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nhnabass's reviews
109 reviews
Aetherbound by E.K. Johnston
3.0
Solid 3.5. I think I enjoyed this little slice of life story, it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting and the narrative itself was not particularly spectacular. It simply felt like just that- a slice of life in this weird fucked up galaxy somewhere far away. So for what it is, I don’t think I hated it. It’s not action packed, not really hard on the sci-fi either. The middle of the book seems like the perfect place to pick up the excitement, but it falls flat and as a result I found myself becoming bored with the characters. I was hoping for more development of the protagonist’s character, but everything we got was decently predictable. This made the big finale a little less climactic and doused some of the risk.
Also if you’re here for queer representation, the trans character was so veiled that it took me most of the book to even consider that he was potentially trans.
The magic system makes sense and is interesting and easy to follow as a reader new to this world. There were elements of body horror that were depicted well and created the right amount of dread as you rooted for the protagonist.
Overall, quick read and I would potentially be interested in reading more that takes place in this world.
Also if you’re here for queer representation, the trans character was so veiled that it took me most of the book to even consider that he was potentially trans.
The magic system makes sense and is interesting and easy to follow as a reader new to this world. There were elements of body horror that were depicted well and created the right amount of dread as you rooted for the protagonist.
Overall, quick read and I would potentially be interested in reading more that takes place in this world.
The Fragile Threads of Power by V.E. Schwab
5.0
Fucking hell this is going to be such a good series. I was just so excited to spend more time in this universe and if we were lucky get some more time with our beloved characters. This series delivers it all. The suspense and twists did not give way once. Schwab is a master with her pacing and I simply could not put this book down. With a satisfying resolve at the end, this was such a joy to read and with just enough left unanswered, I cannot wait to see what happens next.
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
2.0
Yeah this book was def not for me. This was an interesting universe with some compelling magic systems and fantasy lore, which may be the only redeeming thing for me. The author has a very specific writing style that was probably fine overall but coupled with the disappointing plot, this was a solid 2 stars for me and I unfortunately do not think I will be picking up the sequel.
First, weird unnecessary dialogue tags. Related: weird verbs. Everywhere. “His jaw throbbed” “his jaw pulsed” were my two favorites that stood out but fear not, there is no shortage of descriptors for our main man’s jaw. He also bites his lip and cheek a ton.
Second, the plot was really predictable for me and the “twist” came way too far into the book to have been a surprise for anyone, really. The main protagonist’s backstory, trauma, and coping mechanisms were also so heavy handed. So much so it felt repetitive at times and unfortunately as a result I felt less connected to the character as time went on, instead of being more compelled.
The length of the book also felt unnecessary given the story that was told. Lots of lead up for, again, predictable ending and doesn’t even resolve the main quest? It kind of felt like I read 4 characters plan something for 400 pages. The banter between the characters was sweet but again heavy handed foreshadowing in my opinion.
All in all, not the worst thing I’ve read! Just won’t be reading again.
First, weird unnecessary dialogue tags. Related: weird verbs. Everywhere. “His jaw throbbed” “his jaw pulsed” were my two favorites that stood out but fear not, there is no shortage of descriptors for our main man’s jaw. He also bites his lip and cheek a ton.
Second, the plot was really predictable for me and the “twist” came way too far into the book to have been a surprise for anyone, really. The main protagonist’s backstory, trauma, and coping mechanisms were also so heavy handed. So much so it felt repetitive at times and unfortunately as a result I felt less connected to the character as time went on, instead of being more compelled.
The length of the book also felt unnecessary given the story that was told. Lots of lead up for, again, predictable ending and doesn’t even resolve the main quest? It kind of felt like I read 4 characters plan something for 400 pages. The banter between the characters was sweet but again heavy handed foreshadowing in my opinion.
All in all, not the worst thing I’ve read! Just won’t be reading again.
The Great Transition by Nick Fuller Googins
5.0
This was phenomenal- devoured quickly. I loved this seemingly realistic spin on a post climate crisis solarpunk world. Loved the perspectives, loved being dropped right into it, and loved the twists. Overall very impactful and felt very timely. Great writing.
Nebula Vibrations by Annie Carl
4.0
This was interesting! Definitely did not expect the twist. Really enjoyed this perspective that is often not explored in this genre. Despite how short it was, I still was compelled by the characters and found myself mourning alongside the protagonist. Wonderful quick little read.
The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane
3.0
This was a beautiful account of the value in wayfaring, wandering, and simply walking in our world. Macfarlane writes in some of the most beautiful prose I’ve ever read— I’d go so far as to say he really wants to be a poet, but has too much to say and can’t figure out how to get his point across concisely. The images he paints are stunning and sometimes perfectly encapsulate the wanderlust feeling of wanting to reconnect to our earth. However, far too often many of the stories he recounts are bogged down with unnecessarily weighty descriptions that led me to the dictionary every other page.
I do appreciate that in this account he does recognize the privilege one has to freely explore, especially when he acknowledges those in Palestine. He waxes about the importance of going back in time through walking old paths but glosses over how few people have the privilege and place to do that.
In his accounts from walking abroad, I will admit it was refreshing to see such a story localized in the east, told from a Palestinian native to refute the western perspectives of them. However, I still found myself wanting more from his stories abroad and wanting less of his native land at home as Macfarlane falls into that same trap.
The descriptions of nature felt so much more beautiful and ethically deep when he recounts walking in Europe rather than abroad— even in the chapter that takes place in Spain is so much more deliberate than the way he wrote about Palestine and Tibet- both felt they had elements of barbarism. He takes care to describe the primitive nature of living in these places: warfare, savagery, wild animals, dangerous roads all stood out compared to his seemingly idyllic journey in Spain. Where are the beautiful reminiscences of historical thinkers from these places?
Finally, despite the charming, thought-provoking nuggets that I have gained from this book, it felt too heavily weighed down by referencing others. He often quotes and refers to many a historian, artist, philosopher, environmentalist, thinker, etc. who has written nobly about the value of walking the old paths— yet not one was a woman or person or color. This work almost feels ekphrastic in how loyally it follows Edward Thomas. I didn’t care for the heavy handed bibliographical dumps and history, I understand the muse is there but it knocked a star off as I found myself losing interest in those sections.
I do appreciate that in this account he does recognize the privilege one has to freely explore, especially when he acknowledges those in Palestine. He waxes about the importance of going back in time through walking old paths but glosses over how few people have the privilege and place to do that.
In his accounts from walking abroad, I will admit it was refreshing to see such a story localized in the east, told from a Palestinian native to refute the western perspectives of them. However, I still found myself wanting more from his stories abroad and wanting less of his native land at home as Macfarlane falls into that same trap.
The descriptions of nature felt so much more beautiful and ethically deep when he recounts walking in Europe rather than abroad— even in the chapter that takes place in Spain is so much more deliberate than the way he wrote about Palestine and Tibet- both felt they had elements of barbarism. He takes care to describe the primitive nature of living in these places: warfare, savagery, wild animals, dangerous roads all stood out compared to his seemingly idyllic journey in Spain. Where are the beautiful reminiscences of historical thinkers from these places?
Finally, despite the charming, thought-provoking nuggets that I have gained from this book, it felt too heavily weighed down by referencing others. He often quotes and refers to many a historian, artist, philosopher, environmentalist, thinker, etc. who has written nobly about the value of walking the old paths— yet not one was a woman or person or color. This work almost feels ekphrastic in how loyally it follows Edward Thomas. I didn’t care for the heavy handed bibliographical dumps and history, I understand the muse is there but it knocked a star off as I found myself losing interest in those sections.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
5.0
This book absolutely obliterated me and I’m still sobbing so I have to give it 5 stars.
What a beautiful little snapshot of life.
What a beautiful little snapshot of life.
Trophic Cascade by Camille T. Dungy
3.0
“I speak of underneathedness and the welcome of mosses, of life that springs up, little lives that pull back and wait for a moment.”
Really evocative imagery throughout this collection and a stunning story of birth, motherhood, and grief. One, unfortunately, that did not quite resonate with me the way I suspect it intended to resonate with others. A worthy story, nonetheless.
Really evocative imagery throughout this collection and a stunning story of birth, motherhood, and grief. One, unfortunately, that did not quite resonate with me the way I suspect it intended to resonate with others. A worthy story, nonetheless.
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
4.0
This book was an unexpected and truly original gem. I really had no idea where it was going for a while and it was so refreshing reading a sci-fi/fantasy with an entirely unique plot. The POV changes were, admittedly, a little much at times but I personally really enjoy flipping between all the characters’ perspectives. In this particular book, it felt very necessary for the pacing of the narrative and build up of certain events.
It was, again, refreshing to see diversity throughout this book and the very real portrayal of the immigrant family life in America— the author does great justice to showing the not-so-glorious reality of the so-called “American Dream.”
Overall this book was very sweet, charming, eccentric, and a gentle reminder to consider what actually matters in life and how one chooses to view themselves in society. I certainly enjoyed.
It was, again, refreshing to see diversity throughout this book and the very real portrayal of the immigrant family life in America— the author does great justice to showing the not-so-glorious reality of the so-called “American Dream.”
Overall this book was very sweet, charming, eccentric, and a gentle reminder to consider what actually matters in life and how one chooses to view themselves in society. I certainly enjoyed.
Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu by Junji Ito
5.0
Hilarious, great little story of how cats will always inevitably steal your heart. Love that the drawings maintain his signature creepy style despite the silly content.