Book Review Archives - Page 3 of 14

#SciFi Worth Reading: Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress #BookReview

🔮 Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress: A Fun, Creative Steampunk Adventure

I recently finished Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress by Gary Lester, and wow, what a quick, fun ride! This indie gem was a 50-page read I borrowed through my Hoopla app, and it turned out to be my second indie read of the month (I’m hoping to squeeze in a third, too). While it was a short read, it was packed with enough creativity to make me wish it was longer.

A Steampunk Adventure Full of Surprises

At its core, Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress is a steampunk story, and it delivers all the delightful trappings of the genre: intriguing gadgets, magical elements, and a strong-willed protagonist. I don’t want to spoil too much, though, because I think the story is best enjoyed without too many expectations—there’s a fun surprise around every corner. The plot twists and unique characters kept me engaged from start to finish.

Creative and Fun

The creativity in this book really shines. From the setting to the plot to the characters, Gary Lester’s world-building and storytelling are fun and imaginative. I loved how fresh and unique it felt, despite drawing on familiar steampunk tropes. It was like jumping into a world where anything was possible, and that made for a really enjoyable experience.

A Minor Drawback

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the story could benefit from another round of editing. There were a few areas where things could have been tightened up, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. The charm of the book far outweighs any minor flaws.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress is a delightful, creative steampunk adventure that left me wanting more. If you’re looking for a quick, enjoyable read full of surprises, I highly recommend giving this one a try. It’s a perfect indie read for anyone who enjoys a good blend of magic, steam-powered gadgets, and mystery.

Happy reading! ✨

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#SciFi Worth Reading: Phantom Station #BookReview

🚀 Phantom Station: A Delicious Sci-Fi Mystery with a Hint of Adventure

I recently picked up Phantom Station by Kate Sheeran Swed through a Kickstarter campaign (yes, there are so many unique books to discover this way!). At the time of my purchase, it wasn’t available anywhere else, but I was lucky enough to snag an eBook copy—and I’m so glad I did.

A Cozy Space Adventure with Hidden Depths

At first glance, Phantom Station seems like a simple enough premise: Kay, a retired fighter pilot, is now piloting a boring shuttle—basically a glorified space bus—when disaster strikes. A surprise attack sends her and her passengers fleeing into space, eventually landing on a mysterious and uncharted space station. But what starts as a seemingly straightforward adventure quickly turns into a deliciously mysterious exploration, and that’s when the story truly takes off.

Space Mystery at Its Best

One of my favorite aspects of sci-fi is space discovery and unraveling the unknown, and Phantom Station delivers on that front in spades. Most of the story centers on Kay and her passengers trying to understand what the hell is going on with this hidden space station. Every moment spent exploring the eerie station is packed with tension and wonder, and I couldn’t put it down. The sense of discovery was palpable, and the mysteries of the station kept me eagerly turning the pages (or tapping the screen, in my case).

A Great Start to an Intriguing Journey

Phantom Station is a fantastic blend of sci-fi, mystery, and adventure. The pacing is great, the characters are intriguing, and the setting is wonderfully atmospheric. This is one of those books that hooks you from the start and doesn’t let go, leaving you craving more.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of space exploration, mysterious stations, and a bit of unexpected adventure, this is definitely a book you’ll want to check out. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next—I’m already eager for more from this author!

🌌 Happy reading, and here’s to finding more hidden gems like this one! ✨

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#Scifi Worth Reading: Grievers #BookReview

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / M Pax / February 25, 2025

🕊️ Grievers: A Haunting Meditation on Loss and Injustice

review Grievers

I recently finished Grievers by Adrienne Maree Brown, and it’s a story that lingers. On the surface, it’s a dystopian tale about a mysterious disease in Detroit—people suddenly freeze in place, stopping mid-action as if time itself has paused for them. But beneath that premise lies something much deeper: a poignant meditation on grief, loss, and the silent struggles we too often overlook.

More Than Dystopia

If you’re expecting high-paced action or a classic dystopian plot, this isn’t that book. Grievers is quieter, more introspective. The sense of mystery isn’t about the disease itself; it’s about the lives affected by it. The story moves with a cadence of mourning, and the author’s own grief feels woven into every word. You don’t just read this book—you feel it.

Layers of Meaning

You can read Grievers at face value and appreciate it as a haunting dystopian story. But there’s a deeper rhythm in the prose, one that invites you to grieve alongside the characters. It’s a beautiful, sad, and ultimately powerful experience.

A Mirror to Society

One of the most impactful aspects of this book is its reflection on how we treat marginalized communities. It offers a perspective that feels both urgent and necessary. Are we paying attention? Do we see the suffering that happens in plain sight, or do we look away? Grievers doesn’t just tell a story; it asks important, uncomfortable questions.

Final Thoughts

This is a book that stays with you. It’s not an easy read, emotionally, but it’s a beautiful one. If you’re looking for something that goes beyond the surface, something that challenges you and makes you reflect, Grievers is well worth your time.

🕊️📚 Happy reading! 💫

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#SciFi Worth Reading: Upright Women Wanted #BookReview

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / M Pax / February 7, 2025

🤠✨Dystopian Trails and Defiant Hearts

I just finished Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey, and I’m still feeling the dust and grit from the trail. This book pulled me in with a unique narrative style that made me feel like I was riding right alongside these women. It’s not just a story you read—it’s one you live.

A Western with a Sci-Fi Twist

Set in a dystopian future, the story feels like a classic western: horses, desert landscapes, and a fight for survival. But every so often, the sci-fi elements sneak in like a quick jolt—reminding you that this world is not our past, but a possible future. The blending of genres kept me on my toes and made for an immersive experience.

Characters and Connection

The characters are what truly shine here. They’re complex, defiant, and deeply human. The story doesn’t bog you down with world-building details about the dystopian setting, and I didn’t mind that at all. The familiar oppression these women face speaks for itself. We don’t need a deep dive into the mechanics of this world because, sadly, parts of it echo our own.

A Mirror to Our Present

This book hits close to home. The fight for freedom, identity, and agency is not just a dystopian struggle—it’s a reflection of our past and present. Until everyone is free, the shadows of this world linger in our reality. It’s a powerful reminder wrapped in a gripping tale.

Final Thoughts: If you’re looking for a story that blends grit, heart, and a dash of dystopian sci-fi, this one’s for you. Saddle up and give it a read—you won’t regret it.

Happy reading! 🌟

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SciFi Worth Reading: Shadowman BookReview

Book Review, Science Fiction Books, Space Opera / M Pax / January 28, 2025

Shadowman is a gripping tale set in Tula, a seemingly perfect utopia devoid of war, hate, and passion. The shocking beginning introduces a shadowy assassin who disrupts this tranquil existence. Jonal Cassell is a passionate reformer on a relentless quest for truth and vengeance.

The exploration of a world stripped of conflict is fascinating. Proctor masterfully weaves suspense with thought-provoking themes. While I guessed the twist early on, the author expertly layered in additional surprises that made the story worthwhile. Cassell’s odyssey is not just about unraveling a mystery; it profoundly transforms his consciousness, revealing specters of a self that could have been yet was not.

With its vivid world-building and compelling character development, Shadowman is an exhilarating read that questions the very essence of a utopian society.

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#SciFi Worth Reading: The Wild Robot #BookReview

Book Review, Science Fiction Books / M Pax / January 13, 2025

🤖🌿 The Wild Robot: Cozy, Thoughtful, and Wonderfully Wild

I finally picked up The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, and I’m so glad I did. On the surface, it’s a deceptively simple story—a robot named Roz finds herself stranded on a remote island and must adapt to survive. But beneath that simplicity lies a tale stuffed full of deep meaning, rich themes, and a surprising amount to reflect on.

Mastering Simplicity

Peter Brown has a way of crafting a story that feels almost effortless. The prose is clean, easy to read, and welcoming, yet it carries weight. It’s a style that feels cozy but is brimming with depth. The balance is flawless. You glide through the pages but find yourself pausing to think. What does it mean to be wild? To be different? To belong?

A Robot with Heart

I ❤️ Roz. She’s not just a machine; she’s a character you root for and care about. Watching her navigate this new, wild world—and connect with the animals—felt both heartwarming and profound. Her journey is one of survival, yes, but also one of discovery and connection. And there’s something so cozy about the relationships she builds on the island.

More to Explore

This is just the beginning. There are more books in the series, and I’m definitely planning to read them. I need to know what happens next to Roz—the wild robot with a big heart.

If you’re looking for a story that’s charming, cozy, and full of meaning, The Wild Robot delivers. Don’t let its simplicity fool you. There’s so much more beneath the surface.

Have you read The Wild Robot? Let me know your thoughts! And if you haven’t, consider this your sign to dive in. 🌿🤖

Happy reading! 📚✨

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