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Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review all three books of the Themis Files trilogy. There may be minor spoilers (i.e. small things found in the blurbs) so read at yer own peril . . .
Now I don’t normally do single posts for full series. But I started listening to book one, became hooked, and quickly gobbled them all up. The books start when an 11 year-old girl named Rose is out riding her new birthday bike. She falls into a hole and lands on a metal hand. The giant hand turns out to be part of an alien structure. That structure turns the past, present, and future of Earth upside down.
One of the negative things I heard about this series before embarking on the adventure meself, was that the time frames were odd. And it be true. The books jump around and skip huge chunks of time. A next chapter might take place several decades later. There be jumps into the past and back again. I was glad I was forewarned because I was able to go with the flow.
Another thing I be glad of was listening to the first and second books in audio book form. The majority of this book is told in epistolary style via audio file format, journal entries, etc.. I wanted to listen to book three on audio book but there was a massive wait list. So I got the available ebook. It was hard to read the book in that format. The audio book was first rate and I loved the voice performances. Each character is played by a different person. I particularly enjoyed Kara Resnick and crazy Alyssa. Two thumbs up for excellent production values.
The other thing that would normally bother me was the cliffhanger endings of books one and two. But they were rather perfect for this series and are part of why I had to immediately know what happens next. I treated the series as one long book instead of three separate ones and that actually increased me enjoyment.
So what about the story itself? Well I loved book one the best, followed by book three, and then book two. Basically the hand that Rose finds belongs to a giant robot. The giant robot is from an alien race. Rose ends up studying that hand when she has grown and helps sets all of the events in motion. She was one of the better characters and has the best personal growth in the trilogy.
One of me favourite things about the book is that even though the alien race is technologically advanced, they don’t seem to culturally be any better than humans. I loved that the aliens made mistakes. I loved the snippets of their lives and politics that we do get. I would have preferred more about them, actually. I also loved how the trilogy ended because I thought it was realistic. I enjoyed that the aliens aren’t godlike despite their godlike technology and the humans’ tenacity doesn’t solve all their problems or even most of them. I do admit that the end was rather bleak for the human species. But the aliens weren’t much better. That was refreshing for a sci-fi book. There is hope but it is slim, indeed.
The robot parts of the book did get a little bit old for me. I loved them in book one but subsequently wished they would go away. That could be because of how the dumb humans chose to use them. To be fair, there were some political consequences that I did not expect and those elements were lovely.
As for characterization, in general I did find it hard to connect to the characters as people. There were me favourites and I enjoyed them but it was hard to watch most of humanity make such dumb mistakes and stupid assumptions. Also there wasn’t a ton of growth for any of the characters with the exception of Rose. Many choices were made from outright emotional reaction that never seemed to change regardless of the circumstances. So I did watch a lot of the story as an observer rather than a participant. But not all of it. There were deaths and choices that made me tear up. There were sections where I cheered for me favourites. There were also “philosophical” sections where I sat back and watched from afar.
I think overall this be a very lovely trilogy despite the small flaws. It has been a long while since I had so voraciously read a trilogy in such a short time frame. I think it is a stellar beginning for a new author and will certainly be picking up whatever he writes next. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Now I don’t normally do single posts for full series. But I started listening to book one, became hooked, and quickly gobbled them all up. The books start when an 11 year-old girl named Rose is out riding her new birthday bike. She falls into a hole and lands on a metal hand. The giant hand turns out to be part of an alien structure. That structure turns the past, present, and future of Earth upside down.
One of the negative things I heard about this series before embarking on the adventure meself, was that the time frames were odd. And it be true. The books jump around and skip huge chunks of time. A next chapter might take place several decades later. There be jumps into the past and back again. I was glad I was forewarned because I was able to go with the flow.
Another thing I be glad of was listening to the first and second books in audio book form. The majority of this book is told in epistolary style via audio file format, journal entries, etc.. I wanted to listen to book three on audio book but there was a massive wait list. So I got the available ebook. It was hard to read the book in that format. The audio book was first rate and I loved the voice performances. Each character is played by a different person. I particularly enjoyed Kara Resnick and crazy Alyssa. Two thumbs up for excellent production values.
The other thing that would normally bother me was the cliffhanger endings of books one and two. But they were rather perfect for this series and are part of why I had to immediately know what happens next. I treated the series as one long book instead of three separate ones and that actually increased me enjoyment.
So what about the story itself? Well I loved book one the best, followed by book three, and then book two. Basically the hand that Rose finds belongs to a giant robot. The giant robot is from an alien race. Rose ends up studying that hand when she has grown and helps sets all of the events in motion. She was one of the better characters and has the best personal growth in the trilogy.
One of me favourite things about the book is that even though the alien race is technologically advanced, they don’t seem to culturally be any better than humans. I loved that the aliens made mistakes. I loved the snippets of their lives and politics that we do get. I would have preferred more about them, actually. I also loved how the trilogy ended because I thought it was realistic. I enjoyed that the aliens aren’t godlike despite their godlike technology and the humans’ tenacity doesn’t solve all their problems or even most of them. I do admit that the end was rather bleak for the human species. But the aliens weren’t much better. That was refreshing for a sci-fi book. There is hope but it is slim, indeed.
The robot parts of the book did get a little bit old for me. I loved them in book one but subsequently wished they would go away. That could be because of how the dumb humans chose to use them. To be fair, there were some political consequences that I did not expect and those elements were lovely.
As for characterization, in general I did find it hard to connect to the characters as people. There were me favourites and I enjoyed them but it was hard to watch most of humanity make such dumb mistakes and stupid assumptions. Also there wasn’t a ton of growth for any of the characters with the exception of Rose. Many choices were made from outright emotional reaction that never seemed to change regardless of the circumstances. So I did watch a lot of the story as an observer rather than a participant. But not all of it. There were deaths and choices that made me tear up. There were sections where I cheered for me favourites. There were also “philosophical” sections where I sat back and watched from afar.
I think overall this be a very lovely trilogy despite the small flaws. It has been a long while since I had so voraciously read a trilogy in such a short time frame. I think it is a stellar beginning for a new author and will certainly be picking up whatever he writes next. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review all three books of the Themis Files trilogy. There may be minor spoilers (i.e. small things found in the blurbs) so read at yer own peril . . .
Now I don’t normally do single posts for full series. But I started listening to book one, became hooked, and quickly gobbled them all up. The books start when an 11 year-old girl named Rose is out riding her new birthday bike. She falls into a hole and lands on a metal hand. The giant hand turns out to be part of an alien structure. That structure turns the past, present, and future of Earth upside down.
One of the negative things I heard about this series before embarking on the adventure meself, was that the time frames were odd. And it be true. The books jump around and skip huge chunks of time. A next chapter might take place several decades later. There be jumps into the past and back again. I was glad I was forewarned because I was able to go with the flow.
Another thing I be glad of was listening to the first and second books in audio book form. The majority of this book is told in epistolary style via audio file format, journal entries, etc.. I wanted to listen to book three on audio book but there was a massive wait list. So I got the available ebook. It was hard to read the book in that format. The audio book was first rate and I loved the voice performances. Each character is played by a different person. I particularly enjoyed Kara Resnick and crazy Alyssa. Two thumbs up for excellent production values.
The other thing that would normally bother me was the cliffhanger endings of books one and two. But they were rather perfect for this series and are part of why I had to immediately know what happens next. I treated the series as one long book instead of three separate ones and that actually increased me enjoyment.
So what about the story itself? Well I loved book one the best, followed by book three, and then book two. Basically the hand that Rose finds belongs to a giant robot. The giant robot is from an alien race. Rose ends up studying that hand when she has grown and helps sets all of the events in motion. She was one of the better characters and has the best personal growth in the trilogy.
One of me favourite things about the book is that even though the alien race is technologically advanced, they don’t seem to culturally be any better than humans. I loved that the aliens made mistakes. I loved the snippets of their lives and politics that we do get. I would have preferred more about them, actually. I also loved how the trilogy ended because I thought it was realistic. I enjoyed that the aliens aren’t godlike despite their godlike technology and the humans’ tenacity doesn’t solve all their problems or even most of them. I do admit that the end was rather bleak for the human species. But the aliens weren’t much better. That was refreshing for a sci-fi book. There is hope but it is slim, indeed.
The robot parts of the book did get a little bit old for me. I loved them in book one but subsequently wished they would go away. That could be because of how the dumb humans chose to use them. To be fair, there were some political consequences that I did not expect and those elements were lovely.
As for characterization, in general I did find it hard to connect to the characters as people. There were me favourites and I enjoyed them but it was hard to watch most of humanity make such dumb mistakes and stupid assumptions. Also there wasn’t a ton of growth for any of the characters with the exception of Rose. Many choices were made from outright emotional reaction that never seemed to change regardless of the circumstances. So I did watch a lot of the story as an observer rather than a participant. But not all of it. There were deaths and choices that made me tear up. There were sections where I cheered for me favourites. There were also “philosophical” sections where I sat back and watched from afar.
I think overall this be a very lovely trilogy despite the small flaws. It has been a long while since I had so voraciously read a trilogy in such a short time frame. I think it is a stellar beginning for a new author and will certainly be picking up whatever he writes next. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Now I don’t normally do single posts for full series. But I started listening to book one, became hooked, and quickly gobbled them all up. The books start when an 11 year-old girl named Rose is out riding her new birthday bike. She falls into a hole and lands on a metal hand. The giant hand turns out to be part of an alien structure. That structure turns the past, present, and future of Earth upside down.
One of the negative things I heard about this series before embarking on the adventure meself, was that the time frames were odd. And it be true. The books jump around and skip huge chunks of time. A next chapter might take place several decades later. There be jumps into the past and back again. I was glad I was forewarned because I was able to go with the flow.
Another thing I be glad of was listening to the first and second books in audio book form. The majority of this book is told in epistolary style via audio file format, journal entries, etc.. I wanted to listen to book three on audio book but there was a massive wait list. So I got the available ebook. It was hard to read the book in that format. The audio book was first rate and I loved the voice performances. Each character is played by a different person. I particularly enjoyed Kara Resnick and crazy Alyssa. Two thumbs up for excellent production values.
The other thing that would normally bother me was the cliffhanger endings of books one and two. But they were rather perfect for this series and are part of why I had to immediately know what happens next. I treated the series as one long book instead of three separate ones and that actually increased me enjoyment.
So what about the story itself? Well I loved book one the best, followed by book three, and then book two. Basically the hand that Rose finds belongs to a giant robot. The giant robot is from an alien race. Rose ends up studying that hand when she has grown and helps sets all of the events in motion. She was one of the better characters and has the best personal growth in the trilogy.
One of me favourite things about the book is that even though the alien race is technologically advanced, they don’t seem to culturally be any better than humans. I loved that the aliens made mistakes. I loved the snippets of their lives and politics that we do get. I would have preferred more about them, actually. I also loved how the trilogy ended because I thought it was realistic. I enjoyed that the aliens aren’t godlike despite their godlike technology and the humans’ tenacity doesn’t solve all their problems or even most of them. I do admit that the end was rather bleak for the human species. But the aliens weren’t much better. That was refreshing for a sci-fi book. There is hope but it is slim, indeed.
The robot parts of the book did get a little bit old for me. I loved them in book one but subsequently wished they would go away. That could be because of how the dumb humans chose to use them. To be fair, there were some political consequences that I did not expect and those elements were lovely.
As for characterization, in general I did find it hard to connect to the characters as people. There were me favourites and I enjoyed them but it was hard to watch most of humanity make such dumb mistakes and stupid assumptions. Also there wasn’t a ton of growth for any of the characters with the exception of Rose. Many choices were made from outright emotional reaction that never seemed to change regardless of the circumstances. So I did watch a lot of the story as an observer rather than a participant. But not all of it. There were deaths and choices that made me tear up. There were sections where I cheered for me favourites. There were also “philosophical” sections where I sat back and watched from afar.
I think overall this be a very lovely trilogy despite the small flaws. It has been a long while since I had so voraciously read a trilogy in such a short time frame. I think it is a stellar beginning for a new author and will certainly be picking up whatever he writes next. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy thriller eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
I found out about the book from me matey, Paul @ paul'spicks and immediately had to read it. I love this author's work. Now I didn't read the blurb before readin' this one, but I have to admit that it is a bit misleading. It suggests that the main focus of the story is a woman named Liz. Aye, she be one of them. But equally important to the story is a young girl named Fran.
Fran is a young teen with post-traumatic stress disorder due to her kidnapping at the age of six. She survived but every day is a struggle to cope with the aftermath. One of the things that helps her get by is a cartoon fox that only she can see. Her hallucinations have begun to worsen, despite her medication. Fran was the highlight of the novel for me. She is intelligent, funny, lovable, and tenacious.
Liz is the mom of two kids and the survivor of an abusive ex-husband. She works a low-paying job and does her best to raise her children with very little help. Her children are her strength and she is determined to give them the best life she can. Her ex-husband seems equally determined to make her life hell whenever he can. Liz is caring, thoughtful, passive, and a bit stressed out.
The real onset of the action in the novel comes when Liz' s husband violently assaults her. Liz wants to fight back but old habits are hard to break. Submissiveness and inaction are winning when suddenly a part of Liz she was unaware of takes over for survival. But once unleashed, this rage filled personality seems bent on controlling her and dominating her personality with hatred and personality.
Liz and Fran's worlds eventually collide. Part of that arises from the trauma both have suffered. Part of that stems from their relationships with Zac. Zac is a classmate of Fran and Liz's son. He is sweet, thoughtful, conscientious, and a bit sheltered despite his negative relationship with his father. I particularly enjoyed his interactions with Fran. Interestingly, Fran's relationship with her father was awesome. It was fantastic to have such a wonderful father figure in this novel.
The fantasy elements of the novel were fun as well. I don't want to get into them here because of spoilers but the concepts were interesting and the ramifications fun to explore. What happened with the other side of Liz was crazy and fascinating. And rather scary.
The pacing was intense at the beginning and then it went to a more leisurely pace before picking back up again at the end. I have to say that the ending didn't work for me. A little too convenient and unbelievable. But I loved the book and couldn't put it down. And Fran won over me salty heart pretty quickly. So I think that this be another win for M.R. Carey. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank ye Orbit Books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I found out about the book from me matey, Paul @ paul'spicks and immediately had to read it. I love this author's work. Now I didn't read the blurb before readin' this one, but I have to admit that it is a bit misleading. It suggests that the main focus of the story is a woman named Liz. Aye, she be one of them. But equally important to the story is a young girl named Fran.
Fran is a young teen with post-traumatic stress disorder due to her kidnapping at the age of six. She survived but every day is a struggle to cope with the aftermath. One of the things that helps her get by is a cartoon fox that only she can see. Her hallucinations have begun to worsen, despite her medication. Fran was the highlight of the novel for me. She is intelligent, funny, lovable, and tenacious.
Liz is the mom of two kids and the survivor of an abusive ex-husband. She works a low-paying job and does her best to raise her children with very little help. Her children are her strength and she is determined to give them the best life she can. Her ex-husband seems equally determined to make her life hell whenever he can. Liz is caring, thoughtful, passive, and a bit stressed out.
The real onset of the action in the novel comes when Liz' s husband violently assaults her. Liz wants to fight back but old habits are hard to break. Submissiveness and inaction are winning when suddenly a part of Liz she was unaware of takes over for survival. But once unleashed, this rage filled personality seems bent on controlling her and dominating her personality with hatred and personality.
Liz and Fran's worlds eventually collide. Part of that arises from the trauma both have suffered. Part of that stems from their relationships with Zac. Zac is a classmate of Fran and Liz's son. He is sweet, thoughtful, conscientious, and a bit sheltered despite his negative relationship with his father. I particularly enjoyed his interactions with Fran. Interestingly, Fran's relationship with her father was awesome. It was fantastic to have such a wonderful father figure in this novel.
The fantasy elements of the novel were fun as well. I don't want to get into them here because of spoilers but the concepts were interesting and the ramifications fun to explore. What happened with the other side of Liz was crazy and fascinating. And rather scary.
The pacing was intense at the beginning and then it went to a more leisurely pace before picking back up again at the end. I have to say that the ending didn't work for me. A little too convenient and unbelievable. But I loved the book and couldn't put it down. And Fran won over me salty heart pretty quickly. So I think that this be another win for M.R. Carey. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank ye Orbit Books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy me mateys! Grab your grog! Here is book 1 of the sixth installment of the 3 Bells trilogy showcase.
Well, this was not yer usual alien first contact story but it sure was engaging. To start with, the aliens are already on Earth when the book begins. In fact, they have been there for months and no one really knows what they want or why. Speculation is rampant. But the aliens will only deal with the UN and then only under specific guidelines. They say they come in peace.
The book follows Marianne Jenner, who is celebrating the publication of her recent research paper. So she is super surprised when the aliens ask to speak with her specifically. Why is she important? What ensues is a series of consequences that no one could fathom.
The story is told in three parts. Part 1 begins at “S minus 10.5 months” and takes us to “S minus 0.” What does the “S” stand for. Spoilers for ye matey, unless ye read the book! But what can be said, is that the Earth is scheduled for disaster unless Marianne and the other scientists can find a solution. This is where ye get to see the alien culture and learn the most about why the aliens made contact. I loved this entire section and found the plot line to be so engaging.
Side note: I believe that part 1 is based on Kress’ 2015 Nebula Award-winning short story yesterday’s kin. Arrr!
The interesting thing is that the second and third parts of the book take place after “S.” Part 2 happens from “S plus 2.6 years” to “S plus 4 years.” Part 3 happens from “S plus 6 years to “S plus 6.9 years.” Oh and there be an epilogue at “S plus 9 years.” This be where the unintended consequences come in. Kress deals with how first contact changed the world.
There be hard science involved but told in a easy to digest format. Topics include: Genetics with the mitochondrial Eve, Engineering with dark matter, Chemistry with panspermia, Climate Changes with the bottleneck event theory, Ecology with invasive species, and much more. The ramifications to life on Earth was fascinating. Ye got to see how and why this events occurred because of the extended time-frames of novel.
But even though the science is there, the human relationships of Marianne really are the heart of the novel. She has three children and they are the backdrop for the changes to humanity caused by the alien contact. All three handle the situation in different ways. Marianne is the center of that conflict and her interactions with her family and friends is what drives the plot.
Part 2 of the novel was me least favourite part. It is the shortest part and I totally get why it is there. But the action was much more intense and interesting in part 3. I am intrigued to see where in the world (or universe) the next book will take the story. I do think this book is worth reading. Onward to book two. Arrrr!
check out me other reviews of https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Well, this was not yer usual alien first contact story but it sure was engaging. To start with, the aliens are already on Earth when the book begins. In fact, they have been there for months and no one really knows what they want or why. Speculation is rampant. But the aliens will only deal with the UN and then only under specific guidelines. They say they come in peace.
The book follows Marianne Jenner, who is celebrating the publication of her recent research paper. So she is super surprised when the aliens ask to speak with her specifically. Why is she important? What ensues is a series of consequences that no one could fathom.
The story is told in three parts. Part 1 begins at “S minus 10.5 months” and takes us to “S minus 0.” What does the “S” stand for. Spoilers for ye matey, unless ye read the book! But what can be said, is that the Earth is scheduled for disaster unless Marianne and the other scientists can find a solution. This is where ye get to see the alien culture and learn the most about why the aliens made contact. I loved this entire section and found the plot line to be so engaging.
Side note: I believe that part 1 is based on Kress’ 2015 Nebula Award-winning short story yesterday’s kin. Arrr!
The interesting thing is that the second and third parts of the book take place after “S.” Part 2 happens from “S plus 2.6 years” to “S plus 4 years.” Part 3 happens from “S plus 6 years to “S plus 6.9 years.” Oh and there be an epilogue at “S plus 9 years.” This be where the unintended consequences come in. Kress deals with how first contact changed the world.
There be hard science involved but told in a easy to digest format. Topics include: Genetics with the mitochondrial Eve, Engineering with dark matter, Chemistry with panspermia, Climate Changes with the bottleneck event theory, Ecology with invasive species, and much more. The ramifications to life on Earth was fascinating. Ye got to see how and why this events occurred because of the extended time-frames of novel.
But even though the science is there, the human relationships of Marianne really are the heart of the novel. She has three children and they are the backdrop for the changes to humanity caused by the alien contact. All three handle the situation in different ways. Marianne is the center of that conflict and her interactions with her family and friends is what drives the plot.
Part 2 of the novel was me least favourite part. It is the shortest part and I totally get why it is there. But the action was much more intense and interesting in part 3. I am intrigued to see where in the world (or universe) the next book will take the story. I do think this book is worth reading. Onward to book two. Arrrr!
check out me other reviews of https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy me mateys! Grab your grog! Yesterday I reviewed the first book of the series. Here be book 2 of the sixth installment of the 3 Bells trilogy showcase.
I loved book two more than the first book! In this version ye get to read about the alien’s home planet, World, and what happens when a diplomatic mission from Earth arrives there. The most I can give ye without spoilers . . . craziness!
I absolutely loved readin’ about World’s culture and how the humans from Earth are completely wrong about what it would be like. One of the best things is that assumptions that ye make after readin’ book one are turned upside down! I actually adore the alien planet. I have to admit that I would like to visit World and experience it meself.
The focus on this book is culture clash and culture change. It is told through several different perspectives this time. I adored a new character named Leo and the rest of his gang. I couldn’t stand a character named Austin who I think was let off too lightly. We also get to follow Marianne from the last book too. The mix was excellent. There is also a lot of science in this one too but once again the book is mostly character driven.
I have to say that I found the readin’ experience to be so engaging that I stay up into the wee hours of the morn to find out how it ended. I need to know what happens in book three immediately! Good thing I already have it. Onward to the final book. Stay on the lookout tomorrow! Arrrr!
Don’t just take me word for readin’ book 1 (though it should be enough!). Also check out what me crew had to say about this one:
Millie @ milliebotreads – Much thanks to her for introducing me to this series! “Whereas the first book focused a lot on environmental science and political tension, this book centers more around medical science and social tension. There are some similar themes that certainly link the two books together, but nothing felt stale or repeated. If you haven’t yet started this series and any of this sounds interesting to you, I strongly suggest you pick it up!.”
I loved book two more than the first book! In this version ye get to read about the alien’s home planet, World, and what happens when a diplomatic mission from Earth arrives there. The most I can give ye without spoilers . . . craziness!
I absolutely loved readin’ about World’s culture and how the humans from Earth are completely wrong about what it would be like. One of the best things is that assumptions that ye make after readin’ book one are turned upside down! I actually adore the alien planet. I have to admit that I would like to visit World and experience it meself.
The focus on this book is culture clash and culture change. It is told through several different perspectives this time. I adored a new character named Leo and the rest of his gang. I couldn’t stand a character named Austin who I think was let off too lightly. We also get to follow Marianne from the last book too. The mix was excellent. There is also a lot of science in this one too but once again the book is mostly character driven.
I have to say that I found the readin’ experience to be so engaging that I stay up into the wee hours of the morn to find out how it ended. I need to know what happens in book three immediately! Good thing I already have it. Onward to the final book. Stay on the lookout tomorrow! Arrrr!
Don’t just take me word for readin’ book 1 (though it should be enough!). Also check out what me crew had to say about this one:
Millie @ milliebotreads – Much thanks to her for introducing me to this series! “Whereas the first book focused a lot on environmental science and political tension, this book centers more around medical science and social tension. There are some similar themes that certainly link the two books together, but nothing felt stale or repeated. If you haven’t yet started this series and any of this sounds interesting to you, I strongly suggest you pick it up!.”
Ahoy me mateys! Grab your grog! On Wednesday, I reviewed book one. Yesterday, I reviewed book two. Here be book 3, the conclusion, of the sixth installment of the 3 Bells trilogy showcase! Also, I received this sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
While book two remains me favourite, I had to admit that this was a satisfying ending to the trilogy. Marianne and gang are back on Earth. However, the Earth they come back to doesn't resemble the one that they left behind all those years ago. I have to admit that it was quite a jolt for me as much as it was for the characters. A believable change even if drastic. I mean look at what happened to the ecology of Earth in book one. If that could reasonably happen then so could the beginning of this book. But it did take some getting used to.
In this story, the story focuses mostly on Marianne's grandson Jason, an alien named Jane who is serving as a translator, and on a researcher named Zack. Other perspectives are sprinkled in. While I love Jane, I wasn't as drawn into Jason or Zack's stories. That could be because so much of the inner dialogue of those two seemed to be directed by indecision, fear, or angst. It was interesting that the women seemed to be driving force behind the scenes even if they weren't the center of the plot. I would have liked more of their perspectives. Personal preference.
It took me a while to get into this book because there wasn't a ton of action. And a lot of the science was repetitive. I bought the circumstances for books one and two but would have preferred a different tack in this one. It seemed like some of the same elements of the previous books were recycled into this one. But eventually I was drawn into the narrative.
The ideas about the conflicts between the civilians and military are what eventually took center stage for me. I also enjoyed the conflict between those who didn't want technology and those who needed it. With everyone confined in a tight space, I felt that these struggles for balance between the groups are where the true action lay. Add in a sickness in tight quarters and the whole situation was a mess. I needed to know how it was resolved.
And like I said, the ending satisfied. I particularly enjoyed the ramifications of the illness. So thanks to the publisher for giving me the third book in the trilogy so I would have to read the first two first! Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
While book two remains me favourite, I had to admit that this was a satisfying ending to the trilogy. Marianne and gang are back on Earth. However, the Earth they come back to doesn't resemble the one that they left behind all those years ago. I have to admit that it was quite a jolt for me as much as it was for the characters. A believable change even if drastic. I mean look at what happened to the ecology of Earth in book one. If that could reasonably happen then so could the beginning of this book. But it did take some getting used to.
In this story, the story focuses mostly on Marianne's grandson Jason, an alien named Jane who is serving as a translator, and on a researcher named Zack. Other perspectives are sprinkled in. While I love Jane, I wasn't as drawn into Jason or Zack's stories. That could be because so much of the inner dialogue of those two seemed to be directed by indecision, fear, or angst. It was interesting that the women seemed to be driving force behind the scenes even if they weren't the center of the plot. I would have liked more of their perspectives. Personal preference.
It took me a while to get into this book because there wasn't a ton of action. And a lot of the science was repetitive. I bought the circumstances for books one and two but would have preferred a different tack in this one. It seemed like some of the same elements of the previous books were recycled into this one. But eventually I was drawn into the narrative.
The ideas about the conflicts between the civilians and military are what eventually took center stage for me. I also enjoyed the conflict between those who didn't want technology and those who needed it. With everyone confined in a tight space, I felt that these struggles for balance between the groups are where the true action lay. Add in a sickness in tight quarters and the whole situation was a mess. I needed to know how it was resolved.
And like I said, the ending satisfied. I particularly enjoyed the ramifications of the illness. So thanks to the publisher for giving me the third book in the trilogy so I would have to read the first two first! Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this comic eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
I be feeling a bit under the weather and was having trouble figuring out what to read next when I saw "Where do you turn to when you need a pick-me-up on a bad day?" That was exactly how I was feeling and so I clicked on it. These comics were instant gratification and immediately made me smile. Just what I needed.
This collection of comics is short at 88 pages but I have read it three times (so far). The author's illustrations are just so cute and feature animals, people, and small pep talks. I am not sure how many of them have been previously featured on her website but I loved them.
Who doesn't want icecreams, puppies, sunshine, and BOOKS !?! If that means taking a lot of forward steps to get them . . . Count Me In! So if, like me, ye need to add a bit of pep to yer days then pick up these 88 reasons. I just know that I am glad I found this author to brighten me windy and stormy nights. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I be feeling a bit under the weather and was having trouble figuring out what to read next when I saw "Where do you turn to when you need a pick-me-up on a bad day?" That was exactly how I was feeling and so I clicked on it. These comics were instant gratification and immediately made me smile. Just what I needed.
This collection of comics is short at 88 pages but I have read it three times (so far). The author's illustrations are just so cute and feature animals, people, and small pep talks. I am not sure how many of them have been previously featured on her website but I loved them.
Who doesn't want icecreams, puppies, sunshine, and BOOKS !?! If that means taking a lot of forward steps to get them . . . Count Me In! So if, like me, ye need to add a bit of pep to yer days then pick up these 88 reasons. I just know that I am glad I found this author to brighten me windy and stormy nights. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there mateys. I know that I abandoned this siren book due to the awfulness. But I had forgotten that I didn't write a review because I hated it so much that I didn't want to waste more time on it. I didn't even include it in me readin' chart. Now that is hate! But a review from me matey, Emma @ emmareads reminded me of this fact. So I thought I would share it here. Me favourite highlight from her post:
"This should have been violence and revenge and piracy and maybe some cool monarchical world-building if there’s time."
It had none of these things and all the bad YA tropes. Ugh. I hated this book but enjoyed matey Emma's take on it. She does agree with me after all ;)
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
"This should have been violence and revenge and piracy and maybe some cool monarchical world-building if there’s time."
It had none of these things and all the bad YA tropes. Ugh. I hated this book but enjoyed matey Emma's take on it. She does agree with me after all ;)
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I love Brandon Sanderson's work and featured him in me author Broadside No. 3. That was published back on June 1, 2016. Since then, I apparently haven't read anything by him! Travesty. Luckily, I finally listened to this short story collection. I am certainly glad I did.
This book contains all three novellas about Stephen Leeds. Stephen is an odd sort who hallucinates personalities (aspects). He has over 50 of them. These personalities are created whenever he needs to become an expert on a new skill. A thing he can accomplish in hours. To pay for the mansion to house them all, Stephen solves mysteries.
The problem with his aspects is that it is getting harder and harder to control them. Last time he lost control, one died. With that death came the loss of knowledge that the aspect knew. So when he goes off to solve the latest problem, he has to contend with the aspects not following orders and behaving more strangely than usual. Will Stephen get them back under control? Or will he lose more aspects and perhaps his sanity?
I absolutely loved this premise and the aspects. I loved that Stephen knows they are not real but treats them like they are (most of the time). I love their relationships with each other. I loved that some aspects had their own hallucinations. I loved that some aspects knew they were imaginary and some believed they were real. I ended up falling in love with both Stephen and (most of) his aspects. In particular I loved Audrey, Ivy, Tobais, and J.C. I wanted them to be "real." I also loved Stephen's butler.
Other crew have had issues with the series ending. And I kinda see why. It makes sense within the boundaries of the story and the characters. But at the same time, there is something unsatisfactory about it. I am not sure if it is because the end seems so final. There is no need for future stories about Stephen. And yet I somehow want more from Stephen and his aspects. Could it be that I just am too in love with them to let them go?
Whatever the case may be, I adored this trilogy of novellas and find that yet again Sanderson has given me another amazing tale to ponder the ramifications of.
Side note: I still need to read Oathbringer. At 1248 pages, I need time to savour it. Maybe by the end of this year? Anyone want to give me a refresher for book 2? Arrr!
This book contains all three novellas about Stephen Leeds. Stephen is an odd sort who hallucinates personalities (aspects). He has over 50 of them. These personalities are created whenever he needs to become an expert on a new skill. A thing he can accomplish in hours. To pay for the mansion to house them all, Stephen solves mysteries.
The problem with his aspects is that it is getting harder and harder to control them. Last time he lost control, one died. With that death came the loss of knowledge that the aspect knew. So when he goes off to solve the latest problem, he has to contend with the aspects not following orders and behaving more strangely than usual. Will Stephen get them back under control? Or will he lose more aspects and perhaps his sanity?
I absolutely loved this premise and the aspects. I loved that Stephen knows they are not real but treats them like they are (most of the time). I love their relationships with each other. I loved that some aspects had their own hallucinations. I loved that some aspects knew they were imaginary and some believed they were real. I ended up falling in love with both Stephen and (most of) his aspects. In particular I loved Audrey, Ivy, Tobais, and J.C. I wanted them to be "real." I also loved Stephen's butler.
Other crew have had issues with the series ending. And I kinda see why. It makes sense within the boundaries of the story and the characters. But at the same time, there is something unsatisfactory about it. I am not sure if it is because the end seems so final. There is no need for future stories about Stephen. And yet I somehow want more from Stephen and his aspects. Could it be that I just am too in love with them to let them go?
Whatever the case may be, I adored this trilogy of novellas and find that yet again Sanderson has given me another amazing tale to ponder the ramifications of.
Side note: I still need to read Oathbringer. At 1248 pages, I need time to savour it. Maybe by the end of this year? Anyone want to give me a refresher for book 2? Arrr!
Ahoy there me mateys! Okay I know that I just reviewed legion yesterday. I needed more Sanderson! After finishing that one, I got me grubby mitts on this absolutely wonderful gem. I am always amazed by the talent and ingenuity of this writer. Two stories back to back and both amazing and so different.
This yarn tells the tale of Spensa who wants to be a pilot when she grows up. She wants to follow in the footsteps of her father who she considers a hero. The rest of the planet calls him a coward. Spensa wants to prove that she is no coward and clear her father's name.
This group of humans, the Defiant, live on the planet, Detritus, in underground caverns. The surface is dangerous because of a group of aliens, the Krell, are determined to destroy them. The two groups fight using starships. There is a deep layer of space debris surrounding the planet which helps keep the humans safe. But the alien technology more advanced and they have the better numbers. The humans are barely surviving.
There are many things I loved about this story. The first is that Spensa is an awesome protagonist. Raised on old Earth myths, she has a hysterical way of trying to cope with feeling like an outsider. Like telling people, "When you are broken and mourning your fall from grace, I will consume your shadow in my own, and laugh at your misery." Watching her journey was lovely. I adore her!
I loved that the characters in this book, young and old, grow and change and learn from mistakes. Prejudices are examined and reevaluated. Spensa grows up through the course of the book through self-discovery and the help others. I loved that the relationships throughout the book take time to be established and end up with unexpected results. I thought Rig was a fantastic best friend. I loved that the young pilots had to work and weren't instantly good at anything. And above all I loved the talking ship. His interactions with others made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions.
As always, Sanderson manages to give me a book that entertains, makes me think, and makes me feel. I need book two now! Arrr!
Don’t just take me word for readin’ this book (though it should be enough!). Also check out what me crew had to say about this one:
Dan @ onemanbookclub– “Skyward is packed with awesome. White-knuckled, star-fighter versus alien dogfights. A patented Sanderson magic system disguised as science-fiction-future-space-tech. A mysterious star-fighter with advanced AI…think what would happen if Eragon had bonded with a spaceship instead of a dragon.”
Lynn @ lynn'sbookblog– “This is, in my opinion, storytelling at it’s best and I couldn’t put it down – just one more chapter, just one more page – until I found myself in the early hours of the morning still devouring the words. Skyward has not only given me a whole new confidence in picking up more from this genre but has also renewed my slightly failing joy of YA.”
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This yarn tells the tale of Spensa who wants to be a pilot when she grows up. She wants to follow in the footsteps of her father who she considers a hero. The rest of the planet calls him a coward. Spensa wants to prove that she is no coward and clear her father's name.
This group of humans, the Defiant, live on the planet, Detritus, in underground caverns. The surface is dangerous because of a group of aliens, the Krell, are determined to destroy them. The two groups fight using starships. There is a deep layer of space debris surrounding the planet which helps keep the humans safe. But the alien technology more advanced and they have the better numbers. The humans are barely surviving.
There are many things I loved about this story. The first is that Spensa is an awesome protagonist. Raised on old Earth myths, she has a hysterical way of trying to cope with feeling like an outsider. Like telling people, "When you are broken and mourning your fall from grace, I will consume your shadow in my own, and laugh at your misery." Watching her journey was lovely. I adore her!
I loved that the characters in this book, young and old, grow and change and learn from mistakes. Prejudices are examined and reevaluated. Spensa grows up through the course of the book through self-discovery and the help others. I loved that the relationships throughout the book take time to be established and end up with unexpected results. I thought Rig was a fantastic best friend. I loved that the young pilots had to work and weren't instantly good at anything. And above all I loved the talking ship. His interactions with others made me laugh out loud on multiple occasions.
As always, Sanderson manages to give me a book that entertains, makes me think, and makes me feel. I need book two now! Arrr!
Don’t just take me word for readin’ this book (though it should be enough!). Also check out what me crew had to say about this one:
Dan @ onemanbookclub– “Skyward is packed with awesome. White-knuckled, star-fighter versus alien dogfights. A patented Sanderson magic system disguised as science-fiction-future-space-tech. A mysterious star-fighter with advanced AI…think what would happen if Eragon had bonded with a spaceship instead of a dragon.”
Lynn @ lynn'sbookblog– “This is, in my opinion, storytelling at it’s best and I couldn’t put it down – just one more chapter, just one more page – until I found myself in the early hours of the morning still devouring the words. Skyward has not only given me a whole new confidence in picking up more from this genre but has also renewed my slightly failing joy of YA.”
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/