Cyn's Workshop

Today I’m reviewing We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor, the first book in the Bobiverse series—a sci-fi adventure that combines artificial intelligence, space exploration, existential questions, and a wonderfully nerdy sense of humor.

After Bob Johansson dies and wakes up more than a century later as a computerized consciousness, he discovers he’s now the property of a government preparing to send him into space as a self-replicating probe. What follows is a wildly imaginative journey as Bob creates more versions of himself, explores the galaxy, encounters new worlds, and grapples with what it actually means to still be Bob when there are suddenly a whole lot of Bobs running around.

Between the science, pop-culture references, humor, and surprisingly thoughtful questions about identity, humanity, religion, technology, and consciousness, there’s a lot more happening here than the book’s playful premise initially suggests.

🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free review as I dive into the Bobs, the science-fiction concepts, worldbuilding, humor, pacing, and why We Are Legion (We Are Bob) is such a fun start to the Bobiverse.

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#WeAreLegion #WeAreBob #DennisETaylor #Bobiverse #SciFiBooks

Today I’m reviewing Heir by Sabaa Tahir, the first book in a new duology set in the world of the An Ember in the Ashes series.

Returning to this world means returning to its complicated politics, dangerous power struggles, and characters forced to reckon with the consequences of the generations that came before them. Heir expands the universe while introducing a new generation of characters whose stories are shaped by legacy, family, identity, and the lasting consequences of war.

It’s an ambitious continuation that asks what happens after the heroes supposedly save the world—and whether their children can escape the mistakes they left behind.

🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free review as I discuss the new characters, worldbuilding, pacing, connections to An Ember in the Ashes, and whether Heir successfully kicks off this next chapter of Sabaa Tahir’s fantasy world.

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#Heir #SabaaTahir #AnEmberInTheAshes #YAFantasy #BookReviewPodcast

It’s time for my July Reading Wrap-Up! 📚 After June’s reading fatigue hit me hard, July was all about getting back into the groove, tackling my TBR, and—because apparently I enjoy giving myself impossible challenges—trying to make a dent in another wildly ambitious reading goal.

This month brought 14 books across fantasy, science fiction, romance, horror, and more, with everything from surprising new favorites to books that left me with thoughts. Lots and lots of thoughts. 😂

🎧 Join me as I recap everything I read in July, share my spoiler-free thoughts and ratings, talk about the books that completely delivered, and get into the ones that didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Was July enough to officially break the reading slump? And did vacation actually help me read more? Let’s get into it!

Follow on Spotify for more monthly reading wrap-ups, fantasy and sci-fi reviews, romantasy, special-edition unboxings, and all things bookish!

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Today I’m reviewing Vicious Miscreations by Jenn Neal, the first book in The Fractured Worlds series—a New Adult dark urban fantasy pitched as Six of Crows meets Arcane, with one particularly deadly twist: the plants can kill you. 🌿💀

Set in a treacherous world overrun by sentient carnivorous plants, Vicious Miscreations blends dark fantasy, urban atmosphere, and botanical horror into a dangerous adventure where survival is never guaranteed. The Arcane and Six of Crows comparisons set the stage for morally complicated characters, dangerous alliances, and a world where trusting the wrong person—or apparently the wrong shrub—could be a fatal mistake.

🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free review as I dive into the characters, worldbuilding, botanical horror, pacing, and whether this dark and deadly fantasy lives up to its killer premise.

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#ViciousMiscreations #JennNeal #BotanicalHorror #DarkFantasy #BookReviewPodcast

Today I’m reviewing The Secret Astronomers by Jessica Walker—a visually striking YA novel that turns an old astronomy textbook into the heart of an intimate story about connection, identity, and finding someone who understands you.

Set in rural West Virginia, the novel follows two high school pen pals who communicate through notes, drawings, and artwork left inside an 1888 astronomy textbook. Rather than relying on traditional narration, the story unfolds through this epistolary format, allowing us to piece together their lives and relationship through what they choose to share with one another.

The combination of handwritten messages, illustrations, and astronomy gives the book such a distinctive personality, making the physical presentation part of the storytelling rather than simply decoration. It’s an inventive approach to YA contemporary fiction that makes reading it feel like discovering a private conversation hidden between the pages of an old book.

🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free review as I discuss the characters, emotional themes, illustrated format, and whether The Secret Astronomers is worth adding to your TBR.

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#TheSecretAstronomers #JessicaWalker #YABooks #BookReviewPodcast #EpistolaryNovel

Today I’m reviewing A Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker, the highly anticipated sequel to When the Moon Hatched—and while I didn’t love it quite as much as the first book, that second half absolutely delivered.

This sequel flips the balance of its predecessor. The first half leans much more heavily into the romantasy side of Raeve and Kaan’s relationship, and while I love these characters, I sometimes found myself wishing we would move beyond the romance and get back to the larger fantasy story unfolding around them.

Then we hit that halfway point, and everything changes.

The pacing takes off, the fantasy moves front and center, multiple POVs deepen the story, and revelation after revelation completely reshapes what we thought we knew. The Khazari, Veya, the Scavenger King, and the larger conflicts happening throughout this world were some of my favorite parts—and thankfully, we actually get answers to some of those lingering questions from book one.

And that ending?! Jaw. On. The. Floor. I need the next book immediately.

⭐ 4.5/5 stars

🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free review as I break down the shift from romantasy to fantasy, the expanded POVs, character development, worldbuilding, and why that explosive second half made the slower beginning completely worth it.

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#ABalladOfFallingDragons #SarahAParker #WhenTheMoonHatched #Romantasy #BookReviewPodcast

Today I’m reviewing Local Heavens—a bold cyberpunk reimagining of The Great Gatsby that captures the heart of the original while transforming it into something entirely fresh.

Set in a neon-lit futuristic world, this novel expertly blends classic literary themes with cyberpunk aesthetics, exploring wealth, obsession, identity, and the illusion of the American Dream through a queer lens. It honors Fitzgerald's story while expanding on its emotional core, creating characters that feel both familiar and new.

The worldbuilding is immersive, the character dynamics are compelling, and the cyberpunk setting elevates every aspect of the narrative. If you love literary retellings that take creative risks and fully commit to their vision, Local Heavens is one you won't want to miss.

🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free review as I discuss the brilliant adaptation of The Great Gatsby, the emotional impact of the characters, and why Local Heavens became one of my favorite retellings of the year. Follow on Spotify for more fantasy, science fiction, literary retellings, and bookish deep dives.

#LocalHeavens #TheGreatGatsby #Cyberpunk #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #ScienceFiction #LiteraryRetelling #BookTube #QueerBooks #BookishPodcast

Today I’m reviewing Every Exquisite Thing by Laura Steven—a stunning YA fantasy that reimagines The Picture of Dorian Gray with emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and a story that feels both timeless and incredibly relevant.

This novel masterfully balances dark academia, gothic atmosphere, and heartfelt character development while exploring identity, beauty, self-worth, and the pressure to be seen as "perfect." Add in compelling sapphic romance, sharp social commentary, and a protagonist whose journey feels deeply authentic, and you have one of the year's standout reads.

Beautifully written and emotionally resonant, Every Exquisite Thing takes a literary classic and transforms it into something fresh, powerful, and impossible to put down.

🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free review as I discuss what makes this retelling so effective, why the characters left such a lasting impression, and why Every Exquisite Thing is one of my favorite reads of the year. Follow on Spotify for more fantasy, YA, gothic retelling, and bookish deep dives.

#EveryExquisiteThing #LauraSteven #DorianGray #DarkAcademia #YAFantasy #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #GothicRetelling #BookishPodcast

Today I’m reviewing Of Flame and Fury—a unique fantasy that swaps dragons for phoenixes, delivering an action-packed story filled with rivalry, political intrigue, and breathtaking aerial races.

Set in a world where phoenixes are both revered and exploited, the novel blends fast-paced adventure with emotional stakes, exploring loyalty, corruption, and the bond between humans and these legendary creatures. The phoenix racing adds an exciting twist to the fantasy genre, while the mystery surrounding the kingdom keeps the tension high from beginning to end.

Although I wanted a little more time developing the central relationship before the romance took center stage, the engaging worldbuilding, compelling plot twists, and satisfying conclusion made this a memorable read.

🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free review as I discuss the phoenix lore, the characters, the romance, and why Of Flame and Fury stands out in a sea of dragon-filled fantasy novels. Follow on Spotify for more fantasy, romantasy, and bookish deep dives.

#OfFlameAndFury #FantasyBooks #PhoenixFantasy #FantasyRomance #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #FantasyReads #BookishPodcast #YAFantasy

Today I’m reviewing The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer—a fast-paced YA mystery that completely pulled me in from start to finish.

Set against the backdrop of a competitive escape room show, the story combines puzzles, secrets, and murder into an addictive mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. Every clue matters, every revelation changes the game, and the twists just keep coming.

What I loved most was how immersive the mystery felt. I found myself trying to solve the puzzles alongside the characters, constantly reevaluating my theories as new information came to light. Best of all, the shocking reveals felt earned—surprising without ever feeling random.

🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free review as I discuss the characters, the mystery, the puzzle-solving elements, and why The Escape Game is a must-read for fans of YA thrillers and twisty mysteries. Follow on Spotify for more book reviews, reading wrap-ups, and bookish deep dives.

#TheEscapeGame #MarissaMeyer #YAMystery #MysteryBooks #ThrillerBooks #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #BookishPodcast #ReadingCommunity