shetef's reviews
119 reviews

Death Claims by Joseph Hansen

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is a great followup to Fadeout. I'm really loving getting to know Brandstetter. The mystery in this is also a bit more tight and focused than in Fadeout. Excited to read more in 2025!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious medium-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? Yes

4.5

How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
more interested in other books rn. I think romance just isn't my genre. it's not bad, just not what I want rn
Red Side Story by Jasper Fforde

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny medium-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? Yes

5.0

I'm so glad Jasper Fforde is writing more of these. The Nursery Crimes were my introduction to Fforde's writing but I really think this and Shades of Grey are his finest work. Not a lot of sci-fi dystopias feel this thoughtful and smart in their construction.
The Department of Truth, Vol 1: The End of the World by James Tynion IV

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is one of the more evocative comics I've read in a long time. This hazy, dreamy art style fits the intrigue and self-doubt central to the story. Cole is shaping up to be a fairly interesting protagonist, as well. Hoping the subsequent volumes hold up.
The State of the Art by Iain M. Banks

Go to review page

funny mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

It's really a shame this is Banks' only short story collection. His virtues as a writer really shine here. The title story in particular serves as a really good micro-introduction for anyone not familiar with The Culture. "A Gift from the Culture" and "Odd Attachment" are also highlights.
The Crimean War: A History by Orlando Figes

Go to review page

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

This was a good (but sobering) read. Reading this after reading Bismarck's War earlier this year really lay bare for me how damaging poorly managed bureaucracies can be. Hard not to despair at so many lives lost due to mismanagement and incompetent leadership.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Fadeout by Joseph Hansen

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

For a 1970s mystery, this reads surprisingly modern. Brandstetter provides a good mix of Dashiell Hammett-style rugged masculinity and earnest sensitivity. Definitely planning to read the rest of these.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The Secret History of Twin Peaks by Mark Frost

Go to review page

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

4.5

A good source of additional information for anyone interested in the wider world of Twin Peaks. I honestly should have read this ages ago.
King Kong: The Great War #1 by Alex Cox

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a compelling start. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!