Silvia Moreno-Garcia's books are always hit or miss with me (I loved Mexican Gothic, I yawned through Velvet Was the Night, I questioned my journey wiSilvia Moreno-Garcia's books are always hit or miss with me (I loved Mexican Gothic, I yawned through Velvet Was the Night, I questioned my journey with this author after Gods of Jade and Shadow, but I liked Certain Dark Things), however THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU is a grand slam for me! This book is certainly going to be a hit for this author's fans!
The story is a retelling-esque version of the classic novel, The Island of Doctor Moreau, taking place in 1870s Yucatán, Mexico. The story focuses on young adult Carlota Moreau, the daughter of scientist Doctor Moreau, a man with scientific achievements that can change the world as we know it. Living in this lonesome and quiet estate, Carlota also lives with the family's housekeeper Ramona and the hybrids. A group of creations of the doctor—half human, half animal—followers of the doctor. After hiring Montgomery Laughton, a man who was referred to by Doctor Moreau's patron funding this research for his own desires, all of them live together trying to survive and create. That is, until the Doctor's research leads to dire consequences.
I don't want to give too much of this story away, as I actually didn't even read the synopsis before jumping in. I just really enjoy the author and fell in love with this cover. UM HELLO, YES PLEASE. I can honestly say that this will be in my favorites of the year for sure and if you enjoy this author's works, you will be so happy to pick this one up. If you struggled with this author's writing style before (slow burn with elaborate atmospheric storytelling), you will not the reader for this book. This one is definitely strictly science fiction and drama, the genres that this author has crafted so beautifully in her stories. What a joy—I can't wait for Silvia Moreno-Garcia's next book. ...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
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
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
I've been told that I needed to read Blake Crouch's Dark Matter since I've started reviewing books on Goodreads—two and a half years ago. I've always I've been told that I needed to read Blake Crouch's Dark Matter since I've started reviewing books on Goodreads—two and a half years ago. I've always been hesitant because I never pictured myself enjoying a supernatural/sci-fi thriller. I just always believed it to be a little far-fetched and out of touch with reality. When I was given the opportunity to read Blake Crouch's Recursion, I figured that it would be worth a try. I am so happy that I gave Recursion the chance that it deserves.
Recursion's synopsis is a little ambiguous, but I would urge you to not know anything more than what the publisher is leading with because it will ruin your experience with this awesome story. I actually didn't read anything about the synopsis at all. I went in totally blind, hoping that this book will live up to my expectations. Going in without any knowledge of this book's plot was really a perfect move because as the story kept developing, so did my interest. I had no idea how the plot would continue, and I loved how each moment in the story played a substantial role in how it was going to turn out for the characters. I am a really big fan of Netflix's The OA, and I think that if you enjoy that tv show, you'll be head over heels obsessed with Recursion.
Blake Crouch, you have a new fan. Now, when can I fit Dark Matter into my TBR list?! Thank you Crown Publishing Group for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. Recursion will be released on June 11, 2019 and is June's Selection for the Scared Suspense Book Club (@scaredsuspensebookclub on Instagram). Come follow us and let's get talking! ...more
The Institute has easily become my favorite Stephen King novel, ever! It may be over 500 pages, but this book reads so fast, you won't put it downThe Institute has easily become my favorite Stephen King novel, ever! It may be over 500 pages, but this book reads so fast, you won't put it down. I would say that this book is a combination of X-Men meets Stranger Things—with the literary horror writing style that you've expected to love by Stephen King. The characters were multifaceted, the story was gripping and original, and there wasn't too much exposition—we got right into the story early on. This story really will take you on an adventure that you weren't expecting, and you will definitely not expect how it turns out. The Institute will get you thinking and I see big things for this release. ...more
If you enjoy the tv channel Investigation Discovery or shows like Forensic Files, then Andrew Mayne's The Naturalist is the perfect rea3.5/5 stars
If you enjoy the tv channel Investigation Discovery or shows like Forensic Files, then Andrew Mayne's The Naturalist is the perfect read for you! It is a quick, dark read that doesn't sugar coat the plot, while not explicitly getting too grotesque. The story starts off with Dr. Theo Cray being questioned about the disappearance of one of his past students, Juniper, who police claim has a direct link to Dr. Cray. After routine questioning, police confirm Juniper's death as an accidental bear attack in the nearby woods. Dr. Cray, professor and biologist, can't leave well enough alone because if Juniper was a dedicated student of his, she would know how to react to a bear in the woods. As Dr. Cray investigates the small Montana town that he's visiting, he begins to see how a town crippled by drugs, poverty, and a lack of education can only continue on by keeping their darkest secrets hidden. Through Dr. Cray's investigation, he realizes that things aren't always what it may seem.
The Naturalist was very different read for me—it had a lot of science background in it that I was not familiar (nor really wanted to be familiar) with, while keeping me on the edge of my seat by keeping the mystery at bay. Dr. Cray was sarcastic, witty, and a profound protagonist for me. This book is approximately 400 pages, but the dialogue isn't overtly sophisticated so you can easily brush through this read quickly. The Naturalist's storyline was very original in a sense that it took key common themes (i.e.: drugs, town corruption, crime), and interweaving it into a robust plot development. I would also recommend anyone who enjoys anything by David Bell or Noah Hawley to definitely pick this one up. I immediately got Bring Her Home and Before The Fall vibes as I was trekking on with the story although neither book is similar in terms of content.
This book will not be for everyone—I'm telling you now. If you really aren't into the multifaceted world of biology, genetics, DNA, etc; this isn't the read for you. At points The Naturalist can be a little too technical and I had to catch myself from skipping through those sections. Once I was about 1/3 of the way into the story, I actually began to care more about the characters and was focused on finishing.
I was provided a copy of The Naturalist in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Wunderbooks PR, it was a pleasure....more