James

Slow to start but worth it

I really struggled to get through the first third or so, while the settings and characters are very original, the story took a while to gain momentum. That said, once it took off, it was a thrilling ride. Very worth the read.

Disturbing on many levels.

An exploration of how humanity might adjust to no longer having domesticated animals. It highlights the complex rituals, hypocrisies and lies we invent to convince ourselves that we are doing what is right. The natural order. The criminal and immoral. Augustina’s characters are very flawed, mostly male and patriarchal. I’m curious to read some of her other work to see if this is her style or a conscious choice. I think the story deserves at least 3.5 stars because it makes me think and causes a strong emotional response.

Given its reputation - they named a personality trait after the guy - I expected this essay to be more cold, calculated and manipulative. In reality, while it is cold in places, I think it is more of a schemer's guide than strongman's guide. Worth the read/listen. It was interesting, the translation seemed excellent (would I know if it wasn't?).

While rather left biased, the essay presents an interesting insight into Peter Dutton, his politics and what kind of leader he might be. While claiming to be inspired by Menzies and Howard, his actions smell of Abbot, Nixon and Trump.

It's an interesting concept - more of a performance piece or radio play than a traditional book/short story. It is good to see authors playing with the format.

The main theme of the story is also novel and works well with the audible/podcast format. I thought the dialogue was a bit too hammy in places - that's pretty subjective. I also thought the ending was a bit rushed. It wasn't quite the ‘gotcha' that it seemed to be building up to.

Overall, worth the 6 hour listen but not something on the scale of “War of the Worlds” or “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy”.

This is a fan created easter egg for Stephen King's Dark Tower series. On the surface, it seems like a very short and innocent kids story, which is why I gave it only 3 stars - but I'm told those who've read book three the series will see it quite differently. A clever analogue of the King in Yellow, perhaps?

I never got around to finishing the series as it was still being written when I read the first book. Hopefully, I'll get around to it again soon and can update this with some more context.

A collection of late Victorian period strange stories. On the surface these are rather tame by today's standards. A modern reader will have read many better read and more original seeming stories.

However, The lead story which in turn is a collection of related short stories hints that there is a greater ‘world' in which the stories live. It suggests that this world is controlled by supernatural powers and access is via a mysterious book called ‘The King in Yellow'.

It is easy to see how some might think that this story was the inspiration behind Lovecraft and a host of subsequent ‘weird fiction' and horror writers. I don't know if this is true or not, but it is believable.

Should you read this story? If you like Victorian Ghost Stories or ‘Weird Fiction', sure. If you hoping this is something of the calibre of a Lovecraft story, then no. That all said, it's a quick read so dive in if it piques your interest.

I'm off to find some yellow paper to wrap some of my books in.