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      Hella is a Brilliant Scifi Adventure

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      Sleeping Giants is Unique and Wonderful

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  • Home
  • About
  • Byron
    • All Byron’s Favorite Books Lists
      2021

      All of the Star Wars: The High Republic…

      April 11, 2021

      2021

      Looking Back, Looking Ahead, Looking….Around? (This Title Got…

      January 17, 2021

      2020

      A Burning ~ A Book Review

      August 9, 2020

      2020

      Clap When You Land ~ A Review

      August 2, 2020

      Byron’s Favorite Books

      Circe: I loved it (A spoiler free review)

      June 24, 2018

      Byron’s Favorite Books

      Pachinko: A new “Favorite Book” entry

      January 20, 2018

      Byron’s Favorite Books

      The Unwomanly Face of War: It made me…

      August 5, 2017

      Byron’s Favorite Books

      Lonesome Dove: Buy It

      June 17, 2017

      Lists

      Interesting Books to Be Released In April

      April 6, 2020

      Lists

      Interesting Books Released in February 2020

      February 5, 2020

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      January 6, 2020

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      Byron’s Top 15 Books of the Decade

      December 31, 2019

  • Ardis
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      2016

      Book Club Discussion Questions: Sleeping Giants

      July 16, 2020

      Ardis

      10 Contemporary Scifi Stories Perfect for Your Book…

      July 14, 2020

      2020

      Hella is a Brilliant Scifi Adventure

      July 10, 2020

      2016

      Sleeping Giants is Unique and Wonderful

      June 30, 2020

      Ardis’s Favorite Books

      Hella is a Brilliant Scifi Adventure

      July 10, 2020

      Ardis’s Favorite Books

      Sleeping Giants is Unique and Wonderful

      June 30, 2020

      Ardis’s Favorite Books

      Velocity Weapon is Fun and Brilliant

      April 2, 2020

      Ardis’s Favorite Books

      Exhalation by Ted Chiang

      June 27, 2019

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      10 Contemporary Scifi Stories Perfect for Your Book…

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      Interesting Books to Be Released in June

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All of the Star Wars: The High Republic material released so far – REVIEWED!

April 11, 2021

Interesting Books to Be Released in September 2020

September 8, 2020

Hella is a Brilliant Scifi Adventure

July 10, 2020

Interesting Books to be Released in July 2020

July 9, 2020

Exhalation by Ted Chiang

June 27, 2019

Word by Word: In which a dictionary editor demonstrates that she has a way with words (A Review)

June 16, 2018

The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter is a joyful must-read

May 15, 2018

The Girl in the Tower: A great winter read (A Review)

January 6, 2018
All of the Star Wars: The High Republic material released so far – REVIEWED!
2021ByronFantasyScience Fiction

All of the Star Wars: The High Republic material released so far – REVIEWED!

written by Byron

Everybody is familiar with the Star Wars movies. But the Star Wars universe is bigger than just what’s shown in nine movies. The Mandalorian and other Disney+ shows, videogames, and animated television series are all part of the larger Star Wars narrative. And Star Wars novels and comics were once the beating heart of that extended universe. For decades, they were THE only source for new Star Wars stories. After Disney took over, most of those old novels were “de-canonized” and the new novels mostly served to flesh out/make sense of the new movies. In an effort to jazz up the publishing arm, Lucasfilm has embarked upon a brand new initiative that explores a never-before-seen era of the Star Wars universe: the High Republic!

The High Republic era takes place about 200 hundred years before the events of The Phantom Menace. According to the marketing materials, the aim is to portray The Jedi and the Republic at the height of their power, when they actually (mostly) work. That’s never been portrayed before!

I thought it could be neat to get in on the ground floor of this story project. The huge amount of material in the Star Wars expanded universe intimidated me in the past. The lore seemed so complex. I had no idea where to start, what was essential for a deeper understanding, what was good, etc. It looked like a lot of work to try to figure it all out. But with this High Republic era, I didn’t have to spend years reading and spending $$$ to catch up on a bunch of canon material. I could get into the series at the very beginning!

I also believed that the Golden Age of a working Republic and a solid Jedi Order could be cool to see, like a kind of magic Star Trek.

I feared that a working Republic and a solid Jedi Order could be really boring, like regular Star Trek.

Only one way to find out! I read every High Republic release that’s come out this year.

The verdict? It ain’t boring.

The Jedi are interesting, varied individuals. They explore their feelings, they openly question teachings and directions, they wrestle with doubt, they have personality. And the stories aren’t the same ol’ repetition of a Light Side nobody fighting/redeeming a Sith Dark Lord. The whole thing feels fresh and new, while still keeping the essential vibe of Star Wars intact. As I’ll explain in more detail below, not all of the releases are absolutely fantastic. Overall, though, the High Republic era is a welcome and interesting addition to the Star Wars universe.

You don’t have to read all of the High Republic releases. My mini-reviews of each one follow, but the TLDR version is: (1) Light of the Jedi is absolutely essential, (2) A Test of Courage is very good but MIGHT not be important to later releases (3) Into the Dark ain’t great but MIGHT be important to later releases, (4) and the High Republic comic book looks like it might be essential.

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April 11, 2021 0 comment
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Looking Back, Looking Ahead, Looking….Around? (This Title Got Away From Me)
2021ByronReflection

Looking Back, Looking Ahead, Looking….Around? (This Title Got Away From Me)

written by Byron

2020 was rough. I came into it full of enthusiasm. I had a goal that year to read books only written by female authors. I was going to read at least one newly-released book every month. I was going to publish at least two reviews per month. I was gonna collaborate with my blogging partner on a list every month. I developed a new format/system for my reviews because I struggled with writer’s block a little bit in 2019. I had plans! Ambitions! Schemes!

I was on target to accomplish all of that for a little while. But, eventually, I just…stopped posting. I got bored with my reviewing format. The plague and the political turmoil and real-world work obligations stressed me out and sapped my energy. And, frankly, the vast majority of the 2021 books that I read were just….blah. All of the hyped literary darlings turned out to be kinda duds for me. At the end of the year, I make space on my shelves by selling books I don’t care about. I only kept one book that I read that was released in 2021: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo. Since I didn’t have a lot of enthusiasm for what I was reading, I didn’t have a lot of passion to take the time to knock out a few paragraphs about the books.

I missed writing, though. I don’t like feeling pressure (even when it’s self-inflicted). And I don’t like reading and writing about stuff that I’m not in the mood to read or write about. That little mental tick of mine is why all of my previous efforts at gaining access to pre-released stuff for reviewing ultimately fails…because I refuse to read stuff I’m not in the mood for because it’s “my job to do it.” Screw that.

So, this year, I’m going back to basics. I’m “finding the fun.” I’ll write about books, when and how I feel like writing about them in the moment. Instead of super-structured plans and strategies, I’m just going to share with you guys what I’m excited about. Or maybe super-irritated about. But definitely what I’m passionate about. Because that’s the fun part!

And because a “looking back” type post feels incomplete without a list of superlatives, here’s a quick list:

(1) Best Book of 2021: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

(2) Best Stuff I Read in 2021 (regardless of release date): Wayfayers Series by Becky Chambers

(3) Best Big Book That’s Been On My Shelf Forever That I’m Glad I Read: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

(4) Biggest Surprise That Rekindled a Love for Adventures a Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Leia, Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray (seriously, I binged the Rebels series because I was so jazzed by this book)

And because a “looking ahead” type post feels incomplete without a list of stuff I’m stoked about in the upcoming year, here’s a quick list:

(1) The Star Wars High Republic initiative

(2) Book 3 of Joe Abercrombie’s Age of Madness trilogy

(3) A new Wayfarer book by Becky Chambers

What about you guys? What did I miss out on in 2020? What’s going down in 2021 that I should have circled on my calendar?

January 17, 2021 0 comment
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Interesting Books to be Released in October 2020
2020Buyer Guide

Interesting Books to be Released in October 2020

written by Official Decree

Fall is here and with it comes another month of reading. Each month we look at what books are coming out and try to highlight the ones that catch our eye or excite us. Particularly as the days get shorter and the weather turns cozier, it’s important to have a good book ready for you. Hopefully, some of these new October reads will speak to you as they’ve spoken to us. And, as always, let us know in the comments what new books you’re excited about in October.

Byron’s Picks

The Searcher ~ Tana French (Release Date October 6, 2020)

The Searcher is a thriller that is getting a lot of buzz. It’s on the must-read lists of Amazon, Time magazine, and the New York Times. I’m going to read it too. Why not? It’s October. Seems like a good time to get a thriller!

Ardis’s Picks

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue ~ V.E. Schwab (Release Date October 6, 2020)

I was so impressed by V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic series when I encountered it through a book club in 2018. While I didn’t have as much luck with her Villains series, this new book from Schwab is undeniably enticing. I can’t wait to read her take on the Faustian bargain, and see this new take on the joy (and cost) of living forever.

Leave the World Behind ~ Rumaan Alam (Release Date October 6, 2020)

I don’t often venture outside my “genre fiction” comfort zone, but I’m making an exception for Rumaan Alam’s new book. How could I not? It’s an exciting premise and (as about a million reviews have already said) absolutely magnetic. This level of suspense set against a quiet family vacation in rural Long Island just drips with fall indulgence to me and I’m wickedly eager to read it.

The Once and Future Witches ~ Alix E. Harrow (Release Date October 13, 2020)

I loved Harrow’s The Ten Thousand Doors of January, and from the brief teaser I read late last month I’m sure she’s bringing that same energy, poetry, and power to this new book. Set in the late 1800s, The Once and Future Witches tells a story of, well, witches, who join the suffragist movement in New Salem to help witches and women survive and thrive. It’s a charming premise, and I can’t think of an author better suited to it than Harrow.

Machine ~ Elizabeth Bear (Release Date October 20, 2020)

I don’t even know where to begin summarizing what draws me to this book. All I can do is quote from the Amazon brief: “… an astonishing mystery: two ships, one ancient and one new, locked in a deadly embrace. The crew is suffering from an unknown ailment and the shipmind is trapped in an inadequate body, much of her memory pared away.” This is everything I want, and I can’t wait to read it.

October 5, 2020 0 comment
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Interesting Books to Be Released in September 2020
2020Buyer Guide

Interesting Books to Be Released in September 2020

written by Byron

At the beginning of every month, we take a look at all the upcoming book releases and highlight the ones that make us squee. In years past, we just privately messaged each other over what we thought looked interesting. This year, we’re sharing our initial bursts of excitement with you guys. So, here’s what we think looks neato for September 2020.

Byron’s Picks

My picks this month are all from authors that I’ve previously read.

Transcendent Kingdom ~ Yaa Gyasi (Release Date September 1, 2020)

I adored the author’s previous novel Homegoing. I think I’ll love this one.

The Trouble with Peace ~ Joe Abercrombie (Release Date September 15, 2020)

Joe Abercrombie is one of the leaders in the “Grimdark” fantasy subgenre. I’m a huge fan of his First Law Trilogy and other spinoff books set in that world. The author returned to that world last year with A Little Hatred, the first book of a new trilogy, the Age of Madness. The Trouble with Peace is the continuation of that new trilogy.

A Deadly Education ~ Naomi Novik (Release Date September 29, 2020)

A few years ago, I wasn’t reading very much fantasy fiction. Then I read Naomi Novik’s Uprooted and fell in love with the genre all over again. I am stoked about this upcoming novel about a magical school.

Ardis’s Picks

A Deadly Education ~ Naomi Novik (Release Date September 29, 2020)

Like Byron, I am also very excited about this book. I adored Novik’s previous two standalone novels, and reviewed Spinning Silver last year. I’d be all about her new book no matter what it was about, but I’ve been on the lookout for more books on magical schools so I am thrilled to read this new story.

Architects of Memory ~ Karen Osborn (Release Date September 8, 2020)

This debut science fiction has already garnered some serious hype, and it seems all set to deliver an excellent and compelling scifi story.

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars ~ Christopher Paolini (Release Date September 15, 2020)

I remember when Paolini first hit shelves in 2003 and made an instant splash. First recognized for being all of 15 when he wrote his debut Eragon, he’s been remembered since then for his incredible worldbuilding, gripping narration, and relatable characters. I am so excited to read this new book, his first set outside the world of his first Inheritance Cycle series.

September 8, 2020 0 comment
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A Burning ~ A Book Review
2020ByronLiterary Fiction

A Burning ~ A Book Review

written by Byron

A Burning by Megha Majumdar was hyped by almost every publication on the planet as one of the best books of June 2020. So I bought it.

It made me feel things…mostly sadness and anger. I guess that means it was good?

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August 9, 2020 0 comment
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Interesting Books to Be Released in August 2020
2020Buyer Guide

Interesting Books to Be Released in August 2020

written by Official Decree

These upcoming August releases interested us. Be sure to comment below to add your own recommendations. We love hearing what you’re excited about reading!

Byron’s Picks

Lobizona ~ Romina Garber (Release Date August 4, 2020)

The descriptions I’ve read make this book seem like a YA book that’s Harry Potter mixed with Argentinian folklore mixed with an allegory about illegal immigrants. I’m down.

Ardis’s Picks

Chaos Vector ~ Megan E. O’Keefe (Release Date July 28th or August 3, depending where you look)

2019’s wildly exciting Velocity Weapon gets a sequel this month in Chaos Vector. To say that I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see where this story goes is beyond a simple understatement. Velocity Weapon was full of discussions around artificial intelligence morality, devastation, loss, hope, and political intrigue, and amazing and rich settings and visual descriptions. O’Keefe is sure to deliver more of the same fascinating story, and I can’t wait to see how her characters navigate the dangers they face – and what more they discover about the world she’s created.

You can read my review of Velocity Weapon here and some spoiler-filled discussion questions here.

August 6, 2020 0 comment
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Clap When You Land ~ A Review
2020ByronLiterary FictionYoung Adult

Clap When You Land ~ A Review

written by Byron

A queen
offers her hand to be kissed,
& can form it into a fist
while smiling the whole damn time.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo piqued my interest because it was written by a National Book Award winner, and it was on Amazon’s monthly list of best YA fiction.

Oh, and it was written in verse. That sounded kinda bonkers to me, and I wanted to check it out.

So far, it’s my favorite book that has been released in 2020.

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August 2, 2020 0 comment
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Book Club Discussion Questions: Sleeping Giants
2016ArdisDiscussion QuestionsScience Fiction

Book Club Discussion Questions: Sleeping Giants

written by Ardis

Sylvain Neuvel’s Sleeping Giants (2016) touches on many of the thematic cornerstones of science fiction, including posing questions like “what does it mean for humanity if we’re not alone in the universe”, and “what price are we willing to pay for answers, or for safety” in a way that’s engaging and challenging, all without losing the sweeping pace of the narrative. However, its nontraditional format may alienate (so to speak) some readers.

If you’re a fan of those traditional science fiction through-notes you will find them here, explored in a thoughtful and engaging way that is worthy of consideration and sure to spark conversation.

Whether your book club is preparing to discuss it, or you’ve read it on your own and are looking for more, I hope the questions below will help guide you.

Note: If you haven’t read Sleeping Giants, you can read my review of it here. For a different take, you can read Byron’s review here.

Please let me know if you use these questions, find them helpful, or think I missed something. And of course I would love to see your answers to any (or all) of these questions in the comments. Happy discussing!

Of course, MAJOR SPOILER WARNINGS below:

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July 16, 2020 0 comment
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10 Contemporary Scifi Stories Perfect for Your Book Club
ArdisArdis's ListsBuyer GuideScience Fiction

10 Contemporary Scifi Stories Perfect for Your Book Club

written by Ardis

I love a book club. Reading and loving (or not loving) stories on your own is certainly wonderful, but there’s something incredibly fulfilling about reading and discussing a book together. But as anyone who has participated in or run a book club can tell you, choosing a book for your book club can be a real pain.

In this list I have gathered 10 contemporary science fiction books that are perfect for a book club to read and discuss. They each present complex themes, rich characters, and engaging plots worthy of thought and discussion, and are widely enjoyable and accessible to a diverse audience of readers. Whether your book club is scifi/SFF focused, or looking to explore the scifi genre for the first time, or anywhere in between, any of the books on this list should prompt engaging dialogue and rich thought.

Please note that all of the discussion questions linked in this list are filled with spoilers. As I publish new Discussion Questions for the books below, I will update this list to include links to those collected questions. As always, click with caution.

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July 14, 2020 0 comment
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Hella is a Brilliant Scifi Adventure
2020ArdisArdis's Favorite BooksReviewsScience Fiction

Hella is a Brilliant Scifi Adventure

written by Ardis

There’s this general feeling in the Hella Colony that we’ll never conquer the planet if we hide behind the fences of Summerland Station. So we have to go out ourselves, smell the air and taste the world. We have to feel the dirt between our fingers. If we are ever going to make this planet ours, we have to give up our fear of it and get into a genuinely courageous relationship. That’s what Captain Skyler says.
But that doesn’t mean we have to be foolish about it.

David Gerrold is an accomplished author with undeniable scifi credentials, publishing dozens of scifi novels and writing a handful of episodes of Star Trek (including “The Trouble With Tribbles” in 1967). But when I first saw his new book announced I completely missed the connection to this author who I’ve read before – I was completely taken in by the premise, and only realized whose work I was reading much later.

Encountering new scifi from an acclaimed author is always a thrill, but Hella proves that Gerrold has always understood what makes scifi (and Star Trek) so great: fantastic scifi stories and real-world explorations of what it means to be human go hand-in-hand.

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July 10, 2020 0 comment
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