Aleks B

Recurve offers a solid storyline and is an easy read, but it took me about halfway through the book to feel genuinely engaged. While there are moments of potential, I found myself losing interest again during the final few chapters.


One of the more frustrating aspects is how the characters often seem to act only to serve the plot, rather than making choices that feel natural or earned. Some sections feel rushed or underdeveloped, and certain features or elements are introduced but go nowhere, adding little to the overall story.


Overall, it's an accessible fantasy read with promise, but it left me wanting more depth and consistency.

Gary Whitta's Abomination offers a gripping blend of dark fantasy and historical fiction, set in a richly imagined alternate 9th century England. The narrative captivates from the outset, immersing readers in a world where ancient magic and monstrous threats challenge the very fabric of society.
Whitta's storytelling shines through his adept use of a third-person omniscient perspective, allowing insight into multiple characters' thoughts without revealing everything, thus maintaining suspense and depth. While the prose is generally strong, there are moments where the writing could be more polished, and the conclusion feels slightly rushed. Nonetheless, these minor shortcomings do not detract significantly from the overall experience.
Abomination stands out as a compelling read for fans of dark fantasy and character-driven narratives. Whitta's cinematic storytelling background enriches the novel, making it a memorable addition to the genre. 

Project Hail Mary is a triumph of storytelling that sticks the landing so hard, it echoes. Andy Weir delivers a masterclass in narrative structure, pacing, and emotional payoff. The novel's opening mystery hooks you immediately, and as memories return and stakes escalate, every revelation lands with purpose. What truly sets this apart, though, is the seamless tie between the beginning and the end everything circles back in a way that feels both earned and deeply satisfying.
Weir's trademark blend of hard science and human emotion is sharper than ever here, but what surprised me most was the strength of the character arcs. There's constant forward momentum, yet it never feels rushed; each twist unfolds naturally, maintaining tension without sacrificing heart. This is more than a story about saving Earth it's about connection, sacrifice, and hope in the unlikeliest of places.
Highly recommended for fans of The Martian, sci-fi with heart, or anyone craving a plot-driven read that doesn't forget to make you feel something too. No content warnings needed just dive in.

I agree with most other readers—this book would have benefited from a refresher on the characters as they were reintroduced. By the end, I felt little connection because I could barely remember who some of them were. While reading, I constantly had to check community wiki pages for reminders, hoping to avoid spoilers. 

At 26% I have to mark this as a DNF. Towards the middle of the book it kind of fell off and the pace slowed a lot leading to me feeling kind of bored. The book is well written and I can see how others may really enjoy it, but it's just not my cup of tea. I did really like the sort of “stories in stories” feel the book had but it just failed to really grip me