As you know, I'm not a major science-fiction reader, but I definitely wanted to read Sierra Greer's debut novel, ANNIE BOT has been getting so much buAs you know, I'm not a major science-fiction reader, but I definitely wanted to read Sierra Greer's debut novel, ANNIE BOT has been getting so much buzz, that I couldn't refuse to try it out for myself. ANNIE BOT is a book in which a world which has robot humans as companions, we are giving the incredible protagonist, Annie Bot. Annie was created to be the perfect girlfriend for her human owner, Doug. Doug loves that Annie's programming is similar to that of a real woman, including curiosity and emotional attachments, but that has left Annie with the flawed aspects of humans. Her AI is programmed to be a traditional wife (cooking for Doug and dressing how he likes), while also being set for Doug's sexual appetite.
As Annie and Doug's relationship grows, she learns organically about life and struggles to make sense of it all. This book is a manifesto of Annie's experience as a robot and companion and is extremely well characterized. It's safe to say that there's some triggers (sexual choice) so go into this book knowing that. This book is a combination of Westworld, My Dark Vanessa, and Docile so take those three aspects and you'll get ANNIE BOT in its entirety. At times cringy, but definitely honest. The ending didn't work for me, so that's why my rating isn't higher, but again, ANNIE BOT is a unique and particularly thought-provoking story. I listened to it on @libro.fm and I highly recommend the audiobook version....more
Gretchen Felker-Martin's upcoming dystopian, science fiction novel, Manhunt is quite literally the most bizarre, yet ultimately gratifying journey Gretchen Felker-Martin's upcoming dystopian, science fiction novel, Manhunt is quite literally the most bizarre, yet ultimately gratifying journey I've ever taken with a book. Without giving too much away, the story focuses on a world in which men are turned feral. Beth and Fran are the two main characters and they work together to hunt feral men and harvest their organs. In doing so, this helps the duo survive. In this world, not only are feral men a danger to those who have survived this apocalypse so far, but there's also a group of murderous TERFs coming after them. Beth and Fran have a lot of hope, but they will need to organize and establish ways in which they can defeat the growing number of adversaries.
Manhunt is not sci-fi lite, aka the science fiction novels I like. It touches on the ridiculousness at times with some of the world building, but at the same time, doesn't most dystopian/apocalyptic novels do that? This book; however, touches on many types of societal issues that trans women and men face in today's current political and social climate through symbolism and metaphorical writing. While reading this book, although we aren't going through an apocalyptic world, I could understand and appreciate how the author was conveying this story. If you pick up this story, I urge you to also note that on Goodreads, many transphobic readers are giving this book 1-star with zero review. I urge you to all keep that in consideration while reviewing to combat hate. This book probably was a 3 star read for me, but I am bumping it up to 4 to try and combat the hate shown in the feed. If you enjoy heavily sciencecy science fiction novels (wow, I'm such a way with words), definitely pick this one up!...more
THIS BOOK WAS SO MUCH FUN! Sarah Zachrich Jeng's debut novel, The Other Me is one of the most bingeworthy books of the year! Completely unputdownaTHIS BOOK WAS SO MUCH FUN! Sarah Zachrich Jeng's debut novel, The Other Me is one of the most bingeworthy books of the year! Completely unputdownable and juicy, this book completely got me out of my rut of reading some meh books lately. Sarah Zachrich Jeng, you've created a fan in me!
The Other Me initially takes place in Chicago, where a local artist, Kelly, is celebrating her birthday. Her friend Linnea is more successful than her, but the friendship between the two is strong. Kelly seeks to eventually get her art into a gallery someday, but right now, she is just focused on enjoying her 29th birthday. During her birthday, Kelly all of a sudden has reimagined her life. She's not a Chicago-based artist anymore, but a wife to Eric and a graphic designer by trade. She now lives in Michigan with her fellow high school classmate. What has exactly happened here? Why does she have two lives but now questions the validity of both of them? She can't seem to shake which reality is actually who she is. And when things start getting more bizarre, Kelly needs to get to the bottom of it.
Again readers, don't read too much of the synopsis. I hate when publishers flood you with more information than you need. The Other Me had some of the most bingeable writing I've read this year, I SAID WHAT I SAID. Although there are some corrupt characters at play in this book, I ultimately loved everyone. Which is weird to say when it comes to mystery / thrillers, because you usually don't get that type of characterization with the plot. I legitimately finished this in under 24 hours and it will be chalked up to Sarah Zachrich Jeng's impeccable writing. FUN, FUN, FUN. I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next. If you like Ruth Ware and Blake Crouch, The Other Me is the right book for you!...more
2021 Dennis has promised himself that he won't negatively bash unfavorable reviews for books, so if you enjoy magical / paranormal stories in the youn2021 Dennis has promised himself that he won't negatively bash unfavorable reviews for books, so if you enjoy magical / paranormal stories in the young adult genre, definitely consider picking up The Dead and the Dark. Sadly, this one didn't work out so much for me and tended to spiral in aspects that just lost my interest. ...more
Hello, it's me. I think I'm starting to enjoy books that suspend reality. I enjoyed Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary way more than I expecMINI REVIEW
Hello, it's me. I think I'm starting to enjoy books that suspend reality. I enjoyed Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary way more than I expected. The writing is very fast paced for a 400+ page book and I really enjoyed how the story evolved. I don't want to give too much, but it focuses on a space expedition with main character Ryland Grace. After waking up to an empty spaceship, Ryland is discovering how lonely deep space can be. Lost and alone, Ryland must act quickly and try and save Earth from its impending doom.
We get two narratives - prior to Ryland's expedition and its current setting. I enjoyed the current setting a lot more than the past, but overall it was necessary to fill the gaps in the plot. At times, the book is a bit too "science smart"and also included a bit too much fluff, but overall this book is really good. Andy Weir really knows how to get readers into the minds of his characters and that immediately is what intrigued me as I navigated this story. I'd say it's a combination between Armageddon meets The Martian (hey Andy!) meets Prometheus. If you've enjoyed those movies, you'll enjoy Project Hail Mary. ...more
A very fast paced, quick, paranormal romantic-suspense story. If you like romance novels and Blake Crouch, this book is for you. If you can’t dive intA very fast paced, quick, paranormal romantic-suspense story. If you like romance novels and Blake Crouch, this book is for you. If you can’t dive into the world of supernatural, then this book won’t cut it. Definitely excited to pick up what’s next from Colleen Hoover. ...more
I don't normally read novellas, but when I do, I expect them to all be as action packed and scary as P. Djèlí Clark's upcoming Ring Shout. I read I don't normally read novellas, but when I do, I expect them to all be as action packed and scary as P. Djèlí Clark's upcoming Ring Shout. I read this book in one sitting last night and I legit had nightmares about it. I'm not sure if it's the frightening cover or the paranormal horror of the storyline, but Ring Shout is a must read in your October's horror selections. Ring Shout takes place in a post-World War I world during Prohibition, where the film Birth of a Nation takes a different form in American history. The film has been placed under a hex that has turned Klu Klux Klan members into monsters upon viewing it. Not everyone knows about this powerful spell, but Maryse Boudreaux and her friends set out to kill the monsters in hiding before they can hurt anymore people. This book touches upon race and discrimination during the height of segregation and Klu Klux Klan membership, and gives it a paranormal spin that is perfect for horror fans. This is my first read from P. Djèlí Clark, but I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for me. Ring Shout may very well be one of the scariest books I've read this year. ...more
A bit difficult to follow along (I can get easily confused), but an overall solid adult-supernatural read. If you are a fan of fantasy, this book is dA bit difficult to follow along (I can get easily confused), but an overall solid adult-supernatural read. If you are a fan of fantasy, this book is definitely up your alley. ...more
I was hesitant to pick up Charles Soule's upcoming release, Anyone because I really didn't enjoy The Oracle last year. However, I heard n3.5 stars
I was hesitant to pick up Charles Soule's upcoming release, Anyone because I really didn't enjoy The Oracle last year. However, I heard nothing but fabulous things about this book so I decided I'd venture into Soule's world of writing one more time. Anyone takes place between two alternate timelines, following the creation of "the flash"—technology that allows its user to transfer their consciousness into another person's body, while the host's unconsciousness basically turns off. While the story was intriguing, the early timeline with the forging of this technology was a lot more compelling than the world after. Needless to say, that is my personal opinion and both timelines were still written masterfully.
The journey in which the two timelines end up meeting together was a wild ride and it was also vastly original. I absolutely loved seeing how each moment unfolded as I turned the page. The action in this story is jam-packed and it includes a lot of interpersonal relationships. My main gripe about this story was that it was probably 100 pages too long. We start off very fast and fun, but it dips about halfway and gets a bit drawn out. If the story was tightened up a bit, this would've been a surefire five star read for me!
Overall, Anyone is a fun science-fiction novel that will definitely entertain and draw crowds of fans. The way the story wrapped up was spectacular and unexpected! I think this book has also stapled Charles Soule as the next Blake Crouch of sci-fi thrillers. If you enjoyed Recursion, you'll enjoy Anyone....more
If you told me that Followers would be the debut novel of Megan Angelo, I would've told you that you were lying. I actually had to double check MsIf you told me that Followers would be the debut novel of Megan Angelo, I would've told you that you were lying. I actually had to double check Ms. Angelo's Goodreads profile because I actually didn't believe it for a second. Followers showcases the dark reality of society's addiction to technology, instant gratification through social media, and the world of the celebrity. As it alternates between 2015-16 and 2051, it shows the vast differences between society's role in the aforementioned themes. The three main characters, Orla, Floss, and Marlow, all battle with the attention that they've been given. With its perks, comes great responsibility.
Between the two time periods, society was affected by what has been titled as "The Spill"—an "emotional terrorism" attack on society that has affected technology profoundly. As the three women navigate through this society overpowered by the pheromone of celebrity and influence, it's vastly entertaining. I really could not put this book down if I tried and I'm sad that it's over. It doesn't dab too much into the realm of make-believe, so science-fiction skeptics can still enjoy it. I definitely recommend and I'm excited to see what Megan Angelo has up her sleeve next. ...more
A cute and fun science-fiction novel that is reminiscent of the Netflix show, The Umbrella Academy. At times, this book battled on the verge of ridicuA cute and fun science-fiction novel that is reminiscent of the Netflix show, The Umbrella Academy. At times, this book battled on the verge of ridiculousness, but overall it is a fun fantasy novel that fans of the genre will enjoy.
EDIT- UPGRADED REVIEW: So everyone I know completely ripped me to shreds for my cold review. I was completely shocked that this book has gotten so much positive feedback, so I decided that I would give the book a different try—via audiobook (LIBROFM). I just finished this book's audio and I can see why I initially had some hesitations. It's a slow building supernatural novel with comedy, romance, and the whimsical. A story about belonging in a world full of "being different", this book's audiobook is something you all need to have a chance to enjoy....more
Docile is one of my most anticipated reads for 2020 so thank you Tor Books for this advanced copy. It's safe to say that Docile is one of my fDocile is one of my most anticipated reads for 2020 so thank you Tor Books for this advanced copy. It's safe to say that Docile is one of my favorite reads for the year.
Set in a near-future dystopian world, Maryland, the setting for this story, passes the Next of Kin Law where debt cannot be erased by death or bankruptcy, but passed down for generations. Families crippled by healthcare costs, student loans, and other expenses value up to the millions and the disparity between the rich and the poor has never been more profound. In order for families to pay off the debt, adults may enter into contractually authorized partnerships with wealthy individuals. In return for substantial money, either paying entire debts or partial, the debtor will live an extended period time as a "docile". By accepting this role, you essentially are a slave, and the person who is paying off the debt can essentially do whatever they want (with a few exceptions). Some dociles are servants and housekeepers, some are companions, and some can be sex slaves. In order to make the process a bit more manageable, medical company Bishop Laboratories created a formula, Dociline. This formula helps dociles relax and become subservient—allowing for their term to go more smoothly.
Elisha Wilder is the older son of David and Abigail, and they also have a daughter Abby. The family has crippling debt so Elisha decides to enter the Docile Program. He would never have expected that Alexander Bishop III, heir to Bishop Laboratories, would select him as a docile in hopes of having a disciplined companion that would calm his parents' anxiety about finding a partner. What's the worst that can happen? I will not go any further than here with any synopsis notes—READ IT AND FIND OUT! You won't be disappointed.
Docile is dark—seriously folks, there's graphic rape in this book so I am putting this disclaimer now for anyone who is excited about picking this book up. While the book is dark, it is also very erotic and hot at times, which was unexpected. What?! Docile is a dystopian 50 Shades of Gay. I've never read anything like it and for that, I'm thankful. For years now, I've been reading LGBT romance(ish) novels and have been bored to tears. The book either "fades to black" during the sex scenes, or the characters are unrealistic and unrelatable.
To my last point about characters being unrealistic and unrelatable, Author KM Szpara changes the landscape in Docile with character development. I loved every single character in this book. Whether or not they were meant to be likeable, that's up for debate. Every single character in this story has a purpose and it keeps the story moving.
At almost 500 pages, Docile feels like it will be long read, however I finished this book in two sittings. I could not put it down. Docile is one of the most bingeworthy books I've read in a long time. It's very unapologetic and dark, so it's definitely not for everyone, and that's ok. The ending is not only satisfying, but provides a possible series introduction (FINGERS CROSSED, PLEASE KM SZPARA!!). Docile will be out March 3, 2020, and I will make sure every single one of you puts this book on your TBR!...more
JP Delaney is original, that is for sure! I recently read his previous novels, Believe Me and The Girl Before, and I had major opinions about both. WiJP Delaney is original, that is for sure! I recently read his previous novels, Believe Me and The Girl Before, and I had major opinions about both. With his upcoming The Perfect Wife going into the realm of science-fiction, Delaney is able to break the mold of his previous domestic thrillers and have a new one in its own world. The story centers around the protagonist Abbie basically being resurrected, using the power of her husband Tim's robotics company. Tim's wife Abbie died five years ago, but with his money and power, Tim's company was able to change modern science, and bring her back. Of course, this Abbie is different and molded from the memories her husband was able to program into her. Abbie seems to have lost particular moments in her memory—where/how she died, how was the actual status of her relationship—Abbie can't seem to remember anything. As Abbie begins to piece moments of her old life back together, she starts seeing the mystery behind her past that some wish stayed hidden.
I give JP Delaney a lot of kudos for tailoring a science-fiction/domestic thriller, without coming off unbelievable or childish. The Perfect Wife is a strong mystery/thriller, and you actually end up forgetting about the world of robots, and accepting it for face value in this story. The Perfect Wife talks a lot about the autism spectrum, and I found out that the author's son is on the spectrum, which is why this story is so important to him. I really enjoyed learning more about that aspect in the story, and am curious to learn more. This is my biggest takeaway from the novel, and I'm grateful to have had a peek into this reality. If you've enjoyed Delaney's previous novels, you'll definitely enjoy this one as well. ...more