Review: Second Self by Una McCormack, 2022

Second Self by Una McCormack,2022
My rating: 4.33 of 5 stars

In "Second Self," author Una McCormack takes us on a captivating journey through Raffi Musiker's life between seasons one and two of Star Trek: Picard. The novel delves into Raffi's past as a Starfleet Intelligence officer, her personal struggles with addiction, and her re-emergence into the world after the events of Picard's first year. The story unfolds across three time periods, exploring the complex history of the planet Ordeve and its impact on the Bajorans, Cardassians, and Romulans.

McCormack masterfully weaves Raffi's personal story with the larger narrative, as she navigates a world where right and wrong are often blurred. The novel also features Elim Garak, a Cardassian favorite, whose ultimate fate is poignantly revealed. Other beloved characters, such as Admiral Picard, Captain Rios, and Elnor, make appearances and contribute to the rich world-building.

The intricate structure of the novel, which requires careful attention from the reader, pays off as it explores themes of sadness, regret, and the consequences of one's past actions. "Second Self" enhances the Star Trek universe by shedding light on Raffi's character, her relationships, and the Dominion War's aftermath.

I rate this novel 4.33 out of 5 stars.

#SecondSelf #StarTrekPicard #RaffiMusiker #UnaMcCormack #Cardassians #Romulans #Bajorans #ElimGarak #StarTrekNovel #DominionWar #StarTrek

View all my reviews

Review: Zorrie by Laird Hunt, 2021

Zorrie by Laird Hunt
My Goodreads rating: 5 of 5 stars

As I delved into Laird Hunt's beautifully crafted novel, Zorrie, I found myself on an emotional journey through the life of an ordinary woman in the rural American Midwest. The poetic and evocative prose captivated me, capturing the essence of a bygone era and creating an atmospheric setting that allowed me to experience the landscape and culture alongside the protagonist. Hunt's masterful writing style gracefully wove together the story of Zorrie, as both graceful and earthy, grounded yet transcendent, while capturing the complexities of human relationships.

The portrayal of compelling characters, particularly the protagonist Zorrie, struck a chord with me. This character study of a woman of quiet strength and resilience showcased the tenderness, vulnerability, and endurance of the human spirit, making her life experiences feel both ordinary and extraordinary. The novel's exploration of love, loss, and resilience invited me to reflect on my own life and experiences, finding beauty in seemingly mundane moments.

What stood out to me was the emotional resonance of Zorrie, amplified by its concise storytelling. Despite being a relatively short novel, Hunt skillfully conveyed the entirety of Zorrie's life with precision and depth. This economy of language resonated with me, as the author's ability to create a rich and poignant narrative within a compact form made the story even more powerful. As the story unfolded, I was moved by Zorrie's ordinary yet extraordinary journey, evoking deep emotions with each turn of the page.

Hunt masterfully combined these elements to create a heartfelt exploration of the human experience. The novel's vivid imagery, keen sense of the passage of time, and relatable characters immersed me in Zorrie's world. Its emotional resonance, strong sense of place, and concise storytelling won my admiration, making it a deeply moving portrait of an ordinary life that reminded me of the strength and resilience that can be found in the quiet moments of our own lives.

I rate this book 4.9 out of 5 stars.

#Zorrie #LairdHunt #MidwestLiterature #RuralLife #HistoricalFiction #CharacterStudy #LiteraryFiction #BookReview #ReadingRecommendations

View all my reviews

Review: Woom by Duncan Ralston, 2016

Woom by Duncan Ralston, 2016
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you're looking for a horror novel that will take you to some very dark places, "Woom" by Duncan Ralston is definitely worth checking out. The book follows the story of Colin, a man with a troubled past who becomes obsessed with a cult-like organization called the Woom. Along the way, he hires a prostitute named Kiera and becomes involved with her, while his girlfriend Veronica tries to save him from the dangerous path he's on.

As Colin delves deeper into the world of the Woom, he discovers that their practices are far more sinister than he initially thought. The Woom claims to offer a unique and life-changing experience to its members, but Colin soon realizes that the reality is much more gruesome and twisted.

The writing is graphic and visceral, with a no-holds-barred approach to body horror and sexual violence that is not for the faint of heart. Readers who can handle the graphic descriptions will find "Woom" to be a gripping and unsettling read.

The characters in "Woom" are complex and flawed, with Colin's obsession driving much of the plot. Kiera, the prostitute that Colin hires, also plays a significant role in the story, with her own motivations and secrets that are slowly revealed over the course of the book. Veronica, Colin's girlfriend, is a sympathetic character who tries to help Colin but ultimately becomes caught up in his dangerous obsession.

Overall, "Woom" is a well-crafted and disturbing horror novel that will leave a lasting impression on readers. Just be warned, the graphic descriptions of body horror and sexual violence are not for everyone. For those who can handle it, "Woom" is an enjoyable read in a train-wreck kind of way, with a twisted plot and complex characters that will keep you turning the pages.

I rate the novel 4.75 out of 5 stars.

#BizarroFiction #Horror #Fiction #SexualHorror #Cults #ExtremeHorror #MessedUp

View all my reviews

Review: "Children of Memory" by Adrian Tchaikovsky, 2022

Children of Memory by Adrian Tchaikovsky, 2022
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In "Children of Memory," the intriguing third volume of Adrian Tchaikovsky's celebrated "Children of Time" space opera series, readers are treated to a fascinating exploration of a multispecies, interstellar, starfaring civilization. As they voyage to a mysterious planet originally intended for human terraforming and settlement, the narrative delves into complex themes of cultural interference, self-awareness, and the nature of sentience.

The story is told through the perspectives of Liff, a perceptive adolescent from the colony, and Miranda, a visitor who advocates for intervention in the colony's politics. The book raises thought-provoking questions reminiscent of Star Trek's Prime Directive, as the characters grapple with the implications of meddling in the affairs of less technologically-advanced societies.

A particularly captivating aspect of the story involves the introduction of a bonded pair of evolved corvids. These characters challenge conventional notions of sentience, as they demonstrate complex behaviors yet question their own self-awareness. Their unique existence prompts readers to reconsider the nature of consciousness and the possibility of sentient life beyond human understanding.

Although the story's pacing is slow at the outset, it gradually builds momentum as the underlying cause of the planet's disconcerting situation is unveiled. Some reviewers have criticized the portrayal of Miranda and the Nod creature, and my analysis agrees that their internal conflicts and resulting characterizations contribute to a compelling narrative, mostly.

"Children of Memory" showcases Tchaikovsky's signature thought-provoking ideas, unique philosophical quandaries, and richly developed characters, making it a captivating and worthwhile addition to the series. Despite its initial slow pacing, the novel rewards readers with a deep, immersive story that broadens their understanding of the complex universe introduced in the previous installments.

I rate this novel 4.75 out of 5 stars.

View all my reviews