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Ahoy there me mateys! I was mesmerized by books one and two of the Binti series and was happy to finally get me hands on the third and last book. If ye haven’t read the first book then ye might want to skip this post and go read me review of that one. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
This novella was another stunning read in the series. In this installment, Binti is yet again fighting to maintain peace between two warring alien cultures. But this time, the resurgence has occurred in Binti’s home town and brings her family into the thick of things.
I continue to find the juxtaposition of maintaining a sense of culture and self with the additions of change and technology to be fascinating. I found Binti’s predicament in this regard to be heart-wrenching. And yet she continues to be an intelligent, thoughtful, resourceful, and beautiful within her being. I also loved the addition of the new ship and getting to know Mwinyi better.
The main problem I had with this book was the ending. It felt anti-climatic – mostly because I just wanted more! While the story did resolve the conflict in Binti’s town, it just seems to halt Binti’s growth and story while there is still so much unanswered. With the addition of the new ship and Mwinyi, I would love to know more. The afterward made it clear that the author told the story she wanted to tell and I do respect that. But I, for one, would be willing to read anything else she choses to write in this marvelous world.
This novella was another stunning read in the series. In this installment, Binti is yet again fighting to maintain peace between two warring alien cultures. But this time, the resurgence has occurred in Binti’s home town and brings her family into the thick of things.
I continue to find the juxtaposition of maintaining a sense of culture and self with the additions of change and technology to be fascinating. I found Binti’s predicament in this regard to be heart-wrenching. And yet she continues to be an intelligent, thoughtful, resourceful, and beautiful within her being. I also loved the addition of the new ship and getting to know Mwinyi better.
The main problem I had with this book was the ending. It felt anti-climatic – mostly because I just wanted more! While the story did resolve the conflict in Binti’s town, it just seems to halt Binti’s growth and story while there is still so much unanswered. With the addition of the new ship and Mwinyi, I would love to know more. The afterward made it clear that the author told the story she wanted to tell and I do respect that. But I, for one, would be willing to read anything else she choses to write in this marvelous world.
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Ahoy there mateys! This is the second companion novel to the wonderful sci-fi novel planetfall which continues to linger in me thoughts as being a super pleasurable previous read. As a companion novel, the books can be read in any order even though personally I am glad I read them in publishing order. Planetfall showed the story of a human colony on a remote alien planet far far from Earth. Book two, after atlas, is a sci-fi murder mystery novel set on Earth forty years after Atlas has left the planet.
This third installment involves Anna Kubrick, a geologist by trade and artist by hobby. She has been sent to Mars by her employers primarily because of her art. Her billionaire boss, who owns all rights to Mars, wants her to be the first person to paint the scenery of Mars while there so that it can sell to the highest bidder back home. When Anna gets to Mars, she finds surprising hostility from some of the crew members. Matters are further confused when she finds a note of warning in her room that appears to be written in her own hand! Is she going crazy or is there something more sinister going on?
Anna is a conflicted figure who cannot decide if she wants to be on Mars or back home with her family. She feels both fake and smothered from society's expectations. Her background makes her fear that she might be headed towards mental breakdown. And she is suffering from post-natal syndrome. Reading about her troubles as an overlay on top of the mysterious situation from Mars was hard at times. Anna is a very sympathetic character and also a very strong one.
Mental health is a hard issue and from outside it seems a bit easy to see some of the problems on Mars. The reader could guess at some of the problems and their corresponding solutions. But Anna's genuine confusion and self-doubt is real. Did she make the right choices? Is her life a lie? Is she a useless mother? Why isn't she like everyone else?
Like the other two books, this is a very character-driven story. As I had guessed a lot of the mystery, I found the ending to be less than exciting even though I didn't know any of the finer details. But the story is compelling, the characterization is fantastic, and the world-building as great as ever.
I believe there is going to be another story set in this world in 2019. While waiting, do pick up any of the Planetfall books and treat yerself to a delightful story.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This third installment involves Anna Kubrick, a geologist by trade and artist by hobby. She has been sent to Mars by her employers primarily because of her art. Her billionaire boss, who owns all rights to Mars, wants her to be the first person to paint the scenery of Mars while there so that it can sell to the highest bidder back home. When Anna gets to Mars, she finds surprising hostility from some of the crew members. Matters are further confused when she finds a note of warning in her room that appears to be written in her own hand! Is she going crazy or is there something more sinister going on?
Anna is a conflicted figure who cannot decide if she wants to be on Mars or back home with her family. She feels both fake and smothered from society's expectations. Her background makes her fear that she might be headed towards mental breakdown. And she is suffering from post-natal syndrome. Reading about her troubles as an overlay on top of the mysterious situation from Mars was hard at times. Anna is a very sympathetic character and also a very strong one.
Mental health is a hard issue and from outside it seems a bit easy to see some of the problems on Mars. The reader could guess at some of the problems and their corresponding solutions. But Anna's genuine confusion and self-doubt is real. Did she make the right choices? Is her life a lie? Is she a useless mother? Why isn't she like everyone else?
Like the other two books, this is a very character-driven story. As I had guessed a lot of the mystery, I found the ending to be less than exciting even though I didn't know any of the finer details. But the story is compelling, the characterization is fantastic, and the world-building as great as ever.
I believe there is going to be another story set in this world in 2019. While waiting, do pick up any of the Planetfall books and treat yerself to a delightful story.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! This be the first read in me April BookBum Club Challenge! It be a monthly bookclub here on Goodreads that anyone can join! https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/297482-the-bookbum-club
This sci-fi novella caught me eye because one of me favourite authors, Ann Leckie, talked about it in one of her blog posts. She states, “This is volume 1 of the Murderbot Diaries, and I suspect a certain percentage of my readers don’t need to hear anything more. Go, purchase, download! You will enjoy this.” Ummm yes I did enjoy this. In fact, I loved it! It is nominated for the 2018 Best Novella Hugo Award (with some amazing others) as well as these other awards:
Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novella (2018), Philip K. Dick Award Nominee (2017), ALA Alex Award (2018), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Science Fiction (2017)
Need anymore convincing? Ye may see that I have not discussed plot, character, or anything else about this novel. I went into it blind and recommend this. For those that must know more, the blurb be below. It does not do this justice. This be basically a perfect read. I have read four out of the six novellas nominated for the Hugo and so far this might be me favourite.
I had heard of Martha Wells before but never read any of her work. Shame on me. I be glad to have remedied this. The next 3 novellas in the series are all scheduled to come out this year. Arrrrr!! I will be reading them all. I only wish that I would have read this sooner.
Much thanks to the BookBum Club for giving me the incentive to read this delightful “short and sweet” novella (144 pgs.). Day one – challenge complete! Next up: call it courage. Check out that review tomorrow!
Side note: Tor has published 5 of the 6 novellas up for Best Novella this year! Good job Tor. Keep up the good work!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This sci-fi novella caught me eye because one of me favourite authors, Ann Leckie, talked about it in one of her blog posts. She states, “This is volume 1 of the Murderbot Diaries, and I suspect a certain percentage of my readers don’t need to hear anything more. Go, purchase, download! You will enjoy this.” Ummm yes I did enjoy this. In fact, I loved it! It is nominated for the 2018 Best Novella Hugo Award (with some amazing others) as well as these other awards:
Nebula Award Nominee for Best Novella (2018), Philip K. Dick Award Nominee (2017), ALA Alex Award (2018), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Science Fiction (2017)
Need anymore convincing? Ye may see that I have not discussed plot, character, or anything else about this novel. I went into it blind and recommend this. For those that must know more, the blurb be below. It does not do this justice. This be basically a perfect read. I have read four out of the six novellas nominated for the Hugo and so far this might be me favourite.
I had heard of Martha Wells before but never read any of her work. Shame on me. I be glad to have remedied this. The next 3 novellas in the series are all scheduled to come out this year. Arrrrr!! I will be reading them all. I only wish that I would have read this sooner.
Much thanks to the BookBum Club for giving me the incentive to read this delightful “short and sweet” novella (144 pgs.). Day one – challenge complete! Next up: call it courage. Check out that review tomorrow!
Side note: Tor has published 5 of the 6 novellas up for Best Novella this year! Good job Tor. Keep up the good work!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! This was an audiobook that I picked up because I was looking for a fluffy fun read and the cover, title, and the small part of the blurb that I read sounded appealing. The story involves a finishing school where girls learn the traditional arts like dance and how to curtsy and the not so usual arts of espionage like poison, knives, and seduction.
The cover however looks like the protagonist would be older. Therefore I was surprised to find out that the main character was only 14 and that this was YA. I had assumed from the cover that the protagonist would be at least 16 but more like 17 going on 18. She does NOT look 14 in the cover. Apparently the author has another series called the Parasol Protectorate that stars an older spinster which is what I mistakenly thought I was reading. This book was part of the Finishing School series marketed more for the younger set. Should have perhaps read the blurb in full.
That being said, I got mostly what I wanted. I did like the protagonist, Sophronia. She is a bit of a special snowflake but I was won over by her in the end. The plot is fluffy and makes little sense at times but I did enjoy it. I chuckled at many parts which was nice. And I loved the pet “mechanimal” and its part in the story. The other students were fun but didn’t get nearly enough page time. I also would have liked more descriptions of the espionage training, especially in the use of the fan.
Light on plot and characterization but full of fun and silliness, I do think I would read the next in the series. I also am tempted by the other more adult series though I hear it is more of a romance. If the crew has any opinions on these series then please chime in!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
The cover however looks like the protagonist would be older. Therefore I was surprised to find out that the main character was only 14 and that this was YA. I had assumed from the cover that the protagonist would be at least 16 but more like 17 going on 18. She does NOT look 14 in the cover. Apparently the author has another series called the Parasol Protectorate that stars an older spinster which is what I mistakenly thought I was reading. This book was part of the Finishing School series marketed more for the younger set. Should have perhaps read the blurb in full.
That being said, I got mostly what I wanted. I did like the protagonist, Sophronia. She is a bit of a special snowflake but I was won over by her in the end. The plot is fluffy and makes little sense at times but I did enjoy it. I chuckled at many parts which was nice. And I loved the pet “mechanimal” and its part in the story. The other students were fun but didn’t get nearly enough page time. I also would have liked more descriptions of the espionage training, especially in the use of the fan.
Light on plot and characterization but full of fun and silliness, I do think I would read the next in the series. I also am tempted by the other more adult series though I hear it is more of a romance. If the crew has any opinions on these series then please chime in!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
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) Like Robert Silverberg, this was another Hugo winning author whose work I have never read;
2) It is a Subterranean Press book and they do great work; and
3) The story is driven by women characters facing a catastrophe.
What I didn’t know before reading this was that the author is known for his hard science fiction. So while I loved the introduction to the story, I quickly became lost in the physics of the first section. I understood enough to know what Freya was trying to accomplish but not how it would work or how the “experiment” she set up convinced people. This section was from 11 to 30%. In this short work, it wasn’t too onerous and I was intrigued enough to continue reading.
After that the story picked up pace, and I found it mostly fascinating. The science played a part but then there were fun things like tower building, gilders, and dealing with the challenges of living on a new planet.
The book has three parts and ye follow the women through multiple generations, which was cool. One of the awesome aspects was that the women were always looking at the larger long-term goals. Most projects were on a scale where many generations would pass before results could be determined. The women had to choose between starvation today or the potential possibility of survival of their descendants tomorrow. I enjoyed seeing why they chose to do things, the consequences of their choices, and how time changed perspectives.
The not so cool part was that many of the women felt very similar and interchangeable. I happened to like their take-charge personalities, intelligence, and determination. But perhaps it would have been nice to see other personality types. Or maybe those types were the only possibilities to guarantee survival.
Also the process of reproduction made me less than comfortable. That is where the phoresis title comes in. This biological phenomenon is when one organism transports another. In this book each woman carries three of her brothers inside of her. The brothers’ emotions can influence the women’s actions as all of them are dependent on each other for survival. The brothers are hardly intelligent and fight with each other for the right to breed. So far, fine with that. It posed some interesting problems in women taking life-risking challenges. It is the how of the breeding that was unappetizing. Basically the brothers emerge from the uterus and . . . um . . . merge with another women for fertilization. This only happened once in this book and was hazy in detail but me mind filled in the blanks.
Ultimately while I enjoyed the story overall and thought the writing style was excellent, this is not one I would re-read. I am also not sure I could read anything else by the author if the physics is like this in everything he writes.
This be the third read in me April BookBum Club Challenge! Much thanks to the BookBum Club for giving me the incentive to finally read this “short and sweet” book (168 pgs). Day three – challenge complete! Next up: i met a traveller in an antique land. Check out that review on Monday!
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) Like Robert Silverberg, this was another Hugo winning author whose work I have never read;
2) It is a Subterranean Press book and they do great work; and
3) The story is driven by women characters facing a catastrophe.
What I didn’t know before reading this was that the author is known for his hard science fiction. So while I loved the introduction to the story, I quickly became lost in the physics of the first section. I understood enough to know what Freya was trying to accomplish but not how it would work or how the “experiment” she set up convinced people. This section was from 11 to 30%. In this short work, it wasn’t too onerous and I was intrigued enough to continue reading.
After that the story picked up pace, and I found it mostly fascinating. The science played a part but then there were fun things like tower building, gilders, and dealing with the challenges of living on a new planet.
The book has three parts and ye follow the women through multiple generations, which was cool. One of the awesome aspects was that the women were always looking at the larger long-term goals. Most projects were on a scale where many generations would pass before results could be determined. The women had to choose between starvation today or the potential possibility of survival of their descendants tomorrow. I enjoyed seeing why they chose to do things, the consequences of their choices, and how time changed perspectives.
The not so cool part was that many of the women felt very similar and interchangeable. I happened to like their take-charge personalities, intelligence, and determination. But perhaps it would have been nice to see other personality types. Or maybe those types were the only possibilities to guarantee survival.
Also the process of reproduction made me less than comfortable. That is where the phoresis title comes in. This biological phenomenon is when one organism transports another. In this book each woman carries three of her brothers inside of her. The brothers’ emotions can influence the women’s actions as all of them are dependent on each other for survival. The brothers are hardly intelligent and fight with each other for the right to breed. So far, fine with that. It posed some interesting problems in women taking life-risking challenges. It is the how of the breeding that was unappetizing. Basically the brothers emerge from the uterus and . . . um . . . merge with another women for fertilization. This only happened once in this book and was hazy in detail but me mind filled in the blanks.
Ultimately while I enjoyed the story overall and thought the writing style was excellent, this is not one I would re-read. I am also not sure I could read anything else by the author if the physics is like this in everything he writes.
This be the third read in me April BookBum Club Challenge! Much thanks to the BookBum Club for giving me the incentive to finally read this “short and sweet” book (168 pgs). Day three – challenge complete! Next up: i met a traveller in an antique land. Check out that review on Monday!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Subterranean Press!
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:
smoke gets in your eyes: and other lessons from the crematorium (Caitlin Doughty)
Death. Decay. Ashes. Topics that don't naturally bring light-hearted fuzzy feelings to the masses. In fact, most folks avoid the topic whenever possible. In America, in particular, many people seem to think that if ye talk about death then Death may hear those thoughts and come knocking. It is a topic that many people avoid altogether. I wouldn't be surprised if some of me crew skipped this post after readin' the full title of the book.
Seriously though, dealing with death is important. I genuinely believe that end of life should be discussed early and planned for as best one can. And then those discussions and plans should be updated as one's life progresses. I worked as a paralegal for a time. It is not easy having to go into a hospital in someone's final days and try to get paperwork together. Or worse yet when there is nothing in place and grieving and planning take place concurrently. Also I feel strongly that a person has a right to have their wishes followed in regards to end of life. Imagine being witness to fighting over whether the plug should be pulled or if there should be a burial or cremation. These experiences have led me to be more open to talking about death and planning.
Naturally, I don't know much about the practice of dying. The first book I read to gain more insight was called stiff by Mary Roach. This dealt with the science of death and discussed what happens to cadavers when we die. It was both eye-opening and even funny in parts (while still being respectful overall). I highly recommend it.
So then I picked up this book to learn more about the crematorium. This book is also funny in parts and very detailed. And gross. That cannot be escaped. But the information was fascinating and detailed. The author is passionate about her subject and her commentary was thought-provoking. I loved getting more insight into this billion dollar industry and seeing some of the "tricks of the trade." I will be reading her newest book for sure.
Ultimately these two books have opened dialogues about death culture and led to further examinations about me own thoughts about me personal end of life wishes and care. I highly recommend them to me crew. Also if me readers know of any other interesting books on the subject, please share below.
Side note: Everyone, regardless of age, should have a written Will and advanced medical directive! The laws vary by state and it is really best to use a lawyer who practices estate and/or elder law. Though ***disclaimer*** I am not a lawyer and this should not be construed as legal advice!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
smoke gets in your eyes: and other lessons from the crematorium (Caitlin Doughty)
Death. Decay. Ashes. Topics that don't naturally bring light-hearted fuzzy feelings to the masses. In fact, most folks avoid the topic whenever possible. In America, in particular, many people seem to think that if ye talk about death then Death may hear those thoughts and come knocking. It is a topic that many people avoid altogether. I wouldn't be surprised if some of me crew skipped this post after readin' the full title of the book.
Seriously though, dealing with death is important. I genuinely believe that end of life should be discussed early and planned for as best one can. And then those discussions and plans should be updated as one's life progresses. I worked as a paralegal for a time. It is not easy having to go into a hospital in someone's final days and try to get paperwork together. Or worse yet when there is nothing in place and grieving and planning take place concurrently. Also I feel strongly that a person has a right to have their wishes followed in regards to end of life. Imagine being witness to fighting over whether the plug should be pulled or if there should be a burial or cremation. These experiences have led me to be more open to talking about death and planning.
Naturally, I don't know much about the practice of dying. The first book I read to gain more insight was called stiff by Mary Roach. This dealt with the science of death and discussed what happens to cadavers when we die. It was both eye-opening and even funny in parts (while still being respectful overall). I highly recommend it.
So then I picked up this book to learn more about the crematorium. This book is also funny in parts and very detailed. And gross. That cannot be escaped. But the information was fascinating and detailed. The author is passionate about her subject and her commentary was thought-provoking. I loved getting more insight into this billion dollar industry and seeing some of the "tricks of the trade." I will be reading her newest book for sure.
Ultimately these two books have opened dialogues about death culture and led to further examinations about me own thoughts about me personal end of life wishes and care. I highly recommend them to me crew. Also if me readers know of any other interesting books on the subject, please share below.
Side note: Everyone, regardless of age, should have a written Will and advanced medical directive! The laws vary by state and it is really best to use a lawyer who practices estate and/or elder law. Though ***disclaimer*** I am not a lawyer and this should not be construed as legal advice!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I have loved Paolo Bacigalupi ever since I read the windup girl. So when I heard that he had co-written a book, I knew I had to pick it up. Just be aware that this is not one complete story but rather four interrelated short stories set in the same world. I am glad that me matey, Millie @ milliebotreads, warned me of this so I was prepared.
That said, I absolutely loved this book. The world and its magic is so very fascinating. Brambles are taking over the world and destroying everything in their path. They are spread by the use of magic and they kill. The solution seems easy. Just stop doing magic. And yet folk can’t seem to help themselves. A little spell to stop a sickness. A charm to fix physical defects. A magic bridge to span a river. The bigger the magic, the more the brambles grow. Every spell hurts. The four stories talk about the consequences of the brambles in various walks of life.
The four sections follow 1) an alchemist, 2) an executioness, 3) a child of Kahim, and 4) a blacksmith’s daughter. Personally, stories 1 and 4 were me favourite. The alchemist story set up the world in a wonderful way and I was highly invested in what would happen. The blacksmith’s daughter had unexpected turns throughout that kept me guessing.
All of the stories had unresolved endings and yet were satisfying. That be unusual for me. I would love to have further adventures of both the alchemist and the blacksmith’s daughter. I would also love to have more stories set in this amazing world. It was a quick read and I couldn’t put it down. I want more!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
That said, I absolutely loved this book. The world and its magic is so very fascinating. Brambles are taking over the world and destroying everything in their path. They are spread by the use of magic and they kill. The solution seems easy. Just stop doing magic. And yet folk can’t seem to help themselves. A little spell to stop a sickness. A charm to fix physical defects. A magic bridge to span a river. The bigger the magic, the more the brambles grow. Every spell hurts. The four stories talk about the consequences of the brambles in various walks of life.
The four sections follow 1) an alchemist, 2) an executioness, 3) a child of Kahim, and 4) a blacksmith’s daughter. Personally, stories 1 and 4 were me favourite. The alchemist story set up the world in a wonderful way and I was highly invested in what would happen. The blacksmith’s daughter had unexpected turns throughout that kept me guessing.
All of the stories had unresolved endings and yet were satisfying. That be unusual for me. I would love to have further adventures of both the alchemist and the blacksmith’s daughter. I would also love to have more stories set in this amazing world. It was a quick read and I couldn’t put it down. I want more!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I fell in love with Roz in the first book, the wild robot. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book then ye might want to skip this post. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
It was wonderful to be readin’ about Roz again and seeing how she handles the new obstacles in her path. Unlike the first book that happens in the wild, this book finds Roz dealing with humans and farming and cities. As always she is gregarious, hard-working, thoughtful, compassionate, and fabulous. I adored her entire time working on the farm.
Another quick and lovely read by the author. His illustrations were wonderful and heartwarming. While I be satisfied with the conclusion of the series, closing that final page was bittersweet. I will miss the further adventures of Roz but know she can surely handle anything that comes her way.
And like I said before, this be categorized as middle-grade. Bah! Don’t let that stop ye! I don’t put age limits on things. Everyone should read about Roz the robot.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
It was wonderful to be readin’ about Roz again and seeing how she handles the new obstacles in her path. Unlike the first book that happens in the wild, this book finds Roz dealing with humans and farming and cities. As always she is gregarious, hard-working, thoughtful, compassionate, and fabulous. I adored her entire time working on the farm.
Another quick and lovely read by the author. His illustrations were wonderful and heartwarming. While I be satisfied with the conclusion of the series, closing that final page was bittersweet. I will miss the further adventures of Roz but know she can surely handle anything that comes her way.
And like I said before, this be categorized as middle-grade. Bah! Don’t let that stop ye! I don’t put age limits on things. Everyone should read about Roz the robot.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this sci-fi thriller eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
This was categorized as a thriller, which I don't normally read. However the cover and title were fascinating so I went to see what it was about. Well turns out it has a lot of science fiction elements so I happily got a copy. And what a thrilling ride this was!
This book follows Dr. Gillian Ryan who studies the brain and a serious new form of dementia. Her fight against the disease is a personal one because it killed her husband. And now her daughter has it too. She needs a cure. The major problem is that her funding has been cut. So when NASA offers her unlimited funding in exchange for a 6 month trip to space to help with astronauts suffering similar problems, can she say no?
I found Gillian to be an awesome protagonist that I was continuously rooting for. She has an addiction problem and at times thinks she is going insane. And yet she is smart, driven, and savvy. She will do anything for her daughter. I was riveted by her journey and didn't want to put the book down.
The science sections dealing with both the brain and space were fascinating. The novel was character-driven, filled with tension, and truly atmospheric. Poor Gillian is continuously put in harrowing and unexpected situations. Of course nothing goes to plan. The combination of thriller, horror, slight mystery, and sci-fi made this a wonderful read that I highly recommend.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Thomas & Mercer!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This was categorized as a thriller, which I don't normally read. However the cover and title were fascinating so I went to see what it was about. Well turns out it has a lot of science fiction elements so I happily got a copy. And what a thrilling ride this was!
This book follows Dr. Gillian Ryan who studies the brain and a serious new form of dementia. Her fight against the disease is a personal one because it killed her husband. And now her daughter has it too. She needs a cure. The major problem is that her funding has been cut. So when NASA offers her unlimited funding in exchange for a 6 month trip to space to help with astronauts suffering similar problems, can she say no?
I found Gillian to be an awesome protagonist that I was continuously rooting for. She has an addiction problem and at times thinks she is going insane. And yet she is smart, driven, and savvy. She will do anything for her daughter. I was riveted by her journey and didn't want to put the book down.
The science sections dealing with both the brain and space were fascinating. The novel was character-driven, filled with tension, and truly atmospheric. Poor Gillian is continuously put in harrowing and unexpected situations. Of course nothing goes to plan. The combination of thriller, horror, slight mystery, and sci-fi made this a wonderful read that I highly recommend.
So lastly . . .
Thank you Thomas & Mercer!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book then ye might want to skip this post. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
I love the Murderbot! I thought the first novella was basically perfect and deserves its spot on the 2018 Best Novella Hugo Award nomination list. Then I read this one and loved it just as much. In this second volume the Murderbot is on its own and has a self-appointed mission to try and solve a mystery in its past. To accomplish this, Murderbot hitches a ride on a research vessel to a mining planet. The transport ship turns out to be more than Murderbot bargained for! I adored the relationship between the two and found it to be the highlight of this installment. I don't want to get into too many details because it is better for the reader to savour on their own. Read about the Murderbot and fall in love.
Side note: There be two more novellas scheduled in the series - one coming out in August and the other in October. I need them now!!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge!!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I love the Murderbot! I thought the first novella was basically perfect and deserves its spot on the 2018 Best Novella Hugo Award nomination list. Then I read this one and loved it just as much. In this second volume the Murderbot is on its own and has a self-appointed mission to try and solve a mystery in its past. To accomplish this, Murderbot hitches a ride on a research vessel to a mining planet. The transport ship turns out to be more than Murderbot bargained for! I adored the relationship between the two and found it to be the highlight of this installment. I don't want to get into too many details because it is better for the reader to savour on their own. Read about the Murderbot and fall in love.
Side note: There be two more novellas scheduled in the series - one coming out in August and the other in October. I need them now!!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge!!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/