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sweekune's reviews
342 reviews
Earthside by Dennis E. Taylor
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
⭐ 3.25/5 ⭐
Audiobook narrated by Ray Porter.
Following on from the events of Outland, the Rivendell colony is facing new challenges in management, population and scientific advancement.
- The sci-fi parts of this book I really adored. If the entire book had been about the portals, parallel worlds and exploration of them I would have been a very happy bunny. I would say though only about a quarter of the book was dedicated to this.
- Which leads on to the more dystopian parts. As expected, a colony working to become self sufficient whilst also trying to keep all it's residence and incomers happy is basically impossible. There's political unrest, lone wolves causing violent issues and coups and a generational clash. All this happens in just under nine hours of audio and the lack of time means it comes across as bitty, skipping from one issue to the next with very intermittent flow.
- The characters were okay. The original main characters from Outland featured less heavily and didn't actually get much development. New characters felt quite stereotyped and not fully dimensional sentient beings.
If you enjoyed Outland, you will likely enjoy this but it isn't the sequel I had hoped for. If you wish to sample the best of Taylor's work, I'd probably skip this and go with the Bobiverse series.
Audiobook narrated by Ray Porter.
Following on from the events of Outland, the Rivendell colony is facing new challenges in management, population and scientific advancement.
- The sci-fi parts of this book I really adored. If the entire book had been about the portals, parallel worlds and exploration of them I would have been a very happy bunny. I would say though only about a quarter of the book was dedicated to this.
- Which leads on to the more dystopian parts. As expected, a colony working to become self sufficient whilst also trying to keep all it's residence and incomers happy is basically impossible. There's political unrest, lone wolves causing violent issues and coups and a generational clash. All this happens in just under nine hours of audio and the lack of time means it comes across as bitty, skipping from one issue to the next with very intermittent flow.
- The characters were okay. The original main characters from Outland featured less heavily and didn't actually get much development. New characters felt quite stereotyped and not fully dimensional sentient beings.
If you enjoyed Outland, you will likely enjoy this but it isn't the sequel I had hoped for. If you wish to sample the best of Taylor's work, I'd probably skip this and go with the Bobiverse series.
Lilith by Nikki Marmery
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
⭐ 3.5/5 ⭐
Lilith, first woman, made equal but cast out for refusing to be subservient. The reader is taken on a journey through biblical to modern times showing Lilith's journey and trials to overcome the toxic influence of Yahweh.
- So first, the good. This book passes the vibe check. Feminist, strong women featured heavily with a focus on how the feminine divine should be valued. We meet several well known biblical figures who influence and affect Lilith's journey to varying degrees and reinforced the fight for women's rights under an opressive patriarchy.
- From what I remember for my childhood being forced to read the bible, the interpretations of events were accurate enough but also contained enough creative licence to be new and interesting. One of my favourite aspects was the coverage of Asherah and other gods from other religions and how they were portrayed. I also appreciated that Yahweh is depicted how he always came across to me: vindictive, jealous and divisive.
- However and despite the above, this book was often just boring. I struggled through lots of sections because I wasn't interested. The prose was superfluous, Lilith's internal monologue often overdone. The subject matter deserved better writing.
Feminist and empowering if you can power through the writing style. I would recommend to those with and interest in strong women of mythology.
Lilith, first woman, made equal but cast out for refusing to be subservient. The reader is taken on a journey through biblical to modern times showing Lilith's journey and trials to overcome the toxic influence of Yahweh.
- So first, the good. This book passes the vibe check. Feminist, strong women featured heavily with a focus on how the feminine divine should be valued. We meet several well known biblical figures who influence and affect Lilith's journey to varying degrees and reinforced the fight for women's rights under an opressive patriarchy.
- From what I remember for my childhood being forced to read the bible, the interpretations of events were accurate enough but also contained enough creative licence to be new and interesting. One of my favourite aspects was the coverage of Asherah and other gods from other religions and how they were portrayed. I also appreciated that Yahweh is depicted how he always came across to me: vindictive, jealous and divisive.
- However and despite the above, this book was often just boring. I struggled through lots of sections because I wasn't interested. The prose was superfluous, Lilith's internal monologue often overdone. The subject matter deserved better writing.
Feminist and empowering if you can power through the writing style. I would recommend to those with and interest in strong women of mythology.
Dinosaur Empire!: Journey Through the Mesozoic Era by Abby Howard
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.75
⭐ 4.75/5 ⭐
Dinosaur Empire is the first in a series of graphic novels about prehistoric life. Aimed at children (middle grade), it is a wonderfully fun and informative summary of the mesozoic era.
- The artwork is sublime and I loved how all the creatures were portrayed with both scientific accuracy (for 2017, the time of publication) and stunning visuals. It made the text more engaging and exciting.
- The science is great and the author consulted with well known paleontologists to make sure facts and information were as correct as could be.
- So of course dinosaurs are the biggest feature but I loved how all the mesozoic animals were covered including pseudosuchians, pterosaurs, mammals, marine life, plants and insects. Each time period covered explored all these groups and how they changed and evolved. I also really enjoyed how many lesser know species were included and given spot lights (along with each organism have its name shown phonetically).
A bright, very thorough for the age group and enjoyable book. I would recommend not just to children but to anyone who enjoys prehistoric life and paleoart.
Dinosaur Empire is the first in a series of graphic novels about prehistoric life. Aimed at children (middle grade), it is a wonderfully fun and informative summary of the mesozoic era.
- The artwork is sublime and I loved how all the creatures were portrayed with both scientific accuracy (for 2017, the time of publication) and stunning visuals. It made the text more engaging and exciting.
- The science is great and the author consulted with well known paleontologists to make sure facts and information were as correct as could be.
- So of course dinosaurs are the biggest feature but I loved how all the mesozoic animals were covered including pseudosuchians, pterosaurs, mammals, marine life, plants and insects. Each time period covered explored all these groups and how they changed and evolved. I also really enjoyed how many lesser know species were included and given spot lights (along with each organism have its name shown phonetically).
A bright, very thorough for the age group and enjoyable book. I would recommend not just to children but to anyone who enjoys prehistoric life and paleoart.
Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
4.75
4.75/5
Following the same characters as The Way of Kings, we see our protagonists develop in their powers whilst the world sets up for turmoil. The Parshendi are planning revenge against the Alethi troops which may have consequences for the whole of Roshar.
- The characters are excellent and I'm so glad we got to see them expand and develop. My favourites are Shallan and Adolin. I love Kaladin but did occasionally find him quite grating. Also Wit is just *chef's kiss*.
- As always with Mr Sanderson, the world building is insane! This world just continues sprouting details that make it so well fleshed out and beautiful. I think I said in my review of The Way of Kings that I'd like to just roam around this world and experience its eccentricities and that feeling remains.
- My only gripe with this book is that very occasionally, it could have been more succinct. Sanderson is very generous with his words, as evidenced by the 1310 pages of this book, but sometimes I just found myself skimming sections that were too detailed and getting in the way of the action.
An amazing second novel and I can't wait to continue with the next Stormlight Archive book.
Following the same characters as The Way of Kings, we see our protagonists develop in their powers whilst the world sets up for turmoil. The Parshendi are planning revenge against the Alethi troops which may have consequences for the whole of Roshar.
- The characters are excellent and I'm so glad we got to see them expand and develop. My favourites are Shallan and Adolin. I love Kaladin but did occasionally find him quite grating. Also Wit is just *chef's kiss*.
- As always with Mr Sanderson, the world building is insane! This world just continues sprouting details that make it so well fleshed out and beautiful. I think I said in my review of The Way of Kings that I'd like to just roam around this world and experience its eccentricities and that feeling remains.
- My only gripe with this book is that very occasionally, it could have been more succinct. Sanderson is very generous with his words, as evidenced by the 1310 pages of this book, but sometimes I just found myself skimming sections that were too detailed and getting in the way of the action.
An amazing second novel and I can't wait to continue with the next Stormlight Archive book.
He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
Mood reader and just didn't feel in the right headspace
Outland by Dennis E. Taylor
funny
hopeful
fast-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
4.0
Outland by Dennis E. Taylor
⭐ 4/5 ⭐
Audiobook narrated by Ray Porter.
An interesting concept conveyed in a fun but mildly disjointed way. A bunch of American college students discover how to build portals to parallel dimensions which becomes unexpectedly handy when the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts.
- I loved to concept of the portals and how the story as a whole was built around science and not just physics but geology, zoology and engineering too.
- The characters were fun if occasionally a little one dimensional. I didn't feel overly attached to the main protagonists and none of them were very fleshed out.
- The story felt a little stuttered. The narrative would be following a particular chain of events and then would switch abruptly to something else. Whilst the story overall made sense, this was jarring and took me out of the story sometimes. I heard this was an updated version of Taylor's first novel and you can tell it's an early piece of work for an author.
- As with the Bobiverse, Ray Porter does an excellent job of narration, bringing to life the bravado, sarcasm and personalities of the characters well.
Despite a couple of issues, Outland was a fun and interesting sci-fi novel with its core idea having potential beyond this story. Perfect for portal sci-fi fans and those who enjoy a concept progressing the plot rather than the characters.
⭐ 4/5 ⭐
Audiobook narrated by Ray Porter.
An interesting concept conveyed in a fun but mildly disjointed way. A bunch of American college students discover how to build portals to parallel dimensions which becomes unexpectedly handy when the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts.
- I loved to concept of the portals and how the story as a whole was built around science and not just physics but geology, zoology and engineering too.
- The characters were fun if occasionally a little one dimensional. I didn't feel overly attached to the main protagonists and none of them were very fleshed out.
- The story felt a little stuttered. The narrative would be following a particular chain of events and then would switch abruptly to something else. Whilst the story overall made sense, this was jarring and took me out of the story sometimes. I heard this was an updated version of Taylor's first novel and you can tell it's an early piece of work for an author.
- As with the Bobiverse, Ray Porter does an excellent job of narration, bringing to life the bravado, sarcasm and personalities of the characters well.
Despite a couple of issues, Outland was a fun and interesting sci-fi novel with its core idea having potential beyond this story. Perfect for portal sci-fi fans and those who enjoy a concept progressing the plot rather than the characters.
Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
3.5
3.5/5
A Heartstopper universe novella. It is the summer before Nick goes to university and he and Charlie are grappling with mixed emotions. Will they be able to make things work?
- The gooey and relaxed vibes you expect from Heartstopper. It was good to see familiar characters and how much they've changed since the original series.
- Probably a personal preference but I think I prefer the graphic novel format to novella. The artwork adds so much charm and whilst there's the odd illustration in this book, it's not the same.
- I like how open and laid back this book is about topics and events from the graphic novels. It reflects the growth of the characters and how they've matured and changed over time.
Good for fans of Heartstopper and Oseman's other prose works. A poignant little YA romance.
A Heartstopper universe novella. It is the summer before Nick goes to university and he and Charlie are grappling with mixed emotions. Will they be able to make things work?
- The gooey and relaxed vibes you expect from Heartstopper. It was good to see familiar characters and how much they've changed since the original series.
- Probably a personal preference but I think I prefer the graphic novel format to novella. The artwork adds so much charm and whilst there's the odd illustration in this book, it's not the same.
- I like how open and laid back this book is about topics and events from the graphic novels. It reflects the growth of the characters and how they've matured and changed over time.
Good for fans of Heartstopper and Oseman's other prose works. A poignant little YA romance.
A Galaxy of Whales by Heather Fawcett
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
⭐ 3.25/5 ⭐
Audiobook narrated by Cassandra Morris.
A young girl called Fern starts the summer holidays helping with her family's whale watching business. She enters a photography competition with her rival and neighbour Jasper.
- The author captures very well the awkwardness and changing relationships of preteen life. I felt for Fern as she becomes more aware that she and those around her are not little kids anymore and with that there are changes to her friendship dynamic.
- For a book that has whales in the title, the whales do not feature heavily. They are in the background for the most part.
- I realise I am not the intended audience for this book. However, I found the plot frustrating and that it did really go anywhere. I also found Fern quite whingey, some of which I understood, and it became quite grating after a while.
A simple read that I would think would be enjoyed by actual preteens who might empathise more.
Audiobook narrated by Cassandra Morris.
A young girl called Fern starts the summer holidays helping with her family's whale watching business. She enters a photography competition with her rival and neighbour Jasper.
- The author captures very well the awkwardness and changing relationships of preteen life. I felt for Fern as she becomes more aware that she and those around her are not little kids anymore and with that there are changes to her friendship dynamic.
- For a book that has whales in the title, the whales do not feature heavily. They are in the background for the most part.
- I realise I am not the intended audience for this book. However, I found the plot frustrating and that it did really go anywhere. I also found Fern quite whingey, some of which I understood, and it became quite grating after a while.
A simple read that I would think would be enjoyed by actual preteens who might empathise more.
The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
⭐ 4/5 ⭐
A plain yet intriguing restaurant hides in Kyoto. Inside Nagare and Koishi Kamogawa serve a variety of special foods. Their goal is to help people track down specific dishes and to recreate them for their clients.
- The structure of the book is very formulaic. Each chapter focuses on a different meal and customer. The customer arrives, samples the restaurants set menu, speaks to Koishi about the dish they're trying to find and then returns at a later date to see the results. I liked the predictable way it was formatted and how it provided structure to an otherwise ephemeral concept.
- The food is the star of this book and reminds me heavily of the manner in which Studio Ghibli presents food. Heavily and deliciously described, I felt nostalgic for foods I'd never heard of before and which I will never be able to try (allergies). I have often asked people in real life to describe how something I can't have tastes and they have almost always drawn a blank but this book gave me such a vivid feel for these foods.
- I enjoyed the banter and loving relationship the two Kamogawa's shared and kinda wish this was addressed more. I hope in the sequels we see more of the titular father-daughter duo.
If you like cosy books, with delicious food and low stakes/high reward mysteries, I highly recommend this book.
A plain yet intriguing restaurant hides in Kyoto. Inside Nagare and Koishi Kamogawa serve a variety of special foods. Their goal is to help people track down specific dishes and to recreate them for their clients.
- The structure of the book is very formulaic. Each chapter focuses on a different meal and customer. The customer arrives, samples the restaurants set menu, speaks to Koishi about the dish they're trying to find and then returns at a later date to see the results. I liked the predictable way it was formatted and how it provided structure to an otherwise ephemeral concept.
- The food is the star of this book and reminds me heavily of the manner in which Studio Ghibli presents food. Heavily and deliciously described, I felt nostalgic for foods I'd never heard of before and which I will never be able to try (allergies). I have often asked people in real life to describe how something I can't have tastes and they have almost always drawn a blank but this book gave me such a vivid feel for these foods.
- I enjoyed the banter and loving relationship the two Kamogawa's shared and kinda wish this was addressed more. I hope in the sequels we see more of the titular father-daughter duo.
If you like cosy books, with delicious food and low stakes/high reward mysteries, I highly recommend this book.
In the Labyrinth of Drakes by Marie Brennan
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
4.25
4.25/5
The fourth installment and this time we follow Isabella to the desert where she becomes involved in a dragon breeding program.
- This book, whilst very enjoyable, felt a bit more choppy than previous books. We go from the dragon enclosures to full desert to mountains to Arabian/Egyptian inspired towns. It's all interesting but not always smooth.
- As someone who enjoys ancient Egypt and its mythology, I loved how this book leaned into this world's equivalent of the Draconians. I won't ruin things but I enjoyed the sections that discussed this ancient race.
- We get to see Isabella develop more romance in this book and it's so sweet and nerdy. The courting was exactly as you'd expect and I loved it.
Mysterious, adventurous and sets up well for the final book (which I have already reviewed previously). This series is one of my favourites and I would recommend it to anyone who like Victorian age fantasy with a focus on period appropriate science.
The fourth installment and this time we follow Isabella to the desert where she becomes involved in a dragon breeding program.
- This book, whilst very enjoyable, felt a bit more choppy than previous books. We go from the dragon enclosures to full desert to mountains to Arabian/Egyptian inspired towns. It's all interesting but not always smooth.
- As someone who enjoys ancient Egypt and its mythology, I loved how this book leaned into this world's equivalent of the Draconians. I won't ruin things but I enjoyed the sections that discussed this ancient race.
- We get to see Isabella develop more romance in this book and it's so sweet and nerdy. The courting was exactly as you'd expect and I loved it.
Mysterious, adventurous and sets up well for the final book (which I have already reviewed previously). This series is one of my favourites and I would recommend it to anyone who like Victorian age fantasy with a focus on period appropriate science.