Book Review

Sci-Fi Worth Reading: Abandoned Book Review

Abandoned by W. Michael Gear (Donovan Series #2)

Abandoned by W. Michael Gear

Abandoned is the second book in W. Michael Gear’s Donovan series, a compelling mix of mystery, exploration, and survival on a harsh alien planet. Gear does a fantastic job of drawing you into the world of Donovan, a planet that is as unforgiving as it is mysterious. It’s a place where survival isn’t just difficult, it’s life-threatening, making every action the characters take feel high-stakes.

What I Loved:

One of the things that stands out most about Abandoned is the world-building. The planet Donovan itself is a central character in the story. As the characters try to survive, the planet’s alien ecosystem and its strange interactions with the Earthlings they encounter provide a constant source of intrigue. This sense of wonder, as well as the constant mystery surrounding the planet, keeps the reader hooked. It’s a place that feels genuinely otherworldly, and Gear does an excellent job of making it both hostile and fascinating.

The character arcs are another strong point. Many of the characters experience significant growth over the course of the book. Watching them adapt to their environment and face their own personal challenges makes them feel real and relatable. Some of them even find themselves in unexpected places, which is always a pleasure in a series like this.

What I Didn’t Love:

While I enjoyed much of the book, there were a few elements I found less compelling. The main issue for me was the portrayal of the antagonists. There are a couple of bad guys whose transformations feel forced and out of place in the otherwise grounded story. Rather than feeling like complex threats, they come across as more like caricatures of evil, and their presence felt a bit unnecessary. It’s clear that there’s already plenty of internal and external conflict to fuel the narrative, so these stereotypical villains seemed almost like an afterthought. I found myself skipping over chapters that focused on them, as the ongoing battle for survival and the relationships between the characters were much more engaging.

Final Thoughts:

Despite these minor issues, Abandoned is still a gripping, well-crafted continuation of the Donovan series. The exploration, survival elements, and character development make it a solid read, and I’m definitely interested in picking up the next book in the series to see where it goes. If you enjoy hard sci-fi, mysteries, and survival stories set on a harsh, alien world, this one is worth your time.

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#Fantasy Worth Reading: Thorn Hedge #BookReview

 

Fairy Tales with Thorns: A Quick Bite of Magic and Mystery

review Thorn Hedge

 

After absolutely adoring Nettle & Bone, I knew I needed more T. Kingfisher in my reading life. Her books have a knack for blending whimsy, darkness, and a healthy dose of oddness — a combination I can never resist. Enter Thorn Hedge, a novella that delivers a punchy, satisfying tale in a small package. It’s like a dark, magical snack, perfect for an afternoon read.

In Thorn Hedge, Kingfisher draws us into a world of thorny secrets and twisted fairy tales. The story centers around Toadling, a creature who is part frog, part fairy, and part human, tasked with guarding a massive thorn hedge. What’s behind the hedge? A sleeping curse, changelings, and a mystery you think you know — but with Kingfisher’s trademark flair, the retelling takes you down unexpected paths.

What I loved most about this book is the atmosphere. It’s mysterious, with an undercurrent of darkness that makes the story feel rich and layered. The magic is present, but it isn’t whimsical; it has teeth. The fairies aren’t the friendly kind, and the oddities make the world feel both charming and unsettling. This blend of darkness and strangeness kept me hooked.

The twists in the story are subtle yet delicious. Even when I could guess the fairy tale being retold, Kingfisher’s take felt fresh and unpredictable. Toadling is such a unique character — a blend of melancholy, duty, and quiet strength. Her journey, though brief, left a lasting impression.

If you love fairy tale retellings with a dark edge, characters who defy expectations, and stories that feel like peeking behind a veil of thorns, Thorn Hedge is for you. T. Kingfisher has once again proven why she’s quickly become one of my favorite authors. Another one of her books is already on my library waitlist, and I can’t wait to dive into more of her magical worlds.

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#Dystopian Worth Reading: Biography of X #BookReview

 

A Complex, Thought-Provoking Triumph: Biography of X by Catherine Lacey

review Biography of X

For book club, we read and discussed Biography of X by Catherine Lacey. I’ll admit, I was the only one in the group who really enjoyed it—but I honestly loved it.

This book is an ambitious and unique piece of literature, and I was impressed by how Lacey manages to weave together a complicated, layered narrative into something that feels both cohesive and challenging.

A Fictionalized Biography in a Dystopian World

At first glance, Biography of X appears to be a straightforward biography, but it’s much more than that. It’s a fictionalized account of a woman’s life, interwoven with dystopian elements and a deep exploration of identity, perception, and truth. The structure of the book itself is fascinating—written as if it’s an academic biography of a woman named X, the narrative blurs the lines between fact and fiction, between reality and distortion.

What really struck me is the way Lacey uses our real world to shape the fictionalized one in the novel. Names, events, and historical moments from our world are woven into the fabric of the story, creating a sense of familiarity while keeping the reader on their toes. This manipulation of fact makes the novel feel both disorienting and immersive, twisting the reader’s perception in a way that feels both challenging and rewarding.

Thematic Depth and Literary References

One of the larger themes that stood out to me is the exploration of identity and how we understand others, particularly in relationships. The narrator, a widow, spends the novel trying to piece together the mystery of her wife’s past. But the more she uncovers, the more layers are added, and she realizes that understanding someone is never as simple as it seems. This reminded me of Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse, one of my all-time favorite novels, which explores similar themes of self-discovery and the complexities of human nature. Biography of X is full of philosophical reflections, and there’s a lot to unpack in terms of identity, agency, and how much of what we know about others is shaped by perception rather than truth.

Not for the Faint of Heart, but Worth the Challenge

The novel certainly isn’t easy to read. The characters are complicated and, honestly, not very likable. There’s no action to propel the plot forward, and no clear character arc to follow. It’s a book about ideas, not about plot progression. The narrator’s investigation into her wife’s past feels more like an intellectual exercise than a traditional story, but that’s part of what makes it so intriguing.

It’s the kind of book that challenges you to think deeply, and to be okay with not having all the answers by the end. In fact, the lack of resolution is part of what makes it so thought-provoking. There’s no neat conclusion, only more questions and layers waiting to be explored.

A Novel as Art

I would categorize Biography of X in the “novel as art” category. It’s unconventional, a little unsettling, and definitely requires patience from the reader. But if you’re open to being challenged and think you can handle the lack of a tidy narrative, then I highly recommend it.

While the characters may not be likable and the pacing might not be for everyone, the sheer creativity and intellectual depth of the novel make it a work that stands out. I appreciate books that take risks, that push boundaries, and that challenge the reader to see the world in a new way. Catherine Lacey has certainly accomplished that here, and I think she deserves every bit of recognition she’s received for this novel.

Final Thoughts

Biography of X is not a typical read, but if you’re looking for a book that will make you think long after you’ve finished, this is a must-read. Prepare to be challenged, and expect to spend time mulling over the deeper themes and layers of meaning. It’s not a light read, but it’s one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

 

 

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#Fantasy Worth Reading: A Court of Thorns and Roses #BookReview

 

🌹 A Court of Thorns and Roses: A Twisted and Engaging Retelling

review A court of thorns and roses

I recently finished A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and I have to say, I’m impressed! At first, the story reminded me a lot of a retelling and reimagining of Beauty and the Beast—which, if you know me, I love. But while there are some similarities, this book brings so much more to the table than just a typical fairy-tale retelling.

A Familiar Yet Unpredictable Adventure

On the surface, A Court of Thorns and Roses follows a storyline that might seem familiar—an ordinary young woman who is thrust into a magical world and has to navigate a complicated relationship with a cursed beast. However, as you dive into the world Maas has created, you’ll quickly realize it’s so much more than that.

This is a world where fairies aren’t necessarily the kindly, whimsical creatures you might expect. Instead, they have their own agendas and aren’t always as nice as they seem. The twists and turns in this story kept me on my toes, and I loved how Maas subverted expectations at every corner. More than once, the book surprised me, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

World-Building and Complex Characters

One of the standout features of A Court of Thorns and Roses is the world-building. Maas creates a richly detailed and immersive world that feels both magical and dangerous. The realm of the Fae is beautifully crafted, full of mystery and intrigue. I could practically feel the magic pulsing through the pages.

Equally impressive are the characters. Feyre, the protagonist, is both strong and vulnerable, with a depth that I didn’t expect. The relationships she navigates are complicated, layered with emotion and hidden motivations. This isn’t just a story about a girl and a beast—it’s a journey of survival, power, and self-discovery. The characters’ complexities added so much richness to the plot, and I found myself invested in their growth throughout the story.

Final Thoughts

Overall, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a captivating read that blends familiar fairy-tale elements with unexpected twists. With great world-building, compelling characters, and a plot full of surprises, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. This book has me hooked, and I’m definitely planning to read more of the series to see where it goes.

Happy reading, and here’s to more magical adventures! ✨

 

 

 

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#SciFi Worth Reading: Alien Summer #BookReview

 

🌌 Alien Summer: A Mind-Bending, Unreliable Adventure

review alien summer

For my book club read at work, I chose Alien Summer by Robert Bayley, an indie novel that I picked up for my Kindle. Our theme for the month was summer, and I’ll admit, I didn’t know exactly what I was in for when I started this one—but boy, was I in for a ride.

A Summer Read Like No Other

At first, I thought Alien Summer was going to be a classic alien encounter story, full of intergalactic adventure and maybe a few too many predictable tropes. But I was completely wrong—and I absolutely loved that. This novel quickly defied my expectations and became something far more complex and thought-provoking than I anticipated.

The story is told through the eyes of a very unreliable narrator, and I mean very unreliable. Like, wow. There were moments when I genuinely wasn’t sure what was real and what was imagined. Was it aliens? Was it the narrator’s mental state unraveling? The blurring of reality and delusion kept me hooked, but it also left me questioning what I was reading at every turn.

Unreliable Narrator = Thought-Provoking Journey

Normally, unreliable narrators can be frustrating, but in this case, it was absolutely brilliant. Bayley crafted a character whose perspective kept me on my toes. I spent the entire novel unsure which events actually happened and which ones were the product of the narrator’s perception. And, oddly enough, I didn’t mind that at all. In fact, it got me thinking deeply about mental health, how we perceive reality, and the way our minds can trick us.

The themes of perception and mental health are subtle but powerful, and they added a layer of depth that I wasn’t expecting. By the end of the book, I found myself still contemplating the events and wondering whether I had been led to see things in a way that wasn’t entirely true—or was it?

Final Thoughts

Alien Summer isn’t your typical alien story. It’s a unique blend of sci-fi and psychological exploration that will keep you guessing. If you like stories that challenge your perception of reality, this is definitely worth checking out. I was entertained, but more than that, I was left thinking long after I finished the last page.

Happy reading, and here’s to more thought-provoking indie gems! ✨

 

 

 

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#SciFi Worth Reading: The Tournament #BookReview

Out of this world space thrills!
science fiction review The Tournament
science fiction review The Tournament

The Tournament by Kate Sheeran Swed

I’ve been on a sci-fi reading spree lately, and one name keeps popping up on my list of favorite authors: Kate Sheeran Swed. If you haven’t read her work yet, allow me to point you toward Phantom Station (one of my favorite reads for the year). That book had me hooked from page one, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for more in that series ever since. While I wait, I decided to explore more of Swed’s back catalog, and I’m so glad I did because that’s how I found The Tournament.

This book reminded me exactly why I love science fiction. Swed does something special that not every sci-fi author can pull off — she captures a sense of wonder and awe that comes with exploring space and the unknown. But what really excites me is when a story takes me on a journey where I’m not entirely sure where it’s going. I love the thrill of unpredictability, and The Tournament gave me just that.

Sure, there are hints of The Hunger Games with a competitive edge and high stakes, but The Tournament is definitely its own story. Swed adds enough twists and layers to keep the narrative fresh and engaging. The setting, the challenges, and the motivations of the characters all felt genuine and compelling.

The main character, in particular, really stuck with me. She’s flawed, she makes mistakes — a lot of mistakes — but that’s what makes her relatable. Her imperfections aren’t frustrating; they’re human. I found myself rooting for her precisely because she felt real and grounded.

And, of course, the way Swed evokes the vastness and mystery of space is what I love best about science fiction. There’s a sense of scale and possibility in her writing that makes me feel like I’m right there alongside the characters, experiencing the thrills.

If you’re a fan of sci-fi that isn’t the same old tired tropes, that blends action with genuine character development, and that sparks a sense of wonder, I highly recommend picking up The Tournament. Kate Sheeran Swed continues to impress me, and I’m absolutely a fan .

Now, back to waiting (im)patiently for the next installment of Phantom Station!

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