Category: Book Review

June 2024 Wrap Up

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In June I read seven books and watched two movies. Mostly fantasy and science fiction but some nonfiction as well.

Books:

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson is a historic nonfiction about what happened in the five months between Abraham Lincolns’ election and the start of the Civil War. Civil War history is generally not something I’m interested in but Erik Larson makes history very readable. I would recommend this book if you are a fan of Erik Larson or are interested in the history of the Civil War.

The next book I read was The Fifth Prophet by Lauren Lee Merewether which is the fourth novella in the Lost Pharaoh Chronicles Prequel series. This one follows Pawah as he becomes a scribe at the temple of Anum and everything he will do to become more powerful. As this follows the villain of the Last Pharaoh Chronicles I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the others in the series but I wonder if I would have liked it more if I had read the Lost Pharaoh Chronicles first as I’m reading in chronological order of events not the publication order.

A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab is the first book in the Shades of Magic series. In this world there are multiple universes and those with specific magic can travel between different London’s. We follow Kell who is being framed and Lilah a thief who is helping him. I should have liked this but while I liked the magic and Kell I hated Lilah and didn’t feel much of a connection to this story.

Saiyuki Resurrected Edition volume 4 by Kazuya Minekura is the last volume of these editions of Saiyuki and I have a full review posted for the series. Overall I still love this series.

World War Z by Max Brooks is a zombie story told as an oral history through interviews with different characters explaining what they did and how the world survived the zombies. This is a different take on zombies and how the world would cope in this situation then most stories and is very different than the movie adaptation. I would hope that humanity would ban together if something like this were to happen but after Covid I’m less optimistic.

Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik is a collection of short stories including a look at the world her next novel is set in and one of the first stories that became Spinning Silver. I received a review copy of this from Netgalley and have a full review going through each of the stories. Overall I would recommend this if you are a fan of Novik’s work.

Queen’s Hope by E.K. Johnston is the last book in the Star Wars Padme trilogy. We follow Padme Amidala as a senator at the beginning of the Clone Wars. This focuses on what Padme’s role is now after her marriage to Anakin and the start of the war. We also see how her relationships with the handmaidens has changed over the years specifically with Sabe and what she is doing on Tatooine.

Movies:

I also watched two movies this month both Japanese. The first was One Cut of the Dead which is a zombie comedy movie similar to Shaun of the Dead in the humor. At first it seem like we are seeing a zombie outbreak on the set of a movie shoot but its much more than that.

The next movie I watched was Godzilla Minus One which is a Godzilla movie set after World War II following a Kamikaze pilot who survived the war and saw Godzilla at the end of the war. He now feels like he needs to be part of the group that kills Godzilla. I’m not the biggest Godzilla fan but this movie was very good.

Book Review: Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik

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Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik is a collection of thirteen short stories that span the different worlds of her works and includes a sneak peek at the world of her next novel. I received an early copy for review from the publisher thorough Netgalley. I’ve been a fan of Naomi Novik’s work for years though this is the first book I’ve read in a long time and which has inspired me to finally read more of her works. Overall I greatly enjoyed this work and I will be going through each story individually

Araminta, or, The Wreck of the Amphidrake is a take on regency romance novels. We follow Lady Araminta who is being sent off to be married off but she is not interested in marriage. To protect herself she is gifted with a amulet that turns her into a man and she uses this when the ship she is on is attacked. An interesting take on Pirates and romance but not my favorite story.

After Hours is a story set in the Scholomance world but doesn’t follow the characters from that series. We follow Beata in her first year at the school on a night that she decides to sneak out in attempt to take better supplies from the communal supplies as first year students never get the best stuff. We also learn about her conflict with her roommate Jayne and how dangerous the school can be especially at night. This is a good introduction to the Scholomance if you haven’t read any before.

Vici is a story set in the Temeraire Universe but during Roman times and how Antonius who is a conman ends up with a dragon. He eventually gets sent to Gaul as owning a dragon is a problem for the magistrate and end up fighting with Julius Cesar. This story lays the ground work for how dragons are part of the military with the Temeraire Universe.

Buried Deep is a story about the Labyrinth and Ariadne dancing on the ground where the Labyrinth exists. A retelling of the story of the Minotaur but focuses more on family and the relationship between the Minotaur and Ariadne.

Spinning Silver is the short story that eventually spun into the novel of the same name and there is overlap in this story but you can see where the novel goes into more detail. We follow Miryem the daughter of a moneylender who is not very good at his job. When Miryem realizes that her family is suffering she takes over her father’s job and excels at it. Eventually, she meets a Staryk who wants her to turn silver into gold. Through Miryem’s cleverness and business savvy she is able to accomplish this and Staryk that she would be better as his banker instead of his queen.

Commonplaces is a story about Irene Adler finding out that Sherlock Holmes has died at the Reichenbach Falls and her actions following getting this information. Quick story for fans of Sherlock Holmes and would be more enjoyable if you have recently read those stories.

Seven is an interesting story about a city called Seven that has seven statues and how those statues are created. We follow Kath who learned how to make pottery from her husband and is continuing to do so to feed her family even though she wasn’t properly trained. She eventually is tasked with building a new statue when one of them breaks but the clay used often kills those who work with it.

Blessings is a fairytale about what are the best blessings one could get from fairies and Madga who is given the gift of strength and how that changes her story. Very short but an interesting take on princesses being gifted blessings by the fairies at the beginning of their tales.

Lord Dunsany’s Teapot is about a teapot that is used in the trenches of World War I and how it ends up keeping some of the soldiers’ safe during this time. Very short but not a story that I was expecting as someone who has researched World War I.

Seven Years from Home is the only story that I didn’t enjoy. This is more of a science fiction story than fantasy and if I had read it alone I might have liked it more. Written in first person we follow the account of a researcher who wants to learn more about a specific alien group. I only skimmed this story so I don’t’ feel like I can say more than that just I think how the story was told made me not want to finish it.

Dragons & Decorum is a Pride & Prejudice retelling set in the world of Temeraire following Captain Elizabeth Bennet and her dragon Wollstonecraft. I’m not a huge fan of Pride & Prejudice but I felt that this was a unique take as Darcy doesn’t know that Elizabeth is a Captain until near the end of the story.

Castle Coeurlieu is a story set during the Black Plague. We follow Isabeau who has recently married and lives in the country side with the son of her husband. On the land is a tower that has many stories and rumors about it and how it may be magical. She ends up in the tower one night when she shouldn’t be but is able to save the son. Interesting take on stories influenced by the events of the Black Plague and the stories that were written at that time.

The Long Way Round is a sneak peek into the world that Naomi Novik’s next book is set in. We follow siblings Tess and Aston who are sailors and ship builders on a quest to sail the long way around the land verses what is considered the safest route. As they attempt this journey they end up find new locations and how those they meet along the way change their future. Story about family and the family you build along the way. I’m interested in where Naomi Novik plans to take this story/world in the future.

May 2024 Wrap Up

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In May I read seven books including several manga and a picture book. I’m currently catching up on some post that I had planned to go up before now.

Books:

The first book I read this month was The Free Trader of Warren Deep by Craig Martelle which is a science fiction story about Free Trader Brandon and his mind linked hillcat traveling the trade routes of Warren Deep. He decides to traverse the Great Desert to find old tech to make his riches. I liked the concept overall but found some parts confusing and it ended abruptly.

In the Houses of their Dead: The Lincolns, The Booths, and the Spirits by Terry Alford is a nonfiction book about the connections between Abraham Lincoln and John Wilks Booth even before the assassination. There is also a focus on the Lincoln’s interest in spiritualism. I liked this book while I was reading it but I feel like I didn’t retain much of the information.

Knight owl by Christopher Denise is a picture book about a little owl who wants to become a knight. I love owls and collect owl things and this was too cure to pass up.

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson is a fantasy novel where people can have powers based on different metals. I have read and reviews this book before and reread it for book club. I still really like this story and need to continue on with the series.

Saiyuki Resurrected Editions volumes one through three by Kazuya Minekura is a manga fantasy series that is very loosely based on Journey to the West. We follow Sanzo, Gojyo, Goku, and Hakkai as they are tasked with traveling west to find out why the yokai are attacking humans and stop the resurrection of the demon king Gumaho. These editions are new hardback editions with an updated translations. I’ve loved this series for years and still do but I don’t believe that the full story will ever be completed.

Manga Review: Saiyuki Resurrected Editons Vol. 1-4

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Saiyuki is a manga series by Kazuya Minekura which very loosely on the Chinese novel Journey to the West. The Resurrected Editions are the new hardback editions from Kodansha that also have an updated translation.

The story follows Sanzo, Gojyo, Goku, and Hakkai as they travel to the west to stop the resurrection the evil god/demon Gyumao. These four volumes follows the group as they attempt to travel west but are side tracked my many other enemies and we also find out about each characters back story. I feel if you like the premise you should try the series out. However, this series while does have a complete story is not the end of the journey and the other parts of the series haven’t been finished due to the authors health issues.

Personally, I love this series but I’ve been a fan for years and I’m not sure if my love of the series comes more from that then the story itself. There have also been several different anime adaptations which are a fun time but also include some anime only stories.

April 2024 Wrap Up

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In April I only read two books but I was playing and finishing different video games including Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

Books:

The first book I read this month was Women in the Valley of the Kings: The Untold Story of Women Egyptologists in the Gilded Age by Kathleen Sheppard which I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Women in the Valley of the Kings is a nonfiction book about the history of Egyptology and the impact that women have had on the field. I’ve been interested in Ancient Egypt and Egyptology for years but most of the people you hear about are the famous men and their findings. I didn’t realize how many women were involved in the field and how their finds and research impacted others. I would recommend this to those studying Egyptology and those who have an interest in the field.

The other book I read this month was Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Mass. This is the last book in The Throne of Glass series which I loved. I feel at this point that this series is so popular you will know if you want to read it and if you would like it. It took me a while to finish this series mostly because I have been very bad at finishing series in the last several years. However, some of the books are a bit of a slog but the payoff is worth it.

Video Games:

This month I finished Final Fantasy VII Rebirth which I also have a full review posted for. I absolutely loved this game and I can’t wait to see where they take the story in the next game. Two things if you are interested in playing the developers are expecting you to know the story of the original games including Crisis Core for all the emotional payoffs and you should play Remake before trying this one. This is a game for fans but other would enjoy it as well.

The other game I’ve been playing has been The Oregon Trail for Nintendo Switch. I’ve been having a lot of fun playing it but as I only pick it up here and there it will take me a while to complete everything in the game. If you have fond memories of play Oregon Trail as a kid I would recommend it.

March 2024 Wrap Up

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In March I read five books, most of them for the local book club that I’m apart of. I’m currently catching up on posts for this blog so expect more posts soon.

Books:

This month the first book I read was Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan Mcguire. I reread this for book club and its still one of my favorite books and series overall. I’m glad that I was able to introduce more people to the Wayward Children series.

The next book was Titanic: The Tragic Story of the Ill-Fated Ocean Liner by Rupert Mathews. This is a nonfiction book about the sinking of the Titanic. I read this because I was in the mood for nonfiction but it doesn’t have anything new for Titanic enthusiasts. However it is well written and a fairly easy read.

Tomes, Scones and Crones by Colleen Gleason is a cozy fantasy mystery where Jacqueline inheritsthe Three Tomes Bookshop after her life falls apart. The bookstore often has character from books show up and there is a witch who wants the store. I liked the concept but I didn’t enjoy how Jacquline got to where she is as some choices are taken away from her. This was a book club read and I enjoy being introduced to books and authors that I’ve never heard of.

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers is a science fiction book that follows the crew of the Wayfarer ship. This was another reread for book club. I loved the found family and how everyone interacts with each other. The plot is not the focus the characters are and the relationship they have. I love Rosemary’s and Sixis relationship and this is still one of my favorite books.

The last book I read in March was Paaten’s War which is one of the Last Pharoah Chronicles prequels. We follow soldier Paaten who is capatured by the enemy and then sold as a slave. He eventually escapes and meets a Hittite Woman who he falls in love with but is still loyal to Egypt and the Pharoah. This is well written but from a male perspective which is not my favorite for historical fiction.

February 2024 Wrap Up

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In Feburuary I read 8 books and played the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intetmission DLC. I should a posted this way before now but I’m going to catach up.

Books:

The first book I read was Final Fantasy VII: The Kids are Alright A Turks Side Story by Kazushige Nojima which I have a full review posted for. This is set two years after the orginal game and is a prequel to Advent Children and is for fans that want to know every thing. Mostly focused on new characters Evan and Kyrie adn the finding out what is going on in the world and with geostigma. Overall I enjoyed it but would not recomend for those how are not huge fans of Final Fantasy VII.

The next book was The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune which is a young adult fantasy were Linus Bakes works as a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magic Youth. He is sent to a classified ophanage where dangerous children including the anti-Christ live. Story about finding family and your place in it. Cute but I ended up skiming most of it because I found it boring at times.

Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire is the fifth bookin the Wayward Children series. It follows Jack who has forced into Jill’s body and comes back to the school to get help in stoping Jill from taking control of the Moors. I love stories with Jack and Jill be I think this is the last book that they will be in as their story feels complet. I haven’t been enjoying the Wayward Children as much but this one I loved. I loved the exploration of the Moors and how it affected those who came with Jack.

Final Fantasy VII Remake: Races of Two Pasts by Kazushige Nojima is a FF7R book focused on the backstores of Tifa and Aerith and I have a full review posted. This is book for fans and those who want more information on Tifa and Aerith. As I’ve been playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth its cool seeing the easter eggs that are connected to this book.

The Valley Iris by Lauren Lee Merewether is a historical fiction novella prequel to the Last Pharaoh Chronicles series. We follow Tey who is not being allowed to marry the man she loves and the drama in her family that comes from this. While I enjoyed this story I was hoping that Tey and Woser were not going to be reveled to be related but I loved how Tey was able to me her way in the world.

Wife of Ay by Lauren Lee Merewether is the second prequel novella in the Last Pharaoh Chronicles. We follow Temehu the daughter of Nomarch Paser as she becomes a woman and deals with waht is wxpected of her and how things don’t always happen as you want or expect. I loved Temehu and Ay’s relationship though I wish she told him what was going on. I didn’t like how it ended adn I hope we see more of these characters. Trigger warning for miscarriage/loss of a child.

Demon in the World by Leigh Bardugo is the graphic novel retelling of the short story of the same name. This story gives insight into why the Darkling is the way he is. I loved the artwork.

The last book I read this month was Bride by Ali Hazelwood which is her firtst paranormal romance and I have a full review posted. In this world Vampyre, Humans, adn Werewolfs live in a very tense peace. Misery, the only daughter of a powerful Vampyre council man, and Lowe, the new alpha of the werewolfs agree to marry to try and keep the peace. Overall I loved this book but I don’t think everyone will.

Video Games:

The only game I played this month was Final Fantasy VII Remake Episode Intermission which is the DLC for FF7R focusing on Yuffie and I have a full review posted. I loved it but I’m a huge fan of Final Fantasy VII and have been playing games and reading the books to get ready for Rebirth.

Book Review: Bride by Ali Hazelwood

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood is one of her newest romance books and her first paranormal romance. In this world Vampyre’s, Human’s and Werewolf’s live in a very tens peace. Misery, the only daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman and Lowe, the new alpha of the Werewolf’s agree to marry to try and keep the peace. However, Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage including tying to find her best friend who has gone missing.

This is a slow burn romance that also happens to be an Omegaverse story. I would recomend looking up what that means to decide if this is your cup of tea or not but its not a large part of the story mostly just some of the main tropes are included.

I loved how Misery’s and Lowe’s realationship changes of the story and how Misery becomes her own person. There is one part of the story that I hated Lowe but I understood why he did what he did. I would recomend this to fans of Ali Hazelwood and those intresed in paranoraml romance.

Book Review: Final Fantasy VII The Kids Are Alright A Turks Side Story and Final Fantasy VII Remake Traces of Two Pasts

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At the start of the year I replayed Final Fantsy VII Remake to prepare for Rebirth and decided to read the Final Fantsy VII books that I hadn’t yet. These where The Kids Are Alright and Traces of Two Pasts.

Final Fantasy VII The Kids Are Alright A Turks Side Story is set two years after the original Final Fantasy VII and is a prequle to Advent Children. This is mostly focused on new characters Evan and Kyire and them trying to find out what is going on in the world and with Geostigma. The other characters that appear are mainly the Turks who are very sarcastic and Elena is ready to throw down/kill anyone. I loved the connections with the cast of the game and finding out what the Turks were doing at the start of Advent Children. Some of the characters mention also appear in Remake. Though I feel like this is a book for fans that need to have interacted with everything.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Traces of Two Pasts focuses on the backstories of Tifa and Aerith with hints on what is coming in Rebirth. The first half of the book is Tifa’s story and the second half Aerith’s, and then there is a small section about a character that Aerith knows but we have never met that show how ruthless Shinra can be. With Tifa’s story I enjoyed seeing her past and how she met up with everyone but I would have liked to see more of the Nibelhime incident from her perspective. Aerith’s stor first focuses on her and her mother, Iflana’s escape from Shinra and then her relationship with Elmrya. The only thing that I’m supprized with Aerith’s story is there is nothing about Zack in it. As I’ve been playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth its cool seeing the easter eggs that mention the events of this book.

January 2024 Wrap Up

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I’m finally starting to get caught up on posts that should have come out sooner. In January I read five books which most were fantasy.

Books:

First I reread American Gods by Neil Gaiman on audio book for my book club. American Gods follows Shadow after he gets out of prison and ends up working for Mr. Wednesday. Shadow finds out that gods both old and new are real and that there might be a war between them coming. I enjoyed this more this time than the first time I read it and feel like the audio book is the way to go. However, I think I would like the TV show adaptation more (currently I haven’t watched any of it) as to me the story feel like it would be great in a visual medium.

The next books I read were Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn by Sarah J Maas which are the fifth and sixth books in the Throne of Glass series. I feel like most people know about this series and if they are going to like it or not. I will say that Tower of Dawn is a bit of a slog considering where Empire of Storms ended and not immediately continuing with those characters. I’m planning of finishing The Throne of Glass series this year.

Next I read Released: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom by Gypsy-Rose Blanchard which is a nonfiction book written my Gypsy about her past, present, and hopes for the future. This is not a full memoir but more of a recounting of conversations and writings from Gypsy. This gives insight into her personal feelings and the start of her telling her story on her own terms.

The last book I read in January and have a full review posted of was An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson. This is a Carmilla retelling set at an all girls Catholic college in the 1960s that is a dark academia story with a rivals to lovers romance between Laura and Carmilla. I really enjoyed this an could see many other dark academia and vampire loves enjoying this as well but it does have some dark themes so I would recommend reading the trigger warnings.