To be blunt, I’m not a big reader of short story collections. It’s something that has been a sore spot in my reading history, and something I’ve wanted to amend—at some point. Maybe it’s just that I haven’t found the right collection, or there’s a part of me that connects much more deeply with a novel. But, when I was presented with the opportunity to read and review Janelle Monáe’s new sci-fi collection, The Memory Librarian and Other Stories of Dirty Computer, I was able to slip past whatever mental hurdle I had and dove right in. As a fan of Monáe’s music and amazing concept albums, it came as no surprise that the world and atmosphere of these five stories (which are actually more like novelette length) bleed off the page. While not all of the stories succeed, the interconnected nature of this rich world and its poignant themes makes this collection a worthwhile investment.
Reviews
GUEST REVIEW FEATURING ANAMAURIN CONLEY: Pacey Packer Unicorn Tracker (Book 1) by J.C. Phillipps
Synopsis Introducing a brand-new middle-grade graphic novel series with attitude that’s just right for fans of Babymouse and Real Friends, and for anyone who loves—or hates!—unicorns! Pacey’s little sister, Mina, has always said her stuffed unicorn, Slasher, is real—but seriously? He’s a stuffed toy! Then again, he does seem to be leading Mina outside her […]
Review: Gallant by V.E. Schwab
I make no secret of the fact that V.E. Schwab is one of my favourite authors, and one of my auto-buy authors. I’d had Gallant on pre-order for a long time and couldn’t wait for it’s release.
I feel like recently Schwab’s writing has become more dream-like and whimsical than some of her earlier books. Gallant is no different. Alongside the illustrations and not-quite tangible elements to the plot Gallant turns into a haunting exploration of a family and their secrets. There isn’t a crazy huge plot and actually its far more of a character-based story that has some more intense moments.
Book Tour/Review: Duckett & Dyer: Dicks for Hire by G. M. Nair
Duckett and Dyer: Dicks for Hire is great, interdimensional fun … wait, interdimensional? Yes, and they’re amateur detectives. This is a great, quick read for anyone who loves books like the Stranger Times series and Rivers of London – both of those being series I enjoy so I immediately felt comfortable, cozy reading this book. The characters are real, flawed and the plot entertaining.
Book Review/Tour: Duckett & Dyer: Dicks for Hire by G.M. Nair
Synopsis Michael Duckett is fed up with his life. His job is a drag, and his roommate and best friend of fifteen years, Stephanie Dyer, is only making him more anxious with her lazy irresponsibility. Things continue to escalate when they face the threat of imminent eviction from their palatial 5th floor walk-up and find […]
Review: The Hunger of the Gods (The Bloodsworn Trilogy #2) by John Gwynne
The Hunger of the Gods is the second in John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn Trilogy, and one of the most anticipated fantasy releases of 2022. I loved the first book, as well (read my of The Shadow of the Gods), so I was looking forward to reading this one, as well. Let there be no doubt – it did not disappoint.
The Wolf Den (Wolf Den Trilogy #1) by Elodie Harper
A gorgeously written historical fiction novel set in a Pompeii brothel, following the life of a cunning and daring enslaved woman named Amara. Enlightening, engaging, and harrowing.
Book Tour and Review: Duckett & Dyer: Dicks for Hire by G.M. Nair
Hello and welcome to my (second) stop on on the Escapist Book Tours book tour for Duckett & Dyer: Dicks For Hire by G.M. Nair! I’ve already kicked off the tour by sharing a spotlight and mini-review over on my IG account, but I wanted to follow that up with a full review of this excellent novel!
Book Tour and Review: Memories of Blood and Shadow (Book 1) by Aaron S. Jones
Synopsis Guilt cuts sharper than the deadliest of blades. Tavar Farwan lives alone past the Undying Sands. During a violent storm, he is attacked by two young warriors claiming a need for vengeance for pain from ages past. Tavar defends himself, killing one of the intruders and leaving the other to bleed on the floor. […]
Review: Into Every Generation a Slayer is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts by Evan Ross Katz
A perfectly balanced celebration, scrutinization, and discussion of the cultural phenomenon that is Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Review: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Out of everything I’ve read since the beginning of the pandemic, Emily St. John Mandel’s Sea of Tranquility is the book that truly snuck up on me and made me soak in the reality of what we are living in. I write this from a place of relative isolation: I am a stay-at-home dad who makes a podcast, writes and gets most of his social fix virtually. So here we all are, in the midst of a strange world, a strange time, and Sea of Tranquility captures that isolating strangeness with a sublime beauty and simplicity. This book is at once a thought experiment in loneliness and the human condition, while also reveling in the love and connection that binds us a species across time and space. No other story in recent memory has made me think so deeply about what I have experienced during this pandemic, nor to ponder on the realities of what it means, for me, to be human.
Book Review/Tour: Memories of Blood and Shadow by Aaron S. Jones
Synopsis Guilt cuts deeper than the deadliest of blades.Tavar Farwan lives alone past the Undying Sands. During a violent storm, he is attacked by two young warriors claiming a need for vengeance for pain from ages past. Tavar defends himself, killing one of the intruders and leaving the other to bleed on the floor. Weary […]