Waiting on Wednesday 11/29/23
Posted on November 29, 2023 7 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes (April 9, 2024 by Nightfire)
“A crew must try to survive on an ancient, abandoned planet in the latest space horror novel from S.A. Barnes, acclaimed author of Dead Silence.
Space exploration can be lonely and isolating.
Psychologist Dr. Ophelia Bray has dedicated her life to the study and prevention of ERS—a space-based condition most famous for a case that resulted in the brutal murders of twenty-nine people. When she’s assigned to a small exploration crew, she’s eager to make a difference. But as they begin to establish residency on an abandoned planet, it becomes clear that crew is hiding something.
While Ophelia focuses on her new role, her crewmates are far more interested in investigating the eerie, ancient planet and unraveling the mystery behind the previous colonizer’s hasty departure than opening up to her.
That is, until their pilot is discovered gruesomely murdered. Is this Ophelia’s worst nightmare starting—a wave of violence and mental deterioration from ERS? Or is it something more sinister?
Terrified that history will repeat itself, Ophelia and the crew must work together to figure out what’s happening. But trust is hard to come by…and the crew isn’t the only one keeping secrets.”
Book Review: After the Forest by Kell Woods
Posted on November 28, 2023 14 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
After the Forest by Kell Woods
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor (October 3, 2023)
Length: 375 pages
Author Information: Website
After the Forest by Kell Woods is the latest addition to my extensive list of fairy tale retellings, yet despite its fresh take on a bunch of traditional elements, I may have just hit my saturation point with this genre. Really, it’s not the book, it’s me—in this crowded landscape where stories can start to blend together, this one was a solid entry but didn’t quite leave a lasting impression.
Following a recent trend in “what if” retellings, After the Forest imagines the aftermath of the classic Hansel and Gretel tale by taking a rather cynical view of the two siblings’ lives after they defeat the wicked witch and escape from her gingerbread house. The trauma they’ve endured is evidenced fifteen years later, in the aftermath of a long and arduous war that has left most of the countryside a smoking ruin. Hans is deeply in debt from his out-of-control drinking and gambling, and Greta is working herself to the bone to support them both. Relying on a recipe found in a secret grimoire, she bakes irresistible gingerbread cookies to sell which barely keeps them afloat.
But even then, she and her brother face the threat of losing everything as Greta’s deliciously addictive cookies have made her the target of the superstitious townsfolk and unpleasant whispers speculating about what happened to her all those years ago. As Greta struggles to come to terms with her secret and the powers that seem both a curse and blessing, a dark magic in the forest is stirring. At this point, the story becomes less of a retelling and more of a historical fantasy inspired by multiple fairy tales as the author weaves together several narratives to form a rich tableau of inspiration, pulling from many different sources. Gradually, these threads converge to shape Greta’s destiny, taking her through a series of challenges that will not only shape her personality but also show her the true extent of her potential.
There’s a lot to like here. Woods excels in writing characters you can easily sympathize with, capturing Greta’s predicament in dealing with Hans as well as the prejudices of the town, which can spell death for her if the rumors get out of hand (though the people seem to enjoy her baking well enough). The prose is gorgeous, evocative, and well suited to the type of story being told—a heady concoction of fairy tale and folk magic, historical fiction, and even a generous side helping of sweet romance.
But in this sense, it is also treading familiar ground, echoing the similarly themed works of Naomi Novik (Uprooted and Spinning Silver), Katherine Arden (The Winternight trilogy), Hannah Whitten (For the Wolf), Juliet Marillier (Sevenwaters series), and I could go on. Needless to say, it’s a saturated market, and authors will need a bolder style or narrative to stand out. Don’t get me wrong—for many readers, After the Forest will likely make a splash, though for me, it didn’t quite resonate. Despite—or perhaps because of—the esteemed company it keeps, much of the novel makes me feel like I have been/here done that before.
That said, my reservations notwithstanding, I would still recommend giving After the Forest a chance, especially if the premise intrigues you or if you are a fan of any of the books mentioned above. Honestly, this was an impressive debut, and I would read another book by Kell Woods in a heartbeat as I was blown away by the writing and I see great things in her future. Plus, while my personal experience may have left me somewhat critical of this new wave of fairy-tale inspired fiction, the allure of this genre is absolutely subjective; others might appreciate in this one the enchantment that I found difficult to fully embrace. So definitely don’t let my review dissuade you! There’s a distinct possibility that After the Forest holds the magic you’re seeking within its pages.
#SciFiMonth Review: Defiant by Brandon Sanderson
Posted on November 27, 2023 21 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Series: Book 4 of Skyward
Publisher: Delacorte (November 21, 2023)
Length: 480 pages
Author Information: Website
As much as I love Brandon Sanderson, I always get a little nervous about his endings. His skills as an unparalleled storyteller can be a double-edged sword as the weight of expectations for a satisfying conclusion grows exponentially, not to mention I have definitely let my own hype burn me before. Yet, with Defiant, the fourth and final installment of the Skyward series, Sanderson did not let me down. Not only did he smash expectations, he has crafted an ending that feels at once resounding and poignant.
As always with a review of a sequel, please be aware there may be references and possible spoilers for the previous books. Defiant picks up soon after the ending of Cytonic, with Spensa dealing with the aftermath of her little sojourn in the Nowhere. The things she saw there may have changed her forever, but they’ve also provided the answers to a lot of questions she has about her own gifts. While she was gone, though, her fellow squad mates of Skyward Flight have been busy as well, as those who have read the novellas may be aware. But upon Spensa’s return, the entire team is joyous as they welcome her back into their ranks. Together, they will take the fight to the next level.
For one thing, the Superiority has not been idle either, continuing to tighten their stranglehold on the galaxy. With the formidable Winzik at its head, they are launching an unrelenting assault on the Defiant Defense Force, compelling Skyward Flight to meet this challenge head-on. Using the intelligence Spensa has gathered on her journeys, they will have more than a fighting chance. The stakes are higher than ever as the conflict escalates, and the fate of not just humanity hangs in the balance. New alliances have been negotiated and new friendships have been forged along the way, and in the final showdown, every fighter will need to draw upon their unique strengths to stand against the overwhelming threat of the Superiority.
I have to say, the more I turned the pages of Defiant, the more my initial worries dissipated, quickly giving way to hope and then relief and admiration as the plot thundered its way towards an epic climax and conclusion. As a final book, it succeeds in doing what it was designed to do: tie up loose ends, deliver on its promises, and leave readers with satisfying closure.
One of the book’s triumphs lies in the fact that Skyward Flight is whole once again. And indeed, the previous installment, Cytonic, was perhaps the weakest book of the series as well as the strongest argument for keeping the whole gang together. Having Spensa off off galivanting in the Nowhere helped develop what we know about the Delvers, the slugs, and cytonic abilities, but the move also split the focus and disrupted the balance. As Sanderson’s books often feature themes of teamwork, celebrating the victories that result when individuals unite for a common cause, Defiant does a great job hammering this point home.
Certain relationships are also given more attention. Spensa has grown so much as a character, and these changes are addressed in her interactions with her flight mates, none so prominently as her dynamic with Jorgen. Their romance, which has had its ups and downs, gets a jolt of energy in this one, as they reconnect and try to work out some lingering issues. Wait, a couple that actually talks to each other instead of just letting their misunderstandings fester and blow up? Seriously, does this Sanderson guy even know how to do YA? All joking aside though, Spensa and Jorgen are truly wonderful together. While some of their conversations are awkward as hell, they are awkward because they feel real, which in turn makes it cute. Ah, to be free of manufactured drama for the sake of drama, it does feel so refreshing!
I also love me a classic struggle between good and evil. Spensa’s enmity with Brade forms a captivating dichotomy that adds another layer of intensity to the story, and the evolution of their relationship from a mere rivalry is a good example of the superb character development we see in this series. The two are different sides of the same coin—similar in a lot of ways, but in the end it’s the choices and complexities of morality that define us.
In sum, I loved Defiant, which delivered an engaging and impactful conclusion to the Skyward series. For fans, this novel will be the grand finale we’ve yearned for and is a testament to Brandon Sanderson’s talents. It’s a fitting end that wraps up this chapter for Skyward Flight while leaving readers yearning for more adventure in the next stage in the journey, revealed to be Skyward Legacy.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of Skyward (Book 1)
Review of Starsight (Book 2)
Review of Cytonic (Book 3)
Bookshelf Roundup 11/26/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on November 26, 2023 22 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
To folks in the US, I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday. This year we stayed put and celebrated with just the family, avoiding having to travel in the bad weather. The long weekend was filled with food, shopping, food, a bit of reading, food, and more food. It’s Saturday night right now, and I feel as though I’m finally coming out of my turkey-induced haze. It’s hard to believe we’re only a month away from Christmas, but the next few weeks are my favorite time of the year!
Received for Review
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle Jensen (Del Rey): Excitement came earlier this week in the form of a highly anticipated upoming release, the first book of the Norse-inspired Saga of the Unfated series.
The Hidden Queen by Peter V. Brett (Del Rey): Also from the publisher came the second book of the Nightfall Saga, the author’s new series set in the same world as The Demon Cycle. I have been following these books since the beginning so I plan on continuing, but I find myself completely mystified by the period-piece-meets-Voldemort cover.
Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner (HarperVoyager): Another sequel, this one the follow-up to Godkiller, continuing the characters’ quest through a land of gods and demons.
There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh (Penguin Audio): I still haven’t read this author, but I’m certainly intrigued by this thriller about a deadly reunion set in a remote mansion in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Night Owl by Andrew Mayne (Brilliance Audio): A new Andrew Mayne book is always a cause for celebration, especially the beginning of a new series. I’m listening to this now though, and it’s a counterintelligence spy thriller that’ very different from his other stuff.
The Daughters of Block Island by Christa Carmen (Brilliance Audio): I have been hearing a lot of great things about this book, so with the release of the audio edition next month, I just had to request a listening copy to check it out.
Reviews
- 4 of 5 stars to Calamity by Constance Fay
- 3.5 of 5 stars The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard
- 3 of 5 stars to System Collapse by Martha Wells
Recent Reads
This week, I wrapped up Katherine Arden’s Small Spaces quartet with Empty Smiles, and ugh, it was a disappointing end. Overall, I can see this being a good series for kids but for adults, it’s way too flimsy. This is why I tend to stay away from middle grade books and I’m just glad Arden is returning to adult fiction with The Warm Hands of Ghosts next year. I also finished The Mystery Guest, and oh how I love Molly the maid! Mister Lullaby was a good read as well, a great horror that I think will appeal to fans of Stephen King or if you enjoy stories like Joe Hill’s NOS4R2. And finally, as we near the end of Sci-Fi Month, I managed to fit in Defiant which I hope to review next week. This book concludes the Skyward series, and now that’s an ending done right!
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
YA Weekend: The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard
Posted on November 25, 2023 13 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Book 2 of The Luminaries
Publisher: Tor Teen (November 7, 2023)
Length: 272 pages
Author Information: Website
The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard is the second installment in The Luminaries series, and believe me, after how the first book ended on that excruciating cliffhanger, I could want to get my hands on this sequel.
Happily, things pick up soon after where we left off, once again following Winnie Wednesday who used to be a pariah in her community, but now has everything she thought she ever wanted. Now might also be a good time to add, if you haven’t read The Luminaries yet, this review may contain possible spoilers for what happened in the first book, so make sure you’re caught up before continuing further. Following her stellar performance at the deadly hunter trials, she has become a local celebrity overnight. No longer is her family shunned by the rest of the town of Hemlock Falls because her father was found to be a spy for the enemy. Winnie’s induction into the ranks of the Luminaries’ most elite has wiped the slate clean, and along with her mother and brother, she has been accepted back into the arms of their ancient monster hunting society.
Yet, a part of Winnie is still troubled, grappling with what she saw in the woods the night of the trials. No one will listen to her, but she doesn’t think a werewolf is behind the brutal killings which have rocked the town in recent weeks. This mysterious entity, known as the Whisperer, is out there killing hunters and she’s only one of a handful who believe the werewolf might be innocent, might even have saved her life. The only person who can help her is Jay Friday, but he’s also as frustrating as ever, and Winnie can never be sure where she stands with him. Meanwhile, she is also investigating the notes her father left behind, leading her to wonder at everything she’s ever known about him. They say he betrayed his family by working for the Dianas before leaving to join them, but did he really?
As the story delves further into the escalating danger, dark secrets, and an entire town on edge, Winnie’s world is turned upside down as her very identity comes into question. The plot also spends a lot of time exploring her complicated relationship with Jay, her longtime close friend whom she still resents for turning his back on her along with the rest of the town when they were ostracized. In fact, this sequel deals extensively with the back-and-forth of their dynamic, and if Winnie’s relationship with Jay in the first book intrigued you, you’ll be happy to know this book advances it quite nicely.
But otherwise, The Hunting Moon has the distinct feel of a bridge book—we’re undoubtedly moving forward with the story on multiple fronts, but there wasn’t as much of a driving force behind this book compared to The Luminaries. Not that this wasn’t a good read, because it certainly shines in some respects. In my review for the previous book, I pointed out that Dennard appears to have left a lot up in the air for readers to speculate, which she may cover more in depth in future books. Indeed, more of the world is explored in this one, in particular the situation surrounding Winnie’s father and his involvement with the Dianas. Granted, there’s still a lot shrouded in secrecy, but I’m enjoying the mystery and the gradual reveals.
For that reason, some might say that the story takes its time to build, and I wouldn’t disagree. The pacing is noticeably less urgent, and Winnie’s attention is split between a million different things, which doesn’t help. Still, I understand that sometimes you just need a book that will push things forward and not much else.
In sum, The Hunting Moon was no earthshattering sequel, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth the read. While the action and pacing were more low-key, I think there were plenty of exciting developments to leave readers eager to see what will happen next. Once more we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger, and I will be waiting on pins and needles for the next installment.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of The Luminaries (Book 1)
Book Review: Calamity by Constance Fay
Posted on November 24, 2023 14 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance
Series: Book 1 of Uncharted Hearts
Publisher: Bramble (November 14, 2023)
Length: 320 pages
Author Information: Website
Taking breaks is essential, and I’m a big believer in mixing it up. While I know I can be picky when it comes to romance in my SFF, sometimes a good genre mashup is exactly what I need in a palate cleanser, a bit of a breather from my heavier reads.
Enter Calamity, a new title released from Bramble, Tor Publishing’s freshly launched romantic imprint for science fiction and fantasy. A popcorny delight that launches readers into the Uncharted Hearts series where steamy romance meets spacefaring action, the story follows Temperance “Temper” Reed, an exiled member of a wealthy family hoping to make her own way in the galaxy. After refusing to bow to her older brother’s unsavory ways of doing business, Temper joins up with the crew of a ramshackle scouting ship, embracing the newfound camaraderie right up until her intense love affair with the captain blows up spectacularly in her face following his painful betrayal.
Living up to her nickname, our protagonist gives in to her impulses and buys the ship from the captain after he puts it up for sale, hoping to keep the rest of the team together. But the purchase ends up cleaning out her bank account, leaving nothing for upgrades…or anything else, really. So when the second son of the Escajeda family hires Temper for a mission to scout out the backwater desert planet of Herschel 2, she literally cannot afford to say no even though she can’t stand the guy. Devastatingly handsome and recklessly captivating, Arcadio gets added to the crew roster under his official title of head of security, but everyone knows he’s there as his family’s spy. As our misfit ensemble heads out into the great unknown on a journey marked by unpredictable threats, Temper will also be tested by the undeniable chemistry between her and Arcadio. After all, the biggest danger they face might not be out there among the stars but instead hidden in the depths of their own hearts.
I was surprised to find out that Calamity is Constance Fay’s debut. Not only does it blend genres with ease, but the pacing is also smooth and rapid, delivering plenty of twists to keep readers flipping through the chapters. Sure, the overall plot may be treading familiar ground, and I am particularly reminded of Jessie Mihalik’s Consortium Rebellion, a sci-fi romance trilogy which also deals with the interstellar drama of wealthy megacorp families and enemies-to-lovers storylines. Yet where the novel shines is its execution and the author’s ability to inject a sense of enjoyment into even the most familiar themes in this well-loved genre. Of course, we know what’s coming; the romance between Temperance and Arcadio is both expected and predictable, but arguably half the fun is in watching things play out the way we want them to. Fay delivers the results in a way that’s both heartwarming and steamy, which made Calamity an immensely satisfying read.
But balancing romance within a story is also a delicate task, and you don’t want the romantic elements to overshadow everything else, especially the sci-fi aspects and world-building in this case. Calamity succeeded in keeping the plot convincing and the characters strong, complemented by engaging relationships. Granted, side character development is where the novel falters, as there are hardly any memorable crew members besides our two main protagonists. With that said, it’s easy to forgive this when the world-building provides such a rich backdrop for the scouting vessel’s escapades, and the many conflicts they face make up for the book’s weaker areas.
All told, this makes me excited to see what more Bramble has to offer, as Calamity sets a very promising precedent for the future of this SFF romance imprint. I’ll also be keeping my eye on Constance Fay’s future projects and put the next Uncharted Hearts novel on my to-read list.
Waiting on Wednesday 11/22/23
Posted on November 22, 2023 6 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby (August 13, 2024 by Tor)
“A masterful near future whodunit for fans of Glass Onion and Black Mirror; join a stranded start-up team led by a terrifyingly realistic charismatic billionaire, a deserted tropical island, and a mysterious AI-driven mansion–as the remaining members disappear one by one.
A group of employees and their CEO, celebrating the sale of their remarkable emotion-mapping-AI-alogorithm, crash onto a not-quite-deserted tropical island.
Luckily, those who survived have found a beautiful, fully-stocked private palace, with all the latest technological updates (though one without connection to the outside world). The house, however, has more secrets than anyone might have guessed, and much darker reason for having been built and left behind.
Kristin, the hyper-competent “human emotional support technician” (i.e., the eccentric boyish billionaire-CEO Sumpter’s idea of an HR department) tries to keep her colleagues stable, throughout this new challange, but staying sane seems to be as much of a challange as staying alive. Being a “woman in technology” has always meant having to be smarter then anyone expects….and Kristin’s survival skills are more impressive than anyone knows.”
Book Review: System Collapse by Martha Wells
Posted on November 20, 2023 16 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
System Collapse by Martha Wells
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Book 7 of The Murderbot Diaries
Publisher: Tordotcom (November 14, 2020)
Length: 245 pages
Author Information: Website
I love Murderbot. Always have and always will. But hate to say it: System Collapse was my least favorite book in the series so far. While it wasn’t necessarily a disaster, it was still disappointing, especially considering it was meant to follow the brilliance of Network Effect.
In this one, the Barish-Estranza corporation is up to their dastardly ways again. This time, they are sending their ships to a newly colonized planet with the intent of luring the colonists there into indentured servitude. As always, our favorite SecUnit with a heart of gold is out to foil their plans, traveling with its team of humans to the planet in an attempt to get to the colonists first and win them over to their side.
But there’s a problem. In itself, that’s not a surprise, as humans seem to have a way of mucking up everything they touch. But in this case, it is Murderbot’s own performance that is a concern. Recently, it has been experiencing memory lapses and other troubling issues. A SecUnit cannot be effective at protecting its human assets unless it is running at peak efficiency, and with a planet of colonists to save, Murderbot needs to hurry up and figure out a solution.
I suppose I should be glad that the series has managed to reach its seventh book before feeling truly repetitive. But the truth is, as Murderbot grapples with its latest predicament, I can’t help but feel like we’ve seen most of this before. Don’t get me wrong, there are some staple elements I enjoy about this series, without which it would not be truly Murderbot, such as its affinity for space soap dramas and its snarky attitude. Heck, I even love it when good old ART shows up. Unfortunately though, we are also treading familiar ground in less desirable ways.
It doesn’t help that System Collapse is essentially an extension of the story from Network Effect, but dealing with the fallout isn’t quite as enthralling. There’s a distinct lack of interesting content to keep the plot going, but of course, when it comes to lengthy expositions, there are plenty. Even Murderbot’s problems with its performance feel like a diversion, a way to inject additional drama into a situation that is crying out for more meaningful action.
However, to be fair, with each volume, we witness the layers peeling back to reveal more of Murderbot’s humanity, which I genuinely appreciate. System Collapse might have ventured into too familiar territory and lingered there a bit too long in places, but when it comes to character development, it does things right. This aspect alone makes picking up this sequel worth it.
As the Murderbot Diaries universe continues to expand, System Collapse proved to be a mixed bag for me. While I am still a huge fan of the series with an incredible fondness for the main character, the plot of this newest installment left me wishing for a bit more oomph. But while it might not reach the heights of its predecessors, the exploration of character depth remains the best reason to keep journeying with Murderbot. Can’t wait for the next book with just as much excitement.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of All Systems Red (Book 1)
Review of Artificial Condition (Book 2)
Review of Rogue Protocol (Book 3)
Review of Exit Strategy (Book 4)
Review of Network Effect (Book 5)
Review of Fugitive Telemetry (Book 6)
Bookshelf Roundup 11/19/23: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on November 19, 2023 20 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
Received for Review
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
Murtagh by Christopher Paolini (Knopf): I was sent a surprise copy of this book which I didn’t even realize was a part of the Inheritance Cycle. Since I’ve never read anyting in the world of the Eragon books, I don’t know if I’ll have a chance to get to this one, even if it does seem like a standalone since it is set a year after the events of the series.
Calamity by Constance Fay (Bramble): A finished copy of this sci-fi romance arrived earlier this month, which I am currently reading. I can only take the romance genre in small doses, but this one is pretty fun. Stay tuned for the review as part of November’s Sci-fi Month coverage.
Our Divine Mischief by Hanna C. Howard (Blink): A YA fantasy that is described as being inspired by Scottish history and folklore, this story sounds very intriguing to me.
Your Shadow Half Remains by Sunny Moraine (Nightfire): A metaphysical horror about losing your grip on reality, I think the totally insane cover tells you everything you need to know!
To Kill A Shadow by Katherine Quinn (Entangled: Teen): This book arrived earlier in the week in a very lovely box. I am always a little wary of YA fantasy romance, but this sounds so intriguing and the cover is so gorgeous that I might just have to check it out.
This Wretcbed Valley by Jenny Kiefer (Quirk Books): Four hikers walk into the Kentucky wilderness, never to emerge. Seven months later, three mangled bodies are discovered, but what actually happened? Inspired by a real event, this sounds absolutely terrifying and I am so excited to read this.
Reviews
- 4 of 5 stars to The Star and the Strange Moon by Constance Sayers
- 3.5 of 5 stars to Whalefall to Daniel Kraus
- 3.5 of 5 stars to The Queen of Days by Greta Kelly
Recent Reads
I read so much this week that I actually had to double check that was correct. Granted there were a couple books that I was behind on and needed to knock off the reading list real quick, which were reviewed right away. I also read System Collapse, one of the most anticipated releases in my TBR this month, but it probably ended up being my least favorite Murderbot story (nooOOOoooOOooo). I should also be finished with Calamity by the time this post goes live. Last but not leasts, I continued with the third book of Katherine Arden’s middle grade Small Spaces quartet in audio, and even got my daughter into the series. She is starting from the beginning with the physical books though, and earlier in the week I picked up all four of them for her from the public library.
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
Audiobook Review: Whalefall by Daniel Kraus
Posted on November 17, 2023 20 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Thriller, Science Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (August 8, 2023)
Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Kirby Heyborne
Throwing us into the belly of the beast—quite literally!—Daniel Kraus pens a “scientifically accurate thriller” in Whalefall, challenging the boundaries of traditional genres while submerging readers into the depths of suspense and emotion.
Our story follows Jay Gardner, a teenager with a complicated relationship with his father. The youngest of three children and the only boy, Jay never felt like he was good enough for Mitt, an accomplished diver who often grew frustrated that he could not inspire the same sense of adventure in his son. His tumultuous upbringing eventually drove Jay away, and for two years he refused to return home, until it was too late. Dying of cancer, Mitt decided he would go on his terms, drowning himself off the coast of his beloved Monastery Beach.
Burdened with grief and guilt, Jay sets out to redeem himself with a solo dive into the Pacific Ocean to recover his dad’s remains. But what began as a quest for closure swiftly becomes a nightmare when our protagonist encounters a colossal squid—as well as the sperm whale hot on its tail. To his horror, Jay finds himself entangled with the squid, becoming indistinguishable from prey. Unwittingly swallowed, his only hope of survival now rests on navigating the unhospitable innards of the whale, with only one hour left of his dwindling oxygen supply.
One thing I’ve observed from reading Kraus’ books, from his co-authored works The Shape of Water and The Living Dead to his children’s and YA titles Bent Heaven and The Teddies Saga, is that he often employs a direct approach in his writing. Themes are hammered home with the subtlety of a…well, 50-ton whale, favoring explicit narration over implication. While his prose can be quite vivid and beautiful, the complexity of his sentence structures and use of over-the-top expressions and language can sometimes make his writing feel unnecessarily wordy and convoluted. I feel obligated to mention this because in audio, which is the format I listened to, these particular affectations in his style are made even more obvious and were somewhat distracting.
Kraus is also constantly drawing parallels between Jay’s literal struggle within the whale’s physical belly to the emotional turmoil stemming from the unresolved issues with Mitt. The bad blood in their strained relationship has been internalized as deeply as he himself has become embedded in the giant creature’s guts. The path to letting go is to literally break free, clearing the way to a metaphorical rebirth. It’s a clever premise, I’ll give it that, but Kraus tends to tell all this rather than show, leaving little room for the reader’s own inference or interpretation. In fact, the whale even “speaks” to Jay as his father at many points.
As you might have guessed, my favorite thing about Whalefall was the survival aspect, though this was surprisingly not the book’s main focus. Instead, most of the story deals with the dynamic between Jay and Mitt, inserting flashbacks to the protagonist’s poignant experiences and memories of his father. Much of the book’s middle is dedicated to this exploration which results in uneven pacing because a lot of the “science-ing” which Jay turns to for solutions on how to escape doesn’t actually come in until near the very end. To the author’s credit though, Whalefall is clearly grounded in meticulous research and attention to detail with regards to nautical science, diving procedure, and marine life.
I was also touched by the emotional weight of the ending, which made up for the novel’s imperfections, making the overall experience worthwhile. There’s no doubt Whalefall is a lot more than a tale of survival, and not just because Daniel Kraus is constantly making it a point to remind you. True, I had some issues with this book, but they were minor gripes. The touching conclusion offers a familial resolution, which goes beyond the sum of the novel’s parts. As a parent, I understand the desire to want the best for your kids. Sometimes, we can also be the hardest on those we love most. Credit also goes to the narrator’s heartfelt performance, which left me misty eyed.
The BiblioSanctum 