Thank you to the G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced readers copy of this bookThank you to the G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced readers copy of this book...more
I’ve really loved the Greta Helsing series—it’s cozy, clever, and full of heart. Strange New World was another fun adventure with the team, and I enjoI’ve really loved the Greta Helsing series—it’s cozy, clever, and full of heart. Strange New World was another fun adventure with the team, and I enjoyed seeing more of Heaven this time around after so much time in Hell. I was gearing up for a big road trip with the characters (as the synopsis suggests), but there actually isn’t much of one.
That said, as the final book in the series, it felt a bit disconnected. A big character moment (Greta getting married!) happens off-page, and the ending didn’t feel like much of a conclusion. It could’ve easily continued for several more books—and honestly, I wish it had. This series has always read more like cozy fantasy—some action, but never anything that makes you feel truly stressed.
This installment was probably my least favorite of the series. Still, the world and characters are special, and I’d happily read more from Vivian Shaw in the future. Just don’t expect big action scenes—this series is more about quiet magic than chaos.
Thank you Orbit for an advanced readers copy of this book. ...more
This was a much stronger book than the first in the series. Imposter Syndrome felt like a true Andrew Mayne thriller—tight, clever, and well-paced. ThThis was a much stronger book than the first in the series. Imposter Syndrome felt like a true Andrew Mayne thriller—tight, clever, and well-paced. The first book seemed more like a character experiment, while this one delivered real interweaving of plot and personality with a stronger foundation overall.
I zoomed through it, like I always do with Mayne’s books. His writing is compulsively readable—you just have to know what happens next. I love both Sloan and Jessica; their personalities are distinct but complement each other so well, and neither one fades into the background.
The mystery in this one was solid—plenty of smart analytical thinking, and I appreciate that even though these characters are highly trained and brilliant, they’re not perfect. They make mistakes, reflect, learn. That human element gives the story real depth.
If you haven’t read an Andrew Mayne book yet... what are you even doing?
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer for an advanced readers copy of this book.
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng is a razor-sharp horror novel that grips you from the start and doIf I could rate this book higher, I would!!
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng is a razor-sharp horror novel that grips you from the start and doesn’t let go. Baker threads supernatural fear and psychological tension through the very real trauma of racialized violence during the height of the pandemic. It’s uncomfortable in the way good horror should be—forcing you to confront what you’d rather look away from.
Cora is an unforgettable protagonist. Every character, no matter how minor, feels layered and alive. There’s a haunting buildup to the most terrifying moments, often hidden in the smallest, quietest details. No one escapes unscathed in this story, and that’s part of what makes it so powerful.
I haven't loved a book this much in a long time. It’s chilling, timely, and emotionally resonant in all the right ways....more
This book was such a pleasant surprise—I didn’t know what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying it. The suspense and action were well-paced, and IThis book was such a pleasant surprise—I didn’t know what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying it. The suspense and action were well-paced, and I loved the worldbuilding. The mix of future Earth lore and the different colonies on Mars and the Moon added great texture to the setting. There were also some clever jokes and cultural references specific to the future world, which made it feel both immersive and smart.
Selene Genji is an intriguing character. Her perspective as someone from the future—with alien DNA and a traumatic past—offered a lot of complexity. That said, some of her internal reflections on the differences between past and future Earth became repetitive after a while.
Kayl Owen, the male lead, was charming and easy to root for. He’s a true underdog, and I found myself really invested in his choices throughout the book.
The action is strong, and the pacing keeps the story moving. Every time I picked the book up, I wanted to keep going—and that’s always a good sign.
The weakest part, though, was the romance. It felt flat and underdeveloped. There wasn’t enough buildup or emotional payoff—it just sort of happened. There were even a few moments that felt inserted for the sake of feeling “on trend” rather than serving the story. A romance could have worked in this book, but this one didn’t land.
Still, I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected and was happy to find out the series continues. I’ll definitely be picking up the next one.
Thank you ACE for an eARC and finished copy of this book to review. ...more
Okay, there are so many things to say about this book, but I read it with the mindset that this is someone’s personal story, so I’m not giving it too Okay, there are so many things to say about this book, but I read it with the mindset that this is someone’s personal story, so I’m not giving it too many critiques. It was interesting and engaging, especially since it takes place so close to home.
The funniest part, though—and I’m truly not trying to criticize—is when the author says something along the lines of, “It’s not that hard to believe in Bigfoot if you already believe in dinosaurs and UFOs.” (very loose paraphrase) I laughed out loud. Dinosaurs and UFOs are not comparable! The general public has access to dinosaur skeletons—we have fossils of animals that once existed. I couldn’t help but cackle at that one.
The book is written from a very religious perspective, and in the beginning, it actually praises open-mindedness: saying that just because you're religious doesn't mean you know all of creation, so why couldn’t Bigfoot exist? Fair enough. But then it veers into questioning evolution and suggesting dinosaurs might not have been real, while Bigfoot is treated as the more reasonable conclusion. Like… science-based facts are “too unbelievable,” but the big man in the sky made Bigfoot? Okay, lol.
That said, I’m taking all of that with a grain of salt. It was an interesting look at extended encounters, and I appreciated the author’s reflection near the end where she wonders if maybe she shouldn’t have invited Bigfoot researchers in and just enjoyed the experience for what it was....more