Brian
As stated in her bio, Okorafor's books are described as Africanfuturism and Africanjujuism. There is something to be said about a book that creates its own subgenre offshoot. That element kept me engaged and curious.
The world building and history writing was sufficient, but I feel it could have been fleshed out more. At moments it did feel rushed.
It ended with a cliffhanger that will likely pull you into the next book in the series.
Horrific gore and mutilation. Fascinating character/creature creations that were well described for vivid visuals. Entertaining dialogue that was often self-deprecating with a constant thread of forbidden love.
The writers were a bit too sesquipedalian... I'm no literary genius but I think I'm decently intelligent. Too often I had to stop reading to look up the meaning of a word. Became a bit distracting.
It was a very good read that I am still thinking about.
Van Veen has put Gothic Horror on my list of favorite genres! I could not put this book down. Dark and deranged while simultaneously being compassionate and loving and apprehensive.
A dark, dreadful story rooted in classism. Oh, and "witches"! An engaging read told from the perspective of a grandmother and her granddaughter who are bound to their house full of shadows, saints and the dead.
Anguish, love lost or forgotten, friendship trials, racial prejudice, capitalism. Creative short stories with purpose.
Highly imaginative and surreal in his storytelling and environments, as per Vandemeer's usual. As with some of his other novels, it is a slower start. But I think it is beneficial for the book as a whole.
I really enjoyed this first novel from Elly Bangs, couldn't put it down.
The post-apocalyptic adapted environments are well built and depressing. The alternating point of view keeps you intrigued and guessing what's to happen next. There is action, violence, tenderness, romance, reflection, existential dread/revelation.
Bangs, admittedly, started writing this in high school as a short story and it was published 18 years later. I think Bangs' evolution as a person through writing this book is clearly shown in the evolution of her characters.
It's a beautifully written book and I will be reading more from Bangs.
This was a wildly entertaining book! Had no expectations or knowledge of the story prior to starting, it was a random library grab as I wanted a shorter read.
The book pulled me in rather quick. I didn't know the Ku Klux Klan could be made to look even more repulsive. Hate being the theme of all sides and worlds involved in the story, definitely made this an engaging read. Hate fighting hate!
The phonetic dialogue took a minute to get used to but was necessary, in my opinion. Added to the immersiveness and mood of the book.
Recommended read for sure.
I love Lafferty's writing style! It is entertaining and engaging. Her slow releasing of crucial information keeps you on your toes and guessing to what has happened. As with her other books, the banter between characters is great!
Tina. Just Tina.
If you've read the first book in Lafferty's Midsolar Murders, Station Eternity, you understand how lovably comical Tina is.
I went straight into Chaos Terminal after finish Station Eternity because I loved Lafferty's writing style. She is a great storyteller and builds such a wide variety of intriguing characters. Not many books make me chuckle out loud to myself, but it happened numerous times while reading the witty banter between characters.
Tense. Mysterious. Humorous. Intelligent.
I'll be reading past and upcoming books from Mur Lafferty.
If this book were adapted to film, it would be on par with Fifth Element (excellent movie). Just more mystery and less shoot-em-up.
The environments are outlandish and entertaining. Each alien race has their own quirks. Tina is the best!
The writing style is salty, humorous and tense. The alternating point of view works really well in this book.
Highly recommend! Just about to start Chaos Terminal.
A beautifully written story about the complications of friendship, the definition of love and life's hardships that consciously and subconsciously influence both.
The video gaming references were highly nostalgic.
Highly recommended!
Just wasn't appealing to me. Perhaps it was the hype that had set my expectations, but I felt myself cringing throughout much of the book. Primarily from the protagonists actions, dialogue and his I-have-the-solution-to-every-obstacle attitude. I am aware that this is very likely the authors intention.
I was a video game kid and young adult, born in the 80's. So those elements held me in, but couldn't solely carry the book for me.
This is just my personal review. So read it if you like, many have.
Entertaining dialogue heavy. Interesting story line set in a near future possibility. The writing was a little simple but I enjoyed the read. It's a decent selection for a quick read.
Stark succeeded in building the barren world of Factus filled with unique characters and entertaining relationships. For a sci-fi book, it's short. Was a great filler read between lengthy series. Kept wanting to continue reading.
Recommended read!
Dark and twisty! Makes you think deeply of your own life and relationships while also dwindling your outlook on the impact of a single individuals life.
Couldn't put it down.
A classic for a reason. Immersive world and character building. Draws you into the environment and you can't put it down. Tense, exciting, dramatic and sad.
Must be read by sci-fi/fantasy fans.