loopsandlorewithmeg's reviews
335 reviews

Exit Strategy by Martha Wells

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funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Exit Strategy by Martha Wells is a strong addition to the Murderbot Diaries, which has been a consistently solid 4-star series for me overall. The first book (All Systems Red) is still my favorite, but this one does a great job wrapping up the overarching story arc while delivering the action and snarky humor I’ve come to expect from Murderbot.
That said, this novella didn’t quite hit the same highs as the first one. The pacing is fast—almost too fast at times—and some of the emotional moments didn’t feel as impactful as they could have. I also found myself wanting a bit more character development or deeper exploration of Murderbot’s internal struggles.
Even with those minor issues, I still had a great time reading this. The series as a whole has been reliably entertaining, and Exit Strategy is no exception. If you’ve been enjoying the journey so far, this installment is well worth your time.
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Annie Bot by Sierra Greer was such a fun and thought-provoking read! I really enjoyed the mix of humor and heart as Annie, a robot, tries to figure out her place in a world that doesn’t fully understand her. It’s one of those stories that makes you think about what it really means to be human while also being super entertaining.
That said, some of the themes felt a little too obvious—it didn’t always leave much to unpack on my own. And while I really enjoyed the story, it didn’t quite hit the emotional highs that would make it a five-star read for me.
Even with those small nitpicks, I had a great time reading this! If you’re into stories that balance humor, heart, and a touch of existential pondering, Annie Bot is definitely worth checking out.
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff was an incredibly engaging read. From the richly detailed world to the morally complex characters, it pulled me in and kept me invested. Gabriel de León’s story is raw and brutal, yet has moments of unexpected tenderness that make it feel balanced. The narrative structure, switching between Gabriel’s past and present, added depth and kept the story interesting.

That said, the book isn’t without flaws. The pacing felt uneven at times—some sections were gripping, while others dragged under the weight of world-building or lengthy descriptions. The grimdark elements occasionally felt excessive, leaning into shock value more than necessary. While I enjoyed the humor and sarcasm in the dialogue, the modern tone didn’t always feel consistent with the setting.

Despite these issues, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It’s bold, immersive, and emotionally intense. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy with layered characters and intricate lore, this is well worth the read.
Draco Malloy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare

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Manacled by SenLinYu

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The Portiat of Draco Malfoy by SilverDragonGemini

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Borne by Jeff VanderMeer

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
I couldn't finish Borne by Jeff VanderMeer because the surreal, fragmented storytelling and dense world-building made it hard for me to connect with the characters or stay engaged with the plot. While I appreciated the creativity, it just wasn't the right fit for me.
A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future by David Attenborough

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4.5

David Attenborough's A Life on Our Planet is a heartfelt and urgent reflection on humanity's impact on the Earth, paired with a hopeful vision for its future. His storytelling is captivating, weaving personal anecdotes with powerful insights about the environment. While some solutions feel idealistic, the book's message is clear and inspiring. A must-read for anyone who cares about our planet. 🌍✨
The Veiled Kingdom by Holly Renee

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2.0

So, it was not for me, I thought it was poorly written, had no interesting plot, and felt like 200 other books with the same vibe and characters.