Retro Review: Sleeping Giants (Themis Files #1)

When I started this blog, I had been posting reviews on Goodreads for about 6 months. In the interest of having all of my book writing in one place, I will post one of these old reviews every Friday. They weren't written with a blog in mind, so please forgive the lack of summary and off-the-cuff tone.

3 stars. I suppose it's nothing I haven't seen before (epistolary sci-fi is weirdly popular these days), but I really enjoyed Sleeping Giants. This could have been a philosophical tome about humanity's place in the universe, but it turned out to be a quick read with simple characters and a fast-moving plot.

I got vibes: Battlestar Galactica vibes, Transformers vibes, and Illuminae Files vibes, which I didn't hate, but they definitely lessened any sense of originality, subject matter-wise.

There's something really fun about the way the chips fall into place here, though. The fast pacing was really appealing - normally I'd complain about the spotty character development but I found myself racing to the end because reading about an alien technology robot weapon is so cool. And surprisingly thought-provoking.

Points for making a predictable ending super entertaining. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

Sleeping Giants on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children #2)

4 stars. I was pretty excited about Every Heart a Doorway - I loved the world, the writing and the essence of sheer possibility emanating from the pages - and hoped for the same in its sequel. And it definitely delivered - thought not how I expected.

Instead of returning to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, we get a backstory: Jack and Jill's, to be specific, and their journey to and from the Moors. We meet the Master (Jill's creepy vampire) and Dr. Bleak (Jack's steadfast scientific guardian) and we learn how the twins were shaped leading up to the events of the first book. 

It's a quick read and McGuire's atmospheric, playful writing shines once again. But I have to admit I was disappointed, only because I wanted more out of the story - I wanted to visit more worlds and encounter more backstories and linger with the idea of doorways. There's a lot to enjoy, though, here. 

I truly admire McGuire's ability to put some sorely-needed emphasis on identity acceptance in her writing. I have to admit I thought she got a little heavy-handed in the first half of this book - it's like she prioritized her need to send a message over her need to incorporate it into the story successfully or smoothly. But what a message! As soon as any complaint crossed my mind I was hit with a strong premonition that I would refer to the preachy parts one day when I'm raising children of my own.

So, not what was I expecting, but magical nonetheless.

Down Among the Sticks and Bones on: Amazon | Goodreads

Review: The City of Brass (The Daevabad Trilogy #1)

4 stars. A young Egyptian thief with emerging special powers accidentally calls a warrior to her side - a warrior who belongs to a species only remembered in ancient myths and stories. As she tries to wrap her head around why / how / who she really is, and embarks on a journey to her homeland, a young and well-intentioned prince in a brass city learns how cruel and complicated the world - all worlds - can be. Both become wrapped up in a dangerous political game full of mayhem, magic and monsters.

This was wonderful, full of colors and impressive creative elements. Bear in mind - the world is complicated and the terminology takes some getting used to. But the twists and turns are totally worth it. It's WAY too great to be a debut and I'm happy to say that I learned from it.

Along those lines - this book's exploration of big themes (themes like racism, sexism, tradition, religious conflict, power, loyalty, etc.) is not subtle. It doesn't come across as preachy, thank goodness, but a lot of things happen - a lot of characters interact a certain way, or behave a certain way - simply because of social tradition or because it's expected and what people are used to. Two species hate each other because they are "ancestral enemies;" protocol is followed because "that's the way we do things;" references to ignorant prejudice, racial slurs and social injustice abound. 

It's not subtle, as I said, but it is done carefully so that - essentially - everyone has a point, or a motivation, or a reason. That doesn't make it okay, but it makes a powerful statement about the complexities of a connected world.

If I had one complaint, it would be that the author takes us deep into Trope Town almost immediately. I was delighted by the complexity of the protagonist, the deeply detailed setting, and yes, I was delighted by the zombies and flaming swords, but I rolled my eyes at the instant undercurrent of romance. Can we not, for once? In a book full of such sophisticated writing / world-building, it stood out like an extra amateur sore thumb.

But people should read this, because it represents the unrepresented. It illustrates places and ideas rarely illustrated in mainstream literature. It depicts these places and ideas and people with a deft and reverent touch. It cinematically illuminates a rich and colorful and exotic world. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to sink into the second one.

The City of Brass on: Amazon | Goodreads

Retro Review: Vicious

When I started this blog, I had been posting reviews on Goodreads for about 6 months. In the interest of having all of my book writing in one place, I will post one of these old reviews every Friday. They weren't written with a blog in mind, so please forgive the lack of summary and off-the-cuff tone.

4 stars. I’m officially a Schwab superfan. This book is fun, carefully crafted and surprisingly deep - three features I’ve come to expect from such a talented author. I was completely absorbed by the simple plot and delicious characters and wanted to revel in how … unsloppy it was. Is that weird? The writing is thorough, graceful and tidy. It sparkles and shines.

For a book that examines such huge moral quandaries, it’s also extremely entertaining. And unpredictable. Somehow Schwab incorporates elements that would normally get a “well, that’s convenient” reaction and makes them feel fresh and somehow perfect. Sharp twists keep things interesting and it’s just full of fantastic characters that are too smart for their own good. I’m in awe. Highly recommend. I want more!

Vicious on: Amazon | Goodreads