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
Jayne Cowie’s newest book ONE OF THE BOYS is the perfect combination of John Marrs meets Black Mirror. ONE OF THE BOYS is a hard book to review becausJayne Cowie’s newest book ONE OF THE BOYS is the perfect combination of John Marrs meets Black Mirror. ONE OF THE BOYS is a hard book to review because it doesn’t leave a lot in its synopsis for readers to uncover—everything is a mystery! That being said this book dives into the lives of two sisters, Antonia and Bea, two women who have children of their own—sons Jack and Simon—in an alternate reality that could easily become our own someday. In ONE OF THE BOYS, there’s a remarkable development where young men and boys can take a test to see if they have the M+ or M- gene, which is specific trait in male DNA that could possibly determine men’s propensity towards violence. After this breakthrough, the world becomes a classist system of its own—the M+ have-nots—the outsiders, lepers to society, “violent criminals”—and the M- boys and men who can enjoy a newfound privilege.
Both Antonia and Bea have two different outlooks on this discovery—one is marketing herself and profiting off this development—and one is trying to shield her son from the detriment of being possibly M+. ONE OF THE BOYS is a juicy fast-paced dystopian world that I loved to dive into. At times, the story can be a little slow moving, but ultimately one of the more fun books I’ve read this year, one of the boys is my first read by this offer and will definitely not be my last. I hope to read more books just like this one that dives into dystopia, family drama, and suspense—with a believable (although at times predictable) plot. Thank you @robyn_reads1 for recommending this to me and telling me to prioritize this one because it was a total win! ...more
For the first time ever, I'm reviewing a book and not giving a star rating. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's upcoming novel, CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS is an OrweFor the first time ever, I'm reviewing a book and not giving a star rating. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's upcoming novel, CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS is an Orwellian Hunger Games meets Squid Game. I am at a loss for words with what I just read, so I'll try to gather my thoughts as much as possible. This book takes place in a world in which America allows inmates to battle it out for a chance of freedom. The prison system in the United States has become a place for entertainment, where people become gladiators and battle to the death until their release is approved.
The story focuses mainly on Lorette Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx", who are the stars of Chain-Gang All-Stars, the most notable battlers in CAPE (Criminal Action Penal Entertainment). They are battling for a chance at freedom, with millions of viewers and packed arenas watching their lives closely. Becoming celebrities through this process, they also need to be mindful of the powers at be in CAPE. CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS is a book with many, many triggers involving racism and the effects of a capitalist government manipulating and abusing privilege. This depiction will be hard for readers and I honestly can't rate this book because it's a very painful and dark story. It's truly powerful in every rite and it is a book that every person who can handle the trauma should read. I am at a loss for words and I don't think my review will ever give this book justice. ...more
CJ Tudor is a very popular thriller author, but I have a love/hate relationship with a lot of her books. They're either just ok for me, or I love themCJ Tudor is a very popular thriller author, but I have a love/hate relationship with a lot of her books. They're either just ok for me, or I love them (The Hiding Place, which seems to be everyone's least favorite of hers, is my favorite). Her upcoming novel, THE DRIFT, is definitely one of my favorites, but it's not what you'd expect.
THE DRIFT is not a thriller, but more so a dystopian/post-apocalyptic horror novel. Taking place in a world ravaged by a deadly, highly contagious virus (cough cough), the world has been decimated and civilization is on the brink of extinction. The story focuses on three lead protagonists - Hannah, Meg, and Carter. Each of the three leads are struggling to escape certain doom (you'll find out what's going on in the story), but with this world in shambles, a virus isn't the only thing they have to worry about.
This book is kind of a mess at times, but I had so much fun. It's messy and chaotic, but a wild fast-paced ride. Is it the most exquisite piece of fiction literature ever? No. Are there some plot holes? Yes. Were there moments that didn't make sense because there needed more world building? Sure. Did I have a blast reading it? Absolutely. This is a perfect example of a bare bones locked-room mystery. I think people will either love or HATE this book, but honestly that makes the best discussions. I think CJ Tudor just sold me on reading her next book....more
John Marrs is an author that always gets readers talking and his newest book, THE MARRIAGE ACT, is no exception. This book could seriously be a sequelJohn Marrs is an author that always gets readers talking and his newest book, THE MARRIAGE ACT, is no exception. This book could seriously be a sequel to his popular novel, THE ONE, because it lives in the same "universe." This "Black Mirror" type of story takes place in modern-day UK with a right-wing government that created a new law called the Sanctity of Marriage Act, which encourages people to have a "smart marriage" that helps couples maintain relationships based on your Match (shout out to THE ONE) by setting rules in place to protect marriages and prevent divorces. It ultimately prioritizes marriages and punishes those who choose to be single.
This book follows the journey of four couples managing their lives during this totalitarian government control over their marriages. Without going into full detail, Jeffrey/Luca/Noah's POV is by far my favorite. :) This story is so entertaining and if you've enjoyed Marrs' previous works, THE ONE and THE PASSENGERS, this book is for you! The story's POVs alternate between the journeys of each couple and how they are coping with this law that dictates their marriages in both positive and negative ways. This book dives into love and marriage, conspiracies, political unrest, and power dynamics. I really enjoyed the storyline in this book and was gasping by the end. This book was a bit slower paced than I expected due to its length, and I feel that if the book was trimmed down a little bit further, this would have been a 5-star read. That being said, this book covers EVERYTHING and you'll be able to follow along if this is your first read by the author. I can't wait to read what this author has in store for us next. ...more
Horror is so hit or miss with me. I don't think I've rated a true horror novel more than 3 stars this year, but Jennifer Thorne's LUTE will definitelyHorror is so hit or miss with me. I don't think I've rated a true horror novel more than 3 stars this year, but Jennifer Thorne's LUTE will definitely entertain. This folk horror takes place on a small British Island called Lute. The inhabitants are enriched with safety and health, but every seven years requires a sacrifice. Our protagonist is in fact an American, Nina, who has moved to Lute to wed Lord Hugh Treadway. Nina's assimilation to Lute has been difficult, as the United States has allied with the wrong side of this new global war. Nina starts clashing with Lute's inhabitants during the first day of sacrifice on the island.
Lute dives into so many different themes—cultural differences, grief, family, and tradition are main themes I can immediately think about. The close-knit community grapples with death in their own unique way, and Nina's journey during these sacrifices is incredibly thought provoking. This book is a blend of horror, dystopia, fantasy, and mystery. It is slower paced than I expected this book to be, but if you liked the Final Destination series and Midsommar (not sure why I haven't seen people talk about this correlation yet), then this book is definitely perfect for Spooky Season!...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
The Violence is one of the most violent books I've ever read. Shocker, right?! Well, before we begin, the author has a note about trigger warningsThe Violence is one of the most violent books I've ever read. Shocker, right?! Well, before we begin, the author has a note about trigger warnings. Just assume literally everything violent is possible in this book. Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse are major themes in this book.
That out of the way, this book is epic and quite literally an epic metaphorically depiction of so many current issues facing our society today. The story is focused on the Martin family—Chelsea, her husband David, their two daughters Ella and Brooklyn, and Chelsea's mother Patricia. Living in Florida, news breaks out that a new post-Covid (yeah, this book has Covid topics in it) pandemic has begin to rise. Initially unsure how it begins, they are calling it the Violence—a condition where people "storm" and lose control of their consciousness and express extreme levels of violent tunnel vision towards a target. As the world is grappling in a post-Covid world, the United States is currently dealing with political ploys about how to handle this new pandemic. Chelsea knows that she has to take care of her family, no matter the cost. However, Chelsea's family is also dealing with people who may actually be more chaotic then the Violence.
I cannot believe I just read 500 pages in 24 hours. This doesn't happen much, but when it does, YOU KNOW THE BOOK IS PHEMONENAL. It reads extremely fast for all the content that this book provides. This book uses the Violence as a metaphorical representation of many different themes, but I will let you figure out how it's messaging comes across. Delilah Dawson, WOW, I think you wrote one of my favorite books of 2022! ...more
I am struggling with how to review this one because the writing and the premise of this book are good, but I didn't enjoy it? I don't know, just hear I am struggling with how to review this one because the writing and the premise of this book are good, but I didn't enjoy it? I don't know, just hear me out! I was really excited to read Jessamine Chan's debut dystopian novel, The School for Good Mothers because I was hearing that it had Handmaid's Tale vibes. In today's current political climate, these types of books are great self reflections on how we need to keep in mind what is happening in our society.
When Frida Liu leaves her daughter Harriet home while running to work, she is contacted by Child Protective Services. Frida is now at the mercy of the government after her daughter was reported to the agency due to Frida's apparent "neglect and abandonment." After being deemed unfit, Frida is being watched by the government, and soon after is enlisted into a program for mothers who need to be taught how to become better mothers. Will Frida live up to the test?
The book sounds really good, right? Well, sadly this book is extremely repetitive and slow, with only the insight from Frida, rather than any world building to how the government has become this authoritative. This book may be dystopian, but it really sounded more of a book about divorced parents. I didn't really resonate with where the book was trying to go. I wish we had more of a bird's eye view of how society was handling this type of controlled government behavior.
However, I did enjoy the social commentary about being Chinese American in Philadelphia and the struggles Frida had with her ex-husband Gust. Frida is a very strong protagonist and I felt for her throughout the book. The School for Good Mothers is dark and emotional, sad and provoking, and most importantly, ended very powerfully. The final chapters really saved this book from being a 2 star read into a 3 star read. ...more
Before I get started. To Paradise is not, and will never be, A Little Life. Do not even think to compare the two books before jumping into Hanya YBefore I get started. To Paradise is not, and will never be, A Little Life. Do not even think to compare the two books before jumping into Hanya Yanagihara's 2022 novel or you will be disappointed.
There's a new trend that I'm seeing lately—first with Anthony Doerr's Cloud Cuckoo Land and now with Hanya Yanagihara's To Paradise, where the story is an epic tale told across multiple timelines and characters, separate from each other, but providing major themes and takeaways for the reader. With To Paradise, we are given three stories, separate from each other, but provided in alternative universes from each other.
Book 1 takes place in 1893 and is ultimately my favorite section. In a world where the United States is broken into the "Free States" of the Northeast and "The Colonies" of the South, the story focuses in the North where gay and queer people are celebrated and able to marry whomever they want. We follow David Bingham and his family's legacy in the Free States. David is the only unwed Bingham out of his siblings, with his grandfather aggressively pushing for David to marry. David's dilemma in a world where marriage and love may feel free, he ultimately is given choices that say otherwise.
Book 2 takes place during the HIV crisis between a couple with a major age discrepancy. The younger partner, with a heritage and life that his partner and friends can't relate. I don't want to give up anything with this section, but I will say that this section felt most like the world in which we live in, but during the 1980s.
Book 3 is the biggest portion of the book, about half of the entire book takes place during this time. This world is in the future—their current day is 2093, with flashbacks from 50 years ago and so on. This section is a destitute place of totalitarian rule. A world in which climate change, pandemics, hunger, and the lack of freedoms have run rampant. This world is a dark perception of what may possibly come in our world's progression in time.
Without giving anything away, To Paradise is a book in which characters are hypothesized to be parts of different "universes" and in different versions of themselves with the worlds they are given. The book at times may seem like a work of fiction, but the topics in this book are very relatable (race, sexuality, family, financial security). I still am unsure quite honestly about what I read, but I read over 700 pages so I definitely think this book was ultimately a winner from me. You will not cry like you did in A Little Life, nor will you ever feel personally connected to the characters, but you will be hypnotized by Yanagihara's compelling storytelling. I did not expect this book to turn out the way it did, which is definitely a gripping way for anything I like to read. This book will have a lot of lovers and haters, and I can't wait for the conversations. ...more
This Is Not The Jess Show is an imaginative, original, fun, YA thriller. I don't think I've said so much praise about a YA title since Karen McManThis Is Not The Jess Show is an imaginative, original, fun, YA thriller. I don't think I've said so much praise about a YA title since Karen McManus' One of Us is Lying! I am truly a stickler for this genre, but when books like this come around, it proves that I shouldn't be so quick to throw in the towel.
This Is Not The Jess Show focuses on 17 year old Jess Flynn and her family—her parents, her sister Sara, and her dog. The story takes place in the 90s, which had me reminiscing about all the things I did growing up then—so much fun! The story starts off with the standard YA troupe—a teenage girl conflicted about boys, friends, school, and all the other drama we've known to come from this genre. However, as the story starts to unfold, Jess starts taking notice of some peculiarities happening around the small town. Noticeably, half the town has become sick with a mysterious flu running rampant, a weird device with an apple logo appears in someone's possession (remember, this is the 90s), and, I have to be vague with this one, people start appearing different. What is happening in this town and why is Jess so compelled to get to the bottom of it?
This Is Not The Jess Show is being called Black Mirror meets My So-Called Life, but it's so much more than just that. This story completely stumped me and had me guessing until the end. I have to be vague here, so please take my word for it and try this book out. Anna Carey, you are a twisty, twisty, writer and I love how you developed this story. I want more. I hope we can get more. When are we getting more?! I haven't seen so much world building in a YA novel in possibly ever. Go in with zero expectations of the story, because This Is Not The Jess Show is so much deeper than you will ever expect it to be....more
Fast paced and amazing setting—it mirrors how American society treated Native Americans as we began to overpopulate North America. Sadly, the executioFast paced and amazing setting—it mirrors how American society treated Native Americans as we began to overpopulate North America. Sadly, the execution of the story fell flat for me. ...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
When I stumbled across Kassandra Montag's debut novel, After the Flood, I was hesitant. I feel like 2019 is the year that killed thrillers, so autWhen I stumbled across Kassandra Montag's debut novel, After the Flood, I was hesitant. I feel like 2019 is the year that killed thrillers, so authors are branching out to other genres, and dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels are popping out all over. After being told by the lovely Chelsea that this book is unputdownable, I decided to give it a go. Folks, she has never been more right in her life. Montag's debut novel is dripping with action, but it's also a beautifully tragic character study about peoples' will to survive after a chaotic natural disaster.
With the Amazon Rainforest currently burning up in flames, it's no shocker to anyone that climate change is very real. Without diving too much into the past of how and why, After the Flood takes place in the future where a majority of the world is now decimated by intense water level rising. With only the highest points of mountains left as fertile and inhabitable land, many survivors live on boats or ships, trying to survive with the basic necessities. With all dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels, this new world is far from perfect, with crime and corruption running rampant. Our main character, Myra tries to take care of her young daughter Pearl, while also providing a life where the two can not just survive, but try to flourish. Years back, her husband and oldest daughter were taken from her and she's still not ready to give up the search. When she gets information about the possible whereabouts of her family, Myra will stop at nothing to find them. Will this new world allow Myra to reunite with her family or does she have to give up hope and just accept this reality?
After the Flood is the best dystopian/post-apocalyptic novel that I've ever read. There I said it. It's heartbreaking, real, dark, and truly mesmerizing. It's over 400 pages and I finished the entire book in less than 24 hours because I just couldn't put it down! If there's one book that I could tell you to put on your radar this fall, it's After the Flood. I can totally see this becoming a Netflix film and I see big things coming for Kassandra Montag!...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
Go into this book blind—you'll enjoy this book so much more if you start reading it with no expectations. My review will be short, but I appreciated tGo into this book blind—you'll enjoy this book so much more if you start reading it with no expectations. My review will be short, but I appreciated the feminism and female empowerment themes sprinkled throughout this book. While the writing didn't necessarily grip me too much, I felt that the storyline was unique, fun, and important. I see big things for The Grace Year when it's published this September. ...more
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