Scan barcode
josiah17's reviews
246 reviews
The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu
The reading experience for this book was not the best thanks to another slump and my seemingly decreasing attention span. However, this is an excellent book. Even more grand and epic in scope. The worldbuilding is simply phenomenal and so inventive. I loved exploring wider corners of the world, and discovering new cultures and ways of life.
Ken Lui's prose and overall writing is wonderful once again. But in particular, this book is far more personal and up-close with its characters rather than the unique and intense drama playwriting style of The Grace of Kings. His characters are more vividly crafted and ultimately even more compelling than the way many of the characters are written in the first book (not to say that was bad writing—it wasn't). Especially in regards to Kuni, Théra, Zomi, and Jia. They have their own distinct voices, motivations, and powerful life experiences. I was moved by Zomi's backstory in particular, and I found Luan incredibly endearing and admirable. Many other characters shine bright too, but these four were the ones I believe stand out the most.
I also appreciated the way Liu focused less on the overtly philosophical themes present in the first book and honed in on themes like the human condition, the perspectives of conflict, gender roles, and the political landscapes of nations. I think this was a result of that aforementioned greater proximity to the characters and their motivations. All of it was executed quite well, being more subtle yet just as profound.
Altogether, The Wall of Storms is a fantastic book. It's not one that I would rate 5 stars at the moment thanks to my own reading slump and whatnot (plus my small criticisms here and there), but it's a book that certainly could be upon more reflection and however the series wraps up. Ken Liu continues to prove he's a magnificent writer.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"The Flow is the inexorable current of the universe. To live gracefully is to accept it, and find joy within each passing moment. Every journey must have a final stop, and ever life must come to an end. We're like dyrans in the vast sea, silver streaks passing each other in the watery depths, and we should cherish the time we have been given."
The reading experience for this book was not the best thanks to another slump and my seemingly decreasing attention span. However, this is an excellent book. Even more grand and epic in scope. The worldbuilding is simply phenomenal and so inventive. I loved exploring wider corners of the world, and discovering new cultures and ways of life.
"'The world is grand and the seas endless,' said Leita. 'All stories must be true in some corner of it.'"
Ken Lui's prose and overall writing is wonderful once again. But in particular, this book is far more personal and up-close with its characters rather than the unique and intense drama playwriting style of The Grace of Kings. His characters are more vividly crafted and ultimately even more compelling than the way many of the characters are written in the first book (not to say that was bad writing—it wasn't). Especially in regards to Kuni, Théra, Zomi, and Jia. They have their own distinct voices, motivations, and powerful life experiences. I was moved by Zomi's backstory in particular, and I found Luan incredibly endearing and admirable. Many other characters shine bright too, but these four were the ones I believe stand out the most.
"'The Fluxists like to speak of a heart of emptiness as an ideal state. With a heart of emptiness, there is also infinite potential for the future: joy, anger, sorrow, happiness. How we full our hearts has much to do with our fates, far more than our natuve talents, the circumstances of our birth, the vicissitudes of fortune, or even the intervention of the gods. If you do not like the stories you've been told, fill your heart with new stories. If you do not like the script you've been given, design for yourself a new role.'"
I also appreciated the way Liu focused less on the overtly philosophical themes present in the first book and honed in on themes like the human condition, the perspectives of conflict, gender roles, and the political landscapes of nations. I think this was a result of that aforementioned greater proximity to the characters and their motivations. All of it was executed quite well, being more subtle yet just as profound.
"'The Grace of Kings does not glitter like precious gold or shine like gentle-jade,' said Jia. 'It is forged from iron and blood.'"
Altogether, The Wall of Storms is a fantastic book. It's not one that I would rate 5 stars at the moment thanks to my own reading slump and whatnot (plus my small criticisms here and there), but it's a book that certainly could be upon more reflection and however the series wraps up. Ken Liu continues to prove he's a magnificent writer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Rape, Torture, and Death of parent
Misery by Stephen King
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well, that was a ride. I honestly was not entirely captivated by the first third or so of this book. I was certainly intrigued, but not hooked and on the edge of my seat yet like I was kind of expecting. However, the remainder of the book does just that and I was hooked. This story quickly becomes amazing suspenseful, intense, and insane. King evokes all the right emotions and atmosphere with his writing to make this a truly compelling and chilling thrill-ride. And for the most part I did enjoy his prose, but there were some undertones that bothered me here and there. Either from King himself or simply because Paul Sheldon isn't the greatest guy either. Could've shortened the actual Misery novel portion after Part II as well.
But anyways, definitely an enjoyable introduction to Stephen King's works, and I will certainly read more from him in the future. Annie's one psychotic villain...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Torture, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Racial slurs and Suicidal thoughts
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
The worldbuilding in this is quite exceptional too. The fantastical elements feel innovative with these gas-powered airships, the meddling and argumentative gods of Dara, and of course the cruben which are essentially giant narwhals who are even ridden by the natives of the island Tan Adü. How can you not be swept away by a world like this!? The Asian-inspired elements are certainly there too, and provide a great atmosphere for the whole narrative landscape.
Going back to the play-like drama writing style, it makes the pacing almost snappy quick a lot of the time, at least in my opinion, which I found nice even considering how absolutely massive the scope and timeline is for this story. It's a very ambitious novel. And I can understand one of the main criticisms of of this book being that it can feel disjointed because of that. It often jumps from place to place, character to character, especially early on. It also jumps ahead months in time in mere sentence with a summarization of events that have occured. The way character background stories are inserted can also add to that potential disjointment. I think all of this comes from Ken Liu being only a short story writer before this book. It is his debut. But for me, I did not feel like this book was too disconnected besides a bit in the very beginning. But nothing more than the normal adjustment period when diving into a new large sff series.
All in all, I thought The Grace of Kings was a wonderful book. Especially for a debut. It's unique, captivating, philosophical, tragic, and thrilling. Plus I just loved reading out of the broken binding midnight edition set I've purchased. Can't wait to start The Wall of Storms because I hear it only improves in all aspects going forward!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
1/16/25: Ever since I've finished this series, this is the book I think of the most. I think its deserving of 5 stars now, certainly being my favorite in the series with The Wall of Storms being a close second (would probably surpass on a reread when I'm not in a reading slump).
-------------
I have been looking forward to starting this series for so long. It was probably my most anticipated series just ahead of Sun Eater. And I'm extremely glad I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment.
-------------
I have been looking forward to starting this series for so long. It was probably my most anticipated series just ahead of Sun Eater. And I'm extremely glad I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment.
"A knife is not malicious merely because it is sharp, and a plot is not evil merely because it is effective. All depends on the wielder. The grace of kings is not the same as the morals governing individuals."
Now, after reading Ken Liu's short story collection The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories, I was entirely convinced I would love this series. Liu's gorgeous prose and intelligent writing in the form of epic fantasy, inspired by Asian history. It seemed perfect. However, if I knew more about this series beforehand rather than avoiding as many details as possible, I would've thought otherwise because this book is not something I'd normally reach for. This is entirely due to the play-like drama storytelling format with third person omniscient narration. The characterization is seemingly quite distant, and as a mostly character-driven reader that's not something that appeals to me. Nonetheless, Ken Liu's brilliant writing makes (not quite as poetic in prose as the aforementioned short story collection but still lovely) it all work beautifully. I come to care about the characters and what they represent. Their journeys and relationships explore meaningful themes and questions of power and morality. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Kuni and Mata. I found this story incredibly impactful and thought-provoking despite my unexpected bout of hesitancy in the beginning.
"Safety is an illusion, as is faith without temptation. We're imperfect, unlike the gods, but in that imperfection we may yet make them jealous."
The worldbuilding in this is quite exceptional too. The fantastical elements feel innovative with these gas-powered airships, the meddling and argumentative gods of Dara, and of course the cruben which are essentially giant narwhals who are even ridden by the natives of the island Tan Adü. How can you not be swept away by a world like this!? The Asian-inspired elements are certainly there too, and provide a great atmosphere for the whole narrative landscape.
"The Four Placid Seas are as wide as the years are long.
A wild goose flies over a pond, leaving behind a voice in the wind.
A man passes through this world, leaving behind a name."
Going back to the play-like drama writing style, it makes the pacing almost snappy quick a lot of the time, at least in my opinion, which I found nice even considering how absolutely massive the scope and timeline is for this story. It's a very ambitious novel. And I can understand one of the main criticisms of of this book being that it can feel disjointed because of that. It often jumps from place to place, character to character, especially early on. It also jumps ahead months in time in mere sentence with a summarization of events that have occured. The way character background stories are inserted can also add to that potential disjointment. I think all of this comes from Ken Liu being only a short story writer before this book. It is his debut. But for me, I did not feel like this book was too disconnected besides a bit in the very beginning. But nothing more than the normal adjustment period when diving into a new large sff series.
"Who says it praises only the chrysanthemum? Does the dandelion not bloom in the same hue, my brother?"
All in all, I thought The Grace of Kings was a wonderful book. Especially for a debut. It's unique, captivating, philosophical, tragic, and thrilling. Plus I just loved reading out of the broken binding midnight edition set I've purchased. Can't wait to start The Wall of Storms because I hear it only improves in all aspects going forward!
"You swept through the world in a tempest of gold. My brother, there will never be another like you in these Islands."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Sexual content and Suicide
Tales of the Sun Eater, Vol. 1 by Christopher Ruocchio
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
2.5
I enjoyed the Cielcin first contact story and the one narrated by Hadrian. But these short stories are all very action-oriented and provide very little thematic value, nor did I find them very enhancing to the Sun Eater universe. I got tired of them pretty quickly.
Queen Amid Ashes by Christopher Ruocchio
I quite enjoyed this novella. A big reason being because it's actually from Hadrian's perspective. It really explores the horrific and despicable nature of both humans and the Cielcin; one race is no better than the other in this galactic conflict. I also felt the overall writing was actually up to par with the main series unlike The Lesser Devil, the first novella.
I think I can confidently say I now feel completely enthralled by the Sun Eater universe. Really looking forward to Demon in White.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"I am the Sun Eater, you say, and you are right. Malyan murdered millions by fire. I have murdered billions by fire brighter still. I say to you it is not that there is no justice, only that what justice there is beneath our stars is insufficient. That is why the critics howl, not because they object to the justice of princes, but because they sense the limitations of that justice."
I quite enjoyed this novella. A big reason being because it's actually from Hadrian's perspective. It really explores the horrific and despicable nature of both humans and the Cielcin; one race is no better than the other in this galactic conflict. I also felt the overall writing was actually up to par with the main series unlike The Lesser Devil, the first novella.
I think I can confidently say I now feel completely enthralled by the Sun Eater universe. Really looking forward to Demon in White.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Gore, and Blood
1984 by George Orwell
Certainly a thought provoking book, and a harrowing dystopian setting. The power of propaganda, indoctrination, government/corporate control; all very relevant to today's world. But the overall read was not as impactful as I was hoping considering I don't care for the characters whatsoever. It merely felt like an exploration of haunting concepts, which is great and all. But I'm simply not someone who reads fiction for just concepts. I need other elements to pull me in and make me feel engaged and intrigued. I felt those elements were absent here and therefore the narrative feels almost hollow in a sense, in addition to some other off-putting undertones. But ultimately it is still an important book, one that I want to reread sometime when I'm older despite it not being entirely my taste.
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
"In this game that we're playing, we can't win. Some kinds of failure are better than other kinds, that's all."
Certainly a thought provoking book, and a harrowing dystopian setting. The power of propaganda, indoctrination, government/corporate control; all very relevant to today's world. But the overall read was not as impactful as I was hoping considering I don't care for the characters whatsoever. It merely felt like an exploration of haunting concepts, which is great and all. But I'm simply not someone who reads fiction for just concepts. I need other elements to pull me in and make me feel engaged and intrigued. I felt those elements were absent here and therefore the narrative feels almost hollow in a sense, in addition to some other off-putting undertones. But ultimately it is still an important book, one that I want to reread sometime when I'm older despite it not being entirely my taste.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and War
Minor: Sexual content
Howling Dark by Christopher Ruocchio
To be honest, I really wasn't enthralled by the first half of this book. I found myself less excited about the worldbuilding and Ruocchio's exploration of the Exalted and Extrasolarians. Nor was I as excited about the prospect of Hadrian's character arc as I had been after Empire of Silence. A big part of that being the massive timeskip between the two books which I had not know about, and apparently there's one for almost every book. Considering I'm not generally a fan of timeskips whatsoever, this quickly defeated a lot of my enthusiasm. Plus I think the timeskip was simply quite jarring too, enhancing my decrease in enthusiasm.
However, roughly the last half of this book...is incredible. Everything took off for me after Hadrian is given visions from this strange creature from a bygone era. I was enraptured, fully locked in. I loved just about everything that transpired from that point on.
In particular, I'm continuously impressed by Ruocchio's worldbuilding—despite being initially uncaptivated—and what he's created in the Cielcin and the Quiet. He may be at his strongest as a writer when delving into the nuances of this alien race and their behaviors, language, social structure. The Cielcin are so complex; both so human in many ways and utterly terrifying in others. And the Quiet provides an excellent mystical fantasy quality to this space opera series. There's still so much I want to know about them.
I must also mention than in hindsight, I do appreciate the beginning of the book more. I believe I found the tone really surprising and unexpected. But I appreciate what Ruocchio did in introducing these wider parts of the galaxy in such an unsettling and almost revolting manner. This book is really sci-fi horror in a lot of ways. And I especially have a greater appreciation for Kharn Sagara who's a great and incredibly intriguing character.
This book is not perfect though. I still have my qualms with the first half. The pacing really wasn't very fluid. Nor do I believe the side characters—in what's supposed to be Hadrian's closest crew—are very strong right now besides Valka (who I love!!!) and possibly Bassander Lin. Pallino's got potential too. But in the end I did thoroughly enjoy this book. And I can't wait to see where things go from here. Just when I began to think I was becoming much less excited and eager to read this series and experience the complicated tale of Hadrian Marlowe the Halfmortal, Ruocchio pulled me right back in.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"Man's inhumanity. What could be more human?"
To be honest, I really wasn't enthralled by the first half of this book. I found myself less excited about the worldbuilding and Ruocchio's exploration of the Exalted and Extrasolarians. Nor was I as excited about the prospect of Hadrian's character arc as I had been after Empire of Silence. A big part of that being the massive timeskip between the two books which I had not know about, and apparently there's one for almost every book. Considering I'm not generally a fan of timeskips whatsoever, this quickly defeated a lot of my enthusiasm. Plus I think the timeskip was simply quite jarring too, enhancing my decrease in enthusiasm.
However, roughly the last half of this book...is incredible. Everything took off for me after Hadrian is given visions from this strange creature from a bygone era. I was enraptured, fully locked in. I loved just about everything that transpired from that point on.
In particular, I'm continuously impressed by Ruocchio's worldbuilding—despite being initially uncaptivated—and what he's created in the Cielcin and the Quiet. He may be at his strongest as a writer when delving into the nuances of this alien race and their behaviors, language, social structure. The Cielcin are so complex; both so human in many ways and utterly terrifying in others. And the Quiet provides an excellent mystical fantasy quality to this space opera series. There's still so much I want to know about them.
"We are beasts of burden, Hadrian , we men. We struggle, and by that struggle are filled, and so define ourselves. That is the way."
I must also mention than in hindsight, I do appreciate the beginning of the book more. I believe I found the tone really surprising and unexpected. But I appreciate what Ruocchio did in introducing these wider parts of the galaxy in such an unsettling and almost revolting manner. This book is really sci-fi horror in a lot of ways. And I especially have a greater appreciation for Kharn Sagara who's a great and incredibly intriguing character.
"The poets say that one's fears grow less with trial, that we become men without fear of tried enough. I have not found it to be so. Rather, on each occasion we are tested, we become stronger than our fears. It is all we can do. Must do. Lest we perish for our failings."
This book is not perfect though. I still have my qualms with the first half. The pacing really wasn't very fluid. Nor do I believe the side characters—in what's supposed to be Hadrian's closest crew—are very strong right now besides Valka (who I love!!!) and possibly Bassander Lin. Pallino's got potential too. But in the end I did thoroughly enjoy this book. And I can't wait to see where things go from here. Just when I began to think I was becoming much less excited and eager to read this series and experience the complicated tale of Hadrian Marlowe the Halfmortal, Ruocchio pulled me right back in.
"The price of life is death. With what will you pay, Halfmortal?"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Xenophobia, and War
Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I liked the foundational concept of this novella, juxtaposing two viewpoints of reality from these characters. But unfortunately that's all I really liked. I suppose the depiction of Nyr's depression was written alright, but there was not enough compelling character development or intrigue within the short page count—besides Nyr's tower in the very beginning—for me to really appreciate and enjoy this little story.
The Lesser Devil by Christopher Ruocchio
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This novella was alright. It provides some insight on Crispin's points of view, and I liked getting a quick glimpse of Devils Rest after the years that pass during Empire of Silence. I really don't like Crispin's characterization much, especially because he continues acting like a teenager at 55 years old. However, the character development by the is somewhat serviceable. I hope he appears more in the series because he could become someone I'm more interested to read about.
Another criticism I have is how almost "preachy" this story is. Most of the novellas takes place in a Catholic village where the Priest is pretty adamant about expressing his beliefs. Even as someone mildly religious, I simply don't want to be preached to in a sci-fi story, especially in a novella. Additionally, I thought the prose felt more wonky and unpolished compared to Empire of Silence. I don't know if that's due to editing since this novella is self-published or if it's because Hadrian is supposed to be a more elegant writer with his memoir. Either way, I found the prose to be a little underwhelming after loving Ruocchio's writing in the first Sun Eater book.
Otherwise the action was cool I suppose. I liked seeing Crispin putting a highmatter sword to use. I also enjoyed a little more of Kyra and the introduction of Sabine, even though this novella really didn't try to flesh her out at all.
Another criticism I have is how almost "preachy" this story is. Most of the novellas takes place in a Catholic village where the Priest is pretty adamant about expressing his beliefs. Even as someone mildly religious, I simply don't want to be preached to in a sci-fi story, especially in a novella. Additionally, I thought the prose felt more wonky and unpolished compared to Empire of Silence. I don't know if that's due to editing since this novella is self-published or if it's because Hadrian is supposed to be a more elegant writer with his memoir. Either way, I found the prose to be a little underwhelming after loving Ruocchio's writing in the first Sun Eater book.
Otherwise the action was cool I suppose. I liked seeing Crispin putting a highmatter sword to use. I also enjoyed a little more of Kyra and the introduction of Sabine, even though this novella really didn't try to flesh her out at all.
The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Another very enjoyable Discworld book. I wasn't sure it'd be a favorite as it kinda starts slow, but the prospect of traveling to Uberwald as Vimes (reluctantly) takes on his diplomatic responsibilitkes had me super excited. I quickly became enthralled in all the shenanigans to follow and the exploration of Uberwald and it's quirks, especially all the Igor's. This was also the most political entry in the series so far which was a delight. Overall less emphasis on evoking laughter, but still humourous and fun. My only major complaint is not enough Inigo Skimmer because he's so great.