Peter Brown: The Wild Robot Escapes

Hi everyone

The Wild Robot Escapes is the second book in The Wild Robot series by Peter Brown.
I got my book from Bol.com.

"Shipwrecked on a remote, wild island, Robot Roz learned from the unwelcoming animal inhabitants and adapted to her surroundings--but can she survive the challenges of the civilized world and find her way home to Brightbill and the island?"

This book is absolutely charming. The drawings are fun and expressive, adding so much to the story, and the plot is heartwarming in the best way. It left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside; the kind of book that reminds you of the beauty of kindness, friendship, and belonging.

If you’re looking for a sweet, uplifting story for kids (or even for yourself!), this is a perfect choice. It’s gentle, touching, and full of heart, and I loved every moment of Roz’s journey.

Have you read The Wild Robot Escapes? Did it make you feel as cozy and happy as it did me? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Happy reading!
Helena 

Richard Matheson: A Stir of Echoes

Hi everyone

I finished A Stir of Echoes by Richard Matheson and I read this on my e-reader.

"Tom Wallace lived an ordinary life, until a chance event awakened psychic abilities he never knew he possessed. Now he's hearing the private thoughts of the people around him-and learning shocking secrets he never wanted to know. But as Tom's existence becomes a waking nightmare, even greater jolts are in store as he becomes the unwilling recipient of a compelling message from beyond the grave!"

Unfortunately, this book was utterly boring. The writing, the story, the characters, ... none of it grabbed me. It was such a struggle to get through, and I was relieved it was only 228 pages. If it had been any longer, I don’t think I would have finished it.

I hate writing negative reviews, but this one just didn’t work for me. It felt flat, and I never connected with the characters or the plot. Maybe it’s just not my kind of story, but I was really disappointed in this story.

Have you read A Stir of Echoes? Did you feel the same way, or did it work better for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena
 

Bessel van der Kolk: The Body Keeps the Score

Hi everyone

The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk is the latest book I’ve read on the topic of trauma and healing, something I’ve become increasingly interested in. This book was recommended in other works on the subject, so I was eager to dive in. 
I read this on my e-reader.

"Trauma is a fact of life. Veterans and their families deal with the painful aftermath of combat; one in five Americans has been molested; one in four grew up with alcoholics; one in three couples have engaged in physical violence. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world's foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers' capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain's natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk's own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives."

I was really, really impressed by about 70% of this book. The first 70%, in particular, felt grounded in real science. As a midwife by training, I’m familiar with human anatomy and neurology, so the discussions on how trauma affects the body and brain weren’t entirely new to me. But van der Kolk’s interpretations of the consequences were insightful and fascinating. I found his explanations of early therapeutic approaches to be thoughtful, well-researched, and compelling.

But the last few chapters? That’s where van der Kolk lost me. The later therapies he discusses felt less science-backed and more like speculative or niche practices. To me, they came across as about as effective and evidence-based as chanting in the forest; something that might resonate with true believers, but left me very, very, VERY skeptical.

Still, the majority of the book was incredibly valuable. It deepened my understanding of trauma’s impact and offered real, practical insights into healing. If you’re interested in the science of trauma, this is absolutely worth reading, just be skip the final chapters.

Have you read The Body Keeps the Score? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Neil Gaiman: The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Hi everyone

This is my second time reading Neil Gaiman's The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and I was curious to see if my feelings about it had changed. Spoiler: they didn’t.
I have this gorgeous pocket that I reread.

"It began for our narrator forty years ago when the family lodger stole their car and committed suicide in it, stirring up ancient powers best left undisturbed. Dark creatures from beyond this world are on the loose, and it will take everything our narrator has just to stay alive: there is primal horror here, and menace unleashed - within his family and from the forces that have gathered to destroy it.
His only defence is three women, on a farm at the end of the lane. The youngest of them claims that her duckpond is an ocean. The oldest can remember the Big Bang."

I honestly don’t understand why this book has an average of 4 stars on Goodreads.
The story starts out well enough. The setting is interesting, and the initial characters drew me in. The pace is good, and the atmosphere is eerie in a way that hooks you right away.

But; and this is a big but, the characters are completely one-dimensional, either purely good or purely bad. The book feels too scary for YA but too simplistic for an adult story. And the plot itself? It just doesn’t make sense. I kept thinking, "What the hell is going on?" It’s frustrating because Neil Gaiman always has amazing ideas, but he struggles to execute them in a way that feels coherent or satisfying. The concepts are fascinating, but the story itself feels messy and underdeveloped.
Of course, this is just my opinion; I know Gaiman has a huge fanbase, and his work resonates deeply with many people. But for me, this book fell short of what it could have been.

What’s your experience with Neil Gaiman’s books? Do you love his writing, or do you share my frustration with his execution? I’d love to hear your thoughts; maybe you’ll help me see something I missed!

Happy reading!
Helena

Stephen King: The Dark Half

Hi everyone

I was in the mood for another Stephen King book, and with so many to choose from, I decided to pick up The Dark Half.
This time I read The Dark Half. 

"The sparrows are flying again. The idea haunts the edge of Thad Beaumont's mind. He should be happy; for years it is his secret persona 'George Stark', author of super-violent pulp thrillers, who has paid the family bills. But now he is writing seriously again under his own name, and his pseudonym is buried forever."

Unfortunately, The Dark Half wasn’t as good as I’d hoped or expected. The biggest issue was that it felt way too drawn out, which made it really boring in places. There are some great action scenes, chilling, frightening, and classic King, but the parts in between drag the plot down, killing both the pace and the tension.
The ending was underwhelming, too. I expected more from this book, especially given King’s reputation for mind-blowing twists and haunting conclusions. That said, I did enjoy the writing and the horror elements, particularly the cruel, vile George Stark scenes, which were shocking and brilliantly done. The core plot itself is interesting, but the execution was just too slow.

That’s how it goes with King’s books for me, some I love, some I find mediocre, and some I can’t even finish. This one fell somewhere in the middle: not bad, but not great either.

Have you read The Dark Half? Did you feel the same way, or did it grip you more than it did me? I’d love to hear your thoughts; maybe I missed something! 

Happy reading.
Helena

Becky Chambers: A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

Hi everyone

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is the second book in the Monk and Robot series by Becky Chambers.
I read this on my e-reader only because I couldn’t find a physical copy anywhere (though I’d love to own this series in paperback someday!). 

"After touring the rural areas of Panga, Sibling Dex (a Tea Monk of some renown) and Mosscap (a robot sent on a quest to determine what humanity really needs) turn their attention to the villages and cities of the little moon they call home.
They hope to find the answers they seek, while making new friends, learning new concepts, and experiencing the entropic nature of the universe.
Becky Chambers's new series continues to ask: in a world where people have what they want, does having more even matter?
They're going to need to ask it a lot." 

This book was really, really lovely. It’s sweet, cozy, easy, optimistic, and warm; perfect for when you need something light that leaves you feeling all warm inside. Chambers has a gift for creating worlds that feel gentle yet profound, and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is no exception.
The dynamic between Dex and Mosscap is pure joy.  Their journey, both physical and emotional, is full of small, meaningful moments that add up to something beautiful.
The themes, what it means to be human, the value of connection, and the beauty of simplicity, are woven in so naturally that they never feel preachy. Instead, they feel like a warm hug.

The only thing I didn’t love was the length of the book. I felt like we skipped too much, too many travels, interactions, and little adventures that I would have loved to read about. The story moves very quickly, and while that keeps it light and breezy, I couldn’t help but wish for more.

If you’re looking for a book that’s gentle, uplifting, and full of heart, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is perfect. (Like all other books by Becky Chambers I've read.) It’s the kind of story that restores your faith in humanity (and robots!) and leaves you with a smile on your face.

Have you read this series? Did you love it as much as I did? Or do you have another cozy, feel-good book to recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Terry Pratchett: The Last Continent

 Hi everyone

Terry Pratchett's novel The Last Continent is his 22nd book in the Discworld series.
This is my third time reading it and I can't really remember where I got it, but you can surely buy the series here. 

"IT'S THE DISCWORLD LAST CONTINENT AND IT'S GOING TO DIE IN A FEW DAYS, EXCEPT...
Who is this hero striding across the red desert? Sheep shearer, beer drinker, bush ranger, and someone who'll even eat a Meat Pie Floater when he's sober.
A man in a hat whose luggage follows him on little legs. Yes, it's Rincewind, the inept wizard who can't even spell wizard. He's the only hero left."

The Last Continent isn’t my favorite Discworld novel, but it’s still a blast. It’s fun, fast-paced, and packed with references and Discworld lore. The story is crazy in the best way, with so much happening that you’re never bored. Rincewind’s usual brand of chaos is on full display, and the sheer absurdity of the plot makes it a joy to read.
The humor is sharp, the satire is clever, and the world-building is as rich as ever. Pratchett’s knack for poking fun at anything and everything is a highlight here. And, of course, the Luggage steals every scene it’s in (as always).
I'm just not a fan of Rincewind so his books are never my favorites.

While The Last Continent might not be Pratchett’s best, it’s still a wildly entertaining read. It’s funny, clever, and full of heart, everything you’d expect from a Discworld novel. 

Have you read The Last Continent? What's your favorite Discworld book? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Dennis E. Taylor: Earthside

 Hi everyone

Earthside is the second book in Dennis E. Taylor's series Quantum Earth.
I read it on my e-reader.

"The Yellowstone super-eruption has put an end to modern civilization. As cities and countries continue to fall, the colony of Rivendell in the alternate Earth known as Outland looks more and more like the only real hope for humanity. But life in Rivendell isn’t getting any simpler, either. Bill and Kevin continue to discover new worlds; the population continues to rise; winter is approaching; and everyone has their own opinion about how things should be run.
Then, a garbled plea for help from Omaha sends most of the security forces back Earthside to investigate, leaving Outland’s police force understaffed just as a large group of refugees arrives with its own ideas and power structure. With threats from both inside and outside, will the colony even survive until spring?" 

Earthside is exactly what I needed, a light, fast-paced, and entertaining escape. The setting is something I always enjoy: a post-apocalyptic world where survivors are building a new life in an alternate Earth called Outland. The world-building is engaging, with new worlds to explore and plenty of drama to keep things interesting.
The characters are fun, even if they’re not particularly deep. There are plenty of people to root for (and a few to get frustrated with), which makes the story easy to dive into. The plot is predictable, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it, sometimes, knowing where things are headed just adds to the comfort of the read.

That said, Earthside isn’t anything groundbreaking. The plot and characters are rather shallow, and there’s nothing especially unique about the storytelling. But honestly? That’s okay. Not every book needs to be a literary masterpiece, sometimes, you just want something fun and easy to read, and Earthside delivers on that promise.

Have you read Earthside or any other books in the Quantum Earth series? Did you enjoy the adventure, or do you have a favorite post-apocalyptic book to recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Wrap Up: March 2025

 Hi everyone

I read more than expected last month! March 2025 was a great reading month for me, and I’m excited to share what I dove into. 

Here’s the full list

- Tasha Suri: Empire of Sand

- Philippa Perry: The Book You Want Everyone You Love To Read

- David Dalglish: A Dance of Blades

- Darren Hardy: The Compound Effect

- Julie Leong: The Teller of Small Fortunes

- Joe Abercrombie: The Trouble With Peace

There was also one book I could not finish.

- Nick Cutter: The Troop 

Did you read anything amazing in March? Or maybe you discovered a hidden gem? I’d love to hear about your favorite reads; let’s swap recommendations!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Joe Abercrombie: The Trouble With Peace

 Hi everyone

The Trouble With Peace is Joe Abercrombie's second book in The Age of Madness series.
I got my copy from Bol.com. After loving the first book, I was really excited to dive back into this world but unfortunately, this one left me deeply disappointed. 

"Conspiracy. Betrayal. Rebellion.
Peace is just another kind of battlefield...
Savine dan Glokta, once Adua’s most powerful investor, finds her judgement, fortune and reputation in tatters. But she still has all her ambitions, and no scruple will be permitted to stand in her way.
For heroes like Leo dan Brock and Stour Nightfall, only happy with swords drawn, peace is an ordeal to end as soon as possible. But grievances must be nursed, power seized and allies gathered first, while Rikke must master the power of the Long Eye . . . before it kills her.
The Breakers still lurk in the shadows, plotting to free the common man from his shackles, while noblemen bicker for their own advantage. Orso struggles to find a safe path through the maze of knives that is politics, only for his enemies, and his debts, to multiply.
The old ways are swept aside, and the old leaders with them, but those who would seize the reins of power will find no alliance, no friendship, and no peace, lasts forever."

I’ll be blunt: This was utterly boring.
The characters (Orso, Savine, Leo, even Rikke) felt like completely different people from the first book. In A Little Hatred, they were strong, confident, and driven. Now? They’re reduced to a constant state of "woe is me." They’re downtrodden, passive, and lacking any will to live, let alone thrive. They whine endlessly, and there’s no emotional payoff to make us care about their struggles. I found myself hoping they’d die just so we could focus on more interesting characters. But no such luck. It’s exhausting to read.

The plot is vague and meandering. It seems like a lot is happening, but nothing actually progresses. The pace is glacial, and the story feels stuck. I struggled to finish because it felt like a slog with no reward. Abercrombie’s grimdark style usually works because of his sharp humor, brutal action, and political intrigue. But here, the tone is relentlessly bleak without any glimmer of hope or light.

If you’re a die-hard Abercrombie fan, you might find something to appreciate here. But for me, this was a huge letdown. 

Have you read The Trouble With Peace? Did you feel the same way, or did it work for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts, maybe I missed something!

Happy reading!
Helena