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philibin's reviews
859 reviews
Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel
mysterious
slow-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? No
3.0
(3.0 Stars)
This was basically "middle-of-the-road" for me. There were aspects of the book that I really liked, and others that I feel fell flat. I read the audiobook version which had several voice actors, almost like an audio-drama... but it was unabridged. The book is a "journal entry" style book, so that probably made having multiple voice actors easier to keep abridged, rather than going into a full "graphic audio" that Audible likes to do. There were also no sound effects that I remember, which is a "plus" for me.
I've seen this compared to The Martian or World War Z. I find it much closer in style to World War Z, there is none of the ... I don't know the word I'm looking for ... none of the synchronicity, or organic convergence that The Martian had. And if you have never read any journal entry style books, this might seem novel, but in addition to World War Z, there is also Bram Stoker's Dracula and many others if you like this style.
I understand that "character growth" can be difficult with journal/interview style books, however, I found most of the characters flat and unrelatable, and most of the events to be implausibly impossible.
Yes, this is Sci-Fi, but it is not "hard science", and is more fantastical in believability. The concept is great but I feel like it had a very slow start, and almost "wasted energy" setting up precursory events that never really seem to play out or influence later events. The very last part of the book (maybe 80%+) was where it picked up, so hopefully the next book(s) in the series will continue with the same energy.
This was basically "middle-of-the-road" for me. There were aspects of the book that I really liked, and others that I feel fell flat. I read the audiobook version which had several voice actors, almost like an audio-drama... but it was unabridged. The book is a "journal entry" style book, so that probably made having multiple voice actors easier to keep abridged, rather than going into a full "graphic audio" that Audible likes to do. There were also no sound effects that I remember, which is a "plus" for me.
I've seen this compared to The Martian or World War Z. I find it much closer in style to World War Z, there is none of the ... I don't know the word I'm looking for ... none of the synchronicity, or organic convergence that The Martian had. And if you have never read any journal entry style books, this might seem novel, but in addition to World War Z, there is also Bram Stoker's Dracula and many others if you like this style.
I understand that "character growth" can be difficult with journal/interview style books, however, I found most of the characters flat and unrelatable, and most of the events to be implausibly impossible.
Yes, this is Sci-Fi, but it is not "hard science", and is more fantastical in believability. The concept is great but I feel like it had a very slow start, and almost "wasted energy" setting up precursory events that never really seem to play out or influence later events. The very last part of the book (maybe 80%+) was where it picked up, so hopefully the next book(s) in the series will continue with the same energy.
In Ashes Born by Nathan Lowell
adventurous
emotional
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? No
5.0
(5.0 Stars)
If you love a good "Cozy Fantasy" but wish there was something a little more "Sci-fi"... look no further. In fact, start with this author's original series about The Golden age of the Solar Clipper!
This book seems to be continuing the series with all the familiar elements. Excellent world-building, superb character growth and development, and a wonderful story that will leave you feeling like you just made some friends across the galaxy.
While I'm old enough to have read the original series as narrated by the author himself, I have to say this narrator does a fine job and really does the story justice.
If you love a good "Cozy Fantasy" but wish there was something a little more "Sci-fi"... look no further. In fact, start with this author's original series about The Golden age of the Solar Clipper!
This book seems to be continuing the series with all the familiar elements. Excellent world-building, superb character growth and development, and a wonderful story that will leave you feeling like you just made some friends across the galaxy.
While I'm old enough to have read the original series as narrated by the author himself, I have to say this narrator does a fine job and really does the story justice.
Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
(5.0 Stars)
To put it simply... I absolutely loved this book.
Yes, it explores one of the characters from the original trilogy. But, it also is brilliantly written. And, it heavily incorporates one of my favorite poems throughout.
If you have read the other books in the series, you'll already know that this author is a world-builder. She can put you into the setting and make you almost see your surroundings. Her character development is master level, and the characters seem familiar and real. She is also great at foreshadowing without spelling it out, and building suspense.
If you have not read the other books in the series... while this is a stand-alone story and could be enjoyed that way, I'd suggest reading the rest in the order of their release, and not in the chronological story order.
To put it simply... I absolutely loved this book.
Yes, it explores one of the characters from the original trilogy. But, it also is brilliantly written. And, it heavily incorporates one of my favorite poems throughout.
If you have read the other books in the series, you'll already know that this author is a world-builder. She can put you into the setting and make you almost see your surroundings. Her character development is master level, and the characters seem familiar and real. She is also great at foreshadowing without spelling it out, and building suspense.
If you have not read the other books in the series... while this is a stand-alone story and could be enjoyed that way, I'd suggest reading the rest in the order of their release, and not in the chronological story order.
Pack by Mike Bockoven
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
(3.25 Stars)
I really like this author...this book just didn't work for me. I thought the pace was super slow for most of the book.
The story is very interesting and if it was a television series I'd be right there engrossed in it. I feel like the first 80% of the book had some great parts, but just really dragged on. The last 20% of the book really picked up the pace and got much better, but it was slow getting there. The characters were mostly likeable and easy to relate to. Even though I didn't rate this very high I'd still want to read a sequel if there was one.
Also, if you read the audiobook... while the narrator was good for the most part, he had the worst Irish accent I have ever heard. But the rest of the characters were done well.
I really like this author...this book just didn't work for me. I thought the pace was super slow for most of the book.
The story is very interesting and if it was a television series I'd be right there engrossed in it. I feel like the first 80% of the book had some great parts, but just really dragged on. The last 20% of the book really picked up the pace and got much better, but it was slow getting there. The characters were mostly likeable and easy to relate to. Even though I didn't rate this very high I'd still want to read a sequel if there was one.
Also, if you read the audiobook... while the narrator was good for the most part, he had the worst Irish accent I have ever heard. But the rest of the characters were done well.
Permanent Record by Edward Snowden
informative
medium-paced
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
This was very interesting and eye opening. I watched at the news happened and it is nice to hear some of the more personal background information to what was really happening behind the news.
This was very interesting and eye opening. I watched at the news happened and it is nice to hear some of the more personal background information to what was really happening behind the news.
Feedback by Dennis E. Taylor
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
(5.0 Stars)
I don't usually rate ANY short story at 5 stars, this is an exception, this was exceptional
I'm a sucker for a good time-travel paradox story. Although usually only in "movie form". This very short story really packs a punch into every minute. There is superb storytelling, an amazing amount in character development in such a short time, and an incredibly well thought-out plot. Even the ending was perfect for the book (and the characters).
This is just the second title I've read by Taylor. It will not be my last, and I really hope his longer works are as good as his short stories.
I don't usually rate ANY short story at 5 stars, this is an exception, this was exceptional
I'm a sucker for a good time-travel paradox story. Although usually only in "movie form". This very short story really packs a punch into every minute. There is superb storytelling, an amazing amount in character development in such a short time, and an incredibly well thought-out plot. Even the ending was perfect for the book (and the characters).
This is just the second title I've read by Taylor. It will not be my last, and I really hope his longer works are as good as his short stories.
A Change of Plans by Dennis E. Taylor
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
(4.5 Stars)
This is the first time I have read anything by Dennis E. Taylor, and I am impressed!
This is classic Sci-Fi at its finest.
I won't just repeat the description, but this is basically a story of Earth becoming unlivable so ships are sent out to colonize the universe. Of course things do not turn out as planned, and this is a story about humanity's will to live, and the extent it will go to to do so.
There isn't much character development, there isn't time in a story this short... but it uses familiar archetypes and characters to give you insight into their thoughts... into their situation. So the characters are already fully developed, allowing the story to be told and their motivations understood.
I enjoyed this immensely!
This is the first time I have read anything by Dennis E. Taylor, and I am impressed!
This is classic Sci-Fi at its finest.
I won't just repeat the description, but this is basically a story of Earth becoming unlivable so ships are sent out to colonize the universe. Of course things do not turn out as planned, and this is a story about humanity's will to live, and the extent it will go to to do so.
There isn't much character development, there isn't time in a story this short... but it uses familiar archetypes and characters to give you insight into their thoughts... into their situation. So the characters are already fully developed, allowing the story to be told and their motivations understood.
I enjoyed this immensely!
Isaac Steele and the Forever Man by Daniel Rigby
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
(3.0 Stars)
This was "fun?". It is narrated by the author, which is almost always a benefit, and definitely is in this case.
It is one of those space-based crime noir mysteries with an unconventional love story and conspiracy theory and snarky detective. It had some true great moments, but I also think it tried too hard to do too much. Yes it was funny, but it also had some moments where the humor just fell flat.
I did like it, I just didn't love it. The main character is somewhat very loosely modeled after a Sherlock Holmes archetype, but only for the drug use and some other minor references. And a little bit of Spillane's Mike Hammer, and the "useful idiot" trope all rolled into one. It doesn't always make sense... but here is the thing. I don't think it was really meant to. In fact, that might *be* the point.
There are a lot of bad punny type quips/groaners and several thematic plotlines from this genre, but for me, it just never felt fully formed. It is however, short enough where I don't feel like I wasted my time, and even though parts of it went off on wild tangents or down rabbit holes... I don't think I "spaced out (pun intended)" at all, but did have to play a few parts over to make sure I didn't miss anything (I didn't), but was still left slightly confused. And I have to be completely transparent... The "slang" terms used kinda got stale after a while.
Also, there are a lot of very quiet sound effects played in the background... and they just so happen to sound like my household appliances.
This was "fun?". It is narrated by the author, which is almost always a benefit, and definitely is in this case.
It is one of those space-based crime noir mysteries with an unconventional love story and conspiracy theory and snarky detective. It had some true great moments, but I also think it tried too hard to do too much. Yes it was funny, but it also had some moments where the humor just fell flat.
I did like it, I just didn't love it. The main character is somewhat very loosely modeled after a Sherlock Holmes archetype, but only for the drug use and some other minor references. And a little bit of Spillane's Mike Hammer, and the "useful idiot" trope all rolled into one. It doesn't always make sense... but here is the thing. I don't think it was really meant to. In fact, that might *be* the point.
There are a lot of bad punny type quips/groaners and several thematic plotlines from this genre, but for me, it just never felt fully formed. It is however, short enough where I don't feel like I wasted my time, and even though parts of it went off on wild tangents or down rabbit holes... I don't think I "spaced out (pun intended)" at all, but did have to play a few parts over to make sure I didn't miss anything (I didn't), but was still left slightly confused. And I have to be completely transparent... The "slang" terms used kinda got stale after a while.
Also, there are a lot of very quiet sound effects played in the background... and they just so happen to sound like my household appliances.
All Souls Lost by Dan Moren
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
(3.0 Stars)
I struggled on how to rate this book. I did not care for the narrator (Mirron Willis) at all (or at least the way he chose to narrate this book), but I didn't want that to influence how I felt about the book. This is the second book I've read by this author, and I didn't like that other one much either.
Ironically, I found the concept to be very interesting and even liked the main character. He was very snarky, but sometimes it went a little over the top and almost felt like the author was trying to break the fourth wall... unsuccessfully. I guess the humor is good, but overdone, at the expense of the story.
The characters were more fully developed than the other book I've read so the author is improving his craft. What brings down the rating for me is that the book ends up confusing in parts because the events happening aren't introduced organically, so they need to be over-explained. There is no good buildup (but still better than the last book I read) or self-discovery.
If you liked Duncan Ralston's Ghostland series, this might be a good book for you, or one series that is very similar is Stephen Blackmoore's Eric Carter series, which is very good.
I struggled on how to rate this book. I did not care for the narrator (Mirron Willis) at all (or at least the way he chose to narrate this book), but I didn't want that to influence how I felt about the book. This is the second book I've read by this author, and I didn't like that other one much either.
Ironically, I found the concept to be very interesting and even liked the main character. He was very snarky, but sometimes it went a little over the top and almost felt like the author was trying to break the fourth wall... unsuccessfully. I guess the humor is good, but overdone, at the expense of the story.
The characters were more fully developed than the other book I've read so the author is improving his craft. What brings down the rating for me is that the book ends up confusing in parts because the events happening aren't introduced organically, so they need to be over-explained. There is no good buildup (but still better than the last book I read) or self-discovery.
If you liked Duncan Ralston's Ghostland series, this might be a good book for you, or one series that is very similar is Stephen Blackmoore's Eric Carter series, which is very good.
Combat Monsters: Untold Tales of World War II by Henry Herz
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
Overall this is a very good collection of short stories (and poems).
It is difficult to rate all together so here are the stories and a super quick blurb of my thoughts.
Jane Yolen - Wolf Remains - Short poem - ok
Mary Fan - The Night The Moon Burned - Decent Short Story
Eugen Bacon - Kinje'kitile and the Jintu - This was good but seems like it should be part of a much larger work. The story itself was interesting but I don't like the tense it was told in (second person - present tense).
Jeff Edwards - The Fourth Man - I liked the story, but it didn't really go anywhere. Would have liked more.
Peter Clines - The Night Crew - Great narration, excellent story.
Lee Murray - Breakout - Very good, nice buildup, intense action
Bishop O'Connell - Nachthexen - I really liked this one
Tori Eldridge - Gods of the Sea - Great little story, really well done
Harry Turtledove - Gorgopotamus Bridge - Nice one, like an old WWII movie with a monster theme
Catherine Stine - Grigoriy's Army - Good, but seemed like it ended abruptly and should have been longer
Scott Sigler - Svart Hund - Great little story. Sigler always delivers!
Gaby Triana - CS-13 - It was ok, but I had a hard time getting into it. Too much like a technical manual in parts
Henry Herz - Das Mammut - I did not love the narration on this one, but the story was ok.
Ann Davila Cardinal - Best Behave - This was good. Nice social commentary.
Jonathan Maberry - A Terrible Aspect - I liked this one, would like a longer story, more developed!
Andrea Tang - Guardian of the Burma Road - Good story, I liked it.
Kevin Andrew Murphy - Bound and Chained - Just ok for me. Not bad at all, good ending.
Jeremy Robinson - The Scenic Route - excellent narration, good story
Tanya Huff - Apledoorn - Fun little monster story
David Mack - Bockscar - Excellent all around.
Jane Yolen - The Selkie's Job - nice poem
Overall this is a very good collection of short stories (and poems).
It is difficult to rate all together so here are the stories and a super quick blurb of my thoughts.
Jane Yolen - Wolf Remains - Short poem - ok
Mary Fan - The Night The Moon Burned - Decent Short Story
Eugen Bacon - Kinje'kitile and the Jintu - This was good but seems like it should be part of a much larger work. The story itself was interesting but I don't like the tense it was told in (second person - present tense).
Jeff Edwards - The Fourth Man - I liked the story, but it didn't really go anywhere. Would have liked more.
Peter Clines - The Night Crew - Great narration, excellent story.
Lee Murray - Breakout - Very good, nice buildup, intense action
Bishop O'Connell - Nachthexen - I really liked this one
Tori Eldridge - Gods of the Sea - Great little story, really well done
Harry Turtledove - Gorgopotamus Bridge - Nice one, like an old WWII movie with a monster theme
Catherine Stine - Grigoriy's Army - Good, but seemed like it ended abruptly and should have been longer
Scott Sigler - Svart Hund - Great little story. Sigler always delivers!
Gaby Triana - CS-13 - It was ok, but I had a hard time getting into it. Too much like a technical manual in parts
Henry Herz - Das Mammut - I did not love the narration on this one, but the story was ok.
Ann Davila Cardinal - Best Behave - This was good. Nice social commentary.
Jonathan Maberry - A Terrible Aspect - I liked this one, would like a longer story, more developed!
Andrea Tang - Guardian of the Burma Road - Good story, I liked it.
Kevin Andrew Murphy - Bound and Chained - Just ok for me. Not bad at all, good ending.
Jeremy Robinson - The Scenic Route - excellent narration, good story
Tanya Huff - Apledoorn - Fun little monster story
David Mack - Bockscar - Excellent all around.
Jane Yolen - The Selkie's Job - nice poem