Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
This was The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets The Hunger Games. If that seems opposing, you’re right, but that’s what makes this book so funny and entertaining.
I don’t enjoy sci-fi that seems too far-fetched, but this does give you a reasonable explanation for what’s happening by about the fifth chapter. I enjoyed it and will be listening to the next one.
Also, the audiobook’s narrator makes the two main characters sound like Kronk and Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove, and it’s just the best. I highly recommend the audiobook.
Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon
This delivered on its promise. The spice was spicy, the romance was romantic, and the worldbuilding and societal structure were solid. It had a good plot and a great romance in a fantasy world. I will be reading future works if this becomes a series.
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
Two designers who want to work on the same game go on a work retreat and almost nothing happens. This was incredibly boring. There was nothing technically wrong with it so I wont give it a two but it was close. Good thing it was so short. I would have hated to waste more time on this.
The Wandering Earth by Cixin Liu
This may be the most thought provoking thing I’ve read this year. It’s hard to find an anthology that balances plot with philosophy. It’s usually all one or the other. The Wandering Earth blends entertaining plot and deeper questions about life and humanity perfectly.
This was cozy and full of found family but slow and not in a cozy fun way. I found it a bit predictable and though the plot advanced it was somewhat forgettable. Not a bad book but not my cup of tea.
