Book Review: Full Speed to a Crash Landing

Full Speed to a Crash Landing 

by Beth Revis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. Rounding up to 5 because of the wit, cleverness, and superb lying ability of our main gal. This is a novella that is both entertaining, death defying, and cute all at once. Even as our leading lady is performing deadly maneuver’s she is telling sad stories that make you think about the cost of both life and death. Of how close we all come at any given moment to the one tiny thing that might end it all. This is amplified in space, of course, as the smallest error or malfunction can bring down an entire ship and its crew. Yet certainly, Beth Revis means for the reader to consider that same minute possibility of death at any given moment here on climate ravaged, gravity pulled Earth.

While this is not a climate change dystopian book, it still holds a strong, compelling climate change message. That even from the depths of space all anyone can think about is what Earth once was, is today, or could still be with the right technology. Really what any planet could be with the right amount of carbon, H2O, oxygen, hydrogen, and (of course) radiant sunlight. I couldn’t help but think of Serenity at times and the messaging of what happens when government gets too involved in ‘perfecting’ society as it deems fit. There are no Reavers here, at least not yet; but there is a lot of political intrigue and possible conspiracy theories that have me scheming for book two.

Fair warning this little novella is a quick read and leaves all the questions unanswered. So you might want to be prepared with book two on deck; and not feel stranded on your own desolate ship as I am to learn my library hasn’t ordered it yet! Book 3 is (just) out so that’s something at least, and is the end of the trilogy. As always, for me, it’s nice to know there is an ending in place that is written and attainable as I read through any series (big or small).

This one is for anyone who loves Murderbot (although there is no AI as of yet), Rebecca Roanhorse, or any space book that doesn’t need to be a huge opera and/or have aliens. Full Speed to a Crash Landing is solely centred around humans and our nature. Our guilt of ruining Earth, our possible technological advances of the future, and our fallible tendencies when greed creeps in. Best of intentions or not Revis reminds us what being human really means; that one tiny misstep or malfunction could mean the end of it all.

I cannot wait to go onto book 2!

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Book Review: Mistress of Lies

Mistress of Lies 

by K.M. Enright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m rounding up… this is like 4.3 stars and I’m rounding up because the concepts, triad, and other blood (vampiric but also not) elements. I want to say it’s perfect, but that would be a lie. It has some minor flaws, but so do many books I rate 5 stars. Usually because they speak to me, connect with me, or are just macabre enough to be my kind of thing. Mistress of Lies is one of those. I’ve read a lot of books, and a lot of paranormal vampire books (as well as even more fantasy books) over the years; but none of those vampiresque books have ever been quite as distinct as Mistress of Lies.

I was having trouble finding reading time at first, and as the book progressed I realized that I loved the dynamic between our three characters so much I was savouring it. Then the last 50 pages was intense, wild, and so great I stayed up to 3am to read it!
In fairness, I may also be obsessed with the lack of focus on sexuality or gender conformity in the bedroom. As a bisexual woman there are just attractive people to me. What pieces they have is not relevant. I love the way Enright quickly portrays this message to readers and keeps it consistent throughout. Our characters don’t ever get hung up on liking a man or a woman, just people, no gender specifics needed. It’s refreshing and a huge boon for me to read characters who think about romantic partners in a way close to how I do.

As for plot, we have a lot of it. I am proud to say I called who the murderer was about halfway through. I didn’t guess the whole set-up; but definitely had a moment when I was sure it was a certain person. A few wrenches thrown in had me doubting myself at times, well played Enright, but in the end being correct when I was tickled me a little bit. (lol) It’s important to note that I didn’t feel cheap having sorted it out early which was really great and a nice change to how I usually feel about murder mystery type plots.

The cake was iced for me when I randomly stumbled upon an Illuminate crate exclusive in my home city for an amazing price! Beautiful sprayed edges, gilded hardcover, and amazing artwork front and back means I now have the perfect copy of this. The ultimate praise I can ever give a book is to add it to my personal physical library, and to add a fancy version is even better.

Who will like this?
Well you need to be okay: with unique romantic arrangement’s, with macabre magic involving blood and/or a sense of sacrifice, with questionable morality, and kings whom are almost likeable even if slightly evil. There’s a lot to unpack here and I just cannot wait for book 2!

Final thought:
If you read the opening two chapters and are turned off by the ceremony the King takes part in the public square then please be forewarned this slightly gothic, fairly bloody (not gory… but blood sacrific-y) book is not likely to be for you. If instead you’re intrigued, and wanting to know more then please read on and enjoy this unique fantasy (almost but not quite) vampire book with flawed characters I think you’ll get caught up in. I know I did!

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

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