Reviews and Comments

Rick Riordan's The House of Hades, the fourth installment in the Heroes of Olympus series, plunges readers into a thrilling, dual-narrative adventure that is quite literally out of this world—or, perhaps more accurately, under it. We find Percy and Annabeth navigating the perilous and frankly terrifying landscape of Tartarus, a journey that tests their strength, sanity, and relationship in ways that make previous quests look like a walk in Elysian Fields. Their story is a masterclass in suspense and survival, and you'll be holding your breath as they face unimaginable horrors and make some rather hellish choices. Also, Bob. Bob is amazing.

Meanwhile, topside, Jason, Leo, Frank, Piper, Hazel, and Nico are on their own desperate race against time. Their mission: find the House of Hades and the Doors of Death to, you know, save their friends and prevent Gaea from fully waking and generally ruining everything. This earthly (and sometimes airy, thanks to a certain bronze dragon) quest is packed with its own set of formidable foes and heart-stopping moments. It's a real pressure cooker situation as they try to unite two camps that have more history than a library, all while trying not to get squashed by giants or sidetracked by an assortment of mythological menaces.

While The House of Hades is a truly enjoyable romp through Riordan's mythological playground, with some characters really coming into their own (Nico, Hazel, Frank, and Leo, I'm looking at you!), I did find myself noticing certain patterns emerge. Perhaps it's the peril of "binge-reading" a series, but the formula, while undeniably effective and entertaining, became more apparent. My advice? Savor these adventures. While the urge to immediately dive into the next book is strong (and understandable!), taking a little breather between installments might allow each story to shine even brighter on its own. This book is a fantastic, action-packed ride, and the character development is particularly strong, but a little space might make the heart grow fonder for the overarching saga.

–This review was partially drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions and the notes I took while reading. Much of the review is rewording of the prompt I entered and my notes. –

I recently finished reading Hugh Howey’s “Wool,” the first book in the Silo series, after watching seasons 1 and 2 of the series. The novel presents a fascinating dystopian world in which the remnants of humanity live in a massive underground silo, a premise that immediately pulled me in. I give the book four out of five stars.

Howey constructs a compelling narrative filled with twists and turns, though I must admit, I found myself comparing the book to the AppleTV+ series adaptation. It’s a rare occurrence, but in this case, the show seemed to offer a more fleshed-out world and greater character depth. For example, the show's Paul Billings adds a layer of complexity that Peter Billings in the book didn't have.

That being said, the book has its own strengths. The pacing is notably faster, and while the characters might not be as deep, their development is quicker. The mystery surrounding Bernard, for instance, is resolved more swiftly in the book, sacrificing some of the show's suspense for a more direct narrative. However, the book also develops the relationship between Juliet and Lucas more thoroughly, which adds a unique layer to the story that the show only hints at.

One aspect where the book truly shines is in its depiction of the silo's physical reality. The sheer scale of the silo and the arduousness of traversing its many levels are vividly portrayed, emphasizing the characters' isolation and the challenges of their existence. The climb from the top to the bottom of the silo is no quick jaunt; it takes days.

The final parts of the book, parts four and five, take a different route than the show, particularly concerning Juliet's journey and the fate of certain characters. While both the book and the show arrive at similar conclusions, the paths they take diverge significantly, offering unique experiences for fans of both mediums. It's a bit of a trade-off: each has elements I appreciate more than the other.

Ultimately, I'm intrigued enough by the Silo's history and the lingering mysteries to continue with the series.I'm eager to see where the story goes next.

–This review was partially drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions and the notes I took while reading. Much of the review is rewording of the prompt I entered and my notes. –

Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library is a captivating exploration of life, regret, and the myriad paths we could have taken. This isn't just a story; it's an experience, a poignant journey through the "what ifs" that haunt us all. Haig blends elements of philosophy and science to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

The book's brilliance lies in its unique approach to regrets. Instead of simply wallowing in them, Haig presents a library between life and death, a liminal space where Nora gets a chance to explore the alternate lives she might have lived. This concept is well executed, offering a fresh perspective on the choices we make and the roads not taken. It's a testament to Haig's skill that he manages to make this exploration feel both fantastical and utterly real.

What truly elevates The Midnight Library is its profound analysis of the art of living. Haig delves into the complexities of human existence with a delicate touch, weaving together philosophical insights and scientific concepts to illuminate the beauty and fragility of life. The book doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the human condition, such as depression and despair, but in the end it offers a message of hope and resilience. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there's always the possibility of finding light and meaning.

The Midnight Library is more than just a book; it's a mirror reflecting our own lives, our regrets, and our potential. It’s a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of embracing every moment. I loved this novel, and I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

“The only way to learn is to live.” - Ms. Elm

–This review was partially drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions and the notes I took while reading. Much of the review is rewording of the prompt I entered and my notes. –

So, three out of five probably isn’t fair since this book isn’t meant for me, and I’m sure if I was five years old, I would have given it at least four stars, possibly five if I was a girl too.

Olaf is my favorite character in the Frozen oeuvre, and since this was short and free on Audible, I thought I’d add it to my collection in case I needed something refreshing. Well, after my last non-fiction book, I definitely needed a palate cleanser, and this worked really well.

Olaf’s is questing for a mysterious library in a city over the mountain and through the woods. Along the way he collects new stories from his friends and those he meets. Some of the stories seem very familiar, while a few are unique to this story. I loved the one told by the sheep herder.

This was fun to listen to, and it made me wish my kid was young again, so we could listen together.

This book is an eye-opening exploration of how influencers and their audiences have shaped our current information ecosystem, for better or worse (and it’s mostly for worse). DiResta’s clear writing makes even complex concepts easy to understand, but the book’s disturbing implications about our current information culture in the United States can be a difficult pill to swallow. It’s rare that I consider quitting a book because of the content over the writing, but I definitely struggled. In the end, if knowledge is power, the book has been worth the struggle.

One of the book’s strengths is its detailed examination of the history and development of the post-truth society. DiResta begins with the anti-vaccine movement and the measles outbreak, then moves through the evolution of propaganda from the printing press to the internet. She also explores the role of influencers in shaping culture, politics, and society, and how their unchecked power has led to the spread of disinformation and the erosion of trust in traditional institutions.

The book also delves into the psychological and social factors that make people susceptible to propaganda and misinformation. DiResta discusses the phenomenon of crowd behavior and how it can lead to the formation of “bespoke realities” where individuals only see and hear information that confirms their existing beliefs. She also examines the role of algorithms in amplifying and spreading disinformation, and how they can be used to manipulate public opinion.

While “Invisible Rulers” is a sobering read, it also offers some hope for the future. DiResta discusses potential solutions to the problems she outlines, including the need for better education, more transparency from social media platforms, and a greater emphasis on critical thinking skills. She also highlights the importance of individual responsibility in combating the spread of disinformation and the need for a shared desire to live in the same reality.

Overall, “Invisible Rulers” is a must-read for anyone concerned about the state of our information culture. It is a chilling reminder of the power of propaganda and the importance of critical thinking in the digital age. While the book’s conclusions may be depressing, they also serve as a call to action for individuals and society as a whole to work towards a more informed and truthful future.

–This review was partially drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions and the notes I took while reading. Much of the review is rewording of the prompt I entered and my notes. –

The Mark of Athena continues Rick Riordan's tradition of crafting engaging and interesting characters within the Heroes of Olympus series. The groundwork laid in the first two books regarding the backstories of the new characters pays off here, allowing for a seamless continuation without excessive exposition.

While the characters grapple with self-doubt and internal conflicts, their overall development remains relatively static compared to the previous installments. However, the strength of their established personalities and relationships carries the narrative forward, making them enjoyable to follow.

The overarching plot is undeniably intriguing, keeping the pages turning at a steady pace. However, the journey to the central conflict is peppered with numerous side-quests, a signature element of Riordan's writing. While these diversions offer additional excitement and world-building, I occasionally found myself yearning for a more direct path to the main story.

Although the primary objective of this particular quest is achieved, the ending leaves readers on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for the next installment. While I'm not a fan of cliffhanger endings, the availability of the entire series allows for immediate continuation, mitigating my frustration. 🙂

Overall, The Mark of Athena is another enjoyable addition to the Heroes of Olympus series, driven by its captivating characters and intriguing plot. Despite my minor grievances with the side-quests and cliffhanger ending, my fondness for the characters and the world Riordan has created keeps me eagerly anticipating the next book. I'm particularly hoping for more focus on Nico, even though he's not one of the seven.

Robert McCammon delivers an amazing finale to the Matthew Corbett series with Leviathan. From the first page to the last, the tension is palpable, the action relentless, and the mystery intriguing without being overly elusive.

McCammon masterfully ties up the loose ends of his beloved characters—Fell, Greathouse, Berry, Corbett and even Cardinal Black —giving each a satisfying conclusion to their individual arcs. The story is peppered with nostalgic callbacks to previous novels, serving as delightful "Easter eggs" for long-time fans of the series. These subtle nods to past adventures added an extra layer of enjoyment for me.

The epilogue leaves the door open for future adventures, hinting at the possibility of more "problem solver" mysteries to come. While this may be the end of Matthew Corbett's story, McCammon's world is rich with potential, and I, for one, would eagerly welcome further exploration.

"Leviathan" is a must-read for fans of the series and a testament to McCammon's skill as a storyteller. It's a fitting conclusion to a remarkable journey filled with danger, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. I loved it!

Malcolm Gladwell's Revenge of the Tipping Point is a thought-provoking exploration of how small changes in communities, institutions, and cultures can lead to seismic shifts in societal behavior and attitudes.

One of the book's central themes is small area variation. Gladwell delves into fascinating examples, such as striking differences in medical practices between neighboring towns, or the peculiar growth of the anti-vaccine movement in insular school communities. These cases illustrate how localized "overstories"—the dominant cultural narratives within a community—shape individual and collective behavior. For example, Gladwell traces a 1980s Miami plagued by Medicare fraud back to a collapse of institutional values following a wave of social upheaval. His ability to weave historical, social, and economic threads into a cohesive explanation is nothing short of masterful.

The book also explores monoculture dynamics, drawing an intriguing parallel between Florida panthers saved through genetic diversity and high schools plagued by groupthink. Gladwell examines how environments with little variation—be they genetic, cultural, or ideological—become vulnerable to epidemics, whether of disease, suicide, or misinformation. The solution, he argues, lies in fostering diversity and breaking down rigid cultural silos.

In the second section, Gladwell introduces readers to the concept of engineered tipping points, examining how social engineers can intentionally design environments to catalyze change. His discussion of a Palo Alto experiment with racially integrated housing highlights the power of proportional representation, where a "magic third" can transform group dynamics.

The final chapters focus on superspreaders, whether they are viruses, ideas, or behaviors. Gladwell revisits the COVID-19 pandemic, dissecting how specific individuals or events act as accelerants in crises. His analysis of the opioid epidemic and its tipping points—corporate manipulation, superspreading doctors, and the malleability of addiction—provides a sobering look at the unintended consequences of medical innovation.

Ultimately, Revenge of the Tipping Point is both an enlightening and unsettling read, and I wanted more (The reason for 4 of 5). Unfortunately, it seems this type of analysis for the subtle causes of societal trends is mostly done as a post-mortem, which is unfortunate. It would be nice to use the three indicators here, overstories, superspreaders, and group proportions, to predict and prevent some societal change. Specifically, I wonder if we’ll reach or have reached a tipping point with the anti-vaccine movement, and I really wonder how appointing an avowed anti-vaxxer to lead the DHHS will impact the acceptance and spread of vaccine misinformation.

–This review was partially drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions. While much of the review is rewording of the prompt I entered, the final paragraph is completely mine. –

Kaliane Bradley's "The Ministry of Time" is a delightful surprise, a story that exceeded my expectations and left me wanting more. The premise is intriguing: a world where time refugees, displaced from their own timelines, find sanctuary in modern-day London. The Ministry of Time, tasked with managing these refugees and preventing temporal disruptions, is a fascinating concept, and Bradley's execution is superb.

The characters are the heart of this story, and Bradley's character development is exceptional. Graham, poached from his own timeline, is a standout. His awkwardness and unintentional crudeness are both cringeworthy and hilarious. I found myself chuckling at his mishaps and rooting for him as he navigated the complexities of his new reality. The relationships and romance between the characters are beautifully portrayed, with genuine warmth and humor.

The science fiction elements are light, focusing more on the human impact of time travel than on the technicalities. While I would have liked to see more exploration of the time refugees' powers and the consequences of their displacement, the story's emphasis on relationships and personal growth is ultimately satisfying. The ending leaves the possibility of further adventures open, and I sincerely hope Bradley revisits this world and its characters in the future.

Overall, "The Ministry of Time" is a captivating read. Bradley's skillful storytelling, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes make this a book that will stay with me long after the final page. If you're looking for a unique and emotionally resonant story, I highly recommend giving this book a try.

–This review was drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions. Actually, much of the review is my actual prompt. I then edited the draft and posted it. –

I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series. Riordan introduces us to two fantastic new characters, Hazel and Frank, whose backstories and mysterious abilities immediately captivated me. Their personal journeys, intertwined with the overarching plot, added depth and intrigue to the narrative.

However, I must admit that I grew a little impatient waiting for the mysteries surrounding Hazel and Frank to unravel. The gradual reveal of their pasts, while ultimately satisfying, felt somewhat drawn out. Additionally, the lingering question of Hazel's curse left me wanting more closure.

Furthermore, the brief introduction of a character from the Percy Jackson series initially piqued my interest, but his subsequent absence from the story left me feeling a bit perplexed.

Despite these minor quibbles, "The Son of Neptune" remains an engaging and action-packed read. Riordan's signature blend of mythology, humor, and adventure kept me hooked from beginning to end. I'm eager to see how the story unfolds in the next installment and how Hazel and Frank's roles develop within the larger narrative.

–This review was drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions. Actually, most of the review is my actual prompt. I then edited the draft and have posted it. –

I need more of this book! Cox's masterful storytelling draws you into the shadowy world of international crime, where the FBI's audacious sting operation unfolds with heart-pounding suspense. Honestly, it reads like a crime thriller, but the fact that it's true makes it even more gripping.

While I initially struggled to keep track of the many players involved (seriously, there are a lot of names!), the narrative is so compelling that I was quickly swept up in the action. The colorful nicknames, like the unforgettable "Microsoft," certainly helped!

With every page, the stakes get higher, and I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat, wondering if the operation would be compromised. The tension was palpable! Cox's ability to build suspense is truly remarkable.

This book is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of law enforcement in the face of sophisticated criminal networks. It's a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, cybercrime, or just a darn good story.

And, like a good TV series, I'm already craving a sequel! The vast amount of data collected by Anom during this operation must hold countless more stories waiting to be told. I'm eager to see Cox delve deeper into the operations of specific criminal organizations. This book has opened a Pandora's Box of fascinating possibilities.

–This review was drafted by A.I. (Gemini) with a fairly lengthy prompt containing my opinions. I then edited the draft and have posted it. –

So, this was a weird one. As a McCammon fan, I've been slowly working my way through the earlier books that I had skipped when I got busy with college things. I decided to read this one because I saw the Peacock series Teacup is loosely based on it. I've watched the first four episodes of the show, and the connections are definitely very loose. It is good to see McCammon is a producer on the show.

Stinger is classic early McCammon with great body horror and suspense, and the themes definitely connect to his later novel Swan Song, but the writing isn't as mature. It’s kind of self-satisfying to see the connections running and developing through an author’s works.

The pacing is also pretty slow. This book could have been half as long and just as effective. The tensions between the Mexican and white communities are also pretty dated and seem naive. They just don't feel realistic. That said, past-me, the one coming of age in the 80s, might disagree.

Overall, if you're a McCammon fan, it's worth checking out, but it's definitely not his best work.