3.5 Stars This was a solid conclusion to this science fiction trilogy. I generally enjoyed the earlier books and found this one on par for that.
As a pi3.5 Stars This was a solid conclusion to this science fiction trilogy. I generally enjoyed the earlier books and found this one on par for that.
As a piece of science fiction, this one was quite accessible. There were some interesting details in the world building but generally this one was easy to understand and likeable.
I would recommend this one to readers who are trying to get into the genre. However you will want to start back at the beginning with These Burning Stars.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars This was an enjoyable hard science fiction thriller. I previously read the Apollos Murders which I admit disappointed me. As a result, I went4.0 Stars This was an enjoyable hard science fiction thriller. I previously read the Apollos Murders which I admit disappointed me. As a result, I went into this sequel with low expectations and ended up being wonderfully surprised.
This was a great balance between an engaging thriller plot, facts about astronaut life and details on the real history of the space program. If you enjoy thrillers with a science fiction twists, I would recommend this one.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.0 Stars This author has written some of my absolute favourite SFF so I was quite disappointed to find this one only okay. It felt very simple in term3.0 Stars This author has written some of my absolute favourite SFF so I was quite disappointed to find this one only okay. It felt very simple in terms of the characters, plot and ideas explored....more
4.0 Stars This was an enjoyable space opera with some interesting science fiction ideas and technology explored. This is technically part of a companio4.0 Stars This was an enjoyable space opera with some interesting science fiction ideas and technology explored. This is technically part of a companion series but you are free to jump in here as this book does not tie directly into the previous installments....more
3.5 Stars I enjoyed the first novel in the Old Man's War series so I was excited to receive the newest installment.
I didn't get the opportunity to rea3.5 Stars I enjoyed the first novel in the Old Man's War series so I was excited to receive the newest installment.
I didn't get the opportunity to read and review the books in the middle of the series and that definitely impacted my reading experience here.The first book worked very well as a standalone which almost makes this sequel more challenging to judge fairly. I would love the opportunity to review this series as a whole so that I can see how the books progressed from there to here.
As for this novel, it was an easy read. While technically labeled as space opera, the scope of this one felt very narrowly focused around the characters. I struggled with the last few books by this author because I found them to be overly silly. Thankfully this one was a return back to the balance I was looking for. It had enough serious moments and stakes to keep me better invested.
I would recommend this one to fans of the series who are caught up on the previous books. Don't jump into this one without that context. I did myself a disservice by doing that.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars Once again Adrian Tchaikovsky shows himself to be a prolific author who doesn't drop sacrifice quality for quantity. This novel is a great ba4.0 Stars Once again Adrian Tchaikovsky shows himself to be a prolific author who doesn't drop sacrifice quality for quantity. This novel is a great balance of some solid science fiction elements balanced out by an engaging plot. So often I find it hard to find novels that can do both.
In terms of plot, this one certainly isn't revolutionary but it lands the narrative beats without feeling tired. I appreciate that the author brings familiar science fiction ideas and stories to a new audience who are just getting into the genre through more modern titles like this one.
If you are a fan of this author's previous science fiction novels, specifically Alien Clay, than I would highly recommend this one. If you are new to this novel, this is also an excellent place to start.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
This was a solid conclusion to this epic sci fantasy series. It was generally what I e4.0 Stars Spoiler Free Review Video: https://youtu.be/f7cZcUR1u_w
This was a solid conclusion to this epic sci fantasy series. It was generally what I expected and I suspect most readers will be happy with this ending.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars This was a straightforward but solid science fiction mystery novella. It didn't necessarily reinvent the genre or subvert expectations but if3.5 Stars This was a straightforward but solid science fiction mystery novella. It didn't necessarily reinvent the genre or subvert expectations but if you are looking for an exciting pageturner that fuses together these two genres, then it's an enjoyable ride.
This had a gripping start and generally held the momentum all the way through. I would recommend anyone who loves this genre mashup and doesn't mind a familiar plot as long as it's well done.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars This was another enjoyable entry in this science fiction mystery series. I enjoy the loose Holmesism inspiration.
I enjoyed this newest editio3.5 Stars This was another enjoyable entry in this science fiction mystery series. I enjoy the loose Holmesism inspiration.
I enjoyed this newest edition but am also unsure if this newest installment added to the series. I enjoy the premise of the series but there isn't necessarily enough compelling forward motion of the plot to keep me coming back for more.
I would recommend this series for anyone looking for a good sci fi mystery. You could jump into this volume but you'd likely want to start at the beginning to follow the character development in order.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars I really enjoyed Dark Theory, the first book in the Dark Law series so I have been anticipating this sequel. I am happy to say that Dark Prop4.0 Stars I really enjoyed Dark Theory, the first book in the Dark Law series so I have been anticipating this sequel. I am happy to say that Dark Prophet did not disappoint. The writing, characters and overall plot are very consistent with the first installment.
As a series, this one feels very accessible without too much technical jargon to bog down casual sci fi readers. Instead this one is more focused on the characters and their heroic journey of growth. This narrative choice is what always brings me to compare the series to fantasy because while it takes place in a science fiction world, the narrative design draws more from familiar (but beloved) tropes.
I would recommend this series to anyone looking to get into science fiction, even if they don't necessarily read a lot of the genre. Don't be intimidated by the length. These books are engrossing so you will likely fly through the pages like I did
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the author....more
4.5 Stars Now this is the kind of new science fiction that we need to see consistently getting published today. This felt smart and innovative with a c4.5 Stars Now this is the kind of new science fiction that we need to see consistently getting published today. This felt smart and innovative with a clear intent behind the writing.
I really enjoyed this smart little novella that packed a memorable story into a short number of pages. Told in a second person perspective, this one has a distinct narration style that will get divisive among readers. In my opinion, this choice completely works here and fits the narrative. I appreciated the conversation on personhood that was woven into the story in a complex, nuanced manner. It felt reminiscent of Ancillary Justice, which is high praise in my book.
I highly recommend this novella to any science fiction reader looking for a smart new release worthy of your time and attention.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars I have read most of this author's previous books and I think this new one is her best, or at least my personal favourite.
This author is good 4.0 Stars I have read most of this author's previous books and I think this new one is her best, or at least my personal favourite.
This author is good at writing the kind of accessible science fiction that makes for a great starting place for readers new to the genre. Her books don't have a big focus on science or technology. Instead those elements exist in the background. I personally have a preference for science fiction more grounded in science but I can still appreciate a fun entertaining story.
This was a solid narrative that was enjoyable with interesting characters and fun twists and turns. I would recommend this one as a great place to start with this author's work.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
4.0 Stars After reading and loving the Automaton, I was eager to read whatever this author wrote next. This is an unrelated standalone that could certa4.0 Stars After reading and loving the Automaton, I was eager to read whatever this author wrote next. This is an unrelated standalone that could certainly work as an entry point with this author.
My favourite aspect of this one was how it played with the familiar situation of a bad workplace. It's such a relatable experience. The mystery was enjoyable to unravel even if it wasn't the most complex. I enjoyed the intersection of two of my favourite genres.
I would recommend this one to readers looking for a sci fi thriller with plenty of fun and a good mystery plot.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the author....more
4.0 Stars This is an interesting sci fi thriller that blends together horror themes inside the framework of a science fiction novel.
I appreciate the ce4.0 Stars This is an interesting sci fi thriller that blends together horror themes inside the framework of a science fiction novel.
I appreciate the cerebral nature of this author's work. The writing is simple yet well crafted. I always enjoy the themes surrounding artificial intelligence, especially presented in a more nuanced way.
I would recommend this novella for readers looking for a smart literary take on the sci fi thriller genre. It likely won't have mass appeal but it worked very well for this reader.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher...more
I am a huge fan of Atwood so, not surprisingly, I enjoyed this one. I loved how she played with the dynamics surrounding relationships and th4.0 Stars
I am a huge fan of Atwood so, not surprisingly, I enjoyed this one. I loved how she played with the dynamics surrounding relationships and the wider conversations on the effects of economic decline. Compared to her other work, this writing was quite plain. It didn't feel up to her usual literary work but I still liked the book as a story....more
4.0 Stars This wasn't quite what I expected from the synopsis but I still enjoyed the novel. This author has a talent for writing comforting character 4.0 Stars This wasn't quite what I expected from the synopsis but I still enjoyed the novel. This author has a talent for writing comforting character driven narratives inside the science fiction genre....more
3.5 Stars After enjoying the first book in the series, I was interested to continue on with this sequel. As a piece of dense political fiction, I wish 3.5 Stars After enjoying the first book in the series, I was interested to continue on with this sequel. As a piece of dense political fiction, I wish I could have read the books back to back because I felt the gap worked against my enjoyment.
While this is technically science fiction, I feel this one reads more like a political fantasy. The story better scratched my itch for those kinds of stories.
This series is inspired by ancient Egypt and Rome. As someone with only a basic understanding of that period of history, the connection to this fictional work went over my head. I certainly enjoyed aspects of this book but I felt a gap that held me back from really loving it.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more
3.5 Stars This was an entertaining sequel to the first book in this space opera series. I felt this one added on the first, continuing to grow the stak3.5 Stars This was an entertaining sequel to the first book in this space opera series. I felt this one added on the first, continuing to grow the stakes. As a duology it felt refreshing to avoid the middle book slump. It was a good conclusion in a solid science fiction service.
While not a new favourite, I am always thrilled to find a good new science fiction release. Sometimes I just want a good story.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher....more