BookWyrm

Orlion reviewed Marcy's Journal - a Guide to Amphibia by Matthew Braly

Marcy's Journal - a Guide to Amphibia (2022, TOKYOPOP, Incorporated)

This faithful recreation of Marcy's journal chronicles her adventures in Amphibia. Packed to the brim …

A Fun Read for fans of Amphibia

5 stars

This book basically does what it should do: supplement the experience of watching Amphibia.

Well, after watching it, I should specify.

Some context is given and you learn of Marcy Wu's adventures before she shows up in the show. As well as some other tidbits. The art is enjoyable and contributes to the experience.

It should be noted that as it supplements and enhances one's enjoyment of the show, nothing in the book is strictly "necessary". Which is honestly how it should be, it should not overshadow the show.

So basically, if you loved Amphibia and are a fan of Marcy Wu (which if you like the show, I don't see how you wouldn't be) it is worth checking out this book!

Orlion reviewed The crossing by Cormac McCarthy

Following All the Pretty Horses in Cormac McCarthy's Border Trilogy is a novel whose force …

First book of the new year!

5 stars

Starting off the year strong both in my goals (finishing trilogies I've started) but also with an excellent book! This may end up being my recommendation if someone asks me again where to start with Cormac McCarthy

Orlion reviewed The first seven ecumenical councils (325-787) by Leo Donald Davis

The first seven ecumenical councils (325-787) (1990, Liturgical Press)

A Good Survey of the First Seven Ecumenical Councils

5 stars

This is probably the briefest summary of the first seven Ecumenical councils, the historic forces leading to each one and the aftermath of each one that is possible.

Orlion reviewed Veniss Underground by Jeff VanderMeer

Veniss Underground (2018, Pan Macmillan)

In his debut novel, literary alchemist Jeff VanderMeer takes us on an unforgettable journey, a …

A phantasmagoric journey through a biological hell

5 stars

Orlion reviewed Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy

Stella Maris (2022, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group)

One of McCarthy's best

5 stars

This book reads differently from The Passenger, structurally, but is also in conversation with its sister (or should I say brother) novel. The interactions between the two novels is both illuminating on the meaning of both and adding new confusions that wouldn't exist if either novel were read on its own.

But Cormac McCarthy has always baked a certain vagueness into his work, so this should come as no surprise. After all, that's a feature of Cormac McCarthy...particularly with a couple of novels that has the unreality and unknowable nature of reality as one of their themes.

Stella Maris is written as a conversation between Alicia Western and her therapist that is recorded over a series of sessions. To some, this will be similar to the Sunset Limited and for good reason, as one of the central conflicts is very similar. And just as doomed. Where it differs is in …

This book reads differently from The Passenger, structurally, but is also in conversation with its sister (or should I say brother) novel. The interactions between the two novels is both illuminating on the meaning of both and adding new confusions that wouldn't exist if either novel were read on its own.

But Cormac McCarthy has always baked a certain vagueness into his work, so this should come as no surprise. After all, that's a feature of Cormac McCarthy...particularly with a couple of novels that has the unreality and unknowable nature of reality as one of their themes.

Stella Maris is written as a conversation between Alicia Western and her therapist that is recorded over a series of sessions. To some, this will be similar to the Sunset Limited and for good reason, as one of the central conflicts is very similar. And just as doomed. Where it differs is in how heavy the conversation gets, and not just in the expected bleak way. There are extensive contemplations on mathematics, metaphysics, linguistics, the development of the atom bomb... basically, there's a lot to chew on despite it lacking the length and heavy prose of The Passenger.

Though it can certainly be read on its own, I do think there's a certain satisfaction to reading it after or with The Passenger. It certainly makes me want to read both again!

In conclusion, Cormac McCarthy knocked it out of the park with this one. Along with The Passenger, it's a worthy addition to his body of work.

Orlion reviewed Anarchism and other essays by Emma Goldman

"Anarchism asserts the possibility of an organization without discipline, fear, or punishment, and without the …

Titles for book reviews are hard!

5 stars

Emma shoots straight from the hip from the get-go, letting the reader know what she is (a propagandist for anarchy) and what she intends to do (propaganda for anarchy).

Knowing that, we get an interesting look at the early 20th century from an anarchist lens: some major events, how anarchists responded and other topics like women's liberation on drama critiques.

The perspective we get comparing and contrasting Emma's thoughts at the time with prevalent conversations of today creates an intriguing dialogue where concerns then are revealed to not be so different from concerns now.

This is not a book that details the philosophical foundations of anarchy. It is instead a collection of approachable essays written from an anarchist viewpoint.

Orlion reviewed The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson

The Lost Metal (Hardcover, 2022, Tor Books)

For years, frontier lawman turned big-city senator Waxillium Ladrian has hunted the shadowy organization the …

I mean, why wouldn't you?

5 stars

This is the fourth and concluding book of the second Mistborn series.

Basically, if you are in the position to read it like a reasonable fellow that has read the previous installments, you know what you are in for... plus, yes there are a lot of answers to several questions raised during the series!

Orlion reviewed Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Elatsoe (Hardcover, 2020, Levine Querido)

Imagine an America very similar to our own. It's got homework, best friends, and pistachio …

Review of 'Elatsoe' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Easily one of the best books of 2020. Darcie manages to tell a compelling mystery story that avoids the cliched pitfalls novels of this genre often indulge in and does it with style.

Honestly, one of the greatest twist of this novel is that it is Darcie's first and not the result of a 20 year career. Do not sleep on this and preorder her next novel!