Megan Unthank
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang ended up being such an incredible read for me. It started off super slow, and I was honestly worried at first that it wouldn't be for me—but once I hit around 40%, I was completely hooked. The emotional depth, the action, and the way the characters grew and struggled just hit so hard. By the end, I was fully invested and couldn't put it down. Definitely one of those books that rewards your patience in the best way.
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries was such a charming and cozy fantasy read. I loved the mix of academic fieldwork and whimsical fae magic—it had that perfect blend of folklore and adventure. Emily is a delightfully grumpy protagonist, and her dynamic with Wendell was a fun slow burn that added a nice spark. The writing style felt so much like a fairy tale or bedtime story that I literally found myself reading it to sleep more than once—not in a bad way, just super soothing. It took a bit to fully hook me, and some parts dragged, but once it got going, I was all in. A gentle, magical read with a unique vibe.
The Martian Contingency was a really solid read! It had a great mix of action, tension, and smart sci-fi concepts that kept me turning the pages. I really liked the characters and the way the story handled the political and survival aspects on Mars—it felt grounded but still exciting. That said, there were a few pacing issues in the middle where things dragged a bit, and I found myself wanting just a little more depth in some of the character dynamics. Still, overall it was a super enjoyable ride and definitely one I'd recommend to fans of space thrillers.
When I first finished Remote Control, I was thinking it was a solid 4 stars. It's a quiet, slower-paced story, and I wasn't totally sure how to feel. But then I reread the final chapters, sat with it a bit, and watched a few videos discussing it—and honestly, it really is a 5-star read. Sankofa's journey is so layered and emotional, and the atmosphere just lingers with you in this subtle, powerful way. I think having a couple of 5-star reads back to back had me second-guessing myself, but the more I thought about this one, the more it stuck. Quietly brilliant and definitely worth the hype.
The Ministry of Time hooked me. The time travel concept is cool on its own, but what made it stand out was the emotional depth and the awkward, slow-burn relationship at the center of it all. Kaliane Bradley balances sharp writing, subtle humor, and just enough weirdness to keep things interesting without ever feeling overdone. I loved how human and messy it all felt, even with the sci-fi backdrop. It's the kind of book that sticks with you and makes you want to recommend it to everyone as soon as you finish.
Network Effect was everything I wanted and more—Murderbot in full novel form is an absolute treat. The mix of action, dry humor, and emotional growth hit so perfectly. I loved seeing the return of familiar characters and how the relationships have deepened, especially watching Murderbot navigate its very complicated feelings about humans (and itself). The pacing was sharp, the stakes were high, and I couldn't put it down. Honestly, this series just keeps getting better and Network Effect might be my favorite installment yet.
I really enjoyed A Psalm for the Wild-Built! It's such a quiet, cozy little read that still manages to pack in a lot of heart and thoughtfulness. The relationship between Dex and Mosscap felt really special—like a gentle exploration of purpose, rest, and what it means to be human. It did feel a bit slow in spots, but honestly, that kind of worked with the whole meditative vibe of the story. Definitely a warm and hopeful book I'll be thinking about for a while.
I'm honestly still a little unsure how I feel about Orbital by Samantha Harvey. The writing is beautiful and contemplative, and I appreciated how it tackled big themes like time, humanity, and connection from the unique perspective of space. It has some of the nicest quotes I've come across in a while, and the parts that did hook me had some incredible messages that really made me pause and reflect.
That said, I found it easy to get lost or zone out while reading—it's more of a quiet meditation than a plot-driven story, and while that works in some ways, it made it harder for me to stay fully engaged. I think it'll really click with the right reader, but I'm not sure it fully landed for me.
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang was an absolutely gripping read. The world-building was intricate and immersive, with a richly developed society that felt both fantastical and unsettlingly real. I loved the morally gray characters and the way the story explored power, privilege, and the cost of ambition. Wang's writing is sharp and emotionally resonant, keeping me hooked from start to finish.
The only reason this isn't a full 5 stars for me is that some parts felt a bit dense with detail, slowing down the pacing a little. But overall, it was an incredibly thought-provoking and powerful story that will stick with me for a long time. I can't wait to see what Wang writes next!
The Girls of Atomic City covers a fascinating piece of history, highlighting the women who worked in Oak Ridge during World War II without knowing the full scope of their jobs. While I appreciated the subject matter and research, the execution didn't fully pull me in. I struggled to keep the people discussed separate, and the overall themes and messages felt heavy-handed and repetitive. I wanted more information on what was actually happening—the research, the science, and the broader impact—rather than the same repeated details of day-to-day life. It wasn't bad, but it left me feeling a bit bored at times.
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells is a strong addition to the Murderbot Diaries, which has been a consistently solid 4-star series for me overall. The first book (All Systems Red) is still my favorite, but this one does a great job wrapping up the overarching story arc while delivering the action and snarky humor I've come to expect from Murderbot. That said, this novella didn't quite hit the same highs as the first one. The pacing is fast—almost too fast at times—and some of the emotional moments didn't feel as impactful as they could have. I also found myself wanting a bit more character development or deeper exploration of Murderbot's internal struggles. Even with those minor issues, I still had a great time reading this. The series as a whole has been reliably entertaining, and Exit Strategy is no exception. If you've been enjoying the journey so far, this installment is well worth your time.
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer was such a fun and thought-provoking read! I really enjoyed the mix of humor and heart as Annie, a robot, tries to figure out her place in a world that doesn't fully understand her. It's one of those stories that makes you think about what it really means to be human while also being super entertaining. That said, some of the themes felt a little too obvious—it didn't always leave much to unpack on my own. And while I really enjoyed the story, it didn't quite hit the emotional highs that would make it a five-star read for me. Even with those small nitpicks, I had a great time reading this! If you're into stories that balance humor, heart, and a touch of existential pondering, Annie Bot is definitely worth checking out.
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff was an incredibly engaging read. From the richly detailed world to the morally complex characters, it pulled me in and kept me invested. Gabriel de León's story is raw and brutal, yet has moments of unexpected tenderness that make it feel balanced. The narrative structure, switching between Gabriel's past and present, added depth and kept the story interesting.
That said, the book isn't without flaws. The pacing felt uneven at times—some sections were gripping, while others dragged under the weight of world-building or lengthy descriptions. The grimdark elements occasionally felt excessive, leaning into shock value more than necessary. While I enjoyed the humor and sarcasm in the dialogue, the modern tone didn't always feel consistent with the setting.
Despite these issues, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It's bold, immersive, and emotionally intense. If you're a fan of dark fantasy with layered characters and intricate lore, this is well worth the read.
David Attenborough's A Life on Our Planet is a heartfelt and urgent reflection on humanity's impact on the Earth, paired with a hopeful vision for its future. His storytelling is captivating, weaving personal anecdotes with powerful insights about the environment. While some solutions feel idealistic, the book's message is clear and inspiring. A must-read for anyone who cares about our planet. 🌍✨
The Rise and Reign of Mammals by Steve Brusatte is an incredible journey through the history of mammals. With vivid storytelling and fascinating details, Brusatte makes science accessible and exciting. From tiny creatures living alongside dinosaurs to the rise of modern mammals, this book is a celebration of evolution and resilience. Perfect for anyone curious about our origins, it's both informative and captivating. Highly recommended!
Mary Roach's Stiff is an engaging and accessible dive into the fascinating and often taboo subject of cadavers and their role in science, history, and society. Roach's trademark wit and curiosity shine through, making potentially grim topics approachable and humorous. The anecdotes and historical details are well-researched and captivating, offering a fresh perspective on a subject most people rarely consider. That said, while I didn't always jive with her humor, that's more a matter of personal taste than a flaw in the book itself. Because the book covers a wide range of topics—from crash test dummies to body decomposition—it's easy to feel more invested in certain chapters than others. It reminded me of reading a short story collection, where some sections resonate more deeply. Additionally, some of the information feels like common knowledge now, though it was likely more surprising and groundbreaking when the book was first published. Overall, Stiff is a fantastic starting point for anyone curious about the science and history of human remains. It's informative, thought-provoking, and entertaining, even if it's not the definitive read on the topic for me.
I absolutely loved Mistborn! The magic system, based on metals, is so unique and clever, and Vin's journey from a street kid to a powerful Mistborn felt real and raw. The world Sanderson creates is dark and gritty, but there's this underlying hope that kept me turning the pages. Kelsier's rebellious spirit and Vin's growth make for an unforgettable duo. If you're a fantasy fan, Mistborn really delivers on plot, characters, and world-building—it's one I'll definitely be revisiting.
Accidentally read 6 chapters of book two first.....
I couldn't finish Borne by Jeff VanderMeer because the surreal, fragmented storytelling and dense world-building made it hard for me to connect with the characters or stay engaged with the plot. While I appreciated the creativity, it just wasn't the right fit for me.
I did not connect with this at all.