Beau

First time reading a magazine like this. There used to be so many, making short stories available, running series, and showcasing often new authors every month. What a time to have been alive and involved. This was fandoms.

This particular edition was alright. I liked about half of what I read. I DNFd one of the “fact” sections. The main story “Supernova” was good, but not quite what I expected from the title. 

3.5 out of 5 stars.

I struggled with this one a little. It was very... Dry. Which I probably should have expected. 

I enjoyed the religious conversations Ellie had with Palmer early on. But I was put off by their final talk, where Ellie seems to say apparently there's a god behind all there is anyway. A god in the numbers. Some alien so incredibly, indescribably, unfathomably old, who created the wormholes and put a message into pi.

And then there's the letter from her mother, which basically undermines Ellie's entire life. Why was that necessary? Why even include that? Did I miss the reasoning?

I'm going to watch the movie, to see what was changed. I've seen it before, but don't remember it very well. 

I had a good enough time with this one. I am glad I read it. 

3.5 out of 5 stars.

This was fun, sweet, wholesome, and satisfying, but also darker than the previous book. 

We leave the Wayfarer and join Pepper, Sidra and Blue. Told from 2 POVs, a much older story entwines itself with the present narrative, ending with the two all mixed thoroughly together, happily.

It's a story as old as the universe: finding oneself amongst what might seem like scrap. 

What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be me? How do I fit in? Pepper and Sidra found their answers, both together and separately. 

I think I enjoyed the Pepper sections most. Her resilience,  determination, and resourcefulness are inspiring.

4 out of 5 stars.

I listened to this one as an audiobook with my partner.

Phenomenal! 

This was easily as good as the first book. Such a fun time, so much happening, so much intrigue. I'm so excited about where this series is going!

On to book 5!

4.5 out of 5 stars 😍

I listened to this one as an audiobook.

Maybe it's because it's 2026, maybe because I listened to it instead of reading with my eyeballs, but this just didn't fill me with that existential dread I was looking for. 

It's an interesting story. I had a good time. I'm glad I was able to borrow it from the library via Hoopla. But it wasn't what I'd hoped for. 

3.5 out of 5 stars.