Reviews and Comments

Trying another new (to me) genre, a spy novel.

I was a bit unsure as to why a prequel was needed. Viv's retirement was pretty straight-forward in 'Legends'.

This book ends well, but I expected an immaturity in the main character that wasn't really there. She seemed very similar to the first book (years and miles later).

A couple days of an Irish coal delivery man. This is like an extended short-story, a couple hours read time, but lively and earnest. Although it doesn't go into them, look up the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland before you read; I'm sure the tension I felt was designed.

A wonderful, distinctive tale. Although it has the deep research of a historical novel, it's really a detective story.

Must be ready for deep literary devices though: page-long descriptions and passages in actual Latin.

I was looking for something fun. This fit the bill. I'll continue on in the series.

The book was okay, but I never found the thrill nor connected with the characters.

Plus a pet peeve: it said 'mathematics' or 'math' way too much. At least those in the field I've known hardly ever say the word; they talk about the particular branch.

This whole novel flows from a mood. Not from depression as the subject might suggest. One of dispassion, of a removal from life because of a dream that was never possible.

Same Murderbot confusion about how the world works (and emotions), then same gripping action. My palms sweat when the fights start.

I think I'm going to have to binge these again because it takes me half the novella to remember who everybody is. I suppose I have that to look forward to.

These books drip with such a strong sense of longing. I am drawn to them for that.

It amazes me how Patchett can change her voice so completely. This book is emotionally tense and dense. You and the protagonist are unsure about how things effect you, just along for a bumpy ride down the Amazon. Then it ends in a wonderful release.

Wow. Don't underestimate this book. It's slow but comfortable in the beginning. Well pruned sentences. I enjoyed it, but I didn't see what Serle was doing.

Trust her.

The plot is kinda fun. But I have to rant:

Huge secret library, with books! (Yes, I'm in!) And they have access to multiple universes! (OK, let's go!) And they end up in a steampunk world...(steampunk? really? That's the world you choose?) And they stay in steampunk world for the next book rather than explore the infinite universes. (Ugh.)

Also I should've read the reviews. 2D characters. I won't be continuing the series.

This one, like the last, is for the world builders. The world building is the plot. It is very detailed and thorough.

A brief warning: be careful with this book if you're depressed. It can be very depressing and possibly bring an existential dread. Even more than the second book. I had to read it pieces.

For that reason, I can't say I enjoyed this book. It is very impressive with what it's trying to do though.