All Better Now by Neal Shusterman Science Fiction Thriller The world has barely recovered from COVID when the next virus attacks. This one, known as Crown Royale, is also devastatingly lethal for some folks, but those that survive – and even those that don’t, in their last minutes – experience a complete change in perspective. They become kinder, gentler, more helpful people. Two factions are arising – those that think the virus is a positive … Read more
Dungeon Crawler Carl Dungeon Crawler Carl #1 by Matt Dinniman Adventure Fantasy Science Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Earth has been repossessed by aliens for its minerals, and anyone who was inside some kind of structure when the aliens showed up is immediately crushed out of existence. Any remaining humans have been invited to participate in a dungeon crawling game for their survival and the rest of the universe’s entertainment, as their progress … Read more
Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Jessica Mathers has been summoned by her parents after they basically abandoned her for their careers when she was eleven. They want her to be a part of their research expedition to Carver 1061c, which will whisk her away from her life on Earth. Jess is ANGRY and doesn’t want to go, but has been given no choice in the matter. … Read more
Starter Villain by John Scalzi Science Fiction * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Charlie moved back home to Barrington, IL to take care of his sick father who passed away not too long ago, leaving his home/estate to be split amongst his children. Charlie’s siblings would like him to vacate the house so they can collect their share. And they get their wish when it suddenly explodes. But that’s getting ahead of things. Just … Read more
Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes Pandava Quintet, book #3 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Science Fiction Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes” by Roshani Chokshi follows Aru and her friends as they continue their quest to stop the Sleeper, a villain threatening to destroy the world. This time, they must find the Tree of Wishes to gain a powerful wish … Read more
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Fantasy Psychological Science Fiction Supernatural Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) The café Funiculi Funicula allows its patrons to travel back in time. By sitting in a particular seat in the café, you follow the stories of “The Lovers, “Husband and Wife,” “The Sisters,” or “Mother and Child.” Whether they travel back to convince their husband or try to reconnect with their lover with … Read more
Iron Widow Iron Widow #1 by Xiran Jay Zhao Dystopian Fantasy LGBTQ+ Romance Science Fiction Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) 18-year-old Zetian’s sister has just been killed during one of the fights against the plague of aliens that lurk outside the Great Wall. Her sister, like many others, was a concubine to a male mech pilot and her consciousness was sacrificed for the sake of the male pilot. Zetian vows to seek … Read more
Moongarden Plotting the Stars #1 by Michelle A. Barry Fantasy Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) In the future, on the Moon, where humans were forced to flee when the Earth’s plants turned against them, Myra Hodger is attending boarding school. Everyone expects her to follow in the footsteps of her Number Whisperer parents, but her talents lie elsewhere. If she doesn’t discover her particular brand of magic soon (she hasn’t shown any … Read more
The Body Market Unplugged trilogy, book #2 by Donna Freitas Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Skylar makes it out of the app world and once again inhabits her body in the real world. It’s both amazing and terrifying. She discovers that her family are way more powerful and politically connected than she knew (in both the real and virtual worlds), and her sister, Jude, has orchestrated a plan to sell the bodies … Read more
Mars One by Jonathan Maberry Realistic Fiction Romance Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Tristan and his family are part of the Mars One mission – something they signed up for as a family a long time ago. They’ll be among the first colonists to go to Mars. And when they do, they’ll be leaving Earth and all of its entanglements behind forever. Tristan will have to leave his friends, and most particularly … Read more