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brittanymwillows's reviews
95 reviews
Roko's Basilisk by Michael Blackbourn
4.0
Roko's Basilisk was a truly intriguing story, somewhat of a fresh spin on the "AIs are going to turn evil and enslave/torture/kill us all" plot. The characters were well-constructed, each with their own unique voice -- which made me super happy. Good characters are one of the big things I look for in a story. I've gotta have at least a couple to latch on to. An interesting plot isn't enough for me!
I will say, however, that it could use a bit of . . . smoothing out. It was rather wordy in some places. The dialogue often went on a too long without a break, and it was hard to tell who was speaking at times. Scenery descriptions were clear and concise for the most part, though.
All in all, I enjoyed it, and I've already added the sequel to my TBR pile!
I will say, however, that it could use a bit of . . . smoothing out. It was rather wordy in some places. The dialogue often went on a too long without a break, and it was hard to tell who was speaking at times. Scenery descriptions were clear and concise for the most part, though.
All in all, I enjoyed it, and I've already added the sequel to my TBR pile!
251 Things To Do In Tofino: And It Is Not Just About Surfing by Kait Fennell
4.0
I received a free copy of this book for review.
I'd never heard of Tofino before, and this book is just brimming with useful facts about the place! The whole guide is beautifully laid out. The writing is crisp and clean and, man. It just makes me want to pack my gear and go on vacation there.
All in all, this was an enjoyable and informative read. Highly recommended for anyone thinking of visiting Tofino!
I'd never heard of Tofino before, and this book is just brimming with useful facts about the place! The whole guide is beautifully laid out. The writing is crisp and clean and, man. It just makes me want to pack my gear and go on vacation there.
All in all, this was an enjoyable and informative read. Highly recommended for anyone thinking of visiting Tofino!
Earth Alone by Daniel Arenson
4.0
I received a copy of this book as a gift from a friend, and I am so so happy I did.
Daniel has woven an intricate science fiction world with unique aliens and an excellent cast of characters who will grab you by the heart and refuse to let go. The best way I can think to describe his writing style is silky. It flows like water across the page -- flawless, crystal clear. I love it. And though I found the dialogue a bit silly at times, it didn't take away from my enjoyment. I was completely engrossed in Earth Alone from the first page to the last, and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Major props to you, Daniel.
Daniel has woven an intricate science fiction world with unique aliens and an excellent cast of characters who will grab you by the heart and refuse to let go. The best way I can think to describe his writing style is silky. It flows like water across the page -- flawless, crystal clear. I love it. And though I found the dialogue a bit silly at times, it didn't take away from my enjoyment. I was completely engrossed in Earth Alone from the first page to the last, and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Major props to you, Daniel.
Orbs by Nicholas Sansbury Smith
4.0
I'm a sucker for anything in the science fiction genre that includes aliens. Especially if those aliens are blue, bioluminescent monsters with unique designs and an even more unique method of harvesting the water from our little blue planet. I've seen many sci-fi movies where extraterrestrial beings come down seeking to steal humanity's most important resource, but the way these "Organics" go about it is much more terrifying and gut-wrenching than anything I've seen, or rather read, before.
ORBS, while it does have a few faults here and there as many books do, is a wonderfully written piece of fiction that provides a reasonably fast-paced, easy read that will grip you from the very start. There was even a few changes in point-of-view and tense during one characters time in the spotlight -- from third-person past-tense to first-person present-tense -- and it did not yank me out of the story even a little bit. It fit surprisingly well considering the change, and I give props to Nicholas for being able to pull that off flawlessly.
Speaking of characters, Nicholas' cast are enjoyable and well-developed bunch, though perhaps not as diverse as I would have liked. However, I was glad to see their individuality starting to show much more near the end of the book. And if I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be Sophie. She reminds me very much of one of my own characters -- Headstrong, doesn't take shit from anybody, and is very confident in her talents. Coming close in second would be Ash Overton. Admittedly, when he first appeared I was worried he would become one of these stereo-typical soldiers you see often encounter in science fiction, but he quickly erased all of my worries.
To round off my review, I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie -- even more so after being given the chance by Nicholas to create some illustrations related to it. I really do hope to see it on the big screen some day, because I'm confident it would be a massive hit!
ORBS, while it does have a few faults here and there as many books do, is a wonderfully written piece of fiction that provides a reasonably fast-paced, easy read that will grip you from the very start. There was even a few changes in point-of-view and tense during one characters time in the spotlight -- from third-person past-tense to first-person present-tense -- and it did not yank me out of the story even a little bit. It fit surprisingly well considering the change, and I give props to Nicholas for being able to pull that off flawlessly.
Speaking of characters, Nicholas' cast are enjoyable and well-developed bunch, though perhaps not as diverse as I would have liked. However, I was glad to see their individuality starting to show much more near the end of the book. And if I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be Sophie. She reminds me very much of one of my own characters -- Headstrong, doesn't take shit from anybody, and is very confident in her talents. Coming close in second would be Ash Overton. Admittedly, when he first appeared I was worried he would become one of these stereo-typical soldiers you see often encounter in science fiction, but he quickly erased all of my worries.
To round off my review, I would absolutely love to see this book turned into a movie -- even more so after being given the chance by Nicholas to create some illustrations related to it. I really do hope to see it on the big screen some day, because I'm confident it would be a massive hit!
Rim War (Subversion #1) by Kadin Seton
4.0
I was given a free review copy of this book.
Man, I love Kadin's stories. After reading Eye of the Draco: Darkfall a couple of years back, I could not wait to see what she might cook up next, and I was not disappointed! I do have a few gripes, but let's start with the good stuff.
The worldbuilding was excellent. Explanations of medical and technological elements were clean and don't leave you feeling overwhelmed, as is the pit many scifi authors often fall in to. I loved the concept of reverse aging technology, and following these old folks as they transformed into spry younger versions of themselves was certainly a ride (and a cringe-worthy one at that. Let's just say . . . the process is not pretty).
I also fell hard for the cast. All were unique and came from various walks of life (including life of the alien variety). My favorite character, aside from Millie, has got to be Dr. Cennu Andar Uleht—a Valorian doctor aboard the SpaceLion.
You throw an interesting alien into your cast, and you bet your butt I'm gonna be all over them.
Now, on to my gripes.
- Personally, I would've liked a little more description of the various species' physical appearances (for example, facial and body structure. Most were simply described with regard to their hair and skin color). Mind you, I seem to stand out from he crowd that way. Many prefer vague descriptions that allow them to build the character's image themselves.
- Romance felt a smidge out of place, as did cussing. Although the language fit some characters perfectly, it felt forced from others.
- The story felt somewhat disjointed to me. The characters didn't seem to be shooting towards a clear goal, and the book seemed to end before it was ready to.
Gripes aside, I really enjoyed RIM WAR: SUBVERSION, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series. I'm excited to see where it goes!
Man, I love Kadin's stories. After reading Eye of the Draco: Darkfall a couple of years back, I could not wait to see what she might cook up next, and I was not disappointed! I do have a few gripes, but let's start with the good stuff.
The worldbuilding was excellent. Explanations of medical and technological elements were clean and don't leave you feeling overwhelmed, as is the pit many scifi authors often fall in to. I loved the concept of reverse aging technology, and following these old folks as they transformed into spry younger versions of themselves was certainly a ride (and a cringe-worthy one at that. Let's just say . . . the process is not pretty).
I also fell hard for the cast. All were unique and came from various walks of life (including life of the alien variety). My favorite character, aside from Millie, has got to be Dr. Cennu Andar Uleht—a Valorian doctor aboard the SpaceLion.
You throw an interesting alien into your cast, and you bet your butt I'm gonna be all over them.
Now, on to my gripes.
- Personally, I would've liked a little more description of the various species' physical appearances (for example, facial and body structure. Most were simply described with regard to their hair and skin color). Mind you, I seem to stand out from he crowd that way. Many prefer vague descriptions that allow them to build the character's image themselves.
- Romance felt a smidge out of place, as did cussing. Although the language fit some characters perfectly, it felt forced from others.
- The story felt somewhat disjointed to me. The characters didn't seem to be shooting towards a clear goal, and the book seemed to end before it was ready to.
Gripes aside, I really enjoyed RIM WAR: SUBVERSION, and I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series. I'm excited to see where it goes!
Bloody Spade by Brittany M. Willows
5.0
EDIT: I went back and forth on this for a long time, but y'know what? I am going to give my own book a star rating because I am HECKIN' proud of it.
Hiya, author here to say some mushy things and further pitch her book to you!
BLOODY SPADE is the YA urban fantasy of my heart that began life in 2009 as an idea for a manga. It was shelved in 2011 when I switched gears to work on THE CALYPSIS PROJECT, but now —a decade later—I am excited to say that BLOODY SPADE will soon be released into the world in the form of a novel!
If you like the sound of:
* Ink monsters born from human malice
* A balanced diet of peril/angst and fluff
* Magical dimensions and magical transformations
* Characters with animal features
* Playing card motifs
* Casual LGBTQ+ rep (including but not limited to: pansexual male lead, asexual female lead, aromantic/bisexual and demisexual/demiromantic deuteragonists)
And enjoy tropes such as:
* Found family
* Slow burn
* Hurt/comfort
* Mutual/oblivious pining
* Enemies to friends
* Idiots to lovers
. . . then this could be the book for you!
While the projected release date is a ways off yet, you can still learn about the story, characters, and the world they live in through my art and occasional book snippets. I share a lot of these on Instagram and Twitter, and will occasionally be sharing them on Facebook as well. You can find my various social media profiles in my link tree below (which also includes a link to my blog and Wattpad, where you can read a four-chapter preview of the novel)!
linktr.ee/brittanymwillows
Hiya, author here to say some mushy things and further pitch her book to you!
BLOODY SPADE is the YA urban fantasy of my heart that began life in 2009 as an idea for a manga. It was shelved in 2011 when I switched gears to work on THE CALYPSIS PROJECT, but now —a decade later—I am excited to say that BLOODY SPADE will soon be released into the world in the form of a novel!
If you like the sound of:
* Ink monsters born from human malice
* A balanced diet of peril/angst and fluff
* Magical dimensions and magical transformations
* Characters with animal features
* Playing card motifs
* Casual LGBTQ+ rep (including but not limited to: pansexual male lead, asexual female lead, aromantic/bisexual and demisexual/demiromantic deuteragonists)
And enjoy tropes such as:
* Found family
* Slow burn
* Hurt/comfort
* Mutual/oblivious pining
* Enemies to friends
* Idiots to lovers
. . . then this could be the book for you!
While the projected release date is a ways off yet, you can still learn about the story, characters, and the world they live in through my art and occasional book snippets. I share a lot of these on Instagram and Twitter, and will occasionally be sharing them on Facebook as well. You can find my various social media profiles in my link tree below (which also includes a link to my blog and Wattpad, where you can read a four-chapter preview of the novel)!
linktr.ee/brittanymwillows