Ahoy there mateys!  Today finally be the release day for this fantasy book and I had an unusual journey towards obtaining this novel and also in how I read it . . .

Well mateys.  When I first requested this book via NetGalley, I was super excited to read it.  I was very much engaged in the beginning of the story and was avidly devouring it when it abruptly ended!  Apparently I got an excerpt copy which contained chapters 1 to 23!  I don't I don't normally do memes here on me log but decided to do a "Can’t Wait Wednesday" post to review the awesome start.  Here be a recap of that reading experience:

"This be the story of Kihrin.  It begins with him in a prison cell talking to a demon named Talon.  How fun is that?  The chapters alternate between Kihrin's versions of events and Talon's additions.  There are also fun footnotes in both.  In Kihrin's chapters it talks about what happened to him after being purchased in a slave auction.  In Talon's chapters it goes back even further than that to when Kihrin's is a 15 year-old and participates in a heist gone wrong.  There was a little settling in for both sections because of the jumps in time.  I couldn't decide which sections I liked better.  Both have awesome magic, fun characters, snarky Kihrin, and lots of politics, intrigue, and action.  While I do love both sections, I hope at some point the story does go to one narrative for better ease of readin'.  But I certainly do want to know what happens next.  Arrr!"

So the post goes live and me matey Mogsy @ thebibliosanctum offered to send me an extra copy of the complete Arc.  How could I say no to such treasure?  Arrr!  So I was gleefully excited when I got me post in the next port and the lovely tome was added to the precious stack of books in me cabin.  Of course I just needed the perfect time to read it.

So I was torn about whether I wanted to reread chapters 1-23 or if I should just leap back into the deep end of the story.  I couldn't make up me mind until I discovered that Tor.com was doing something interesting leading up to release day.  Apparently they were releasing one chapter a week online to drum up excitement.  Better yet, Leigh Butler was doing a read of each chapter with commentary with each chapter release.  Of course being at sea often means I am out of touch with the landlubber schedules so by the time I read about this online series, it was already mostly finished.  But what better way to get ready to relaunch back into Jenn Lyons' book then by wetting me whistle with these posts by Butler to jog me memory and refresh me thoughts?  So I told the crew to mind their own business, settled into me bunk, and read all of the posts by Matey Butler.  It was a perfect way to get me feet wet again.

So what about the rest of the book ye say?  Well I had a rollickin' good time!  Truly I was conflicted about which of the storylines, Talon or Kihrin's, I liked better.  I was continually amazed at how I was both annoyed and intrigued by switching back and forth.  Annoyed because each chapter ended and I had to know what happened next.  And intrigued because the next chapter would quickly drawn me back into the other plot line.  There was a bit of confusion at times due to changing names, bodies, and time frames.  I had expected that the two timelines would somehow merge.  That didn't happen.  But the disorientation was minor and I just went with the ebb and flow of the storytelling.

I won't spoil the story for ye but have to say that the ending was kinda awesome and I am intrigued by what will happen next.  Honestly I have no idea where the author will go but the hints be tantalizing.  The world building be immense and the plot elements are many.  Here is just a small sampling of them: dragons, horses, magic, mimics (!), witches, demons, gods, cool weapons, artifacts, soul stealing, prophecy, murder, conspiracy, body-switching, necromancy, slavery, magical races, class politics, rags to riches, heists gone wrong, warring kingdoms, and much more.  I know it sounds like everything and kitchen sink (and it is!) but how they blended together was excellent fun.

Add in characters to root for (Kehrin), characters to be ambivalent about (Tyentso), characters who are evil but fun (Talon) and some unexpected twists and turns and ye have a great story.  I can see how this mix can be too much for some.  But I would very much like the next book right about now.  Arrrr!

So lastly . . .

Thank you Macmillian-Tor/Forge and Matey Mogsy!

Ahoy there me mateys! I was looking to read something short that fit me current mood and this book was found in the hold. This is listed as a middle-grade but bah! I don’t put age limits on things.

This is about a robot whose crate gets washed overboard from a cargo ship and she ends up on a deserted island. Except the island isn’t actually deserted. It is filled with local wildlife. So the robot, Roz, has to to discover how to survive on the island, her purpose, and perhaps how she got there.

Though this book had a slow start, I soon grew to love Roz. By the end of the story, I knew that I wanted to read the further adventures of this adorable robot. I just loved the idea of a robot going “wild” and making friends with all of the animals. Though the robot has some limitations due to programing, this does not stop her quest for growth and communication and companionship. A quick and lovely read. And the author’s illustrations were fun and perfect for the book. Check it out.

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Ahoy there me mateys! The title and the cover for this one is what drew me in. I just love the image of the feather blending into the waves. When I found out this was a historical mystery tale set in the 1920s I knew I had to read it.

Twelve year-old Crow doesn’t know anything about her past. She washed ashore in a small boat on a tiny island when she was only a few hours old. She was raised by an older man named Osh and his neighbor Maggie. Crow used to consider her life to be pretty much perfect. Sure there isn’t really any money but Crow loves her world of three. But as she gets older, she begins to really question why none of the other islanders will get near her and where she really came from. But Crow finds that with the questions comes a sense of unease about her identity and where she belongs. This is Crow’s journey of discovery.

It is really a beautiful tale. The writing is wonderful and could be very lyrical. The characters are unique and lovely. I loved all three members of the trio. Osh, in particular, was me favourite character. He was gruff, tender, and caring. I absolutely adored reading about island life. I loved that Crow’s search also leads to frustration and concern in the adults. I enjoyed that assumptions and prejudices were challenged over and over again. I thought it was great to see how hurt can sometimes be caused by difference in temperament and emotions.

The mystery isn’t a mystery for long but I thought the author’s choices were both unexpected and fascinating. The ending in particular was rather bold and unorthodox and I loved it. The only really negative for this one was that the bad guy was very two dimensional but I didn’t care because of Crow and Osh and Maggie. I loved witnessing their love, care, and concern for each other.

I very much enjoyed this experience. The author’s other book wolf hollow also be on me list. I be excited for it! Arrrr!

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Ahoy there me mateys! This be the fourth book in the series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the previous three then ye might want to skip this post. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .

I think this be me favourite. I know I say that with each respective book but seriously this series continues to grow and be wonderful. This book tells the story of Lundy in the Goblin Market. Ye originally meet Lundy in the first novella and I have always wanted to know the rest of her intriguing story. I was so excited to finally get those answers.

What I loved about this installment was that it continued to reveal complexities in how the doors and worlds work. The Goblin Market was both enticing and scary. I loved all the complexities of fair value. The difference in this book is that ye can come and go multiple times between yer home world and yer door world. It led to some interesting twists. Also this be a prequel. Ye know the sad ending and yet I found meself weirdly hoping that somehow everything would work out for Lundy. I seriously forgot I already knew the ending and was raptly wondering how the story would turn out and marveling at the twists and turns.

It be a darn good writer who can pull that off. No more details because of spoilers but this was beautiful and compelling and bittersweet. I will certainly be readin’ the next book when it comes out in 2020! Arrrr!

Check out what me crew had to say:

Melanie @ meltotheany – “Each and every book in this series is not only expertly crafted, but also the theme will be hard hitting and impactful. Every Heart a Doorway is about asexuality and realizing how important it is to surround yourself with people who unconditionally love and accept you, all of you, because you’re worthy of it. Down Among the Sticks and Bones is about gender norms and stereotypes that the world horribly puts onto us, and how it’s a horrible cycle that never stops. Beneath the Sugar Sky is about loving yourself and no matter what your body looks like, that it’s perfect; fat, skinny, with scars, with hair, with modifications so that you can be the person that you want to be. And In An Absent Dream is about how we live in a world that has completely lost the meaning of what is fair and what is just and what is right.”

Jack Stark @ Goodreads – “I adore the Wayward Children series, and this was my favourite of them so far. Since hearing in book 1 of the Goblin Market and Lundy’s world, I wanted to know more. And I got more. A tale of girls with feathers in a land that tracks and measures fair value, and punishes those that try to outsmart the system. This story, like the rest in the series, is smart, bittersweet, and enchanting.”

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Ahoy there me mateys! I have been meaning to read more of this author’s work ever since I read the odd but interesting short story called the starship and the temple cat. It can be found for free at the beneath ceasless skies website by clicking here. I do own the first book in his machineries of the empire series but haven’t yet read it. I decided to tackle this young adult title first.

The story follows a young fox spirit named Min who is biding her time until she can join the Space Forces like her older brother Jun. Then her family is visited by a government representative who is looking for answers regarding Jun’s desertion from the Force. Min is convinced that her brother is innocent and runs away to rescue her brother, clear his name, and bring him home.

Ah how I loved this one. First of all its a coming-of-age story with a feisty, intelligent protagonist. I adored Min and her trickery. Secondly it combines Korean folklore and space travels. Who doesn’t want space battles, lasers, magic, dragons, ghosts, and much more. Thirdly, it showcases a loving, stable family. Jun and Min’s relationship is lovely. Fourthly, the ending is divine. Fifthly . . . oh I don’t want to spoil anything. The tale is magical and engaging and diverse and wonderful. It was beautifully written and I am so glad I read it. Go and get a copy and enjoy!

I am definately going to have to read more of his work. Arrr!

Ahoy there me mateys! Though this log’s focus is on sci-fi, fantasy, and young adult, this Captain does have broader reading tastes. So occasionally I will share some novels that I enjoyed that are off the charts (a non sci-fi, fantasy, or young adult novel), as it were. I received this non-fiction eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .

In 2016, according to a Time magazine article, there were about 100,000 Holocaust survivors still alive. In 2014, there were 500,000. So how many are there in 2018? I couldn't find the numbers. But what I do know is that we will soon be in an era where there are no first person witnesses. That is why books like this continue to be important and why I continue to read them. To keep the memories alive and honor the victims of the tragedy. When there are ridiculous people trying to deny the impact of the Holocaust or say it never happened with living proof, I shudder to think what will happen when all the survivors are gone.

Also with many survivor's reticence to talk about their Holocaust stories, every one is precious. With each one that is told there are millions that have that have been lost. Within these true stories ye get to see human ingenuity, human kindness, and above all, love in horrible situations. Some people do break. Some survive. All matter.

This novel details the experiences of Lale Sokolov who was a tattooist at Auschwitz, found love in the camps, and survived to make a life outside afterwards He only chose to tell this story after the loss of his beloved wife in 2003. I won't say much about the plot because me words don't do it justice. But this book is important that I am honored and humbled that Lale shared his story.

So lastly . . .

Thank you Bonnier Publishing Australia / Echo!

Side note:much thanks to Inge @ thebelgianreviewer for making me aware of this book’s existence. Check out her review click here!

EDIT as of 2/12/19: Kate @ booksaremyfavouriteandbest discussed how there have been some dispute about the accuracy of this “true” story. To read the aritcle by the Auschwitz Memorial Research Center click here!

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Ahoy there me mateys! This be the fourth book in me Ports for Plunder – 19 Books in 2019 list. I wanted to read this because it is a postapocalyptic sci-fi novel about a crumbling world where one man’s vision of survival is a ship where he chooses the 500 souls whose only salvation is to get a slot onboard. But Noah’s ark this ain’t.

The story is told from the perspective of Lalla, a sixteen year old whose father is the saviour. The ship seems like a utopia to the chosen passengers. There is safety, running water, food for all, and freedom to enjoy the simple things in life like cooking, listening to music, and swimming. In exchange, there is no talk about the past or future but only concentration on living in the moment and enjoying life’s little pleasures. However, Lalla feels smothered by the boat and the memory of those left behind. She wants to know where the ship is going and what the plan is. The problem is that no one will discuss it. Her father focuses only on maintaining his cult-like following and control.

While well-written, this book ended up being tough to love. I thought the world-building was excellent. I loved the majority of the concepts. I loved the entire beginning of the book up through the passengers settling in to life on the ship. Then it got dicey. What it came down to was Lalla’s temperament and choices.

Lalla was spoiled and sheltered by her parents. She has almost no real personality of her own but what she does have is extraorindary selfishness. She lost her home and stability when she boards the ship. Everyone else was fleeing disaster and finds the ship to be a haven. Initially I had sympathy for her predictiment. But she is whiney, thoughtless, and silly. She gives no thought to the feelings or needs of others. She doesn’t act like a 16 year-old. She acts like a temper-tantrum-throwing toddler. She continously makes bad choices and has extremely unlogical and flawed thinking. I would have just tossed her overboard and been done with it.

Also many of the plot twists of Lalla’s journey were just plain pointless or stupid. The ending in particular irked me. I dont’t necessarily fault the author’s choices because it actually made sense for Lalla to have made such a dumb decision. Every thing Lalla does is based on pure reaction and emotion. But after reading this, I immediately came up with many better options and long-range plots to potentially achieve success. Seriously this girl was a moron. I knew the answers to the mysteries practically upon introduction of them. Lalla was clueless.

So even though the given prespective and plot were super annoying at times, the story did keep me engaged and I had to keep reading and finish. The ship did turn out to have a sinister and creepy feeling. I wouldn’t want to live in those conditions but I understood why others might. I have no regrets about reading this one and would be willing to try more of the author’s work. Arrrr!

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This be the second book in the series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the previous book then ye might want to skip this post. If ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .

I absolutely loved the first sci-fi tale about a bumbling James Bond type-character code name: Kangaroo and was excited to see what happens in his next set of adventures. I thought this be a solid second book. It takes place on the moon. What was supposed to be a simple mission goes awry and Kangaroo finds himself trying to get his partner cleared of a murder charge, dealing with the aftermath of a terrorist attack, and being trapped on the moon. He isn’t pleased.

Shenanigans abound in this tale and I read it in one sitting. I still very much enjoy Kangaroo and his crazy antics. The book was fun and certainly kept me attention. The only downside is that the politics have expanded and taken on a larger role so there was less humor involved in this installment. Minor quibble but the first book entertained me immensely. The silliness of it helped forgive any plot problems. The second book had more easily accesible plot flaws. That said, I wouldn’t mind more adventures of Kangaroo and gang. Arrr!

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Ahoy there mateys! Okay I now kinda have a thing for books that combine memoirs with science and fun animal facts. So far, I have read about ravens, hawks, owls, and snails (seriously snails are AMAZING). So when I saw this one about denizens of the deep, I just had to read it. I have always loved octopuses and was excited to learn more about them. I knew that they be masters of escape and are highly intelligent. I did not know facts like these:

"A lion is a mammal like us; an octopus is put together completely differently, with three hearts, a brain that wraps around its throat, and a covering of slime instead of hair. Even their blood is a different color from ours; it’s blue, because copper, not iron, carries its oxygen."
― Sy Montgomery, The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

Learning about the author’s life and those of the octopuses she befriends was absolutely fascinating. I loved the octopuses – “gentle Athena, assertive Octavia, curious Kali, and joyful Karma.” I loved the group of people that these creatures bring together. I loved learning more about the science of these beautiful creatures. I seriously was in awe of the personalities of the octopuses and was heartily cheering them on. There is some sadness to the tales as the larger octopus lives on average less than five years. But the octopus is a natural wonder that I now appreciate more fully. Should humans become extinct then mehaps octopuses can take over the flooded world! I highly recommend this book and would certainly read more of the author’s work. Arrr!

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Ahoy there me mateys!  I received this sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Here be me honest musings. . .

The totally awesome cover is what led me to find out more about this book and the weird premise is what drew me in.  This book takes place in a dying American town called Swine Hill.  The only thing stopping the town from total annihilation is a pork processing plant whose workers have little hope and no resources to start anew.  Economic troubles would be bad enough but then there be the ghosts.  Generations of angry and depressed dead are tied to the town and its residents.  If ye aren't careful yer body can become a host for one or more restless spirits.

This book centers around one such haunted family.  Jane has carried her ghost since she was a young girl.  Her ghost reads other people's thoughts and also likes to offer commentary on Jane's own inner desires and feelings.  Jane considers her a friend but it's a double-edged relationship.  Her brother, Henry, harbors the ghost of a tinker and scientist.  The two minds together can come up with marvels.  However, this ghost sometimes subsumes the boy when a particular problem catches his fancy.  The problem gets solved but Henry is completely blank of all memories of the solution and the missing time.  Their mother has been consumed by a ghost with an overwhelming need to be loved.  This love is so selfish and strong that it literally burns the flesh of her lovers.  Her children cannot touch her for fear of being scalded.  Their father is a human automaton who left the family, became homeless, and roams the streets.  He shuns all company and the ghosts shun him.  Neither Jane nor her brother know why.  Talk about family dysfunction.

The highlight of this book for me was the complexities of the world building around Swine Hill.  Its depressive nature is pervasive and yet it be rich with unusual  ideas and imagery.  The ghost elements were absolutely fascinating and I loved the diverse effects of spirit inhabitation.  There was also an odd but sad robot and animal hybrids.  This book led to excellent questions about humanity, economics, brutality, fear, greed, loss, and tenacity.  The world felt real and gritty and very unpleasant.  And yet the residents continued to hang onto survival even if the war has been lost.  Though hope is missing, there is still the desire for comfort at any cost.  I honestly wanted better for Jane and Henry.  The story couldn't end well given the rules of the world but I had to know the resolution.  And I truly liked what I was given.

I don't know if I could legitimately recommend this to anyone because it is so unique and weird and gritty.  But I admit that I am so very glad that I read this book and I look forward to seeing what else this author has in store.  For a debut, it is wonderful.  Arrrr!

So lastly . . .

Thank you John Joseph Adams / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt!

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