A Psalm for the Wild-Built follows Dex, a tea monk that travels and helps people by bring there and listing. He has started to feel like that they are stuck and decides to travel into the wilderness to try and find purpose again. While there he meets the Robot named Mosscap. Mosscap has been sent on a journey from the other robots to find out what do humans need since humans and robots haven’t been around each other for centuries. They travel together and this allows them to help each other out and Dex is starting to understand what he wants to do in the future.
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is set immediately after the events of A Psalm for the Wild-Built. We follow Dex and Mosscap as they travel to different cities so that Mosscap can learn about humanity and what humans need. This story focuses on the idea that if you have enough or are content do you really need or want more. I love Dex and Mosscap’s relationship and how they are learning from each other. Becky Chambers writes very hopeful books and while I can see where this series could go it also works by ending here.
Overgrowth is Mira Grant’s (the penname of Seanan McGuire) newest science fiction novel. We follow Stasia who has always said that she was an alien disguised as a human and the armada is coming. When an alien signal is broadcast people start to realize that she wasn’t lying and it may be too late.
As the story is told from Stasia’s point of view and she is one of the aliens she is a bit of an unreliable narrator. While this is a science fiction/horror novel it does focus on found family and caring for those who love you and you love but that can hurt you as well. Stasia wants her friends and family to be protected from the invasion but knows there is nothing that can stop it and nothing she can do. The invasion starts more as a back drop since Stasia cares more about how she and those she cares about are impacted vs humanity and the world as a whole. However, when the armada arrives we get an alien invasion that can’t be controlled or stopped by humanity.
I was not expecting how the alien invasion would go or be shown as mush more Invasion of the Body Snatchers than something like War of the Worlds. Many are killed but some are given the option to be assimilated and become a “plant” person so you are still you but also changed.
While I did love this it’s not my favorite Mira Grant work which is Into the Drowning Deep. However, with the attention that Overgrowth has gotten from the book box companies I hope more people will read and enjoy her other works. I would also recommend looking up trigger warnings as there are some scenes that I feel could be triggering to some including body horror and the death of a child.
In February I read seven books including manga and some nonfiction. Overall, I had a good reading month in February but I should have posted this sooner.
Books:
The Witches: Salem, 1692 by Stacy Schiff is a nonfiction book about the Salem Witch trials. This is a reread for me and I listened to the audio book this time. I started listing to this after I had a surgery and want something to listen to that I knew a lot about and my library had and audio book available because of this I was using it more background noise but it is a good book about the Salem Witch Trials. I would recommend this for anyone wanting to know more about this topic.
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson is the second book in the Mistborn trilogy. We follow Vin and the rest of the crew in the aftermath of overthrowing the Lord Ruler and trying to keep the city and people safe. While I loved it overall I didn’t like how Vin was so unsure of herself. However, the ending is amazing and left me wondering if they have ended up letting out something that is much worse than the Lord Ruler. I hope to finish the series soon.
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey is the first Dragonriders of Pern book. We follow Lessa who bonds with a Queen dragon and must work on saving the world. This was just okay to me. I wanted more details for everything and I wasn’t a fan of the romance. However, I did love seeing how the dragons are used in different fantasy/sci-fi stories and how that has changed over time.
Next I read volumes five and six of Saiyuki Reload by Kazuya Minekura. This continues the story of Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai as they travel to stop the resurrection of Gyumao. Volume five starts the Hazel Arc as they meet Bishop Hazel who can used the death of yokai to resurrect humans. Which cause conflict with the Sanzo party as not all yokai are evil and are not the same a demons in the same manner as western/biblical ideas. Volume six continues this story arc and ends on a major cliffhanger.
Last I read Compulsory and All Systems Red by Martha Wells. Compulsory is a very short story in the Murderbot universe that takes place before the events of the first novella. While I love seeing more of Murderbot this is just a very short scene. In All Systems Red we truly meet Murderbot and learn how this security bot has hacked it’s govern module so that it can watch TV shows. I loved Murderbot and I have a full review posted for the first two novellas.
All Systems Red By Martha Wells is the first book in the Murderbot Diaries and a reread for me. I love Murderbot and how they truly just want to be left alone to watch shows but also feels like they have to do their job. We follow Murderbot a company supplied Sec Unit who has hacked his own governor module so that he can do what he wants. Murderbot would really like to be left alone to watch shows and decide who he is but when a group of scientists end up murdered he and the group he is protecting need to figure out the truth.
Artifical Condition is the second book in the series. We follow Murderbot after they have left the group from book one to try to find out why and he was involved in a massacre at a mining facility before the start of the series. We see how they try to blend in and I loved the relationship with ART.
I definitely recommend the series and plan to continue reading it and also the Apple TV plus show.
In January I read six books including several nonfiction books.
Books:
Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling is a picture book version of Harry’s first Christmas at Hogwarts with beautiful art by Ziyi Gao. The text used is from the 12th chapter of the Sorcerer’s Stone. This is great for Harry Potter fans and kids just getting into the Wizarding World.
The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren is the first book in the start of a cozy paranormal mystery series. We follow Lucy who travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother but her knitting shop is closed and she is supposedly dead. It turns out that Gram was murdered but turned into a vampire to save her and Lucy is trying to figure everything out. A fun story but I don’t think that I will continue with the series.
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson is a book about the last crossing and the sinking of the Lusitania and how this helped bring the United States into World War I. Like all of Erik Larson’s books this is a very easy read and could be a good introduction to the topic.
The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Fanke is Shari memoir about the true story behind the 8 Passengers YouTube channel and vlogs and what happened. Given the topic it’s hard to say that I enjoyed this but I’m glad Shari got to tell her story and this is a cautionary tale for all family vloggers.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is the first book in the Empyrean series and I have a full review posted. We follow Violet Sorrengail as her mother has ordered her to join the Dragon Riders at the Basgiath War College instead of joining the scribes. I loved this even though I didn’t think I would and I would recommend trying it.
The Rebel Romanov: Julie of Saxe-Coburg, The Empress Russia Never Had by Helen Rappaport is Rappaport’s newest nonfiction about Romanov history. This follows Julie of Saxe-Coburg who marries Constantine, the grandson of Catherine the Great and who Julie ends up leaving everything for her own freedom. Julie is not a historical figure that I’ve ever heard of but Rappaport makes Romanov history very interesting and readable.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is the first book in the Empyrean series. We follow Violet Sorrengail as her mother has ordered her to join the Dragon Riders at Basgiath War College. Violet has a condition which makes her more fragile and she mush contend with others who are trying to kill her. I didn’t think that I would enjoy this series based on what I had heard but I ended up loving it.
I loved Violet’s relationships with the other cadets and how she used her knowledge to beat others. I also enjoyed how her and Xaden’s relationship went from not liking each other to a somewhat grudging respect then to liking each other and having romantic feelings. Based on tropes and reading a lot of fantasy I’m not surprised that she ended up with two dragons.
I found Dain annoying throughout the whole book but I heated his part in the ending. I’ve never been a fan of the childhood friend who is in love with the main character but who wants her to stay sweet, innocent, and out of the conflict.
While I ended up loving this book I can see why others wouldn’t. However, I would still recommend giving it a shot.
In December 2024 I read three books, mostly manga and didn’t finish one. I should have posted this wrap up much sooner but that’s life.
Books:
Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire was the first book I read in December. This is the sixth book in the Wayward Children series. We follow Regan who shortly after finding out that she is intersex ends up in the Hooflands, a world filled with centaurs and unicorns. Here she grows into herself and learns that even those who are different are people. Loved this one and felt like the series is coming back to its roots.
Next I read Saiyuki Reload volumes three and four which is a continuation of the Saiyuki series following Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai traveling to stop the daemons that are trying to resurrect Gyumaoh. I still love this series but there is a lot of nostalgia tied to it for me.
The one book I Didn’t finish and don’t plan to was The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I’ve tried to read this book before and couldn’t finish it and tried again for book club but still didn’t like it. Personally I feel like the book is too long and a large chunk on the first 200 pages or so could be cut but the biggest reason I stopped reading was that I just didn’t care about any of the characters.
In November I finished four books and a podcast series.
Books:
The first book I finished was the physical edition of Dracula Daily by Matt Kirkland. Dracula Daily started out as an email list where a section of Dracula is sent to you chronological instead of how the book was originally written. This physical book also includes some of the internet commentary and art created for Dracula Daily. I loved Dracula and reading it in a different way. I have participated in the email list before but enjoyed reading it as a physical book as well.
Next I read Doctor Who: How to be a Time Lord. This is an in universe book that is supposed to be a manual on how to be a Time Lord with the Doctor having replaced part of it. Written in 2014 so not up to the current Doctor who. Cute idea but designed for kids that are fans of the show.
Hounded by Kevin Hearne is the first in the Iron Druid Chronicles an Urban Fantasy series following Atticus O’Sullivan the last of the Druids. When he is attacked by the followers of a Celtic god who wants his sword Atticus must do everything in his power to survive. This is a fun urban fantasy where the hero is a master of his power and unlike others in the genre it doesn’t seem like he is in much true danger.
Rebel’s Creed by Daniel B. Greene is the second book in The Lawful Times series. The book starts out giving us some of the first book from Chapman’s point of view which made me understand him as a character when I didn’t like him before. Then we follow Holden in the aftermath of book one as he is trying to find the truth of what happened. While I enjoyed it and want to see where Greene takes the series from here you can tell that he is still finding his footing as an author.
Podcast:
The podcast that I finished was The Edge of Sleep featuring the YouTuber Markiplier and is what the TV show of the same name is based on. The basic premise is that something has happened where if you fall asleep you die and a small group is trying to find out what is going on. I enjoyed the podcast but I personally liked the TV show more and I hope there will be a second season at some point.
In October I read five books, decided not to finish two, and watched somethings as well.
Books:
The first book I read was The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher. This was a reread for book club and I have a full review posted. The Hollow Places is a fantasy horror novel where a portal to another world is opened in Kara’s uncle’s house/museum. She ends up exploring this opening and finding out lays beyond. I enjoyed this on reread but definitely feel like this is for fans of horror.
The Goblin King’s Mischief by D. Lieber is a fantasy romance following Lady Melody who wants the Goblin King to fall in love with her. I received a copy from the author and also have a full review posted. This is a charming fantasy romance that I feel would be great for fans of Elise Kova.
Next I read Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Devil in the White City is a nonfiction book about the creation of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and H.H. Holmes actions around the fair. This does focus more on the fair before going into H.H. Holmes murders but his story is throughout as well. Erik Larson make history very readable and if you have any interest in the topics he writes about I would recommend his books.
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers is a science fiction book where people are sent to space to explore but to adapt to the new environments they change how their bodies look and function. We follow the events of a four man crew but told by Ariadne as a log of events. Eventually, they find out that they haven’t received any messages from Earth and must decide if they should go back to Earth or continue on with the mission. I feel like the ending was meant to be hopeful and allows you to decide what you believe happens but I wanted more.
The last book I finished was Salvation in the Sun by Lauren Lee Merewether. This is a historical fiction novel set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Akhenaten and Nefertiti. I do have a full review posted. The novel focuses on the Pharaoh trying to take back power from the Cult of Amun by changing the main god being worshiped to the Aten and how that change effects everything. I would recommend this to historical fiction fans and those with an interest in Ancient Egypt.
Books DNF(Did Not Finish):
The two books that I didn’t finish were Chimera by Mira Grant and The Starflower by K.A. Kenny.
Chimera by Mira Grant is the last book in the Parasitology trilogy and I generally like Mira Grant’s work. However, with this series I often felt like same things kept being retread and I found that I no longer cared about what happen.
The Starflower by K.A. Kenny is a science fiction novel following our main character Zim whose military call sign is Starflower. While fighting the Aldrakin she learns of a prophecy that she due to her call sign is supposed to be about her which will impact the universe. I received a copy from the author for review. While the writing was good and the premise interesting I found myself being confused at the beginning and not connecting with any of the character. However, If it sound interesting I would give it a try.
Movies and Shows:
This month I watched The Conjuring 2 as we are in spooky season and I wanted to continue watching the series.
The main show I watched was The Edge of Sleep on Prime TV. This show has the YouTuber Markiplier in it and that’s how I found out about it. The premise is that for some reason if you fall asleep you will die but the world was normal before. We follow a small group of characters that are trying to figure out what is going on. This is a very weird show but I enjoyed it and plan to listen to the podcast version. However, as I’m making this post very late it has since been removed from Prime TV and there doesn’t seem to be a place to watch it at this time.
Salvation in the Sun by Lauren Lee Merewether is a historical fiction novel set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Akhenaten and Nefertiti and the first book in the Lost Pharaoh Chronicles. This focuses on the relationship between Akhenaten and Nefertiti and how they change the religion of Egypt.
Salvation in the Sun is primarily told in flashback starting during the early reign of Akhenaten when he was known as Amenhotep, where the Pharaoh and his advisors are trying to take back the power of the priesthood of Amun by changing the main god of worship to the Aten. As time goes on it becomes more and more apparent that Amenhotep now Akhenaten truly believes that that only god is the Aten and none of the other gods matter.
This change to the religion leads to major political conflicts and I feel like this is a way these events of history could have happened. I have done a decent amount of nonfiction reading on this time period and it is obvious that Lauren Lee Merewether has done her research. While there are somethings that are probably not historically accurate given that we don’t know how these players would have thought or acted this doesn’t feel completely fictionalized.
I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction and those with an interest in Ancient Egypt.
Night Owl Reviews 