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booksarethenewblack's reviews
1443 reviews
The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri
3.5
I have really enjoyed the Burning Kingdoms series. What could be more awesome than a bunch of women taking over the Empire?! This is the third and final book! Overall, I highly recommend the series.
I had some trouble getting into this one. Suri does take time to set up all her characters and subplots. There’s some of this in the first two books. Unlike the first two books, the plot moved a lot slower. There are many POV’s in this one. It was nice to get a lot of different perspectives on how they are all dealing with things. At the same time, it was a lot to keep them straight. Since this is the last book, I expected more action and more impact with things. The yaksa are terrifying, and I didn’t quite get that in this book. It feels like they are not as scary and powerful as the whole series makes them out to be. I was a bit let down by that.
The relationship between two of our big MC players was interesting. Malini and Priya are so volatile as a couple, to be honest. Don’t get me wrong, I have loved their back and forth. They are so ruthless and cutthroat that they don’t know when to stop. There is so much there, and I was looking forward to this moment the minute they see each other. They forget about all the lies and betrayals when they see each other. Regardless of their relationship, I adored their character growth separately throughout this series. They both have so much at stake and will do anything. How far will that sacrifice go? I swear, I was about to tear out my hair every time a priest said, “You must burn.” Ugh, why don’t you burn? Mhm… that’s what I thought!! Vasha.. oh… vasha… I get it, but still.
Besides the slow pace and the meandering plot, I did enjoy this. I have adored many of these characters! The sacrifices they are all willing to make were inspiring. It was such a huge theme in this book. How far will they go? This series had a nice conclusion, even if I didn’t love some things about it.
Thank you, Orbit, for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!!
The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 2 by Martha Wells
I enjoyed the relationship between Murderbot and Miki. Murderbot goes from trying to trick Miki to trying to help. It doesn’t help with the ending, that’s for sure!
As I’ve said several times, the full-cast audio makes this read-a-long experience all the better. I highly recommend it! I can’t wait to jump into the Murderbot full novel next. I have enjoyed re-reading this series.
4.5
Rogue Protocol
Murderbot is still trying to find proof about GrayCris. While he is on this journey, he ends up helping all these humans. He ends up with a group that has a companion robot named Miki. It was interesting seeing how Murderbot thinks and reads other robots. I liked seeing him toe the line of keeping Miki’s trust and going behind her back. He’s trying to get proof, but Miki doesn’t know that.
I enjoyed the relationship between Murderbot and Miki. Murderbot goes from trying to trick Miki to trying to help. It doesn’t help with the ending, that’s for sure!
Exit Strategy
This book is one of my favorite novellas so far! Murderbot realizes he has to go back to his original humans. When he does, he realizes things are not great. Mensah has been kidnapped, and our favorite humans are trying to get her back. He finds them and makes a way to connect with them without giving himself away. He was augmented, making him look more human. Thanks, ART! It was so good seeing them all back together. I loved how they came together to make their “exit strategy.”
As I’ve said several times, the full-cast audio makes this read-a-long experience all the better. I highly recommend it! I can’t wait to jump into the Murderbot full novel next. I have enjoyed re-reading this series.
Thank you, Tor Books and tordotcom, for these print review copies of the brand-new omnibus editions! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
5.0
I buddy read this with Dini and Julie. It has been on my TBR for so long. I am so glad to have finally read it!! This book was so beautifully written. I didn’t have a clue where this was going, but wow did it not disappoint. The love stories in this book are inspiring and beautiful. Harrow doesn’t shy away from making you uncomfortable though. There are many moments where I was terrified for January. She is living a sheltered life with a rich “adopted father” and it turns out it’s more of a cage. She’s seen as weak and not able to fend for herself. Her journey was wonderful to watch. I felt so many emotions reading this book. I understand why so many people rave about this book. It’s going to be a top read of the year, and it’s only January. Hehe. I adored so many of the supporting characters in this book too. I do wish we could have seen how June’s story wrapped up. I adored her from the get go!