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karin_goodreads's reviews
116 reviews
Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells
That was interesting, I really liked it! It was a dip into the more serious tones, but still showing off that Murderbot humor. Maybe it's just me liking this series a lot, but my only complaint is that I want more. I love Murderbot's POV, it's just nice to know how others view it (and it's behaviour). The character dynamics are always great!
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Taking place right after "Exit Strategy", this short story let's us experience Murderbot's world through Dr. Mensah's eyes. A totally different, yet similar perspective.
She knows SecUnit is not so much taunting her with its abilities as refusing to pretend to be anything other than it is.
That was interesting, I really liked it! It was a dip into the more serious tones, but still showing off that Murderbot humor. Maybe it's just me liking this series a lot, but my only complaint is that I want more. I love Murderbot's POV, it's just nice to know how others view it (and it's behaviour). The character dynamics are always great!
"Can you separate that person from the purpose they were created for?"
"I couldn't. The person separated itself."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Death and Murder
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
It's always nice coming back to this series and the proof is very evident - I'm still reading and planning to take on the next part, because I really want to know how the whole thing with Murderbot going back to Dr. Mensah is going to turn out.
This time we got to see Murderbot interact with Miki (a human-form bot) and that was super interesting to see.
Murderbot did miss ART tho (me too buddy). I still hope that in later installments we get to see them working together again :)
Murderbot was going through it this time! The sarcasm, annoyance and also the oh shit moments made it even more relatable than before. With every story it's becoming more and more human-like. The sass and the personality has always been there, but there's genuine feelings coming through, you know what I mean? Well, it's going to be very interesting to watch, I can't imagine what's coming next...
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
This is Murderbot series' third book, the story keeps going! Murderbot is trying to do it's thing and investigate GrayCris Corporation, but humans somehow keep getting involved and now it needs to protect them, even though it really wants to be left alone. There's also mentions of Murderbot's original crew and intrigue with the unaccounted SecUnit.
I hate caring about stuff. But apparently once you start, you can't just stop.
It's always nice coming back to this series and the proof is very evident - I'm still reading and planning to take on the next part, because I really want to know how the whole thing with Murderbot going back to Dr. Mensah is going to turn out.
This time we got to see Murderbot interact with Miki (a human-form bot) and that was super interesting to see.
Murderbot did miss ART tho (me too buddy). I still hope that in later installments we get to see them working together again :)
I was tired of pretending to be human. I needed a break.
Murderbot was going through it this time! The sarcasm, annoyance and also the oh shit moments made it even more relatable than before. With every story it's becoming more and more human-like. The sass and the personality has always been there, but there's genuine feelings coming through, you know what I mean? Well, it's going to be very interesting to watch, I can't imagine what's coming next...
Pretending bad things aren’t happening is not a great survival strategy in the long run.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Grief
The Silence of Bones by June Hur
What a whirlwind! I started reading this many moons ago, but just now returned to it. What was the problem that I left it unfinished for so long and then picked it up and finished it in a day? The first part of the book was a little slow, and my interest was elsewhere, but recently it became interesting again and I devoured it within an evening.
Honestly, I don't remember everything from the beginning, but enough to make sense. Nevertheless, the ending was excruciatingly painful and action-packed, every sentence kept me on my toes.
Where is the lie? I was bawling my eyes out by the end. It hit so deep and brought up some raw feelings that came out of nowhere; props to June Hur! It's palpable how much work has gone into the research and details of the story. I find it nice that the ending was left sort of open-ended.
Despite that, there's much left to process. I do hope that Seol finds that home and place of togetherness one day. Pity.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"The Silence of Bones" is set in Joseon Dynasty-era Korea and follows a 16-year-old servant, Seol, who works in the police bureau. The book unfurls a heartbreaking story about Seol’s involvement in investigating the murder of a young noblewoman, the political situation in Joseon at the time and the complex situation regarding Seol's search for her older brother.
There is one lesson all who enter the capital will learn: evil comes from the unfulfilled need for significance.
What a whirlwind! I started reading this many moons ago, but just now returned to it. What was the problem that I left it unfinished for so long and then picked it up and finished it in a day? The first part of the book was a little slow, and my interest was elsewhere, but recently it became interesting again and I devoured it within an evening.
Honestly, I don't remember everything from the beginning, but enough to make sense. Nevertheless, the ending was excruciatingly painful and action-packed, every sentence kept me on my toes.
This is the consequence of the clash of old and new. We must prepare our hearts, all of us. No matter which side wins, we will all be heartbroken.
Where is the lie? I was bawling my eyes out by the end. It hit so deep and brought up some raw feelings that came out of nowhere; props to June Hur! It's palpable how much work has gone into the research and details of the story. I find it nice that the ending was left sort of open-ended.
Despite that, there's much left to process. I do hope that Seol finds that home and place of togetherness one day. Pity.
Everyone dies; what is difficult is a meaningful death.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Violence, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Torture, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Mental illness, Slavery, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent
Right away, I was delighted to meet Sylina. She's a little lost and unsure about her place in the world, struggles internally, but is also absolutely badass - a trained assassin. Talk about duality! It was a complex journey for her: the past, her struggles and beliefs, the sisterhood and Sightmother, the war and her mission, and of course Atrius and her growing feelings.
A complicated mess that would cost everybody involved a lot, regardless of what Sylina decides to do.
Atrius was actually surprisingly refreshing; he wasn't your typical "villain", he had his reasons, and he was more... soft? Perhaps not the right word, but he was more human than some others.
There was a lot of action, a few funny bits, a whole lot of tension, and too much heartbreak. Atrius and Sylina had a good connection; something was lacking, but I can't put my finger on it. I liked their "too many?" and "not for us" moments; they were such an entertaining and slaying fighter duo. Who needs an army when you've got these two?
I would've wanted to know more about their future: what happens to Nero, the Arachessen, how is everyone doing, and what about their work ahead? The ending could've been a little more, but it wasn't terrible.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
"Slaying the Vampire Conqueror" is a standalone and an installment of the Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers series. I won't read the other books in the series, but this one caught my interest.
Sylina is part of the (cultish) Arachessen, who devote themselves to the Goddess of Fate, Acaeja, and 'sacrifice' their eyesight in order to see "the entire world". Despite not seeing, Sylina experiences the world through threads, which allows her to see more than the naked eye can. When a vampire conqueror, Atrius, arrives on Glaea's shores, Sylina is tasked with earning his trust, becoming his seer by infiltrating his army, and killing him.
Sylina is part of the (
All of us at the mercy of fate - the mercy of the unknown.
Right away, I was delighted to meet Sylina. She's a little lost and unsure about her place in the world, struggles internally, but is also absolutely badass - a trained assassin. Talk about duality! It was a complex journey for her: the past, her struggles and beliefs, the sisterhood and Sightmother, the war and her mission, and of course Atrius and her growing feelings.
A complicated mess that would cost everybody involved a lot, regardless of what Sylina decides to do.
Atrius was actually surprisingly refreshing; he wasn't your typical "villain", he had his reasons, and he was more... soft? Perhaps not the right word, but he was more human than some others.
You see too much, seer.
I see just enough, conqueror.
There was a lot of action, a few funny bits, a whole lot of tension, and too much heartbreak. Atrius and Sylina had a good connection; something was lacking, but I can't put my finger on it. I liked their "too many?" and "not for us" moments; they were such an entertaining and slaying fighter duo. Who needs an army when you've got these two?
I would've wanted to know more about their future: what happens to Nero, the Arachessen, how is everyone doing, and what about their work ahead? The ending could've been a little more, but it wasn't terrible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Drug use, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death and Drug abuse
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Grey was right, nobody would believe such an insane story, but people dig the mysterious and occult. At some point even I thought that I'd be happier if I didn't know what exactly was going on, but I also know that I'm way too curious. By the end I had a difficult time accepting all the facts, like come on, that's just plain tragic what happened.
I was pretty hopeful at the beginning and I wasn't let down per se, but some parts felt overly repeated and explained while other (both unnecessary and necessary) questions were left unanswered.
Sometimes the dialogue seemed like a part of the conversation was just cut out or the flow wasn't entirely natural, but it didn't bother me that much, I just noticed it a couple of times.
Oh for sure, this shadow has been cast over these people for so long and there's a sense of knowing what is going on, but still doubting your gut feeling. I feel bad for everyone involved, all of you get therapy!
Seriously, this is one of the more shocking stories I've read. It crawls inside you and makes your skin itch. I did not want to believe until the last second - hope does cruel things to us!
Um, human skin walking?
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'm pretty speechless, it's just that this story is exceptionally messed up. The Hollow sisters turn from something you know to something you don't. The story is uncanny from the beginning and it gets crazier with every chapter.
I remember everything. You just wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Grey was right, nobody would believe such an insane story, but people dig the mysterious and occult. At some point even I thought that I'd be happier if I didn't know what exactly was going on, but I also know that I'm way too curious. By the end I had a difficult time accepting all the facts, like come on, that's just plain tragic what happened.
Your life would be happier if you didn’t know.
Knowledge is power.
And ignorance is bliss.
I was pretty hopeful at the beginning and I wasn't let down per se, but some parts felt overly repeated and explained while other (
Sometimes the dialogue seemed like a part of the conversation was just cut out or the flow wasn't entirely natural, but it didn't bother me that much, I just noticed it a couple of times.
There are things in every family that are not talked about. Stories you know without really knowing how you know them, tales of terrible things that cast long shadows over generations.
Oh for sure, this shadow has been cast over these people for so long and there's a sense of knowing what is going on, but still doubting your gut feeling. I feel bad for everyone involved, all of you get therapy!
Seriously, this is one of the more shocking stories I've read. It crawls inside you and makes your skin itch. I did not want to believe until the last second - hope does cruel things to us!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Bullying, Drug use, Medical content, Kidnapping, Murder, and Alcohol
The Sacrifice Box by Martin Stewart
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of my older 'to be read' list citizen and my god, why did I wait so long?
Initially I got the book, because of it's cover, it's pretty and I like crows and ravens and such, but now the story is what makes it so exciting! Would it be weird if I said that this horror book could be my new comfort book?
Like, come on, this was a 2-in-1 book, horror AND comedy baby! Most of the story is actually quite odd and fun I'd say. All the creepy and gorey details were also to my liking, but man, Arkle and his humor, mhmm, that got me hooked to the book. He caught me off guard every fucking time and I literally had stop and sit there amused. I really liked the others as well! And I feel so bad for Mario...
The plot was super riveting, the world building and storytelling kept me invested. Got to have some moments of realization that had me saying "OH" out loud.
And the ending?? I was constantly making notes and internally screaming. The actual main character Sep(tember) was phenomenal, how did he do it all? I have no idea. In reality, every one of these five took it like a champ. Basically a story about the power of friendship and love if we get cheesy :)
I don't actually have much to say, I'm scared to spoil too much or start rambling, so I'll keep it short. This was a memorable book and I'm so glad I got to experience it in a stormy weather, it added so much to the ambiance!
Initially I got the book, because of it's cover, it's pretty and I like crows and ravens and such, but now the story is what makes it so exciting! Would it be weird if I said that this horror book could be my new comfort book?
Like, come on, this was a 2-in-1 book, horror AND comedy baby! Most of the story is actually quite odd and fun I'd say. All the creepy and gorey details were also to my liking, but man, Arkle and his humor, mhmm, that got me hooked to the book. He caught me off guard every fucking time and I literally had stop and sit there amused. I really liked the others as well! And I feel so bad for Mario...
The plot was super riveting, the world building and storytelling kept me invested. Got to have some moments of realization that had me saying "OH" out loud.
And the ending?? I was constantly making notes and internally screaming. The actual main character Sep(tember) was phenomenal, how did he do it all? I have no idea. In reality, every one of these five took it like a champ. Basically a story about the power of friendship and love if we get cheesy :)
I don't actually have much to say, I'm scared to spoil too much or start rambling, so I'll keep it short. This was a memorable book and I'm so glad I got to experience it in a stormy weather, it added so much to the ambiance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Cancer, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit, Medical content, and Car accident
Zombified animals (and people)?
Mr Wrong Number by Lynn Painter
Olivia and Colin had a "hate" relationship from their younger years that was just teasing and nonsensical assumptions, but besides that they were kinda fun together. Their chemistry was good, but sometimes it felt like the didn't have any actual feelings for each other, just sexual tension. That's where the fun fling started and of course, it turned into love.
I felt bad for Olivia and her infamous luck, her family annoyed the fuck out of me with their attitude, they treated her as if she was always going to fail or fuck things up(she really had bad luck tho).
I liked the texting aspect, but the story itself could've had more plot - some characters seemed to serve no purpose whatsoever. Regardless, a fun story and a quick binge-read.
emotional
funny
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This was a rather impulsive read - I saw it and went for it. Probably tried to distract my mind after the last book. It's was a rather fast read too, I was flying through the story!
All this nothing has meant more to me than so many somethings.
Olivia and Colin had a "hate" relationship from their younger years that was just teasing and nonsensical assumptions, but besides that they were kinda fun together. Their chemistry was good, but sometimes it felt like the didn't have any actual feelings for each other, just sexual tension. That's where the fun fling started and of course, it turned into love.
Maybe I should move. To another country.
I felt bad for Olivia and her infamous luck, her family annoyed the fuck out of me with their attitude, they treated her as if she was always going to fail or fuck things up
I liked the texting aspect, but the story itself could've had more plot - some characters seemed to serve no purpose whatsoever. Regardless, a fun story and a quick binge-read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Infidelity and Alcohol
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
Atlas' and Lily's love story was fine. I feel like they have a trauma bond rather than being so unbelievably in love. Every other second there had to be a mention how Lily saved Atlas, which is fine, but that kind of muddles the waters for understanding where else the love is growing from.The wedding vow in the end was strange, that didn't feel totally on character, I'm frowning even now thinking about it. The letter's ending where Atlas asked Lily to move in got me, I did not expect that!
At some parts I forgot Lily even existed, because I was so into Atlas' family's story. To be honest, I liked Atlas' story on it's own the most. I would genuinely like some Atlas and Josh only content.OH YEAH, Josh, the little brother who came out of fucking nowhere?? I mean the behaviour suits the mom's character, but this felt way too sudden and random, more for a shock effect. Despite that, I was into their story! Atlas felt like a different person to me.
FYI, I need everyone to know that Atlas' 12-year-old therapist Theo was the star of this book! He had my heart with those quips. Not sure what his purpose was, but I would like to keep him, yes & thank you!
(That part was so satisfying.)
Now, the ending was just way too easy. How is every "villain" suddenly having a change of character (not really, I'm dramatic), it was too sudden and too fast. Lord, I really don't know, I have so many thought that I'm not even sure where my mind is. Plus, the random gen Z and booktok's mention? What even was that about..? Some things I won't even discuss, but believe me I had too many thoughts.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I am once again back in this universe. I don't know if this book was really needed? It's great that everyone got a happy ending, but how we actually got there was a whole ass mess and seemed a little strange. I don't want to dwell on this too much, I'm pretty torn in my own mind. There's just something peculiar that irks me and no matter how hard I try, I can't figure out what exactly is it.
Hoover's books have always been easy to read for me - time kind of flies by and they're fairly simple. The plot on the other hand is... wild.
First of all, Ryle's entire existence makes me want to erase him from my memories. Why didn't he lose everything? I know I'm just observing the story that's being told, but come on! He had it too easy.
Even Allysa and Marshall got tainted by the shadow he left. It's a weird situations all over.Why doesn't mother Kincaid know what the fuck his son has done? I'm frustrated. Not sure how any one of them continued to have a fairly good relationship with an abuser, but oh well. I'm sorry, but Lily just doesn't make complete sense to me, something just doesn't fit with me anymore.
Hoover's books have always been easy to read for me - time kind of flies by and they're fairly simple. The plot on the other hand is... wild.
First of all, Ryle's entire existence makes me want to erase him from my memories. Why didn't he lose everything? I know I'm just observing the story that's being told, but come on! He had it too easy.
Even Allysa and Marshall got tainted by the shadow he left. It's a weird situations all over.
I may not be perfect, but I don't deserve to fear for my life every time I make a mistake.
Atlas' and Lily's love story was fine. I feel like they have a trauma bond rather than being so unbelievably in love. Every other second there had to be a mention how Lily saved Atlas, which is fine, but that kind of muddles the waters for understanding where else the love is growing from.
At some parts I forgot Lily even existed, because I was so into Atlas' family's story. To be honest, I liked Atlas' story on it's own the most. I would genuinely like some Atlas and Josh only content.
FYI, I need everyone to know that Atlas' 12-year-old therapist Theo was the star of this book! He had my heart with those quips. Not sure what his purpose was, but I would like to keep him, yes & thank you!
I can draw a seedling with two tiny branches. Yours and mine. We’ll be on our own brand-new, tiny family tree—one that starts with us.
(That part was so satisfying.)
Now, the ending was just way too easy. How is every "villain" suddenly having a change of character (
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
Murderbot is such a fun series to read and I find it very amusing. I'm glad to be back and, once again, excited for the adventures ahead!
This time Murderbot goes back to the mining facility where it went rogue to find out what really happened. Murderbot teams up with ART (aka Asshole Research Transport) and their duo is just perfect! I don't know what it is, but I was a tad sad to see them go their separate ways. I do hope that we get to see ART again in later installments!
Murderbot is undoubtedly more human-like than before, it has a personality and to some extent even a moral compass. I love reading about it's thoughts and opinions, how it becomes a human - always evolving and growing as a person. And still as relatable as ever!
It's been a while, since I started this book and truth be told, I don't remember the beginning that much anymore, only bits and pieces. The ending was definitely a quicker and more enjoyable part, but I'm not sure why the beginning was such a struggle, since now it seems like a really great story. Ready for more in the future either way!(Please, ART, I miss you and Murderbot!)
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I made it back here!
I guess you can’t tell a story from the point of view of something that you don’t think has a point of view.
Murderbot is such a fun series to read and I find it very amusing. I'm glad to be back and, once again, excited for the adventures ahead!
This time Murderbot goes back to the mining facility where it went rogue to find out what really happened. Murderbot teams up with ART (aka Asshole Research Transport) and their duo is just perfect! I don't know what it is, but I was a tad sad to see them go their separate ways. I do hope that we get to see ART again in later installments!
For my entire existence, at least the parts I could remember, I had done nothing but accept the inevitable. I was tired of it.
Murderbot is undoubtedly more human-like than before, it has a personality and to some extent even a moral compass. I love reading about it's thoughts and opinions, how it becomes a human - always evolving and growing as a person. And still as relatable as ever!
Sometimes people do things to you that you can’t do anything about. You just have to survive it and go on.
It's been a while, since I started this book and truth be told, I don't remember the beginning that much anymore, only bits and pieces. The ending was definitely a quicker and more enjoyable part, but I'm not sure why the beginning was such a struggle, since now it seems like a really great story. Ready for more in the future either way!
There was a huge difference between knowing something happened and seeing the reality of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Blood, Medical content, and Murder
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
The ending had much more of that foreboding element, I suddenly felt on edge. That's when I started feeling like I had a literal rocks stuck inside my rib-cage, when they moved I suddenly felt sick. It was sad, but a better word would be painful. A painfully beautiful story of living, despite everything.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
First time reading something like this. I have to say I'm rather surprised with myself.
This was more of a tough read, at moments it was a lot, but the flow of the book made seamless transitions from paragraph to paragraph. It still left me confused at times, even lost. Not totally jarring, but took me out of the story a few times.
Definitely left some heavy feelings at some parts - it was very raw and organic. Quite strange to understand and not know.
This was more of a tough read, at moments it was a lot, but the flow of the book made seamless transitions from paragraph to paragraph. It still left me confused at times, even lost. Not totally jarring, but took me out of the story a few times.
Definitely left some heavy feelings at some parts - it was very raw and organic. Quite strange to understand and not know.
In Vietnamese, the word for missing someone and remembering them is the same: nhớ. Sometimes, when you ask me over the phone, "Có nhớ mẹ không?" I flinch, thinking you meant, "Do you remember me?"
I miss you more than I remember you.
The ending had much more of that foreboding element, I suddenly felt on edge. That's when I started feeling like I had a literal rocks stuck inside my rib-cage, when they moved I suddenly felt sick. It was sad, but a better word would be painful. A painfully beautiful story of living, despite everything.
I am thinking of beauty again, how some things are hunted because we have deemed them beautiful. If, relative to the history of our planet, an individual life is so short, a blink, as they say, then to be gorgeous, even from the day you're born to the day you die, is to be gorgeous only briefly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse, Mental illness, Violence, and War
Minor: Cancer, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, and Abortion