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sweekune's reviews
342 reviews
Dinosaur Sanctuary Vol. 3 by Itaru Kinoshita
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5
Volume 3 of Dinosaur Sanctuary and Suzume has made it out of her probationary period and is now learning as part of a team. We meet a pachycephalosaur who keeps being startled and hurting himself, the restructuring of the Dinoland's enclosure and a friendship based around a spinosaurus.
- Same cosy but scientific premise. We also get to know the keeper's background a little more and the world building keeps on improving.
- I love the artwork of the dinosaurs. They're so well done and filled with personality and charm.
- The snippets at the end of the chapters are, as always, very informative. I like how they explore how research comes about and is published, helping to enlighten readers to that process.
As wonderful as always. Cannot wait for volume 4.
Volume 3 of Dinosaur Sanctuary and Suzume has made it out of her probationary period and is now learning as part of a team. We meet a pachycephalosaur who keeps being startled and hurting himself, the restructuring of the Dinoland's enclosure and a friendship based around a spinosaurus.
- Same cosy but scientific premise. We also get to know the keeper's background a little more and the world building keeps on improving.
- I love the artwork of the dinosaurs. They're so well done and filled with personality and charm.
- The snippets at the end of the chapters are, as always, very informative. I like how they explore how research comes about and is published, helping to enlighten readers to that process.
As wonderful as always. Cannot wait for volume 4.
Nimona by ND Stevenson
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5/5
A cute and surprisingly emotional graphic novel. Villian Lord Blackheart gains a shapeshifting sidekick and together they work about taking on the corrupt Institute. They battle together against bad rulers and their champion Sir Goldenloin.
- The artwork is simple, effective and impactful. It fit the story very well and I enjoyed it's use of colours.
- There's a theme of "who are the good/bad guys really?" throughout the book which I enjoyed. As a dungeon master for D&D it's the kind of thought process I like to encourage in my games.
- The characters are sweet and become more complicated as the story goes on. The book is mildly queer but it's more of a background thing than a main plot point.
A good graphic novel for D&D enthusiasts and those who like redemption archs.
A cute and surprisingly emotional graphic novel. Villian Lord Blackheart gains a shapeshifting sidekick and together they work about taking on the corrupt Institute. They battle together against bad rulers and their champion Sir Goldenloin.
- The artwork is simple, effective and impactful. It fit the story very well and I enjoyed it's use of colours.
- There's a theme of "who are the good/bad guys really?" throughout the book which I enjoyed. As a dungeon master for D&D it's the kind of thought process I like to encourage in my games.
- The characters are sweet and become more complicated as the story goes on. The book is mildly queer but it's more of a background thing than a main plot point.
A good graphic novel for D&D enthusiasts and those who like redemption archs.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5/5
Audiobook narrated by Greg Wise.
A classic horror for spooky season. Do I really need to sum up this tale? We start with Jonathan Harker who journeys to Transylvania to meet with a client, Count Dracula, and endures horrors there. Back in Britain, a patient in an asylum starts acting more peculiarly and a young woman is taken deathly ill as though her blood has been drained from her. A group of companions must wade through the horrors and mysteries and ultimately work to end the terrible Dracula.
- There is an essence of books written in the 19th and early 20th centuries that I love and Dracula most certainly has it. The language is so full, rich and evocative and says exactly what it needs to. Applied in this book, it adds a layer of intrigue and horror to the story.
- The story is told through letters, diary entries and other means of epistolary. I enjoyed this and it gave perspectives from each character. It also helped with the sense of confusion as no one character had all the puzzle pieces and the reader, looking down from above, has access to the wider picture. I enjoyed each character but my favourites were Mina and Van Helsing.
- The spookiness and horror elements were classic. I can see how this book has become embedded in pop culture and has influenced many further pieces of media.
A pinnacle of horror. I would recommend it to those seeking a classic horror story which is well done.
Audiobook narrated by Greg Wise.
A classic horror for spooky season. Do I really need to sum up this tale? We start with Jonathan Harker who journeys to Transylvania to meet with a client, Count Dracula, and endures horrors there. Back in Britain, a patient in an asylum starts acting more peculiarly and a young woman is taken deathly ill as though her blood has been drained from her. A group of companions must wade through the horrors and mysteries and ultimately work to end the terrible Dracula.
- There is an essence of books written in the 19th and early 20th centuries that I love and Dracula most certainly has it. The language is so full, rich and evocative and says exactly what it needs to. Applied in this book, it adds a layer of intrigue and horror to the story.
- The story is told through letters, diary entries and other means of epistolary. I enjoyed this and it gave perspectives from each character. It also helped with the sense of confusion as no one character had all the puzzle pieces and the reader, looking down from above, has access to the wider picture. I enjoyed each character but my favourites were Mina and Van Helsing.
- The spookiness and horror elements were classic. I can see how this book has become embedded in pop culture and has influenced many further pieces of media.
A pinnacle of horror. I would recommend it to those seeking a classic horror story which is well done.
A Restless Truth by Freya Marske
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25
4.25/5
Audiobook narrated by Aysha Kala.
A delightful sequel to A Marvellous Light. Robin's sister Maud is travelling on an ocean liner from America to Britain as a lady's companion. However, her mistress is murdered and the killers are after her piece of the contract. with help from the beautiful Violet, the reluctant Lord Hawthorn and less than honest Mr Ross, Muad must work out who is responsible and stop them from retrieving what they desire.
- The characters were super fun and distinct, each with their own attitudes and mannerisms. Also the wonderfully queer nature of the book was amazing and well written within the characters.
- The book struck an excellent balance between mystery, comedy and spice. I laughed so hard at some points (Maud's book purchases) and some of the scenes made me sweat but it was all well spaced and thought out.
- As is often the case with middle books in the trilogy, there's a lot of continuation from the first book and then a lot of set up for the final book. This is the case here. However, I feel the book is enjoyable and carries its own story very well without relying too much on what has happened before and what is to happen next.
A fun installment and I'm now very excited for the third book, coming in November.
Audiobook narrated by Aysha Kala.
A delightful sequel to A Marvellous Light. Robin's sister Maud is travelling on an ocean liner from America to Britain as a lady's companion. However, her mistress is murdered and the killers are after her piece of the contract. with help from the beautiful Violet, the reluctant Lord Hawthorn and less than honest Mr Ross, Muad must work out who is responsible and stop them from retrieving what they desire.
- The characters were super fun and distinct, each with their own attitudes and mannerisms. Also the wonderfully queer nature of the book was amazing and well written within the characters.
- The book struck an excellent balance between mystery, comedy and spice. I laughed so hard at some points (Maud's book purchases) and some of the scenes made me sweat but it was all well spaced and thought out.
- As is often the case with middle books in the trilogy, there's a lot of continuation from the first book and then a lot of set up for the final book. This is the case here. However, I feel the book is enjoyable and carries its own story very well without relying too much on what has happened before and what is to happen next.
A fun installment and I'm now very excited for the third book, coming in November.
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5
Audiobook narrated by Cherise Boothe.
Sci-fi meets the antebellum South with added queerness. Aster, a low ranked worker on the ship Matilda, strives to find a connection between her mother's death and the illness of the sovereign and uncovers secrets about the ship's destination.
- This book gave me Bioshock and steampunk vibes. There's a lot of science but it's also mixed in with so much striation, racism and horrible historical accuracies that it feels older rather than modern.
- Bar the space ship setting, this book could have been written about the absolute horror and abomination that was slavery, specifically plantations. The controlling and disgusting way black people are treated and the violence and disregard for their humanity was sickeningly vivid, as it should be. This book does not shy away from those horrors.
- Aster and Theo are brilliant characters. Aster I felt so much kinship with in the way she views and understands the world and how hard that can be when you're different. The queer elements of the characters are well done, fit the setting and fit fluidly within the story.
If you like afrofuturism and dark sci-fi, I would highly recommend An Unkindness of Ghosts.
Audiobook narrated by Cherise Boothe.
Sci-fi meets the antebellum South with added queerness. Aster, a low ranked worker on the ship Matilda, strives to find a connection between her mother's death and the illness of the sovereign and uncovers secrets about the ship's destination.
- This book gave me Bioshock and steampunk vibes. There's a lot of science but it's also mixed in with so much striation, racism and horrible historical accuracies that it feels older rather than modern.
- Bar the space ship setting, this book could have been written about the absolute horror and abomination that was slavery, specifically plantations. The controlling and disgusting way black people are treated and the violence and disregard for their humanity was sickeningly vivid, as it should be. This book does not shy away from those horrors.
- Aster and Theo are brilliant characters. Aster I felt so much kinship with in the way she views and understands the world and how hard that can be when you're different. The queer elements of the characters are well done, fit the setting and fit fluidly within the story.
If you like afrofuturism and dark sci-fi, I would highly recommend An Unkindness of Ghosts.
Where the Wildflowers Grow: My Botanical Journey Through Britain and Ireland by Leif Bersweden
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
5/5
Audiobook narrated by the author.
A charming, detailed and insightful adventure showing off the botanical delights of Britain and Ireland. The author spends a year cycling the land, getting to know the diverse range of plants and habitats these countries have to offer.
- The structure of the book as an ongoing journey was excellent. Each chapter focuses on a particular place and plant or habitat and it creates a good flow that keeps the reader interested but not overwhelmed.
- Conservation features heavily in this book. There was barely a chapter that went by without mention of degraded or disappearing habitats, climate change, shrinking populations and changes to biodiversity. And that is how it should be. Organisms do not exist in isolation and especially now humans need to act and realise how much harm we are doing to our planet. Everything deserves a chance and a place to exist, even if it doesn't benefit us as a species (though usually nature does).
- Bersweden's enthusiasm for wildflowers and botany is infectious and you can't help but get excited with him. As I listened to the audiobook, I had no picture references (though there are resources on the book's website) and despite having to try and visualise these plants entirely in my head, I loved hearing about these dinky little flowers or slimy seaweeds or bits of moss. I've also noticed that when I'm out and about, I'm more aware of the plant life around me and want to find out exactly what something is.
Perfect for nature lovers or those who enjoy nonfiction with a flow. Highly recommended.
Audiobook narrated by the author.
A charming, detailed and insightful adventure showing off the botanical delights of Britain and Ireland. The author spends a year cycling the land, getting to know the diverse range of plants and habitats these countries have to offer.
- The structure of the book as an ongoing journey was excellent. Each chapter focuses on a particular place and plant or habitat and it creates a good flow that keeps the reader interested but not overwhelmed.
- Conservation features heavily in this book. There was barely a chapter that went by without mention of degraded or disappearing habitats, climate change, shrinking populations and changes to biodiversity. And that is how it should be. Organisms do not exist in isolation and especially now humans need to act and realise how much harm we are doing to our planet. Everything deserves a chance and a place to exist, even if it doesn't benefit us as a species (though usually nature does).
- Bersweden's enthusiasm for wildflowers and botany is infectious and you can't help but get excited with him. As I listened to the audiobook, I had no picture references (though there are resources on the book's website) and despite having to try and visualise these plants entirely in my head, I loved hearing about these dinky little flowers or slimy seaweeds or bits of moss. I've also noticed that when I'm out and about, I'm more aware of the plant life around me and want to find out exactly what something is.
Perfect for nature lovers or those who enjoy nonfiction with a flow. Highly recommended.
The Sight by David Clement-Davies
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
3.25/5
Audiobook narrated by Steven Crossley.
As a kid I loved Clement-Davies' book Fire ringer. I borrowed The Sight from my school library but never actually finished it. When I noticed it was included with my audible membership I decided to give it another go.
A family of wolves go on a great journey, navigating a legend and a curse, and discover much about themselves, nature and man.
- The characters in the book were very good and I enjoyed how different the author managed to make each appear. A small gripe is that many names sounded very similar, especially when listening to the audiobook and it would take me a moment to remember which character was being referred to.
- I don't particularly enjoy Christian allegory and for a while I hoped that this book would subvert it but alas I was disappointed, especially because at certain points, the book seemed on its way to breaking free of it.
- The narration was very good and added to the story. Honestly, at certain points the narrator made the book more interesting that it would otherwise have been.
I'm glad I've read it finally but I'm probably not going to reread it. I would imagine those who enjoy wolves, chosen one type fantasies and religious overtones would enjoy it more.
Audiobook narrated by Steven Crossley.
As a kid I loved Clement-Davies' book Fire ringer. I borrowed The Sight from my school library but never actually finished it. When I noticed it was included with my audible membership I decided to give it another go.
A family of wolves go on a great journey, navigating a legend and a curse, and discover much about themselves, nature and man.
- The characters in the book were very good and I enjoyed how different the author managed to make each appear. A small gripe is that many names sounded very similar, especially when listening to the audiobook and it would take me a moment to remember which character was being referred to.
- I don't particularly enjoy Christian allegory and for a while I hoped that this book would subvert it but alas I was disappointed, especially because at certain points, the book seemed on its way to breaking free of it.
- The narration was very good and added to the story. Honestly, at certain points the narrator made the book more interesting that it would otherwise have been.
I'm glad I've read it finally but I'm probably not going to reread it. I would imagine those who enjoy wolves, chosen one type fantasies and religious overtones would enjoy it more.
Raptor Red by Robert T. Bakker
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5/5
A cross between a nature documentary and fiction. Raptor Red follows the titular utahraptor and her family, showing life and survival for her and her family.
- Written by an esteemed paleontologist, Raptor Red is, for the time it was published, an accurate guess at what life would have been like for these predators back in the early Cretaceous period. Of course there is some creative licence and some educated assumptions made but all of it seems plausible, if occasionally outdated.
- I like how Raptor Red herself was characterised and how the reader gets to see inside her head and her thought processes. This took the narrative from documentary commentary to a narrative that makes the reader invested in Raptor Red and care about her.
- The supporting cast of creatures and the environment was well informed and varied. We don't just meet other dinosaurs but pterosaurs, early mammals, sea life and more. Each has a role in the narrative and it doesn't feel forced or like the reader is being taken on a tour but more organic and natural.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to other dinosaur and prehistoric life enthusiasts as a dip into the lives of some of these creatures.
A cross between a nature documentary and fiction. Raptor Red follows the titular utahraptor and her family, showing life and survival for her and her family.
- Written by an esteemed paleontologist, Raptor Red is, for the time it was published, an accurate guess at what life would have been like for these predators back in the early Cretaceous period. Of course there is some creative licence and some educated assumptions made but all of it seems plausible, if occasionally outdated.
- I like how Raptor Red herself was characterised and how the reader gets to see inside her head and her thought processes. This took the narrative from documentary commentary to a narrative that makes the reader invested in Raptor Red and care about her.
- The supporting cast of creatures and the environment was well informed and varied. We don't just meet other dinosaurs but pterosaurs, early mammals, sea life and more. Each has a role in the narrative and it doesn't feel forced or like the reader is being taken on a tour but more organic and natural.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to other dinosaur and prehistoric life enthusiasts as a dip into the lives of some of these creatures.
The Lady Astronaut of Mars by Mary Robinette Kowal
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5
A short story about our favourite lady astronaut Elma. Elma, now in her 60s is offered a chance for one last space mission. However her husband is dying. Should she take this last chance to fly or stay?
- It was bittersweet to see Elma and Nathaniel again. Considering the number of pages, the author did an excellent job of catching up the reader and breaking their heart over the changes.
- Although not deeply described, I loved the world-building of life on Mars and the changes in space travel.
A short must read for fans of the Lady Astronaut series.
A short story about our favourite lady astronaut Elma. Elma, now in her 60s is offered a chance for one last space mission. However her husband is dying. Should she take this last chance to fly or stay?
- It was bittersweet to see Elma and Nathaniel again. Considering the number of pages, the author did an excellent job of catching up the reader and breaking their heart over the changes.
- Although not deeply described, I loved the world-building of life on Mars and the changes in space travel.
A short must read for fans of the Lady Astronaut series.
The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
4/5
After the dramatic events of Her Majesty's Royal Coven, the witches have some clean up to do. However, not all is well or as it seems. Ciara has taken over her sister's body, a powerful warlock seeks a powerful artifact and witchfinders are on the hunt.
- Due to a slight change in the character line up, we get to see some new perspectives in this book and I enjoyed that. We also got to see changes and growth in the previous characters and how they react to new situations.
- Although not a major part of the book, I enjoyed the foreign parts and seeing different witches from parts of Europe. Also the Greek legend reference was amazing and I hope it is revisited.
- The book does suffer from second book syndrome a little. There's continuation from HMRC and set up for book three and although okay to read, you don't get the pay off just yet.
A worthy sequel and exciting set up for Human Rites, book three in the series. I also hear rumours of a novella within the HMRC universe which I am so excited for.
After the dramatic events of Her Majesty's Royal Coven, the witches have some clean up to do. However, not all is well or as it seems. Ciara has taken over her sister's body, a powerful warlock seeks a powerful artifact and witchfinders are on the hunt.
- Due to a slight change in the character line up, we get to see some new perspectives in this book and I enjoyed that. We also got to see changes and growth in the previous characters and how they react to new situations.
- Although not a major part of the book, I enjoyed the foreign parts and seeing different witches from parts of Europe. Also the Greek legend reference was amazing and I hope it is revisited.
- The book does suffer from second book syndrome a little. There's continuation from HMRC and set up for book three and although okay to read, you don't get the pay off just yet.
A worthy sequel and exciting set up for Human Rites, book three in the series. I also hear rumours of a novella within the HMRC universe which I am so excited for.