Anasi Boys

Anasi Boys was a really cool and crazy story to read, and I enjoyed how it followed along with the general story of Anasi tricking and making deals. ill be honest, while I read this I never had any real idea as to what was going to happen next. it kept me on the edge of my seat, especially with how all the stories interwove with each other. When Rose called off the wedding I thought that was going to be the end of her and her mothers part in the story, and in most other stories it probably would have been. and the subplot with Maeve was interesting and satisfying in its own right, and when Tiger possessed Coats I laughed for like five minutes because of how everything was set up. that was when I realized just what would happen and I was greatly pleased by it. I think my favorite part was how Spider and Charlie didn't merge back into one person even though that's what they were originally. I feel like if that had happened it would have undercut the story and made it less satisfying.

Babel 17

Babel 17 was interesting, especially at first, even if it was very info heavy at first. Its not one I probably would have picked up of my own volition due to that, but it was an enjoyable read none the less. I did enjoy how Rydra ended up being the traitor herself through her learning about Babel 17, and it was nice to see her team come to help her resulting in their victory in the end. A lot of the technical stuff about language went over my head, but it was explained enough that I could somewhat follow along.

Bloodchild

Bloodchild was an interesting read and one I wholeheartedly enjoyed! There was a nice level of unsettling lore building and gore, coupled with cool aliens. I gave me huge Bloodborne vibes, which is always a good thing, especially with how the aliens were described. There were a few moments I felt a bit of nausea, specifically when T’Gato was cutting Lomas up and it was describing how the grubs formed and fed….. which was probably my least favorite part of the story, given that’s my general fear and revulsion in regards to actual human pregnancies…… this and Xenomorphs are why I am never having children. 

But as a whole I found myself really intrigued by the aliens and their culture, as well as the nature of their relationships with humans and how due to the difference in species their relationships are changed.  Given that the Tlic live much much longer than humans it’s not surprising that the very standard of their relationships changes, what with the mother of our main character being T’Gato’s childhood friend, and her daughter being a surrogate mother to her children. Specifically, after helping raise her from birth. And while I feel like there was a tension between them it didn’t feel as taboo, given the world building that was explored in the beginning of the story. 

I would probably adapt this story into a 2d animated short film, preferably made by the same people who animated the castlevania series. The style from that show I felt would help portray this story, given their lack of fear of showing the gore and viscera that showed up in this as well as being able to portray the aliens well. Changes that I would make to this mostly fill into the cinematography of it cause the story itself I feel doesn’t need to be changed much. Its something that anyone could feel connected to even if they don’t want too.

             

Shards of Honor: the space opera

Shards of Honor was interesting to read and really captured my attention after skimming through several first 10 pages of other options. I greatly enjoyed the opening to this story Cordelia and Dubauer exploring only to find out their camp was destroyed. the first few chapters of them traversing the land with one of the people who was responsible, one Vorkosigan, really captured a epic feeling, and it kinda reminded me of that will smith movie that came out a few years ago with his son. A new virtually unknown planet with all the strange things that live on it. Annihilation is the other film it reminds me of, though obviously that is more horror and earth base, while this is space based.
The rest of the story was a wild ride, often times taking some unsettling and barbaric turns, but I enjoyed how Lois handled the horrors of war as well as the consequences on all sides.