Reviews and Comments

What a bizarre book. The mix of tones and genres is really jarring. We have a surreal mishmash of demonic, space opera, donuts... but also abuse, transphobia, racism. It also does this strange thing, where it switches viewpoint characters multiple times a page in the middle of a conversation, that I never quite knew what to make of. Overall this book is extremely readable, it drew me in completely. I'm not entirely sure what to make of it, but I definitely enjoyed it.

I really expected more given all the enthusiasm I've heard. It's a bit of a mish-mash, some great sections, but too much going on, not that engaging characters... uh... it's pretty good, but was work to get through.

I've feel like I've heard forever about about how great this is. The first volume was fine, I guess! The foreword suggests that the first few issues are really figuring out what to be, and that series really finds its voice later. I'll read more and see how I get on. The last issue was by the most interesting, which is a good sign. (Now I just need to figure out how to find them.)

What a beautiful book. The story is so well woven, the use of journals inspiring, the setting awe inspiring...

Fun action packed story, lots happening, but also a very dark dystopia. The way tech is woven into the story is really interesting, well researched and full of accurate little details. The structure of the story is cool, with the two main focal characters in direct opposition. It creates empathy with the "villains" - who have a very weird plot.

Loved it! It took me a little longer to get into than the first, but it comes together so strongly. Sad to learn it's just a duology.

I'm a huge of fan of Becky Chamber's work, and this absolutely lives up to expectations. It's exactly what I've grown to expect and love. On one level it's got a slow and meandering pace and not a lot happens, and on another level there's so much going on. Small personal stories woven together beautifully. Characters who approach the world with love and kindness even when bad things are happening. Rich and thoughtful world building and alien cultures. This is a story about home: missing it, building it, choosing it, and not having it. I'm so sad to this series come to an end, but I'll come back to these books.

There is a huge amount going on this book, probably a bit too much. It's a wonderful story about three sisters, witchcraft, and a fight against injustice. I love the half fantasy, half real world, the snippets of re-told fairy tales, the magic. The three sisters are all great characters, with very different approaches and views on the world. On the other hand this is a big book, with a bit too much going on. There's so many side stories and characters who appear and disappear that it's kind of hard to stay engaged with it all. I think there was a desire to show all the different sides of the struggle, but it's just a bit too much for one book. This is really good, but The Ten Thousand Doors of January is better.

Full of fun maths anecdotes, simplified programming mistakes, and I learned a few things about bridges.

This starts and finishes strongly, and has some really interesting ideas and a well developed setting. I found the pacing kind of tough though, and struggled a bit through the middle of the book.