Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.39k reviews by:
thecaptainsquarters
Ahoy there mateys! This is a standalone over-the-top YA popcorn sci-fi thriller. The novel follows Blythe who is upset when her best friend, Gabrielle, has a mental breakdown and seemingly attacks the principal. Blythe doesn’t understand why Blythe would do something like that but, then again, their friendship has been rocky recently. Blythe decides to solve the mystery of what would cause Gabby to act out of character. Then Blythe begins suffering her own memory losses and confusion. As things progress, her other friends, Tucker and Tanya, get pulled into the plot. Wait they have memory loss and visions too!?! What a mess both story and writing-wise. The plot is confusing and the twists make no real sense. The sci-fi elements, when explained, have lots of incongruities. There is gaslighting and blood and teens sneaking around with no actual supervision. The title did not pan out. Nor did the ending. It was a fast read but just barely okay. This is not one of the author’s best. Arrr!
Ahoy there me mateys! The first book in this series won the Hugo Award for Best Novella in 2021. All four can be read as standalones but I am glad I read them in order. This book was a gem and may be the best of the series. Chih the cleric gets to go back to the Abbey after four years on the road. They are excited to be home. Upon arriving, Chih finds chaos and sorrow. Their mentor, Thien, has passed away. Thien's family is at the gates with mammoths threatening battle if Thien's body is not given up. The majority of the clerics are not home but on an archeological dig. The neixin are bitter and politicking. And Chih finds other unexpected changes. This was a beautiful book about the past, grief, changing friendship, memory, love, stories, and reevaluating purpose. It felt bittersweet but certainly ended with hope. I read late into the night in one reading and was captivated. I cannot wait for book 5 (and hopefully more). Arrrr!
Me reread of Willis' bellwether made me want to reread this one. This is part of the Oxford Time Travel series. The first time I read the book. This time I listened to the First Mate's copy of the audiobook read by Steven Crossley. I have never been able to get through three men and a boat that this book references. Willis' book is just so funny and clever. I love the main character, Ned, who is suffering from time travel sickness. He is sent back to Victorian England in 1888 to have a vacation, and to fix a time paradox, but of course nothing works as planned. There is lots of silliness (like Ned not being able to read Roman numerals) and lots of heart too. It is a light romance wrapped in a fun, zany romp. Favorites continue to be Cyril the bulldog and Princess Arjumand the cat, everyone's aversion to Mrs. Schrapnell, and Professor Peddick and his fish obsession. I also appreciated Bane the butler and his trials more this time through. I also was more able to appreciate the interlocking narratives of the timelines, especially during the section of the Coventry bombing. I will have to add a reread of doomsday book. Apparently Steven Crossley also reads a version of three men in a boat. Maybe I should look into that. Arrr!
*****************
Ahoy there me mateys! This be the eleventh book in me Ports for Plunder – 19 Books in 2019 list. Me introduction to this author came in the days before this log when the First Mate gave me a copy of the doomsday book to read during a long car trip. I started to read it, ignored him for the entire ride, and finished the book. It seriously be one of the top books I have ever read. It also won the Hugo, Locus, AND Nebula awards. How cool is that? Ever since I read that book back in 2010, I had been meaning to read this second book. So when I made the 19 for 2019 list, I knew this had to be one of them.
Books one and two can be read in any order but personally I am glad I read them the way I did. While the doomsday book is sad but clever (black plague y’all) this book is silly and funny and clever. Apparently the title about the dog comes from a crazy popular book written in 1889 called three men in a boat by Jerome K. Jerome. I had never heard of it or the author but found the background fascinating once I did some research. I even downloaded the 1889 book and already see the similarities. Also three men in a boat was referenced by Robert Heinlein who Willis thanks in her dedication: “To Robert A. Heinlein, Who, in Have Space Suit—Will Travel, first introduced me to Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat, To Say Nothing of the Dog.” I now want to reread that Heinlein juvenile knowing the reference.
Ultimately I see why this dog book is beloved and won both the Locus and Hugo awards. It is just plain fun. A time-traveling historian, Ned, has made one too many jumps into the past and has been ordered to go on medical leave. Only problems have arisen and so his leave is instead turned into a trip back to Victorian England where he can do just one simple task and then take a well-deserved vacation there. Of course hijinks ensue. This includes shenanigans with a cat, a bird stump, a boat trip, jumble sales, and trying to make the world not end. Among other things.
This romantic comedy is cute but also so very, very clever. I absolutely know that I missed references and not just the nods to the 1889 book. This novel also references murder mysteries, tons of historical events, and has Victorian style humor. A blogger, thesleeplessreader, has a fun breakdown of some of them. This link lists the tropes (spoilers!) it feels the book has and many of them I have never even heard of! And yet these references were not intrusive or annoying. I was delighted by the ones I got. The story did not feel bogged down by them.
And then there is the bird stump. I didn’t know what one was. Apparently this be a particular type of Victorian vase. The bird stump in the novel is a thing called a MacGuffin. I didn’t know what one was. Apparently:
In fiction, a MacGuffin is an object, device, or event that is necessary to the plot and the motivation of the characters, but insignificant, unimportant, or irrelevant in itself. The term was originated by Angus MacPhail for film, adopted by Alfred Hitchcock, and later extended to a similar device in fiction. (source)
Imagine me surprise when the First Mate used that term later that day in reference to another book he was reading! It was awesome. This book also used spoonerisms which I had also just learned about because I was doing research into malapropisms and the play the rivals.
So aye, the real treat of this book be the foray into and love of the English language. The doomsday book still be me favourite but I am so glad to have read this one too. I will certainly be reading the other books in this series. Arrrr!
*****************
Ahoy there me mateys! This be the eleventh book in me Ports for Plunder – 19 Books in 2019 list. Me introduction to this author came in the days before this log when the First Mate gave me a copy of the doomsday book to read during a long car trip. I started to read it, ignored him for the entire ride, and finished the book. It seriously be one of the top books I have ever read. It also won the Hugo, Locus, AND Nebula awards. How cool is that? Ever since I read that book back in 2010, I had been meaning to read this second book. So when I made the 19 for 2019 list, I knew this had to be one of them.
Books one and two can be read in any order but personally I am glad I read them the way I did. While the doomsday book is sad but clever (black plague y’all) this book is silly and funny and clever. Apparently the title about the dog comes from a crazy popular book written in 1889 called three men in a boat by Jerome K. Jerome. I had never heard of it or the author but found the background fascinating once I did some research. I even downloaded the 1889 book and already see the similarities. Also three men in a boat was referenced by Robert Heinlein who Willis thanks in her dedication: “To Robert A. Heinlein, Who, in Have Space Suit—Will Travel, first introduced me to Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat, To Say Nothing of the Dog.” I now want to reread that Heinlein juvenile knowing the reference.
Ultimately I see why this dog book is beloved and won both the Locus and Hugo awards. It is just plain fun. A time-traveling historian, Ned, has made one too many jumps into the past and has been ordered to go on medical leave. Only problems have arisen and so his leave is instead turned into a trip back to Victorian England where he can do just one simple task and then take a well-deserved vacation there. Of course hijinks ensue. This includes shenanigans with a cat, a bird stump, a boat trip, jumble sales, and trying to make the world not end. Among other things.
This romantic comedy is cute but also so very, very clever. I absolutely know that I missed references and not just the nods to the 1889 book. This novel also references murder mysteries, tons of historical events, and has Victorian style humor. A blogger, thesleeplessreader, has a fun breakdown of some of them. This link lists the tropes (spoilers!) it feels the book has and many of them I have never even heard of! And yet these references were not intrusive or annoying. I was delighted by the ones I got. The story did not feel bogged down by them.
And then there is the bird stump. I didn’t know what one was. Apparently this be a particular type of Victorian vase. The bird stump in the novel is a thing called a MacGuffin. I didn’t know what one was. Apparently:
In fiction, a MacGuffin is an object, device, or event that is necessary to the plot and the motivation of the characters, but insignificant, unimportant, or irrelevant in itself. The term was originated by Angus MacPhail for film, adopted by Alfred Hitchcock, and later extended to a similar device in fiction. (source)
Imagine me surprise when the First Mate used that term later that day in reference to another book he was reading! It was awesome. This book also used spoonerisms which I had also just learned about because I was doing research into malapropisms and the play the rivals.
So aye, the real treat of this book be the foray into and love of the English language. The doomsday book still be me favourite but I am so glad to have read this one too. I will certainly be reading the other books in this series. Arrrr!
The First Mate recommended that I listen to the version of Jane Eyre read by Thandiwe Newton. I have read this book a handful of times over the years and it was one of me early favorite reads. I tend to love Jane's younger life before Thornfield best. This version did help me appreciate Mr. Rochester a little bit more. Even when I was little, I never really understood why Jane would love him because he was mean to her and Adele. This audiobook made me feel his love for Jane and sympathize with his situation a bit more. His desperation at the end was palatable. I found that Jane's trial of wandering though the countryside in despair was sillier seeming. Her cousin was horrible and I do not believe that he should have gotten away with treating her that way. Additionally, Jane's classist attitude was much clearer in hearing the language spoken out loud. This is a great audio book if ye have never read this classic. Arrrr!
I was in the mood to reread these and so I binged the series. I love it so. I wish all military SF was so fun. Kylara "Ky" Vatta is an excellent character to root for. Part of what I love about the series is that she starts out being rather naïve but grows and changes into a lovely powerhouse. But just because she is powerful, doesn't mean that she doesn't care about the greater good. I also love Ky's cousin Stella and their goofy Aunt Grace, neither who end up being as originally expected. The highlight of this series for me is always the characters, their interactions, and the way the author twists the plot with unexpected, but rational, consequences. I have not reread the sequel series vatta's peace but now I want to. Arrr!
************************
Ahoy there me mateys! I have been wanting to read a book by this author forever and was going to start with the novel, cold welcome. I heard about the book from the review by Sarah @ brainfluff and immediately added it to the list. Where it sat. It sat there long enough for Sarah to review the second book in the series. By luck or coincidence, I had just picked up cold welcome to read when I saw Sarah’s review of book two which ended with “This is recommended for fans of science fiction thrillers – though ideally, you should first read the Vatta’s War series and Cold Welcome.” I hadn’t realized there was another series and I trust Matey Sarah. So I immediately put cold welcome on the back burner and got ahold of this one instead.
I absolutely loved it. I sat and read avidly and completed the book in one session. The novel started out with a bang. The protagonist, Vatta, is expelled for military school but doesn’t know why. How cool is that? Sent home in disgrace, her wealthy family gives her a pity mission. She has to Captain a cargo ship to a port where she will deliver the cargo and then sell the ship for scrap. Her crew are all older and it is supposed to be a milk mission to let time pass and Vatta’s disgrace fade out of the media spotlight. But Vatta has other ideas which of course don’t go according to plan.
Vatta was a fantastic protagonist – intelligent, clever, calm-under-pressure, and resourceful. But she does make mistakes and has fears and concerns. I loved watching her grow during the course of the book. I thought the other crew members were excellent characters too if mostly in the background. The plot was excellent and fun. This was a perfect read in a perfect moment. I will certainly be reading more of this series. Arrr!
Side note: I thought this was the first book I had ever read by the author. But apparently she also wrote the Paksenarrion series. I read omnibus, the deed of paksenarrion, back in the day. Sadly, me only memories of these books were that I liked them. Nothing more in me noggin’ about it. Sigh.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
************************
Ahoy there me mateys! I have been wanting to read a book by this author forever and was going to start with the novel, cold welcome. I heard about the book from the review by Sarah @ brainfluff and immediately added it to the list. Where it sat. It sat there long enough for Sarah to review the second book in the series. By luck or coincidence, I had just picked up cold welcome to read when I saw Sarah’s review of book two which ended with “This is recommended for fans of science fiction thrillers – though ideally, you should first read the Vatta’s War series and Cold Welcome.” I hadn’t realized there was another series and I trust Matey Sarah. So I immediately put cold welcome on the back burner and got ahold of this one instead.
I absolutely loved it. I sat and read avidly and completed the book in one session. The novel started out with a bang. The protagonist, Vatta, is expelled for military school but doesn’t know why. How cool is that? Sent home in disgrace, her wealthy family gives her a pity mission. She has to Captain a cargo ship to a port where she will deliver the cargo and then sell the ship for scrap. Her crew are all older and it is supposed to be a milk mission to let time pass and Vatta’s disgrace fade out of the media spotlight. But Vatta has other ideas which of course don’t go according to plan.
Vatta was a fantastic protagonist – intelligent, clever, calm-under-pressure, and resourceful. But she does make mistakes and has fears and concerns. I loved watching her grow during the course of the book. I thought the other crew members were excellent characters too if mostly in the background. The plot was excellent and fun. This was a perfect read in a perfect moment. I will certainly be reading more of this series. Arrr!
Side note: I thought this was the first book I had ever read by the author. But apparently she also wrote the Paksenarrion series. I read omnibus, the deed of paksenarrion, back in the day. Sadly, me only memories of these books were that I liked them. Nothing more in me noggin’ about it. Sigh.
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I was in the mood to reread these and so I binged the series. I love it so. I wish all military SF was so fun. Kylara "Ky" Vatta is an excellent character to root for. Part of what I love about the series is that she starts out being rather naïve but grows and changes into a lovely powerhouse. But just because she is powerful, doesn't mean that she doesn't care about the greater good. I also love Ky's cousin Stella and their goofy Aunt Grace, neither who end up being as originally expected. The highlight of this series for me is always the characters, their interactions, and the way the author twists the plot with unexpected, but rational, consequences. I have not reread the sequel series vatta's peace but now I want to. Arrr!
*****************************
Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the second and third books of the Vatta's War series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
Well book one could have been a standalone but I am extremely glad it wasn't! The second book quickly brings about a major, surprising change for the main character, Ky Vatta, and her family. It was mind-boggling but brilliant. It certainly upped the ante. I loved the crazy mercenary company and how Ky made deals with them. I loved all the space battles. It even makes trading goods interesting.
Ky continues to be a delight. I love watching her get into impossible situations and use her brain and her gusto to solve problems. These books be action-packed, have no real romance, and be filled with admirable women. I particularly love Grandma Grace. She is one tough cookie.
The only minor quibble was the distrust between Ky and her cousin in book three. It made sense in terms of story telling but it did wear on me a bit. I think that overall this book, while enjoyable, felt more like a placeholder set-up book. However, the ending was very satisfying and I am extremely interested in what adventures Ky will get into next.
I have already made plans to get books four and five in me mitts. Arrr!!!
Side note: Much thanks to me matey, Sarah @ brainfluff, for pointing me in the right direction in terms of the recommended readin' sequence for these books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
*****************************
Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the second and third books of the Vatta's War series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
Well book one could have been a standalone but I am extremely glad it wasn't! The second book quickly brings about a major, surprising change for the main character, Ky Vatta, and her family. It was mind-boggling but brilliant. It certainly upped the ante. I loved the crazy mercenary company and how Ky made deals with them. I loved all the space battles. It even makes trading goods interesting.
Ky continues to be a delight. I love watching her get into impossible situations and use her brain and her gusto to solve problems. These books be action-packed, have no real romance, and be filled with admirable women. I particularly love Grandma Grace. She is one tough cookie.
The only minor quibble was the distrust between Ky and her cousin in book three. It made sense in terms of story telling but it did wear on me a bit. I think that overall this book, while enjoyable, felt more like a placeholder set-up book. However, the ending was very satisfying and I am extremely interested in what adventures Ky will get into next.
I have already made plans to get books four and five in me mitts. Arrr!!!
Side note: Much thanks to me matey, Sarah @ brainfluff, for pointing me in the right direction in terms of the recommended readin' sequence for these books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I was in the mood to reread these and so I binged the series. I love it so. I wish all military SF was so fun. Kylara "Ky" Vatta is an excellent character to root for. Part of what I love about the series is that she starts out being rather naïve but grows and changes into a lovely powerhouse. But just because she is powerful, doesn't mean that she doesn't care about the greater good. I also love Ky's cousin Stella and their goofy Aunt Grace, neither who end up being as originally expected. The highlight of this series for me is always the characters, their interactions, and the way the author twists the plot with unexpected, but rational, consequences. I have not reread the sequel series vatta's peace but now I want to. Arrr!
*************
Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the second and third books of the Vatta's War series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
Well book one could have been a standalone but I am extremely glad it wasn't! The second book quickly brings about a major, surprising change for the main character, Ky Vatta, and her family. It was mind-boggling but brilliant. It certainly upped the ante. I loved the crazy mercenary company and how Ky made deals with them. I loved all the space battles. It even makes trading goods interesting.
Ky continues to be a delight. I love watching her get into impossible situations and use her brain and her gusto to solve problems. These books be action-packed, have no real romance, and be filled with admirable women. I particularly love Grandma Grace. She is one tough cookie.
The only minor quibble was the distrust between Ky and her cousin in book three. It made sense in terms of story telling but it did wear on me a bit. I think that overall this book, while enjoyable, felt more like a placeholder set-up book. However, the ending was very satisfying and I am extremely interested in what adventures Ky will get into next.
I have already made plans to get books four and five in me mitts. Arrr!!!
Side note: Much thanks to me matey, Sarah @ brainfluff, for pointing me in the right direction in terms of the recommended readin' sequence for these books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
*************
Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the second and third books of the Vatta's War series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read the first book and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
Well book one could have been a standalone but I am extremely glad it wasn't! The second book quickly brings about a major, surprising change for the main character, Ky Vatta, and her family. It was mind-boggling but brilliant. It certainly upped the ante. I loved the crazy mercenary company and how Ky made deals with them. I loved all the space battles. It even makes trading goods interesting.
Ky continues to be a delight. I love watching her get into impossible situations and use her brain and her gusto to solve problems. These books be action-packed, have no real romance, and be filled with admirable women. I particularly love Grandma Grace. She is one tough cookie.
The only minor quibble was the distrust between Ky and her cousin in book three. It made sense in terms of story telling but it did wear on me a bit. I think that overall this book, while enjoyable, felt more like a placeholder set-up book. However, the ending was very satisfying and I am extremely interested in what adventures Ky will get into next.
I have already made plans to get books four and five in me mitts. Arrr!!!
Side note: Much thanks to me matey, Sarah @ brainfluff, for pointing me in the right direction in terms of the recommended readin' sequence for these books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I was in the mood to reread these and so I binged the series. I love it so. I wish all military SF was so fun. Kylara "Ky" Vatta is an excellent character to root for. Part of what I love about the series is that she starts out being rather naïve but grows and changes into a lovely powerhouse. But just because she is powerful, doesn't mean that she doesn't care about the greater good. I also love Ky's cousin Stella and their goofy Aunt Grace, neither who end up being as originally expected. The highlight of this series for me is always the characters, their interactions, and the way the author twists the plot with unexpected, but rational, consequences. I have not reread the sequel series vatta's peace but now I want to. Arrr!
******************
Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the fourth and fifth books of the Vatta’s War series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read books one through three and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
Well book four started out in an odd fashion. Book three ended suggesting a certain direction and then that didn’t happen. I really wanted to visit a specific planet. Alas. I also know I said that book three felt like a placeholder but this one did too. That said I actually enjoyed this one better. This book follows primarily Rafe and Ky. But the other favourites still make appearances. I continue to adore Aunt Grace. I love the flamboyant ship captain. He makes me so happy. Those who have read prior books will know exactly which one. Ky of course remains the highlight even though she doesn’t get all the page time. This book certainly picked up the pace!
As for the final book, I adored it and thought it be an excellent conclusion to the series. Ky truly is a fantastic leader and I loved watching all of her experience and hardships come together and led to success. Part of the fun of this installment was watching the author’s surprise resolutions for many of me favourite characters. Three in particular made me incredibly happy. Which three ye ask? Spoilers matey, spoilers.
I did want to point out a specific aspect of these novels which is how post-traumatic stress gets dealt with. First of all people actually have realistic issues after experiencing horrible things. Secondly, suffering people are supported and get help to deal with their problems. Characters actually take time to process their situations and talk about feelings and emotions. The emotional toll doesn’t just disappear magically. Now granted it is an advanced society where there is medical treatment that current science cannot provide. But there are also meds, therapy sessions, and taking time to heal, reflect, and rest. It was a refreshing viewpoint for military sci-fi.
I am so very glad to have read this series and highly recommend it to me crew. I have already made plans to get the companion series, vatta’s peace, in me mitts. Arrr!!!
Side note: Much thanks to me matey, Sarah @ brainfluff, for pointing me in the right direction in terms of the recommended readin’ sequence for these books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
******************
Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the fourth and fifth books of the Vatta’s War series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read books one through three and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
Well book four started out in an odd fashion. Book three ended suggesting a certain direction and then that didn’t happen. I really wanted to visit a specific planet. Alas. I also know I said that book three felt like a placeholder but this one did too. That said I actually enjoyed this one better. This book follows primarily Rafe and Ky. But the other favourites still make appearances. I continue to adore Aunt Grace. I love the flamboyant ship captain. He makes me so happy. Those who have read prior books will know exactly which one. Ky of course remains the highlight even though she doesn’t get all the page time. This book certainly picked up the pace!
As for the final book, I adored it and thought it be an excellent conclusion to the series. Ky truly is a fantastic leader and I loved watching all of her experience and hardships come together and led to success. Part of the fun of this installment was watching the author’s surprise resolutions for many of me favourite characters. Three in particular made me incredibly happy. Which three ye ask? Spoilers matey, spoilers.
I did want to point out a specific aspect of these novels which is how post-traumatic stress gets dealt with. First of all people actually have realistic issues after experiencing horrible things. Secondly, suffering people are supported and get help to deal with their problems. Characters actually take time to process their situations and talk about feelings and emotions. The emotional toll doesn’t just disappear magically. Now granted it is an advanced society where there is medical treatment that current science cannot provide. But there are also meds, therapy sessions, and taking time to heal, reflect, and rest. It was a refreshing viewpoint for military sci-fi.
I am so very glad to have read this series and highly recommend it to me crew. I have already made plans to get the companion series, vatta’s peace, in me mitts. Arrr!!!
Side note: Much thanks to me matey, Sarah @ brainfluff, for pointing me in the right direction in terms of the recommended readin’ sequence for these books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
I was in the mood to reread these and so I binged the series. I love it so. I wish all military SF was so fun. Kylara "Ky" Vatta is an excellent character to root for. Part of what I love about the series is that she starts out being rather naïve but grows and changes into a lovely powerhouse. But just because she is powerful, doesn't mean that she doesn't care about the greater good. I also love Ky's cousin Stella and their goofy Aunt Grace, neither who end up being as originally expected. The highlight of this series for me is always the characters, their interactions, and the way the author twists the plot with unexpected, but rational, consequences. I have not reread the sequel series vatta's peace but now I want to. Arrr!
************************
Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the fourth and fifth books of the Vatta’s War series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read books one through three and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
Well book four started out in an odd fashion. Book three ended suggesting a certain direction and then that didn’t happen. I really wanted to visit a specific planet. Alas. I also know I said that book three felt like a placeholder but this one did too. That said I actually enjoyed this one better. This book follows primarily Rafe and Ky. But the other favourites still make appearances. I continue to adore Aunt Grace. I love the flamboyant ship captain. He makes me so happy. Those who have read prior books will know exactly which one. Ky of course remains the highlight even though she doesn’t get all the page time. This book certainly picked up the pace!
As for the final book, I adored it and thought it be an excellent conclusion to the series. Ky truly is a fantastic leader and I loved watching all of her experience and hardships come together and led to success. Part of the fun of this installment was watching the author’s surprise resolutions for many of me favourite characters. Three in particular made me incredibly happy. Which three ye ask? Spoilers matey, spoilers.
I did want to point out a specific aspect of these novels which is how post-traumatic stress gets dealt with. First of all people actually have realistic issues after experiencing horrible things. Secondly, suffering people are supported and get help to deal with their problems. Characters actually take time to process their situations and talk about feelings and emotions. The emotional toll doesn’t just disappear magically. Now granted it is an advanced society where there is medical treatment that current science cannot provide. But there are also meds, therapy sessions, and taking time to heal, reflect, and rest. It was a refreshing viewpoint for military sci-fi.
I am so very glad to have read this series and highly recommend it to me crew. I have already made plans to get the companion series, vatta’s peace, in me mitts. Arrr!!!
Side note: Much thanks to me matey, Sarah @ brainfluff, for pointing me in the right direction in terms of the recommended readin’ sequence for these books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
************************
Ahoy there me mateys! This here be a combined review of the fourth and fifth books of the Vatta’s War series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye haven’t read books one through three and ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
Well book four started out in an odd fashion. Book three ended suggesting a certain direction and then that didn’t happen. I really wanted to visit a specific planet. Alas. I also know I said that book three felt like a placeholder but this one did too. That said I actually enjoyed this one better. This book follows primarily Rafe and Ky. But the other favourites still make appearances. I continue to adore Aunt Grace. I love the flamboyant ship captain. He makes me so happy. Those who have read prior books will know exactly which one. Ky of course remains the highlight even though she doesn’t get all the page time. This book certainly picked up the pace!
As for the final book, I adored it and thought it be an excellent conclusion to the series. Ky truly is a fantastic leader and I loved watching all of her experience and hardships come together and led to success. Part of the fun of this installment was watching the author’s surprise resolutions for many of me favourite characters. Three in particular made me incredibly happy. Which three ye ask? Spoilers matey, spoilers.
I did want to point out a specific aspect of these novels which is how post-traumatic stress gets dealt with. First of all people actually have realistic issues after experiencing horrible things. Secondly, suffering people are supported and get help to deal with their problems. Characters actually take time to process their situations and talk about feelings and emotions. The emotional toll doesn’t just disappear magically. Now granted it is an advanced society where there is medical treatment that current science cannot provide. But there are also meds, therapy sessions, and taking time to heal, reflect, and rest. It was a refreshing viewpoint for military sci-fi.
I am so very glad to have read this series and highly recommend it to me crew. I have already made plans to get the companion series, vatta’s peace, in me mitts. Arrr!!!
Side note: Much thanks to me matey, Sarah @ brainfluff, for pointing me in the right direction in terms of the recommended readin’ sequence for these books!
Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordpress.com/
This series is another comfort read for me. I just love the world building in this. But mostly I love Thara Celeha. He does not believe he deserves love or forgiveness, always tries to do the right thing, and is a lovely character to follow. The dignity of how he deals with the dead is so heart warming and also heart wrenching at times. Another favorite in this book is the Pel-Thenior, the manager of the Vermillion Opera. Their interactions sweet. I continue to love how real the world feels. I love how tea is used in the culture. The first book of this series can be read as a standalone. The second cannot. I do not know when book three comes out but I wants it! There seem to be a couple of short stories set in the world that I will have to track down. Arrr!
********************
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
The first book of this series the goblin emperor is one of me favourite comfort reads. This be a standalone book set in the same world so ye don't have to read them in order but I do recommend it.
This novel does not have the same feel of scope or political intrigue as its predecessor. What is does still have is a character ye love to root for and find comfort in. Celehar is not a ruler but a dutiful man whose position, a witness for the dead, leaves him on the fringes of society. That fact that he can speak to the dead, unlike the rest of his calling, leaves him even more isolated.
I loved Celehar. Ye follow him in his daily tasks and watch him find answers about the dead. How he solves mysteries is not glamourous or even thrilling. But it his care for those families he helps and his reverence for the dead that makes him so loveable.
The plot is leisurely, the worldbuilding continues to be excellent, and I loved every minute. I certainly would read more books set in this world, however i will continue to reread these books and enjoy them. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian/Tor-Forge!
********************
Ahoy there me mateys! I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
The first book of this series the goblin emperor is one of me favourite comfort reads. This be a standalone book set in the same world so ye don't have to read them in order but I do recommend it.
This novel does not have the same feel of scope or political intrigue as its predecessor. What is does still have is a character ye love to root for and find comfort in. Celehar is not a ruler but a dutiful man whose position, a witness for the dead, leaves him on the fringes of society. That fact that he can speak to the dead, unlike the rest of his calling, leaves him even more isolated.
I loved Celehar. Ye follow him in his daily tasks and watch him find answers about the dead. How he solves mysteries is not glamourous or even thrilling. But it his care for those families he helps and his reverence for the dead that makes him so loveable.
The plot is leisurely, the worldbuilding continues to be excellent, and I loved every minute. I certainly would read more books set in this world, however i will continue to reread these books and enjoy them. Arrr!
So lastly . . .
Thank you Macmillian/Tor-Forge!