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archercasper's reviews
92 reviews
Death in Her Hands by Ottessa Moshfegh
4.0
Only Ottessa Moshfegh can write a book made up of all my least favorite literary attributes and still make me enjoy it (however, if I have to read the word "mindspace" one more time I might go crazy). Not a whole lot happened in this book, and you're left with more questions than answers by the end; it was a detailed and immersive examination of the human psyche and it was fun, as the reader, to come up with different explanations and interpretations of the story.
The Fisherman by John Langan
This was a superbly written story with an interesting structure, compelling narratives, and a unique blend of raw human emotion with the dark and mystical. This story felt magical and fearful in a way that was still, somehow, realistic. Excuse the unintended pun, but I was hooked from the start.
5.0
"Now, he is dust, dust which remembers what it was to be a man and can do nothing with that knowledge."
This was a superbly written story with an interesting structure, compelling narratives, and a unique blend of raw human emotion with the dark and mystical. This story felt magical and fearful in a way that was still, somehow, realistic. Excuse the unintended pun, but I was hooked from the start.
The Just City by Jo Walton
This was an incredibly creative story with wonderful dialogue and characters. It could have used one final edit as there were a number of grammatical errors. I also found the ending a bit unsatisfying; it felt almost as if the author ran out of time and chose the easiest/quickest ending. Despite that, this is still a new favorite. The characters were all strong and memorable, and I enjoyed how easily understandable the philosophical aspects were. The debates were especially well-written.
Edit: I did not realize this book was the beginning of a trilogy! That entirely reframes my perspective on the ending, as I had been reading it like it was a standalone. It makes much more sense knowing that it is a "to-be-continued" situation rather than a complete end.
4.0
"'There isn't an end point to excellence where you can have it and stop. Being your best self means keeping on trying.'"
This was an incredibly creative story with wonderful dialogue and characters. It could have used one final edit as there were a number of grammatical errors. I also found the ending a bit unsatisfying; it felt almost as if the author ran out of time and chose the easiest/quickest ending. Despite that, this is still a new favorite. The characters were all strong and memorable, and I enjoyed how easily understandable the philosophical aspects were. The debates were especially well-written.
Edit: I did not realize this book was the beginning of a trilogy! That entirely reframes my perspective on the ending, as I had been reading it like it was a standalone. It makes much more sense knowing that it is a "to-be-continued" situation rather than a complete end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Slavery
Apollo: The Brilliant One by George O'Connor
3.0
Some of the text was a bit corny, but overall this is a great comic for young readers and a simple recap of Apollo for older readers. I enjoyed the "g(r)eek notes" at the end.
Almond by Won-pyung Sohn
4.0
"I have never been abandoned by anyone. Even though my brain was a mess, what kept my soul whole was the warmth of the hands holding mine on both sides."
Who knew a book about a boy who couldn't feel emotions could be so incredibly emotional? This story was painful but also full of life and love. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August Blue by Deborah Levy
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Lost me immediately at an offensive word choice. Unfortunate because it seemed like an interesting story.
The Fern House by Brooke Hamilton-Benjestorf
4.0
"How does anyone really know anything? Is this a drop or an ocean?"
This is the kind of book in which time freezes when you read it. The story was immediately captivating and ever so subtly magical. The writing had an impeccable flow that made it hard to put down and the author really made the characters feel knowable and relatable. This, very quickly, has become a new favorite and go-to recommendation.
The Beauty of Sadness: A Novella by J P Greene
This book started out with too many descriptions of the surroundings and not enough of the characters. There were also a number of cliche lines, which is a personal pet peeve (especially with a story so short). However, the second half of the book really began to add more depth to the main character, which I enjoyed. Though not the point of a novella, I do wish the story had been longer as to provide more context and character-building.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
"I'm a big believer in the possibility that our lives can look a hell of a lot different than we expected, and still be just perfectly what we need."
This book started out with too many descriptions of the surroundings and not enough of the characters. There were also a number of cliche lines, which is a personal pet peeve (especially with a story so short). However, the second half of the book really began to add more depth to the main character, which I enjoyed. Though not the point of a novella, I do wish the story had been longer as to provide more context and character-building.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Seemed interesting enough, but not my style and couldn't keep track of the characters or what was going on.
Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident by Donnie Eichar
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Too dense for my current reading headspace. Seemed well-written and thoughtful though.