naivette

[This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/adafb46d-44b7-48bf-a8d3-d6869e586526)

4.0/10 ★

This book is a neat concept with an interesting twist, but I just couldn't enjoy it due to how flowery the prose was. I didn't find the main romance all that engaging either.

[Cage of Souls by Adrian Tchaikovsky](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/bdf34ea6-e92a-462d-b2f9-b29f4f093c15)

8.0/10 ★

I went into this book expecting a deep dive of the scientific decay in post-apocalyptic humanity, but because the main character is a social science guy, it is shown from his perspective and viewpoint.

It's a memoir written from the main character, Stefan's perspective, and the there are several flashbacks to previous points in his life.

I found the prison/current story line to be the most gripping part of the story.

Spoiler

Also, the fact that the end game is Peter/Keira/Stefan is pretty great. I shipped these three quite a bit, hopefully they find some kind of happiness at the end of the world.

Lots of interesting characters and concepts that don't exactly mesh together, but it's a fun ride.

[What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/ff334185-6b2c-493f-ae29-052563a1da23)

8.0/10 ★

This is an anthology of five people and their experiences overcoming mundane struggles that anyone might experience, with the help of a shrewd librarian and her book recommendations.

Each story was relatable and sincere. This was quite the relaxing read.

[The Martian by Andy Weir](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/499a396b-def6-4d2f-9f30-dcf37af4f085)

8.0/10 ★

I watched the movie first, and then read the book in quick succession. Overall, it was an engaging read. Despite the dire circumstances, Mark Watney's sense of humor carries the book pretty far. Also, even though it was science fiction, it pretty much read like a nonfiction survival story.

Spoilers

I'm surprised the movie cut out the actual journey to the MAV at Ares 4 and the dust storm, it was the most tense part of the book. Also I liked how the book ended with Beck dragging his body in and taking him straight to the medbay.

These seem like interesting books! Time War being flowery though, wonder how the internet was able to read it then (rimshot before actually being shot xD)

To add to "one day I'll read these" pile o7

[Hyperion by Dan Simmons](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/9d0ad29a-75c3-453a-abaf-3eb38a787e29)

6.0/10 ⭐

The best story is the first one (Priest's). I also liked the Brawne Lamia's story.

The book's plot is incomplete without the sequel, so make of that what you will. I thought many of the character stories were much more long winded and dragged out than they needed to be.

[Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/661cc464-278f-4978-a13b-05c0ae71dfea)

8.5/10 ⭐

Pretty much read this as fast as I could, I was hooked the entire time!

It follows the same formula as the Martian, and adds a twist (a new character), so there are two leads that play off of each other.

Spoiler

I hope the Eridians and Earthlings make peaceful contact one day 🥹

[Piranesi by Susanna Clarke](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/92e5cc82-4191-447a-9089-d7470268067e)

7.0/10⭐

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book.

I think this book is well written, but I just didn't like it.

Spoiler

I feel bad for the main character, and everything taken from him.

[The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/3944c136-f1de-4b95-8257-3bbedf3bed18)

5/10 ⭐

This book was alright.

I was expecting more from the romance angle, honestly the story just reaches a random point and then the "romance" switch gets turned on for the FMC and male lead. Even then, barely anything happens. The book is too short to address both the plot and allow time for the romance to develop, so it's 95% plot (which was enough to keep me reading). It's a singular setting that focuses on very few characters.

The world building was more interesting than the actual plot. I don't think I'll read another one of this author's books though

[Chess With A Dragon by David Gerrold](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/8378a6b8-77f9-48e9-842a-f4471720b353)

8.0/10 ⭐

This book has a similar kind of humor to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, only less absurd.

This author wrote the "Trouble with Tribbles" Star Trek episode and I can definitely tell! The story was fast paced and entertaining. I'm definitely going to read more stuff from this author.

[Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/4c5c96b1-4818-4b4b-a899-c7e6557b9863)

7.5/10 ⭐

I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did! Lots of political intrigue and plot to keep you engaged. The sexual aspects alluded to weren't anything worse than the Game of Thrones show, so it was easy for me to look past it. But I can see why some people wouldn't be able to stomach it.

[Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/76aebace-0808-4331-8882-dc2516927c7c)

7.5/10 ⭐

The only other Tchaikovsky book I've read so far is Cage of Souls, and this honestly feels like a redux of some of the elements that didn't get a chance to play out much in that book. It definitely feels related, these two books are sisters.

Spoiler

For example, people banding together to solve a problem (overthrowing the government), and the development of what I'll call the Morphogenetic field (courtesy of the excellent Zero Escape series). These elements couldn't be explored in Cage of Souls as much due to the fact that most everyone disappears.

While I think I still liked Cage of Souls better, this was a shorter and more focused book, which I'm grateful for. Interesting ideas, as always.

[Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/bfe41d38-68d8-4433-8121-68c371137be8)

7.0/10 ⭐

I liked seeing the different writing styles between the two MC povs.

Spoilers

I understand why we don't get a definitive answer as to what the demon actually is, or what happened to the rest of humanity. But I still wanted to know!

The scene with the parallel speech was really cool.

[Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/a136974a-c4d5-4978-ab7c-d6f6b2581e81)

7.5/10 ⭐

I enjoyed Iron Widow for how fresh and raw it felt as a narrative, though the first book was paced at breakneck speed.

It feels like this book is a response to that first one in so many ways. I enjoyed the slower political machinations and plot twists in this one. I liked all the new characters that are introduced and the increased scope of the world-building. Thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book!

[Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/962969a9-09f3-49a5-8a3f-d2e643f459a0)

8.0 / 10 ⭐

It was such a mistake to start this book in the evening! What I intended to be quick reading session turned into a binge as I read into the late hours.

I had such a good time reading this book!! I love a good odd couple style pairing, and this was so sweet and subtle with how their relationship progressed. The setting was also interesting, separating sorcerers into two categories: scrivers (who write the spells) and casters (who actually cast/use them). It felt fresh and well thought out!

Spoilers

We didn't get a conclusive ending in terms of the relationship, but I'm excited for the next book! I love that this book really took it's time to setup the main duo, and Leo STILL doesn't know that Grimm likes him too. 🤭 I don't think Grimm used that feather at ALL to break the spell, he just fell in love!

This was a surprise hit for me, and I'm dying for the next book. It was a cute M/M cozy fantasy with a slow burn romance, with a well executed plot and nice world-building.

[The Expert System's Brother by Adrian Tchaikovsky](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/1abb62e2-bb28-4943-b291-acb94da1fd8f)

6.5/10 ⭐


This book explored the "ancient advanced civilization" trope like Elder Race, but focused in on how the changes made for humanity to thrive were in fact the only way they could survive.

One of the themes of this story was how easy it is to radicalize people who are outcast from society for one reason or another. I think in today's society, understanding how this works is even more important.

It tackled quite a bit in such a short story, and I think this book did a good job of balancing its ideas.

I did end up liking Elder Race better, hence the rating. I'm still planning on reading the second book in this series though, so maybe that will affect my impression afterwards.

[The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang](https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/d829cb19-071f-4435-b614-c1469f2ff5cb)

7/10 ⭐

It was a nice quick read and a sweet story.

If you want more of the same, check out Princess Jellyfish by Akiko Higashimura. It has the same concept, but set in the modern day.