Defalt

Epic return

Really epic intro with some well executed reminders about previous events and recaps of the past 10 years though it takes a bit of time to memorize all the character names and their relationships. Red Rising world is shown from new angles and with even more cool, unique sci-fi features while still presenting all the familiar events—betrayals. duels, heists, war, intrigues.

Features a few first person perspectives which feels unique and shows a lot of environments, situations and important characters outside of Darrow’s life. And the main characters are very different and have very different quests. Also they don't tell you their plans so you just wonder what is their mission and how they're going to do it. Although characters reflect a lot on their actions and a few chapters feel a bit too long because of that.

The ending feels like this is just the setup for the new trilogy and feels a bit sudden.

I hope I can finish the 6th book before the 7th releases.

Dead Cthulhu waits dreaming

My first time reading a Lovecraft story and it’s still a good read, though a bit old fashioned—some investigations or written past events can be a bit hard to follow.

The black and white aesthetic and dark atmosphere really suit the story with great two-page panels of The Great Old Ones and their city, some really horrifying scenes and the fantastic looking storm at sea.

Can’t wait to read other adaptations of Gou Tanabe.

Three days battle in the North from Lord Grim Dark

So many various, interesting characters already in the first couple chapters and it’s so good to see how characters change as the story progresses. Also there's a very well made, kinda natural recap of the most important events from previous books. Although some characters have too many descriptions and inner monologues in their chapters.

Abercrombie captured the three days battle from every possible angle—young, scared men with no experience, generals, great swordsmen, strange and furious Northmen. You can feel the heavy atmosphere of war in the air with detailed and very helpful maps, fast, chaotic fights and, of course, fantastic chained points of view during battles. But there’s also a bit too much politics with too many names of various officers and their relationships.

It could've been a bit better, especially after the perfect Best Served Cold, but I still want to read all the spin offs.

Monster horde returns

Features the same great style, atmosphere and a few cool characters from the first book and short, to the point intro—the first fight against a giant, dangerous monster is around page 50. However it feels a bit more overwhelming compared to the first book with too many events in parallel which can feel chaotic. And there’s a very annoyingly curious main character.

Even though there are still a few really large, epic battles, overall it's much less about epic and more about dramas and tragedies and mysteries about everyone. And the ending is nice, hinting at new adventures.

I hope the next book is a bit less tragic.

Detective Murderbot

Our beloved murderbot tries to blend in the society and struggles with new kinds of anxiety. There’s a lot of mystery and detective work here and just one action scene.

The simplicity of descriptions is kinda refreshing after most other books and reminds me of some classic sci-fi like Stainless Steel Rat. But there’s a bit too much recapping of the previous book, especially considering that they’re both pretty short.

Also it features some new, interesting sci-fi concepts like future forms of money and communication between bots. And the ending is fine, leading to the next adventure.

Wish it was a bit longer, but I'm still glad that it exists.

Ice boxes and Chores

So many very detailed panels with a lot of various, interesting creatures! It’s just amazing and inspiring!

Somehow this series still manages to stay very creative and fun and to add new characters.

Can’t wait for the next volume!