Paperback Friends

I love a good standalone, and this one is just that!

Makiia Lucier writes a complex, well-told story with great world building. I’m a sucker for details that we don’t really need, but that still adds something to the world, characters or story. I firmly believe that the less mechanical writing is; the more room it leaves to be something different.

Year of the Reaper is different, and while a weak villain and lack of real action keeps it from the most cherished books that have been featured on this podcast – this one is no slouch with plenty of amazing moments. Kudos to Lucier!

Type: Review | Book: Year of the Reaper | Writer: Makiia Lucier

What was originally supposed to be a review episode got turned into this less traditional review.

My first recording turned out poorly. I know this isn't the best podcast in the world, but I do hold myself to a certain standard at least; believe it or not.

So, this is sort of a review, but not quite – I still wanted to talk about the book though, so I took a step back and tried again. We got something okay this time at least ^^

Type: Writing 101 | Book: Mass Effect; Revelation | Writer: Drew Karpyshyn

Glad I read it, but man does it not live up to the hype. I don't get it with this one. This is the opposite of 1984 for me where 1984 manages to live up to the hype and the expectations, but this? Very much does not.

But let's get into why I don't love this one, and where I do think there are some good parts.

Type: Review | Book: The Great Gatsby | Writer: F. Scott Fitzgerald

I have my first, real interview on the podcast with the kind and knowledgeable librarian, Emily Ringborg.

This was such a fun episode to record, and I hope you guys have great time listening to it as well. The focus of the episode is mostly on Emily’s book tips, but we also talk about some other stuff in-between.

Here are all the tips in case you missed one while listening:

Emile Zola - Thérèse Raquin

Mary Doria Russell - The Sparrow

Elan Mastai - All Our Wrong Todays

Ursula K. Le Guin - The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas

Erin P. Macdonald - Star Trek: My First Book of Space

Josephine Tey - The Daughter of Time

Melina Marchetta - Finnikin of the Rock

Theodore McCombs - Uranians: Stories

Octavia E. Butler - Parable of the Sower

Octavia E. Butler - Dawn

Octavia E. Butler - Kindred

Octavia E. Butler - Fledgling

Type: Interview | Books: several see above | Writers: several see above

Becky Chambers hits something special in her second novel in the semi-standalone Wayfarer Series. Chamber’s writing has this aimlessness to it that is hard to master, but very enjoyable when it’s done right.

Owl and Jane23, that’s all I’ll say about why I think this is special.

While this will not be for everyone, if you like a novel that isn’t in a rush, and feels lived in – then this might just be for you.

Type: Review | Book: A Closed and Common Orbit | Writer: Becky Chambers

This time we do a tiny bit of reminiscing as we recall some of the “bad” novel that I have reviewed on the show. However, not to make fun of them, or belittle them more; rather I try to show some regard by highlighting things that are good with what to me was some bad reading experiences.

The point is, even the bad ones have something good in them =)

Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

I had one of these episodes a few weeks ago. I thought it was so bad; I had to scrap it. This one is not much better xD

Still, after a verbose intro I do get to some interesting points. As I’ve said, there are going to have to be a few episodes like these in-between reviews.

Hopefully, I can fill space with more interviews and better content as we trod along this podcast road. For now, consider this a bump of many in that road =)

Type: Philosophy | Book: N/A | Philosopher: Sam

Your favorite crazy person is back at it, and this time I’m yelling about “corrupted evil” in novels.

Look, evil is not a flu, it’s not a disease, or something that just “happens.” Being a jerk, is pretty much always a choice. Framing that choice is what makes for a good or bad villain.

A guaranteed way to make a bad villain is to have someone be evil because they read a book or touched an “ancient artifact.” That is always going to suck.

There are ways you can make corruption, as in the distortion of moral or ideals, work quite well if you make it gradual, or at least write it well.

Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

I had a weird, good feeling about this one, and boy did it pay off. I love this novel, and I love the way Hardinge makes all this happen.

The intricate world of Caverna is not like any place I've ever "seen" in fantasy, but that's not why this is so good; it's in how all of it comes together, and how well-thought out interesting all the characters are.

It's balanced, in its oddities, and Hardinge never goes overboard with the eccentricities. A Face Like Glass, is just as charming as it is brutal, and that is neat combination.

Don't sleep on this book!

Type: Review | Book: A Face Like Glass | Writer: Frances Hardinge

What do we say about this one? Orwell is freaking cracked! If Homage to Catalonia is anywhere near as good as his other stuff; it has to be read – pronto!

As for 1984, what can I say honestly? It lives up to expectations. Dark, uncompromising and to the point (manifest parts excluded) this is simply amazing work.

Orwell is not for everyone, and if you had to read this for school it might lessen how you feel about it today. Although, if you like a piece of fiction with some meaning to it; look no further than 1984.

Type: Review | Book: 1984 | Writer: George Orwell