Tag Archives: fiction

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a touching story about two socially awkward people and how their lives came to be entangled.

At its core, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a story about love, friendship, and belonging. Our main characters, Sam and Sadie, seek belonging and companionship; apart from each other, they have trouble finding it. And even together, they find it only occasionally and often imperfectly.

The story spans more than 30 years. Sam and Sadie meet as children, drift apart, and reconnect later in life. They spent their lives immersed in the video game world, and I found this aspect of the story the most interesting. Having grown up in the same era as Sam and Sadie, I recognized many of the mentioned games. I also identified with Sadie’s feelings about being a woman in a man’s world.

While I did enjoy this more than Zevin’s The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry, I can’t say I loved it. It felt superficial at times, none of the characters were particularly likable, and in the end, I didn’t care what happened to them. I just wanted them to get over themselves and stop always doing whatever was absolutely in their worst interests.

Ironically, when I finished it, I rated it five stars. I’m not quite sure why. Perhaps the end got to me?

In the Lives of Puppets

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I was so excited when NetGalley sent me an ARC of In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune. I have enjoyed everything I have read by TJ Klune, and was eager to read this.

I know I mention this in many of my reviews, but discussing this novel without giving away too much of the plot is a challenge. I don’t want to spoil it for y’all!

[Pausing to go read the official book description.]

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised; They reveal almost everything in the blurb, which is why I usually avoid reading them. I guess that means I can continue without worrying about spoilers, as I won’t mention anything they haven’t already spoiled.

Our protagonist, Victor, lives in a world filled with robots. Some are humanoid, while others, like Rambo, are not—Rambo is obvi a modified Roomba. It’s very Swiss Family Robinson meets Wall•E. Pinocchio’s influence is also evident, especially given the epigraphs.

I absolutely love the world this story is set in—the freaky robots-rule-the-world-post-apocalypse future that we’ve all been afraid of since learning about Skynet from The Terminator. I wish there were more about how this world came to be, the (other) robots, and the City of Electric Dreams (which must be Las Vegas, right?).

Who would have imagined a sarcastic semi-psychotic nurse robot (Registered Automaton To Care, Heal, Educate and Drill—Nurse Ratched for short) and a dim-witted but loyal and loving Roomba as the ultimate family and adventure companions? Each character has unique quirks and personalities, drawing us into their world.

As we delve into Victor’s life amid a world of robots, we’re forced to reconsider our understanding of what it means to be human and reflect on the potential for artificial intelligence to experience genuine emotions and self-awareness. Can a robot truly experience emotions? Possess free will and its own unique desires? What does having a heart mean for a machine?

In conclusion, In the Lives of Puppets masterfully balances this introspection with humor, adventure, and the occasional heartstring tug, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read. This novel is a must-read for fans of TJ Klune and anyone who enjoys a unique, thought-provoking, and entertaining story. And after finishing it, you’ll be crossing your fingers and hoping for more featuring these characters and their world, just like me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for an advance copy in exchange for sharing my opinions. All opinions in this review are my own.

The Secret Within

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The Secret Within by Sean Platt and David Wright is an urban fantasy novel about a psychic detective, Delaney West. Delaney has been hired to find a missing person, and his girlfriend, Anika, might be the only one with answers.

This novel started well and was exciting and engaging. I was into the mystery, and I liked the premise of the psychic detective. However, I feel like it failed to develop Delaney’s character’s supernatural aspects to sufficient depth early in the novel.

Also, it takes a wildly unexpected twist at the end, which felt very Deus Ex Machina / WTF. It reminded me of how I felt watching the end of Annihilation. Angry, disappointed, and overall unsatisfied.

Unfortunately, it went off the rails for me, and I would not recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for an advance copy in exchange for sharing my opinions. All opinions in this review are my own.

River Woman, River Demon

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River Woman, River Demon by Jennifer Givhan is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey into the world of Hoodoo, a spiritual practice that blends African and Native American traditions.

The novel is a fun, fast-paced, and engaging story, with unexpected twists and turns in the mystery that kept me guessing. Givhan does an excellent job of weaving together the various threads of the story, including the supernatural elements of Hoodoo, the complex relationships between the characters, and Eva’s dark past. I immediately found myself fully immersed in the world of River Woman, River Demon, and eager to uncover the truth behind the murder.

One of the novel’s unique aspects was the portrayal of Hoodoo. Givhan brings this spiritual practice to life with vivid descriptions of rituals, spells, and the various tools and ingredients used in its practice. This inclusion of Hoodoo adds a layer of mystique to the story and offers a unique perspective on spirituality and the supernatural, which is rarely explored in mainstream fiction.

Eva, the main character, has a complicated past. The novel delves deep into her psyche, exploring her fears, desires, and regrets. I wish Eva had been more body-positive towards herself; Her constant mental judgements of herself and her weight became tiresome and detracted from the story. However, I see how this is all part of Eva’s struggle to love herself. Due to this and her past trauma, she also struggles to love her children and husband and accept their love for her.

The river that runs through the novel is both a symbol of life and death and a recurring motif that ties the different threads of the narrative together. As the story unfolds, unlocking the mysteries of the murders is the key to setting Eva free.

Overall, River Woman, River Demon is a well-written, engaging novel that combines elements of mystery, supernaturalism, and social commentary in a compelling way. Givhan’s portrayal of Eva and her world is authentic and deeply moving and will keep readers attentive until the final page.