Columbus Day (Expeditionary Force, #1) by Craig Alanson * * *

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Columbus Day by Craig Alanson is a sci-fi novel that explores a sudden alien invasion and the subsequent alliance between humans and aliens. While the concept is intriguing, my feelings about the book are mixed.

The story revolves around an unexpected alien invasion and humanity's efforts to ally with the aliens. This premise, as revealed in the book's synopsis, initially drew me in. However, certain parts, especially the detailed military descriptions, felt tedious and detracted from my overall enjoyment. These sections about procedures and preparations were uninteresting to me, perhaps because I don't have a particular interest in military topics.

The characters are where I have the most mixed feelings. The protagonist, Joe, is an average American with a strong moral compass but otherwise quite ordinary. His nonchalant attitude towards many situations felt off and difficult to relate to. Additionally, there's a character named Skippy who, while a significant twist, seemed to simplify the plot too much, feeling like a "get out of jail free" card. The side characters were underdeveloped and didn't contribute much to the story, making it hard to be invested in them.

The action scenes were well written and easy to follow, which I appreciated. However, the military descriptions were exhaustive and led me to skip several parts. The book's tone felt very "male," with a cocky attitude towards the events and situations. This might appeal to some readers, but it felt out of place to me.

This book was recommended to me as being similar to the Murderbot series, but I found them quite different. While both are sci-fi, the Murderbot series delves into what it means to be a sentient being and is packed with action. In contrast, this book is slower-paced, with sporadic action scenes and little philosophical depth. It also includes numerous pop culture references, which I found distracting and unenjoyable.

Overall, Columbus Day has an interesting concept, but the execution left much to be desired. The characters felt like archetypes or empty shells, and the writing style did not engage me as much as I had hoped. I recommend this book mainly for readers who enjoy military sci-fi and don't mind a cocky tone. However, if you're seeking something akin to the Murderbot series, you might want to look elsewhere.

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Newcomer by Keigo Higashino * * * * *

In "Newcomer" by Keigo Higashino, I found myself immersed in a captivating blend of mystery and family dynamics. This isn't your typical detective story—it's a masterfully crafted collection of interconnected tales intricately woven into a larger narrative. The brilliance lies in how Higashino seamlessly integrates small mysteries within the broader context, creating a rich tapestry of characters and relationships.

What sets "Newcomer" apart is the emphasis on family. The characters grapple with familial complexities, and Detective Kaga's keen observations shed light on the profound search for family connections. There are no great scandals in this story, just very real relationships between people and family members. The novel is not just a whodunit but a reflective exploration of human bonds.

The main mystery gradually unfolds and gains focus in the narrative, with the final solution slowly coming into focus. The last chapter gives a satisfying conclusion to not just the main story but also wraps up some of the minor tales. However, that is not what remains in the reader's mind. "Newcomer" leaves you not just satisfied with solving a mystery but contemplating the intricate dance of family relationships.

In conclusion, "Newcomer" is a must-read for those who appreciate detective stories with a touch of the unconventional. The small interconnected stories within the larger plot make for a rich and fulfilling reading experience, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the Kaga detective series.

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Malice by Keigo Higashino * * * * *

"Malice" by Keigo Higashino takes readers on a captivating journey through the intricate web of a murder mystery, offering a fresh perspective for those diving into Japanese mysteries for the first time. The author's simplistic writing style, devoid of unnecessary embellishments, becomes a strength, catering to readers with a preference for concise narratives, making it an ideal fit for my ADHD mind.

The brisk pace of the narrative ensures that there is never a dull moment. From the outset, we are introduced to the mind of Nonoguchi, skillfully setting the stage for the unfolding drama. Detective Kaga's perspective adds to Nonoguchi's account and provides a different perspective on events. Eventually, Kaga's narrative dominates the story, however, to expand on that would contain spoilers.

What sets "Malice" apart is its ability to defy expectations. Approximately a quarter into the story, I encountered a twist that blindsided me. As someone who typically predicts plot developments, this unexpected turn added an exhilarating element to the reading experience. The novel delves into the psychology of murder, challenging the conventional focus on 'whodunnit.' For readers seeking a departure from the routine detective stories, "Malice" offers a refreshing alternative.

Keigo Higashino's skilful storytelling and narrative twists make this a standout read. "Malice" is not just a mystery; it's a psychological exploration that leaves a lasting impression. As the layers of the story unfold, revealing the real motive behind the heinous act, you find yourself truly understanding the title of the book. That is when you grasp the profound depth of this compelling narrative.

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A Door in the Dark by Scott Reintgen * * * *

I finally enjoyed a book! I've been in quite the slump lately, DNFing books, dragging my heels reading a book. This one I started reading on the bus. Not a lot of time to read when you have a newborn and an online university. This book dragged me in and wouldn't let go. I stole a minute here, an hour there. I read while feeding my son, preparing formula...

So what got me so hooked? This story isn't too complex. It's about a girl who's attending an elite university on a scholarship. Yes, there's magic, but you won't see spells flying around on campus, nor a Potions class. Magic here costs and the funds are limited. That's something I found unique about the magic system. Every spell costs a kind of money and how much you have a month depends on your worth. A division between rich and poor even in that. That's one of the themes of the story.

Ren, our heroine, can be a bit of a cliché. She's poor, dead father; because we can't have a protagonist without a dead parent, depressed mother. She's also top of her class, okay, 5th, and a know-it-all. However, she doesn't just know things, she can build on them with a mind of a chess player. Magic here isn't just waving a wand, it's complex, layered; takes a real effort. And she's very good at it. Or does she just think she is?

The story itself is simple. You can read it in the synopsis. 6 young people get lost in the woods and need to make it home. However, the journey was full of twists and turns that kept me turning the page.

I liked the prose. I liked that it was simple, to the point and without too many frills. I like it that way. I can see the scene, know what everyone is doing, and not get lost in mildew glistening off a blade of grass. It was fast-paced, a fast read.

I recommend it to people who want to have fun while they read and not overcomplicate things.

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Forbidden Healing by Rachael Watson * * * *

I debated if I should give it 5 stars, but in the end it was more like a 4. I did really enjoy the book, it just wasn't perfect.

The world itself is interesting. You get the sense right from the beginning that all is not right with the picture portrayed by the dominant people, and that only becomes more obvious as things progress. What I found really interesting about the world was the description of fanatism and religious brainwashing, which are in interest of mine. The world itself is pretty small. We learn about two cities and the path between them, and not really a lot about anything else. It does keep thing streamlined and leave space for further exploration.

There are two POV characters, Kyla and Marlowe. They're very different people, and not just because one is a guy and the other one is a woman. Their narrative voice is different too, so that was well done. I found Kyla's story a bit more interesting in this book, but things were just amping up for Marlowe at the end, so this will probably be a bit different. I think we do get more chapters with Kyla, so that was actually a good thing, since not a lot happened to Marlowe.

Now let's talk about the story. The story itself is rather simple. There is a hint of something more complex going on in the background, but this isn't a very long book. So this portion of the story is mostly straight-forward. There is a lot of foreshadowing for future books. I don't want to spoil anything, but it is farely obvious that by the end of the book the two main characters meet. As for predictability, I did guess a lot, though nothing totally specific. So it was still enjoyable.

Overall, a grea start, but it definitely feels like a start. I'm so glad all three books are out now, because I'm going to gobble these up.

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The Tethered Mage by Melissa Caruso * * * *

This is the first book I managed to get to the end of in a while. I’ve been in quite the funk. This novel is not perfect, but it kept me reading, so that’s a gold star.

This book is about two young women caught up in the intrigues and mysteries of a fantasy version of 16th century Italy.

The magic I really liked. Basically, there are people who as kids have these “mage marks” in their eyes, which is like central heterochromia. That is when around the pupil you have a ring of different colour. I actually have this. Why I hate surveys with eye colour. So I guess I’d be a mage in this world. Mages can have active powers like being able to command elements, or make plants grow, and then there are kind of scientists that can mix magic with machines, and people who make potions. So according to the author the basis of the story is this magic system, since obviously these powers manifest in little kids, and what do you do with them? Raverra – Venice – decided to bind their magic and make them live on an island with people they’re bound to. Their families can come too. Of course this situation may be good for some people, maybe not. If you’re a poor washerwoman and your kid is a mage, jackpot! You move into the fortress and you’ll never have money problems, your kid will have a job. For other people this may not be such a good thing. Especially because Raverra is in control of a whole Empire and everyone in the Empire has to take their kids to this one island in a foreign city. Yeah, major conflict.

So that’s pretty much the set-up. Now for the characters. They’re all pretty good and distinguishable. No one annoyed me too much. I DNF-ed a lot of books recently, because the lead just made me want to do stuff to her… and none of them good.

The story itself had a mystery, politics and romance. I really enjoyed the mystery, even though I figured it out before the reveal, and the politics was smartly written. The problem I had was with the romance. I know that’s kind of mandatory in most books, but I could have done without. Partly I wasn’t that well-written, the weakest part of the story, and it was kind of insta-love. Luckily it’s not that dominant in the story. In a way that part felt to me like the writer had as much enthusiasm for it as I do. Like someone said “you have to have a romance”. The writing itself is pretty good, though sometimes a bit lacking in details. I don’t mind much, because my ADHD brain can’t do long dress descriptions, but I felt like I was doing a lot of filling in. I felt it got better towards the end, so perhaps that evolved as the story went along.

I also have to make a note on the corset thing. Again, we have another story where whenever the heroine puts on a corset, she’s gasping and can’t breathe or eat. Please watch videos on YouTube from experts on this. This is totally a modern idea of corsets facilitated by several people in history. People who are experts on corsets, who made corsets and worn them can testify that the myth is untrue. Modern spandex is worse. Not that I ever wear them.

Overall, I’m going to go on with the series. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to people who like a fantasy story with strong female characters that are actually powerful.

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In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant * * *

This book was a disappointment. It started out great. Exciting. However, I was eventually let down. It was like sex without orgasm, which for a book about a courtesan is ironic.

The story isn't really about the courtesan. I think that's where I was first disappointed. I was promised a courtesan. I expected sex. A story of a woman selling her body but making it look like art. It was written by a woman! Instead, I got the narrative of a cynical imp. It wasn't so bad. He was funny at times, and saw the world around him for what it was. But it wasn't what I was promised! Funny thing, the Hungarian title is much better. It's "The Courtesan and the Dwarf”. Much more fitting.

The narration was mostly good. The author presented me with a lot of historical details. The streets and settings came alive. However, it did sometimes ramble on, freezing the story too long for thoughts and descriptions. If I wasn't listening to an audiobook, I would have skipped a lot. The reason why these weren't edited out was probably that the book would have been too short.

Which brings me to the main problem of this book, and which upon completion annoyed me the most. The story was too simple. I write spoiler free reviews, but if I were to write down the story, it wouldn't be more than 5 sentences. Everything is resolved far too quickly and easily. There are bits of excitement, but blink, and you'll miss them. The author is far too preoccupied with the setting, the philosophy, and the men in the book, to really give us a story. In fact, if you think by the title that the main focus of the story was going to be women, you will be sorely disappointed. The main focus is actually men. I've probably never heard the word "cock" so much in my life listening to the audiobook.

The greatest disappointment to me about this book was that I wanted to like it. I actually did like most of it, but I would have liked it more, had it delivered on the premise. While the history was great, the story itself didn't draw me in. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen. Even the revelation at the end didn't make me gasp in surprise.

Overall, I feel sad about this book. It had such potential to be great. The story just wasn't there. I do recommend it to people who want to learn more about Venice in the Renessaince period. The depiction of streets and customs was meticulous. However, you can't be bothered by a shallow story and the words “cock” and “fuck”, because they appear frequently.

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Ruthless: Scientology, My Son David Miscavige, and Me by Ron Miscavige * * *

Ruthless is about Dave Miscavige, as seen through the eyes of his dad. In some ways it’s an interesting book. It’s not solely about Dave, as Ron calls him. It’s actually about a couple of things.

First of all, it’s about Ron himself. You do have to understand where he comes from, to understand his parenting, and his marriage. His first marriage was a tumultuous one. They fought a lot, and sometimes it turned violent. From his description it was the fault of both of them, but he does point out that maybe he saw it wrong. His wife, Loretta, died some years ago. I do applaud that he says that, because it could be easy to blame it on her, maybe her Italian temper, or that she wanted a kind of a man that he just wasn’t. However, he came from a place and an era when people often didn’t have the tools to resolve their marital problems. It’s partly in an effort to find a better way to communicate with his wife that he got into Scientology.

Another aspect of this story is what Scientology used to be like. It doesn’t sound all that bad. LRH, while in many ways a conman, seemed to be actually building something that may not have been completely what he said it was, did have positive aspects. Strangely, in all the talk about Scientology, there is no mention of Xenu, thetans, or anything like that. Ron seems to be more interested in the communication and self-help aspect of Scientology. He does admit that most of it was really pencilled together from earlier sources and sold as LRH’s own ideas. I do see the draw though. He also writes about how Scientology changed after LRH died and Dave took over. Dave only seems to treat the whole organisation as something to serve him in the moment. His own little kingdom to rule, with no regard to the future.

The third subject is Dave. What he was like as a kid, and that he’s really a sociopath. Which is not that much of a surprise. As a kid he had much of the classical signs. A bully, but also charming, and demanding attention. He did leave home right after his 16th birthday to join the Sea Org. While this could be a sign that he just wanted to get away from his parents fighting, the fights didn’t make him what he is. On the one hand, Ron swears that the violence was only between the adults. Also, the positive aspects of Scientology should have taught him better techniques to communicate with people. The real reason that Dave is so violent and awful, is because that’s just the way he is. From every description, it’s apparent that he completely lacks empathy. He can mimic normal people, pretend to be nice and sweet, but that’s exactly what sociopaths are like. Once you get near them, once they have power over you, they can stop pretending.

While I wish there had been more details in the book, I did enjoy it. Ron’s writing is easy, quite enjoyable. He paints colourful pictures of places and people, while being down-to-earth and no frills.

Overall, it’s a good little book. While it does feel a bit less about Dave, and more about Ron, the person who just wants to know more about Scientology will be satisfied. Is it a complete study of Dave? No. Ron seems like the old-fashioned father, who was mostly focused on bringing home the bacon, teaching his kids to ride a bike, than the day-to-day of parenting. He never seemed to have too deep a connection with his son, which is normal for his generation. However, while this book may not be exactly as promised, it’s worth reading. I did it in a day.

The Kingdom of Gods (Inheritance Trilogy #3) by N.K. Jemisin * *

I really wanted to like this book, but it was a major disappointment. Let me tell you why.

The setting is the same as the previous books, mostly taking place in the capital city. The difference is that in this case the main character isn’t a mortal, but actually one of the godlings, Sieh. He is the oldest and the first. I was actually excited to read from his point of view, because I liked him a lot in the first book.

It’s hard to talk about this book without spoiling the major plot point, but I’ll try. He meets two children by chance, a brother and sister, both Arameri. He meets them several times, at a few points in their lives, until an incident happens that changes his life forever. Now, you may think this is a start of a great adventure of self-discovery. Herein lies my problem with the story.

Things do happen. Here and there. In between those sporadic events though are lots and lots and lots and … did I mention … a lot of thinking. And talking. Then more thinking and talking. Then an event, and then some more thinking and talking. It’s mostly philosophical contemplation on gods, eternity, and probably a whole lot of things I don’t remember, because I was so bored I couldn’t pay attention to it. I’m not a big fan of philosophy, frankly. I took two classes at university, and I almost failed both of them because I completely misunderstood most of the material.

The first book had a good amount of action, and some thinking. The next book had more thinking, less action, and while I found it hard to get through sometimes, I managed. This, I couldn’t. I was at 60%, and I just couldn’t go on. I turned to the ending, read it, and I’m finally done with it. They did mention some interesting events that I didn’t read about, but frankly, I don’t feel like digging through all that thinking just to get to the more interesting bits.

There lies the problem, well, at least, for people like me. The world is interesting, but it feels like the author fell in love with it too much. They contemplated all these things while writing the book, and just had to put all of their thoughts on it into it. Some of the ideas are interesting, sort of, to a point. However, often the same subject is mulled over ad nauseam. I didn’t set out to read a philosophy book, and frankly, I felt cheated. What I wanted to read was an exciting adventure with colourful characters that were modern and with a wide range of personalities, sexualities and backgrounds. Also, some contemplation. Similar to the previous books. That’s not what this is. Seriously, if 1/3 of the book was taken out, it would be much easier to read.

I usually tell you about the characters in my review. In the 60% I read it was mostly about Sieh. While he was colourful and interesting before, in this book he was mostly annoying. Moaning about his lot in life, things he couldn't do, ... Not his usually bright self.

Overall, if you are the kind of person who reads non-fiction books mostly on philosophy, you’ll like the book. If you’re not, then you’ll probably have a hard time getting through this one, and frankly, the ending wasn’t that cathartic. It was an okay ending, but didn’t give me a thrill. It’s sad, because I really enjoyed the first book, and I wanted it to be one of the best trilogies ever. It just made me feel disappointed.

I also know that this review is not up to my usual standard, but I don't have much to say about the actual content of this book. I could never remember much of things that didn't interest me, and most of this book falls under that category.

The Broken Kingdoms (The Inheritance Trilogy, #2) by N.K. Jemisin * * * *

First of all, having read the book, I still don’t really get the title. I mean, if the title has the word “kingdoms” in it, you expect intrigue, politics, conflict, that sort of thing. I’m trying to decipher a hidden meaning, and at the edge of my thoughts there is something that I cannot grasp, but it eludes me. No wonder I had a hard time even remembering the title.

This, however, didn’t mean that the book was bad, it just means that I think the title was a poor choice. I actually enjoyed this book, though perhaps not as much as the first one. The reason for it was the ending. It almost seemed like it had this steady pacing up until a point, when the author realised she was coming up on her word limit, and suddenly tied everything up into this neat little bow. It felt off, but you’ll have to read it to understand it. It was an okay ending, but it was still weird.

Now onto the story itself. This is a sequel of a kind. You still get some of the original characters, but they are mostly on the sidelines, except for one surprising figure. First of all, it’s set 10 years from the events of the last book. This is the story of a young woman, Oree. I’m not giving away too much in that she’s blind. She moves to Sky, which is now called Shadow, where a lot has changed. As she tries to live an unremarkable life, she gets swept up in events that are far beyond her. In fact, for the most part, she is completely overwhelmed by them.

This story was interesting in a couple of ways. One, I’ve never read a book where the main character was blind. Normally I stay away from books set in real life that have disabled people in them. This is due to a family history that I don’t want to go into, but there are painful memories. In this story, as it was set in a fictional universe, the issue of being blind was quite different from the usual, and therefore I could gain enough distance for it to not bother me. I also thought it was handled well, with the disability giving her limitations, but not completely crippling her.

I also found that the story had enough twists that it could surprise me. While it had a similar mystery element like the first one, that was quickly solved and became part of a more overarching problem. This problem tied neatly into an aspect of the universe that was revealed in the previous book.

The main character, through whose “eyes” we see the story was okay. I didn’t really find myself connecting to her as much as I did the previous woman’s. Oree didn’t feel as complex to me as Yeine did, nor as interesting. I still wanted to know what would happen to her, but I did manage to put this book down for several days, while the previous one I ate up like a hungry wolf. She didn’t feel as strong, nor as clever as Yeine. She was a lot simpler, and a lot more content to just stay alive.

Overall, it was a good book, and a good second part. It’s clearly meant to tie into the more overarching story of the Three, and I’m sure the character introduced at the end will have a role in the next book. Still, it lacked a certain feeling that the first book had. It didn’t give you that sense of urgency, of grandness. That, perhaps is why most of all the word “kingdom” bothers me in the title.