"The Only Way Out Is Up" by Django Wexler

 

The Only Way Out Is Up by Django Wexler is an exciting progression fantasy/sci-fi adventure and the first book in The Sigilist series. I came for the robot and stayed for the plot. The story follows a small-time scrapper and his robot companion, both of whom stole my heart.

Taj lives in the Heap, at the bottom of a cylindrical cavern that houses a three-tiered ring city, together with his found family. The people living there are the lowest class and struggle to survive among the discarded tech dumped on their level from a mysterious 'above' and the twisted metal monsters living in the dump. Taj and Star, a sentient runic construct he built himself, make a (barely) living by scavenging for scrap and hunting the wild monsters. They use what they find to buy food and sigils to improve his runics. 

When debt collectors begin breathing down their necks, Taj joins forces with Ky, a girl from the upper levels of society who offers him a chance to compete in the Ascent, the ultimate fighting tournament with an enormous cash prize. Not an easy task. Besides competing against other constructs, Taj and Star must also contend with Ky's enemies, who are determined to put an end to them. Their only advantage is that Star isn't like the other constructs. He is sentient and can think for himself. As Taj discovers, when you start at the very bottom,"the only way out is up".

I loved, loved, loved this book. It is one of the most original stories I've read, and the world building is outstanding. Wexler's writing is excellent. His engaging prose kept me turning the pages, and he strikes the perfect balance between action, humor, and heartfelt moments. He reveals the world gradually, allowing us to discover its secrets alongside Taj. The beginning was a little confusing, but I quickly found my footing.

The story explores classism, inequality, and the abuse of power. The inhabitants of the ring city are divided into three classes, with the poorest living at the bottom and the upper classes residing at the top. Above, on the surface, live the top of the top. Or so they think... I smiled when Taj called the trash chute the "asshole", which perfectly captures both the setting's grim reality and his sense of humor. I was fascinated by the world and eager to learn more about it. While some of its mysteries are explained, others remain tantalizingly unexplained.

Star is indeed a star, and I loved the bond between him and Taj. Their ability to communicate telepathically made their dynamic one of the highlights of the story. Star's thoughts are written in brackets, making it easy to distinguish them from Taj's. I especially loved that he affectionately referred to Taj as "meat creature." The book not only draws inspiration from Pokémon, but also from the medieval Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), which added another fascinating layer to the world building and was something I absolutely adored. Star completely stole the show, and I wished I had a robot like him.

I was worried the gladiatorial battles would be too numerous or drag on for too long, but they were perfectly paced and never lost my interest. I loved Star's little quips, his sharp wit, and the humor he brought to the story. I appreciated Taj's integrity, how far he was willing to go for his friends, and his determination to maintain his honor even when others lacked it. The ending was explosive and thrilling. Although this is the first book in a series, most of the threads are resolved, while a couple remain tantalizingly dangling. I can't wait to read the second book and learn more about this world.

This is one of those books that's almost impossible to put down once you've started. I don't have adequate words to express how much I enjoyed it. It's one of the most inventive and original progression fantasy novels I've read lately, and a cut above the rest. It stands out thanks to its inventive world building, unforgettable characters, and sheer sense of fun. I highly recommend it to fans of the genre, and to anyone looking for something fresh and memorable. Full stars from me!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book: "The Only Way Out Is Up" by Django Wexler

"Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham

 

"Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham is an excellent science fiction thriller and the first book in The Imperial Broadcasts series, following the underdog heroine of a reality TV show. Think The Selection or The Bachelor — but in space, with locked-room mystery vibes to boot.

The book follows Temmi, a young trash collector from X72, an impoverished planet on the edge of the Expanse Empire. Stuck in a dead-end job due to an ex’s betrayal, burdened with evacuation notices, an ill mother, and a disabled brother she would do anything for, her future looks bleak. A chance meeting with the twin siblings Nix and Spie, the prince and princess of the empire, lands her, unwillingly mind you, on an interstellar dating show full of potential political landmines. 

Twenty-four young women, divided between the royal siblings, will compete for their hands. Only two can win, and the competition is fierce. Although Temmi is picked for the prince, she finds herself drawn to his lesbian sister instead. The plot thickens as contestants turn up dead, and the stakes rise quickly. 

I was hooked from the very first line. There are plenty of twists and intrigue to keep the reader engaged. While colonizations and dating shows aren't a new concept, the execution feels fresh and gripping. The novel promises a thrilling blend of romance, mystery, and a vibrant cast of characters in a sci-fi setting, and it sure delivers. 

The romantic tension simmers and shapes the plot rather than overpowering it. Beneath the dramatized dates and diplomatic challenges lie questions of empire, power, class, morality — and who gets sacrificed for power. The book also explores themes of love, loyalty, family relationships, betrayal, and staying true to one’s beliefs. There is a love triangle, and although I’m usually not fond of them, it plays out here naturally.

The world-building is impeccable, the writing smooth, and the characters distinct. Temmi is brash, brutally honest, brilliant and self-educated, with no filter and a deep love of science. She is fiercely loyal, relatable, and a breath of fresh air among the more polished contestants. She also curses a lot, likely to highlight her lower-class background, but at times it felt overdone. The witty banter between her and the other characters was a joy to read.

Sibling Nix and Spie couldn’t be more different. Spie is physical, charismatic, socially confident — the life of the party — and unapologetically explorative in her sexuality. She may appear narcissistic at first glance, but there is far more depth to her beneath the surface. Nix, in contrast, is cerebral, quiet, bookish, and uncomfortable in his own skin — a dark horse who constantly claims the moral high ground. And yes, I didn't like him. Of the two, I preferred the sister and completely understood Temmi’s attraction. Hell, I even prefer her myself — and I’m straight.
 
The book is written in third-person omniscient POV, and each chapter heading is drawn from a line within the chapter itself — a detail I especially enjoyed. Most threads are tied up, though a few are left open enough to make me eager for the sequel. I loved this book and highly recommend it to fans of reality TV drama, mystery, twisted plots, forbidden love, and political tension woven into a rich sci-fi world. Full stars from me!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book: "Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham

"The Astral Library" by Kate Quinn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever wished to live inside a book? And what book would you pick? That's the premise of this enchanting story. Which book lover hasn’t dreamed of stepping inside their favorite book and living the dream? The Astral Library by Kate Quinn revolves around a magical library whose doors lead to new lives inside books.

The book follows twenty-six-year-old Alexandra Watson, or Alix. Abandoned by her mother at an early age and moving from one foster home to another, her life wasn’t exactly a bed of roses. Her refuge from reality was the library and its books that carried her to new horizons. Now working three dead-end jobs, she’s trying to make ends meet, having given up her dream of going to college. With only $36.82 to her name, she thought her life couldn’t get worse. When she’s fired from her job and kicked out of her apartment on the same day, she’s desperate. And to top it all off, someone has stolen her identity and changed the name on her bank account. What’s a woman to do? 

Taking refuge in her favorite place, the Boston Public Library, she stumbles through a door into the Astral Library and meets the Librarian — the guardian of the library who helps the desperate and the lost escape to new lives inside their favorite books. The only catch: it must be a book whose copyright has expired. Before she can start her new life, an unknown enemy threatens the Astral Library and its patrons (those in need of shelter). Aided by Beau, a costume-shop owner, and a couple of others, Alix and the librarian, and later on Beau, jump from one book to another, trying to save the day.

I enjoyed the book immensely. It started a bit slow, with too many descriptions of clothes and too much whining from the heroine about her lot in life, but the pace picked up after a while. They visited different books — such as the Regency drawing rooms of Jane Austen, the world of Sherlock Holmes, the parties of The Great Gatsby, the halls of Jane Eyre’s Thornfield, and the moors of Wuthering Heights, to name a few. I loved the exact descriptions of each book they visited, which made them come to life.

The idea of stepping through doors to other worlds or magically traveling into books isn’t new, but the execution here certainly was. The author expands on that theme by adding other kinds of magical libraries, such as the Art Library (led by the Gallerist) and the Computer Games Library (led by the Programmer). The book explores themes of grief, abandonment, found family, belonging, courage, friendship, the evils of corporations that think only of the bottom line, and the merits of public libraries. And there’s a book dragon! How cool is that?

While we don’t get an in-depth view of every character, there’s enough personality to make it work. I have to admit, I didn’t relate to the heroine at first, finding her too whiny, talkative, and thoughtless (running after a mirage in a strange world and risking her life was silly beyond words). And it wasn’t just once — she made several foolish decisions. But she grew on me, and I came to admire her spirit and bravery. She wasn’t the loser she thought she was, and I rooted for her as she grew.

Kate Quinn is an excellent storyteller who kept me engaged with gripping scenes and a creative plot that built suspense. She breaks the fourth wall by letting the narrator speak to us directly a couple of times, which I loved. I also liked the way the author inserted her name into the story when a side character referred to her as their boss. It was a nice touch. 

Overall, I loved the book, so I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to five. I enjoyed visiting the pages of my favorite books and meeting old friends. I recommend the book to lovers of books, magical doors, and adventures. Known for her historical fiction, Kate Quinn takes her first step into the fantasy genre — and I hope more will follow, because for anyone who’s ever dreamed of living inside their favorite story, this book is pure magic.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Astral Library" by Kate Quinn

"The Two Lies of Faven Sythe" by Megan E. O'Keefe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




"The Two Lies of Faven Sythe" by Megan E. O'Keefe is a high-octane standalone space opera, packed with space pirates, adventure, and intrigue. The novel promises a thrilling blend of explosive action, suspense, and unexpected twists—and it delivers on every front.

Told in third-person POV, the story alternates between two dynamic heroines: Bitter Amandine, a famed pirate, and Faven Sythe, a naive Navigator and crystborn—a hybrid of cryst and human with the ability to weave starpaths between the stars. The more paths they weave, the faster the cryst grows, shortening their lifespans.

When Faven’s mother dies and her mentor vanishes, leaving behind only rumors and a mysterious starpath terminating in the cosmic graveyard known as the Clutch, Faven is determined to find her—even if it means consorting with pirates. Her path crosses and recrosses with Amandine, who harbors her own secrets tied to the Clutch. Together, they are drawn into a galaxy-spanning conspiracy that leads them deep into danger.

This is one of the best science fiction novels I’ve read in a long time. The plot is fast-paced, gripping, and full of suspense. It’s exceptionally well-constructed, and I found myself completely immersed. I especially appreciated that the author didn’t spoon-feed the reader; the world-building, history, and the mystery surrounding the cryst are unveiled gradually.

The futuristic concepts and innovative technology took a little time to fully grasp, but everything fell into place as the story progressed. The novel thoughtfully explores humanity, found family, betrayal, duty, and the emotional dynamics between characters. Add a dash of danger and a spark of sapphic romance, and you have the perfect ingredients for an outstanding book.

The vibrant cast of characters kept the story lively and engaging. Amandine and Faven were both wonderful leads. Amandine, though she fits the "gold-hearted pirate" archetype, has a deep integrity and honor that made her instantly relatable. Faven, though raised in the ivory towers of the Choir, has a restless heart that longs for adventure and danger. Together, they make a great team.

The world-building is top-notch, the nonstop action propels the tale forward, and the characterization feels grounded and believable. O'Keefe’s universe is as compelling as the characters who inhabit it. Strong writing, intricate plotting, and unforgettable characters make this a fantastic read.

In conclusion, I enjoyed this book immensely. I loved its complexity, the precision with which each plot point was laid out, and how Megan E. O'Keefe withheld crucial revelations until the very end. The plot kept me completely hooked, with nonstop twists and never a dull moment. The story’s uniqueness and creativity made it a breath of fresh air. I raced through the pages and didn’t want it to end.

The way every loose end ties together is mind-boggling. Although "The Two Lies of Faven Sythe" is a standalone, I would love to revisit this world. This was my first book by Megan E. O'Keefe, but it certainly won’t be my last. I highly recommend it to fans of space pirates, space operas, and high-stakes adventures. Full stars from me!
 
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own. 

* For more info about the book: "The Two Lies of Faven Sythe" by Megan E. O'Keefe

 

"The Family Experiment" by John Marrs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Family Experiment" by John Marrs is a phenomenal and thought-provoking speculative thriller about families, virtual reality, and ethical issues.

Set in a near-future UK plagued by economic crisis and overpopulation, many people cannot afford to start a family. Enter a company offering Virtual Children. They launch a so-called social experiment, a reality TV show called 'The Substitute', where five couples and one single parent compete for the right to be parents. They will raise a virtual child in the MetaVerse from birth to the age of eighteen over nine-month period. Through virtual reality headsets, masks, gloves, and haptic suits, the participants will experience everything a biological parent feels. The winner (voted by the public as the best parent) can either keep the virtual child or use the prize money to start a family. Meet:

- Rufus Green & Kitty Carte - entrepreneur and accounts manager.
- Woody and Tina Finn - a drone pilot and a euthanasia nurse
- Cadman NY'u (a social media influencer) & Gabriel Macmillan a gay couple
- Dimitri and Zoe Taylor-Georgiou - A mortgage advisor and a teacher.
- Hudson Wright - a single dad and a freelance software developer.
- Selena & Jaden Wilson - a data analyst and a personal trainer.

The characters in the book are an interesting mix. Almost all have secrets, most are detestable, and all are determined to win at any cost. The game begins as we follow the contestants both in the MetaVerse and the real world.

This is the first book by the author that I have read, and I absolutely loved it! The story is written from a third-person point of view, alternating between the contestants, news articles, and talkbacks. The concept is brilliant, creative, and original. And the scary part? It isn't that far-fetched from reality. The twists were shocking, and although I started to suspect where it was going toward the end, it was more than I had imagined. The book is definitely deeper than other thrillers of its kind and gave me a lot of food for thought

At first, I found it hard to keep track of the large cast of characters, but as the story unfolded, I became more familiar with them. Each character is carefully described, helping you to feel like you really know each individual. I liked the details describing their every move and their backstories. The way the scenes were described made me feel like I was actually there with them. My favorite contestants were Hudson, Selena, and Gabriel.

The novel is impressive, innovative, and exciting. It pulls you from one scene to the next without letting up. This keeps you wondering what could possibly happen next to our characters. It tackles many themes such as family, choices, moral dilemmas, fallible human nature, and AI tech and all it encompasses. As a parent, I was shocked by some of the choices and couldn't relate to some of the characters. I didn't buy their weak justification for their actions. The virtual babies (AI really taught to think, feel, and act like humans) are indeed the "ultimate Tamagotchi", and it raises interesting questions such as can one grow attached to them, can they replace real babies, and the morality beyond the advanced tech.

"The Family Experiment" is a futuristic, thought-provoking thrill ride from start to finish. The author writes well, fluidly, and in a style that keeps the reader turning the pages. All in all, a  well-written, hugely impactful book with a great story, dynamic characters, and a complex plot. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and can't recommend it enough. If you are looking for a great read with a lot of panache, don't miss this book!

*  Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Family Experiment" by John Marrs