User Profile

It’s clear why this launched a whole genre and lies in the roots of my favorite works of naval fiction — the descriptions of life aboard ship are vivid enough to bring the taste of salt spray to one’s lips. A pity the drama between officers is so sulky and constipated.

CN for casual racism, classism, and sexism typical of the genre. Demerits to the author for using female characters as props instead of as people, irrespective of how they are treated in-world.

A gorgeous collection. There are moments that didn’t age well, but they are more than counterbalanced by the unreal yet distinct and matter of fact presentation of worlds aslant to our own, so perfectly Le Guin. If you like the little corners at the edges of things to suck you in, pick this up.

This was fine— this flavor of sapphic is not the kind I swoon for, but it was nevertheless a nice puzzle in a delightfully bizarre setting

I especially like where this magic system is going. Elements of the maw borrowing from a plethora of other media yet asserting a distinct essence. Some suspension of disbelief required regarding the proper treatment of stab wounds, assuming the goal is not to bleed to death. CN for intrigue leaning unnecessarily on suicidal ideation, moderate gore.

The first book: the pacing of worldbuilding is exemplary; the pacing of relationships is sufficiently fucked to bump you out of the story; what a shame

The second book: oh shit, the pacing of relationships was secretly characterization

The third book: oh shit, the pacing of relationships was secretly worldbuilding

If you like Greek and Norse mythology, the bioengineering parts of Vlad Taltos, the biblical parts of Neverwhere, and the military teambonding parts of Peripheral, this book is for you. It is brutal, repeatedly, but incredibly sticky.

Massive, klaxon, wee-ooo CNs for child abuse, sexual assault, medical assault, and chronic emotional manipulation. Also some light gore and body horror in the violent fighting bits but tbh that hardly registered, considering.

A perfectly crystallized setting that manages to convey intense feelings of grief and yearning without becoming mired or miserable. CN misogyny and sexual assault, though they are treated with such a feminist hand that the result is more energizing than defeating.

a rough time. a long, exhausted, grinding, tinnitus of grief.