The Bookstore Sisters by Alice Hoffman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was cute. I’m not much of a short story fan, but this fits the moment. I needed something to read after the last book left me an hour from sleep time. It is fun to finish a book in an hour or so.
I had this one tucked away in my Audible library. Jennifer Jill Araya, the narrator, was able to keep the characters fresh and sincere.
There are a couple more novellas following this one. I plan to get them and finish the story.
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story continues. Again, it is fast. I hardly started reading, and suddenly, it was over.
Kevin R. Free (Narrator) makes the story come to life. And though the actual robot isn’t male or female, his voice makes me think the robot is male. I have to keep readjusting my visuals.
I love how the robot, programmed to kill, is finding ways to reprogram itself to save people and care for ideas and other robots.
I was lucky to pick this up on Libby and can’t wait until the next book is available.
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Far too short! I finished another book way before it was time to sleep, but finished this before I was actually sleepy!
All of the books in this series are fun. I love this murdering, well, programmed to do so, robot. Watching his conscience grow as he becomes a person in his own right is heartwarming and hilarious. In spite of himself, he protects the people and even other robots. The things he speaks in the inner dialogue the reader is privy to surprise or make you laugh out loud.
This book just felt like a continuation of the last two books, just a new situation to maneuver.
I have already put the next in the series on hold on Libby. If you haven’t discovered Libby, you should, especially if you have a lower-than-adequate income.
I just learned that Apple TV has this series. I’d love to see this acted out.
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Okay, I didn’t love this as much as the first one, but it kept me wanting to read more of the series.
Kevin R. Free (Narrator) reads the story with enthusiasm.
Sorry this is so short, but I want to go find the next one and read it soon! I read it on Libby!
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well, this was clever and different. And a very short read. But Kevin R. Free (Narrator) keeps the story moving and interesting.
Who knew that Murderbots kept diaries? Well, that represents the humor of this science fiction. My friend, Yvensong, raved about it. She was right. It was a lot of fun.
I was lucky to find this on Libby, but I may buy the whole series soon.
My Alien Life by J. Martain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I don’t know how I heard of this book. It’s been sitting in my currently-reading list on GoodReads for quite a while. I think I loved the title. But it wasn’t what I thought. I finished my last read and was still awake, so I started this. Before I knew it, this book was gone. Oh! Oops! I didn’t realize it was just a novella or short story.
Something about this story reminded me of Where the Crawdads Sing. But I guess it was because of being raised a little differently than the norm.
I liked it because it made me think of my grandmothers and wish I had spent more time with them. But other than that, it was too short. I wanted to know what happened next. But that seems to be a standard complaint of mine. All books and stories are too short!
Anyway, this is it if you’re looking for something short and sweet.
Virgins by Diana Gabaldon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
In my attempts to soothe my addiction to all books Gabaldon, I found this, a short story sequel. Thank goodness I found it on Libby as I would have been very disappointed to have spent any money on it.
I was so used to Davina Porter’s voice that this new narrator was harsh and not as easy to follow. I could not tell who was who. Allan Scott-Douglas has a great accent to help make the story feel Scottish. And though having a male voice for the males, I think Davina could have done this better.
The story is quite forgettable. I had hoped for more about how Ian lost his leg, but it was even before that happened. I don’t know that we gained anything about the characters that we didn’t already know.
Please don’t take it from me, there are lots of five-star ratings for this book, so I don’t want to discourage you from trying it out for yourself. It could just be a moment in my life that didn’t fulfill me as I hoped.
Northern Lights by Lise Gold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After finishing Kristin Lavransdatter, I needed something lighter to read, yet still wanting a little more Norway. What better than Northern Lights? It is an adventure on holiday in Norway to see the Northern Lights also a lesbian romance.
My husband and I took an Alaskan cruise in June about a decade ago. I had hoped beyond any known reality that I would get to see the Aurora Borealis. I stayed awake until the three hours of night were over hoping to see this phenomenon. It was June. I knew it wouldn’t happen. I hope I get to see it someday. Meanwhile, I have to sink into fiction to experience it.
This was a light, fun romance. And the author caught the feeling of being on a cruise or holiday together with strangers. It was fun to see how those in Norway celebrate Christmas. Oh, and at the end of the book are a bunch of recipes that a person who loves that sort of thing would enjoy. I don’t much like to cook. You might like it though.
All Good Stories by Linda G. Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As an author of a busy, fun blog who is a single mom facing some special needs tests, trials, and triumphs, Linda G. Hill won my admiration long ago. I love reading her blog. I enjoy participating in her challenges. So it is understandable that I had to read her book.
Remember the challenge question in When Harry Met Sally? No. Not the restaurant scene. Wouldn’t we all want what she ordered? No. The question was: Can best friends that are male and female remain friends or is it inevitable that romance would play a part? Sally believed in the friendship as I recall whereas Harry said that friendship can’t stay in that realm. That sex was the most likely outcome.
All Good Stories attempts that question once again. This time it is through a series of smaller stories (started as A-Z challenge on Linda’s blog) that tell of the ebb and flow of friendship of Jupiter and Xavier. I won’t tell you how the story goes. I will merely say that there are topless pirates and bookstores involved. And there are laugh aloud situations. This is worth an evening with popcorn, at least. I enjoyed it and I think you will, too.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A space opera novelette. This was more like it! Though this wasn’t a full size novel or series, I felt satisfied. The depth of character, world-building, plot, action, adventure, all left me feeling like I’d been to outer-space, meet new beings, experienced friendships, saved and lost lives. In fact, this little book crammed more in than many long series I’ve read.
All that said, I found myself lost trying to figure out if this were memory or the present. In the end, it all sorts itself out. Maybe the author wanted that bit of confusion.
I recommend this little prize to my fellow sci-fi friends.
Congrats! You have completed your goal of reading 100 books for the 2013 Reading Challenge! 115 of 100 (115%)
Congrats! You have completed your goal of reading 225 books for the 2012 Reading Challenge! 225 of 225 (100%)
Congrats! You have completed your goal of reading 200 books for the 2011 Reading Challenge! 204 of 200 (102%)
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