brandoneckroth's reviews
47 reviews

The Citadel of the Autarch by Gene Wolfe

challenging dark reflective medium-paced

4.75

The culmination of a masterpiece. Though I probably only understood 50% of what Wolfe was attempting in this first read-through, I can immediately see after finishing the entirety of The Book of the New Sun why this is coined as one of science fiction and fantasy's greatest works. It's a story of identity, power, corruption, time, and reality set in a world so far in the future that it seems to be of the past., further extending the cyclical nature and theme of eternal return Wolfe creates through Severian's narrative. Allegory upon allegory. A complex work of art I'll be coming back to time and time again. 

After this full read-through, the series gets a combined rating of 4.5.

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.75

A pleasant continuation of The Murderbot Diaries. It's lighthearted and a bit repetitive at times, but in this third book you begin to see the emotional awakening of, and struggle of that awakening within, Murderbot, the protagonist and narrator of the series. If you're looking for something with a little adventure and humor, this series is a great one to pick up. 

The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe

adventurous dark medium-paced

3.75

Three books in out of four and I already know this series will require a reread to fully grasp what Wolfe is trying to do. In The Sword of the Lictor you’re made aware more clearly the foundation of Urth, the world the story is set in. You’re brought out of what Wolfe will have you believe is a fantasy realm and into a realization that this whole story is actually centered around a futuristic, science fiction state that has inherited older, more medieval ways of going about life. I will say, it’s beautifully done and does not throw either fantasy or sci-fi in your face. At the heart, this is a tale of Severian’s journey to find what his purpose on Urth (or beyond) actually is. And through this third book you’re given clues that his purpose is far greater than you might think. 

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.75

Donna. Donna. Donna. She so masterfully makes you fall in love with everyone and absolutely despise everyone simultaneously throughout the entire novel. Multiple times. The whole story ebbs and flows in such a beautiful, yet tragic, way. When parts seem to slow, you're brought promptly back to the edge of your seat. Tears shed. Gasps made audible. 

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

challenging dark reflective tense medium-paced

3.75

A dark, uncomfortable, addictive, and reflective read. Margaret takes you on a vivd journey, her writing some of the most descriptive I've read, making you feel like you're right there observing the story as it's unfolding. A classic that I definitely feel is important for everyone to read at least once.

The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

4.25

My favorite of the great tales from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, finally told in full. Christoper Tolkien did a masterful job pulling together the remnants of this truly beautiful, albeit devastating story of adventure, family, loyalty, and heartbreak. Once you've read The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, I'd highly recommend reading this next if you want to feel something. 

A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

And I thought A Game of Thrones was excellent. Now I’m realizing that was just an epic prologue, setting the scene for  the true masterpiece to begin. You’re taken along through slight after slight, twist and turn one after another. You’ll be stabbed in the heart a dozen times, loving and hating George for each jab he takes at you.

From what I’ve heard, A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords are truly the best stories ever written in fantasy. And I’m definitely starting to believe that after finishing ACOK. I’ll take a beat and read some other books before jumping into the ASOS though. My heart can’t take it quite yet.  

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

adventurous funny hopeful fast-paced

3.5

Another entertaining installment of The Murderbot Diaries. Not dense, full of humor, fast-paced—a perfect, lighthearted bedtime read. And the plot is surprisingly not that predictable either, which makes it quite the page-turner as well.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Did a buddy read with a friend for his first time through. Probably my 6th or 7th time now and The Fellowship will forever be a 5 star, top 10 book for me. It is the greatest tale of adventure that has ever been written. I accompanied this read-through with The Atlas of Middle-earth by Karen Fonstad and The Complete Guide to Middle-earth by Robert Foster to dive even deeper into the history and geography of Tolkien's epic legendarium. Would highly recommend. 

The Claw of the Conciliator by Gene Wolfe

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.25

Alright, Gene. I see what you're doing here.

You truly cannot read the first book alone. If you don't immediately move from Shadow of the Torturer into Claw of the Conciliator, you'll be lost. Book one was basically an extra long introduction into the characters and hints at the world Gene Wolfe is building. It isn't until book two that everything starts to fall into place. 

Don't get me wrong, there are still parts that even after rereading three times I'm still confused by. But the intrigue, the intellectual challenge, the metaphors within metaphors are what kept me turning page after page. And once again, Gene Wolfe's prose is beautiful and gruesome and perfect. Already can't wait to continue along with Severian on his journey.