djwudi's reviews
1048 reviews

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

4.0

Backman is incredibly good at being simultaneously heartfelt and serious and hilariously silly. This story of several people caught in a hostage situation after a bank robbery goes awry is really touching and often had me laughing out loud (something that has been common with all of Backman's books that I've read). Definitely recommended. (And see? I _do_ occasionally read something that isn't sci-fi!)

Elusive Salvation by Dayton Ward

4.0

A fun standalone-but-sequel-of-sorts to Ward’s earlier From History’s Shadow, with time travel, Gary Seven and Roberta Lincoln, and lots of fun nods to Trek timeline shenanigans, both canon and literary, including Greg Cox’s Rise and Fall of Khan Noonian Singh books. Kirk just can’t keep away from the 20th century….

The Latter Fire by James Swallow

4.0

While following up on a relatively newly encountered alien race, the Enterprise finds itself dealing with a much larger issue than expected. A somewhat predictable primary antagonist, but balanced with a very interesting major threat to all parties. 

Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson

3.0

A very amusing travel guide for those exploring the English countryside. Of particular interest if you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, either the literary type with punny titles, or the BBC Midsommer Murders type.

Mirror Dance by Lois McMaster Bujold

5.0

Complex in both story and character, this becomes an excellent exploration of the differing personalities of the Vorkosigan brothers, in the midst of military adventure and political maneuvering. As with the rest of the series, it’s Bujold’s ability to craft realistically flawed characters, some in very serious ways, while still making them relatable, believable, and often quite funny, that really makes these stand out. Though most of the books in the series are written to be readable on their own, this is one where I’d definitely recommend reading earlier books first.

Uncanny Magazine Issue 58: May/June 2024 by Michael Damian Thomas, Lynne M. Thomas, Michi Trota

3.0

Favorites this month were “Happily Ever After Comes Round” by Sarah Rees Brennan, “Loneliness Universe” by Eugenia Triantafyllou, “Markets of the Otherworld” by Rati Mehrotra, and “Hands Like Gold and Starlight” by K.S. Walker.

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home by Peter Lerangis

2.0

A kid’s adaptation of the fourth movie, illustrated with stills from the film. Serviceable, exactly as expected, no surprises.

Clarkesworld Magazine, Issue 212 by Neil Clarke

3.0

My favorites this month were “The Portmeirion Road” by Fiona Moore and “The Weight of Your Own Ashes” by Carlie St. George.

Brothers in Arms by Lois McMaster Bujold

4.0

On a stopover at Earth, Miles’ double life as Lord Vorkosigan and Admiral Naismith finally comes to a head. More of the clever mix of military SF, politics, and quirky characters that continue to make this series such fun.

Star Trek III Short Stories by William Rotsler

2.0

A collection of six middling short stories. Four are set between the end of TWoK and the main action of TSfS, the final two are set at indeterminate times (Admiral Kirk is in command, Spock is alive). As with the other Rotsler Trek books I’ve found, not really worth searching out unless you’re a collector.