bookaroundandfindout's reviews
162 reviews

Wow what a whirlwind! I really liked the second book it was quite dynamic, although sometimes a bit confusing I would say. There is still a constant back and forth between times and places and people and yet we see them all connect together toward the end. I love the writing style and the way the book kept me on my toes. I’m wondering what will be in the final novel of this trilogy and can’t wait to read it !

This took me such a long time to finish and I’m so disappointed. While The Atlas Six was enticing and unique, its sequel was very muddled and confusing.


Let’s start with the characters. I agree with a lot of people who said they literally hate everyone, I literally hate everyone. Their unique but while TA6 had interactions between the characters and explanation of their thought processes, as well as some sort of central plot, Atlas Paradox was so confused and disorganized.

I don’t understand Reina at all, she just seems irritating and although it keeps being referenced that she doesn’t have feelings and hates everyone it really doesn’t make sense. Like the reason she hates Nico? Does not make sense.

Parisa and her Dalton project was interesting but in this book I don’t quite get this other identity he has, I feel like that could have been way better explained rather then just a page or two right at the end of the book.

Tristian is the perfect example of an insecure dumb man. When did he fall in love with Libby? What was up with him and Callum? Like nobody spells it out? Or even hints at it? And for all these powers we don’t even know how he got there’s just something missing from his overall storyline.

Nico and Parisa? What is that I am so confused. And everyone keeps calling Nico a child and I felt he was sort of the most understandable character in a way because he’s straightforward but even then I don’t understand him.

Libby in her situation? It was such a cool concept and executed poorly. Adding an element of time and time travel is always my favorite and I’m so disappointed it wasn’t done well.

I’ll still read the third book to round out my review and opinions of the trilogy overall but this is just…blegh. My brain hurts and not even because it was intellectually stimulated but because it was so hard to follow along in the book.

WOW. I did not expect this novel to actually be about a millenial-esq robot who just wants to be left alone to watch TV, which lets be honest, is all of us.

Murderbot or better known by its government name "SecUnit" has somehow managed to hack into his governance module, essentially breaking the chains of his enslavement to the corporate world to kill and conduct security without any choice or autonomy. The theme of choice encompasses this entire novel, from Murderbot choosing to protect his humans, choosing to stand by them and fight, choosing to put itself in danger, all while we know it doesn't have to.

We also see the lack of choice. There are underlying implications that SecUnits aren't just heartless brainless programs, but because they are organic and robotic built, they may have sentience. Murderbot shows us that its rebellion in breaking his governance module comes from having to do a deed that it felt was horrifying but it did not have a choice in that matter. It also implies that SecUnits are being enslaved (this is also repeated by the humans that Murderbot is protecting), and they if they are sentient then they aren't there working because they have a choice.

I won't get too into the rest of the book, but Murderbots dry sense of humor and nonchalance makes me think of the love I had for Wall-e. We're rooting for an underdog and can't wait for it to figure out what it is on its own.

Awesome book I am going to eat up the rest of the series!!

Taufiq Rahim's "Middle East in Conflict & Crisis" is quite the revelation, offering a deep dive into the intricate and often tumultuous events shaping the Middle East. This book isn’t just another academic tome; it brings the region to life with a narrative flair that captures the complexity of its political, social, and economic landscapes.

Rahim’s work is comprehensive, addressing everything from the Arab Spring’s ripple effects to the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His balanced presentation of these issues makes the content accessible, with maps and charts that provide valuable support to the text, helping readers navigate the historical and geopolitical terrain of the Middle East.

The author's style is engaging, even as he tackles dense material. He has a knack for clarifying complex topics, making them understandable for those who might not be experts in Middle Eastern studies. However, this is no light read—it’s a substantial book that demands attention and thought, offering rich insights into the forces that shape the headlines.

For anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Middle East beyond the surface-level coverage often found in the media, Rahim’s book is a compelling choice. It’s informative, thought-provoking, and thoroughly enlightening, making it a valuable addition to the libraries of students, scholars, and anyone interested in the dynamics of this pivotal region.

All I can say is: BRILLIANT

Spice:

I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. SERIES. SO. MUCH.

My feelings? Wrecked. Do I want more? YES.

I LOVED THIS BOOK AND THIS WORLD!!!

What started as a whimsical tale of girl meets annoying boy became our main character, Nepheli's, ascension into adulthood. Apollo, our rakish MMC, drags Nepheli out of her comfort zone to run away from monsters. All the things that Nepheli hoped and dreamed of, read about in her little shop of curiosities, are now very real and right in front of her. She should feel the excitement and wonder of all the things that she had read coming to life with her at the center to explore.

So why is she so scared?

Apollo doesn't have feelings, he doesn't care and yet he barrels into Nephili's in search of something that might solve the all the problems he's ran away from for so long. As he destroys the shop that he barrels into, he turns Nephili's world inside out.

And now he's stuck here's with this infuriating beautiful stubborn woman.

As the pair travels together, they fight the urge to kill each other (or is it to kiss each other)? They discover what it means to be themselves, to shed the skin of who they used to be, and to build themselves into who they can become. I personally loved this novel for its sweet love story and amazing banter—I love a good verbal parry, and the whole book is a verbal foreplay into something—ehem— quite spicy, and satisfying.

I also love the exploration of what it means to be human and how we constantly restrict ourselves, thereby restricting all our hopes and dreams along with it. Nepheli struggles to reconcile the ideas and images she has in her head with the reality of the magical world she is in, to put aside her immediate judgment of everyone and everything because it’s easier to judge than to be judged. She truly grows, and along with her, we find that Apollo grows as well, learning the kind of man he could have the chance of being if he could be that man for her.

100% recommend as a gorgeous summer day beach or garden read for those who love an enemies-to-lovers romance, the fantastical world of stardust, and vintage fantasy cottagecore vibes.

BRILLIANT!!

Thank you to Helen and her team for the ARC review opportunity. I left out spoilers!!

Spice: