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karin_goodreads's reviews
111 reviews
The Cat Who Taught Zen by James Norbury
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This time we don't get to meet with Big Panda & Tiny Dragon (well actually, they're mentioned), but we get to embark on a journey with Cat, who is on a mission to get to the ancient pine tree to unlock infinite wisdom. On his way Cat meets with a bunch of animals and gives them advice, although in the end it's him who learns a lesson from an unlikely companion.
Once again James Norbury is back with another adorable book! This simple, yet profound little story brought comfort and a message when I needed it the most. The visuals are always so charming and fun! I must admit that something was lacking for me.. I can't give it 5 stars. It could've been the fast pace or something else entirely. Despite that, it's still a cute read for a cozy day. The afterword was also very interesting to me, a teeny-tiny insight about the work that went into putting this all together.
Once again James Norbury is back with another adorable book! This simple, yet profound little story brought comfort and a message when I needed it the most. The visuals are always so charming and fun! I must admit that something was lacking for me.. I can't give it 5 stars. It could've been the fast pace or something else entirely. Despite that, it's still a cute read for a cozy day. The afterword was also very interesting to me, a teeny-tiny insight about the work that went into putting this all together.
The secret to a beautiful life is not just in an ancient tree or a star-filled sky.
It is in the leaves and the mud and the rain.
In you and me and in the bustling city I left far behind.
Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells
The annoyance and sarcasm was palpable in this one. It was so fun to see Murderbot from this angle, kind of "fuck it, I'll just do it" energy. Murderbot really transformed into a detective, going on clue hunts with its restricted access (I can't imagine keeping the promise to not hack when needed, but more power to you). Murderbot had to be clever and get information the "right" way... Murderbot did get to to show off ;)
Senior Indah (head of Preservation Station Security) and everyone else was super skeptical and untrusting. I kept alternating between pissed and sad - the way Murderbot was treated was just not it, BUT it did get better by the end. Everyone got me banging my head on a table while Murderbot had to deal with human stupidity. One exception will be Gurathin and Ratthi who became Murderbot's little sidekicks.(Also JollyBaby and the other bots - that one scene was SO good!) I didn't expect that plot-twist tho, it was quite a surprise! Nevertheless, Murderbot is a survivor! Seriously, it almost got squished by a crane and then shot by a human (that it was trying to rescue! yeah.).
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
I got a little messed up chronologically: this book takes place before "Network Effect" (the first full novel that has a continuation), but that didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. This time around we get to meet Detective Murderbot and its struggles with the local Security. Murderbot helps them solve an abnormal murder while having to prove itselves intentions and deal with even more humans than usual.
I know a “fuck off” when I hear one. So I fucked off.
The annoyance and sarcasm was palpable in this one. It was so fun to see Murderbot from this angle, kind of "fuck it, I'll just do it" energy. Murderbot really transformed into a detective, going on clue hunts with its restricted access (I can't imagine keeping the promise to not hack when needed, but more power to you). Murderbot had to be clever and get information the "right" way... Murderbot did get to to show off ;)
Senior Indah (head of Preservation Station Security) and everyone else was super skeptical and untrusting. I kept alternating between pissed and sad - the way Murderbot was treated was just not it, BUT it did get better by the end. Everyone got me banging my head on a table while Murderbot had to deal with human stupidity. One exception will be Gurathin and Ratthi who became Murderbot's little sidekicks.
All I wanted to do was watch media and not exist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, Slavery, Blood, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
Minor: Medical content and Injury/Injury detail
Network Effect by Martha Wells
I am so entangled in this universe that leaving is impossible (not that I'd even want to do that). I feel like someone grabbed me by my shoulders and shook me so hard that my brain got bounced around.
What the fuck? I was NOT prepared for all of these emotions and the raw reality of learning to live. This was more than I could even dreams of - Murderbot, its crew, ART with its crew, space adventures and a fuckton more! (So much happened in here I swear.)
Well, the adventures were overshadowed by the amount of emotional damage that every other page of this book decided to hit me with. I was genuinely worried and crying by the last chapters, it's not even funny (the book is funny tho). Nevertheless, the writing, the characters, the plot and all the dynamics are to die for! I am thrilled to continue the series and get to witness even more of Murderbot's journey! <3
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Murderbot Diaries' first full novel! Murderbot needs to deal with its crew getting mixed up in a space kidnapping, taking on a strange planet and its colony, while keeping everyone (mostly) intact and alive. An old friend from the past makes a return with a urgent help request. Murderbot just needs to get through all of it in one piece (mentally, emotionally & physically)... how challenging can it be?
It could be one more weird anomaly in this unending cycle of what the fuck.
I am so entangled in this universe that leaving is impossible (not that I'd even want to do that). I feel like someone grabbed me by my shoulders and shook me so hard that my brain got bounced around.
What the fuck? I was NOT prepared for all of these emotions and the raw reality of learning to live. This was more than I could even dreams of - Murderbot, its crew, ART with its crew, space adventures and a fuckton more! (So much happened in here I swear.)
I hate it when humans and augmented humans ruin things for no reason. Maybe because I was a thing before I was a person and if I’m not careful I could be a thing again.
Well, the adventures were overshadowed by the amount of emotional damage that every other page of this book decided to hit me with. I was genuinely worried and crying by the last chapters, it's not even funny (the book is funny tho). Nevertheless, the writing, the characters, the plot and all the dynamics are to die for! I am thrilled to continue the series and get to witness even more of Murderbot's journey! <3
I don't want to not see you again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, and Grief
Compulsory by Martha Wells
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This is a (super) short story and the prequel to Murderbot Diaries' first book "All Systems Red".
We get to meet Murderbot in its early days of freedom from the governor module and it's wonderful! You can see the personality, the sass and the attitude take root.
The media-loving Murderbot (yes, you bet it was watching "The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon") faces a dilemma: help the humans (ugh) and risk exposing its secret OR follow orders, do nothing and watch media. Murderbot is never given an easy choice huh.
We get to meet Murderbot in its early days of freedom from the governor module and it's wonderful! You can see the personality, the sass and the attitude take root.
The media-loving Murderbot (yes, you bet it was watching "The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon") faces a dilemma: help the humans (ugh) and risk exposing its secret OR follow orders, do nothing and watch media. Murderbot is never given an easy choice huh.
Since I hacked my governor module, I sometimes do things and I'm not sure entirely why. (Apparently suddenly getting free will after having 93% of your behavior controlled for your entire existence will do weird things to your impulse control.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and Violence
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
It was fascinating to see Murderbot's internal (emotional) struggles and to see it want to win against GrayCris purely out of spite. (In hindsight, that wasn't a very good idea, but it was successful, so... I'll take that.) That did lead us to some very unfortunate circumstances in which Murderbot almost deleted itself out of existence (I blame it on the wonky risk assessment module), which would have had me sobbing at 3 am. (Guaranteed.) Thankfully, things turned out MUCH better, with everyone intact, but perhaps some were changed and some even a little broken.
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It's Murderbot Diaries' fourth book and I'm devouring it (for a reason - the whole series is so good!). Murderbot has adventured far and wide to shed light on its own past and gather evidence of GrayCris Corporation's crimes, but now, it's time to return to those who this began with.
Ohhoo, what an action-packed story it was - reuniting with old friends, complaining about humans, sarcasm, strange emotions, badass fighting and near death situations. Seriously, I have been waiting for this!
We are back to help out the "first" crew (Dr. Mensah, specifically) and Murderbot, who definitely doesn't care, sure does a lot to help these humans. I was so giddy to see the reunion!
Even though Murderbot itself wasn't sure how to refer to them, ART had already planted the seed that PreservationAux was Murderbot's crew, that these were Murderbot's humans. And they are!
Ohhoo, what an action-packed story it was - reuniting with old friends, complaining about humans, sarcasm, strange emotions, badass fighting and near death situations. Seriously, I have been waiting for this!
We are back to help out the "first" crew (Dr. Mensah, specifically) and Murderbot, who definitely doesn't care, sure does a lot to help these humans. I was so giddy to see the reunion!
Even though Murderbot itself wasn't sure how to refer to them, ART had already planted the seed that PreservationAux was Murderbot's crew, that these were Murderbot's humans. And they are!
I was having an emotion, and I hate that.
It was fascinating to see Murderbot's internal (emotional) struggles and to see it want to win against GrayCris purely out of spite. (In hindsight, that wasn't a very good idea, but it was successful, so... I'll take that.) That did lead us to some very unfortunate circumstances in which Murderbot almost deleted itself out of existence (I blame it on the wonky risk assessment module), which would have had me sobbing at 3 am. (Guaranteed.) Thankfully, things turned out MUCH better, with everyone intact, but perhaps some were changed and some even a little broken.
It would have been hilarious if I wasn’t about to die. It was still a little hilarious.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death and Medical content
Minor: Slavery, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells
That was interesting, I really liked it! It was a dip into the more serious tones, but still showing off that Murderbot humor. Maybe it's just me liking this series a lot, but my only complaint is that I want more. I love Murderbot's POV, it's just nice to know how others view it (and it's behaviour). The character dynamics are always great!
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Taking place right after "Exit Strategy", this short story let's us experience Murderbot's world through Dr. Mensah's eyes. A totally different, yet similar perspective.
She knows SecUnit is not so much taunting her with its abilities as refusing to pretend to be anything other than it is.
That was interesting, I really liked it! It was a dip into the more serious tones, but still showing off that Murderbot humor. Maybe it's just me liking this series a lot, but my only complaint is that I want more. I love Murderbot's POV, it's just nice to know how others view it (and it's behaviour). The character dynamics are always great!
"Can you separate that person from the purpose they were created for?"
"I couldn't. The person separated itself."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Death and Murder
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
It's always nice coming back to this series and the proof is very evident - I'm still reading and planning to take on the next part, because I really want to know how the whole thing with Murderbot going back to Dr. Mensah is going to turn out.
This time we got to see Murderbot interact with Miki (a human-form bot) and that was super interesting to see.
Murderbot did miss ART tho (me too buddy). I still hope that in later installments we get to see them working together again :)
Murderbot was going through it this time! The sarcasm, annoyance and also the oh shit moments made it even more relatable than before. With every story it's becoming more and more human-like. The sass and the personality has always been there, but there's genuine feelings coming through, you know what I mean? Well, it's going to be very interesting to watch, I can't imagine what's coming next...
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
This is Murderbot series' third book, the story keeps going! Murderbot is trying to do it's thing and investigate GrayCris Corporation, but humans somehow keep getting involved and now it needs to protect them, even though it really wants to be left alone. There's also mentions of Murderbot's original crew and intrigue with the unaccounted SecUnit.
I hate caring about stuff. But apparently once you start, you can't just stop.
It's always nice coming back to this series and the proof is very evident - I'm still reading and planning to take on the next part, because I really want to know how the whole thing with Murderbot going back to Dr. Mensah is going to turn out.
This time we got to see Murderbot interact with Miki (a human-form bot) and that was super interesting to see.
Murderbot did miss ART tho (me too buddy). I still hope that in later installments we get to see them working together again :)
I was tired of pretending to be human. I needed a break.
Murderbot was going through it this time! The sarcasm, annoyance and also the oh shit moments made it even more relatable than before. With every story it's becoming more and more human-like. The sass and the personality has always been there, but there's genuine feelings coming through, you know what I mean? Well, it's going to be very interesting to watch, I can't imagine what's coming next...
Pretending bad things aren’t happening is not a great survival strategy in the long run.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Grief
The Silence of Bones by June Hur
What a whirlwind! I started reading this many moons ago, but just now returned to it. What was the problem that I left it unfinished for so long and then picked it up and finished it in a day? The first part of the book was a little slow, and my interest was elsewhere, but recently it became interesting again and I devoured it within an evening.
Honestly, I don't remember everything from the beginning, but enough to make sense. Nevertheless, the ending was excruciatingly painful and action-packed, every sentence kept me on my toes.
Where is the lie? I was bawling my eyes out by the end. It hit so deep and brought up some raw feelings that came out of nowhere; props to June Hur! It's palpable how much work has gone into the research and details of the story. I find it nice that the ending was left sort of open-ended.
Despite that, there's much left to process. I do hope that Seol finds that home and place of togetherness one day. Pity.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"The Silence of Bones" is set in Joseon Dynasty-era Korea and follows a 16-year-old servant, Seol, who works in the police bureau. The book unfurls a heartbreaking story about Seol’s involvement in investigating the murder of a young noblewoman, the political situation in Joseon at the time and the complex situation regarding Seol's search for her older brother.
There is one lesson all who enter the capital will learn: evil comes from the unfulfilled need for significance.
What a whirlwind! I started reading this many moons ago, but just now returned to it. What was the problem that I left it unfinished for so long and then picked it up and finished it in a day? The first part of the book was a little slow, and my interest was elsewhere, but recently it became interesting again and I devoured it within an evening.
Honestly, I don't remember everything from the beginning, but enough to make sense. Nevertheless, the ending was excruciatingly painful and action-packed, every sentence kept me on my toes.
This is the consequence of the clash of old and new. We must prepare our hearts, all of us. No matter which side wins, we will all be heartbroken.
Where is the lie? I was bawling my eyes out by the end. It hit so deep and brought up some raw feelings that came out of nowhere; props to June Hur! It's palpable how much work has gone into the research and details of the story. I find it nice that the ending was left sort of open-ended.
Despite that, there's much left to process. I do hope that Seol finds that home and place of togetherness one day. Pity.
Everyone dies; what is difficult is a meaningful death.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Violence, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Torture, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Mental illness, Slavery, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent
Right away, I was delighted to meet Sylina. She's a little lost and unsure about her place in the world, struggles internally, but is also absolutely badass - a trained assassin. Talk about duality! It was a complex journey for her: the past, her struggles and beliefs, the sisterhood and Sightmother, the war and her mission, and of course Atrius and her growing feelings.
A complicated mess that would cost everybody involved a lot, regardless of what Sylina decides to do.
Atrius was actually surprisingly refreshing; he wasn't your typical "villain", he had his reasons, and he was more... soft? Perhaps not the right word, but he was more human than some others.
There was a lot of action, a few funny bits, a whole lot of tension, and too much heartbreak. Atrius and Sylina had a good connection; something was lacking, but I can't put my finger on it. I liked their "too many?" and "not for us" moments; they were such an entertaining and slaying fighter duo. Who needs an army when you've got these two?
I would've wanted to know more about their future: what happens to Nero, the Arachessen, how is everyone doing, and what about their work ahead? The ending could've been a little more, but it wasn't terrible.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
"Slaying the Vampire Conqueror" is a standalone and an installment of the Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers series. I won't read the other books in the series, but this one caught my interest.
Sylina is part of the (cultish) Arachessen, who devote themselves to the Goddess of Fate, Acaeja, and 'sacrifice' their eyesight in order to see "the entire world". Despite not seeing, Sylina experiences the world through threads, which allows her to see more than the naked eye can. When a vampire conqueror, Atrius, arrives on Glaea's shores, Sylina is tasked with earning his trust, becoming his seer by infiltrating his army, and killing him.
Sylina is part of the (
All of us at the mercy of fate - the mercy of the unknown.
Right away, I was delighted to meet Sylina. She's a little lost and unsure about her place in the world, struggles internally, but is also absolutely badass - a trained assassin. Talk about duality! It was a complex journey for her: the past, her struggles and beliefs, the sisterhood and Sightmother, the war and her mission, and of course Atrius and her growing feelings.
A complicated mess that would cost everybody involved a lot, regardless of what Sylina decides to do.
Atrius was actually surprisingly refreshing; he wasn't your typical "villain", he had his reasons, and he was more... soft? Perhaps not the right word, but he was more human than some others.
You see too much, seer.
I see just enough, conqueror.
There was a lot of action, a few funny bits, a whole lot of tension, and too much heartbreak. Atrius and Sylina had a good connection; something was lacking, but I can't put my finger on it. I liked their "too many?" and "not for us" moments; they were such an entertaining and slaying fighter duo. Who needs an army when you've got these two?
I would've wanted to know more about their future: what happens to Nero, the Arachessen, how is everyone doing, and what about their work ahead? The ending could've been a little more, but it wasn't terrible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Drug use, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death and Drug abuse
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Grey was right, nobody would believe such an insane story, but people dig the mysterious and occult. At some point even I thought that I'd be happier if I didn't know what exactly was going on, but I also know that I'm way too curious. By the end I had a difficult time accepting all the facts, like come on, that's just plain tragic what happened.
I was pretty hopeful at the beginning and I wasn't let down per se, but some parts felt overly repeated and explained while other (both unnecessary and necessary) questions were left unanswered.
Sometimes the dialogue seemed like a part of the conversation was just cut out or the flow wasn't entirely natural, but it didn't bother me that much, I just noticed it a couple of times.
Oh for sure, this shadow has been cast over these people for so long and there's a sense of knowing what is going on, but still doubting your gut feeling. I feel bad for everyone involved, all of you get therapy!
Seriously, this is one of the more shocking stories I've read. It crawls inside you and makes your skin itch. I did not want to believe until the last second - hope does cruel things to us!
Um, human skin walking?
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'm pretty speechless, it's just that this story is exceptionally messed up. The Hollow sisters turn from something you know to something you don't. The story is uncanny from the beginning and it gets crazier with every chapter.
I remember everything. You just wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Grey was right, nobody would believe such an insane story, but people dig the mysterious and occult. At some point even I thought that I'd be happier if I didn't know what exactly was going on, but I also know that I'm way too curious. By the end I had a difficult time accepting all the facts, like come on, that's just plain tragic what happened.
Your life would be happier if you didn’t know.
Knowledge is power.
And ignorance is bliss.
I was pretty hopeful at the beginning and I wasn't let down per se, but some parts felt overly repeated and explained while other (
Sometimes the dialogue seemed like a part of the conversation was just cut out or the flow wasn't entirely natural, but it didn't bother me that much, I just noticed it a couple of times.
There are things in every family that are not talked about. Stories you know without really knowing how you know them, tales of terrible things that cast long shadows over generations.
Oh for sure, this shadow has been cast over these people for so long and there's a sense of knowing what is going on, but still doubting your gut feeling. I feel bad for everyone involved, all of you get therapy!
Seriously, this is one of the more shocking stories I've read. It crawls inside you and makes your skin itch. I did not want to believe until the last second - hope does cruel things to us!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Bullying, Drug use, Medical content, Kidnapping, Murder, and Alcohol