Reviews and Comments

The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal is a delightful addition to Jodi Taylor’s universe, linking seamlessly with both The Chronicles of St Mary’s and the Time Police series. This time, the spotlight falls on the dynamic bounty-hunting duo of Lady Amelia Smallhope and the ever-enigmatic Pennyroyal.

While it’s not essential to have read the previous books, having background knowledge from the St Mary’s and Time Police series certainly enhances the experience. Be aware, though there are a few nods and spoilers that might reveal more than you’d like if you’re not already familiar with the broader world.

Taylor delivers once again with her trademark wit, lively pacing, and irresistible character chemistry. This book is packed with humour, warmth, and those delightfully chaotic moments that make her writing such a joy. It also offers a deeper glimpse into the lives and histories of Smallhope and Pennyroyal something fans will especially appreciate.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page and found it hard to put down. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last we see of this formidable pair I’d welcome a sequel with open arms.

If you’ve enjoyed Jodi Taylor’s previous novels, rest assured: you’ll be right at home here

Julia by Sandra Newman is an ambitious and thought-provoking feminist reimagining of George Orwell’s 1984, retold through the eyes of Julia Worthing, Winston Smith’s lover and a character often overlooked in Orwell’s original narrative. This novel doesn't merely revisit the dystopian world of Airstrip One; it reframes it, offering a fresh lens that sheds light on the gendered dynamics and complexities of life as a woman under the ever-watchful eye of Big Brother.

Newman enriches the world Orwell created by delving into Julia’s background, motivations, and daily existence within the Outer Party. We’re given more political context, deeper world-building, and an insider’s perspective on the mechanisms of control, complicity, and resistance. Julia is not just a rebel through sex; she is cunning, pragmatic, and much more politically aware than we might have assumed from 1984. This shift in viewpoint is not only timely but vital, resonating with today’s conversations around surveillance, gender, autonomy, and power.

That said, I found reading Julia to be a challenge. It took me over seven months to finish, not because it lacked substance, but because it didn’t fully grip me. I kept putting it down and struggled to stay engaged. While the concept is powerful and the writing is often sharp, the pacing felt uneven at times, and I didn’t find the emotional pull I was hoping for.

Still, Julia is a worthwhile read for those curious about reinterpretations of classic literature, especially through a feminist lens. While I personally wouldn’t return to it for a second read, I respect what Newman set out to do and admire the boldness of the project.

Lights! Camera! Mayhem! is yet another delightful and riotously funny addition to Jodi Taylor’s much-loved Chronicles of St Mary’s universe. Known for her sharp wit, clever storytelling, and knack for historical chaos, Taylor once again delivers a short story packed with mischief, mayhem, and the wonderfully unpredictable adventures we've come to expect from the time-travelling historians of St Mary’s.

Though brief in length, this story brims with the same energy and charm as the full-length novels. The characters remain as eccentric and endearing as ever, and Taylor’s signature humour shines through in every page. Whether it’s a disastrously mismanaged trip or a simple task spiralling into comic catastrophe, this tale is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

While Lights! Camera! Mayhem! can technically be enjoyed on its own, but it truly comes to life when read as part of the larger series. For those new to the world of St Mary’s, I highly recommend starting at the beginning to fully appreciate the character dynamics, running gags, and emotional depth that Taylor has built over time.

In short, this is a thoroughly entertaining read that will leave you laughing out loud and wanting more. If you're looking for a dose of clever comedy, a touch of history, and a break from the ordinary, Jodi Taylor delivers yet again.

System Collapse, the seventh book in Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries, picks up right where Network Effect left off. As a direct sequel, this volume is the second full-length novel in the series and is the least stand-alone of them all. If you’re thinking of jumping in fresh here, think again—you'll want to start at the beginning to fully appreciate the depth and development of the story and characters.

Murderbot has endured a lot, from violent battles and betrayals to emotional hardships. It has witnessed filthy-rich corporations committing heinous crimes with no regard for human life. As Murderbot slowly becomes more "human-like" and grapples with emotions it would rather ignore, it’s about to face one of the most human experiences of all: trauma.

A few months after the events of Network Effect, Murderbot and ART's crews are still stuck, waiting for reinforcements to fix ART's hyperspace drive. Meanwhile, Perihelion's crew works tirelessly to thwart Barish-Estranza's (B-E) attempts to sign the population into corporate slavery.

A mysterious, redacted past event has Murderbot stressed out, making it hard to perform its usual security tasks. Despite its desire to seclude itself in one of ART's closets, B-E's increasingly aggressive efforts demand Murderbot’s reluctant attention.

Murderbot’s journey continues to be a fascinating exploration of what it means to be human. Its development as a character is marked by a blend of dry humor, reluctant heroism, and poignant introspection. Wells expertly balances action and emotional depth, making this latest installment as compelling as its predecessors.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with tension as Murderbot navigates the challenges thrown its way. The interactions between Murderbot and the crew members are as engaging as ever, highlighting Wells' talent for creating rich, relatable characters.

If you’ve been following the series, System Collapse is a must-read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a brilliant continuation of Murderbot’s story, blending action, emotion, and humor in a way that only Martha Wells can deliver.

"Fugitive Telemetry," the sixth book in Martha Wells' acclaimed Murderbot Diaries series, delivers a delightful blend of snark, mystery, and reluctant heroism. Our beloved, misanthropic SecUnit, who would much rather binge-watch media in peace, finds itself embroiled in a murder investigation on Preservation Station.

The story kicks off with a dead body, disrupting Murderbot's plans for a quiet existence. This unexpected murder propels our anti-social protagonist into the role of a detective, navigating the intricacies of a space station murder mystery. With its characteristic wit and dry humour, Murderbot reluctantly engages with the humans of Preservation Station, who not only distrust it but also impose restrictions on its ability to hack systems and move freely.

This locked-room whodunit is packed with sarcastic commentary and clever insights, as Murderbot maneuvers through the investigation, uncovering clues and dealing with the prejudices that still linger despite robots being considered people. The tension between Murderbot's desire for solitude and its evolving sense of duty adds depth to the narrative, making for an engaging and multifaceted read.

Wells masterfully balances the humour and the suspense, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. "Fugitive Telemetry" is a testament to her skill in character development and world-building, as we see Murderbot's growth and its interactions with the humans around it.

For fans of the series, this instalment offers another captivating adventure with our favourite snarky AI. If you're new to the Murderbot Diaries, prepare to be hooked by the unique blend of science fiction, mystery, and the irresistible charm of a robot that just wants to be left alone.

"Fugitive Telemetry," the sixth book in Martha Wells' acclaimed Murderbot Diaries series, delivers a delightful blend of snark, mystery, and reluctant heroism. Our beloved, misanthropic SecUnit, who would much rather binge-watch media in peace, finds itself embroiled in a murder investigation on Preservation Station.

The story kicks off with a dead body, disrupting Murderbot's plans for a quiet existence. This unexpected murder propels our anti-social protagonist into the role of a detective, navigating the intricacies of a space station murder mystery. With its characteristic wit and dry humour, Murderbot reluctantly engages with the humans of Preservation Station, who not only distrust it but also impose restrictions on its ability to hack systems and move freely.

This locked-room whodunit is packed with sarcastic commentary and clever insights, as Murderbot maneuvers through the investigation, uncovering clues and dealing with the prejudices that still linger despite robots being considered people. The tension between Murderbot's desire for solitude and its evolving sense of duty adds depth to the narrative, making for an engaging and multifaceted read.

Wells masterfully balances the humour and the suspense, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. "Fugitive Telemetry" is a testament to her skill in character development and world-building, as we see Murderbot's growth and its interactions with the humans around it.

For fans of the series, this instalment offers another captivating adventure with our favourite snarky AI. If you're new to the Murderbot Diaries, prepare to be hooked by the unique blend of science fiction, mystery, and the irresistible charm of a robot that just wants to be left alone.