Re-Review: Heaven's Queen (Rachel Bach)

Title: Heaven's Queen
Series: Paradox, Book 3
Author: Rachel Bach
Publisher: Orbit
US Release Date: April 22, 2014
Genre: Adult Paranormal Science Fiction
Content Rating: Adult (heavy violence, some language, child mistreatment, sexual content)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

From the moment she took a job on Captain Caldswell's doomed ship, Devi Morris' life has been one disaster after another: government conspiracies, two alien races out for her blood, an incurable virus that's eating her alive.

Now, with the captain missing and everyone -- even her own government -- determined to hunt her down, things are going from bad to impossible. The sensible plan would be to hide and wait for things to blow over, but Devi's never been one to shy from a fight, and she's getting mighty sick of running.

It's time to put this crisis on her terms and do what she knows is right. But with all human life hanging on her actions, the price of taking a stand might be more than she can pay.

*          *          *

Series: This is the third and final book in the Paradox trilogy. All are released and available. You can read my review of Book 1: Fortune's Pawn here, and re-read review of Book 2: Honor's Knight here.

After my original 2014 read of the trilogy, this third and final book was my least favorite because, as my original brief review declared, there was "way too much introspection and discussion where there should've just been action, and because of this the climax dragged on way to long (almost half the book)." That opinion now surprises me after this 2020 re-read because, while I can see in retrospect where those feelings came from, I didn't hold to them this time around. 

There are really two parts/halves to Heaven's Queen: on-the-run, and the climax. The first half sees Devi trying to keep away from capture while at the same time make some kind of progress towards doing some good with the cards she's been dealt. It's a lot of action-rest-infodump-repeat sequences, but this read I felt the action-to-discussion ratio was pretty well balanced. I also enjoyed the longer bouts of downtime (except for the romantic sappiness it encouraged) along with the bits of quieter galactic exploration as Devi visited some interesting planets and stations in search of help and answers. 

And then the second-half climax kicked in. Almost all breathless and violent action, Devi fights tooth and nail to see her wild plan through against literally all odds. While it is long, it's a thrill-ride with a few twists that granted I wasn't particularly impressed with but they kept the story and the characters on their toes until the explosive end. Despite all of the physical and emotional pain the story concludes on a surprisingly happy note with everything wrapped up rather neat and tidy - not exactly plausible, but I've never enjoyed the depressive aftertaste of a melancholy finish so I gratefully ignored the inconsistency and reveled with Devi in the win of a job well done. 

Through it all Devi maintained her kick-arse personality and moral convictions and remained the best reason to read this series, although the sappy romantic struggles created by her perceived weakness of her feelings for Rupert took up a bit too much time in my opinion. Rupert continued to be his charming if tortured self and only grew more adorable despite the nauseating sappiness he brought to the book - and brought out in Devi. But theirs is a sweet and fierce female-dominated romance and, for all its passion, Ace me definitely considers it a favorite.

Conclusion: While it had a little more discussion and sappiness than I prefer and the paranormal plot continued to be ridiculous right to the finish, overall I enjoyed this re-read more than my original 2014 one due to the on-the-run first half and thrill-packed second. The end wrapped up way too neat for the violent mess the story was, but I appreciated that most of the characters got what they wanted. A must-read if you enjoyed the first two.

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Series Conclusion: While I felt the paranormal aspects diminished this otherwise thrilling sci-fi action-adventure trilogy about a kick-arse female warrior and her violent escapades, Devi was a solid and engrossing character and despite my problems with the mystical plot I pretty thoroughly enjoyed myself (some language, sex, and sappiness aside). If you like a decent paranormal sci-fi read then this is series not to be missed.

Series Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach
Honor's Knight by Rachel Bach
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Nyxia by Scott Reintgen

Re-Review: Honor's Knight (Rachel Bach)

Title: Honor's Knight
Series: Paradox trilogy, Book 2
Author: Rachel Bach
Publisher: Orbit
US Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Paranormal Science Fiction
Content Rating: Adult (strong violence, language, sensuality, child mistreatment)
Format Read: Paperback
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: 
Indiebound | B&N | BookDepo | Azon
Summary:

The rollicking sequel to Fortune's Pawn -- an action packed science fiction novel.

Devi Morris has a lot of problems. And not the fun, easy-to-shoot kind either.

After a mysterious attack left her short several memories and one partner, she's determined to keep her head down, do her job, and get on with her life. But even though Devi's not actually looking for it -- trouble keeps finding her. She sees things no one else can, the black stain on her hands is growing, and she is entangled with the cook she's supposed to hate.

But when a deadly crisis exposes far more of the truth than she bargained for, Devi discovers there's worse fates than being shot, and sometimes the only people you can trust are the ones who want you dead.

*          *          *

Series: This is the second book in the Paradox trilogy, all of which are released and available. You can read my review of the first book, Fortune's Pawn, here.

I originally read Honor's Knight, the second book in the Paradox trilogy, back in 2014. According to my very brief review it seemed to be my favorite of the series, but after this 2020 re-read it is not the favored book it once was.

At its core, Honor's Knight is the story of an uncomplicated merc who gets dragged into a highly complicated paranormal situation and has to fight her way out. Put this way it sounds pretty interesting, and with all its action and sudden twists and kick-arse main character it essentially is. But the paranormal situation was a bit too weird for me to fully accept, the vastly different alien races and plasmex powers somewhat random and ill-fitting with each other. The contrast between Devi and the paranormal elements was also a little too uneven, the main character and plot not quite meshing for a cohesive story that I could fully invest in.

However, the no-nonsense, hard-hitting protagonist Devi was luckily there to save the book in spite of the plot. Naive though her choices were, no matter what was thrown at her she did things her own way - and as her way typically involved throwing things (punches, bullets, aliens, what have her) the more unbelievable moments didn't distract very long with her at the story's helm. Despite her merc mentality she still had her principles and stuck to her guns (figuratively and literally), and I especially liked how she handled her former lover's crap with strength and laughter and didn't let him and his sappy feelings push her around.

Honor's Knight starts with an unfortunately creepy prologue but ends with an inquisitive bang, so although I have vague recollections of the paranormal mess to come in the final and previously least-favorite book of the series, Heaven's Queen, I'll definitely be finishing my re-read of the entire trilogy immediately. If you enjoyed the first Paradox book and don't mind a heavy dose of paranormal with your sci-fi, then I definitely recommend giving this sequel a read. 

For Fans Of: paranormal sci-fi

Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Other Reviews That Might Interest: 

Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Nyxia by Scott Reintgen

The #FridayReads Review (7/17/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Network Effect by Martha Wells (HBK)

A copy FINALLY came in at the library! Unfortunately, I really haven't been enjoying it all that much. The unusually described action and movement have been a serious struggle to follow, Murderbot acts like an annoying petulant teenager (especially in the first half of the book, ugh), and with so many extra pages the story is taking its time to walk us through Every. Single. Step. of their "adventure." What I understand of the action is interesting though, and I'm still a big Murderbot fan so I'll be sticking it out to the end. But this is definitely gunning for least favorite of the series.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Heaven's Queen by Rachel Bach (PBK)

4 Stars. Re-read. Despite a little more discussion and sappiness than I prefer, overall I enjoyed this re-read a lot more than my original 2014 one due to the on-the-run first half and thrill-packed second. The end wrapped up way too neat for the violent mess the story was, but I enjoyed that most of the characters got what they wanted. A must-read if you read the first two.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

Horimiya vol. 14 by HERO X Daisuke Hagiwara (PBK)

The next Horimiya volume releases this Tuesday! As one of my favorite contemp romantic comedy manga series, I will be reading it as soon as possible.

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (7/10/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Heaven's Queen by Rachel Bach (PBK)

In my original series read this was my least favorite of the trilogy, but after not enjoying Book 2 as much as I previously did I haven't been surprised to discover I'm enjoying this final book a lot more than before. After Book 2 was so heavy on the paranormal this on-the-run diversion has been a return to the action-adventure aspect I loved from Book 1, and although I know it will eventually devolve once more into the paranormal, the break has been a pleasant one (even if it has been a bit sappy).

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Honor's Knight by Rachel Bach (PBK)

4 Stars. Re-read. I'm surprised this was previously my favorite of the series as it takes a wide detour from the sci-fi action-adventure foundation into heavy paranormal, and I'm now not a fan. But perhaps that's what I preferred back in 2014? Thankfully there was plenty of action to still keep me relatively engrossed, and I was definitely invested enough to finish my trilogy re-read.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

The Weirn Books, Vol. 1 by Svetlana Chmakova (HBK)

This first volume in the new Weirn Books series finally came in at the library! I really enjoyed the original teen series (review here), so I've been looking forward to more stories in the magical world.

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (7/3/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Honor's Knight by Rachel Bach (PBK)

Continuing my Paradox trilogy re-read with the second book. I'm surprised it was previously my favorite of the series as it takes a wide detour from the sci-fi action-adventure foundation into heavy paranormal, and I'm not a fan. But perhaps that's what I preferred back in 2014? Thankfully there's enough action to still keep me relatively engrossed, and I am curious to remember how it all ends so I plan to finish the series once more.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Cutting-Edge Space Tourism by Kevin Kurtz (HBK)

3 Stars. My obsession with sci-fi has branched into reality (and writing research) and I checked out a bunch of non-fic books about space to peruse. Although short and simple, this was an interesting one for me because I had no idea we are getting so very close to sending tourists into space! Maybe it'll actually happen in my lifetime after all.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (PBK)

My sci-fi obsession continues, so as the Paradox trilogy has diverted into paranormal I grabbed this new series for a hopefully more grounded sci-fi read.

So what are you reading this week?

The #FridayReads Review (6/19/20)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Fortune's Pawn by Rachel Bach (PBK)

I am on SUCH a sci-fi kick right now I can't get enough, so I decided to re-read this SF favorite about a kick-arse female, a mysterious ship security position, and dangerous happenings in space. My review says I really enjoyed it, and so far I agree; I'm also quite enjoying that I've already reviewed it so no review required (I've been struggling a little with reviews lately). You can read my review here.

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (HBK) - 3 Stars

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells (HBK) - 5 Stars

Exit Strategy by Martha Wells (HBK) - 5 Stars

I have finished the four Murderbot novellas and now desperately await my library hold for the novel. After loving Book 1, I have to admit I found Book 2 a bit of a mess, but Books 3 & 4 were even better than Book 1 - the plots, the characters, and the tension were engrossing and delightful, and Murderbot was pure perfection. I've already re-read (and re-loved) Book 1 and will be re-reading the rest soon!

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

The Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold (PBK)

Once I sate my sci-fi kick I think I'll give this new library hold a try. A PI who helps fantasy creatures in a world that's lost its magic? Intriguing.

So what are you reading this week?

Review: Reticence (Gail Carriger)

Title: Reticence
Series: The Custard Protocol, Book 4
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: August 6, 2019
Genre: New Adult Alternate Historical Paranormal Steampunk Romance
Told: Third Person Multiple, Past Tense
Content Rating: Adult (violence, innuendo, sensuality)
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | Indiebound | BookDepo
Summary:

Bookish and proper Percival Tunstell finds himself out of his depth when floating cities, spirited plumbing, and soggy biscuits collide in this delightful conclusion to NYT bestselling author Gail Carriger's Custard Protocol series.

Percival Tunstell loves that his sister and her best friend are building themselves a family of misfits aboard their airship, the Spotted Custard. Of course, he'd never admit that he belongs among them. He's always been on the outside - dispassionate, aloof, and hatless. But accidental spies, a trip to Japan, and one smart and beautiful doctor may have him renegotiating his whole philosophy on life.

Except hats. He's done with hats. Thank you very much.

*          *          *

Series: This is the fourth and final book in The Custard Protocol series. Although they feature different point of view characters, the books follow the crew of the Spotted Custard and their consecutive adventures and really must be read in order. You can read my review of Book 3, Competence, here. This is also one of many series set in Gail Carriger's Parasolverse, the scope of which you can check out here.

After attending a shotgun wedding in London and catching up with respective (and disrespective) relations, the Spotted Custard is sent to Japan to (naturally) investigate a new rumored shifter and rescue a missing intelligencer. Parachutes, communal bathing, and broken custard ensue, along with an inevitable romance for eligible bachelor Percy and newest crewmember and resident doctor, Arsenic.

Gail's signature wit and playful style make for another delightful read that I quickly devoured and thoroughly enjoyed with laughter and wonder. The romantically addlepated Percy was absolutely adorkable as he navigated the exasperations of love, and it was interesting to view the paranormal elements from Doctor Arsenic's clinical perspective. Their courtship was also somewhat clinical but perfectly fit the couple and was extremely amusing.

I was thoroughly chuffed to visit beloved country Japan, and with its special shifters and exotic setting it did not disappoint. The new paranormal discoveries and discussions did get rather too technical and complicated for simple me to fully follow, but Gail showcased just how thoroughly she has thought out her historically fantastical universe and the little I did understand was most intriguing. A surprise third point of view added a very unique take on the shenanigans (I don't want to spoil the surprise, but it's a familiar face and favorite flyer) and was highly entertaining to observe so closely.

The end had its share of smiles and sniffles but was ultimately uplifting as always as the crew continues their adventures off-page. Although the series nicely wrapped I was definitely left wanting more, and I shall never give up hope that Gail someday gives in to popular demand for The Further Adventures of the Custard Protocol.

Conclusion: A thoroughly delightful read that was even better than expected, and I expected to be thoroughly delighted! Percy was adorkable, Arsenic gave Sophronia a run for her money as my favorite Parasolverse female, and the surprise third POV was such fun. If you enjoy reads by Gail then this novel cannot be missed, if only for the dozen or more catch-up cameos of previous Parasolverse characters.

Scribble Rating: 

4.5 of 5 Scribbles

Series Conclusion: While the Finishing School series remains my favorite of the Parasolverse, the Spotted Custard crew of delightful eccentrics is my favorite team. With Custard's globetrotting adventures and supernatural discoveries I enjoyed learning more about world history through a fantastical lens, and although it could get a little too intellectual at times for simple me the new supernaturals were fun and interesting. I can't wait to see what Gail's vast imagination creates next!

Series Scribble Rating: 

4 of 5 Scribbles

Release Spotlight: Reticence (Gail Carriger)

Today I'm thrilled to spotlight the fourth and final book in Gail Carriger's Custard Protocol series, RETICENCE! Set in Gail's alternate historical paranormal parasolverse and featuring bookish and brainy Percy, one of my favorite characters, after Comptence's revelations it promises to be the most playful and witty of them all! If you haven't yet checked out this delightful series, do so below!

Title: Reticence

Series: The Custard Protocol #4
Author: Gail Carriger
Publisher: Orbit Books
Release Date: 8/6/19

Bookish and proper Percival Tunstell finds himself out of his depth when floating cities, spirited plumbing, and soggy biscuits collide in this delightful conclusion to NYT bestselling author Gail Carriger's Custard Protocol series.

Percival Tunstell loves that his sister and her best friend are building themselves a family of misfits aboard their airship, the Spotted Custard. Of course, he'd never admit that he belongs among them. He's always been on the outside - dispassionate, aloof, and hatless. But accidental spies, a trip to Japan, and one smart and beautiful doctor may have him renegotiating his whole philosophy on life.

Except hats. He's done with hats. Thank you very much.

Add to Goodreads

PURCHASE:
Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | Book Depository

Check out the rest of the series!

Book 1: Prudence

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Book 2: Imprudence

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Book 3: Competence

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound | My Review

The #FridayReads Review (8/2/19)

Welcome to The #FridayReads Review, a regular Friday segment where I share what I've been reading the past week, and what I'm planning to read next! Want to join the Friday fun? Post your own #FridayReads Review and leave the link in the Comments below, or just Comment with what you've been reading!

>> CURRENTLY READING <<

Listen to Your Heart by Kasie West (ARC)

Discovered an unread Kasie book on my shelf and naturally had to read it next! As typical with Kasie I can't put it down, and the advice podcast plot is fun and interesting. But what's especially interesting: no official romantic interest! There are two candidates and the mystery of who it'll ultimately be is keeping me glued to the page. 

>> JUST FINISHED <<

Reticence by Gail Carriger

4.5 Stars. As expected, a thoroughly delightful read. Percy was adorkable, Arsenic gave Sophronia a run for her money as my favorite Parasolverse female, and the surprise third POV was such fun! I also rather enjoyed the Japanese shifters. Wish there was more to come... The Further Adventures of the Custard Protocol, anyone? Full review to come.

Romancing the Inventor by Gail Carriger (PBK)

3 Stars. A quick if lusty read in which a favorite Parasolverse character finally finds lasting love. The sex was a little more descriptive than asexual me is comfortable with and the violent sexual harassment was an unpleasant surprise, but for the most part I enjoyed seeing many of the old gang again and will continue to read all Parasolverse books to see what becomes of everyone.

>> [POSSIBLY] READING NEXT <<

(subject to change with my ever-shifting reading whims)

W Juliet vol. 8 by Emura (PBK)

Still making my way through the series. I continue to find this previous favorite now repetitive and struggle to maintain complete interest with 14 volumes to the series, but it has gotten a little better the last few volumes. Do look for a review when I eventually finish! 

So what are you reading this week?