Truly original and truly steeped in speculative science.
Here, this is a future where small pockets of worlds exist, each with their own ecosyst4 Stars
Truly original and truly steeped in speculative science.
Here, this is a future where small pockets of worlds exist, each with their own ecosystem and time dilation (either super slow or super fast compared to current reality). They represent every hope and opportunity to make life on earth better, learning about old civilizations, discovering new flora and fauna, and in turn, seizing a chance on renewable resources.
Following scientist Raquel, who is part of the venerated Institute that spearheads exploring these wondrous worlds, she makes one small mistake, setting off a chain reaction where every good intention goes horribly wrong.
In this alternate reality, Peynado unfurls a grim outlook on corporate greed and voracious negligent consumerism that is an endless cycle of depletion and enslavement to the big machine that keeps things turning. As Raquel tries to right her wrongs in a world that is hostile and hopeless, how Peynado brings forth Raquel’s enlightenment and ultimately, how she tries to resolve her issues was actually quite ingenious.
Overall, this story wasn’t an easy or happy read. It is seriously mired with tech, AI, scientific advancements, and unfathomable repercussions of all these small alternate realities that are readily accessible and exploitable. However, Peynado surprised me through Raquel’s grief and guilt as she offers her protagonist a miniscule chance of healing redemption through her drive for an unobtainable utopia, forcing her to make a grand sacrifice.
Again, this is far from a tidy HEA, but it made me think hard, and I only hope that Raquel’s offering was enough to keep a part of the universe whole and untainted.
Thank you to the author and Tordotcom via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review...more
Was this an easy read? Uh, that is a big NO. However, Wang won me over with The Sword of Kaigen, and 4 Stars
Stunning in scope but heavy on all fronts.
Was this an easy read? Uh, that is a big NO. However, Wang won me over with The Sword of Kaigen, and though that story is an entirely different beast, this was no less impactful.
Here, Sciona is the lone woman to have ever achieved highmage status in a world that thinks very little of a female’s place in anything other than nurturing the home. She is ready to impress, and no one is going to stop her. When she “jokingly” gets saddled with a janitor for an assistant, what Sciona and Thomil discover in the search for bettering the city of Tiran will change not only themselves, but everyone else’s belief system and their place in the world.
Be prepared to encounter a bunch of hot topics - misogyny, racism, oppression, prejudice, bigotry, religion, overpopulation and dwindling resources are just to name a few.
It’s best not to discuss too many details so one can be equally affected as Sciona and Thomil were. You will be challenged. You will be struck by an ingeniously complex magic system that relies heavily on religious justification. You will be impressed with a totally original fantasy world and its varied peoples that inhabit it and how close it mirrors our own dark history.
Overall, I think if you are a fan of Wang, or if you want to take a chance on something different, this author doesn’t shy away from tough subject matter. Again, so very far from being an easy read, but like The Sword of Kaigen, the truth is devastating and tragic, and there are plenty who will fight with their whole being to maintain the status quo, who will hide behind a system that doesn't want to upset their divine given entitlement, but because of a select few, there is a chance for something better. This author won’t sugarcoat things nor give you a perfect HEA, and the result is a moving tale that will make you ponder one’s own humanity and question what is just, fair, and kind. There is triumph, there is the start of change, and most of all, there is hope.
Just like Sciona and Thomil can never unsee or unknow what they find, I too was affected the same way and won’t soon forget.
Thank you to the author and Del Rey via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review...more
An intriguing alternate universe steeped in Japanese culture, where many of its people are imbued with the power to control water, light, ai4.5 Stars!
An intriguing alternate universe steeped in Japanese culture, where many of its people are imbued with the power to control water, light, air or fire!
The simple set up begins with the dominant Kaigen Empire, currently in a time of peace but always with the looming threat of an enemy determined to subjugate them. For centuries though, the Empire has had a front line defense off its coastline, a community that houses ancient warrior bloodlines born and bred to protect its country at all costs.
Here in this venerated society is main character Misaki. She comes from one of those ancient families and has married into the family of all families - the Matsudas - able to manipulate water and ice into the most powerful weapon known as the Whispering Blade, so strong it can cut through steel. She has done what has been expected of her, putting away wants and needs, and going through the motions of raising 4 sons, married to a cold inattentive husband.
One day though, the real world encroaches on their isolated bubble of impermeability, suddenly and brutally, forever changing Misaki and those around her.
What shines for me here is that despite new terms and nomenclature (please take advantage of the glossary provided), this read really easily for a story over 600 pages. Granted, I think some exposition could’ve been shortened, but Wang expertly shows off just how powerful Misaki’s family and friends are, their amazing skills in combat helping to propel the plot, lending towards some of the best fight scenes I’ve ever read and adding an intensity and rawness throughout.
What Wang also does is impressively show the growth that Misaki undergoes, not only through her own experiences but also those of her teenage son, both of which were remarkably emotionally impactful. Wang definitely puts Misaki through her paces showing the evolution of a self indulgent young woman, to a bitter resigned wife and mother, to an empowered leader ready to embrace change and new beginnings.
Beware explicit violence, heartbreaking tragedy, and the many horrors and devastation that war can bring. Know that there is redemption in some, a love story that begged for more, and a lack of a solid HEA despite overall triumph. This moved me throughout, showcasing the push pull of familial hierarchy and duty, the emphasis on certain gender roles, and the personal struggles with morality, nationalism, and deeply rooted pride and honor.
Far from perfect but I’m still thinking about all of these characters and their touching and painful journeys, already knowing that this story will stick with me for a good long while!...more
I can finally say I’ve read this popular book, and I can totally see why it’s worthy of so many accolades.
This is full of all the ang4 Impressed Stars
I can finally say I’ve read this popular book, and I can totally see why it’s worthy of so many accolades.
This is full of all the angst you can imagine that comes with a society with strict, harsh, unrelenting and uncompromising rules. This follows the tale of Darrow who’s at the bottom of the food chain. As a Red, he’s basically a slave, and his “rise” as a Gold, supported by a secret faction who’s trying to destroy the paradigm, is an impossible chance at success.
Darrow’s introduction to the upper echelons of society is far from comfort and excess, as he undergoes a brutal transformation and must not only endure the Institute but survive and actually win against the toughest and smartest of his peers. It’s vital he comes out on top to have a sliver of a hope at bringing it all down from within, but how far will he go and how much of himself will he compromise? To make things even more difficult, he must fight corruption at the highest level that only wants their hand picked favorites to come out on top.
To say the least, this had my stomach in anxiety ridden knots the entire time. This was not a fun read, but it was twisty fast paced and kept me on my toes. Full of uncomfortable emotions and necessary and not so necessary savagery, it’s also a deep dissection on this fictional society’s humanity (or lack thereof), where the grass surely isn’t greener on the other side. Lots of food for thought, and I’m invested enough to see this through!...more
As I read this, I kept thinking it was slightly reminiscent of the movie Groundhog Day but instead with a medieval setting full of magic and vi4 Stars
As I read this, I kept thinking it was slightly reminiscent of the movie Groundhog Day but instead with a medieval setting full of magic and violence and a power hungry prince who hones a girl into a deadly weapon - a girl who strives simply to be wanted and loved and finally finds self worth and a new destiny of choice, and I absolutely dug the concept.
Tough emotions that hit hard. This is 30 pages well worth your time and free if you have Amazon Prime....more
This is about a maintenance droid who overrides her programming, allowing her to actually develop feelings for another.
Mech 6.0 strives to con4 Stars
This is about a maintenance droid who overrides her programming, allowing her to actually develop feelings for another.
Mech 6.0 strives to connect with her beloved. Ultimately, she gives up her one possible chance just to see him happy, knowing full well her dream of being something more can never be truly realized.
Admittedly, this is something I would probably never ever read of my own volition. Picked because it was a challenge topic, this hits devasta3.5 Stars
Admittedly, this is something I would probably never ever read of my own volition. Picked because it was a challenge topic, this hits devastatingly hard.
War can often be idealized, young men joining for various reasons, never imagining the horrors and hardships and seemingly surreal decisions they’ll have to make that can have so very unfortunate consequences.
Absolutely no joy found here, but that’s to be expected....more
In a scant 30ish pages, this will make you re-evaluate every broken, estranged relationship currently in your life a4.5 Stars
Holy hell. That hurt.
In a scant 30ish pages, this will make you re-evaluate every broken, estranged relationship currently in your life and how you want to go about it - for better or for worse.
Brutally devastating in the choices you can’t unmake and the lost chance you’ll never get back....more
This sequel to The Gilded Ones starts off with a bang and the violence, horror, and brutality that our heroine Deka goes through is pretty mu3.5 Stars
This sequel to The Gilded Ones starts off with a bang and the violence, horror, and brutality that our heroine Deka goes through is pretty much nonstop.
Make no bones about it, this world is not nice and it certainly isn’t pretty. Having fought valiantly to sever the bonds that held her prisoner, Deka and her friends have escaped their cruel patriarchal society and are set to rebuild their lives with the newly freed goddesses who promote equality and peace.
Well, the dream had to die at some point right? Secrets abound, sinister plots have been in the making for thousands of years, and what Deka and her friends find out is that they’re far from winning the war because of course, their and everyone else’s existence is in danger of extinction.
Never shirking on tough topics of religion, oppression, and slavery, this world holds nothing back on callous self-serving power plays nor the gory cruel bloodshed. This might be YA, but it surely is rated R. However, because of the depressing heavy themes dealt with, no one will be surprised that there’s very little enjoyment here, hence the lower rating. Regardless, I look forward to Deka coming into her full glory and saving herself, her found family and ultimately, the entire world of Otera in the last installment to come!...more
This is a story about an orphaned girl who has no one and nothing, with no prospects other than to be married 4 Stars
I’m going to try to be succinct.
This is a story about an orphaned girl who has no one and nothing, with no prospects other than to be married off, trading one form of slavery for another. This is a story of a girl who’s determined to not be a victim, who stubbornly hones her smarts and determination to defy expectations, gaining entrance to an uncompromising military school known only for churning out the best of the best. This is a story of a girl put through severe discipline and pain, despite bearing every known disadvantage compared to her pampered elite classmates, and still comes out on top.
Set against the backdrop of a country that has really only known war, who’s on the brink of yet another, this alternate universe bridges mystical legends, magic, untrustworthy gods, and ruthless enemies that will do anything and everything to win.
Rin is reckless, idealistic, and blindly patriotic. Her experiences cultivate her anger and her need to succeed, always driving her to conquer any obstacle that comes her way. If you like an underdog, if you’re ok with hateful characters, and a country’s layered complex history with multiple shades of gray, then come on over.
Despite this being far from my typical romance reads, I was never bored. This is not a fluff piece nor has an inkling of a love story. It holds little room for weakness, containing plenty of violence and tragedy, portraying graphic horrors that were awful to witness.
Overall, this is about the many choices that all the characters make, choices made long ago that inevitably influence Rin and those around her. These decisions manifest in killing others, sacrificing many, all the while pushing one to either give up or buck up to avenge the dead and conquer those that betrayed them all. Rin chooses to keep on living after what she goes through, feeling she has no other options on the brink of defeat. It simply remains to be seen if the end justifies the means.
”War doesn’t determine who’s right. War determines who remains.” ...more
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Bowen is one of the few authors whom I can tolerate MF from.
This was quite the angsty installmen3.5 Stars
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Bowen is one of the few authors whom I can tolerate MF from.
This was quite the angsty installment, focusing on recovering addict Jude, who doesn’t have a lot of life options being a felon for manslaughter along with the intent to distribute drugs. There’s lots of questions surrounding his incarceration, and no one is more curious and in the dark than his ex-girlfriend Sophie, whose very dad was the one who arrested Jude way back when. Despite 3 years apart, the love between Jude and Sophie hasn’t faded one bit, and try as they might to avoid one another, they simply can’t.
As always, Bowen never fails on creating compelling male protagonists and Jude, despite his many many faults and mistakes, was still quite the sexy sympathetic character. He’s no longer hiding behind drugs, he struggles hard every day against his addiction, and he desperately wants to get better. However, that’s so much easier said than done, especially when Jude was ultimately responsible for making all the decisions regarding his current predicament. Though he knows he’s the worst thing for Sophie, he can’t ever tell her no.
Not surprising, Sophie’s character was a bit more challenging to relate to because who has come across a person who loves someone who is responsible for one of their family’s greatest losses? It’s hard as a reader to reconcile such conflicting feels, and Bowen deftly (perhaps unrealistically) manipulates things in Sophie’s favor so she’s able to move on and still have Jude. Admittedly, Sophie did have a few “female” moments which often irk me to no end when reading MF, but I was just thankful she didn’t drive me to drink, only exercising my eye rolls here and there.
So, as usual in these sorts of reads for me, the majority of the points go toward the male MC despite the inherent struggle of rooting for Jude under the circumstances. This was an admittedly difficult read, never sugarcoating what addiction can do to a person and the terrible consequences it can wrought but ultimately, it was also a story filled with redemption and a solid push for a second chance at life and love. ...more
Why I haven’t delved into this sooner is beyond my comprehension. As a huge fan, it will come as absolutely no surprise that I enjoyed4 Serenity Stars
Why I haven’t delved into this sooner is beyond my comprehension. As a huge fan, it will come as absolutely no surprise that I enjoyed this.
-Jayne is still a roughneck asshole -Zoe is tough as nails but puts her feminine side to good use -One gets a glimpse of the feelings brewing between Kaylee and Simon -River utilizes her amazing impossible powers -Shepherd Book’s elusive past comes to the fore -Wash is still his funny quirky self -Inara continues to impress with her various non-Companion skills
And Mal? Still honorable and ruthlessly practical in all the right ways.
Loyalty is the key word here as Mal’s past comes to bite him in the ass, and he must rely on his ragtag crew to figure things out to rescue him before he’s hanged for a crime he didn’t commit.
This was very enlightening as flashbacks show Mal as a teenager, grappling with first love, and becoming a man as he enlists in the fight for Independence against the Alliance.
For all enthusiasts of Firefly, this is a must, and I’ll be eating up the rest of this series soon!...more
My thoughts are definitely inadequate as to how to convey the horrific atrocities that occurred during this time in history that many would lik5 Stars
My thoughts are definitely inadequate as to how to convey the horrific atrocities that occurred during this time in history that many would like to forget or ignore.
This story needs to be known because it’s one of survival amongst such evil, as well as an amazing feat of triumph despite the astronomical losses.
The struggle to hold onto one’s humanity in such despair, to grab onto some semblance of normalcy, and the action of defiance that bred hope to live another day was all portrayed here to devastating effect.
I am emotionally ferklempt, and I’m simply unable to do this amazing true story justice in putting to words just how much this affected me. ...more
Talk about a freakin downer! Man, that ending. So infuriating and pointless especially with such a great buildup and2 Stars
Bartender!? Another please!
Talk about a freakin downer! Man, that ending. So infuriating and pointless especially with such a great buildup and interesting take on vampire lore.
This barely resembles the infamous Will Smith movie but the backbone is there. However, while the movie left you in sad despair, there was triumph in the wake of Neville’s sacrifice. This simply ends with not one speck of hope, and it totally sucked because I’m not a masochist by choice. ...more
Every thought that comes into your head becomes a truth to fear.
This was not an easy read, and I have to give credit where due, as this delve4.5 Stars
Every thought that comes into your head becomes a truth to fear.
This was not an easy read, and I have to give credit where due, as this delves into the mind of teenager Caden, who is on the brink of enjoying his young adulthood. However, he finds such forward momentum not as easily attainable, something we all take for granted. Deeply unsettling, we witness Caden’s decline into paranoia and delusions. He’s present and aware, but helpless to do anything about his hallucinations, his grandiose thoughts, his random speculations and obsessions. The struggle is intense as he both resists and embraces to overcome a mind that can’t quite grasp reality.
By far this was not even close to something I would ever choose to read willingly, but due to a reading challenge, I’m glad I did. A small window of perspective allows just a smidgeon of insight towards what those afflicted and their families go through when fighting against that which can’t be seen and might never be cured. That tiny peek was eye opening to the say the least - frustrating, heartbreaking, and at times so devastating.
Wholly ingenious in setup and deftly complex, this was impressively nuanced and unique in its execution. I dare you not to be affected....more
I seriously must be defective because I am one of the few people who didn't give this at least 4 stars.
Don't get me wrong. I loved Will. I loved his I seriously must be defective because I am one of the few people who didn't give this at least 4 stars.
Don't get me wrong. I loved Will. I loved his bravery and his stubbornness and his belief to grab life by the horns. I felt his every pain and frustration and defeat. It certainly wasn't his current life situation nor the tough topics faced in this book that made me pause - it was actually Lou, who I just personally couldn't connect fully with. I pretty much disliked almost everyone in her life and how she reacted to them - from her kindly, insulting dad, to her unbelievably selfish sister, and back again to her self involved boyfriend. Maybe that was the point. To have these negative factors in her life to showcase her lack of self awareness/focus and her family imposed inertia - where being comfortable was actually inhibiting rather than fulfilling. And because she's the majority of the book, this just fell flat for me.
So overall, I loved the wonderful message of living your life to the fullest, because you really only get one shot. It was inspirational and put things into perspective, and maybe it would inspire the reader to try something new or face an old fear. It certainly made me think and contemplate, because it's a sure thing that life's too short and shouldn't be riddled with should haves and doubts.
Just as Will had a profound effect on Lou, it was his journey, not Lou's, that actually left the lasting impression on me, and I know ultimately, that's what will continue to resonate for a long time to come. ...more
There's a reason why this has taken me close to 3 years to finish this series, and it's because I don't handle angst very well. For me personally, it There's a reason why this has taken me close to 3 years to finish this series, and it's because I don't handle angst very well. For me personally, it was a very painful and depressing read most of the time, but I don't want to discourage anyone from reading this because truly, it was full of great triumph and beautifully written.
Encompassing a huge scope that delves into legends and lore, this spans a complex history over a millennium old, involving good intentions gone horribly wrong. There are a lot of elements here that will catch many a person's fancy. Most notable is the grand epic-ness of it all. Epic despair and pain, epic hate and unforgivable acts. When it can't get any worse, sometimes it does. But keep in mind there is also epic grand gestures and full circles and an amazing sense of fate and destiny, all wrapped up in so much desperate longing, one can't help but feel all of those emotions that are saturated in this series.
For those who want this world and its story to continue, Taylor has definitely left it open for more. What made it worth it in the end was again, the pervasive feeling of hope, and that Karou and Akiva's love stood the test of time despite betrayal, reincarnation, death and torture. Truly, they suffered so much that it was an absolute relief when they finally won their happy (though not perfect) ending.
So....overall, brace yourself. Cheers to epic love that conquered the impossible!...more
I'll be honest. The only reason why I read this book was because I saw the movie trailer (which was the same excuse I used for reading The Ma 3.5 Stars
I'll be honest. The only reason why I read this book was because I saw the movie trailer (which was the same excuse I used for reading The Maze Runner - tho there was definitely another reason why I read that book). So when I know a movie has been adapted, I have to read said book. It's a problem and I fully acknowledge and own it.
Having said that, this was pretty good. It was a very idealistic, romantic look at young love that has an old soul. The tragedy is horrific and as Mia goes back and forth contemplating whether to stay or go, there's touching insight into her past memories and experiences that each hold arguments for both sides. This ends quite abruptly thus compelling one to read the sequel. Anyone know if they're planning on making that into a movie too?...more
I'm not going to lie. This book hurt. A lot. Ever present are feelings of guilt, shame, longing, and grief. The suffering these characters go through?I'm not going to lie. This book hurt. A lot. Ever present are feelings of guilt, shame, longing, and grief. The suffering these characters go through? Unbelievable. I hurt most of all for Akiva and Ziri; at times I hated Karou. I can't say I liked reading this book but it definitely stirred more in me than the first. If you want to be tortured with a shit ton of angst, then this fits the bill. In not being a complete downer, there is also the pervasive theme of hope throughout and Zus and Mik definitely add light and humor when it's most needed. ...more
* A Reader Obsessed *
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