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thecaptainsquarters
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings. If ye haven’t read the other two books in this trilogy then ye might want to skip this post and read them. Worth the read. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . . . . .
The first two books of this trilogy tied for the number one spot on me top 5 reads of 2017. So imagine me delight when I finally got to read this stunning conclusion. This installment contains another fabulous cover and another beautiful lyrical story that had me besotted. While book one could be read as a standalone, I am so very glad that I got to experience more of Vasya's adventures. This book was worth the wait.
In-spite of the time between books two and three, a couple of sentences in and I was magically transported back into the author's amazing world. Vasya continues to struggle to find her proper place in the world. Christianity and magic continue to clash. Political upheaval continues to disrupt Russia. Vasya is in the thick of things and is trying to save those she loves and a disappearing way of life. She makes mistakes and suffers yet remains overall strong and determined. Vasya is certainly one of me favourite characters ever.
What truly took center stage in this book was the vivid imagery and lush writing. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one sitting. Not only was I completely immersed in the story but I was mesmerized by the tale's twists and turns. There are surprises and heartbreak. Assumptions are overturned. And yet overall the story ended with hope. I absolutely adored the ending.
I really can't do this book justice. If ye haven't read this series then ye should. It is a perfect read for winter. I will be reading whatever this author writes next!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Random House!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
The first two books of this trilogy tied for the number one spot on me top 5 reads of 2017. So imagine me delight when I finally got to read this stunning conclusion. This installment contains another fabulous cover and another beautiful lyrical story that had me besotted. While book one could be read as a standalone, I am so very glad that I got to experience more of Vasya's adventures. This book was worth the wait.
In-spite of the time between books two and three, a couple of sentences in and I was magically transported back into the author's amazing world. Vasya continues to struggle to find her proper place in the world. Christianity and magic continue to clash. Political upheaval continues to disrupt Russia. Vasya is in the thick of things and is trying to save those she loves and a disappearing way of life. She makes mistakes and suffers yet remains overall strong and determined. Vasya is certainly one of me favourite characters ever.
What truly took center stage in this book was the vivid imagery and lush writing. I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one sitting. Not only was I completely immersed in the story but I was mesmerized by the tale's twists and turns. There are surprises and heartbreak. Assumptions are overturned. And yet overall the story ended with hope. I absolutely adored the ending.
I really can't do this book justice. If ye haven't read this series then ye should. It is a perfect read for winter. I will be reading whatever this author writes next!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Random House!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! Since beginning to listen to audiobooks, I have become determined to listen to Neil Gaiman read as many of his own stories as I can. I have a wee bit of an obsession with Mr. Gaiman and so was delighted when I was able to check out this audiobook.
Earlier I listened the story of the frost giants which was the impetus for learning more about the Norse gods. As usual, it was wonderful to settle in for storytime with Mr. Gaiman. The book starts out with an introduction to the gods and a brief description of the methodology that he used in trying to retell these stories in a newer fashion. Like many fairytales, there are multiple versions of the stories. I was interested to find out that we really are missing entire tales about most of the Norse gods.
The best part about the book, besides its wonderful narrator, it that these stories were told in an overall arc. Ye start with the creation of the world and then end at the world’s destruction. Even though there are individual tales, it makes it feel like ye get one entire story. That was so fun to realize as the story progressed.
I basically was completely enthralled by the entire book and listening experience. I would listen to this again and highly recommend it. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Earlier I listened the story of the frost giants which was the impetus for learning more about the Norse gods. As usual, it was wonderful to settle in for storytime with Mr. Gaiman. The book starts out with an introduction to the gods and a brief description of the methodology that he used in trying to retell these stories in a newer fashion. Like many fairytales, there are multiple versions of the stories. I was interested to find out that we really are missing entire tales about most of the Norse gods.
The best part about the book, besides its wonderful narrator, it that these stories were told in an overall arc. Ye start with the creation of the world and then end at the world’s destruction. Even though there are individual tales, it makes it feel like ye get one entire story. That was so fun to realize as the story progressed.
I basically was completely enthralled by the entire book and listening experience. I would listen to this again and highly recommend it. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
The Bloated Belly Whisperer: See Results Within a Week and Tame Digestive Distress Once and for All
Ahoy there me mateys! Okay so this be a weird book to appear on me blog. A little background. I don't talk much of me personal life on this blog very often because the focus is books and the point of this hobby is to bring me joy. So the bad things that happen tend to be dealt with on me own. However, life changes occurred in 2018 that made this book relevant and helpful and so figured I would share in case some other crew member may need it.
Beginning in March 2018 and taking until December 2018, I experienced intestinal pain of such intensity that I would be laid out in me bunk for days at a time. Thousands of dollars in medical tests later gave me negative results and no pain relief. Then I got a new primary doctor who suggested a low-FODMAP diet. Basically for reasons no one understands, my body suddenly stopped being able to digest certain types of sugars. Diabetes runs rampant in me family so I don't know if there is a correlation but there is no denying that beloved foods now cause excruciating pain. And a lot of that pain shows up with anywhere from 4 to 10 pounds of stomach bloat.
This book showed up towards the end of journey into the FODMAP diet. I had already been (finally) diagnosed and was at the tail end of figuring out the list of many foods that cause me grief. But I saw this title on NetGalley, thought "well more information is always good", and got a partial eArc from the publisher. I was mainly interested in the recipe recommendations and to see what other recommendations there were for combating bloat as all the doctors were disinclined or confused about how to actually treat the recurring systems that just wouldn't go away. None of the standard medication worked for me.
So I ended up really liking this book as an additional resource. The particular sections that were invaluable dealt with supplements, fiber, and the research results of some of the recent studies. I do think this would be a great starting point into possibilities of bloating issues and wish I had this back in the beginning. There is even a quiz to that can help determine which conditions ye might have. So much suffering and useless medical tests could have been avoided. I do have to say that the recipes in this book were lackluster. Basically there are a couple of recipes for each type of diagnosis. So don't buy this for the recipes. But if ye experience unusual painful bloating and are at a loss as to how to get rid of it then this book might be handy.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Beginning in March 2018 and taking until December 2018, I experienced intestinal pain of such intensity that I would be laid out in me bunk for days at a time. Thousands of dollars in medical tests later gave me negative results and no pain relief. Then I got a new primary doctor who suggested a low-FODMAP diet. Basically for reasons no one understands, my body suddenly stopped being able to digest certain types of sugars. Diabetes runs rampant in me family so I don't know if there is a correlation but there is no denying that beloved foods now cause excruciating pain. And a lot of that pain shows up with anywhere from 4 to 10 pounds of stomach bloat.
This book showed up towards the end of journey into the FODMAP diet. I had already been (finally) diagnosed and was at the tail end of figuring out the list of many foods that cause me grief. But I saw this title on NetGalley, thought "well more information is always good", and got a partial eArc from the publisher. I was mainly interested in the recipe recommendations and to see what other recommendations there were for combating bloat as all the doctors were disinclined or confused about how to actually treat the recurring systems that just wouldn't go away. None of the standard medication worked for me.
So I ended up really liking this book as an additional resource. The particular sections that were invaluable dealt with supplements, fiber, and the research results of some of the recent studies. I do think this would be a great starting point into possibilities of bloating issues and wish I had this back in the beginning. There is even a quiz to that can help determine which conditions ye might have. So much suffering and useless medical tests could have been avoided. I do have to say that the recipes in this book were lackluster. Basically there are a couple of recipes for each type of diagnosis. So don't buy this for the recipes. But if ye experience unusual painful bloating and are at a loss as to how to get rid of it then this book might be handy.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this young adult fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
I really wanted to like this young adult fantasy novel. But this one just did not float me boat. Instead I had to abandon ship and watch it sink to the watery depths never to be seen again. I picked this one because of the following reasons:
- set in 1889 Paris;
- a heist story (Arrr!)
- has a diverse cast
- has magic
I read about 100 pages of these before calling it quits for the following reasons:
- The book did not feel like it was set in 1889 Paris. The world-building really felt like it could be in any time or place. In addition I couldn't really figure out what was really going on in the beginning. It was just confusing. The politics, geography, and how the magic society functioned seemed vague.
- The first mini heist was lackluster and confusing. Ye are thrown into the very last part of the job. There is an artifact to be stolen and no idea of how the thieves even located it. How the thieves work around the magic guards of the artifact room is so poorly written that I read it three times and still didn't understand exactly how they managed to escape the traps.
- I individually liked the core group of characters - particularly Zofia. But their banter felt too silly and childish for their ages. There was also some cheesy romantic angst going on. There was definitely a diverse group. But the dialogue was mostly painful and the dynamics between the characters were odd.
- The magic was just plain incomprehensible. There were some cool concepts. I liked how all things could be marked by the owners with a ring. I liked how one character could read an item's past. I liked the idea of the mirrors. I have no idea how or why the babel items work the way they do or even where they came from. Magic rules were very unclear and seemed to change on a whim.
After that many pages, I should have been hanging on every word. Instead I was befuddled and tired of trying to make sense of what I was readin'. I felt like this is a bad version of six of crows or the lies of locke lamora.
Some of me crew members are highly enjoying this one but the little bit that I read was less than stellar. Check it out and see if ye be on the side of yer Captain or with the crew.
So lastly . . .
Thank you St. Martin's Press!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I really wanted to like this young adult fantasy novel. But this one just did not float me boat. Instead I had to abandon ship and watch it sink to the watery depths never to be seen again. I picked this one because of the following reasons:
- set in 1889 Paris;
- a heist story (Arrr!)
- has a diverse cast
- has magic
I read about 100 pages of these before calling it quits for the following reasons:
- The book did not feel like it was set in 1889 Paris. The world-building really felt like it could be in any time or place. In addition I couldn't really figure out what was really going on in the beginning. It was just confusing. The politics, geography, and how the magic society functioned seemed vague.
- The first mini heist was lackluster and confusing. Ye are thrown into the very last part of the job. There is an artifact to be stolen and no idea of how the thieves even located it. How the thieves work around the magic guards of the artifact room is so poorly written that I read it three times and still didn't understand exactly how they managed to escape the traps.
- I individually liked the core group of characters - particularly Zofia. But their banter felt too silly and childish for their ages. There was also some cheesy romantic angst going on. There was definitely a diverse group. But the dialogue was mostly painful and the dynamics between the characters were odd.
- The magic was just plain incomprehensible. There were some cool concepts. I liked how all things could be marked by the owners with a ring. I liked how one character could read an item's past. I liked the idea of the mirrors. I have no idea how or why the babel items work the way they do or even where they came from. Magic rules were very unclear and seemed to change on a whim.
After that many pages, I should have been hanging on every word. Instead I was befuddled and tired of trying to make sense of what I was readin'. I felt like this is a bad version of six of crows or the lies of locke lamora.
Some of me crew members are highly enjoying this one but the little bit that I read was less than stellar. Check it out and see if ye be on the side of yer Captain or with the crew.
So lastly . . .
Thank you St. Martin's Press!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I have read five of the author’s novels but had never read any of her short stories. N.K. Jemisin has been making waves by doing cool things like winning the Hugo award three years in a row for every book in her Broken Earth trilogy (which I haven’t read yet!). So when I saw she was publishing this short story collection I got excited. And after listening to the audiobook, I can say that I adored it.
This collection has 22 varied tales. Now here’s the thing, for the majority of these types of collections I tend to find them to be a mixed bag. In this magnificent book, I loved 19 of them, loved but didn’t quite understand 1, and enjoyed but didn’t love 2 of them. But I actually thought all of the tales were great. Seriously, this never happens. Part of this was also due to the excellent narration by Shayna Small, Gail Nelson-Holgate, Robin Ray Eller, and Ron Butler.
I don’t want to spoil the magic of the stories and can’t really do them justice with me own paltry words but I will try to give ye an idea of the bare bones of the stories and me thoughts on me favourites.
Side Note: In looking at Ms. Jemisin’s website’s bibliography, many of these stories have blurbs there. I will use those well-written descriptions in quotes and italics here where applicable. The words outside of the quotes will still be me own thoughts. Arrr!
“The Ones Who Stay and Fight” – This be one of the stories that I thought was well-written but didn’t love. It showcases parallel worlds where one seems to be ours and the other is a utopia. I have been told it might be related to an Ursula K. Le Guin story that I haven’t read. The author lists Le Guin as an influence on Goodreads. I loved the concepts but it felt like the speaker was given the reader a lecture. This might have been the point.
“The City Born Great” – “The rebirth of New York into an ancient battle, by the hand of its reluctant midwife.” I thought this story was fantastic. It did take me several minutes to get into the flow of it but then I was mesmerized. I thought the imagery was vivid and stark. Yet poetic and beautiful. The chasing cops are intense. New York feels alive.
“Red Dirt Witch” – “The White Lady is coming for the future of Emmaline’s family, but the red soil of Alabama grows a different sort of magic in defense.” This was another powerful read. Two women, one white and one black, struggle for control. The white woman has the upper hand due to racial prejudices and white dominance. But Emmaline is determined to save her family despite the imbalance of power. There is sadness and hope in this story. The layering of concepts was awesome.
“L’Alchimista” – “On a snowy Milano night, a stranger walks into a restaurant with some very strange ingredients. Is Franca chef enough to cook them? You better believe she is.” I absolutely loved this one! I loved the mystery of the ingredients. I loved the playful yet serious feeling around the cooking. I am not a foodie and yet I still wanted to try some of Franca’s creations. And the ending of this story rocked. Hooray for cooking magic!
“The Effluent Engine” – This was originally in a collection of lesbian steampunk stories. Awesome. The tale is a “swashbuckling adventure-romance set in 1800s New Orleans with secret societies, derringers, and bustles.” This was excellent. It dealt with dirigibles, spies, science and two kick-ass women. I would totally want these women on me crew. Arrrr!
“Cloud Dragon Skies” – “The sky has turned red and the clouds now dance. A tale of the Earth’s final days.” I loved the descriptions of the skies in this one. It is a love story. It is a tragedy. It was quirky and cool.
“The Trojan Girl” – “The wolves of cyberspace are on the move, hunting for a little girl who is more than she seems.” Okay, so this is the well-written story that I just didn’t get completely. Avatars and dreaming and code. I also read this story in addition to listening to it. I still love it and I still don’t understand all of it. It’s not the writing’s fault. It is me silly noggin missing something. It happens.
“Valedictorian” – “In the universe of “The Trojan Girl”; YA dystopian cyberpunk. Humankind, an endangered species, eats its own.” While in the same world as the previous story, this one made a lot more sense for some reason. I kinda loved it. I wouldn’t mind getting more of this character’s story in the future.
“The Storyteller’s Replacement” – This was very strange and I can’t really explain it without spoilers. I did love it. It was just so weird!
“The Brides of Heaven” – “On the planet Iliyin, a colony of women struggles without men. Is a mysterious pool of alien water a blessing from God, or a deadly curse?” Curse. I think.
“The Evaluators” – “Someone’s fast-tracking the trade agreement with an alien world. Further study is warranted.” Basically humans are dumb. The ramifications of this one are fun.
“Waking Awake” – “Long after the conquest, slaves still find ways to fight back.” This had a strange, scary world that I would not want to live in. I did love the protagonist in this one and how she fights back. It was not an easy choice and I had such admiration for making it.
“The Elevator Dancer” – A watchman grows infatuated with a woman who dances in the elevator when nobody else is present. Is she dancing for him? I really liked the concept of his one even if I was left with unanswered questions in the end.
“Cusine de M moires” – A man eats a meal at a restaurant with a menu that the world has never seen. The layers of this story were delightful. The mystery of the chef led to unexpected places. I thought this story had a perfect ending.
“Stone Hunger” – “In the hungry twilight of a volcanic winter, a hunter stalks her prey.” This story was so odd and delightful. I don’t quite understand the snippet of world-building in the story and how it works. And yet I wanted the hunter to get her prey and survive. I was rooting for her.
“On the Banks of the River Lex” – “Life after people, with cephalopods.” I love cephalopods. This story features Death. It is a dystopian. It is super fun. The ramifications of the ending are rather astounding.
“The Narcomancer” – “An evil master of sleep-magic torments a small village in the land of Gujaareh. Cet, a priest of the Dream-Goddess, must overcome both the narcomancer and his own temptations to survive.” I loved this one! So many complications and strong characters. Fun plot. Great ending. Excellent magic.
“Henosis” – “A famous author, hoping to win a prestigious award, is kidnapped by his greatest fan.” I don’t think this be an award I want want to win. But really was kidnapping a better choice? It might have been.
“Too Many Yesterdays, Not Enough Tomorrows” – “Can love survive the end of the universe?” A weird loop world with weird consequences. I loved it.
“The You Train” – “Dead trains. Trains that never were. If one of them stops for you, will you get on?” This might be me other favourite of the collection. I just loved the voice of this one. I wouldn’t mind knowing the protagonist. I want to know where she ends up. And all the information about the subway system made me hanker for the days of living in NYC. Not that I loved the subway then. But living in a place without public transportation now makes me nostalgic. This was clever and awesome.
“Non-Zero Probabilities” – “Falling air conditioners, projectile Italian Ices, derailing trains, luck gone haywire. Just another day in the big city.” This was kinda sweet and hopeful. I liked hearing about all the zany happenings in NYC. It made me smile. This was another story where I wondered what happened next.
“Sinners, Saints, Dragons, and Haints, in the City Beneath the Still Waters” – “In the flooded streets of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, a young drug dealer faces horrors both existential and magical.” This was a fantastic ending to the book. Though I missed the whole title and didn’t get the dragon thing. I thought the lizards talked about were like iguana’s with wings in me noggin. That said, this story just felt so real. Even with the lizards!
If ye be a N.K. Jemisin fan, this should tickle yer fancy. If ye aren’t familiar with her work then this might be a good place to start. Some of the stories are also available on her website for free if ye want to check out her writing style. I love her. Plus I highly recommend listening to this one if ye can. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This collection has 22 varied tales. Now here’s the thing, for the majority of these types of collections I tend to find them to be a mixed bag. In this magnificent book, I loved 19 of them, loved but didn’t quite understand 1, and enjoyed but didn’t love 2 of them. But I actually thought all of the tales were great. Seriously, this never happens. Part of this was also due to the excellent narration by Shayna Small, Gail Nelson-Holgate, Robin Ray Eller, and Ron Butler.
I don’t want to spoil the magic of the stories and can’t really do them justice with me own paltry words but I will try to give ye an idea of the bare bones of the stories and me thoughts on me favourites.
Side Note: In looking at Ms. Jemisin’s website’s bibliography, many of these stories have blurbs there. I will use those well-written descriptions in quotes and italics here where applicable. The words outside of the quotes will still be me own thoughts. Arrr!
“The Ones Who Stay and Fight” – This be one of the stories that I thought was well-written but didn’t love. It showcases parallel worlds where one seems to be ours and the other is a utopia. I have been told it might be related to an Ursula K. Le Guin story that I haven’t read. The author lists Le Guin as an influence on Goodreads. I loved the concepts but it felt like the speaker was given the reader a lecture. This might have been the point.
“The City Born Great” – “The rebirth of New York into an ancient battle, by the hand of its reluctant midwife.” I thought this story was fantastic. It did take me several minutes to get into the flow of it but then I was mesmerized. I thought the imagery was vivid and stark. Yet poetic and beautiful. The chasing cops are intense. New York feels alive.
“Red Dirt Witch” – “The White Lady is coming for the future of Emmaline’s family, but the red soil of Alabama grows a different sort of magic in defense.” This was another powerful read. Two women, one white and one black, struggle for control. The white woman has the upper hand due to racial prejudices and white dominance. But Emmaline is determined to save her family despite the imbalance of power. There is sadness and hope in this story. The layering of concepts was awesome.
“L’Alchimista” – “On a snowy Milano night, a stranger walks into a restaurant with some very strange ingredients. Is Franca chef enough to cook them? You better believe she is.” I absolutely loved this one! I loved the mystery of the ingredients. I loved the playful yet serious feeling around the cooking. I am not a foodie and yet I still wanted to try some of Franca’s creations. And the ending of this story rocked. Hooray for cooking magic!
“The Effluent Engine” – This was originally in a collection of lesbian steampunk stories. Awesome. The tale is a “swashbuckling adventure-romance set in 1800s New Orleans with secret societies, derringers, and bustles.” This was excellent. It dealt with dirigibles, spies, science and two kick-ass women. I would totally want these women on me crew. Arrrr!
“Cloud Dragon Skies” – “The sky has turned red and the clouds now dance. A tale of the Earth’s final days.” I loved the descriptions of the skies in this one. It is a love story. It is a tragedy. It was quirky and cool.
“The Trojan Girl” – “The wolves of cyberspace are on the move, hunting for a little girl who is more than she seems.” Okay, so this is the well-written story that I just didn’t get completely. Avatars and dreaming and code. I also read this story in addition to listening to it. I still love it and I still don’t understand all of it. It’s not the writing’s fault. It is me silly noggin missing something. It happens.
“Valedictorian” – “In the universe of “The Trojan Girl”; YA dystopian cyberpunk. Humankind, an endangered species, eats its own.” While in the same world as the previous story, this one made a lot more sense for some reason. I kinda loved it. I wouldn’t mind getting more of this character’s story in the future.
“The Storyteller’s Replacement” – This was very strange and I can’t really explain it without spoilers. I did love it. It was just so weird!
“The Brides of Heaven” – “On the planet Iliyin, a colony of women struggles without men. Is a mysterious pool of alien water a blessing from God, or a deadly curse?” Curse. I think.
“The Evaluators” – “Someone’s fast-tracking the trade agreement with an alien world. Further study is warranted.” Basically humans are dumb. The ramifications of this one are fun.
“Waking Awake” – “Long after the conquest, slaves still find ways to fight back.” This had a strange, scary world that I would not want to live in. I did love the protagonist in this one and how she fights back. It was not an easy choice and I had such admiration for making it.
“The Elevator Dancer” – A watchman grows infatuated with a woman who dances in the elevator when nobody else is present. Is she dancing for him? I really liked the concept of his one even if I was left with unanswered questions in the end.
“Cusine de M moires” – A man eats a meal at a restaurant with a menu that the world has never seen. The layers of this story were delightful. The mystery of the chef led to unexpected places. I thought this story had a perfect ending.
“Stone Hunger” – “In the hungry twilight of a volcanic winter, a hunter stalks her prey.” This story was so odd and delightful. I don’t quite understand the snippet of world-building in the story and how it works. And yet I wanted the hunter to get her prey and survive. I was rooting for her.
“On the Banks of the River Lex” – “Life after people, with cephalopods.” I love cephalopods. This story features Death. It is a dystopian. It is super fun. The ramifications of the ending are rather astounding.
“The Narcomancer” – “An evil master of sleep-magic torments a small village in the land of Gujaareh. Cet, a priest of the Dream-Goddess, must overcome both the narcomancer and his own temptations to survive.” I loved this one! So many complications and strong characters. Fun plot. Great ending. Excellent magic.
“Henosis” – “A famous author, hoping to win a prestigious award, is kidnapped by his greatest fan.” I don’t think this be an award I want want to win. But really was kidnapping a better choice? It might have been.
“Too Many Yesterdays, Not Enough Tomorrows” – “Can love survive the end of the universe?” A weird loop world with weird consequences. I loved it.
“The You Train” – “Dead trains. Trains that never were. If one of them stops for you, will you get on?” This might be me other favourite of the collection. I just loved the voice of this one. I wouldn’t mind knowing the protagonist. I want to know where she ends up. And all the information about the subway system made me hanker for the days of living in NYC. Not that I loved the subway then. But living in a place without public transportation now makes me nostalgic. This was clever and awesome.
“Non-Zero Probabilities” – “Falling air conditioners, projectile Italian Ices, derailing trains, luck gone haywire. Just another day in the big city.” This was kinda sweet and hopeful. I liked hearing about all the zany happenings in NYC. It made me smile. This was another story where I wondered what happened next.
“Sinners, Saints, Dragons, and Haints, in the City Beneath the Still Waters” – “In the flooded streets of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, a young drug dealer faces horrors both existential and magical.” This was a fantastic ending to the book. Though I missed the whole title and didn’t get the dragon thing. I thought the lizards talked about were like iguana’s with wings in me noggin. That said, this story just felt so real. Even with the lizards!
If ye be a N.K. Jemisin fan, this should tickle yer fancy. If ye aren’t familiar with her work then this might be a good place to start. Some of the stories are also available on her website for free if ye want to check out her writing style. I love her. Plus I highly recommend listening to this one if ye can. Arrrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! This be the second book in me Ports for Plunder – 19 Books in 2019 list. I had been on the fence about this book for quite some time. But the book won the 2018 Goodreads Choice for best debut author and then I read matey Paul @ paul’spicks review and so decided to give this one a shot. Unfortunately I be in the minority for this one. I kinda hated it.
I listened to this one in audiobook format and thought the production values were fantastic. I also thought the world-building was great. I absolutely loved the Nigerian-based setting and the gods and the magic system. I thought there was some beautiful imagery in the writing. I enjoyed the characters of Zelie and Tzain overall. But sadly the plot absolutely failed me on almost every level.
The book started out strong and I also liked the very end of the novel in terms of how Zelie uses her magic but the points in between were just so cliche. The two sets of siblings of course fall in love with each other. Both Zelie and Inan are full of angst and make extremely stupid choices just to further the plot. Over and over again. I hate the enemy to lover trope in this. How the group found the quest items were laughable. Bad people show up time and time again for silly reasons. There is an epic sea battle in the desert that drove me bonkers. Plus the book is at least 150 pages too long. Other than the world-building, the actual book was run-of-the-mill. I was bored for most of the aimless wandering and wanted more action. There was also a lot of torture in this book from both the good and bad guys.
I am glad that the other crew members loved this one but for me it walks the plank. Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I listened to this one in audiobook format and thought the production values were fantastic. I also thought the world-building was great. I absolutely loved the Nigerian-based setting and the gods and the magic system. I thought there was some beautiful imagery in the writing. I enjoyed the characters of Zelie and Tzain overall. But sadly the plot absolutely failed me on almost every level.
The book started out strong and I also liked the very end of the novel in terms of how Zelie uses her magic but the points in between were just so cliche. The two sets of siblings of course fall in love with each other. Both Zelie and Inan are full of angst and make extremely stupid choices just to further the plot. Over and over again. I hate the enemy to lover trope in this. How the group found the quest items were laughable. Bad people show up time and time again for silly reasons. There is an epic sea battle in the desert that drove me bonkers. Plus the book is at least 150 pages too long. Other than the world-building, the actual book was run-of-the-mill. I was bored for most of the aimless wandering and wanted more action. There was also a lot of torture in this book from both the good and bad guys.
I am glad that the other crew members loved this one but for me it walks the plank. Arrr!
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Ahoy there me mateys! If ye haven’t read the first book in this series, nevermoor, then ye might want to skip this post and go read the first book. Worth the read. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . . . . .
I absolutely loved the first book and the crew has been saying that the second book was even better. I concur. This was amazing! It was so wonderful to be back with Morrigan and the lovely crew in Nevermoor. Morrigan has made it into the Wundrous Society but her first year of lessons are not at all what she expected. Everyone seems out to get her – teachers, her fellow students, and the evil Wundersmith himself, Ezra Squall.
I absolutely loved Morrigan’s classes and the differences between the teachers and subject matter. I adored the mystery of the missing people and where they end up. I love Morrigan’s best friend, Hawthorne Swift. I loved the reasons behind the blackmail and how it was resolved. I thought the world-building was as stellar as in the previous book and loved how Nevermoor’s history is delved into. I absolutely loved the forgotten character (what’s her name again?) and her role in the book. I continue to love Jupiter and Jack. And the wonderful talking cat. The ending was perfect.
This book cast a spell on me and I want more mateys! I will definitely be reading these books again. And if ye haven’t begun this series . . . what are ye blasted fools waiting on!?! Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I absolutely loved the first book and the crew has been saying that the second book was even better. I concur. This was amazing! It was so wonderful to be back with Morrigan and the lovely crew in Nevermoor. Morrigan has made it into the Wundrous Society but her first year of lessons are not at all what she expected. Everyone seems out to get her – teachers, her fellow students, and the evil Wundersmith himself, Ezra Squall.
I absolutely loved Morrigan’s classes and the differences between the teachers and subject matter. I adored the mystery of the missing people and where they end up. I love Morrigan’s best friend, Hawthorne Swift. I loved the reasons behind the blackmail and how it was resolved. I thought the world-building was as stellar as in the previous book and loved how Nevermoor’s history is delved into. I absolutely loved the forgotten character (what’s her name again?) and her role in the book. I continue to love Jupiter and Jack. And the wonderful talking cat. The ending was perfect.
This book cast a spell on me and I want more mateys! I will definitely be reading these books again. And if ye haven’t begun this series . . . what are ye blasted fools waiting on!?! Arrr!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! As usual the beautiful cover drew me in.
The blurb on the cover is "Will she marry for love, money - or both?" Well that piqued me interest. When I read the blurb, I realized it sounded like a take on Jane Austen's novels with some silly twists. Turns out it is a pride and prejudice retelling! I was in the mood for something light and as Jane Austen just turned 241 years old, it seemed appropriate.
I had such a good time with this one. It takes place in a small English town called Lesser Hoo. The main character is a 17 year old named Althea. She lives in a castle-by-the-sea that is literally falling apart. With no dowry and only her wits (and thankfully looks) to go on, she must marry rich for the sake of her brother and mother's future prospects.
This is not a deep book but a fun somewhat ironic one at parts. If ye are looking for a novel that mimics Austen's style of writing and societal commentary then this might not float yer boat. But if ye want a quick tale with an Austen flavor then give it a try.
Apparently there is a second book in the series called a school for brides: a story of maidens, mystery, and matrimony. Sign me up!
To see me other reviews visit https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
The blurb on the cover is "Will she marry for love, money - or both?" Well that piqued me interest. When I read the blurb, I realized it sounded like a take on Jane Austen's novels with some silly twists. Turns out it is a pride and prejudice retelling! I was in the mood for something light and as Jane Austen just turned 241 years old, it seemed appropriate.
I had such a good time with this one. It takes place in a small English town called Lesser Hoo. The main character is a 17 year old named Althea. She lives in a castle-by-the-sea that is literally falling apart. With no dowry and only her wits (and thankfully looks) to go on, she must marry rich for the sake of her brother and mother's future prospects.
This is not a deep book but a fun somewhat ironic one at parts. If ye are looking for a novel that mimics Austen's style of writing and societal commentary then this might not float yer boat. But if ye want a quick tale with an Austen flavor then give it a try.
Apparently there is a second book in the series called a school for brides: a story of maidens, mystery, and matrimony. Sign me up!
To see me other reviews visit https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
Ahoy there me mateys! I wish I could remember which crew member recommended this sci-fi to me. I kept being told that this be a time travel novel. That be incorrect. This be a novel wherein the main character was born in 1581 but does not go back in time. Instead he ages only one year for every 15 years that passes. So when ye meet him in the novel he already be centuries old but only looks 41.
Long life seemingly should be a gift. However for Tom, he is weary and tired of hiding his existence from the world. He is heartsick for his love lost of centuries ago and cannot find his missing daughter who shares his condition. So he decides to go back to London where he first fell in love after having avoided it all this time. However being in London means confronting his past and trying to decide what his future might be hold.
I listened to this one on audiobook and thought it was a fun and quick read. The story does go back and forth between Tom’s past and present so maybe that is where people get the idea of the time travel from. I rather enjoyed how Tom has survived through the years. Of course he has had run-ins with famous people like Shakespeare, Captain Cook, and the Fitzgeralds. Normally that would annoy me but it was silly and kinda lighthearted so it didn’t bother me too much. I enjoyed watching Tom’s life unfold in both past and present and wasn’t confused by the switches back and forth.
The main problem with this book was the subplot about the secret Albatross Society that controls Tom’s life. Once the storylines of Society, daughter, and Tom actually converge the plot become kinda ludicrous and even more unbelievable. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending and the love conquers all mentality. But I did very much enjoy the book in general and liked many of the ideas that were presented. A fun and lighthearted read that I do recommend. I would read more of this author’s work. Arrr!
Side note: For those readers who want actual time travel books try the anubis gates and the doomsday book.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com
Long life seemingly should be a gift. However for Tom, he is weary and tired of hiding his existence from the world. He is heartsick for his love lost of centuries ago and cannot find his missing daughter who shares his condition. So he decides to go back to London where he first fell in love after having avoided it all this time. However being in London means confronting his past and trying to decide what his future might be hold.
I listened to this one on audiobook and thought it was a fun and quick read. The story does go back and forth between Tom’s past and present so maybe that is where people get the idea of the time travel from. I rather enjoyed how Tom has survived through the years. Of course he has had run-ins with famous people like Shakespeare, Captain Cook, and the Fitzgeralds. Normally that would annoy me but it was silly and kinda lighthearted so it didn’t bother me too much. I enjoyed watching Tom’s life unfold in both past and present and wasn’t confused by the switches back and forth.
The main problem with this book was the subplot about the secret Albatross Society that controls Tom’s life. Once the storylines of Society, daughter, and Tom actually converge the plot become kinda ludicrous and even more unbelievable. I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending and the love conquers all mentality. But I did very much enjoy the book in general and liked many of the ideas that were presented. A fun and lighthearted read that I do recommend. I would read more of this author’s work. Arrr!
Side note: For those readers who want actual time travel books try the anubis gates and the doomsday book.
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 title sounds like the name of a historical fiction, but the book intrigued me because it was listed in the sci-fi section. It was described as the “science fiction analog to the Zika crisis” and is set in a dystopian version of the U.S. I had to read it, and I am mostly glad that I did.
The first half of the book is wonderful with a super strong beginning and set up. The stories in the maternity ward were so sad and harsh. I found the main character of the nameless midwife to be extremely fascinating. She goes to sleep when the world is in chaos and awakens to the dead new world. There are some gangs of men and seemingly no women.
How the midwife chooses to live and struggle was me favorite part. I did have some quibbles though. The men in this world were either psychos or useless. I understand that it made for a lot of drama. The women were sex slaves/trade items and most men were evil. The very few good men were considered weak and seemingly couldn’t survive.
I guess I expected the midwife to be more of a superhero and less of just a human trying to survive. She does have empathy and struggles with her feelings but always puts her survival first. The blurb made me expect her to be a leader. She ends up one but just not at all how I thought she would.
Another issue was the technique of some of the writing. Some of it is told through journal entries, both from the midwife and others. These journal entries in general threw me out of the story, which doesn’t usually happen. Also, a silly thing, but the font of these journal entries sort of drove me insane. It was kinda in a italicized hand-writing font and was hard on me eyes.
Also the middle of the book sort of ground to a standstill. The midwife settles in a town and meets people in a neighboring town. This section dealt with religion in what to me was a rather cliched way. I still enjoyed the author’s style of writing but the plot dragged.
The end of the novel picks back up again and explains where the midwife ends up and why her story is so important. It felt a little rushed and weirdly unfocused on the midwife.
I found out that there is a second book explaining more of the place where the midwife ends up. Even though I didn’t love this novel, I do think I want to read the next part of the story and how the world has progressed.
If ye like dystopias then personally I believe ye are better off with novels like the handmaid’s tale or the road.
So lastly . . .
Thank you 47 North!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
The title sounds like the name of a historical fiction, but the book intrigued me because it was listed in the sci-fi section. It was described as the “science fiction analog to the Zika crisis” and is set in a dystopian version of the U.S. I had to read it, and I am mostly glad that I did.
The first half of the book is wonderful with a super strong beginning and set up. The stories in the maternity ward were so sad and harsh. I found the main character of the nameless midwife to be extremely fascinating. She goes to sleep when the world is in chaos and awakens to the dead new world. There are some gangs of men and seemingly no women.
How the midwife chooses to live and struggle was me favorite part. I did have some quibbles though. The men in this world were either psychos or useless. I understand that it made for a lot of drama. The women were sex slaves/trade items and most men were evil. The very few good men were considered weak and seemingly couldn’t survive.
I guess I expected the midwife to be more of a superhero and less of just a human trying to survive. She does have empathy and struggles with her feelings but always puts her survival first. The blurb made me expect her to be a leader. She ends up one but just not at all how I thought she would.
Another issue was the technique of some of the writing. Some of it is told through journal entries, both from the midwife and others. These journal entries in general threw me out of the story, which doesn’t usually happen. Also, a silly thing, but the font of these journal entries sort of drove me insane. It was kinda in a italicized hand-writing font and was hard on me eyes.
Also the middle of the book sort of ground to a standstill. The midwife settles in a town and meets people in a neighboring town. This section dealt with religion in what to me was a rather cliched way. I still enjoyed the author’s style of writing but the plot dragged.
The end of the novel picks back up again and explains where the midwife ends up and why her story is so important. It felt a little rushed and weirdly unfocused on the midwife.
I found out that there is a second book explaining more of the place where the midwife ends up. Even though I didn’t love this novel, I do think I want to read the next part of the story and how the world has progressed.
If ye like dystopias then personally I believe ye are better off with novels like the handmaid’s tale or the road.
So lastly . . .
Thank you 47 North!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/