Terry Pratchett: Jingo

Hi everyone

Jingo is the 21st book in the best series of all time; DISCWORLD; written by the inimitable Sir Terry Pratchett. and it’s just as brilliant as the first time.

"DISCWORLD GOES TO WAR, WITH ARMIES OF SARDINES, WARRIORS, FISHERMEN, SQUID AND AT LEAST ONE VERY CAMP FOLLOWER.
As two armies march, Commander Vimes of Ankh-Morpork City Watch faces unpleasant foes who are out to get him... and that's just the people on his side. The enemy might be even worse."

As always, Jingo is fantastic. Terry Pratchett’s sharp wit, clever satire, and deep understanding of human nature are on full display here. The story is hilarious, the references are on point, and the characters are as lovable as ever.
Vimes, Nobby, Carrot, Angua, Detritus, Sybil, Vetinari, Colon, ... I adore them all. Each one brings something unique and wonderful to the story. The dynamic between them is what makes Discworld so special, and Jingo showcases it perfectly.

What I love most about Jingo is how Pratchett takes a serious topic and turns it into a satire that’s both hilarious and thought-provoking. It’s a book that makes you laugh while also making you think, and that’s classic Terry Pratchett.

Have you read Jingo? Let me know; I’d love to geek out over Terry Pratchett with you!

Happy reading!
Helena

Becky Chambers: A Psalm for the Wild-Built

 Hi everyone

A Psalm for the Wild-Built is the first book in Becky Chamber's new bookseries; Monk and Robot. I could not find it in paperback so I read it on my e-reader.

"Centuries before, robots of Panga gained self-awareness, laid down their tools, wandered, en masse into the wilderness, never to be seen again. They faded into myth and urban legend.
Now the life of the tea monk who tells this story is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of "what do people need?" is answered. But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how. They will need to ask it a lot. Chambers' series asks: in a world where people have what they want, does having more matter?"

I enjoyed this so much. In the style I’ve come to expect from Becky Chambers, A Psalm for the Wild-Built is a true feel-good novel. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile, sigh with contentment, and feel all warm inside. It’s lovely, charming, cozy, hopeful, and full of heart.

What makes this book so wonderful is its gentleness. Chambers doesn’t rely on action or drama, instead, she focuses on connection, kindness, and the small joys of life. The world is so inviting and the dialogue is warm and thoughtful.

Have you read A Psalm for the Wild-Built? Did it make you feel as cozy as it did for me? Or do you have another feel-good book to recommend? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Marie Brennan: Driftwood

 Hi everyone

I just finished Driftwood, a standalone novel by Marie Brennan, the author of the Lady Trent series, which I really enjoyed. I read this one on my e-reader, and while I loved the world and its creativity, I’m left feeling a bit conflicted

"Who is Last?
Fame is rare in Driftwood- it’s hard to get famous if you don’t stick around long enough for people to know you. But many know the guide, Last, a one-blooded survivor who has seen his world end many lifetimes ago. For Driftwood is a strange place of slow apocalypses, where continents eventually crumble into mere neighborhoods, pulled inexorably towards the center in the Crush. Cultures clash, countries fall, and everything eventually disintegrates.
Within the Shreds, a rumor goes around that Last has died. Drifters come together to commemorate him. But who really was Last? "

I'm conflicted. The story was confusing and all over the place. Because it's so short and Brennan wanted to write multiple characters it felt disjointed. The whole novel consists of several shortstories centered around this 'person' Last. I liked the world, the different people and cultures. But I never felt connected to the characters or the story.

Driftwood is a fascinating concept. Brennan’s worldbuilding is as rich and imaginative as ever, and I loved exploring the different people, cultures, and remnants of lost civilizations. The story is creative and very atmospheric. 
But the story also felt disjointed. Because it’s so short, and Brennan tries to weave together multiple perspectives and timelines, it never quite works. The novel is structured as a series of short stories centered around the enigmatic figure of Last, but I never felt connected to him or to the larger narrative. The characters come and go, and just as I started to care about one, the story moved on to the next. It left me wanting more depth, more cohesion, more emotional weight.

Have you read Driftwood? Did you connect with it more than I did, or did you feel the same? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Mike Bockoven: Fantasticland

 Hi everyone

This is my review for Mike Bockoven's Fantasticland. I read the book on my e-reader.

"Since the 1970s, FantasticLand has been the theme park where “Fun is Guaranteed!” But when a hurricane ravages the Florida coast and isolates the park, the employees find it anything but fun. Five weeks later, the authorities who rescue the survivors encounter a scene of horror. Photos soon emerge online of heads on spikes outside of rides and viscera and human bones littering the gift shops, breaking records for hits, views, likes, clicks, and shares. How could a group of survivors, mostly teenagers, commit such terrible acts?"

Fantasticland was an absolute rollercoaster read. There were moments when I was bored and others when I was too terrified to read further. But I finished it, and I’m glad I did.

The survivors recounting their experiences made parts of the book drag for me because some chapters took a long time to get interesting. But at the same time, these different perspectives on what truly happened in the park are one of the things that kept me thinking about the book long after I finished it. It’s fascinating how the same events can be seen and interpreted in completely different ways, depending on who’s telling the story.

That said, I still feel the situation went south way too fast in the park. I can understand how people might turn violent in such extreme circumstances, but the speed of the descent into chaos felt unrealistic to me. The horror escalated too quickly, without enough buildup or psychological depth to make it feel fully believable.
And when it was terrifying, it was really terrifying. There were moments that haunted me, the imagery is vivid and disturbing, and it sticks with you.

Fantasticland is not a perfect book, but it’s definitely a memorable one. 

Have you read Fantasticland? Did you find it as unsettling as I did, or did you connect with it differently? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan: The Gutter Prayer

Hi everyone

The Gutter Prayer is the first book in The Black Iron Legacy series by Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan.
I got my copy from Bol.com.

"A group of three young thieves are pulled into a centuries old magical war between ancient beings, mages, and humanity in this wildly original debut epic fantasy.
The city has always been. The city must finally end.
When three thieves—an orphan, a ghoul, and a cursed man—are betrayed by the master of the thieves guild, their quest for revenge uncovers dark truths about their city and exposes a dangerous conspiracy, the seeds of which were sown long before they were born.
Cari is a drifter whose past and future are darker than she can know.
Rat is a Ghoul, whose people haunt the city's underworld.
Spar is a Stone Man, subject to a terrible disease that is slowly petrifying his flesh.
Chance has brought them together, but their friendship could be all that stands in the way of total armageddon."

While I appreciate the ambition behind this book, I’m not entirely convinced I actually liked it. 

There was just too much going on in this book. Ryder-Hanrahan clearly has a ton of great ideas: the creatures, the magic system, the world’s history, ... but it felt like he tried to cram them all into one story. The originality of the creatures and concepts is undeniable, and I loved the creativity behind them. But there’s so much that it becomes overwhelming.
The writing style also wasn’t for me. It was very dense, and I struggled to get through some sections. Combined with rather flat characters and shallow worldbuilding, it made for a reading experience that was not awful, but not really enjoyable either; at least, not for me.

Have you read The Gutter Prayer? Did you connect with it more than I did, or did you feel the same way? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Lucy Jones: Matrescence

 Hi everyone

I slowly read and thought about Lucy Jones' book Matrescence on my e-reader and I have some thoughts to share.

"A radical new examination of the transition into motherhood and how it affects the mind, brain and body.
During pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood, women undergo a far-reaching physiological, psychological and social metamorphosis. Other than during adolescence, there is no other time in a human's life with such dramatic change, yet science, medicine, and philosophy have neglected this life-altering transition. Its seismic effects go largely unrepresented across literature and the arts. Speaking about motherhood as anything other than a pastel-hued dream remains, for the most part, taboo.
In this ground-breaking, deeply personal investigation, acclaimed journalist and author Lucy Jones brings to light the emerging concept of 'matrescence'. Drawing on new research across various fields—neuroscience and evolutionary biology; psychoanalysis and existential therapy; sociology, economics and ecology—Jones shows how the changes in the maternal mind, brain, and body are far more profound, wild, and enduring than we have been led to believe. She reveals the dangerous consequences of our neglect of the maternal experience, and interrogates the patriarchal and capitalist systems that have created the untenable situation mothers face today.
Here is an urgent examination of the modern institution of motherhood that seeks to unshackle all parents from oppressive social norms. As it deepens our understanding of matrescence, it raises vital questions about motherhood and femininity; interdependence and individual identity; and our relationships with each other and the world."

First of all, given my background (a 7-year-old daughter, a 3-year-old daughter, a bachelor’s degree in Midwifery, a master’s in Health Sciences, and a career shift to accountancy) I approached this book with a mix of professional curiosity and personal experience. I’ve been through childbirth twice, witnessed it up close a hundred times, and met countless pregnant women, so I hoped for new insights or knowledge. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn anything new in terms of facts, scientific research, or hypotheses. That was a bit disappointing.

That said, Matrescence is a good personal story of growth, searching for answers, and listening to others. Lucy Jones shares her own journey through the chaos and transformation of motherhood, and her honesty and vulnerability make the book relatable and engaging. However, I found her perspective a bit too negative. While it’s absolutely vital to address the pressures and expectations of matrescence, I feel like there’s more to the story than what she presents.
Motherhood isn’t just struggle, it’s also joy, connection, and community. Jones doesn’t mention the support systems that many mothers do have access to, like neighbors, friends, or groups that can provide help and solidarity. She focuses heavily on the challenges, which are very real and important, but I wish she had balanced it with some of the beautiful, uplifting moments that are also part of matrescence.

Matrescence is a valuable contribution to the conversation about motherhood, and it highlights the urgent need to recognize and support the profound changes women go through. But for me, it felt incomplete. It’s not a book of answers, but it does spark important questions, and for that, I appreciate it.

Have you read Matrescence? Did you connect with Lucy Jones’ perspective, or did you feel the same way I did? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Peter Brown: The Wild Robot

 Hi everyone

The Wild Robot is Peter Brown's first book in The Wild Robot series. It's a delightful children's book. I got my copy from Bol.com.

"When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is—but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants.
As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home—until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her."

This was a really heartwarming children's book. 
It has a simple story, lovely characters, a bit of suspense,some hardship and a few moral lessons. The writing is easy to read and I had a few laughs.

Happy reading!
Helena 

Emma Newman: After Atlas

 Hi everyone

After Atlas is the second book in Emma Newman's Planetfall series. This is also my second time reading the series. Last time, After Atlas was my least favorite in the series and I think that didn't change.
I bought the whole Planetfall series from Bol.com.

"Govcorp detective Carlos Moreno was only a baby when Atlas left Earth to seek truth among the stars. But in that moment, the course of Carlos’s entire life changed. Atlas is what took his mother away; what made his father lose hope; what led Alejandro Casales, leader of the religious cult known as the Circle, to his door. And now, on the eve of the fortieth anniversary of Atlas’s departure, it’s got something to do why Casales was found dead in his hotel room—and why Carlos is the man in charge of the investigation.
To figure out who killed one of the most powerful men on Earth, Carlos is supposed to put aside his personal history. But the deeper he delves into the case, the more he realizes that escaping the past is not so easy. There’s more to Casales’s death than meets the eye, and something much more sinister to the legacy of Atlas than anyone realizes..."

There is a lot to love, though After Atlas is my least favorite in the Planetfall series. The writing is great, it flows nicely and it reads without hitches. There's humor in the book, the murder mysterie really is a mysterie, the characters have real depth and I enjoyed every single person.

But it is,in essence, only a murder mysterie with a lot of questions attached to this murder and the victim. And I'm really not into police novels. But that wasn't bad, just not really my cup of tea. I loved the more science-fictiony elements.
What did annoy me was Carlos' inner drama. The constant whining about being owned and the implications on his life. It's not necessary to keep reminding us every chance you get mrs. Newman, we can remember that fact.

But, aside from that; wonderful worldbuilding, amazing characters and great plot.
And a perfect cliffhanger!

Happy reading!
Helena

Muriel Barbery: A Single Rose

 Hi everyone

I finished my second Muriel Barbery book. This time it was A Single Rose. My edition was translated to Dutch and I got it from Bol.com.

"Rose has just turned forty when she gets a call from a lawyer asking her to come to Kyoto for the reading of her estranged father's will. And so for the first time in her life she finds herself in Japan, where Paul, her father's assistant, is waiting to greet her.
As Paul guides Rose along a mysterious itinerary designed by her deceased father, her bitterness and anger are soothed by the stones and the trees in the Zen gardens they move through. During their walks, Rose encounters acquaintances of her father--including a potter and poet, an old lady friend, his housekeeper and chauffeur--whose interactions help her to slowly begin to accept a part of herself that she has never before acknowledged.
As the reading of the will gets closer, Rose's father finally, posthumously, opens his heart to his daughter, offering her a poignant understanding of his love and a way to accept all she has lost."

Barbery really, really wanted to write a Great Literary Novel. And it was sooo boring and forced.

Better luck next time.

Happy reading!
Helena

Brian McClellan: Blood of Empire

 Hi everyone

Blood of Empire is the third book in Brian McClellan's Gods of Blood and Powder series. I got my book from Bol.com.

"As the final battle approaches a sellsword, a spy, and a general must find unlikely and dangerous allies in order to turn the tides of war in this epic fantasy tale of magic and gunpowder by acclaimed author Brian McClellan.
The Dynize have unlocked the Landfall Godstone, and Michel Bravis is tasked with returning to Greenfire Depths to do whatever he can to prevent them from using its power; from sewing dissension among the enemy ranks to rallying the Palo population.
Ben Styke's invasion of Dynize is curtailed when a storm scatters his fleet. Coming ashore with just twenty lancers, he is forced to rely on brains rather than brawn - gaining new allies in a strange land on the cusp of its own internal violence.
Bereft of her sorcery and physically and emotionally broken, Lady Vlora Flint now marches on Landfall at the head of an Adran army seeking vengeance against those who have conspired against her. While allied politicians seek to undo her from within, she faces insurmountable odds and Dynize's greatest general."

                    *   *   *     SPOILERS    *   *   * 

I have loved this series. It's impossible to name my favorite characters because there are so many. Ben, Celine, Ichtracia, Michel, Vlora, Bo, Etzi, ... Even most minor characters feel realistic.
The actionscenes are absolutely amazing; they're not too long to get boring and most importantly for me, the buildup to a battle isn't endless.

There's humour, action, intrigue, politics, war, blood, love and everything else you could want.

I will definitely read more of Brian McClellan's books.

Happy reading!
Helena

Wrap Up: November 2024

 Hi everyone

Another month has gone by. November is one of my least favorite months because it gets cold, wet and dark here in Belgium.
The upside is, perfect weather for cozy reading!

Here's the list of books I read with a link to their review:

- Shelley Parker-Chan: She Who Became the Sun

- Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long War

- Ira Levin: Son of Rosemary

- Daniel Kahneman: Thinking Fast and Slow

What books did you read last month?

Happy reading!
Helena