okiedokiedrjones

[okiedokiedrjones]

The original plan was to start The Fall of Hyperion, but I just couldn't help it. Hours before the snow started, I went and picked up a couple of rereads.

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

So, this book. The only reason The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher (who I will talk about *a lot* on this blog) wasn't my absolute favorite book of 2023 was because I had read this one a month prior. Dear God. What a phenomenal book. If you like horror, this is a book that I cannot undersell. Creepy overall, the creature hunting them is absolutely terrifying, and the main character is so human. Amazing. 10/10 I cannot wait to finish it again. (I have started on it again and am pleased with this decision.) I'll give a good description and commentary when I get through it.

Next up, Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

What. A. Book.

I don't think I can accurately describe how this book has changed my brain chemistry. I have had *dreams* set in this world (Specifically book three, as one of the Tuyon, for those who have read it). The complexity of the characters in this whole series is just *chef's kiss*. The interconnectivity of them makes scenes hit different. The plot is amazing. All in all, this is a book I have required a friend to read, just so I could discuss dead crow gods returning and sun priest etiquette. If you like fantasy, please please please read this book. I'm begging. There's like 6 of us and I need more people to talk to about this book.

[okiedokiedrjones]

Book #1 of 2025

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Review and Commentary under cut

Holy fuck. Like, holy fuck. What a book. Characters? All have unique voices and feel *real* in a way you don't always see in these longer sci-fi books. The individual stories? Beautifully conveyed and each one a trek into a separate genre. Priest's tale? Horrifying. Soldier's tale? Heart pounting adventure. The Poet's? My favorite. The Scholar? Detective's? The fucking *Consul*? Amazing.

While I am mentioning the Consul. What a fucking delivery. And it doesn't give you a whole lot of time before dropping the next two big twists. Masterful work. My God.

I also like that we don't see a whole lot of the Shrike. I mean, there are plenty of pages dedicated to the truly terrifying abilities and carnage, but over all, it's not enough to make it any less terrifying when it comes back into focus.

Overall? I give it a pretty solid 9/10. The prose is awesome. Characters are great. The twist is actually not immediately obvious. It did have moments of stuff that annoyed me. And I could have done without the sex, but frankly, that's really how I feel about any book that has it. Simmons has definitely shot up to a top favorite writer. Can't wait to start Fall of Hyperion tonight!

The way all of the stories tie together. Genuinely, that was my favorite part. And it didn't feel heavy-handed or really forced into fitting. It just kind of settled in like a puzzle.

EDIT: I forgot to even touch the AI and the Technocore and holy shit. Imagine that. Just, AI says "Nah... You can do you." and leaves. But doesn't actually. And is secretly plotting against human kind. Not to mention the Ousters. What a neat take on human evolution.

[okiedokiedrjones]

This year, I am making a blog dedicated specifically to books I am reading (or rereading in some cases). There will be reviews, commentary, memes, and other things relating to each of them.

Some organizational tags include:

making it up as I go {new read}

it's the mileage {rereads}

philosophy class {commentary}

fortune and glory {reblog}