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a_reader_obsessed's reviews
3091 reviews
Time's Agent by Brenda Peynado
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Truly original and truly steeped in speculative science.
Here, this is a future where small pockets of worlds exist, each with their own ecosystem and time dilation (either super slow or super fast compared to current reality). They represent every hope and opportunity to make life on earth better, learning about old civilizations, discovering new flora and fauna, and in turn, seizing a chance on renewable resources.
Following scientist Raquel, who is part of the venerated Institute that spearheads exploring these wondrous worlds, she makes one small mistake, setting off a chain reaction where every good intention goes horribly wrong.
In this alternate reality, Peynado unfurls a grim outlook on corporate greed and voracious negligent consumerism that is an endless cycle of depletion and enslavement to the big machine that keeps things turning. As Raquel tries to right her wrongs in a world that is hostile and hopeless, how Peynado brings forth Raquel’s enlightenment and ultimately, how she tries to resolve her issues was actually quite ingenious.
Overall, this story wasn’t an easy or happy read. It is seriously mired with tech, AI, scientific advancements, and unfathomable repercussions of all these small alternate realities that are readily accessible and exploitable. However, Peynado surprised me through Raquel’s grief and guilt as she offers her protagonist a miniscule chance of healing redemption through her drive for an unobtainable utopia, forcing her to make a grand sacrifice.
Again, this is far from a tidy HEA, but it made me think hard, and I only hope that Raquel’s offering was enough to keep a part of the universe whole and untainted.
Thank you to the author and Tordotcom via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Never Was a Stranger by Dira Sudis
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But Not With Haste by uraneia
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Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
3.0
As Libby investigates her family's death to exonerate her own guilt, she unravels some unbelievable reveals.
Best intentions go horribly wrong.
Dreams and plans are misinterpreted.
Greed and fear create lies.
Actions do have consequences and when all these things conspire willing and unknowingly, it creates an amalgam of events that ends up in tragedy. A tragedy that doesn't really get justice because when it's all said and done, there's no bringing back the dead.
This was not an easy read.
This does not contain a happy ending nor a satisfying conclusion.
This was something that was hard to get through but admittedly, was compelling nonetheless.
Best intentions go horribly wrong.
Dreams and plans are misinterpreted.
Greed and fear create lies.
Actions do have consequences and when all these things conspire willing and unknowingly, it creates an amalgam of events that ends up in tragedy. A tragedy that doesn't really get justice because when it's all said and done, there's no bringing back the dead.
This was not an easy read.
This does not contain a happy ending nor a satisfying conclusion.
This was something that was hard to get through but admittedly, was compelling nonetheless.
Staring into the sun by Original_Cypher
3.0
This is sorta like high school/college Sterek, which I admit I have an affinity for. This being an X-Men-like AU didn't hurt either.
Deaton runs a school for the gifted. Each student is chosen early before their power fully manifests and they are trained to utilize it well, whether or not they ultimately go on to join a "specials" task force. The whole gang is talented except Stiles - his ability has yet to make an appearance.
So you have broody Derek who has trust issues and Stiles who's keeping secrets. Forced to work together on an assignment, they form a tentative friendship.
A crisis arises, everyone is kick ass awesome, and of course Stiles gets his guy. We wouldn't want it any other way :)
Deaton runs a school for the gifted. Each student is chosen early before their power fully manifests and they are trained to utilize it well, whether or not they ultimately go on to join a "specials" task force. The whole gang is talented except Stiles - his ability has yet to make an appearance.
So you have broody Derek who has trust issues and Stiles who's keeping secrets. Forced to work together on an assignment, they form a tentative friendship.
A crisis arises, everyone is kick ass awesome, and of course Stiles gets his guy. We wouldn't want it any other way :)
Every Step You Take by Nokomis (AO3)
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.