vel629vet's reviews
1042 reviews

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells

5.0

I continue to be entranced by these cozy sci-fi novellas. Murderbot is learning what it means to be human, and the beauty and pain that comes with caring. 

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Well now I adore 2 artificial intelligences. I love Murderbot so much and I read this one in a day. Cannot wait for the Apple + series! 

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Every review I encountered of this book told me I’d love it and they were absolutely right. Somehow this is both tense and cozy in the best way, and I flew through this in less than 48 hours. I highly recommend the audiobook too! 

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon - Eternal Edition 01 by Naoko Takeuchi

4.0

Usagi has big bi energy and I’m really here for it. My first manga and my favorite anime from childhood!

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.75

I loved this duology. Incredibly original and the most ‘vibe-y’ book I’ve read since I don’t know when. Expert story telling and character work, and I want to read everything Gillig writes from now on. Read this if you love fantasy, tarot, spooks, and dark nights in the woods. 

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

My least favorite Brandy Sandy to date, but still a solid 4 stars. I had no idea how the pieces would all come together until there were maybe 40 pages left and then I was of course blown away by how he did it. 
Throughout the book I did feel like this was the ‘magic system’ that was just too much. It took away from the story, and the characters, while well developed, didn’t get enough attention because there were so many POVs we were constantly bouncing between. 
Definitely need a little fantasy break after this one. 

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

medium-paced

3.5

Not my favorite Ali Hazelwood but I still enjoyed it. I like her STEM working characters a little more because they nerd out more. I did enjoy hearing more about diving/swimming, but the relationship didn’t quite hit it for me. 

Spoilers below: 

I really disliked Pen as a character - or at least the way Hazelwood wrote her. She created this constant feeling of unease that led me to think the other shoe would drop and you would realize she actually sucked the whole time. So when she turned out fine - I was confused. What was the point of the other divers who warned the main character about  Pen? I just don’t think it was handled super well. 

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Very very nearly 5 stars. The atmosphere of this book is incredible - the perfect blend of spooky and woodsy and folky. I loved the magic system and the thought put into the history of the magic itself and how it’s tied to the location. Cannot wait to see where book 2 leads. 

Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows by Dan Slott

4.5

Most original and fun Spider-Man story in ages. MJ is a real person!

Amazing Spider-Man, Volume 3: Spider-Verse by Dan Slott

4.0

Great intro to the spider-verse. Loved it, and really well done splitting time between the Spideys.