Review: Network Effect

Network Effect by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Network Effect is the fifth book in the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells.  You don't necessarily have to have read the previous books, but there are lots of references to past book events which are helpful to know about.  

The great thing about Network Effect is that we get to see an old "friend" and spend time with some new ones.  Murderbot is just as sarcastic and angry as always.  Love that!  At the same time, there are some sad bits.  Life is never fair even for Murderbots, maybe especially for Murderbots.  

Bonus points for a surprising bundle of joy!

View all my reviews

Review: Legends & Lattes

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is a fun read for fans of fantasy and/or coffee.  The Dungeons and Dragons type storyline appealed to the gamer in me while I delighted at the discovery of each new beverage and pastry.  In fact, I really wanted to drink coffee and eat pastries through the whole thing.  Ultimately though, it is a reminder that you can do anything you set your mind to even if the whole world thinks you should fit some pre-conceived notion.  You just need good friends to help you get there!

View all my reviews

Review: The Terraformers

The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I heard Annalee Newitz read from The Terraformers at WisCon before the book was published.  Just from that short reading, I knew I would have to get a copy of this.  There is a sentient, flying moose! It's a fascinating story of an Earthlike planet that is being developed for those who wish to experience life as it was in the Pleistocene era, except there are plenty who want to cash in at any expense.  The world Annalee created is so rich and full of characters you want to spend time with.  You get invested in their stories and their fight for their world.  Plenty of lessons for our current world in here.

Bonus points for so many great non-humanoid characters!  I love that this book gives them a chance to express themselves.

View all my reviews

Review: The Cabin at the End of the World

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay is horror of a sort.  There's definitely horror components, but I feel like it really poses more a moral dilemma and asks the reader to consider what life is worth.  If you thought you could save the world by sacrificing the thing you loved the most, would you?  What if the alternative was to keep the thing you love but lose everything else?  If you thought you could stop someone from killing the whole world by sacrificing yourself, would you?  Difficult questions.  No good answers.


View all my reviews