booksmithscientist's reviews
236 reviews

A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan

adventurous inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Periodic Tales: The Curious Lives of the Elements by Hugh Aldersey-Williams

informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

For my fellow non-fiction fans, this book is nothing but delightful. 

Aldersey-Williams takes the reader on a journey through the elements. Stories of their discoveries their uses, and uncovering their secret, everyday hiding places.

I particularly enjoyed this book for its careful blend of the past and present. The author weaves his own stories of discovery alongside those of the original founders. Taking the reader around the world whilst compiling his own collection of elements. 

The writing itself is accessible to the non-scientist without being repetitive for those with a more extensive knowledge of the elements. It's also packed with facts that may or may not help be helpful in that upcoming quiz night! 

The book does have photos, so it's good to read it with your eyes, but the audiobook is well narrated and captivating so both eyes and ears are a great choice for this one!

The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.

Nope nope nope! 

Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ogres by Adrian Tchaikovsky

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thunderstone by Nancy Campbell

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

5.0

Spindle of Life by C.L. Qvam

challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5