A review by ghostlydreamer
Neon Goldfish by S.C. Jensen

adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really love these little novellas, with the opportunity to be bsck in Holocity. Bubbles is one of my favorite protagonists and the way I fell in love with the main series had me perpetually wanting more. I'm sad I've finished all the Bubbles content available to me right now, but I think that just gives me an excuse to reread the main series all over again.

Anyway, this story is short and sweet. I feel like it was the least confusing and most complete of the trilogy, and the most memorable. I loved all three, but this one is my favorite. Maybe I was already biased because who names a book Neon Goldfish? A genius, that's who, because it immrdiately had me hooked. I wanted to know all about these "neon goldfish." The story is fast paced, constantly full of movement and action, and takes us to many places across Holocity.

I feel like this continued to build on the world, because although some areas were familiar, some were completely new to me. Holocity is such a fascinating world, at times loud and colorful, at others grey and desolate. The contrast this plays off always keeps me captivated and wanting more.

Returning to Bubbles herself, it was such a joy to be reunited with this sassy protagonist. I feel like I'm always learning something new about her. She's upbeat, quick, and witty. And she's clever. She really knows how to get herself out of tricky situations, or at least, she makes it look like it. Sometimes it's pure luck, an accident that allows her to succeed. I think half the time she's winging it, and she admits to her own fuck ups. But she's got the reflexes and the know-how to survive, and always with a smirk and a piece of bubble gum. And that is why I love her and her pink hair. Honestly, even though I am not much like her myself, I still find her to be relatable and fun.

If you want a gritty story about some of the private detectice work Bubbles does, this is the novella for you. I really wish there were more of them. I'd keep devouring them if I could.