noizyhanner's reviews
341 reviews

“After all, when one thinks about it, it is not such a foolish thing to indulge in—particularly if it is the case that in bantering lies the key to human warmth.”

Ishiguro knows how to craft a damn character. One restrained man’s road trip-turned-introspection, steeped in pride, regret, and realization...all while he remains reluctant to introspect? Relatable. A slow build, but my heart broke on page 239, when Mr. Stevens admits to his own breaking.

“Is that really the ending?”
“It’s an old, old story. Details change. Things change. And now this story is ours. Yours and mine.”

Ahh. Every page is a feast for the eyes and heart.
Smart and lovingly done.

Nikolai.

They weren't super present in this one, but I really like Jean Lorrah’s Enterprise crew; she makes Kirk the sensitive diplomat I want, Spock the stubborn alien I love, and Bones the dry, capable heart of the Enterprise I need.

On top of which, she gives us happily married, snarky Amanda (all I ever want out of Trek novs is snarky Amanda), moral lynchpin T’Pina, and modern, nuanced villains against the backdrop of an interesting medical mystery.

Loved this particular episode and it’s very Trek-y core message.

I don’t have much point of reference for supernatural mystery, but I really loved this one. The core of it was so good. Supernatural intrigue tied up in generational trauma and family healing—feels like I was breathing deeper after nearly every chapter’s end.

I loved it. I loved this beautiful family of crows

I had a great time with this book and I can’t stop thinking about Locke lol. He sucks but he delivers. Kissing Jude in front of Cardan after seducing Nicasia from Cardan before dating Taryn while kissing Jude and still dating Taryn?? Man is playing twister on a chess board!! Man is wild!! Keep goin man!!! What the hell else you got!!!!

...I'm already feeling nostalgic over these books. The Crows are so great, and Ketterdam is so cinematic and sensory it swallowed me whole. (Even now, part of me is still in the dark, scrappy port town waiting to see what blows up next.) I'm not ready to part with themmmmm! Might die of heartbreak if they don’t get their alleged third book lol.

The "Beyoncé?!" meme but Thalia Hahahah
Ahh. I’m hooked.

Okaaaaay, Grover? Saving everyone and halting a war right after your god asked for your permission to die, no big deal, Grover? Poor boy Went Through It this volume.

And okay, I get it. I get the Nico hype. I'm here, I'm in it, he got me. Boyo really says things like "I'm sorry, Percy, he said you were in danger," when getting caught. And, "I don't care about Kronos, I just want my sister back." And, "No. I am [the ghost king]." As if any of that isn't supposed to break our hearts coming out of a tiny grieving eleven-year-old.

The series has naturally progressed into darker territory, but Riordan maintains a quick pace and quintessential moments of humor, kindness, and hope to break it up. (After Percy and Annabeth's fight, Percy's little "Hey, I'm sorry," before they take off again was a small, impactful moment of softness I wasn't expecting and loved.)

I'm glad I've had this series to lean into the last few months. Tough world out there, and Percy's been a nice little beacon to carry with me on my commute.