totallyshelfaware's Reviews (1.07k)

Sadly, this just isn't working for me. 
I have 10 chapters left and I'm not invested enough to continue. 

The writing is absolutely lovely, as is the setting. But the magic system is too vague, with little to no science or rules behind it. It's basically all vibes for me at this point, and unfortunately, that isn't enough for me to want to keep reading. 

I will say, though, that if you plan to pick this up: pair it with the Maleficent OST. It really heightens the reading experience.

I'm going to start by saying I read novellas very differently from full-length books, especially if they're in a series. I'm not going to comment on the plot resolution because I always operate under the assumption that book #1 in a novella series is more often than not a set-up: of the world, the characters, the stakes, the powers in play.

So, for what it was, I absolutely loved it. 🥰

Murberbot as a character was endearing and interesting and I loved the lens through which we got a look at how this world operates. I thought the subtle commentary on capitalism was spot on, and am intrigued by the sprinkled hints of space exploration in future books.

I found the mechanics of how Murderbot operated, the contrast between being a bot and clearly being sapient as well, absolutely fascinating. I also love how subtly queer this book is without it being a big deal.

All Systems Red was smart, nuanced, funny, and gets a 4.5 ⭐️ from me.

I shouldn't be surprised by this at all, but this book perfectly captured the way music feels. It made me laugh, it made me tear up, and it felt like coming home. 

My heart is so full. Sir Terry, you're a treasure. 

This was so much fun!

Arthurian legend? Secrets, prophecies & quests? Undead knights of the round table?
Stunning art, to boot?

Sign. me. up. 😃

Wow. Just .. wow. 

The setting, the intricacy of the world-building, the characters, the lore - this was so interesting and enjoyable, I loved everything about it! 😍

Plus, Suehyla El-Attar's narration elevated this to being an easy favourite. 

So glad that there's more from this universe left for me to explore!

This book is the literal sapphic embodiment of predator-wants-to-tear-out-throats-but-settles-for-poetry-instead and I was 100% here for it. 🥰

Mini-review:
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain was unlike anything I've ever read before. I listened to this one on audio and the combination of Nghi Vo's lush prose and Cindy Kay's narration was just exquisite. 

I love how Nghi Vo explored the way stories shift and twist depending on who tells the tale. Also, the tension and the undercurrent of danger running through the whole book was just *chef's kiss* 

Absolutely recommend picking this up!