectations of society. I mean, I look back at me earlier self and how different life has become and how much I have changed and wish sometimes that I could go back to me younger self and tell her that those feelings would lose their power and almost seem silly in retrospect. Of course in this book Prince Sameth and Lirael are facing actual world-ending problems and the deaths of many if they don’t succeed so their stakes are way higher than mine ever were!
The plot is slowly built and so much of it is in day to day descriptions. There is action but it is in small bits that tend to happen towards the end of the book. I just love the world building so much that I feel that the Old Kingdom exists and it is almost like I am an invisible spirit getting to watch someone I admire go about their lives. Cause Lirael is a wonderful, strong fabulous person despite her own self-doubt.
Nowhere is this better shown then from her adventures in the library. Now, I have always believed that libraries, especially old cool ones, are some of the most awesome places on the planet. For example, I got to visit the United States Supreme Court’s library and was in heaven! Lirael works in a library full of books of amazing facts. There is magic and danger in the library. There are hidden passages and monsters and mysteries. Lirael’s work in the library gives her a strength of purpose and solidifies her love of learning. Also how I wish that I could sneak into forbidden sections and learn magic and other things forbidden to me.
This book shows Lirael making mistakes and learning from them. She is a person who finds comfort in her own company. As an introvert in a family of extroverts, it was wonderful reading about someone who felt like me. She has a best friend that is a magical dog! I prefer cats meself but I adore their relationship. Ye get to follow Lirael as she grows up and matures and I love her.
As for the ending of the book, this really is only half of a story that doesn’t pick up pace until the next book in the trilogy. That can be off putting for some. But for me, I feel that this trilogy is basically perfection. So if ye haven’t read this series by Garth Nix, I for one recommend it wholeheartedly.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/