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Someone You Can Build a Nest In is a literary chimera, stitching together romance, body horror, fantasy, and a smattering of sci-fi into a narrative as unconventional as its shapeshifting protagonist.

At its heart (Or is it?) is Shesheshen, a monster whose introspections on her next meal are as gruesome as they are fascinating. Wiswell doesn't shy away from the graphic; he dives headfirst into the visceral inner workings of his creature. The descriptions are lengthy, detailed, and not for the faint of heart. Yet, they're not gratuitous. Each gory detail serves the plot, highlighting a stark contrast between Shesheshen's monstrous nature and the unexpected humanity that emerges from her relationship with Homily.

The romance at the core of this tale is warm and genuine, an ironic twist considering it involves a monster contemplating devouring her lover. Wiswell navigates this complex dynamic with a deftly, ensuring the reader remains invested in their unconventional love story.

However, the book does, at times, stumble in its ambitious attempt to juggle its myriad elements. The landing isn't as solid as one might hope, leaving a sense of a narrative that, while intriguing, doesn't quite coalesce as seamlessly as it could have. However, these moments are more than made up for by the warmth and humanity that shine through.

This is not a book for everyone. Its graphic nature might deter some, but for those with a stomach for it, the book offers a unique reading experience. It's a story that, despite its flaws, leaves a lasting impression, with its better parts outweighing the sum of its whole.

This novel might not resonate with everyone, but for those it does, it has the potential to become a cult classic. Wiswell's bold storytelling and the poignant humanity he weaves into the narrative make this one that will not be soon forgotten.

Benjamin Stevenson's “Everyone on This Train is a Suspect” takes a clever, almost cheeky approach to the classic whodunit genre. Set against the backdrop of a writers' conference aboard the Ghan train, Stevenson crafts a narrative that's as self-aware as it is engaging.

Ernest Cunningham, our protagonist and a crime writer himself, finds himself amidst a bevy of fellow mystery writers when fiction turns to reality: a murder on the train. The concept is intriguing: authors who know all the tricks of the mystery trade now have to apply them in real life. It's a setup rife with potential for both humor and intrigue, and Stevenson delivers on that promise.

While the book's playful self-awareness often charms, it walks a fine line, at times bordering on cloying—a trait that some readers may find somewhat off-putting. Unlike its predecessor, “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone,” which balanced the plot with deeper dives into character dynamics, this novel strips back much of that to focus squarely on the mystery. The result is a story that moves swiftly, though it does take its time to gather momentum.

While the book may not be as twist-laden as some might hope, it doesn't detract significantly from the enjoyment. Stevenson's writing is sharp, and the plot, though streamlined, is still engaging. The book's strength lies in its ability to not take itself too seriously while still delivering a satisfying mystery.

I enjoyed the journey Stevenson took me on but found myself yearning for a touch more depth and a bit less whimsy. The book is a delightful read, but for the next installment, a return to the heart and complexity of the first would be welcome. A little less reliance on its meta-nature and more fleshed-out characters could make Stevenson's next book not just a good mystery, but a great one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Mariner Books for the advance copy.

“The Book of Doors” is a captivating tale that quickly transports readers from the mundane to the magical. The story follows Cassie's discovery of a mystical book that turns doors into portals to anywhere. This enchanting premise, however, swiftly transitions into a darker narrative, illustrating the dangers of such power.

While the book excels in creating a world of wonder, its early chapters rush through Cassie's pre-magical life and initial explorations with her friend Izzy. A slower, more detailed unfolding here would have added depth. The dialogue sometimes lacks fluidity, yet these moments don't significantly detract from the story's overall charm.

For fans of the genre, “The Book of Doors” offers an enjoyable blend of whimsy and caution, leaving readers longing for more exploration into its magical possibilities.

‘The Tainted Cup masterfully blends detective intrigue with fantasy, echoing the iconic dynamics of Holmes and Watson. Din, with his impeccable attention to detail, pairs brilliantly with the thoughtful Ana, making their interactions the narrative's highlight. While the tempo may wane slightly during Din's solo ventures, the overall charm remains intact.

Bennett's prose is crisp, adorned with rich imagery and authentic dialogue. His nuanced humor enriches the tale, ensuring a delightful read from start to finish.

The standout features of this novel are its impeccable pacing and intricate world-building. From the first page, readers are ensnared by the captivating universe Bennett crafts. At its heart, this book remains a murder mystery, even as hints of broader issues linger on the horizon. The narrative never loses its central focus, ensuring a tight, engaging plot.

‘The Tainted Cup' showcases Bennett's unparalleled storytelling, creating a realm that feels vast, yet intimately familiar. I am very much looking forward to the continuation of this enthralling series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and the author for the advance copy.

“Incidents Around the House” masterfully intertwines chilling moments of dread with deep psychological horror and a touch of family drama. Through the innocent yet perceptive eyes of eight-year-old Bela, the story unfolds a haunting narrative, where the terror of “Other Mommy” is as palpable as the cracks in her family's facade.

The book excels in crafting scenes that resonate with pure terror, making your skin crawl at the mere thought of what lurks in the shadows. It's not just about the supernatural entity haunting Bela's family; it's the way this malevolence seeps into the family's very core, amplifying the existing tensions and fears.

The blend of otherworldly horror with the psychological and familial gives the novel a unique flavor.. While the pacing has its ups and downs, with some scenes feeling repetitive, these moments do not significantly detract from the story's overall impact.

“Incidents Around the House” is a compelling read for those who relish a story that combines the thrill of supernatural horror with the complexity of human relationships, all wrapped up in a blanket of dread.

‘The Quiet Room', the follow-up to ‘Rabbits', plunges deeper into the mystery of an underground game that stitches the multiverse together with a tapestry of astounding clues and coincidences.

This sequel races forward at breakneck speed, darting into a compelling narrative. The shifting perspectives between Emily and Rowan add a layer of complexity, each character adeptly competing for the reader's attention, providing an immersive, if somewhat dizzying, reading experience.

The narrative, however, moves perhaps a bit too quickly at times. The relentless pace of events, while exhilarating, scarcely allows moments of respite for the tension to breathe. Consequently, the story can feel like an unending chase from one predicament to the next.

Moreover, the continual introduction of new concepts and characters appears to change the game's rules mid-play, which risks invalidating prior understanding and may leave some readers disoriented.

In spite of not reaching the compelling heights of ‘Rabbits', ‘The Quiet Room' manages to hold its ground, thanks to the sheer urgency of the narrative and an ending that teases an exciting continuation.

Despite its share of shortcomings, I found ‘The Quiet Room' to be an intriguing sequel. Although it may prove slightly bewildering at times, it still promises a unique adventure that fans of ‘Rabbits' shouldn't miss.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an absolute delight—a sprawling, epic quest that's both bonkers and brilliant. Ariel, a young boy in a wizard-ruled town, discovers a sentient AI artifact that becomes his guide and ally. This AI, with its vast historical knowledge, leads Ariel through a world brimming with talking animals, sentient weapons, and wizards.

Sloan masterfully blends science fiction and fantasy into a fast-paced, whimsical adventure. The vibrant cast and richly detailed universe keep you hooked from start to finish. Despite its grand scale, the book reads incredibly quickly, making it a real page-turner.

For fans of imaginative and heartwarming stories, “Moonbound” is a must-read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Dipping your toes into Alderman's world feels like a sneak peek at a tech-driven tomorrow. It's eerily close to home, making you wonder—given all our tech advancements—where exactly are we headed? The story pulls you in two directions, sometimes feeling unsettling, and at other times, giving you a glimmer of hope.

The core narrative is the heartbeat of the book, exposing the desires and fallout of our tech titans. However, it can feel a bit like completing a puzzle, only to discover a heap of extra pieces leftover. You can see the image it's supposed to form, but you're left wondering about those odd pieces.

If you're expecting super deep, memorable characters, well, this might not be the book for that. The story's the star here. But that's okay because it's got enough juice to make you ponder, debate, and question. All in all, “The Future” takes you on a whirlwind journey. It might not be smooth sailing throughout, but it gets the gears in your head turning, and isn't that the point of a good read?

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC.