Michael Schmitt

January 2025 — Read The Goblin Emperor if you haven't, I beg you. This is the latest work in that world and -- much like Leckie's Imperial Radch -- it's just an environment that I love to be in. Such interesting characters, a fascinating world, exciting adventures/mysteries, and warm relationships. As the name implies there's a lot of sadness here as well, but Addison has such a talent for building up connections between characters slowly and paying them off in heartwarming, loving ways. Even at its saddest this feels like a warm hug. I read it in two days.

December 2024 — Where Bad Cree was creepy and heartwarming, this is creepy and brutal. A relentless adversary and narrative style that keeps you off-kilter really add to the unsettling experience of reading this book. I read the ebook and at one point reached a break thinking "my goodness what a punch of an ending" only to realize I was just 50% through. Just an overall excellent horror read. Warning: do not get attached to the dogs.

November-December 2024 — Bookclub read that we have not yet discussed, so I'm hoping that chat will help clarify my thoughts and feelings about this work. But as it stands, a book that just made me feel dimwitted for missing the magic that others felt.

November 2024 - A cozy mystery with woodland animals. What more do you need? My 11 year-old, Redwall-obsessed self would be quite pleased with me.

October 2024 - Bookclub read. Wasn't really for me. I got my hopes up waiting to hear the events of Dracula from the narrator's perspective, or an interesting twist on them, and was let down.

September 2024 - Again Leckie weaves a heart-warming sci-fi tale around truly alien -- and this time downright disturbing -- characters. One of the best sci-fi writers who can deliver jaw dropping moments without epic space battles.