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philibin's reviews
805 reviews
Wasteland Warlords 5 by James Hunter, eden Hudson
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
(3.0 Stars)
Once again, Travis Baldree does an excellent job at narrating this story. The story is good.
Once again, Travis Baldree does an excellent job at narrating this story. The story is good.
The Hermit Next Door by Kevin Hearne
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
This was a really good little story. Great concept, and excellent execution.
I read the audiobook version and the narrator did a great job!
This was a really good little story. Great concept, and excellent execution.
I read the audiobook version and the narrator did a great job!
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
dark
informative
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? No
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
You can tell that this book was very personal for the author, and about subject matter he is very passionate about. I really liked this book. This book is YA, but don't let that prevent you from reading it as an adult. The themes are timeless and unfortunately still very relevant today.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series. If you like this, look for his podcast and other projects. He is the real deal.
You can tell that this book was very personal for the author, and about subject matter he is very passionate about. I really liked this book. This book is YA, but don't let that prevent you from reading it as an adult. The themes are timeless and unfortunately still very relevant today.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series. If you like this, look for his podcast and other projects. He is the real deal.
Ushers: A Short Story by Joe Hill
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
(5.0 Stars)
This was an excellent short story. It was like an episode of The Twilight Zone... one of the good ones!
This was an excellent short story. It was like an episode of The Twilight Zone... one of the good ones!
Classic Monsters Unleashed by James Aquilone
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
I thought this collection of short stories was very good. Most of the stories were entertaining and well written. The collection was mostly of stories inspired by classic movie monsters (Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, Wolfman, Creature, and various others). While there were some that really stood out as excellent, the collection as a whole was four stars. There were no "duds" in the bunch.
Most of the authors (and narrators) are familiar names in the literary world, so if you are new to Horror, this is a good jumping off point.
I thought this collection of short stories was very good. Most of the stories were entertaining and well written. The collection was mostly of stories inspired by classic movie monsters (Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, Wolfman, Creature, and various others). While there were some that really stood out as excellent, the collection as a whole was four stars. There were no "duds" in the bunch.
Most of the authors (and narrators) are familiar names in the literary world, so if you are new to Horror, this is a good jumping off point.
Post-Apocalyptic Joe in a Cinematic Wasteland: Episode 3 - The Rise of Post-Apocalyptic Joe by Joe Gillis
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
(3.0 Stars)
I listened to this audiobook as a serialized podcast narrated by the author. The story itself is fun, and while predictable, is still enjoyable. Like a lot of authors in this age group it is filled with pop culture references and has a very "90's feel" to it... But that isn't a criticism, it is more of an endorsement for a particular subgenre of works.
One of my favorite aspects of this are the "author notes" at the end of each chapter/episode. Some of them tell the inspiration for story parts and characters, and sometimes the author gets very personal and honest.
Imagine somewhat of a cross between Ernest Cline and Kevin Smith.
I listened to this audiobook as a serialized podcast narrated by the author. The story itself is fun, and while predictable, is still enjoyable. Like a lot of authors in this age group it is filled with pop culture references and has a very "90's feel" to it... But that isn't a criticism, it is more of an endorsement for a particular subgenre of works.
One of my favorite aspects of this are the "author notes" at the end of each chapter/episode. Some of them tell the inspiration for story parts and characters, and sometimes the author gets very personal and honest.
Imagine somewhat of a cross between Ernest Cline and Kevin Smith.
The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
(2.0 Stars)
I read the audiobook version of this narrated by the author. I didn't love the story... it was very short, and wasn't really very engaging.
However, after the story was over the author went on to explain some of her writing process, the "origins" of her two series of books, and just a little about herself. That was very interesting... but my "star rating" is on the story and not the extras.
I read the audiobook version of this narrated by the author. I didn't love the story... it was very short, and wasn't really very engaging.
However, after the story was over the author went on to explain some of her writing process, the "origins" of her two series of books, and just a little about herself. That was very interesting... but my "star rating" is on the story and not the extras.
The Expert System's Champion by Adrian Tchaikovsky
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
(2.25 Stars)
So... I borrowed this book from my library without realizing it was the second book in a series. I kept reading it feeling like I was missing something. So I stopped reading at about 20%. Then read the first book in the series, and then started this book over again.
It did make more sense the second time through, but I really have to admit that this series just doesn't do it for me. It seems to have echoes of Alien Clay which was much better put together. The characters were decent, but not fully formed and the world was confusing. There were times when I felt this was two separate stories, and I only liked one of them.
I do find this author to have really interesting ideas and concepts, and I do plan on reading a lot more of his works.
So... I borrowed this book from my library without realizing it was the second book in a series. I kept reading it feeling like I was missing something. So I stopped reading at about 20%. Then read the first book in the series, and then started this book over again.
It did make more sense the second time through, but I really have to admit that this series just doesn't do it for me. It seems to have echoes of Alien Clay which was much better put together. The characters were decent, but not fully formed and the world was confusing. There were times when I felt this was two separate stories, and I only liked one of them.
I do find this author to have really interesting ideas and concepts, and I do plan on reading a lot more of his works.
The Expert System's Brother by Adrian Tchaikovsky
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.25
(2.25 Stars)
This was just "okay" for me. I found it slightly confusing, like I was missing some crucial information or something.
The writing was good, the narration was good... It just didn't work for me. Normally I really like this author.
This was just "okay" for me. I found it slightly confusing, like I was missing some crucial information or something.
The writing was good, the narration was good... It just didn't work for me. Normally I really like this author.
Vandemere by Kimberley D. Tait
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
This was a YA modern fantasy based in the 1930's. I liked it. The story was engaging and interesting. The characters are unique and well developed. The pace was good throughout the book, and the end made me want to read the next book in the series.
I read the audiobook version of this and the narrator did a good job. His voice is soothing, so sometimes the dramatic scenes lacked that sense of "urgency" you might otherwise get from just reading it. But overall he was very good. The women and children voices were also done well (not always true with some male narrators), so it was easy to distinguish the dialog. I do hope the next book (Fire Horse) is also done as an audiobook.
This book should appeal to younger readers, or those who prefer character-driven fantasy in a modern setting. It has magic, young romance, teen angst, and don't forget about The Circus.
Full Disclosure: This book does use the term "Gypsy" to describe people. I know today many (but not all) Romani people consider this to be a slur. I do not think the author meant to use this as a pejorative. The author also includes other disclaimers about some disturbing content. Again, this is not graphic in detail as this is a YA novel, but it is included.
This was a YA modern fantasy based in the 1930's. I liked it. The story was engaging and interesting. The characters are unique and well developed. The pace was good throughout the book, and the end made me want to read the next book in the series.
I read the audiobook version of this and the narrator did a good job. His voice is soothing, so sometimes the dramatic scenes lacked that sense of "urgency" you might otherwise get from just reading it. But overall he was very good. The women and children voices were also done well (not always true with some male narrators), so it was easy to distinguish the dialog. I do hope the next book (Fire Horse) is also done as an audiobook.
This book should appeal to younger readers, or those who prefer character-driven fantasy in a modern setting. It has magic, young romance, teen angst, and don't forget about The Circus.
Full Disclosure: This book does use the term "Gypsy" to describe people. I know today many (but not all) Romani people consider this to be a slur. I do not think the author meant to use this as a pejorative. The author also includes other disclaimers about some disturbing content. Again, this is not graphic in detail as this is a YA novel, but it is included.