Aug 1 2026
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Book Review: Heaven’s River by Dennis E. Taylor

Title: Heaven’s River

Author: Dennis E. Taylor

Series: Bobiverse #4

Genre: Science Fiction

The Overview: More than a hundred years ago, Bender set out for the stars and was never heard from again. There has been no trace of him despite numerous searches by his clone-mates. Now Bob is determined to organize an expedition to learn Bender’s fate—whatever the cost. But nothing is ever simple in the Bobiverse. Bob’s descendants are out to the 24th generation now, and replicative drift has produced individuals who can barely be considered Bobs anymore. Some of them oppose Bob’s plan; others have plans of their own. The out-of-control moots are the least of the Bobiverse’s problems. Undaunted, Bob and his allies follow Bender’s trail. But what they discover out in deep space is so unexpected and so complex that it could either save the universe—or pose an existential threat the likes of which the Bobiverse has never faced. –Goodreads

Niki’s Review [3/5 stars]:

Heaven’s River was a departure from the storytelling format I’ve come to expect from Taylor, and I’m not sure the change did it any favors.

One word: pacing. One of the best things about the Bob books is that they clip along at a great pace. Maybe even too fast in some instances, which makes the moments where he decides to deep dive into a specific story thread even more satisfying and immersive. This entire book was an immersive deep dive that honestly read to me as though it were originally planned as two separate short novels that ultimately got mashed into one.

And here’s the thing: I actually LIKED the direction the story took because it reminded me of my favorite thread from the original trilogy (basking within a cool alien culture). No, my issues lie in execution. Diving in, we had a clear idea on what the objective was, however it was unclear through most of the book how the characters’ actions were actually helping them towards their objective. It felt more like stumbling around and getting fortunate a few times more than successful executions of a plan. And I mentioned pacing… oh my gosh move it along already. There were too many repeating elements and encounters that made the book feel like a lot more of a drag than it needed to be. And what’s more, the aliens they spent time with resembled a completely separate alien species we’d already encountered (the Pav). Call me crazy, but since all the main characters are basically the same, you’d think that would leave enough creativity behind to diversify the aliens just a bit more. Maybe he thinks the universe just needs more otters…

But I rant.

The book has some issues, but I’d say overall I’m still glad I read it to continue the series. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my time with these books this year, and I look forward to reading the next one. The good new is, it’s much shorter. And even though I have a rant to spare for this book, it was still something I enjoyed reading from start to finish. It’s just wasn’t as good as it COULD’VE been, you know?

Pick this series up if you enjoy the cheekier side of scifi. It’s fun without being dumb. Most of the time.

Thank you to my Patrons: Dave, Katrin, Frank, Jen, Karen, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Betsy, Eliss, Mike, Elizabeth, Bee, Poochtee, Kinsey, Alysa, Derek, Kelly, Grace, Carmen, and Leticia! <3

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by Niki Hawkes

Dave’s Review [2.5/5 stars]:

Having enjoyed the first three Bobiverse novels for the most part, I went into Heaven’s River expecting more of the same. While I still found things to like, this is the first book in the series that left me feeling somewhat disappointed. It retains much of the charm and creativity that made the earlier books so much fun, but it also shows some signs that the formula is beginning to wear thin.

The biggest issue is the length. At over 500 pages, Heaven’s River feels considerably longer than the story it has to tell. The central mission is interesting enough, but it is stretched across too many detours and repetitive scenes, causing the pacing to drag for long stretches. Likewise, the series’ trademark humor, which was one of its greatest strengths early on, no longer lands with the same consistency. The pop culture references and self-aware wit are still present, but they have become predictable more often than not, rather than truly amusing.

That said, the novel has its merits. One of the main plot lines of the novel involves the exploration of the Quinlan civilization, which is imaginative and can be fascinating at times, even if the exploration is more drawn out than necessary. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is watching the Bobs continue to diverge into distinct individuals with competing philosophies and priorities. The growing ideological conflicts between different factions add genuine depth to the series and suggest that the greatest challenges facing the Bobiverse may ultimately come from within rather than from external threats. It sets up what I feel would be the most interesting direction for future installments in the series.

Although Heaven’s River still contains flashes of the imagination and charm that hooked me in the first book, it feels overextended at this point. I remain interested in seeing where the Bobiverse goes next, but I hope future installments recapture some of the tighter pacing and freshness of the first couple of novels.

Jul 27 2026
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Book Review: The Modigliani Scandal by Ken Follett

Title: The Modigliani Scandal

Author: Ken Follett

Series: N/A

Genre: Thriller

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

The Overview: A fabulous “lost masterpiece” becomes the ultimate prize–for an art historian whose ambition consumes everyone around her, an angry young painter with a plan for revenge on the art establishment, and a desperate gallery owner who may have double-crossed his own life away. Behind the elegance and glamour of the art world, anything goes–theft, forgery, betrayal, and maybe even murder. . . . –Goodreads

Dave’s Review:

I have read quite a few Ken Follett novels over the years – mostly historical fiction, but a couple of thrillers as well. While they do begin to feel somewhat formulaic after having read enough of them, I still generally find them enjoyable to read. The Modigliani Scandal is one of the few exceptions. It is an early Follett novel that contains moments of the talent he would later become known for, but ultimately feels underdeveloped and unsatisfying.

The central premise, which is a frantic search for a valuable lost Modigliani painting, sounds intriguing, but the execution never quite comes together. One of the biggest problems I had was the sheer number of characters introduced in such a short novel. The first half jumps rapidly between artists, dealers, collectors, and others, making it difficult to keep track of who is who or to become invested in any of their underdeveloped stories or backgrounds. Just as one plotline gains some momentum, the focus jumps elsewhere and does not return for some time.

Despite being not even 300 pages long, the novel often feels overcrowded. The author packs in so many plot threads, relationships, and twists that very little has time to develop properly. Many scenes feel rushed, leaving the characters flat and unmemorable. This is not at all like the enormous books that he would go on to write, which at times can swing too far in the opposite direction. I feel that this one would have benefited from another hundred pages or so to give the characters and plot development more time to breathe. The strongest writing comes later in the book, where some of the characters have become more familiar to the reader and it benefits from the strong momentum of the chase.

There are glimpses of the fast-paced suspense and the broad cast of characters that would dominate his writing, but The Modigliani Scandal reads more like an outline or a rough draft than a completed thriller. 2.5 stars.

Jul 25 2026
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Book Review: Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs

Title: Blind Date with a Werewolf

Author: Patricia Briggs

Series: Mercy Thompson World #whatever.5

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

The Overview: When the formidable werewolf Asil finds himself set up on five blind dates by unknown ‘friends’, his solitary life undergoes a dramatic change, in this captivating collection of stories by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson series. -Goodreads

The Review:

I had some reservations before diving into Blind Date with a Werewolf. For starters, I’m not much for short stories, so I was a bit wary of wasting time not feeling engaged. But since there was a strong through-line between them, it read more like a novel “in stories” as the cover tag puts it rather than stand-alone snippets. That helped a lot. I also wasn’t sure if I was in the mood for a romance, which the title leads you to believe this book is going to be. But I’m such a big fan of the Mercy Thompson/Alpha & Omega world that I knew I didn’t want to miss anything potentially plot-advancing, even on a minor scale… so here we are.

As it happens, I liked it better than I thought I would. The book was nothing like I expected. The blind date aspect was clever and cheeky, acting more as setups for fun supernatural mysteries than legit romantic encounters. There was indeed a romance angle – a very slight one that served more to set things up for future books than as any sort of major highlight within this one.

Was the story a bit too silly? Perhaps. I’ve always liked Asil as an enigma character. He’s a bit scary because we don’t really know much about him or why everyone in this world fears him. And he’s old.. as the book puts it, “Not quite as old as dirt,” which always made me picture a grizzled, cranky old man. But because everything has to be over-sexualized, I was informed many times while reading this that despite his age, he actually has the appearance of a much younger man. Of course he does. Because apparently werewolves don’t age. Anyway I amused myself by continuing to picture him as an old man on all of the dates/adventures. What’s more, the story took away a lot of Asil’s mystery – having him act very out of character (by my reckoning) for the sake of adhering to the book’s theme. Nothing about his mannerisms drew me back to that scary werewolf with history and depth. Briggs often likes to take these big bad wolves and show the reader their softer sides. Like, they’re deadly beasts to everyone else, but you’re special so they can behave like puppy dogs for you. Sometimes it’s charming. In this case it kind of wrecked a character I’ve spent several books wanting to know more about. At least his wolf is still a badass.

That said, I’m sure there’s a good reason for all of this setup. And the composition of the book itself was creatively done. The structure of the stories, the strong thematic elements throughout, the tie-backs, the series-relevant supernatural mysteries, the fun cameos, and the setup for what will likely be a somewhat important addition to the series going forward were major merits. The whole time I was reading it I was marveling at how cleverly done it was, even if I didn’t absolutely love the plot.

As the book has spoilers for things that happened in some of the most recent Alpha & Omega books, I would not recommend picking this up on a whim as a taste-test of the world. It’s very much for the fans, and it’s clear its purpose is to advance the plot of some of the more secondary characters in this world. As a big fan, I am very eager to find out how all of this will play into the next main book in the series.

Thank you to my Patrons: Dave, Katrin, Frank, Jen, Karen, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Betsy, Eliss, Mike, Elizabeth, Bee, Poochtee, Kinsey, Alysa, Derek, Kelly, Grace, Carmen, and Leticia! <3

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by Niki Hawkes

Jul 23 2026
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Introducing: My Co-blogger Dave!

You may have noticed a new voice on the blog (no, I am not co-writing as an alias). It’s my pleasure to introduce my Partner and new co-blogger: Dave Clark. We’ve been reading friends for years and I’ve always admired his superbly written and insightful reviews, and have long taken inspiration at his dedication and consistency. When the opportunity arose to invite him to post with me on this platform, I was ecstatic. We have a lot of similar SFF interests (you may see some dual-reviews), but Dave is much more well-read, diving into multiple genres and is currently working his way through several award-winning books lists (like the Pulitzer and the Hugos). I think he’s going to add a delightful variety to our core of book reviewing. Here’s a few things he wrote about himself as a bio:

My story with books is a simple one. I have been reading (and accumulating) books for my entire life. You will rarely see me without one in reach. I got started as a kid, reading them under the covers with a flashlight when I was supposed to have been going to sleep. Sometimes I still lose some sleep to reading, although I have since upgraded to proper lighting in hopes of minimizing the strain on my aging eyes. The majority of my reading is within science fiction and fantasy, but I also like to branch out for some broader exposure. So I do read literary fiction, horror, or an occasional selection from just about any other genre.

I’m so happy to have him here, and I love the new life his presence has breathed into the space. Here’s to many years of geeking out together about books! <3

by Niki Hawkes

Jul 21 2026
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Book Review: To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Title: To the Lighthouse

Author: Virginia Woolf

Series: N/A

Genre: Literary Fiction

Rating: 3/5 stars

The Overview: The serene and maternal Mrs. Ramsay, the tragic yet absurd Mr. Ramsay, and their children and assorted guests are on holiday on the Isle of Skye. From the seemingly trivial postponement of a visit to a nearby lighthouse, Woolf constructs a remarkable, moving examination of the complex tensions and allegiances of family life and the conflict between men and women. As time winds its way through their lives, the Ramsays face, alone and simultaneously, the greatest of human challenges and its greatest triumph—the human capacity for change. –Goodreads

Dave’s Review:

Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse is widely considered to be a pinnacle of twentieth-century literature. Its deep symbolism, introspective style, and philosophical musings about the passage of time and life serve as a wealth of material for study and discussion. That said, I found it much easier to appreciate than to actually enjoy.

Anyone expecting a conventional narrative will almost certainly struggle, as I did. There is very little in the way of plot, with the author instead focusing largely on the inner thoughts and shifting perspectives of her characters. While this stream-of-consciousness approach has merit, it comes at the expense of momentum. Long portions of the novel feel more like introspection than storytelling. The pacing is glacial, and I was frequently waiting, hoping, for something interesting to happen.

The characters likewise failed to engage me. Woolf spends much time in the minds of a number of them, but the style renders them largely indistinct and unmemorable. They blend together, making it difficult to relate closely or to form a real attachment to any one individual. At this point, a couple of weeks after having finished the book, very few of the characters left any lasting impression on me. They really function merely as mouthpieces (mind pieces?) for the author’s ideas, a choice which often caused me to struggle with engagement.

Despite these frustrations, the book succeeds at what I believe it is intended to do – that is to ruminate on the passage of time and life. The lighthouse can be seen as a symbol of long-term goals, and the many ways that they shape our lives as we aspire to achieve them. It is certainly symbolic of a plethora of other things that attentive readers will pick up on as well, given some patience. Woolf is clearly a strong writer, being almost poetic at times. The density and style do at times require a careful analysis, similar to that of poetry, to extract some of the layered meaning. If I ever revisit this work in the future, I will be sure to do so at a point where I am prepared to devote the necessary time and focus.

I can certainly appreciate why To the Lighthouse is considered a masterpiece, even if it never connected with me on the level that was likely intended. It is a book whose ideas outlive the characters or story. I am glad to have read it, even though the journey was difficult and ultimately not as rewarding as I had hoped to find it.

Jul 16 2026
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Book Review: Faith of Beasts by James S.A. Corey

Title: Faith of Beasts

Author: James S.A. Corey

Series: Captive’s War #2

Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 5/5 stars!

The Overview: The monstrous Carryx empire was built by subjugation and war. Thousands of species are bound to their Sovran’s command in an endless, blood-soaked test: be useful in the eternal conflict or be slaughtered. Dafyd Alkhor, highest among their human captives, is feared and despised by the very people he champions. Ruthless in carving out his niche in the eternal war machine of the empire, he will reshape human nature itself as a tool for their alien masters’ use.  But Dafyd’s loyalty is not what it seems. The Swarm, an agent of the Carryx’s deathless enemy, has been smuggled into the Carryx world-palace along with the human slaves. It’s discover a way to bring down the empire’s eternal reign. But the longer it lives among and within humanity, the more it forgets that it is a weapon. As the human captives spread through the battlefronts of empire, the awesome power of the Carryx becomes clear. And with it, a desperate plan for their destruction. But empires hide secrets, and even the deathless enemy may not be what it appears… –Goodreads

Niki’s Review:

My favorite book of the year so far!

Which is amazing considering it’s the second book in a trilogy (I always brace for middle-book syndrome). I don’t know why I was worried, though. These authors have been dazzling me for years and it’s to the point where I don’t even look to see what new books from Corey (or Abraham) are about – I just devour them.

I’ve said this before about most of the works I’ve read from these authors, but it continually amazes me how connected I always feel to these very flawed, painfully HUMAN characters. I’m not much of a character reader, generally, because I don’t often form bonds (or care to remember names) of the people in the stories. To me most characters feel little more than plot vessels. But it’s authors like the Corey team, Abercrombie, and Hobb who convince me the people I’m reading about are real. I’m realizing that what these character profiles have in common is how so deeply flawed (ahem.. human) they are, almost to the point of making them unlikable. THESE are the characters who’s stories move me. So maybe I am a character reader after all, I just need to buy in to how realistic they feel.

This series is so deftly written. There’s a recognizable cadence to this team’s writing style (which at this point feels like a warm hug) that is unique to their SFF series. It creates the most brilliant setups – some of the most breathtaking, fully engaging scenes I’ve ever read. Where I feel what’s going on viscerally and lose all touch with reality. It’s that X-factor that truly separates wonderful books from the absolute astounding books in my opinion. The sorts of books that make you want to find someone to talk to about them immediately. Where you finish them and find yourself reeling and still thinking about them days (or weeks/months/years) later. Only a few authors have ever done this to me before. The Corey team has now done it thrice.

After reading Faith of Beasts, I now have a newfound appreciation for why people love thriller novels. I read the back half of it on the edge of my seat. The Corey team are brilliant at cultivating momentum and suspense, and this poignant sense of danger that has me both wary and excited to turn to the next page. I can’t tell you the last book I read that actually raised the hair on my neck while I was reading it. If you can’t tell, I was super invested.

One thing we didn’t get in the Expanse was a lot of creature creation, as the series primarily takes place within our solar system. It’s almost like the duo are making up for lost time, because the abundance of aliens in Captive’s War is off the charts! It gives the story such an otherworldly (no kidding) feel. Great world-building is one of my favorite draws to books, as I love feeling completely transported to other worlds. That might be one reason why I don’t always mind when characters aren’t as strong. This series has it all though – character, world-building, writing, voice, pacing, momentum… it’s so rich! It has so many great components that I’m sure we could spend a dozen books exploring it, but how cool is it we get the best of the best compacted into a single trilogy? This is great, I can’t wait to see how it ends, and holy crap is the next one out yet?!

Thank you to my Patrons: Dave, Katrin, Frank, Jen, Karen, Sonja, Staci, Kat, Betsy, Eliss, Mike, Elizabeth, Bee, Poochtee, Kinsey, Alysa, Derek, Kelly, Grace, Carmen, and Leticia! <3

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by Niki Hawkes