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bkwrm1317's reviews
238 reviews
Yours Celestially by Al Hess
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Read this novel as part of judging for semi-finals for SPSFC4. Please note that the below review reflects my personal score for the novel, and does not necessarily reflect how I scored the novel for the semi-finals round of SPSFC4 competition.
What a relatable and loveable cast of characters! I didn't really know what to expect with this one going into it and enjoyed it a LOT more than I thought. Generally, I'm not the biggest fan of romance, but Hess may have changed my mind a little with SF romance/is asking me to challenge that assumption. There was so much tenderness between characters in budding romances and relationships, such real reflections on humanity, our faults, and that we can be loved for who we are fully by the right person/people. Big fan!
I have heard from some other readers who read other works of Hess' that the overlap of characters in really different situations was a bit jarring, so something to consider if you've been following along with Hess' works longer than I have.
What a relatable and loveable cast of characters! I didn't really know what to expect with this one going into it and enjoyed it a LOT more than I thought. Generally, I'm not the biggest fan of romance, but Hess may have changed my mind a little with SF romance/is asking me to challenge that assumption. There was so much tenderness between characters in budding romances and relationships, such real reflections on humanity, our faults, and that we can be loved for who we are fully by the right person/people. Big fan!
I have heard from some other readers who read other works of Hess' that the overlap of characters in really different situations was a bit jarring, so something to consider if you've been following along with Hess' works longer than I have.
Old Man's War by John Scalzi
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Fun, fast-paced little Scalzi novel. I loved the idea that old folks are being sent out into space once they feel like their lives on Earth are over/they're ready for a "fresh start," as it were. Lo and behold, things aren't quite what they expected once they arrive in space to serve in the CDF (Colonial Defense Forces). I'll be intrigued to continue reading this series, and read this one in about two sittings.
Fast-paced, not overly developed characters, but there's plenty there.
Fast-paced, not overly developed characters, but there's plenty there.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Violence, Xenophobia, Medical content, War
Minor: Cancer, Racism
Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A really solid read by SA Cosby. Characters are well-developed, dialogue feels real, setting informs the plot and characters' motivations and actions.
I probably should have prepared myself for this novel a bit better emotionally, as the start of the novel was a bit shocking (it had been a while since I added it to my TBR, I just knew I loved SA Cosby and want to read all their work). Nonetheless, this novel follows the fathers of a gay couple who are murdered, professional hit style, leaving behind a daughter.
Neither of their fathers were particularly supportive in life of their queerness, but in their death, come together to avenge their deaths. There's good processing of their emotions being purely revenge, rather than seeking justice, etc. and these two older men, both with a prison record, end up getting tangled up in something much larger than they initially imagined.
Anything else about the plot would give things away, so I'll leave it to the reader to figure out the rest/if this novel is for them. Fast-paced, and full of the grief and loss of these two fathers, and those around them, Razorblade Tears is a really solid novel.
I probably should have prepared myself for this novel a bit better emotionally, as the start of the novel was a bit shocking (it had been a while since I added it to my TBR, I just knew I loved SA Cosby and want to read all their work). Nonetheless, this novel follows the fathers of a gay couple who are murdered, professional hit style, leaving behind a daughter.
Neither of their fathers were particularly supportive in life of their queerness, but in their death, come together to avenge their deaths. There's good processing of their emotions being purely revenge, rather than seeking justice, etc. and these two older men, both with a prison record, end up getting tangled up in something much larger than they initially imagined.
Anything else about the plot would give things away, so I'll leave it to the reader to figure out the rest/if this novel is for them. Fast-paced, and full of the grief and loss of these two fathers, and those around them, Razorblade Tears is a really solid novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Transphobia
Minor: Cancer, Deadnaming, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping
I would note that homophobia, transphobia ARE interrogated and challenged in the novel, which is why I ranked them as moderate CWs, but some readers may find these more or less bothersome, per their perspective.
The Last Emperox by John Scalzi
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The conclusion to Scalzi's Interdependency trilogy, there's a lot going on for Emperor Grayland II. As ever more ambitious efforts to dethrone her abound, Grayland is left with few choices and fewer allies.
Solid twists and turns, I loved getting more time with these characters, particularly because Scalzi's works that I'd read to date were standalones mostly. I'll likely be reading his other series very soon, as I enjoyed the way the plot and characters unfolded throughout this series!
Solid twists and turns, I loved getting more time with these characters, particularly because Scalzi's works that I'd read to date were standalones mostly. I'll likely be reading his other series very soon, as I enjoyed the way the plot and characters unfolded throughout this series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder
Minor: Violence
The Consuming Fire by John Scalzi
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A fast-paced funny little novel by Scalzi in The Interdependency. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better in this second novel, and how the impending collapse of the Interdependency is advancing.
We learn even more things about Grayland, and some of the other favorite characters in this series, and all of humanity is in the lurch if Grayland doesn't get things right, or if her enemies get to her before she can.
We learn even more things about Grayland, and some of the other favorite characters in this series, and all of humanity is in the lurch if Grayland doesn't get things right, or if her enemies get to her before she can.
Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An interesting little YA horror fantasy novel about Daisy, who can see dead folks. When Daisy and her mom move away from bustling Toronto where her single mom has been struggling to make ends meet and take over the care of a large property that was an uncle's, things come to a head between mother and daughter, as well as with the house they are caretaking.
Readers balance between that timeline (1990s) and a decade later, when a young aspiring filmmaker/ghost chaser visits the house, where her mom went a decade prior and was "saved" by the house and (as far as the public knows) stopped being abusive towards her daughter as a result of that visit.
As with most things, all of this is much more complicated beneath the shiny veneer - the truth is much darker than the stories we tell strangers and outsiders.
This is an original take on the haunted house trope, and I enjoyed delving into this one, even if there were some bits that I might nitpick. Characters are well-rounded and believably written, setting gives a lot to the story, and the twists and turns keep coming for the reader! Check CWs on this one.
Readers balance between that timeline (1990s) and a decade later, when a young aspiring filmmaker/ghost chaser visits the house, where her mom went a decade prior and was "saved" by the house and (as far as the public knows) stopped being abusive towards her daughter as a result of that visit.
As with most things, all of this is much more complicated beneath the shiny veneer - the truth is much darker than the stories we tell strangers and outsiders.
This is an original take on the haunted house trope, and I enjoyed delving into this one, even if there were some bits that I might nitpick. Characters are well-rounded and believably written, setting gives a lot to the story, and the twists and turns keep coming for the reader! Check CWs on this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Sexual assault
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Suicide attempt
Sordidez by E.G. Condé
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Please note that this reflects my personal score for the book, not my Indie Ink judging scores for 2024-25 scoring season.
This is a nearly perfect novel for me. What works/works well: use of nonlinear plotting to advance the novel, the integration of Borikén and Maya Mexica culture, including the history of military dictatorships in LatAm, the history of colonialism and bad actors who have taken advantage of the lands, workers, and peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the anti-imperialist leanings of the novel. The characters are very well developed, their actions are logical within the story, and the reveals throughout the novel are compelling.
What didn't work quite as well for me: The blurb of the novel didn't fit the entirety of the novel, but only one setting and set of characters. This was initially confusing to me as a reader, but didn't disrupt the reading experience, but rather, added to it. More than anything, I was just surprised to be in a different geographic location later in the novel, and wasn't sure where our original setting and characters had gotten to until things come full circle for the characters (but I don't want to give that away). In all, a great little novella that I'd definitely recommend!
This is a nearly perfect novel for me. What works/works well: use of nonlinear plotting to advance the novel, the integration of Borikén and Maya Mexica culture, including the history of military dictatorships in LatAm, the history of colonialism and bad actors who have taken advantage of the lands, workers, and peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the anti-imperialist leanings of the novel. The characters are very well developed, their actions are logical within the story, and the reveals throughout the novel are compelling.
What didn't work quite as well for me: The blurb of the novel didn't fit the entirety of the novel, but only one setting and set of characters. This was initially confusing to me as a reader, but didn't disrupt the reading experience, but rather, added to it. More than anything, I was just surprised to be in a different geographic location later in the novel, and wasn't sure where our original setting and characters had gotten to until things come full circle for the characters (but I don't want to give that away). In all, a great little novella that I'd definitely recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Minor: Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, War
The Murder Algorithm by Wilson Kincaid
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Read this novel as part of my team's judging for SPSFC4 - Semifinals. Note that this review (and associated score) is my personal review and does not necessarily reflect how I judged the novel for SPSFC4 during Semifinals.
Some of the things I really enjoyed in this novel was the leveraging of current trends including AI and social media algorithms to reflect on our society as a whole, as well as the ways in which these can be manipulated by those with social, financial, and political power. This theme was poignant and an important reflection on our society at this time.
Set in a not-so-distant future, The Murder Algorithm is based on Los Angeles, in a future where social media has gone through an evolution of what we know today in 2025 to AI generated content, back to human-generated content, but in ways that leverage AI to continue to elevate those with greater privilege, although through the smokescreen of pretending that it is all solely user-generated fanbases. Strange murders have been happening in association with the largest social media platform of our not-so-distant future, StarSee, managed by a father son duo of egomaniacs, one of whom is considered the "tech brains" behind their platform.
When our MC, Roman, gets framed for the murder of the platform's most prominent user, Starla Devine, our plot ensues, roping in Roman's closest community, colleagues, and some police detectives.
While there were elements that I deeply enjoyed, there were also elements I didn't enjoy nearly as much, including the characters aside from the primary MC lacking depth, in my opinion, as well as there not being as much depth of emotion in characters as I would expect to see, for example:when Roman's sister Roxy is murdered by crazed users of the social media platform, there are a few references to him reckoning with this, but overall, it seemed like he just kept pushing forward to redeem himself, which is not really in line with how deep grief works most of the time?
In all, for me this was a decent middle of the line novel that would be right for certain kinds of readers, but wasn't entirely my cup of tea.
Note that I inflated this star score from my personal CAWPILE a bit, as I do want to boost indie writers and novels so that they can find the right audience.
Some of the things I really enjoyed in this novel was the leveraging of current trends including AI and social media algorithms to reflect on our society as a whole, as well as the ways in which these can be manipulated by those with social, financial, and political power. This theme was poignant and an important reflection on our society at this time.
Set in a not-so-distant future, The Murder Algorithm is based on Los Angeles, in a future where social media has gone through an evolution of what we know today in 2025 to AI generated content, back to human-generated content, but in ways that leverage AI to continue to elevate those with greater privilege, although through the smokescreen of pretending that it is all solely user-generated fanbases. Strange murders have been happening in association with the largest social media platform of our not-so-distant future, StarSee, managed by a father son duo of egomaniacs, one of whom is considered the "tech brains" behind their platform.
When our MC, Roman, gets framed for the murder of the platform's most prominent user, Starla Devine, our plot ensues, roping in Roman's closest community, colleagues, and some police detectives.
While there were elements that I deeply enjoyed, there were also elements I didn't enjoy nearly as much, including the characters aside from the primary MC lacking depth, in my opinion, as well as there not being as much depth of emotion in characters as I would expect to see, for example:
In all, for me this was a decent middle of the line novel that would be right for certain kinds of readers, but wasn't entirely my cup of tea.
Note that I inflated this star score from my personal CAWPILE a bit, as I do want to boost indie writers and novels so that they can find the right audience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Murder
Minor: Death of parent
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
SGJ does it again. This twisting tale from the early 20th century in recently minted Montana-as-a-state brings Blackfoot stories to bare on vampires. As usual SGJ wows and opens the genre to a new kind of horror: the kind that keeps you wondering what’s watching you from the dark, gives you insight into the terror a 19th and early 20th century guilty as all hell Lutheran pastor feels when confronted with his literal and metaphoric imperialist and expansionist demons.
For the fantastic writing, narrative weaving, and epistolary style, you’ll just have to read it.
For the fantastic writing, narrative weaving, and epistolary style, you’ll just have to read it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Racism, Xenophobia, Colonisation
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Alcohol
Fabulous, Texas by Michelle Monárrez
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Please note that this reflects my personal score for the book, not my Indie Ink judging scores for 2024-25 scoring season.
I read the book for which this novella is a prequel last year, and think it's actually a solid addition to the universe that Monárrez has built with The Clover Initiative. Apparently inspired by an abandoned gas station on one of her and her partner's many road trips out to El Paso/Juárez on a lonely desert Texas landscape, this novella follows a town's sheriff's deputy, strange criminal activity that land a young woman in their hospital, and the FBI's eventual involvement. A violent shooting at a gas station on the edge of town of young people involves this little town of Fabulous, Texas, in something much larger than its borders. Anita, our deputy, ends up paired up with FBI Agent Caio Batista to investigate the case and figure out how to keep Fabulous, and her friends and family, safe.
A great prelude to the events that take place in Refurbished: The Clover Initiative, this novella is a quick little read that packs a punch. Solid character development, plot, and writing.
I read the book for which this novella is a prequel last year, and think it's actually a solid addition to the universe that Monárrez has built with The Clover Initiative. Apparently inspired by an abandoned gas station on one of her and her partner's many road trips out to El Paso/Juárez on a lonely desert Texas landscape, this novella follows a town's sheriff's deputy, strange criminal activity that land a young woman in their hospital, and the FBI's eventual involvement. A violent shooting at a gas station on the edge of town of young people involves this little town of Fabulous, Texas, in something much larger than its borders. Anita, our deputy, ends up paired up with FBI Agent Caio Batista to investigate the case and figure out how to keep Fabulous, and her friends and family, safe.
A great prelude to the events that take place in Refurbished: The Clover Initiative, this novella is a quick little read that packs a punch. Solid character development, plot, and writing.