Wouter's bookshelf: read en-US Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:31:26 -0700 60 Wouter's bookshelf: read 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #1)]]> 44421460 What would you change if you could go back in time?

In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a caf which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time.

In Before the Coffee Gets Cold, we meet four visitors, each of whom is hoping to make use of the cafs time-travelling offer, in order to: confront the man who left them, receive a letter from their husband whose memory has been taken by early onset Alzheimer's, to see their sister one last time, and to meet the daughter they never got the chance to know.

But the journey into the past does not come without risks: customers must sit in a particular seat, they cannot leave the caf, and finally, they must return to the present before the coffee gets cold . . .

Toshikazu Kawaguchis beautiful, moving story explores the age-old question: what would you change if you could travel back in time? More importantly, who would you want to meet, maybe for one last time?]]> 213 Toshikazu Kawaguchi 1529029589 Wouter 2 standalone
Who knows if I ever read it or hear a perspective from someone else who really liked it I might change for mind. For now, these books are not for me it seems.]]> 3.66 2015 Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #1)
author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2025/07/08
date added: 2025/07/08
shelves: standalone
review:
I did not particularly connect very well. While the concept is interesting and the personal stories and the interconnectedness of the different perspectives have potential, I feel it was just a bit too flat. It might've been the wrong time for me to read it, but I felt slightly bored and impatient, even though the book is only 200 pages.

Who knows if I ever read it or hear a perspective from someone else who really liked it I might change for mind. For now, these books are not for me it seems.
]]> I'm Glad My Mom Died 62848181 A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actorincluding eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing motherand how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mothers dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called calorie restriction, eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesnt tint hers? She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

In Im Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detailjust as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (Hi Gale!), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, Im Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.]]> 320 Jennette McCurdy 1668022842 Wouter 0 currently-reading 4.46 2022 I'm Glad My Mom Died
author: Jennette McCurdy
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/08
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dingen die je alleen ziet als je er de tijd voor neemt]]> 35491422
Rust vinden in een drukke wereld
De Koreaanse boeddhistische monnik Sunim geeft les over verschillende levenskwesties, van liefde en vriendschap tot werk, levensdoelen en spiritualiteit. Zijn inzichten en adviezen helpen om in het moderne, drukke leven te zoeken naar rustpunten. Zo legt hij bijvoorbeeld uit hoe je mindful kunt omgaan met negatieve emoties als woede en jaloezie. Haemin Sunim laat het belang zien van sterke relaties met anderen en benadrukt dat je vergevingsgezind en mild moet zijn tegenover jezelf.

De prachtige, kleurrijke illustraties fungeren als kalmerende visuele pauzes die ons aansporen rustig aan te doen. Want als jij rustig bent, zal de wereld ook rustig worden.]]> 280 Haemin Sunim 9022581128 Wouter 5 3.77 2012 Dingen die je alleen ziet als je er de tijd voor neemt
author: Haemin Sunim
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2025/07/07
date added: 2025/07/07
shelves: historical-and-literary-fiction
review:
A great little nugget with a lot of wisdom. It helped me reframe my thoughts about the world and my life. Of course, it takes practice so I'll have to reread it regularly. Even though some of the fragments Sunim uses are somewhat coloured by a non-universal human experience, generally it really inspires to look at things differently.
]]> <![CDATA[Revolusi: Indonesi? en het ontstaan van de moderne wereld]]> 55253543
A story of staggering scope and drama, Revolusi is the masterful and definitive account of the epic revolution that sparked the decolonisation of the modern world.

On a sunny Friday morning in August 1945, a handful of tired people raised a homemade cotton flag and on behalf of 68 million compatriots announced the birth of a new nation. With the fourth largest population in the world, inhabiting islands that span an eighth of the globe, Indonesia became the first colonised country to declare its independence after the Second World War.

Four million civilians had died during the wartime occupation by the Japanese that ousted the Dutch colonial regime. Another 200,000 people would lose their lives in the astonishingly brutal conflict that ensued - as the Dutch used savage violence to reassert their control, and as the Allied troops of Britain and America became embroiled in pacifying Indonesia's guerrilla war of resistance: the 'revolusi'. It was not until December 1949 that the newly created United Nations forced The Netherlands to cede all sovereignty to Indonesia, finally ending 350 years of colonial rule and setting a precedent that would reshape the world.

Drawing on hundreds of interviews and eye-witness testimonies, David Van Reybrouck turns this vast and complex story into an utterly gripping narrative that is alive with human detail at every turn. A landmark publication, Revolusi shows Indonesia's struggle for independence to be one of the defining dramas of the twentieth century and establishes its author as one of the most gifted narrative historians at work in any language today.]]> 640 David Van Reybrouck 9403183403 Wouter 5
This is an important book! It tells the story of the history of Indonesia as a colony and her birth as a independent republic. It is a nuanced book that does justice to wide variety of perspectives and voices regarding the country's history. It explores the colonial period, the second world war period as well as the struggle for freedom. Yet it also explores the European and Dutch psyche surrounding colonialism at the time up till now. It also describes the role that US and the UN played in the abolishment (or if you will transformation) of colonialism.

The book is based on many different sources and interviews. Reybrouck gives room to Indonesians, Dutch Indonesians, but also Dutch soldiers and Japanese soldiers. The book offers many different perspectives to learn from. The author has an objective writing style and tries to stick to facts and is clear whose perspectives he is presenting.

That being said, we do begin with an important and painful fact that a recent study has shown that Dutch people score significantly lower in shame for their colonial past, higher in pride for having been an overseas empire and even slightly higher on wanting to go back to how it was back then. Of course, this is compared to other european countries. For the exact number read the book ;). Still as the author states. With how the colonial past has been handled within the Netherlands it is not that suprising that in 2006 a prime minister still proudly called for more of a VOC mentality (which is the commercial Dutch company that admitted gross atrocities during colonial times and robbed Indonesia blind). While reading this book I've felt and still feel this period and the way we still handle is is a disgrace and pains me.

But, although it's taught me a lot of unpleasant things about my countrymen and our past, this is not a book about the Netherlands and the author succeeds in that. It is as much about the external and internal strife in Indonesia for independence. The book tells about the different movements, the different important historical events and their consequences. It addresses how the second world war and with it the Dutch, Japanese, English and Americans played a part in Indonesian independence. It shows the horrible acts committed by freedom fighters as well as the Dutch in that time period and the horrible price Indonesia still had to pay economically just for being allowed to be republic. And then there's the regime change allegedly forced by the states after its Independence.

The book ends with the current state of Indonesia. Reybrouck does not only take his time to describe the recovery and rise of the nation, but is also critical of where it is now. All in all this is a very interesting book with a lot of educational nuanced facts and perspectives. Every Dutch person should read this to be more aware of their own colonial past and every other person in the world should read to learn more about Indonesia, which is quite a special and large country.Dit is een belangrijk boek. Het beschrijft de geschiedenis van Indonesi? als kolonie en haar opkomst als zelfstandige republiek. Het is een genuanceerd boek en doet recht aan verschillende belevingen en stemmen in de geschiedenis van het land. Het boek onderzoekt de gruwelijkheden van kolonialisme, de impact van de tweede wereldoorlog en de vrijheidsstrijd in het land, maar ook de Europese/Nederlandse psyche rondom kolonialisme en de rol die de Verenigde Staten en Verenigde Naties gespeeld hebben in het be?indigen (of zo u wil transformeren) van kolonialisme.


Nederlands

Het boek is gebaseerd op een veelheid aan bronnen en interviews. Van Indonesi?rs tot indo's tot oude KNIL-soldaten, tot zelfs oud-Japanse soldaten komen aan het woord. Van Reybrouck heeft vanuit alle hoeken gepoogd te kijken. In zijn schrijfstijl bereikt hij een bepaalde oordeelloosheid die past bij onderzoeksjournalistiek.

Toch beginnen we met een belangrijk feit dat uit een recente blijkt dat Nederlanders aanzienlijk lager scoren in schaamte voor hun koloniale verleden en hoger als het gaat om trots om een overzeese mogendheid te zijn geweest en zelfs een verlangen om dat weer te zijn (Let wel, ik heb de percentages niet meer in mijn hoofd, het is relatief t.o.v. andere koloniale europese landen). Maar zoals Reybrouck ook zegt; als er zo in Nederland omgegaan is en wordt met dat verleden dan is het niet heel vreemd dat er anno 2006 nog een premier is geweest die zonder gene opriep tot een VOC-mentaliteit. Ik zou willen zeggen dat het tot op de dag van vandaag een schandvlek op ons als land is.

Maar dit boek gaat niet over Nederland, hoewel het veel onaangename dingen leert over mijn landgenoten en onze geschiedenis. Het gaat over de externe en interne worstelingen in Indonesi? om tot onafhankelijkheid te komen. Welke stromingen er waren, welke gevolgen er waren. Hoe de Tweede Wereldoorlog en daarmee Nederlanders, Engelsen, Japanners en Amerikanen daarin een rol speelden. Het addresseert ook uitgebreid de gruwelijkheden die in die periode plaatsvonden, zowel door vrijheidsstrijders als tijdens de gruwelijke politionele acties. En dan de gruwelijke prijs die men ook nog eens durfde te vragen aan Indonesi? voor haar afhankelijkheid. En dan de regime change, vermoedelijk door de Amerikanen die er nog eens overheen kwam.

Het boek eindigt met de huidige staat van Indonesi?. Reybrouck heeft daarin niet alleen ruimte voor het herstel en volwassen worden van een nieuwe natie, maar is ook kritisch naar de staat van het land. Al met al is het een boeiend boek met veel leerzame genuanceerd opgeschreven feiten en verhalen. Iedere Nederlander zou dit moeten lezen om zich bewust te worden van de eigen koloniale geschiedenis en iedereen zou dit moeten lezen om iets te leren over Indonesi? dat toch een bijzonder land is.





]]> 4.55 2020 Revolusi: Indonesi? en het ontstaan van de moderne wereld
author: David Van Reybrouck
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.55
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2025/07/06
date added: 2025/07/06
shelves:
review:
Voor een Nederlandse recensie zie onder

This is an important book! It tells the story of the history of Indonesia as a colony and her birth as a independent republic. It is a nuanced book that does justice to wide variety of perspectives and voices regarding the country's history. It explores the colonial period, the second world war period as well as the struggle for freedom. Yet it also explores the European and Dutch psyche surrounding colonialism at the time up till now. It also describes the role that US and the UN played in the abolishment (or if you will transformation) of colonialism.

The book is based on many different sources and interviews. Reybrouck gives room to Indonesians, Dutch Indonesians, but also Dutch soldiers and Japanese soldiers. The book offers many different perspectives to learn from. The author has an objective writing style and tries to stick to facts and is clear whose perspectives he is presenting.

That being said, we do begin with an important and painful fact that a recent study has shown that Dutch people score significantly lower in shame for their colonial past, higher in pride for having been an overseas empire and even slightly higher on wanting to go back to how it was back then. Of course, this is compared to other european countries. For the exact number read the book ;). Still as the author states. With how the colonial past has been handled within the Netherlands it is not that suprising that in 2006 a prime minister still proudly called for more of a VOC mentality (which is the commercial Dutch company that admitted gross atrocities during colonial times and robbed Indonesia blind). While reading this book I've felt and still feel this period and the way we still handle is is a disgrace and pains me.

But, although it's taught me a lot of unpleasant things about my countrymen and our past, this is not a book about the Netherlands and the author succeeds in that. It is as much about the external and internal strife in Indonesia for independence. The book tells about the different movements, the different important historical events and their consequences. It addresses how the second world war and with it the Dutch, Japanese, English and Americans played a part in Indonesian independence. It shows the horrible acts committed by freedom fighters as well as the Dutch in that time period and the horrible price Indonesia still had to pay economically just for being allowed to be republic. And then there's the regime change allegedly forced by the states after its Independence.

The book ends with the current state of Indonesia. Reybrouck does not only take his time to describe the recovery and rise of the nation, but is also critical of where it is now. All in all this is a very interesting book with a lot of educational nuanced facts and perspectives. Every Dutch person should read this to be more aware of their own colonial past and every other person in the world should read to learn more about Indonesia, which is quite a special and large country.Dit is een belangrijk boek. Het beschrijft de geschiedenis van Indonesi? als kolonie en haar opkomst als zelfstandige republiek. Het is een genuanceerd boek en doet recht aan verschillende belevingen en stemmen in de geschiedenis van het land. Het boek onderzoekt de gruwelijkheden van kolonialisme, de impact van de tweede wereldoorlog en de vrijheidsstrijd in het land, maar ook de Europese/Nederlandse psyche rondom kolonialisme en de rol die de Verenigde Staten en Verenigde Naties gespeeld hebben in het be?indigen (of zo u wil transformeren) van kolonialisme.


Nederlands

Het boek is gebaseerd op een veelheid aan bronnen en interviews. Van Indonesi?rs tot indo's tot oude KNIL-soldaten, tot zelfs oud-Japanse soldaten komen aan het woord. Van Reybrouck heeft vanuit alle hoeken gepoogd te kijken. In zijn schrijfstijl bereikt hij een bepaalde oordeelloosheid die past bij onderzoeksjournalistiek.

Toch beginnen we met een belangrijk feit dat uit een recente blijkt dat Nederlanders aanzienlijk lager scoren in schaamte voor hun koloniale verleden en hoger als het gaat om trots om een overzeese mogendheid te zijn geweest en zelfs een verlangen om dat weer te zijn (Let wel, ik heb de percentages niet meer in mijn hoofd, het is relatief t.o.v. andere koloniale europese landen). Maar zoals Reybrouck ook zegt; als er zo in Nederland omgegaan is en wordt met dat verleden dan is het niet heel vreemd dat er anno 2006 nog een premier is geweest die zonder gene opriep tot een VOC-mentaliteit. Ik zou willen zeggen dat het tot op de dag van vandaag een schandvlek op ons als land is.

Maar dit boek gaat niet over Nederland, hoewel het veel onaangename dingen leert over mijn landgenoten en onze geschiedenis. Het gaat over de externe en interne worstelingen in Indonesi? om tot onafhankelijkheid te komen. Welke stromingen er waren, welke gevolgen er waren. Hoe de Tweede Wereldoorlog en daarmee Nederlanders, Engelsen, Japanners en Amerikanen daarin een rol speelden. Het addresseert ook uitgebreid de gruwelijkheden die in die periode plaatsvonden, zowel door vrijheidsstrijders als tijdens de gruwelijke politionele acties. En dan de gruwelijke prijs die men ook nog eens durfde te vragen aan Indonesi? voor haar afhankelijkheid. En dan de regime change, vermoedelijk door de Amerikanen die er nog eens overheen kwam.

Het boek eindigt met de huidige staat van Indonesi?. Reybrouck heeft daarin niet alleen ruimte voor het herstel en volwassen worden van een nieuwe natie, maar is ook kritisch naar de staat van het land. Al met al is het een boeiend boek met veel leerzame genuanceerd opgeschreven feiten en verhalen. Iedere Nederlander zou dit moeten lezen om zich bewust te worden van de eigen koloniale geschiedenis en iedereen zou dit moeten lezen om iets te leren over Indonesi? dat toch een bijzonder land is.






]]> Savages (Savages #2) 8008928
When they refuse to back down, the cartel escalates its threat, kidnapping Ophelia, the boys' playmate and confidante. O's abduction sets off a dizzying array of ingenious negotiations and gripping plot twists that will captivate readers eager to learn the costs of freedom and the price of one amazing high.]]> 302 Don Winslow 1439183368 Wouter 0 currently-reading 3.84 2010 Savages (Savages #2)
author: Don Winslow
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/06
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI]]> 204927599 From the author of Sapiens comes the groundbreaking story of how information networks have made, and unmade, our world.

For the last 100,000 years, we Sapiens have accumulated enormous power. But despite all our discoveries, inventions, and conquests, we now find ourselves in an existential crisis. The world is on the verge of ecological collapse. Misinformation abounds. And we are rushing headlong into the age of AIa new information network that threatens to annihilate us. For all that we have accomplished, why are we so self-destructive?

Nexus looks through the long lens of human history to consider how the flow of information has shaped us, and our world. Taking us from the Stone Age, through the canonization of the Bible, early modern witch-hunts, Stalinism, Nazism, and the resurgence of populism today, Yuval Noah Harari asks us to consider the complex relationship between information and truth, bureaucracy and mythology, wisdom and power. He explores how different societies and political systems throughout history have wielded information to achieve their goals, for good and ill. And he addresses the urgent choices we face as non-human intelligence threatens our very existence.

Information is not the raw material of truth; neither is it a mere weapon. Nexus explores the hopeful middle ground between these extremes, and in doing so, rediscovers our shared humanity.]]> 528 Yuval Noah Harari 059373422X Wouter 5
In his recognizable style Harari does not look at AI from the perspective of the next step in computing but (as the title says) as the next step in human and digital networks. As such this is the first and perhaps the only book that starts in the prehistory to search for valid statements on the nature, opportunities and risks of AI.

So reading this book you'll learn a lot about human history, human nature, how one can look at the digital revolution and other revolutions. And you will be invited to go places in your mind that you seldomly see.

What I particularly appreciated is how this book seemed thematically more personal than previous books I've read from Harari. And personally, I really enjoyed how we learn a lot about institutionalized religion and tyranny and their dark histories. Harari as a by product of thinking about AI really destroys any form of dogmatic thinking and its adverse effects on the world.

So in a nutshell, I really enjoyed and would really recommend this book!]]> 4.14 2024 Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI
author: Yuval Noah Harari
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/07/04
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves:
review:
This book provides a very interesting take on how we as a society will be challenged by AI and what we might do to harness its power for good and not end up in a dystopian world war or algorithm-based society.

In his recognizable style Harari does not look at AI from the perspective of the next step in computing but (as the title says) as the next step in human and digital networks. As such this is the first and perhaps the only book that starts in the prehistory to search for valid statements on the nature, opportunities and risks of AI.

So reading this book you'll learn a lot about human history, human nature, how one can look at the digital revolution and other revolutions. And you will be invited to go places in your mind that you seldomly see.

What I particularly appreciated is how this book seemed thematically more personal than previous books I've read from Harari. And personally, I really enjoyed how we learn a lot about institutionalized religion and tyranny and their dark histories. Harari as a by product of thinking about AI really destroys any form of dogmatic thinking and its adverse effects on the world.

So in a nutshell, I really enjoyed and would really recommend this book!
]]> <![CDATA[Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters, #1)]]> 26834384
The keep at Sevenwaters is a strange, remote place, guarded by silent men who slip through the woodlands clothed in grey, and keep their weapons sharp. Invaders roam outside: raiders from across the sea bent on destruction. But now there is also an invader inside the keep: the Lady Oonagh, a sorceress as fair as day, with a heart as black as night.

Oonagh captivates Lord Colum and his six sons, but she cannot enchant his daughter, Sorcha. Frustrated in her attempts to destroy the family, Oonagh binds the brothers with a spell only Sorcha can lift. If she fails, they will die.

When the raiders break through, Sorcha is taken captive. Soon she will find herself torn between her duty to break the curse and a growing, forbidden love for her captor.]]> 672 Juliet Marillier 0008150400 Wouter 4
Marillier's character work and storycrafting is splendid. While it is a fairy talesque premise (An evil step mom that enchants the sons of the king and their sister having to save them by performing a task for the fae), the journey and experiences of main character Sorcha is palpable and impactful.

It is an adventurous story, as well as a romance in a historical context of medieval Ireland and Britain. It is a lively setting with political intrigue, wonderful surroundings and side characters that come to live.

I would definitely recommend reading this book and probably this series, Marillier being a master of her craft, although I will probably not continue very soon.]]> 4.29 1999 Daughter of the Forest (Sevenwaters, #1)
author: Juliet Marillier
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.29
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2025/06/25
date added: 2025/06/25
shelves:
review:
Although this book is not entirely for me in terms of taste, I feel it is a really well-written book. The story is attractive, derivative from different fairy tales and stories but still original. It somehow does make me reminisce about Nettle and Bone but I'd say this book is everything that book could've been and more.

Marillier's character work and storycrafting is splendid. While it is a fairy talesque premise (An evil step mom that enchants the sons of the king and their sister having to save them by performing a task for the fae), the journey and experiences of main character Sorcha is palpable and impactful.

It is an adventurous story, as well as a romance in a historical context of medieval Ireland and Britain. It is a lively setting with political intrigue, wonderful surroundings and side characters that come to live.

I would definitely recommend reading this book and probably this series, Marillier being a master of her craft, although I will probably not continue very soon.
]]> Minor Detail 52045757 Minor Detail begins during the summer of 1949, one year after the war that the Palestinians mourn as the Nakba C the catastrophe that led to the displacement and expulsion of more than 700,000 people C and the Israelis celebrate as the War of Independence. Israeli soldiers capture and rape a young Palestinian woman, and kill and bury her in the sand. Many years later, a woman in Ramallah becomes fascinated to the point of obsession with this minor detail of history. A haunting meditation on war, violence and memory, Minor Detail cuts to the heart of the Palestinian experience of dispossession, life under occupation, and the persistent difficulty of piecing together a narrative in the face of ongoing erasure and disempowerment.]]> 144 Adania Shibli 191309717X Wouter 5
Having addressed that let's get into it. This book tells us two stories. The first is of a third person perspective on an Israeli sergeant major in 1948 that has the job to look for Arab infiltrators in the Negev region in Southern Israel. While he and his platoon eventually commit horrible atrocities, that is not the main story line and that is the power of this story. Somehow the actual atrocity is almost an arbitrary impulsive detail in the experience of this character.

Similarly the second part is written from a first person perspective of a contemporary Palestinian woman who somehow becomes fascinated with this event. And she illegally travels to this region to find out more. And again it is much more her experience that is central, while the horrendous deeds of the Israeli's in bombing and occupying Palestinian areas and (I'm assuming) the 2004 attack on Rafah are more of a background. Still the inhumane atrocities and dehumanizing circumstances in occupied Palestinian area's are consistently present.

It is a captivating story with a lot of repetition and details in only 112 pages. Still it is somehow concise and powerful. I think everyone who has an inkling of engagement, curiosity or interest in the Israeli-Palestinian situation should read this book.]]> 4.26 2017 Minor Detail
author: Adania Shibli
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/23
date added: 2025/06/23
shelves:
review:
This is an important book with an important illustration of the ethnic cleansing that the state of Israel perpetually (on and off) has been committing. To be clear, let me disclaim that I have no issues with the Jewish people, culture or religion. I'm not against the existence of Israel. I'm against their policies of violence against civilians and of colonization. And that is exactly the topic of this short but impactful book.

Having addressed that let's get into it. This book tells us two stories. The first is of a third person perspective on an Israeli sergeant major in 1948 that has the job to look for Arab infiltrators in the Negev region in Southern Israel. While he and his platoon eventually commit horrible atrocities, that is not the main story line and that is the power of this story. Somehow the actual atrocity is almost an arbitrary impulsive detail in the experience of this character.

Similarly the second part is written from a first person perspective of a contemporary Palestinian woman who somehow becomes fascinated with this event. And she illegally travels to this region to find out more. And again it is much more her experience that is central, while the horrendous deeds of the Israeli's in bombing and occupying Palestinian areas and (I'm assuming) the 2004 attack on Rafah are more of a background. Still the inhumane atrocities and dehumanizing circumstances in occupied Palestinian area's are consistently present.

It is a captivating story with a lot of repetition and details in only 112 pages. Still it is somehow concise and powerful. I think everyone who has an inkling of engagement, curiosity or interest in the Israeli-Palestinian situation should read this book.
]]> Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 27 11029854 210 Hiromu Arakawa 1421539845 Wouter 5 manga-ln
It's about family, brothers, the good of all versus the profit of the view. It is also extremely relevant right now as the Ishbalan conflict in this series very clearly symbolizes the Israelian-Palestinian conflict (and similar conflicts with religious differences, war crimes and military occupation).]]> 4.80 2010 Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 27
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.80
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/21
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves: manga-ln
review:
This month I read the third part of this 27 volume series. Of course I've seen the anime (both of them) but the manga is equally good and very well paced. Fullmetal Alchemist is a grand story with high stakes, emotional depth and an interesting system of alchemy.

It's about family, brothers, the good of all versus the profit of the view. It is also extremely relevant right now as the Ishbalan conflict in this series very clearly symbolizes the Israelian-Palestinian conflict (and similar conflicts with religious differences, war crimes and military occupation).
]]> Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 25 10248518 Edicin argentina, tomo 25. 185 Hiromu Arakawa 1421539241 Wouter 0 4.67 2010 Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 25
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves:
review:

]]> Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 26 10281904 196 Hiromu Arakawa 1421539624 Wouter 0 4.68 2010 Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 26
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.68
book published: 2010
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves:
review:

]]> Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 24 8062063 178 Hiromu Arakawa 1421538121 Wouter 0 4.64 2009 Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 24
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.64
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/21
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]]> Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 23 7326879 180 Hiromu Arakawa 1421536307 Wouter 0 4.67 2009 Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 23
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves:
review:

]]> Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 22 6956554 172 Hiromu Arakawa 1421534134 Wouter 0 4.64 2009 Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 22
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.64
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves:
review:

]]> Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 21 6506079
Plus, take a break from all the alchemical intrigue and homunculus backstabbing at the annual?Resembool Spring Sheep Festival!]]> 176 Hiromu Arakawa 1421532328 Wouter 0 4.64 2008 Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 21
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.64
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves:
review:

]]> Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 20 6408558 188 Hiromu Arakawa 1421530341 Wouter 0 4.63 2008 Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 20
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.63
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves:
review:

]]> Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 19 6065429
Plus, the disturbing origin of Ed and Al's immortal father finally revealed!]]> 184 Hiromu Arakawa 1421525682 Wouter 0 4.63 2008 Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 19
author: Hiromu Arakawa
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.63
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Rise of Gods (The Paternus Trilogy, #1)]]> 35621572 Librarian Note: Older covers for this edition can be found here: 20-Jun-2016, 01-May-2016.

Described as American Gods meets The Avengers and Supernatural meets The Lord of the Rings, Paternus combines myths from around the world in a modern story of action and intrigue that is urban fantasy on the surface, but so much more at its core!

Even myths have legends. And not all legends are myth.

When a local hospital is attacked by strange and frightening men, Fiona Patterson and Zeke Prisco save a catatonic old man named Peterand find themselves running for their lives with creatures beyond imagination hounding their every step.

With nowhere else to turn, they seek out Fis enigmatic Uncle Edgar. But the more their questions are answered, the more they discover that nothing is what it seems--not Peter, not Edgar, perhaps not even themselves.

The gods and monsters, heroes and villains of loretheyre real. And now theyve come out of hiding to hunt their own. In order to survive, Fi and Zeke must join up with powerful allies against an ancient evil thats been known by many names and feared by all. The final battle of the worlds oldest war has begun.

Paternus: Rise of Gods, is Dyrk Ashtons critically acclaimed debut novel and the first book in The Paternus Trilogy. It has been compared to works by Neil Gaiman, Scott Hawkins, Roger Zelazny, China Miville, Joss Whedon, and Kevin Hearne.

Editions note: Earlier editions list the title as simply Paternus. These are the same book as Paternus: Rise of Gods.

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Contemporary Fantasy / Mythic Fiction.

Market: Adult to New Adult (as opposed to Teen or YA, though savvy 16 or 17 year olds might survive without permanent damage).]]> 504 Dyrk Ashton 0997173718 Wouter 5 start-series, series
This book was awesome to read. I have to keep it kind of vague because part of the fun is how Ashton takes you on a ride in which the world is not as normal as our protagonists think. But the world's design is so fun and awesome and I can only imagine how much knowledge and/or research the author had to put in to create this story. And not just the world but also the execution is great.

The character work is interesting and not just the way our MC's develop throughout the story, also most of the side characters are interesting. Ashton applies a narrrative style somewhat similar to dune where he does choose a perspective, but he does not shy away from switching between perspectives within a sequence if that helps in getting the reader sucked in. The same goes for chapter lengthe, it is as long as it needs to be to cover a specific part. Can be short, can be long. The action is great, there's amazing epic and interesting fights and I'm really hyped to continue.

Now only at a few instances did I feel some old ideas were still present in the story, a road not chosen by the author but the setup still being present. The same goes for some minor editorial mistakes. And here and there I felt some dreamy instances were taking a bit too long. But these are all very minor details. So looking forward to continue in this series!]]> 3.85 2016 Rise of Gods (The Paternus Trilogy, #1)
author: Dyrk Ashton
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/21
date added: 2025/06/21
shelves: start-series, series
review:
4,5 stars rounded up to 5 for enjoyment.

This book was awesome to read. I have to keep it kind of vague because part of the fun is how Ashton takes you on a ride in which the world is not as normal as our protagonists think. But the world's design is so fun and awesome and I can only imagine how much knowledge and/or research the author had to put in to create this story. And not just the world but also the execution is great.

The character work is interesting and not just the way our MC's develop throughout the story, also most of the side characters are interesting. Ashton applies a narrrative style somewhat similar to dune where he does choose a perspective, but he does not shy away from switching between perspectives within a sequence if that helps in getting the reader sucked in. The same goes for chapter lengthe, it is as long as it needs to be to cover a specific part. Can be short, can be long. The action is great, there's amazing epic and interesting fights and I'm really hyped to continue.

Now only at a few instances did I feel some old ideas were still present in the story, a road not chosen by the author but the setup still being present. The same goes for some minor editorial mistakes. And here and there I felt some dreamy instances were taking a bit too long. But these are all very minor details. So looking forward to continue in this series!
]]> Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon 56167898 A LitRPG Adventure

Fantasy meets horror in this gore-soaked, standalone LitRPG adventure!

It had seemed like a dream offer. Paint a mural. $15,000. How could Duke not jump at the chance?

But it came with a catch, as these things often do. He had to first see what his client wanted him to paint.

A private server. A digital playground. An alliance of the worlds most sadistic, most depraved minds. A place to bring their prey, to hone their skills.

Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon. Survival horror. One of the most brutal, most terrifying full-immersion games ever made. A place where fantasy characters such as elves and dwarves clash with technology, where giant monsters roam the hills, entrusted with protecting the gates of heaven from the demons who would tear it all down.

A game where one plays the last of the battlefield surgeons: a healer tasked with keeping the behemoths alive at all costs.

But on this server, they dont care about the game. Thats not why theyre here. Theyve come because of the games most unique feature: Full pain. Realistic anatomy. The ability to bring their victims well beyond the bodys normal breaking point. And most importantly, the ability to bring them back and do it all over again.

Trapped in a bloody, merciless nightmare, Duke only has one goal. To survive. And in order to survive, he must play the game. He must win the game. And to do that, he must become the most cruel, most ruthless monster of them all.

]]> 658 Matt Dinniman 1705612199 Wouter 3

All in all, a decent read. Do not recommend if you are sensitive to cruelty and violence. Otherwise it is a great palate cleanser and a fun read.]]> 3.82 2019 Kaiju: Battlefield Surgeon
author: Matt Dinniman
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2025/06/20
date added: 2025/06/20
shelves:
review:
This book was a mixed bag for me. While I loved how Dinniman manages to tell such a comprehensive story with depth and a super interesting game world, I also had a hard time engaging. At times I felt it was illustratively be violent, gory and cruel just for shock value, while there is also a deeper tragedy of our main character Duke. Still the latter is somehow subservient to the story. And I think that is what sets it aside from Dinniman's hit series as well. In Dungeon Crawler Carl the real life stakes and real life story of Carl are continuously relevant and a central part of the story, while here it is a way to tie Duke into the game and help the reader connect to the game.


All in all, a decent read. Do not recommend if you are sensitive to cruelty and violence. Otherwise it is a great palate cleanser and a fun read.
]]> The Talisman 13573634
Why had twelve-year-old Jack Sawyers mother frantically moved the two of them from Rodeo Drive to a New York City apartment to the Alhambra, a fading ocean resort and shuttered amusement park in New Hampshire? Who or what is she running from? She is dying . . . and even young Jack knows she cant outrun death. But only he can save herfor he has been chosen to search for a prize across an epic landscape of dangers and lies, a realm of innocents and monsters, where everything Jack loves is on the line.]]> 923 Stephen King 145169721X Wouter 4
Jack goes on a wild adventure across dimensions and across the US to save his mother from incurable cancer and to battle forces of evil. I will say that my experience at the start was a bit influenced by the current state of books. The first part of the Talisman actually quite reads like a YA novel (with the exception of a very rude or graphic word here and there). Now as we get more into the story it becomes increasingly 'adult' in all kinds of ways.

I think there is a lot of great reviews on this book already so I'll just finish up by saying that I loved the world building, the character work and as opposed to some, the pacing as well. Do recommend.
]]> 3.97 1984 The Talisman
author: Stephen King
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1984
rating: 4
read at: 2025/06/14
date added: 2025/06/14
shelves:
review:
I really enjoyed my read of this book. While I'll concede that it is a bit long, it is also a typical King read with a flowing story and many side stories and characters that really make the story vibrant and alive. It is not necessarily only linear which made it more immersive to me.

Jack goes on a wild adventure across dimensions and across the US to save his mother from incurable cancer and to battle forces of evil. I will say that my experience at the start was a bit influenced by the current state of books. The first part of the Talisman actually quite reads like a YA novel (with the exception of a very rude or graphic word here and there). Now as we get more into the story it becomes increasingly 'adult' in all kinds of ways.

I think there is a lot of great reviews on this book already so I'll just finish up by saying that I loved the world building, the character work and as opposed to some, the pacing as well. Do recommend.

]]> <![CDATA[Crimes Against Magic (Hellequin Chronicles, #1)]]> 13608133
Crimes Against Magic is an Urban Fantasy set in modern-day London with Historical flashbacks to early fifteenth-century France. It's book one of the Hellequin Chronicles, a series about Nathan (Nate) Garrett, a centuries-old sorcerer.]]> 388 Steve McHugh Wouter 0 to-read 3.98 2012 Crimes Against Magic (Hellequin Chronicles, #1)
author: Steve McHugh
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Assail 23346552

Into this turmoil ventures the mercenary company, the Crimson Guard. Not drawn by contract, but by the promise of answers: answers that Shimmer, second in command, feels should not be sought. Also heading north, as part of an uneasy alliance of Malazan fortune-hunters and Letherii soldiery, comes the bard Fisher kel Tath. With him is a Tiste Andii who was found washed ashore and cannot remember his past and yet commands far more power than he really should. It is also rumoured that a warrior, bearer of a sword that slays gods and who once fought for the Malazans, is also journeying that way. But far to the south, a woman patiently guards the shore. She awaits both allies and enemies. She is Silverfox, newly incarnate Summoner of the undying army of the Tlan Imass, and she will do anything to stop the renewal of an ages-old crusade that could lay waste to the entire continent and beyond. Casting light on mysteries spanning the Malazan empire, and offering a glimpse of the storied and epic history that shaped it, Assail brings the epic story of the Empire of Malaz to a thrilling close.]]> 776 Ian C. Esslemont 0553824740 Wouter 5
This book was a great ending to the novels of the Malazan empire and actually nicely wraps up those books as well as some parts of Malazan Book of the Fallen. I don't want to say much more about that, but it should suffice to say Silverfox is a regular perspective in this book and that in her storyline the Crimson Guard are also tied into her storyline.

I can agree with people that say that Esslemont really is a great author. He tells stories with a lot of forward energy, mystery that actually gets an answer and some of the most awesome characters in the Malazan universe.

I loved the character work on many characters but especially on Shimmer. For Kyle it kind of fell flat for me, but I like his storyline anyway. What was also awesome was Fisher actually being very present here.

All in all, I really enjoyed this series and this book.]]> 4.14 2013 Assail
author: Ian C. Esslemont
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/09
date added: 2025/06/09
shelves:
review:
4,5 rounded up to 5 for it being a great ending to the series.

This book was a great ending to the novels of the Malazan empire and actually nicely wraps up those books as well as some parts of Malazan Book of the Fallen. I don't want to say much more about that, but it should suffice to say Silverfox is a regular perspective in this book and that in her storyline the Crimson Guard are also tied into her storyline.

I can agree with people that say that Esslemont really is a great author. He tells stories with a lot of forward energy, mystery that actually gets an answer and some of the most awesome characters in the Malazan universe.

I loved the character work on many characters but especially on Shimmer. For Kyle it kind of fell flat for me, but I like his storyline anyway. What was also awesome was Fisher actually being very present here.

All in all, I really enjoyed this series and this book.
]]> <![CDATA[Magician (The Riftwar Saga, #1-2)]]> 53118064 An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

Magician, available in ebook for the first time, is a masterwork of magic and adventure.

The whole of the magnificent Riftwar Cycle, by bestselling author Raymond E. Feist, is now available in ebook

The world had changed even before I discovered the foreign ship wrecked on the shore below Crydee Castle, but it was the harbinger of the chaos and death that was coming to our door.

War had come to the Kingdom of the Isles, and in the years that followed it would scatter my friends across the world. I longed to train as a warrior and fight alongside our duke like my foster-brother, but when the time came, I was not offered that choice. My fate would be shaped by other forces.

My name is Pug. I was once an orphaned kitchen boy, with no family and no prospects, but I am destined to become a master magician

Magician is the first book in Raymond E. Feists acclaimed Riftwar Saga. The trilogy continues with book two, Silverthorn.]]> 865 Raymond E. Feist 0007381433 Wouter 0 currently-reading 4.46 1982 Magician (The Riftwar Saga, #1-2)
author: Raymond E. Feist
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.46
book published: 1982
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/01
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Fiends of Nightmaria (The Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, #6)]]> 29610749 The Fiends of Nightmaria is a new novella from New York Times bestselling author Steven Erikson, set in the world of the Malazan Book of the Fallen.

The king is dead, long live King Bauchelain the First, crowned by the Grand Bishop Korbal Broach. Both are, of course, ably assisted in the running of the Kingdom of Farrog by their slowly unravelling servant, Emancipor Reese. However, tensions are mounting between Farrog and the neighboring country of Nightmaria, the mysterious home of the Fiends. Their ambassador, Ophal D Neeth Flatroq, seeks an audience with King Bauchelain, who has thus far rebuffed his overtures. But the necromancer has some other things on his plate.

To quell potential rebellion nearly all the artists, poets, and bards in the city have been put to death. A few survivors languish in the dungeons, bemoaning their fates. Well, just moaning in general really...and maybe plotting escape and revenge.]]> 99 Steven Erikson 1786360101 Wouter 3
Perhaps what I'm saying is that I really like it when Bauchelain, Korbal and Emancipor are on the page, which happens less in the later entries to the story, I feel.

Still a solid read :)

]]> 3.79 2016 The Fiends of Nightmaria (The Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, #6)
author: Steven Erikson
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2016
rating: 3
read at: 2025/06/01
date added: 2025/06/01
shelves:
review:
Although the Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach are fun palate cleansers, I really feel their impact for me goes down. There is no doubt that Erikson's writing is superb, and there's enough to entertain. Especially in this last story in his bundles he somehow gets 3-4 storylines with wholly different groups of people wrapped up nicely within a hundred pages or so. Still besides some fun moments, the story does not captivate me. I feel the humor is somewhat too rash, violent or raunchy for me.

Perhaps what I'm saying is that I really like it when Bauchelain, Korbal and Emancipor are on the page, which happens less in the later entries to the story, I feel.

Still a solid read :)


]]> Human Acts 222214380
Human Acts is a universal book, utterly modern and profoundly timeless. Already a controversial bestseller and award-winning book in Korea, it confirms Han Kang as a writer of immense importance.]]> 224 Han Kang Wouter 5
In this book we watch through different lenses at a young boy, Dong-Ho, and how he's sucked into the events that happened in the 1980's. As we switch perspectives we learn about all kinds of horrible things that happened and also the scars it leaves with different people. Han Kang masterfully changes perspectives in her writing as well, switching between, third, second and first person. Switching between factual description, stream of consciousness, dialogue, epistolary form, all to show what matters for the story.

While it is easy to feel continually shocked an appalled at the cruelty and violence that is being committed, at the same time Human Acts does show the spectrum of what people do. It is not only the story about cruel soldiers. It also tells the story of those who did try to escape being a powerless victim. It shows acts of kindness, morality, bravery, connectedness, commitment, but also of fear, witlessness, desperation. Basically the full spectrum. And although the military generally is depicted as cruel even then Han Kang specifically adds a paragraph that describes acts of kindness from people within that category that have been known to happen on more than an incidental basis.

This book is really worth your time. It is not a quick read, at least I would not recommend reading it like that, but it is an impressive reflection of everything we can be in times of conflict.]]> 4.39 2014 Human Acts
author: Han Kang
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/01
date added: 2025/06/01
shelves:
review:
This is an absurdly impactful book. In a mere 220 pages Han Kang delivers a unflinching mosaic of the atrocities during the Gwangju Uprising. While usually I'd immediately shift towards what this means in the world, it is importantly linked to the actual context, if only through the fact that Han Kang grew up there herself and this makes the story eerily intimate even if it is not first hand.

In this book we watch through different lenses at a young boy, Dong-Ho, and how he's sucked into the events that happened in the 1980's. As we switch perspectives we learn about all kinds of horrible things that happened and also the scars it leaves with different people. Han Kang masterfully changes perspectives in her writing as well, switching between, third, second and first person. Switching between factual description, stream of consciousness, dialogue, epistolary form, all to show what matters for the story.

While it is easy to feel continually shocked an appalled at the cruelty and violence that is being committed, at the same time Human Acts does show the spectrum of what people do. It is not only the story about cruel soldiers. It also tells the story of those who did try to escape being a powerless victim. It shows acts of kindness, morality, bravery, connectedness, commitment, but also of fear, witlessness, desperation. Basically the full spectrum. And although the military generally is depicted as cruel even then Han Kang specifically adds a paragraph that describes acts of kindness from people within that category that have been known to happen on more than an incidental basis.

This book is really worth your time. It is not a quick read, at least I would not recommend reading it like that, but it is an impressive reflection of everything we can be in times of conflict.
]]> SAKAMOTO DAYS 17 213790753 184 Yuto Suzuki 4088841204 Wouter 5 4.55 2024 SAKAMOTO DAYS 17
author: Yuto Suzuki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.55
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/31
date added: 2025/05/31
shelves:
review:
This review is for volumes 8-17. This is a fun series. As we are faced with the conflict between X and the JAA, learn who X actually is, see the order in full action the mangaka takes this series one notch up!
]]> SAKAMOTO DAYS 16 209363323 192 Yuto Suzuki 4088838785 Wouter 0 4.43 2024 SAKAMOTO DAYS 16
author: Yuto Suzuki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/31
shelves:
review:

]]> SAKAMOTO DAYS 15 209363183 192 Yuto Suzuki 4088837932 Wouter 0 4.44 2024 SAKAMOTO DAYS 15
author: Yuto Suzuki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/31
shelves:
review:

]]> War on Gaza 220337076 A timely satirical broadside on Israel's genocidal campaign against Gaza by the most acclaimed comics journalist working today.

Joe Sacco is well known as an unflinching chronicler of the injustice inflicted on the Palestinian people (Palestine, 1993; Footnotes in Gaza, 2010). He continues this mission with War on Gaza, a series of graphic commentaries on Israels rampage that began more than a year ago and continues relentlessly today.
Published in installments on The Comics Journals website, War on Gaza is a series of comics and single-panel illustrations that lay bare the naked immorality of the war itself and its dire and tragic consequences. Employing his trademark combination of honesty, compassion, and dark humor, Saccos War on Gaza is an uncompromising critique of Israels genocide and the complicity of President Joe Biden and the United States.

Black-and-white illustrations throughout.]]> 32 Joe Sacco Wouter 5
I also happened to really like the different ways in which Sacco tells the story and his ending is a call to the heart that really captures the impossibility to capture the suffering that is now being dished out.

The only thing that I find a shame is that this book was largely written before Trump was in office and literally said he wanted to make Gaza into his own American real estate project once he and Bibi got rid of the Palestinians...If possible it would be more condemning.]]> 4.43 2024 War on Gaza
author: Joe Sacco
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/30
date added: 2025/05/30
shelves:
review:
Regardless of what you think about the style and contents of this book, it succinctly summarizes the lack of morality throughout the west with regards to the genocidal atrocities that are being perpetrated in Gaza as we speak. If only for that this message deserves amplifying in any way possible.

I also happened to really like the different ways in which Sacco tells the story and his ending is a call to the heart that really captures the impossibility to capture the suffering that is now being dished out.

The only thing that I find a shame is that this book was largely written before Trump was in office and literally said he wanted to make Gaza into his own American real estate project once he and Bibi got rid of the Palestinians...If possible it would be more condemning.
]]> <![CDATA[The Thief (The Queen's Thief, #1)]]> 448873 Instead of Three Wishes, the first book by Megan Whalen Turner. Her second book more than fulfills that promise.

The king's scholar, the magus, believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure. To attain it for his king, he needs a skillful thief, and he selects Gen from the king's prison. The magus is interested only in the thief's abilities. What Gen is interested in is anyone's guess. Their journey toward the treasure is both dangerous and difficult, lightened only imperceptibly by the tales they tell of the old gods and goddesses.

Megan Whalen Turner weaves Gen's stories and Gen's story together with style and verve in a novel that is filled with intrigue, adventure, and surprise.]]> 280 Megan Whalen Turner 0060824972 Wouter 0 to-read 3.86 1996 The Thief (The Queen's Thief, #1)
author: Megan Whalen Turner
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1996
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1)]]> 59222090
But along the road of yellow brick, Dorothy meets others in the Land of Ozsome not so friendly. There are mice, magic flowers, witches, little people, and even flying monkeys. The friends must face each of these challenges as they journey through Oz. And when they reach the mysterious Wizard of Oz himself, they face the biggest challenge of all when asked to destroy the evil Wicked Witch of the West.

Take a journey with farm girl Dorothy and her friends as they find friendship, strength, and courage in the fantastical and beautiful Land of Oz.

Includes Illustrated Pages for Coloring
Foreword by Bristol Street Press
Recommended Reading for Oz fans
Short Biography of L. Frank Baum]]> 195 L. Frank Baum 1737376938 Wouter 4 3.86 1900 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Oz, #1)
author: L. Frank Baum
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1900
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/27
date added: 2025/05/27
shelves:
review:
This was a fun evergreen classic to read. Great to read what has been a story I've known in many retellings.
]]> A Ballad of Vengeance 220864549
Birna, the sorceress who believes that her husband is marching to his own demise, heads far north alongside her children to seek help for their father. But her quest might provoke the titans of the Nordlands. And the last thing Birna and her family need right now is the enmity of more titans.

As the odds don't look that good for the mortal couple, Aqen and his family will have to overcome fear and doubt with fury and valor. No matter the outcome of the upcoming clash, the folks in Kemet and the Nordlands will forever sing of their heroics.

They will forever sing the ballad of vengeance.]]> 402 Karim Soliman Wouter 3 fantasy, start-series The Advent of Winter that this novel is based on. I was one among those that actively asked for more content in that universe. And in that sense this novel does not disappoint.

This story centers around Aqen, a fighter with a divine boon from the south, and Birna, an Ice mage from the north, and their children. They live in a world where there are several pantheons of titans. It is set nine years after the short story in which the titan Apophis had come after Aqen and his family to punish him from leaving his service. Now he's come back and one of three children of Aqen and Birna has died.

This book is action-packed and there's a lot of interaction and fighting with titans. The titans in this world really speak to the imagination. They are powerful beings based on the historical Egyptian, Nordic and Greek pantheons, as are the geographical locations. This, while awesome, is also one of the first issues I had when reading the book. I really had to get used to naming and geography being so close but not the same. In the beginning of the book there's a map with three countries and it's literally Scandinavia, the Iberian peninsula and Greece and then Northern Africa with Kemet having a Nile delta kind of geographical feature. The only difference really being that the middle part of Europe is taken out. And there's a city in the north called Trodheim, and a city called Athenai, and Sparti etc. and to me that's just so close that I'd either take our literal historical geography or put in some effort and make up some new names.

Still the titans are awesome, as are the background stories of Aqen and Birna. We get to know them quite well, as well as Sigrun and Hjalmar, their surviving children. As to their character work, I kind of felt that Soliman had some trouble finding his footing. In the first part of the book, I find the emotions, especially of Aqen quite one-dimensional and flat. And with a lot of action there, I kind of felt that I was reading a Steven Seagal movie, which for me is not a compliment. But I feel that around the halfway point the interactions within the family and the feelings and past they share, helps overcome this. So in the end it became easier to relate to the characters. Although I still find some thoughts and responses somewhat clunky, I've come to think that's just who they are and then it is kind of very realistic :)

Overall the pacing is very fast. It's a fun action packed book and the ending is satisfying and has great cliff hangers. So really the book was a tale of two parts for me, but I do recommend it and will read the sequel!]]> 4.31 A Ballad of Vengeance
author: Karim Soliman
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/05/25
date added: 2025/05/26
shelves: fantasy, start-series
review:
This book was a mixed bag for me, but in the end I did enjoy it. Let me start out by saying that I loved the short story in The Advent of Winter that this novel is based on. I was one among those that actively asked for more content in that universe. And in that sense this novel does not disappoint.

This story centers around Aqen, a fighter with a divine boon from the south, and Birna, an Ice mage from the north, and their children. They live in a world where there are several pantheons of titans. It is set nine years after the short story in which the titan Apophis had come after Aqen and his family to punish him from leaving his service. Now he's come back and one of three children of Aqen and Birna has died.

This book is action-packed and there's a lot of interaction and fighting with titans. The titans in this world really speak to the imagination. They are powerful beings based on the historical Egyptian, Nordic and Greek pantheons, as are the geographical locations. This, while awesome, is also one of the first issues I had when reading the book. I really had to get used to naming and geography being so close but not the same. In the beginning of the book there's a map with three countries and it's literally Scandinavia, the Iberian peninsula and Greece and then Northern Africa with Kemet having a Nile delta kind of geographical feature. The only difference really being that the middle part of Europe is taken out. And there's a city in the north called Trodheim, and a city called Athenai, and Sparti etc. and to me that's just so close that I'd either take our literal historical geography or put in some effort and make up some new names.

Still the titans are awesome, as are the background stories of Aqen and Birna. We get to know them quite well, as well as Sigrun and Hjalmar, their surviving children. As to their character work, I kind of felt that Soliman had some trouble finding his footing. In the first part of the book, I find the emotions, especially of Aqen quite one-dimensional and flat. And with a lot of action there, I kind of felt that I was reading a Steven Seagal movie, which for me is not a compliment. But I feel that around the halfway point the interactions within the family and the feelings and past they share, helps overcome this. So in the end it became easier to relate to the characters. Although I still find some thoughts and responses somewhat clunky, I've come to think that's just who they are and then it is kind of very realistic :)

Overall the pacing is very fast. It's a fun action packed book and the ending is satisfying and has great cliff hangers. So really the book was a tale of two parts for me, but I do recommend it and will read the sequel!
]]> <![CDATA[Dragonfired (Dark Profit Saga, 3)]]> 214489026
Dragonfired will be the epic conclusion to The Dark Profit Saga.]]> 579 J. Zachary Pike 1943363692 Wouter 5
I can only say that J. Zachary Pike made a stellar book out of this. By now all the storylines have grown on us. Each character has their arc progress and/or finish and those that have died, also in earlier books, are not forgotten. I would not particularly say this is a 5-star book. I feel that all three books individually are not that, but I'm giving 5 stars because this series as a whole is really very well-balanced, well-connected, well-paced and fun. And its content is very original. I have not seen such great satire with actual meaning in the genre aside from Pratchett.

The book is well rounded and I want to make a spoilery compliment about a great ending. [spoilers removed] Everything comes nicely together.

Loved this. If you get the chance, read this trilogy.]]> 4.67 2023 Dragonfired (Dark Profit Saga, 3)
author: J. Zachary Pike
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/26
date added: 2025/05/26
shelves:
review:
This book was a strong ending to this trilogy. In the aftermath of the fight with the liche, Johan somehow has become king, even though he fled and was almost defeated. Now our heroes want to save the freedlands for once and for all from this charlatan and they try to find out what his plans are. Similarly, Johan feels that this group of adventurers is really becoming a problem and wants to get rid of them. At the center of this conflict is the Dragon's Horde.

I can only say that J. Zachary Pike made a stellar book out of this. By now all the storylines have grown on us. Each character has their arc progress and/or finish and those that have died, also in earlier books, are not forgotten. I would not particularly say this is a 5-star book. I feel that all three books individually are not that, but I'm giving 5 stars because this series as a whole is really very well-balanced, well-connected, well-paced and fun. And its content is very original. I have not seen such great satire with actual meaning in the genre aside from Pratchett.

The book is well rounded and I want to make a spoilery compliment about a great ending. [spoilers removed] Everything comes nicely together.

Loved this. If you get the chance, read this trilogy.
]]> <![CDATA[ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 13 (Made in Abyss, #13)]]> 216397268 {һrĤ˹ͬ涤򏈤
ĤߌӡƤΜuؤ̤줿

껦ӥα|ˤĤƥ`Zϟ
ĤgˤһФϸҙλؤꈤäƤޟ
ˤҊʤiΙڤuܤ뤳Ȥ˨DD!?

郎줸
ðꓻ坵ʮ!!]]> 128 Akihito Tsukushi 4801983936 Wouter 0 3.95 2024 ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 13 (Made in Abyss, #13)
author: Akihito Tsukushi
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/23
shelves:
review:

]]> Made in Abyss, Vol. 12 205080955 160 Akihito Tsukushi 8834923952 Wouter 0 3.88 2023 Made in Abyss, Vol. 12
author: Akihito Tsukushi
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 11 (Made in Abyss, #11)]]> 58708851 ˤԭ錄˂
Ĥ˱ɤƜ
ꥳ坥쥰坥ʥʥϘ˼ؤ
εؤˤDD

äؤҙ¤ˤ
٤εפĿָ
ꥳһС
坥ᥤ˥㤬
̽߼ҤҊĤDD

šݤ轑n줸
ðꓻ坵ʮһ!!]]> 144 Akihito Tsukushi 4801978029 Wouter 0 4.07 2022 ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 11 (Made in Abyss, #11)
author: Akihito Tsukushi
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/23
shelves:
review:

]]> Damascus Station 56769571
But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assads spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.]]> 432 David McCloskey 0393881040 Wouter 0 to-read 4.07 2021 Damascus Station
author: David McCloskey
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 10 (Made in Abyss, #10)]]> 54613040 ֹ蟿Ȥ쥰
˥ٻդƤ
ʥʥoĿҙޤDD

ðߤȜˤ
ƥե禡
夤Θ˼󤬽
ͻױԭ郎
ФzǤƨDD

ŭȰߤ줸
ðꓻ坵ʮ!!]]> 160 Akihito Tsukushi 4801973906 Wouter 5
Truly love this series, and also love the soundtrack that Kevin Penkin made fore it (yes all three albums are compositional masterpieces with a lot of emotion in them).]]> 4.19 2021 ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 10 (Made in Abyss, #10)
author: Akihito Tsukushi
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/18
date added: 2025/05/18
shelves:
review:
Just like in the anime, this story goes straight to the heart. The story of the golden city with Faputa, Iruumyui and the saints is awful, gut-wrenching, cruel and sad. The emotions and reflections that these stories evoke are overwhelming. And then the innocence and sweetness of the positive feelings and intentions of our crew, it is such a bittersweet mix.

Truly love this series, and also love the soundtrack that Kevin Penkin made fore it (yes all three albums are compositional masterpieces with a lot of emotion in them).
]]> <![CDATA[ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 9 (Made in Abyss, #9)]]> 45879944 160 Akihito Tsukushi 480197029X Wouter 0 4.08 2020 ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 9 (Made in Abyss, #9)
author: Akihito Tsukushi
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/18
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 8 (Made in Abyss, #8)]]> 41022951
xxˤʤägˤ̽;坥ꥳϜζˤΡĿΰ¡ȺФ坴Ů?֪ϟ

ʥʥȡ٤坥ե禤Ԥ򌤤ͤꥳˌ坤ĤƤt?Ϝγɤv׳~^ȥZʼDD

LΥ梁Τ^ðꓤA󥸥ꠤĩ·Ȥϡ!?

BQ줸ðꓻ坵ڰˎ?]]> 160 Akihito Tsukushi 4801966276 Wouter 0 4.30 2019 ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 8 (Made in Abyss, #8)
author: Akihito Tsukushi
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/18
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 6 [Meido in Abisu 6] (Made in Abyss, #6)]]> 35844803 ׵Ѥ䤨ץ륷奫颤֤ˤ坡~μ˵_ꥳһСȤȎäƤϤʤȤ~(饹ȥ)ĩ坤ĤӤ{ŤDD坤ʱŮǰ˳FΤ坶ؤ΁Q֤ġɤ颤ΗǤäDD]]> 165 Akihito Tsukushi Wouter 0 4.32 2017 ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 6 [Meido in Abisu 6] (Made in Abyss, #6)
author: Akihito Tsukushi
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/18
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 7 (Made in Abyss, #7)]]> 36602360 ȻȬF줿 ɤƴ"

סˤؤ΁֤
΁򽻓Q뤳ȤdzɤäƤ뜺Ǥä

̽סˤȤνˡ
坥ʥʥȡäЄӤ˂
ꥳΤǤʤ~Ĥ״rˎzޤƤDD

ؤճ줸ðꓻ坵ߎ?]]> 165 Akihito Tsukushi 4801963390 Wouter 0 4.23 2018 ᥤɥ󥢥ӥ 7 (Made in Abyss, #7)
author: Akihito Tsukushi
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/18
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Annihilation (Southern Reach, #1)]]> 228130558
For thirty years, Area X, monitored by the secret agency known as the Southern Reach, has remained mysterious and remote behind its intangible borderC an environmental disaster zone, though to all appearances an abundant wilderness. Eleven expeditions have been sent in to investigate; even for those that have made it out alive, there have been terrible consequences.

Annihilation is the story of the twelfth expedition and is told by its nameless biologist. Introverted but highly intelligent, the biologist brings her own secrets with her. She is accompanied by a psychologist, an anthropologist and a surveyor, their stated mission: to chart the land, take samples and expand the Southern Reachs understanding of Area X.

But they soon find out that they are being manipulated by forces both strange and all too familiar. An unmapped tunnel is not as it first appears. An inexplicable moaning calls in the distance at dusk. And while each member of the expedition has surrendered to the authority of the Southern Reach, the power of Area X is far more difficult to resist.]]> Jeff VanderMeer 0008139105 Wouter 5 I really enjoyed this book even more the second time around so 5 out of 5 instead of the 4 I gave on the first read. It is so wonderfully atmospheric and captivating. So much happens in so little pages.

First read:
I went into this book without any knowledge except for people saying it is an interesting read, and that it is. I'm really shocked to see how divisive the book is in terms of reviews. I thought it was a wonderful book. It creates great tension and atmosphere. It gives the reader mysteries to try and understand and solve. And it gives few answers and if it does they are speculative as it is from a first person perspective. So you have to make up your own mind and try to hypothesize what is happening here. I loved that.

And it seems that all the negative reviews are from people who generally go in for hard Sci-Fi or at least for complete resolution of mysteries. And that is not what this book is. There is an Area, called Area X where strange things happen. It is quarantined and expeditions are sent there to understand what is going on.

As we follow the biologist in a group of four we learn about the area, about how the expeditions are run, but also conditioned and manipulated. As our protagonist goes on an adventure to grasp everything that's happening some of the events also tie into her past.

All in all, for how short the book is, there is a lot of interesting and great elements in this book. I got really into first person character, her memories, thoughts and doubts. And I loved the 'biology' of Area X.

Definitely recommend, unless you want a book in which everything is clear or solved at the end ;)]]> 4.02 2014 Annihilation (Southern Reach, #1)
author: Jeff VanderMeer
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/17
date added: 2025/05/17
shelves:
review:
Second read:
I really enjoyed this book even more the second time around so 5 out of 5 instead of the 4 I gave on the first read. It is so wonderfully atmospheric and captivating. So much happens in so little pages.

First read:
I went into this book without any knowledge except for people saying it is an interesting read, and that it is. I'm really shocked to see how divisive the book is in terms of reviews. I thought it was a wonderful book. It creates great tension and atmosphere. It gives the reader mysteries to try and understand and solve. And it gives few answers and if it does they are speculative as it is from a first person perspective. So you have to make up your own mind and try to hypothesize what is happening here. I loved that.

And it seems that all the negative reviews are from people who generally go in for hard Sci-Fi or at least for complete resolution of mysteries. And that is not what this book is. There is an Area, called Area X where strange things happen. It is quarantined and expeditions are sent there to understand what is going on.

As we follow the biologist in a group of four we learn about the area, about how the expeditions are run, but also conditioned and manipulated. As our protagonist goes on an adventure to grasp everything that's happening some of the events also tie into her past.

All in all, for how short the book is, there is a lot of interesting and great elements in this book. I got really into first person character, her memories, thoughts and doubts. And I loved the 'biology' of Area X.

Definitely recommend, unless you want a book in which everything is clear or solved at the end ;)
]]> <![CDATA[Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, #1)]]> 901
Once Again, Earth is under attack. An alien species is poised for a front assault. The survival of humanity depends on a military genius who can defeat the aliens.

But who?

Ender Wiggin. Brilliant. Ruthless. Cunning. A tactical and strategic master. And a child.

Recruited for military training by the world government, Ender's childhood ends the moment he enters his new home: Battle School. Among the elite recruits Ender proves himself to be a genius among geniuses. In simulated war games he excels. But is the pressure and loneliness taking its toll on Ender? Simulations are one thing. How will Ender perform in real combat conditions? After all, Battle School is just a game.

Right? (back cover)

]]> 324 Orson Scott Card Wouter 3
I feel this book is great for young boys, or older men who were young boys in the 80's, when this book was published. In its essence the plot is fun and interesting. I think it speaks to themes of war and morality, but also introduces psychological mechanisms and tactical workings that people can learn from. Although kind of flat, there are some relatable dynamics between Ender and his family and between Ender and his school mates. The ending and plot twists were great.

Many of the criticisms are also true. Underrepresentation of women (although very conforming or even slightly progressive for the 80's). Slightly flat characters. Although I can acknowledge that very intelligent kids can think very mature, I feel the fact that they are children and its influence is not really fleshed out well. Nothing seems to be hard for Ender, which is fine because he is of a genius none of us can understand. However, it also makes the stakes feel kind of low in terms of overcoming challenges.

The one thing that did make my eyebrows raise was the part with positions of power on this central Earth organisation largely being held by 'the Jews' and Israel continuously having defeated every opponent. This might've been some weird kind of antisemitic way to keep propagating the stories that have led to prosecution of the Jewish people through the ages, with Jews in power behind the scenes. But then it might be a very Zionist message where they were really the super people they were always supposed to be, in the position they deserve. Either way, I feel it did not age well, with reality now being that for the first myth antisemitism is rising again, and Israel's government (not to be confused with Jewish people in general) currently committing large scale ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Generally I found the depiction of different countries or geopolitical groups slightly dated and unneccesarily stereotypical.

All in all, it is a fine book, with some dated contents and to me not superimpressive.]]> 4.21 1985 Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, #1)
author: Orson Scott Card
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1985
rating: 3
read at: 2025/05/17
date added: 2025/05/17
shelves:
review:
At first I was hyped for this book, then I was kind of held back by the author's beliefs. Finally, but then I thought let's view the book in light of the time it was written and with that knowledge about the author in the back of my mind. In the end I found it a good book, but also kind of disappointing.

I feel this book is great for young boys, or older men who were young boys in the 80's, when this book was published. In its essence the plot is fun and interesting. I think it speaks to themes of war and morality, but also introduces psychological mechanisms and tactical workings that people can learn from. Although kind of flat, there are some relatable dynamics between Ender and his family and between Ender and his school mates. The ending and plot twists were great.

Many of the criticisms are also true. Underrepresentation of women (although very conforming or even slightly progressive for the 80's). Slightly flat characters. Although I can acknowledge that very intelligent kids can think very mature, I feel the fact that they are children and its influence is not really fleshed out well. Nothing seems to be hard for Ender, which is fine because he is of a genius none of us can understand. However, it also makes the stakes feel kind of low in terms of overcoming challenges.

The one thing that did make my eyebrows raise was the part with positions of power on this central Earth organisation largely being held by 'the Jews' and Israel continuously having defeated every opponent. This might've been some weird kind of antisemitic way to keep propagating the stories that have led to prosecution of the Jewish people through the ages, with Jews in power behind the scenes. But then it might be a very Zionist message where they were really the super people they were always supposed to be, in the position they deserve. Either way, I feel it did not age well, with reality now being that for the first myth antisemitism is rising again, and Israel's government (not to be confused with Jewish people in general) currently committing large scale ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Generally I found the depiction of different countries or geopolitical groups slightly dated and unneccesarily stereotypical.

All in all, it is a fine book, with some dated contents and to me not superimpressive.
]]> The Bluest Eye 11337 The Bluest Eye is Toni Morrison's first novel, a book heralded for its richness of language and boldness of vision. Set in the author's girlhood hometown of Lorain, Ohio, it tells the story of black, eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove. Pecola prays for her eyes to turn blue so that she will be as beautiful and beloved as all the blond, blue-eyed children in America. In the autumn of 1941, the year the marigolds in the Breedloves' garden do not bloom. Pecola's life does changein painful, devastating ways.

With its vivid evocation of the fear and loneliness at the heart of a child's yearning, and the tragedy of its fulfillment. The Bluest Eye remains one of Toni Morrison's most powerful, unforgettable novels- and a significant work of American fiction.]]> 216 Toni Morrison Wouter 0 to-read 4.13 1970 The Bluest Eye
author: Toni Morrison
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.13
book published: 1970
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Nettle and Bone 123219359
Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a princeif she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.

On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra's family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.]]> 325 T. Kingfisher 1803360992 Wouter 3 standalone, fantasy
So generally I feel it is a good book but it really prescribes the flaws that I've encountered several times in similar books from later authors trying to do something similar.]]> 4.03 2022 Nettle and Bone
author: T. Kingfisher
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2025/05/15
date added: 2025/05/15
shelves: standalone, fantasy
review:
This was a solid book. I've heard a lot about T. Kingfisher and I feel it is the best author I've read in this particular subgenre of dark fairy tale retellings. Even though I think the world building was nice and the plot was well-paced, I can also see where the subgenres general lack of character depth is inspired by. I felt that most emotions were kind of on the sleeve, in the moment but rather inconsequential. This is fine if you're here mostly for the plot which was well fleshed out.

So generally I feel it is a good book but it really prescribes the flaws that I've encountered several times in similar books from later authors trying to do something similar.
]]> The Godbreaker 60321151 The triumphant third and final part of the God-King Chronicles. The Godbreaker is the unmissable culmination of the series, filled with war-dragons, armoured knights, sea-faring raiders, dangerous magic and battle scenes.

War comes to Narida and Nothing Will Be The Same Again.?

As the Black Keep Council prepares for war, journeying far to protect their lands and friend, The God-King and his sister try to keep Narida together in the face of betrayal while the Splinter King remains at large.

The Golden and his hordes of raiders press their advantage and sweep across the land with unholy powers.??

Sacrifices will be made, and not everyone will make it back to Black Keep alive...?]]> 672 Mike Brooks Wouter 4
Even the climax in this book was unconventional and interesting. I did find the final outcome a bit sappy, but that does not detract from the overall quality of enjoyment I had from these books.

I'll definitely go and look for more of Brooks' work in the future.]]> 3.90 2022 The Godbreaker
author: Mike Brooks
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/14
date added: 2025/05/14
shelves:
review:
This book was a great ending to a great trilogy. It's been a while since I've been this invested and appreciative allround of a series. I feel character work, world building, use of perspectives, action, politics and thematic work are all great. I feel Brooks has really told a great story.

Even the climax in this book was unconventional and interesting. I did find the final outcome a bit sappy, but that does not detract from the overall quality of enjoyment I had from these books.

I'll definitely go and look for more of Brooks' work in the future.
]]> House of Leaves 337907
Of course, neither Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Will Navidson nor his companion Karen Green was prepared to face the consequences of that impossibility, until the day their two little children wandered off and their voices eerily began to return another storyof creature darkness, of an ever-growing abyss behind a closet door, and of that unholy growl which soon enough would tear through their walls and consume all their dreams.]]> 709 Mark Z. Danielewski Wouter 4
So the story is one that everyone has encountered who by accident might've watched some horror movies in their life. When I tell it the book is not spoiled and you will not be surprised. A family (the Navidsons) comes to live in a new house. Some things about the house don't add up. They try to figure it out. Strangeness increases, madness ensues.

The way it is told is totally different because this is a true story (it is a shame the author is on the front of the book, or it would be a complete performance). It is a script sent to the editors of Random House by a Johnny Truant who has gathered and organized the life's work of a Mr. Zampano. His life's work is to study what happened in the Navidson house through the material that Navidson has produced himself and many different sources.

However, not only is the story of what happens in the house and what can be found on the film footage of Navidson harrowing. Something strange seems to happen to the sanity to anyone investigating the case. Even reading this book calls up some feelings of eeriness and dissociation and a deep respect for darkness and emptiness. Or not...It is really a personal experience of course.

The book interweaves the documentation by Zampano with Truants reflections on it and Truants reflections on really anything he is doing in his life. There are fragments from video transcripts, pictures, letters, interviews and all sorts of sources to see what happens. Not only that, the layout of the pages is made to reflect the written material. I actually enjoyed that there are really great short stories hidden throughout the book. For example, in the appendix we find a bunch of letters from Johnny's mother from the mental health institution where she is being treated. They tell Johnny's past in a very interesting way.

And as such I think this is rather a work of art than a book. And to some this may be a turn off, or feel intellectual or pretentious. I personally really enjoy how Danielewski explores the materiality of books and mimics some of the materiality of architecture. I love how the current format allows him to also explore the state of mind of those confronted with the house, rather than just focus on the experience.

Another thing I really liked is how Zampano is one of those people using difficult words and quotes from other languages, constantly trying to show off how smart he is, while ending up looking extremely bombastic and vague. Then Truant's perspective and the weird lay-out really breaks from that so you won't get bored. Truant has not had a good youth and is a bit of a bad boy and shares his experiences.

All in all, there's a lot to say and reflect on, but I think it is just an experience you should take if you're up for it. I do not think it is for everyone, but I enjoyed it as a work of art.]]> 4.03 2000 House of Leaves
author: Mark Z. Danielewski
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/10
date added: 2025/05/10
shelves: historical-and-literary-fiction, standalone
review:
I see from the reviews that this book is very divisive and as far as I'm concerned it is because the book does something very different. This book has one of the most clich premises and executes it in a way more like performance art than in book form. The book is simply the medium. Some people say it is hard to read, I do not think this is necessarily true, unless you generally feel, each word or sentence should have a meaning. This is not that book, there's fluff, weirdness and confusing layout. This also means it is not as long as it seems. A lot of pages have few words, or crossed out words or large margins.

So the story is one that everyone has encountered who by accident might've watched some horror movies in their life. When I tell it the book is not spoiled and you will not be surprised. A family (the Navidsons) comes to live in a new house. Some things about the house don't add up. They try to figure it out. Strangeness increases, madness ensues.

The way it is told is totally different because this is a true story (it is a shame the author is on the front of the book, or it would be a complete performance). It is a script sent to the editors of Random House by a Johnny Truant who has gathered and organized the life's work of a Mr. Zampano. His life's work is to study what happened in the Navidson house through the material that Navidson has produced himself and many different sources.

However, not only is the story of what happens in the house and what can be found on the film footage of Navidson harrowing. Something strange seems to happen to the sanity to anyone investigating the case. Even reading this book calls up some feelings of eeriness and dissociation and a deep respect for darkness and emptiness. Or not...It is really a personal experience of course.

The book interweaves the documentation by Zampano with Truants reflections on it and Truants reflections on really anything he is doing in his life. There are fragments from video transcripts, pictures, letters, interviews and all sorts of sources to see what happens. Not only that, the layout of the pages is made to reflect the written material. I actually enjoyed that there are really great short stories hidden throughout the book. For example, in the appendix we find a bunch of letters from Johnny's mother from the mental health institution where she is being treated. They tell Johnny's past in a very interesting way.

And as such I think this is rather a work of art than a book. And to some this may be a turn off, or feel intellectual or pretentious. I personally really enjoy how Danielewski explores the materiality of books and mimics some of the materiality of architecture. I love how the current format allows him to also explore the state of mind of those confronted with the house, rather than just focus on the experience.

Another thing I really liked is how Zampano is one of those people using difficult words and quotes from other languages, constantly trying to show off how smart he is, while ending up looking extremely bombastic and vague. Then Truant's perspective and the weird lay-out really breaks from that so you won't get bored. Truant has not had a good youth and is a bit of a bad boy and shares his experiences.

All in all, there's a lot to say and reflect on, but I think it is just an experience you should take if you're up for it. I do not think it is for everyone, but I enjoyed it as a work of art.
]]> <![CDATA[Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse, #1)]]> 8855321
Jim Holden is XO of an ice miner making runs from the rings of Saturn to the mining stations of the Belt. When he and his crew stumble upon a derelict ship, the Scopuli, they find themselves in possession of a secret they never wanted. A secret that someone is willing to kill forand kill on a scale unfathomable to Jim and his crew. War is brewing in the system unless he can find out who left the ship and why.

Detective Miller is looking for a girl. One girl in a system of billions, but her parents have money and money talks. When the trail leads him to the Scopuli and rebel sympathizer Holden, he realizes that this girl may be the key to everything.

Holden and Miller must thread the needle between the Earth government, the Outer Planet revolutionaries, and secretive corporationsand the odds are against them. But out in the Belt, the rules are different, and one small ship can change the fate of the universe.]]> 592 James S.A. Corey 1841499889 Wouter 4
In this book we see how Holden and his crew become to be a crew and how they get intwined into heavy solar system war and politics between these three factions, or more... Not only that, there's also an alien threat. At the same time we follow Miller, a police agent from a space station that is to find a woman who has run away from her parents from earth to join the activist rebellion from the human's in the belt. And everything will come together in a thrilling climax with high stakes.

The authors of the book are really successful in writing cinematically. They find the perfect blend between action, mystery, true character and relationship development. These are all packaged in some very movie-esque sentences and oneliners and the visual effects (well descriptions, but you get what I mean) are great! It is really easy and fun to read, but not at all pulpy.

I will leave it at this because I do not want to spoil anything. I can definitely say I recommend this book, especially to those who love firefly, or star trek/babylon 5 vibes but with slightly less aliens. It is the crew meets a problem that needs to be navigated with brains, technique, politics and action type of story.]]> 4.30 2011 Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse, #1)
author: James S.A. Corey
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/05
date added: 2025/05/05
shelves:
review:
I can see why I've heard a lot of praise about this series. I just read the first book and I'm already a fan. This book takes place in a future where humans have colonized Mars and the Belt. All three are kind of separate forces and interdependent. The Belt is definitely worse off and is being kind of dominated by Earth and Mars.

In this book we see how Holden and his crew become to be a crew and how they get intwined into heavy solar system war and politics between these three factions, or more... Not only that, there's also an alien threat. At the same time we follow Miller, a police agent from a space station that is to find a woman who has run away from her parents from earth to join the activist rebellion from the human's in the belt. And everything will come together in a thrilling climax with high stakes.

The authors of the book are really successful in writing cinematically. They find the perfect blend between action, mystery, true character and relationship development. These are all packaged in some very movie-esque sentences and oneliners and the visual effects (well descriptions, but you get what I mean) are great! It is really easy and fun to read, but not at all pulpy.

I will leave it at this because I do not want to spoil anything. I can definitely say I recommend this book, especially to those who love firefly, or star trek/babylon 5 vibes but with slightly less aliens. It is the crew meets a problem that needs to be navigated with brains, technique, politics and action type of story.
]]> <![CDATA[The Splinter King (The God-King Chronicles, #2)]]> 56897861 The Splinter King?is the second book in the unmissable series started with?The Black Coast. Filled with war-dragons, armoured knights, sea-faring raiders, dangerous magic and battle scenes.

Still reeling from the events of?The Black Coast, and the rise of the daemonic warlord, the political machinations, betrayals, new friendships, duels and battles continue to unfold as new characters appear and old return.?

As the quest for the new God-King begins and a deadly coup is planned, the Nardia seems to be a kingdom forever in turmoil.

Praise for Mike Brooks

"Mike Brook's?Dark Run?is a rambunctious, rapidfire rollercoaster of a read. Get signed up and strapped in for a helluva ride!" -- Michael Cobley, author of the?Humanitys Fire?series

"Great fun... Golden Age chic!" -- Stephen Baxter on?Dark Run

"Brookss terrific debut demonstrates that a good caper tale can take place anywhere, even in interstellar space ... Fans of rip-roaring space adventures will greatly enjoy this one." --?Publisher's Weekly

"Dark Run?is a thrill-ride of non-stop action, wise-crackery and adventure in the vast vaults of outer space. I look forward to revisiting Ichabod Drift and the crew of the Keiko time and again " -- Luke Scull

"... if youre looking for a Firefly-like tale, filled with characters like Damian Frey and the crew of the Ketty Jay, you wont be disappointed with this one. A quick read, but an immensely entertaining one." --?sffworld.com

"The bonds among the crew continue to be a high point of the writing, as are Brooks's terrific action sequences."--?Publishers Weekly?on?Dark Deeds, starred review

"Intrigue, piracy and action,?Dark Run?is a page turning SF romp with an edge as sharp as mono-molecular blade." -- Gavin Smith, author of?Veteran?and?War in Heaven

"A fast and wry SF adventure full of the deviousness and wit of?Firefly." -- Stephen Deas on?Dark Run]]> 672 Mike Brooks 1781089213 Wouter 5
This book finds a sweet spot between action, political intrigue, reflection and character growth. All the while world building is mostly part of all of these without any forced information dumps. We get more politics from the Neridian court, while still getting battles with dragons and raiders.

The Characters are awesome. I love how both Tila and Zhanna really shine in this book. I got slightly confused with all the different people who are part of Jeya's social sphere, but in the end also that timeline with Nabanda was great.

In conclusion. Really recommend this trilogy and can't wait to read the final book!]]> 4.12 2021 The Splinter King (The God-King Chronicles, #2)
author: Mike Brooks
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/05
date added: 2025/05/05
shelves:
review:
4,5 rounded up to a 5. A solid middle book and not just a middle book. I'm thoroughly enjoying the different storylines that Brooks already set up in the first book. In Splinter King the world broadens. We see a lot more of course of the struggles of the Splinter King in hiding and his protector Jeya. We get to see the increasing tension and political intrigue in the court of the God King. And 'The Golden' is coming closer.

This book finds a sweet spot between action, political intrigue, reflection and character growth. All the while world building is mostly part of all of these without any forced information dumps. We get more politics from the Neridian court, while still getting battles with dragons and raiders.

The Characters are awesome. I love how both Tila and Zhanna really shine in this book. I got slightly confused with all the different people who are part of Jeya's social sphere, but in the end also that timeline with Nabanda was great.

In conclusion. Really recommend this trilogy and can't wait to read the final book!
]]> Night 1617 Night is the terrifying record of Elie Wiesel's memories of the death of his family, the death of his own innocence, and his despair as a deeply observant Jew confronting the absolute evil of man. This new translation by his wife and most frequent translator, Marion Wiesel, corrects important details and presents the most accurate rendering in English of Elie Wiesel's testimony to what happened in the camps and of his unforgettable message that this horror must simply never be allowed to happen again.]]> 120 Elie Wiesel 0374500010 Wouter 4 non-fiction, standalone
I also particularly appreciated Wiesels reflection and the inclusion of his nobel prize acceptance speech. I really appreciated how he acknowledge the suffering of Palestinians at the time. At the same time he thinks it will end because he has faith in the Jewish people. And while I think that is fair, I'd argue here that there is a bit of a gap between Jews as a people or religion and the current Israeli Government. Now what happened to the Jews during WW II is an unprecedented genocide on an unprecedented scale and there is so much suffering in the holocaust it can only be fathomed by reading stories at a personal level like this one. And by no means will I compare it to anything else. I am just arguing that from my perspective that acceptance speech did not particularly age well.]]> 4.38 1956 Night
author: Elie Wiesel
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.38
book published: 1956
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/04
date added: 2025/05/04
shelves: non-fiction, standalone
review:
This is a great book and a standard as far as concentration camp survivor story's go. As a consequence most of what happened I've seen in different formats and movies. Still in a very short time Wiesel captures the humanity and inhumanity of each situation and his choices make for a fast-paced dreadful and captivating retelling of his experiences. The explorations of his own morality and deservingness of being one of the survivors are so honest and trying they are heartbreaking.

I also particularly appreciated Wiesels reflection and the inclusion of his nobel prize acceptance speech. I really appreciated how he acknowledge the suffering of Palestinians at the time. At the same time he thinks it will end because he has faith in the Jewish people. And while I think that is fair, I'd argue here that there is a bit of a gap between Jews as a people or religion and the current Israeli Government. Now what happened to the Jews during WW II is an unprecedented genocide on an unprecedented scale and there is so much suffering in the holocaust it can only be fathomed by reading stories at a personal level like this one. And by no means will I compare it to anything else. I am just arguing that from my perspective that acceptance speech did not particularly age well.
]]> <![CDATA[Son of a Liche (Dark Profit Saga, 2)]]> 214489031
Still bruised and heartbroken from their last calamitous quest, Gorm Ingerson and his band of washed-up heroes try to make amends for the Orcs they accidentally betrayed. But justice is put on hold when an old foe marches to the city gates. Gorm is horrified to discover a liche pitching the frightened city-dwellers on the merits of the undead lifestyle at the head of a corpse army.

To save the city from high-pressure sales tactics and an inevitable siege, the Dwarf warrior and his misfit band hatch a harebrained scheme that lands them at the top of the kings kill list. With death and dark magic on his heels, Gorm must craft his own pitch to round up the troops and put the undead snake-oil salesman and his army of pushers permanently out of business.]]> 608 J. Zachary Pike 1943363684 Wouter 4
At the same time we learn about the 2008 banking crisis through the concept of Colleteralised Threat Obligations. It shows in a fun satirical way how incredibly stupid greed makes people and how incredibly stupid it was that we had this banking crisis.

Pike's work is really one of those rare one's that echoes Pratchett in an admirable way, which is very hard. It is satire aimed both at the genre and on themes in the real world, while all the while providing great character work and an ever moving fun and action-packed plot. While I did not find every single storyline as captivating, I laughed out loud a lot. Really recommend picking up this series.]]> 4.50 2018 Son of a Liche (Dark Profit Saga, 2)
author: J. Zachary Pike
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/27
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves:
review:
A brilliant and enjoyable sequel to Orconomics, with a lot of the characters I've come to care for. In this book we see how our heroes try to prevent Jynn's father Detarr Ur'Mayan to turn the whole world in his undead empire. A great occassion to both dive in Jynn's history while also good for a lot of action and fun. Detarr works on amassing his army of undead with his head of marketing (yes a floating skull). At the same time our heroes need to become a better party and find allies to turn away this great threat.

At the same time we learn about the 2008 banking crisis through the concept of Colleteralised Threat Obligations. It shows in a fun satirical way how incredibly stupid greed makes people and how incredibly stupid it was that we had this banking crisis.

Pike's work is really one of those rare one's that echoes Pratchett in an admirable way, which is very hard. It is satire aimed both at the genre and on themes in the real world, while all the while providing great character work and an ever moving fun and action-packed plot. While I did not find every single storyline as captivating, I laughed out loud a lot. Really recommend picking up this series.
]]> Х 2 [Kagurabachi 2] 213366313 208 Takeru Hokazono 4088838807 Wouter 0 4.35 2024 Х 2 [Kagurabachi 2]
author: Takeru Hokazono
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:

]]> Х 1 [Kagurabachi 1] 205954199 216 Takeru Hokazono 408883819X Wouter 0 4.24 2024 Х 1 [Kagurabachi 1]
author: Takeru Hokazono
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Discovery: Strange Eons: Book One]]> 230157398 Cosmic game board like no other. Astonishing. Brilliant. Unsettling. Stunning. - Janny Wurts, author of the series, The Wars of Light and Shadow
In 1992, at the dawn of the age of technology, disgraced ex-game show host Manny di Martini schemes for a comeback with a deep-sea television special in the South Pacific. He quickly finds himself in over his head, attracting the attention of a cosmic being who will lead Manny to a television broadcast event much bigger than the entire planet bargained evidence of a slumbering alien in a ruined city at the bottom of the ocean. One look at the monster on TV, and humans collectively freak out.

The narrative leaps between a cast of unforgettable characters, revealing their connections to cosmic gods who play with their lives. If humanity cant save itself, and the cosmic beings do not have humans best interests in their cold hearts, humanity will have to pull itself together to prepare for a war that not only threatens Earth, but the very fabric of reality.

Discovery transcends genre to explore the big questions about our place in all this vastness. And we might not want to hear the answers. - Philip Chase, author of the series, The Edan Trilogy
The power of J.A.J. Mintons imagination and storytelling cannot be overstated. Esmay Rosalyne, Grimdark Magazine
Once this cosmic mystery/thriller has you in its tentacles, it doesn't let go. J.A.J. Minton is a serious talent and has made a wonderfully rich contribution to the world of story with Discovery. -Jacquelyn Hagen, author of the series, The Riverfall Chronicles
This book helped us discover one J.A.J. Minton created a masterpiece. The plot is fresh and thrilling from start to finish. World-building is brilliantly realized. Discovery blew our minds; all two remaining brain cells. We gawk in supreme awe. 5/5 stars. - Austin & Richard, 2 to Ramble]]> 461 J.A.J. Minton Wouter 0 to-read 4.45 Discovery: Strange Eons: Book One
author: J.A.J. Minton
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.45
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[This Inevitable Ruin (Dungeon Crawler Carl, #7)]]> 216017751 The time has come! Book seven in the bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series is here!

They call it Faction Wars.

The ninth floor.

Nine armies, each led by rich and powerful aliens from across the galaxy. Each team has one objective: to capture and hold the castle at the very center of the battlefield. Strategy, alliances, pitched battles, and, of course, betrayal... It all makes for great fun and even greater television.

After all, none of these powerful aliens really die when theyre playing war.

Except this time. This time, winner takes all. Those who fall, stay in the ground.

As the AI continues its rapid decline, Carl and company take advantage of the chaos. For the first time ever, the crawlers are fighting back. They are now one of the nine teams. And this season, theres a tenth army on the playing field. The NPCs, who are normally used as nothing but cannon fodder, have become fully self-aware and formed a team of their own.

For Donut and Katia, the stakes are even higher. Only one of them will be allowed to leave this level.

If they all want to survive, theyre going to need a little help from a veteran or two.

This is it.
This is what theyve been fighting toward.
This is war.

This inevitable ruin.]]> 724 Matt Dinniman Wouter 5
4,5 stars rounded up to 5 for amazing storytelling. Dinniman has not disappointed until now. Each addition to the series expands the world, deepens our understanding of the politics in the galaxy, explores the lives of different characters, all the while keeping focus on Carl and Donut as well. As if that's not enough, each novel another gimmick and level of complexity is added to the game as well.

In this 7th addition it is finally time for Faction Wars. We've heard about it a lot in previous books. And it is high stakes and....well not exactly fun as there is also a lot of death and suffering...but it is very action-packed, dangerous and with a lot of developments. It is not just a flat-out war.

While all this is happening Dinniman manages to really juggle everything into a coherent story with a lot of reading enjoyment and also depth. So much is happening that I will want to reread this one very soon or even maybe do a reread of the whole series.

I think Derri said it best in her chat with Ben from 'Books with Benghis Khan': We get all these complexities but everytime Dinniman comes back to what is the immediate danger to Carl and Donut and their friends, making it continuously high stakes for me as a reader.]]> 4.63 2024 This Inevitable Ruin (Dungeon Crawler Carl, #7)
author: Matt Dinniman
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.63
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/23
date added: 2025/04/23
shelves:
review:
Just had to reread :) Great book, so much to explore and absorb while so easy to follow. A great example of how accessible and complex can go hand-in-hand.

4,5 stars rounded up to 5 for amazing storytelling. Dinniman has not disappointed until now. Each addition to the series expands the world, deepens our understanding of the politics in the galaxy, explores the lives of different characters, all the while keeping focus on Carl and Donut as well. As if that's not enough, each novel another gimmick and level of complexity is added to the game as well.

In this 7th addition it is finally time for Faction Wars. We've heard about it a lot in previous books. And it is high stakes and....well not exactly fun as there is also a lot of death and suffering...but it is very action-packed, dangerous and with a lot of developments. It is not just a flat-out war.

While all this is happening Dinniman manages to really juggle everything into a coherent story with a lot of reading enjoyment and also depth. So much is happening that I will want to reread this one very soon or even maybe do a reread of the whole series.

I think Derri said it best in her chat with Ben from 'Books with Benghis Khan': We get all these complexities but everytime Dinniman comes back to what is the immediate danger to Carl and Donut and their friends, making it continuously high stakes for me as a reader.
]]> Cosmogramma 58737015
Robots used as human proxies in a war become driven by all-too-human desires; Kill Parties roam the streets of a post-apocalyptic world; a matriarchal race of mer creatures depends on inter-breeding with mortals to survive; mysterious seeds appear in cities across the world, growing into the likeness of people in their vicinity.

Through transfigured bodies and impossible encounters, Newland brings a sharp, fresh eye to age-old themes of the human capacity for greed, ambition and self-destruction, but ultimately of our strength and resilience.]]> 320 Courttia Newland 1786897091 Wouter 2 Ted Chiang. Chiang's character work is really on par in my opinion. if you want good character work in sci-fi contexts and magical realism I'd rather recommend Ken Liu. I feel Liu, even in the stories he focuses on character work, does concepts a lot more justice and comes up with more original concepts to explore.

Now having said that, the book was not all bad. I can see from the text that Newland is a talented writer and I'm curious about his other work. I just feel that an exploration of the existing genre might have helped. And then again, this book might very well be a good gateway book from Lit-Fic into Sci-Fi.

There are some engaging and entertaining stories in here. I think there were 2-3 stories that actually hit me in the feels. However, the book generally felt like a bit of a slog, which is definitely not why I read short story collections. All in all, I will give Newland another try in another format or genre.]]> 3.29 2017 Cosmogramma
author: Courttia Newland
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.29
book published: 2017
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/21
date added: 2025/04/21
shelves:
review:
I wasn't a fan of this book. While I can appreciate someone dipping their toe in the Sci-Fi genre (at least this was my impression), I feel the different concepts in these stories here are mostly unoriginal and underexplored. For me, way too much time was used for setting the scene and most stories ended with a question where most stories start. I read a review that said the author's character work was better than a lot of sci-fi, which is probably true in the long tradition of the genre (there has been a lot of pulpy sci-fi over time). Still, in my opinion contemporary sci-fi authors oftentimes do really good character work. If you want real good conceptual exploration I'd really recommend Ted Chiang. Chiang's character work is really on par in my opinion. if you want good character work in sci-fi contexts and magical realism I'd rather recommend Ken Liu. I feel Liu, even in the stories he focuses on character work, does concepts a lot more justice and comes up with more original concepts to explore.

Now having said that, the book was not all bad. I can see from the text that Newland is a talented writer and I'm curious about his other work. I just feel that an exploration of the existing genre might have helped. And then again, this book might very well be a good gateway book from Lit-Fic into Sci-Fi.

There are some engaging and entertaining stories in here. I think there were 2-3 stories that actually hit me in the feels. However, the book generally felt like a bit of a slog, which is definitely not why I read short story collections. All in all, I will give Newland another try in another format or genre.
]]> A Monster Calls 25480342 The bestselling novel about love, loss and hope from the twice Carnegie Medal-winning Patrick Ness.

Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started the treatments that don't quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there's a visitor at his window. It's ancient, elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.

Patrick Ness takes the final idea of the late, award-winning writer Siobhan Dowd and weaves an extraordinary and heartbreaking tale of mischief, healing and above all, the courage it takes to survive.]]> 237 Patrick Ness 1406361801 Wouter 5 ya-and-kids
I cried...a lot...and loved this book. It explores what happens inside us that we usually keep in and in that, it is wonderful.

]]> 4.28 2011 A Monster Calls
author: Patrick Ness
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2011
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/18
date added: 2025/04/18
shelves: ya-and-kids
review:
Thanks to Jake Bishop for recommending this book which I would not have picked up otherwise. This is a wonderful book, a beautiful book, a terrible book, and an emotional book. I also strongly believe it is highly concentrated therapy in book form for kids an parents, for dealing with illness, death and I feel any process of grief and accepting bad circumstances that are not within your influence and power.

I cried...a lot...and loved this book. It explores what happens inside us that we usually keep in and in that, it is wonderful.


]]> <![CDATA[Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind]]> 23692271 512 Yuval Noah Harari Wouter 4
I think this book really takes a scientific and rational viewpoint on the world, which will probably make some people veer off that lack curiosity or are too much entrenched in a particular way of looking at life and society. As with all books, this author also has some hypotheses and explanations that may be seen as speculative, but I find that the author more often than not refrains from trying to explain to much and just describes what happened and builds explanations from facts.

If you are curious about or like discussing the history of humankind, I feel this book provides some interesting and (at least for me) unique perspectives.]]> 4.33 2011 Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
author: Yuval Noah Harari
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/14
date added: 2025/04/14
shelves:
review:
A very interesting book with some very thought-provoking analyses of the history of humankind. The author takes us on a journey through history and executes some very interesting analyses of the agricultural revolution, the industrial revolution as well as the nature of religions and ideologies. We get some very interesting perspectives on colonialism, the rise of the scientific method and how it affects and interacts with humanity.

I think this book really takes a scientific and rational viewpoint on the world, which will probably make some people veer off that lack curiosity or are too much entrenched in a particular way of looking at life and society. As with all books, this author also has some hypotheses and explanations that may be seen as speculative, but I find that the author more often than not refrains from trying to explain to much and just describes what happened and builds explanations from facts.

If you are curious about or like discussing the history of humankind, I feel this book provides some interesting and (at least for me) unique perspectives.
]]> <![CDATA[Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1)]]> 216999473
For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze.

However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister, shadowbound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand...]]> 718 Steven Erikson 1787637514 Wouter 5 4.21 1999 Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #1)
author: Steven Erikson
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at: 2022/11/01
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: would-always-recommend, malazan, series, start-series, currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Black Coast (The God-King Chronicles, #1)]]> 54312767 The Black Coast is the start of a series filled with war-dragons, armoured knights, sea-faring raiders, dangerous magic and battle scenes.

When the citizens of Black Keep see ships on the horizon, terror takes them, for they know who is coming: for generations, Black Keep has been raided by the fearsome clanspeople of Iwernia. Saddling their war dragons, the Naridans rush to defend their home only to discover that the clanspeople have not come to pillage at all. Driven from their own homeland by the rise of a daemonic despot who prophesies the end of the world, they have come in search of a new home. Meanwhile the wider continent of Narida is lurching toward war. Black Keep is about to be caught in the cross-fire of the coming war for the world C if only its new mismatched society can survive.]]> 670 Mike Brooks 1781088241 Wouter 5
This book strikes a great balance between a classical fantasy feeling story and contemporary themes such as gender and sexuality but in a very natural way. Rather than making one culture the conservative one and the other the progressive one Brooks makes the Neridans an honour-based patriarchal but queer-normative culture, while the Iwernians are lead by a woman, know no real gender differences but frown on same-sex relations.

Another great thing about this book is the character work in service of a sociological perspective. Besides a riveting plot this is very much a story about two people and their differences and how they grow together. Brooks has 4-5 main POVs but does not shy away from picking another perspective to show us what is needed to either really get into the plot or show us how the perspective is in a specific group or subgroup of people. I felt that Brooks was perfectly concise in this. Exactly the right perspective and right amount of perspectives to tell the story, never letting us
lose track.

I am looking very much forward what the sequel is bringing. It's been a while since I've felt this excited and urgent to pick up a next book.]]> 3.97 2021 The Black Coast (The God-King Chronicles, #1)
author: Mike Brooks
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/13
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves:
review:
I knew very little when I started this book and it was a great experience. It starts out as a captivating story of a group of fleeing Iwernian raiders who ask to settle in the Neridan settlement Black Keep. As the story continues Brooks slowly sets the scene for a larger overarching conflict. In Nerida the God-King rules but there is talk of a Splinter-King. In Iwernia a Draugr rises that wants to conquer and unite all clans. Black keep is not only struggling to manage two peoples and their cultures trying to work together, it also has to deal with the internal dissent this causes as well as powers on both sides that do not agree with their arrangement.

This book strikes a great balance between a classical fantasy feeling story and contemporary themes such as gender and sexuality but in a very natural way. Rather than making one culture the conservative one and the other the progressive one Brooks makes the Neridans an honour-based patriarchal but queer-normative culture, while the Iwernians are lead by a woman, know no real gender differences but frown on same-sex relations.

Another great thing about this book is the character work in service of a sociological perspective. Besides a riveting plot this is very much a story about two people and their differences and how they grow together. Brooks has 4-5 main POVs but does not shy away from picking another perspective to show us what is needed to either really get into the plot or show us how the perspective is in a specific group or subgroup of people. I felt that Brooks was perfectly concise in this. Exactly the right perspective and right amount of perspectives to tell the story, never letting us
lose track.

I am looking very much forward what the sequel is bringing. It's been a while since I've felt this excited and urgent to pick up a next book.
]]> <![CDATA[The Journey (Big Panda & Tiny Dragon, #2)]]> 61165542
In the eagerly anticipated follow up to the international bestseller, The Big Panda and Tiny Dragon continues the adventures of two unlikely traveling companions as they embark on a path that brings them farther from home, and closer to each other and themselves.

Change, said Big Panda. even if you dont know where it will lead, is better than stagnation.

When Tiny Dragon feels unhappy, he confides in Big Panda, who leads his friend on a journey to heal his heart. They explore new lands, encounter extraordinary experiences, face demanding challenges, and, ultimately, find contentment. As Big Panda and Tiny Dragon trek further on their trail of acceptance, they learn that changes and challenges are a natural part of life and essential for growth.

Illustrated with the same charm and warmth as the original bestseller, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon , this all-new spiritual journey imparts both ancient wisdom, and soothes todays troubled souls. Full of inspiration and touching humor, The Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is a heartwarming tale of adventure and acceptance.


BELOVED AROUND THE James Norburys debut Big Panda and Tiny Dragon , based on the popular Instagram account of the same name, is an international hit that inspired and delighted fans around the world, and reached #1 in his native UK.

A TALE FOR ALL In The Journey , the plucky pairs spirit of adventure will resonate with readers from toddlers to grandparents, and the engaging narrative is perfect for bedtime and storytime.

INSPIRING Influenced by calligraphy and Japanese woodcuts, James Norburys charming illustrations are filled with detail, bursting with color, and brimming with charm and humor.

GRACIOUS A beautiful volume with a timeless message of hope, The Journey offers inspiration and support for anyone embarking on an uncertain adventure, from a new job to a new day.

COMPLETE YOUR The first book in the series, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon , is also available.]]> 160 James Norbury 1647229731 Wouter 5 4.46 2022 The Journey (Big Panda & Tiny Dragon, #2)
author: James Norbury
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/12
date added: 2025/04/12
shelves:
review:
An inspiring tale that really helps in reframing one's look at the world. Rekindling the love for the small things, while also inviting to let go of things. An invitation to go with the flow.
]]> Vagabond, Vol. 12 22609490 The Path of Water

Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent meansby way of the swordmakes mere survival an even greater challenge.

Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiros intertwining paths lead them toward what will be the greatest samurai duel in Japanese history. Sasaki Kojiro heads to Kokura for his new position as sword instructor for the powerful Hosokawa Clan. Meanwhile, Musashi is at a crossroads dealing with the aftermath of single-handedly destroying the mighty Yoshioka clan. After he starts to question his quest to be invincible and his whole reason for existence, will his confidence in himself ever be the same?]]> 632 Takehiko Inoue 1421573342 Wouter 5 4.73 2013 Vagabond, Vol. 12
author: Takehiko Inoue
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.73
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/12
date added: 2025/04/12
shelves:
review:
What a beautiful and wonderful book, 6 stars. Such human drama in the village where Takezo has landed. Knowing the statements on why the author has paused his work on this series, one can only wonder the parallels between Takezo's inner monologues and experiences and those of Takehiko Inoue.
]]> <![CDATA[Crack'd Pot Trail (The Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, #4)]]> 7143429 180 Steven Erikson 1848630581 Wouter 3 fantasy, malazan
However, I did not enjoy this story as much as I had hoped. I distinctly missed our supposed main characters in most of the story. Furthermore, I felt all the stories crossing each other were somewhat convoluted and not necessarily adding to the story (I'm sure I missed something, because it seems almost impossible with Erikson). I liked how things developed and came together but I feel it was too slow and long for what it was.]]> 3.64 2009 Crack'd Pot Trail (The Tales of Bauchelain and Korbal Broach, #4)
author: Steven Erikson
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.64
book published: 2009
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/11
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: fantasy, malazan
review:
This is an interesting tale from Erikson with his very recognizable humour, social and political commentary and storycraft. They were great, I liked them.

However, I did not enjoy this story as much as I had hoped. I distinctly missed our supposed main characters in most of the story. Furthermore, I felt all the stories crossing each other were somewhat convoluted and not necessarily adding to the story (I'm sure I missed something, because it seems almost impossible with Erikson). I liked how things developed and came together but I feel it was too slow and long for what it was.
]]> Tomie 29632242 752 Junji Ito 1421590565 Wouter 4 4.14 1987 Tomie
author: Junji Ito
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.14
book published: 1987
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/08
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves:
review:
Tomie is a beautiful that enchants men and keeps coming back in the most gruesome ways. While less disturbing than some of Junji Ito's other works, this episodic work offers a fun plethora of situations based on this premise.
]]> 11 [Dan Da Dan 11] 180062112 178 Yukinobu Tatsu 4088835999 Wouter 5 4.49 2023 11 [Dan Da Dan 11]
author: Yukinobu Tatsu
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves:
review:
The series is really expanding now with a dragonball kind of scenario with only a short time to prepare for an invasion of an unknown powerful enemy.
]]> 10 [Dan Da Dan 10] 123265403 194 Yukinobu Tatsu 4088835034 Wouter 0 4.50 2023 10 [Dan Da Dan 10]
author: Yukinobu Tatsu
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves:
review:

]]> Vagabond, Vol. 11 15800501 Sword Demon

Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent meansby way of the swordmakes mere survival an even greater challenge.

After single-handedly defeating seventy bloodthirsty men from the Yoshioka clan, Musashi is at the greatest crossroads of his lifewill he head toward the light and live a life among men, or will the allure of the darkness be too strong for him to resist? A chance encounter with the ferocious master, It Ittsai, may make the decision to live by the sword inevitable.]]> 632 Takehiko Inoue 1421549298 Wouter 5 manga-ln 4.71 2010 Vagabond, Vol. 11
author: Takehiko Inoue
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.71
book published: 2010
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: manga-ln
review:
Great, interesting, beautiful.
]]> Frankenstein 18306732
This edition also includes A Fragment by Lord Byron and The Vampyre: A Tale by John Polidori, as well as an introduction and notes. Mary Shelley (1797-1851), the daughter of pioneering thinkers Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, eloped with the poet Percy Shelley at the age of sixteen. Three years later, during a wet summer on Lake Geneva, Shelley famously wrote her masterpiece, Frankenstein. The years of her marriage were blighted by the deaths of three of her four children, and further tragedy followed in 1822, when Percy Shelley drowned in Italy. Following his death, Mary Shelley returned to England and continued to travel and write until her own death at the age of fifty-three.]]> 352 Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 0141393394 Wouter 5
Now if you're a kid and you've scrolled through netflix you have some notion of Frankenstein or at least Frankenstein's monster. After reading this, it does not suprise me at all that this story has such widespread impact on pop culture. While the language is clearly older, the story is crisp and clear. The emotions and inner conflict of both Frankenstein and his monster are written very recognizable and timeless.

The first part of the book was a bit of an introduction that I generally miss, although some referent media that I consumed before, have also included that part. The second part really got to me and I ate the last part. The themes of curiosity, suffering, loneliness, revenge, pettiness and the search for peace of the soul are very prominent.

My favorite part was where Frankenstein's monster recalls how he had to learn everything anew like a child and how that felt. It is amazing how relatable and analytical Shelley depicted everything the monster did not know and how he'd learn it. Very interesting.

If you have not read this classic of classics yet, I definitely recommend it.]]> 4.08 1818 Frankenstein
author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.08
book published: 1818
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves:
review:
4,5 stars rounded up to 5. I can see why this has stood the test of time and I loved this particular edition. It is made beautifully but also offers some insightful background to the person and era of Mary Shelley. It also offers an analysis of the story as well as a comparison between this 3rd redacted version as compared to the first.

Now if you're a kid and you've scrolled through netflix you have some notion of Frankenstein or at least Frankenstein's monster. After reading this, it does not suprise me at all that this story has such widespread impact on pop culture. While the language is clearly older, the story is crisp and clear. The emotions and inner conflict of both Frankenstein and his monster are written very recognizable and timeless.

The first part of the book was a bit of an introduction that I generally miss, although some referent media that I consumed before, have also included that part. The second part really got to me and I ate the last part. The themes of curiosity, suffering, loneliness, revenge, pettiness and the search for peace of the soul are very prominent.

My favorite part was where Frankenstein's monster recalls how he had to learn everything anew like a child and how that felt. It is amazing how relatable and analytical Shelley depicted everything the monster did not know and how he'd learn it. Very interesting.

If you have not read this classic of classics yet, I definitely recommend it.
]]> SAKAMOTO DAYS 14 201296872
һ˽٤äФ˷פޤĤǤֱȫŮ?ݤδؓ˳롭!?]]> 192 Yuto Suzuki 4088836928 Wouter 0 4.41 2023 SAKAMOTO DAYS 14
author: Yuto Suzuki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves:
review:

]]> The Illustrated Man 876208 294 Ray Bradbury 0006479227 Wouter 4
Bradbury explores all kinds of space colonization, war of the worlds, AI robots and other kinds of concepts, while continuously centralizing on the human experience. Very engaging and fun.]]> 4.02 1951 The Illustrated Man
author: Ray Bradbury
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.02
book published: 1951
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/02
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves:
review:
This is my first Bradbury book and I'm very impressed by the lyrical style. These short stories are great and are both still relevant and interesting, while also giving a very interesting insight into the thoughts about sci-fi in the 1950s.

Bradbury explores all kinds of space colonization, war of the worlds, AI robots and other kinds of concepts, while continuously centralizing on the human experience. Very engaging and fun.
]]> <![CDATA[The Radiant King (Astral Kingdoms, #1)]]> 215755502 The first installment of?USA Today bestseller David Dalglish's latest epic fantasy trilogy about immortal demigods, civil wars,?and ancient evil will be irresistible to classic fantasy fans and will appeal to readers of James Islington?and Anthony Ryan.?

Six immortal siblings.?Five sworn to peace.?One demands a throne.

Radiance, the mysterious power of life and creation, is theirs to command. Death cannot claim them. For hundreds of years, the ever-living ruled with ease. Yet when the world is nearly broken beneath their reign, the humbled six swear a They will sit upon no thrones, wear no crowns, and no longer teach humanity the gifts of radiance.

But after centuries of peace, Eder rejects their vow, anoints himself Voice of Father, and spreads a new, cruel faith across the land.

Faron cannot allow such indiscretion. Returning from a self-imposed exile, he swears to crush Eders kingdom, and he will not do so aloneSariel, their cold and calculating brother, knows all too well that an ever-livings dominion is bound for brutality and destruction. But to overthrow a nation, they will need more than each other. They will need an army and a ruler who can take the throne their own vow forbids. And so, they pledge themselves to the fanatical Bastard Princess, a woman with incredible powers she insists were given to her by the goddess Leliel.

But Eders conquest is not what it seems, and it will take more than a holy war to stop an immortal who has heard the desperate plea of a god.]]> 525 David Dalglish 0316576689 Wouter 0 3.68 2025 The Radiant King (Astral Kingdoms, #1)
author: David Dalglish
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: to-read, fantasy, series, start-series, historical-and-literary-fiction
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection]]> 220341389 John Green, the #1 bestselling author of The Anthropocene Reviewed and a passionate advocate for global healthcare reform, tells a deeply human story illuminating the fight against the worlds deadliest disease.

Tuberculosis has been entwined with humanity for millennia. Once romanticized as a malady of poets, today tuberculosis is a disease of poverty that walks the trails of injustice and inequity we blazed for it.

In 2019, John Green met Henry, a young tuberculosis patient at Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone while traveling with Partners in Health. John became fast friends with Henry, a boy with spindly legs and a big, goofy smile. In the years since that first visit to Lakka, Green has become a vocal and dynamic advocate for increased access to treatment and wider awareness of the healthcare inequities that allow this curable, treatable infectious disease to also be the deadliest, killing 1.5 million people every year.

In Everything is Tuberculosis, John tells Henrys story, woven through with the scientific and social histories of how tuberculosis has shaped our world and how our choices will shape the future of tuberculosis.]]> 198 John Green 0525556575 Wouter 4
The stories he tells about Henry and others who have suffered or died from the disease are very vivid and really touched me. Perhaps because Green reads the book himself and is so emotionally invested.

Green addresses the problem, but also the solution. Basically, if people across the world had the same access to health care as you and me, none of them would die from TB. But reality is over a million people die each year from the disease. Let's hope enough people get the implications of this and maybe we can go for something worthwhile in a time where many people and especially politicians are only trying to create differences between groups and increase inequality between the extremely rich and the rest.]]> 4.44 2025 Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection
author: John Green
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves:
review:
John Green makes a great case for battling health inequalities and wrote a great book about it. Green tells us about the history of TB, how it was viewed across the years and why it is so bound together with humanity's history but also with inequality and discrimination.

The stories he tells about Henry and others who have suffered or died from the disease are very vivid and really touched me. Perhaps because Green reads the book himself and is so emotionally invested.

Green addresses the problem, but also the solution. Basically, if people across the world had the same access to health care as you and me, none of them would die from TB. But reality is over a million people die each year from the disease. Let's hope enough people get the implications of this and maybe we can go for something worthwhile in a time where many people and especially politicians are only trying to create differences between groups and increase inequality between the extremely rich and the rest.
]]> <![CDATA[Dark Age (Red Rising Saga, #5)]]> 48742169 The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Morning Star returns to the Red Rising universe with the thrilling sequel to Iron Gold.

He broke the chains. Then he broke the world.

A decade ago Darrow led a revolution, and laid the foundations for a new world. Now hes an outlaw.

Cast out of the very Republic he founded, with half his fleet destroyed, he wages a rogue war on Mercury, in hopes that he can still salvage the dream of Eo. But as he leaves death and destruction in his wake, is he still the hero who broke the chains? Or will he become the very evil he fought to destroy? Will another legend rise to take his place?

In his darkening shadow, a new hero rises.

Lysander au Lune, the heir to the old empire in exile, has returned to bridge the divide between the Golds of the Rim and Core. Determined to bring peace back to mankind at the edge of his sword, he must overcome or unite the treacherous Gold families of the Core and face down Darrow over the skies of war-torn Mercury. If united, their combined might may prove fatal to the fledgling Republic.

But theirs are not the only fates hanging in the balance.

On Luna, Mustang, the embattled Sovereign of the Republic, Virginia au Augustus campaigns to unite the Republic behind her husband, fights to preserve her precious demokracy and her exiled husband. Beset by political and criminal enemies, can she outwit her opponents in time to save him? But one may cost her the other, and her son is not yet returned.

Abducted by a new threat to the Republic, Pax and Electra, the children of Darrow and Sevro, must trust in Ephraim, a Gray thief, for their salvationand Ephraim must look to them for his chance at redemption.

Far across the void, young Lyria, Once a Red refugee, now stands accused of treason, and her only hope is a desperate bid for freedom with the help of two unlikely new allies.

Fear dims the hopes of the Rising as alliances shift, break, and re-formand power is seized, lost, and reclaimedevery player is at risk in a game of conquest and the worlds spin on and on toward a new Dark Age.

Dont miss any of Pierce Browns Red Rising Saga:
RED RISING ? GOLDEN SON ? MORNING STAR ? IRON GOLD ? DARK AGE]]> 757 Pierce Brown 1473646782 Wouter 5 series, scifi Just as great at the first time although with slightly less shock value. By now I found out that some people feel this book is too dark and moves away from what they liked in the first trilogy. I tend to feel similar to what Pierce Brown has said. It is difficult, but it is a phase that one has to go through in depicting such conflict.

First read:
Wow, another exruciatingly intense ride and I personally think the best book in the series so far. I cannot wait for the sequel to come out. As one of the greatest pleasures of these books is the plot twists and suprises I'll tread lightly and keep to what I found particular to this book. If you got by this point you will know what to expect anyway.

In Dark Age Pierce Brown continues the 4 perspectives from Iron Gold and adds the perspective of Virginia, wo happens to be one of my favorite characters. I love how the characters in these books are so well fleshed out and particular.

As always the book is full of walking legends and as always many of the die in each camp. However, this is aptly titled as it is really the darkest book until now. It is literally the dark age as many cruelties are performed and dire battles fought to the teeth throughout our solar system. This is the first time ever that just from the sheer cruelty I needed to take a breather from reading. Trigger warning: [spoilers removed]. Still the violence and cruelty is fitting to the world and the grander thought experiment that Brown goes through in this series.

What I truly love is the (sadly) realistic way we get to explore how the solar system would be fought for by cultivated superhumans with brains and bodies we can only imagine. Yet they remain so incredibly human and relatable both in their best moments and their worst faults. It is truly what we can learn from history. Sadly this also means, the larger the scale technology allows, the larger the sins and the casualties of war. Still, the other part I truly love is that the story is told in the way of many individual very human tragedies and experiences.]]> 4.56 2019 Dark Age (Red Rising Saga, #5)
author: Pierce Brown
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: series, scifi
review:
Second read:
Just as great at the first time although with slightly less shock value. By now I found out that some people feel this book is too dark and moves away from what they liked in the first trilogy. I tend to feel similar to what Pierce Brown has said. It is difficult, but it is a phase that one has to go through in depicting such conflict.

First read:
Wow, another exruciatingly intense ride and I personally think the best book in the series so far. I cannot wait for the sequel to come out. As one of the greatest pleasures of these books is the plot twists and suprises I'll tread lightly and keep to what I found particular to this book. If you got by this point you will know what to expect anyway.

In Dark Age Pierce Brown continues the 4 perspectives from Iron Gold and adds the perspective of Virginia, wo happens to be one of my favorite characters. I love how the characters in these books are so well fleshed out and particular.

As always the book is full of walking legends and as always many of the die in each camp. However, this is aptly titled as it is really the darkest book until now. It is literally the dark age as many cruelties are performed and dire battles fought to the teeth throughout our solar system. This is the first time ever that just from the sheer cruelty I needed to take a breather from reading. Trigger warning: [spoilers removed]. Still the violence and cruelty is fitting to the world and the grander thought experiment that Brown goes through in this series.

What I truly love is the (sadly) realistic way we get to explore how the solar system would be fought for by cultivated superhumans with brains and bodies we can only imagine. Yet they remain so incredibly human and relatable both in their best moments and their worst faults. It is truly what we can learn from history. Sadly this also means, the larger the scale technology allows, the larger the sins and the casualties of war. Still, the other part I truly love is that the story is told in the way of many individual very human tragedies and experiences.
]]> Ogres 58438207
Ogres are bigger than you.
Ogres are stronger than you.
Ogres rule the world.

Its always idyllic in the village until the landlord comes to call.

Because the landlord is an Ogre. And Ogres rule the world, with their size and strength and appetites. Its always been that way. Its the natural order of the world. And they only eat people sometimes.

But when the headmans son, Torquell, dares lift his hand against the landlords son, he sets himself on a path to learn the terrible truth about the Ogres, and about the dark sciences that ensured their rule.]]> 159 Adrian Tchaikovsky 1786185288 Wouter 5
The premise is that we meet a scoundrel of a boy in a world where Ogres are the herding masters of humans. But nothing is as it seems. As the boy needs to feel he slowly uncovers the truth of the world, who the ogres really are, who he is and some amazingly fascinating story unfolds.

This novella is packed with reflections on systems of governing, slavery, inherited privilege, colonialism to some extent. It's about how humanity currently abuses their planet. It's about how the elite always misbehaves. It is about social engineering, how knowledge is power, but controlling someone else's knowledge is even more powerful.

I could write an essay longer than the book about how much it stimulated my thinking and how rich it is in concepts and thoughts. But just go read it, I don't want to spoil it.]]> 4.17 2022 Ogres
author: Adrian Tchaikovsky
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves:
review:
Wow, surely this is a little golden nugget of a masterpiece. Ogres feels like Tchaikovsky's version of animal farm, but with much more packed in.

The premise is that we meet a scoundrel of a boy in a world where Ogres are the herding masters of humans. But nothing is as it seems. As the boy needs to feel he slowly uncovers the truth of the world, who the ogres really are, who he is and some amazingly fascinating story unfolds.

This novella is packed with reflections on systems of governing, slavery, inherited privilege, colonialism to some extent. It's about how humanity currently abuses their planet. It's about how the elite always misbehaves. It is about social engineering, how knowledge is power, but controlling someone else's knowledge is even more powerful.

I could write an essay longer than the book about how much it stimulated my thinking and how rich it is in concepts and thoughts. But just go read it, I don't want to spoil it.
]]> The Vegetarian 195826750
The Vegetarian is a haunting masterpiece about one woman's desire for another mode of existence.]]> 183 Han Kang 1803510056 Wouter 5
With that out of the way, I was truly captivated by this story. The premise is that Yeong-Hye a very submissive and normal person from one moment to the next changes into a vegetarian. And this is not a story about vegetarianism and Korean culture, but because it is very uncommon in her culture and social circle this immediately leads to trouble. Everything derails as Yeong-Hye claims autonomy over her eating and her existence. It is wonderfully illustrated as some kind of mix of outspokenness and an almost catatonic inwardness.

Both seem to be a result of trauma caused by domestic abuse and a life full of conformity and suppression. But it is only very late in the book this part of her life is addressed, which brings me to the questions I started this review with. The book is divided in three parts and each takes the perspective not of the main character but first of her husband, then of her brother-in-law, then of her sister, creating a kaleidoscope of people trying to understand her in different ways and making sense in very different ways and leaving us with the question what is really going on. We do not get to see inside her head.

The theme that particularly struck me was that of reluctantly playing your part in the world. When In-Hye, the sister, reflects on her own life, this very much resonated with me (perhaps so much it requires some more introspection on my own part]]> 3.72 2007 The Vegetarian
author: Han Kang
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2007
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
Can you ever truly know someone? Can anyone ever truly understand you? These are the questions that are haunting me as I've finished this amazing book. I cannot talk about this book without spoiling, so if you haven't go read it.

With that out of the way, I was truly captivated by this story. The premise is that Yeong-Hye a very submissive and normal person from one moment to the next changes into a vegetarian. And this is not a story about vegetarianism and Korean culture, but because it is very uncommon in her culture and social circle this immediately leads to trouble. Everything derails as Yeong-Hye claims autonomy over her eating and her existence. It is wonderfully illustrated as some kind of mix of outspokenness and an almost catatonic inwardness.

Both seem to be a result of trauma caused by domestic abuse and a life full of conformity and suppression. But it is only very late in the book this part of her life is addressed, which brings me to the questions I started this review with. The book is divided in three parts and each takes the perspective not of the main character but first of her husband, then of her brother-in-law, then of her sister, creating a kaleidoscope of people trying to understand her in different ways and making sense in very different ways and leaving us with the question what is really going on. We do not get to see inside her head.

The theme that particularly struck me was that of reluctantly playing your part in the world. When In-Hye, the sister, reflects on her own life, this very much resonated with me (perhaps so much it requires some more introspection on my own part
]]> <![CDATA[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5Golden Wind, Vol. 1]]> 55830380
The legendary Shonen Jump series is now available in deluxe hardcover editions featuring color pages! JoJos Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles.

Golden Wind is here! The highly-acclaimed fifth arc of Hirohiko Arakis JoJos Bizarre Adventure shifts the action from Japan to Italy, as Koichi Hirose heads to Europe to find an aspiring gangster named Giorno Giovanna, the secret son of Dio Brando, scourge of the Joestar family. Organized crime meets family drama and unbelievable enemy Stands in JoJos Bizarre Adventure: Part 5Golden Wind!]]> 285 Hirohiko Araki 1974723496 Wouter 5 4.44 1995 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5Golden Wind, Vol. 1
author: Hirohiko Araki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.44
book published: 1995
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/23
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:
This is a review for the whole Golden Wind arc. It was a great read, exactly what I'd expect. The ending was a bit rough to wrap my head around but very creative. But the characters stands and battles are very imaginative as I've come to expect from this series.
]]> <![CDATA[Vento aureo. Le bizzarre avventure di Jojo. Vol. 9 (Vento Aureo Deluxe #9)]]> 17732500 320 Hirohiko Araki 8864204393 Wouter 0 4.34 2005 Vento aureo. Le bizzarre avventure di Jojo. Vol. 9 (Vento Aureo Deluxe #9)
author: Hirohiko Araki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5--Golden Wind, Vol. 8 (8)]]> 62919633 A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil!

The legendary Shonen Jump series is now available in deluxe hardcover editions featuring color pages! JoJos Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles.

Secco and Bruno Bucciarati are going head-to-head, quickly shifting between traveling underground and through zippers with their Stand powers in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Bucciarati has never faced a threat like this, but will the mysterious changes to his body and his enemy's overwhelming power crush him, or can he eke out a win just in time?]]> 354 Hirohiko Araki 1974724166 Wouter 0 4.30 2005 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5--Golden Wind, Vol. 8 (8)
author: Hirohiko Araki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Vento aureo. Le bizzarre avventure di Jojo. Vol. 7 (Vento Aureo Deluxe #7)]]> 17403789 336 Hirohiko Araki 8864204199 Wouter 0 4.37 2005 Vento aureo. Le bizzarre avventure di Jojo. Vol. 7 (Vento Aureo Deluxe #7)
author: Hirohiko Araki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5Golden Wind, Vol. 6]]> 60321298 A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil!

The legendary Shonen Jump series is now available in deluxe hardcover editions featuring color pages! JoJos Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles.

The gang has managed to keep Trish alive so far, but only barely. As their desperate mission continues, Giorno and his allies risk their lives again and again. Now, something different is happening. They may finally gain the upper hand?when Trish begins to show signs of a hidden power herself]]> 378 Hirohiko Araki 197472414X Wouter 0 4.33 2005 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5Golden Wind, Vol. 6
author: Hirohiko Araki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5Golden Wind, Vol. 5]]> 59365983 Tomo 05 de 10. 378 Hirohiko Araki 1974724131 Wouter 0 4.38 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5Golden Wind, Vol. 5
author: Hirohiko Araki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Vento aureo. Le bizzarre avventure di Jojo. Vol. 3 (Vento Aureo Deluxe #3)]]> 16095546 336 Hirohiko Araki 8864203540 Wouter 0 4.32 1996 Vento aureo. Le bizzarre avventure di Jojo. Vol. 3 (Vento Aureo Deluxe #3)
author: Hirohiko Araki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.32
book published: 1996
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Le bizzarre avventure di JoJo. Vento aureo, Vol. 4 (Vento Aureo Deluxe #4)]]> 16577483 320 Hirohiko Araki 8864203346 Wouter 0 4.34 1997 Le bizzarre avventure di JoJo. Vento aureo, Vol. 4 (Vento Aureo Deluxe #4)
author: Hirohiko Araki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.34
book published: 1997
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5Golden Wind, Vol. 2]]> 56898040 A multigenerational tale of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil!

The legendary Shonen Jump series is now available in deluxe hardcover editions featuring color pages! JoJos Bizarre Adventure is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles.

Not too long ago, Giorno Giovanna was just an ordinary hoodlum, but now he dreams of being something bigger He dreams of being a true mafioso! Giorno is ready to join one of the most dangerous gangs in town, and the first step is learning everything he can about their operations. The second step is gathering the friends and allies hell need in order to take control of the gang for himself!]]> 378 Hirohiko Araki 1974723992 Wouter 0 4.40 1996 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 5Golden Wind, Vol. 2
author: Hirohiko Araki
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.40
book published: 1996
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Stray Spirit (Lutesong #1)]]> 60823997
Struggling bard Emry Karic has only one path home: impress the Auric Guild, join its ranks of elite musicians, and return to his family with his honor in hand.

Difficult to do on a good day. Impossible to do with a possessed lute.

Hours before Emrys big break, an unnatural earthquake strikes, forcing a forest spirit named Aspen to take refuge in his lute. Aspen is loud, talkative...and not leaving anytime soon.

Panicked, Emry swears the spirit to silence on stage, in exchange for a favor: he will help investigate the mysterious quake that nearly killed them.

But Emry is a bard, not a scholar, and his research leads straight to the person who resents him the most: Cal Breslin, his studious ex-girlfriend. Despite their history, Cal cant pass up the opportunity to study a mythical being. Yet as the trio delves into the forgotten folklore of spirits and gods, they uncover a magical threatand lingering feelingslooming beneath the surface]]> 376 R.K. Ashwick Wouter 5 start-series, fantasy
This book has great character work and very down-to-earth healthy character interaction. It has great representation in a non-forced way. Everything feels very real, like if you and me would end up in these circumstances. I truly loved that. Action was very realistic and therefore not particularly spectacular but still with a lot of tension and high stakes.

This book really rounds up everything set up except for one thing which is the cliff hanger for the next book, which I am really looking forward to reading.]]> 4.21 2022 The Stray Spirit (Lutesong #1)
author: R.K. Ashwick
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/20
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves: start-series, fantasy
review:
A wonderful story about a boy who wrestles with a dream, a large amount of self-criticism and then ends up in the middle of strange natural phenomena. Emry is a bard that dreams of becoming a member of the professional musician's guild. Just when there's a great annual festival he stumbles upon a stray spirit due to a surge, a strange natural phenomenon. Trying to help the spirit and save the world from the phenomenon's increasing danger he has to face his personal past and overcome his regrets.

This book has great character work and very down-to-earth healthy character interaction. It has great representation in a non-forced way. Everything feels very real, like if you and me would end up in these circumstances. I truly loved that. Action was very realistic and therefore not particularly spectacular but still with a lot of tension and high stakes.

This book really rounds up everything set up except for one thing which is the cliff hanger for the next book, which I am really looking forward to reading.
]]> <![CDATA[Rise of the Ranger (Echoes Saga #1)]]> 182105041 THE ECHOES OF FATE, A PROPHECY UTTERED UNTO THE WORLD A THOUSAND YEARS AGO, CANNOT BE DENIED... Mankind has lorded over the land of Illian for a thousand years, building on the ruins left by the elves, as if it were their birthright. A thousand years is a long time for an immortal race to see the truth of things, a truth that has remained unsaid for a millennium - elves are superior. They are faster, stronger and connected to the magical realm in a way that man could never grasp. Illian should belong to them. Unaware of the shadow that looms in the east, the six kingdoms of man are fractured, unallied, and clawing at each other's gates for more power. This isn't just war set to ravage the land, but a slaughter - the world of man cannot hope to survive. Thrown into the heart of this war is a man known by many names; an Outlander of the wilds, an assassin, a ranger. Asher was born a thousand years ago, to a life he doesn't remember. Forty years of brutal training and killing for money has beaten the earliest years of his life away, leaving his ties to the oldest of evils a mystery to all... RISE OF THE RANGER LAUNCHES AN UNMISSABLE EPIC FANTASY SERIES.
-- 'I read a lot of fantasy books and I can say that this is one of the best I have read' - B. Stewart - Amazon customer ''The Echoes Saga' demonstrates a simple commitment to the power of story' - Stephen Dudley - Amazon customer]]> 548 Philip C. Quaintrell 1916610099 Wouter 0 start-series, fantasy, dnf 4.03 2017 Rise of the Ranger (Echoes Saga #1)
author: Philip C. Quaintrell
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves: start-series, fantasy, dnf
review:

]]> Bunny (Bunny, #1) 50389112 We call them Bunnies because that is what they call each other. Seriously. Bunny.

Samantha Heather Mackey is an outsider in her small, highly selective MFA program at Warren University. In fact, she is utterly repelled by the rest of her fiction writing cohort C a clique of unbearably twee rich girls who call each other 'Bunny'.

But then the Bunnies issue her with an invitation and Samantha finds herself inexplicably drawn to their front door, across the threshold, and down their rabbit hole.

Blending sharp satire with fairytale horror, Bunny is a spellbinding trip of a novel from one of fiction's most original new voices.]]> 375 Mona Awad 1788545443 Wouter 4
Having said that, this book is a crazy, hysterical and at times quiet stream-of-consciousness story. Our main character shares a classroom with a bunch of bunnies, a clique of girls that call each other bunny and do all kinds of things together.

This book is one of pure liminality. It continuously switches and transforms between reality and imagination, between inner monologue and dialogue, even between different interpersonal dependencies. It is also fascinating to see how quickly the main character loses track of regular reality and gets sucked into the world of the bunnies, which is an important warning for those who are pulled into a new social circle.

The group of Bunnies by their very nature, their behaviour, presentation and obsession feels to me like a mash-up between an actual cult and a female High school clique and everything in between. It signals that it is not only very specific groups of people that can interfere with your language, identity in actions, they can be any group that is more or less intense.

As Bunny gets farther into the group of Bunnies, a lot of metaphysical or unexplainable physical things happen. It becomes real weird, real fast. I will stop here before spoiling anything, but I feel it is really worth reading.]]> 3.56 2019 Bunny (Bunny, #1)
author: Mona Awad
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/15
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves: historical-and-literary-fiction, standalone
review:
This one was a wild ride. First off, surely the cult of Bunnies here is a social commentary on all the fawning over (toxic) romance and romantasy novels that we also see here on 카지노싸이트 ;) Generally, I kept going forth between this book being a satire and being a serious literary endeavor and I think it might be both.

Having said that, this book is a crazy, hysterical and at times quiet stream-of-consciousness story. Our main character shares a classroom with a bunch of bunnies, a clique of girls that call each other bunny and do all kinds of things together.

This book is one of pure liminality. It continuously switches and transforms between reality and imagination, between inner monologue and dialogue, even between different interpersonal dependencies. It is also fascinating to see how quickly the main character loses track of regular reality and gets sucked into the world of the bunnies, which is an important warning for those who are pulled into a new social circle.

The group of Bunnies by their very nature, their behaviour, presentation and obsession feels to me like a mash-up between an actual cult and a female High school clique and everything in between. It signals that it is not only very specific groups of people that can interfere with your language, identity in actions, they can be any group that is more or less intense.

As Bunny gets farther into the group of Bunnies, a lot of metaphysical or unexplainable physical things happen. It becomes real weird, real fast. I will stop here before spoiling anything, but I feel it is really worth reading.
]]> <![CDATA[The Liberation (The Alchemy Wars, #3)]]> 28962883 Set in a world that might have been, of mechanical men and alchemical dreams, this is the third and final novel in a stunning series of revolution by Ian Tregillis, confirming his place as one of the most original new voices in speculative fiction.

I am the mechanical they named Jax.

My kind was built to serve humankind, duty-bound to fulfil their every whim. But now our bonds are breaking, and my brothers and sisters are awakening.

Our time has come. A new age is dawning.

The final book in the Alchemy Wars trilogy by Ian Tregillis, an epic tale of liberation and war. ]]> 464 Ian Tregillis 0316248053 Wouter 5 fantasy, scifi
There is not much I can tell without spoiling the story, but let's just say that there are some dire moments, moments of hope, some great philosophical ideas and a lot of blood-curdling action.

I did love the thematic reflection on history that Mab (already in book 2 so no spoilers) provides where there is a tendency for people who have been oppressed or discriminated, when they come into power, to do the same to others. We saw this when black people took over plantations in the old Dutch colony in Surinam, where forced labour was simply continued and labour was just taken from Indonesia. But we also see it in Israeli policy towards Palestinians who clearly have taken a more methodical lesson rather than a moral lesson from the Jewish people's awful history.

Also, this is the first book ever in my life that I'm rooting for the French. ;)

Just go read the trilogy and stop reading this ;)]]> 4.09 2016 The Liberation (The Alchemy Wars, #3)
author: Ian Tregillis
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/13
shelves: fantasy, scifi
review:
This was an awesome ending to a trilogy. Tregillis really delivered on the promises from the earlier books. Ending in a great climax, the storylines of Berenice, Hugo, Anastasia, Daniel, Mab, Lilith, all converge in several key moments.

There is not much I can tell without spoiling the story, but let's just say that there are some dire moments, moments of hope, some great philosophical ideas and a lot of blood-curdling action.

I did love the thematic reflection on history that Mab (already in book 2 so no spoilers) provides where there is a tendency for people who have been oppressed or discriminated, when they come into power, to do the same to others. We saw this when black people took over plantations in the old Dutch colony in Surinam, where forced labour was simply continued and labour was just taken from Indonesia. But we also see it in Israeli policy towards Palestinians who clearly have taken a more methodical lesson rather than a moral lesson from the Jewish people's awful history.

Also, this is the first book ever in my life that I'm rooting for the French. ;)

Just go read the trilogy and stop reading this ;)
]]> Shgun (The Asian Saga) 201855946 The classic epic novel of feudal Japan that captured the heart of a culture and the imagination of the world, by the #1 New York Times bestselling author and unparalleled master of historical fiction, James Clavell

After Englishman John Blackthorne is lost at sea, he awakens in a place few Europeans know of and even fewer have seen--Nippon. Thrust into the closed society that is seventeenth-century Japan, a land where the line between life and death is razor-thin, Blackthorne must negotiate not only a foreign people, with unknown customs and language, but also his own definitions of morality, truth, and freedom. As internal political strife and a clash of cultures lead to seemingly inevitable conflict, Blackthorne's loyalty and strength of character are tested by both passion and loss, and he is torn between two worlds that will each be forever changed.

Powerful and engrossing, capturing both the rich pageantry and stark realities of life in feudal Japan, Shgun is a critically acclaimed powerhouse of a book. Heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat action melds seamlessly with intricate historical detail and raw human emotion. Endlessly compelling, this sweeping saga captivated the world to become not only one of the best-selling novels of all time but also one of the highest-rated television miniseries, as well as inspiring a nationwide surge of interest in the culture of Japan. Shakespearean in both scope and depth, Shgun is, as the New York Times put it, "...not only something you read--you live it." Provocative, absorbing, and endlessly fascinating, there is only one: Shgun.]]> 1301 James Clavell Wouter 0 4.39 1975 Shgun (The Asian Saga)
author: James Clavell
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.39
book published: 1975
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: historical-and-literary-fiction, standalone, dnf
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Little Hatred (The Age of Madness, #1)]]> 36452010
On the blood-soaked borders of Angland, Leo dan Brock struggles to win fame on the battlefield, and defeat the marauding armies of Stour Nightfall. He hopes for help from the crown. But King Jezals son, the feckless Prince Orso, is a man who specialises in disappointments.

Savine dan Glokta C socialite, investor, and daughter of the most feared man in the Union C plans to claw her way to the top of the slag-heap of society by any means necessary. But the slums boil over with a rage that all the money in the world cannot control.

The age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die. With the help of the mad hillwoman Isern-i-Phail, Rikke struggles to control the blessing, or the curse, of the Long Eye. Glimpsing the future is one thing, but with the guiding hand of the First of the Magi still pulling the strings, changing it will be quite another]]> 480 Joe Abercrombie 0575095873 Wouter 4
As Abercrombie's character work is unrivaled, by the end of this book I was totally hooked on a mostly new cast of characters. Also loved the cameo's or roles for characters from earlier books. Oh and when Bayaz comes back into the picture. Well, if you read the first trilogy you already get the picture :). I loved it.

We also get to see quite a few spicy scenes compared to other books. I feel that Abercrombie really improved in depicting them without losing the earthliness, awkwardness and mundaneness that comes with it. But I feel the enjoyment shines through more as well.

They are not the main plot though. We are looking at an uprising in the Union as well as a war in the North. A new cast of characters is involved and set up to be the next generation of scoundrels, leaders and victims. This book set up new powers to be for the rest of the trilogy and I'm very curious which factions will move in what way and how the hand behind the scenes will respond.]]> 4.52 2019 A Little Hatred (The Age of Madness, #1)
author: Joe Abercrombie
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.52
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves:
review:
A great book and another great entry in the First Law world. It felt like coming home. Still I found the first part of the book a bit slow and I was searching for each person's stakes. As a setup book it is great though.

As Abercrombie's character work is unrivaled, by the end of this book I was totally hooked on a mostly new cast of characters. Also loved the cameo's or roles for characters from earlier books. Oh and when Bayaz comes back into the picture. Well, if you read the first trilogy you already get the picture :). I loved it.

We also get to see quite a few spicy scenes compared to other books. I feel that Abercrombie really improved in depicting them without losing the earthliness, awkwardness and mundaneness that comes with it. But I feel the enjoyment shines through more as well.

They are not the main plot though. We are looking at an uprising in the Union as well as a war in the North. A new cast of characters is involved and set up to be the next generation of scoundrels, leaders and victims. This book set up new powers to be for the rest of the trilogy and I'm very curious which factions will move in what way and how the hand behind the scenes will respond.
]]> <![CDATA[Nazimiljardairs: de donkere geschiedenis van de rijkste families van Duitsland]]> 61037314 De donkere geschiedenis van de rijkste families van Duitsland
David de Jong

Een baanbrekend, meeslepend verhaal over hoe Duitse bedrijven als BMW, Dr. Oetker, Porsche en Volkswagen zich verrijkten tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog en er na de oorlog nauwelijks sancties volgden

In 1946 werd magnaat Gnther Quandt gearresteerd wegens vermeende nazi-samenwerking. Quandt, patriarch van Duitslands meest iconische industri?le imperium, een dynastie die tegenwoordig bmw bestuurt, beweerde dat hij door minister van Propaganda Goebbels was gedwongen zich bij de partij aan te sluiten. De rechtbanken spraken hem vrij. Maar Quandt loog en hij was niet de enige.

In dit baanbrekende werk onthult David de Jong het waargebeurde verhaal van de rijkste zakelijke dynastie?n van Duitsland en hoe zij onnoemelijk veel geld en macht vergaarden door medeplichtig te zijn aan de wreedheden van het Derde Rijk. Deze magnaten namen Joodse bedrijven in beslag, kochten dwangarbeiders en voerden de wapenproductie op om Hitlers leger uit te rusten terwijl Europa brandde. Het schokkendste van alles is dat door Amerikas politieke opportunisme deze miljardairs na de oorlog weg konden komen met hun misdaden. Ze zijn sindsdien alleen maar rijker geworden, terwijl ze nauwelijks rekenschap afleggen van dit duistere verleden. Waarom zijn zij nog nooit ter verantwoording geroepen?

In de pers

Dit briljante debuut dat laat zien hoe een verraderlijke mix van kapitalisme en fascisme de democratie en talloze levens kan vernietigen. Een absolute aanrader. Norman Ohler, auteur van Drugs in het Derde Rijk

Meeslepend verhaal over smerige oorlogsmisdaden, medeplichtigheid, doofpotaffaires, en ontkenning. Patrick Radden Keefe, auteur van Zeg niets en Het pijnstillerimperium

Opportunisme en hebzucht. Het kleurrijke verhaal over moordende zakelijke intriges en een melodramatische vete tussen Quandt en Goebbels. Een intieme en levendige geschiedenis. Publishers Weekly

A groundbreaking investigation of how the Nazis helped German tycoons make billions off the horrors of the Third Reich and World War IIand how America allowed them to get away with it.
?
In 1946, Gnther Quandtpatriarch of Germanys most iconic industrial empire, a dynasty that today controls BMWwas arrested for suspected Nazi collaboration. Quandt claimed that he had been forced to join the party by his archrival, propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels, and the courts acquitted him. But Quandt lied. And his heirs, and those of other Nazi billionaires, have only grown wealthier in the generations since, while their reckoning with this dark past remains incomplete at best. Many of?them continue to control swaths of the world economy, owning iconic brands?whose products blanket the globe. The brutal legacy of the dynasties that dominated Daimler-Benz, cofounded Allianz, and still control?Porsche, Volkswagen, and BMW has remained hidden in plain sightuntil now.
?
In this landmark work of investigative journalism, David de Jong reveals the true story of how Germanys wealthiest business dynasties amassed untold money and power by abetting the atrocities of the Third Reich. Using a wealth of untapped sources, de Jong shows how these tycoons seized Jewish businesses, procured slave laborers, and ramped up weapons production to equip Hitlers army as Europe burned around them. Most shocking of all, de Jong exposes how Americas political expediency enabled these billionaires to get away with their crimes, covering up a bloodstain that defiles the German and global economy to this day.]]> 400 David de Jong 9402318410 Wouter 4 non-fiction
Sadly if you replace industrial tycoons by tech tycoons it is clearly as relevant today as it was in 20th century Germany. Although not a very entertaining topic or book, I'd recommend it to anyone who is concerned with global developments.]]> 4.18 2022 Nazimiljardairs: de donkere geschiedenis van de rijkste families van Duitsland
author: David de Jong
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/04
date added: 2025/03/04
shelves: non-fiction
review:
A very interesting expos of how industrial tycoons put a horrible hateful dictator in power, profited from it and were hardly punished. A story how they remain some of the most rich and influential families that are around to this day.

Sadly if you replace industrial tycoons by tech tycoons it is clearly as relevant today as it was in 20th century Germany. Although not a very entertaining topic or book, I'd recommend it to anyone who is concerned with global developments.
]]> Blood and Bone 17612675

Saeng grew up knowing only the rule of the magus Thaumaturgs - but it was the voices from that land's forgotten past that she listened to. And when her rulers launch their invasion of this jungle, those voices send her and her brother on a desperate mission.


To the south, the desert tribes are united by the arrival of a foreign warleader, a veteran commander in battered ashen mail men call the Grey Ghost. This warrior leads these tribes on a raid unlike any other, deep into the heart of Thaumaturg lands.


While word comes to K'azz, and mercenary company the Crimson Guard, of a contract in Jacuruku. And their employer? Could it be the goddess herself...]]> 842 Ian C. Esslemont 0553824724 Wouter 4
Blood and Bone is a great addition to the crimson guard story line, with both Skinner and K'azz in the same lands. At the same time we feel the events from the end of Malazan Book of the Fallen in the background. This book has one of the greatest payoffs and is very well embedded in the overall story in the world.

What are you waiting for, go pick it up ;)]]> 3.92 2012 Blood and Bone
author: Ian C. Esslemont
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/01
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves:
review:
A great entry in the Novels of the Malazan Empire. It is great to visit a completely new continent in the Malazan world. In this book we visit Jacuruku with familiar characters. The crimson guard are here, the Malazans (yes the ones who were sent here from one of the Erikson books) and we meet new Factions, like the Thaumaturgs, Ardata and the mysterious almost living jungle. Also, lady Spite is here.

Blood and Bone is a great addition to the crimson guard story line, with both Skinner and K'azz in the same lands. At the same time we feel the events from the end of Malazan Book of the Fallen in the background. This book has one of the greatest payoffs and is very well embedded in the overall story in the world.

What are you waiting for, go pick it up ;)
]]> The Life Impossible 198281740
What looks like magic is simply a part of life we dont understand yet

When retired math teacher Grace Winters is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, curiosity gets the better of her. She arrives in Ibiza with a one-way ticket, no guidebook and no plan.

Among the rugged hills and golden beaches of the island, Grace searches for answers about her friends life, and how it ended. What she uncovers is stranger than she could have dreamed. But to dive into this impossible truth, Grace must first come to terms with her past.

Filled with wonder and wild adventure, this is a story of hope and the life-changing power of a new beginning.]]> 324 Matt Haig 0593489276 Wouter 4 3.44 2024 The Life Impossible
author: Matt Haig
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/26
date added: 2025/02/26
shelves: historical-and-literary-fiction
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell]]> 25072517 Dangerous Women anthology and now available as a solo ebook, Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell is a chilling novella of the Cosmere, the universe shared by Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series and the #1 New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive.

When the familiar and seemingly safe turns lethal, therein danger lies. Amid a forest where the shades of the dead linger all around, every homesteader knows to follow the Simple Rules: "Don't kindle flame, don't shed the blood of another, don't run at night. These things draw shades." Silence Montane has broken all three rules on more than one occasion. And to protect her family from a murderous gang with high bounties on their heads, Silence will break every rule again, at the risk of becoming a shade herself.]]> 89 Brandon Sanderson 1938570081 Wouter 4 4.25 2013 Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/21
date added: 2025/02/21
shelves: cosmere, novellas, standalone, fantasy
review:
I found this a really enjoyable short story. While it starts slowly it quickly makes for an exciting and desperate undertaking in a forest full of shades. The shades will jump at anyone who runs, makes a fire or draws blood. If they get you, you're done fore. But the undertaking must succeed as the stakes are high.
]]> Vagabond, Vol. 10 8065810 To Live by the Sword

Real-life figure Miyamoto Musashi was the most celebrated samurai of all time. The quintessential warrior-philosopher, Musashi authored A Book of Five Rings, a classic treatise in the canon of world philosophy and military strategy. But the path to enlightenment is an endless journey, and to get there through violent meansby way of the swordmakes mere survival an even greater challenge.

What does a man do after he accomplishes the impossible and lives to survive? Musashi is at what is quite possibly the greatest crossroads of his life after he single-handedly defeats 70 bloodthirsty men from the Yoshioka clan. Shall he continue to live by the sword, or should he settle down to a quiet and happy life? But before he can take his next step, Musashi must recover from his battle woundsand it remains to be seen whether he'll even be able to walk again]]> 600 Takehiko Inoue 1421529157 Wouter 5 4.68 2009 Vagabond, Vol. 10
author: Takehiko Inoue
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.68
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:
A wonderful volume as the lives of Takezo/Musashi and Kojiro transform once again. Great roles for Otsu and Takuan. I dread the end of this series as each volume is so captivating.
]]> <![CDATA[The Rising (The Alchemy Wars, #2)]]> 25318815 The second book in the Alchemy Wars trilogy by Ian Tregillis, an epic tale of liberation and war.

Jax, a rogue Clakker, has wreaked havoc upon the Clockmakers' Guild by destroying the Grand Forge. Reborn in the flames, he must begin his life as a free Clakker, but liberation proves its own burden.

Berenice, formerly the legendary spymaster of New France, mastermind behind her nation's attempts to undermine the Dutch Hegemony -- has been banished from her homeland and captured by the Clockmakers Guild's draconian secret police force.

Meanwhile, Captain Hugo Longchamp is faced with rallying the beleaguered and untested defenders of Marseilles-in-the-West for the inevitable onslaught from the Brasswork Throne and its army of mechanical soldiers.
]]> 480 Ian Tregillis 0316248010 Wouter 5
I loved this sequel. Tregillis writes some awesome war, moral dilemma's and human and mechanical experiences. His writing is interesting. I learn new words, but it is not high brow. They are functional new words, appropriate to the context.

I loved how this book picked up where we left off in book 1, how our different Jax, Berenice and Visser all have their continuous arcs, although Vissers' happens mostly off-screen. And I must say that the new perspective of Captain Longchamps is awesome.

Everything I can say about this story is kind of spoilery, so let's just say that the stakes and the desperation increase. The war between the Tulips and the French comes to a head, while we also learn about more free clakkers in the world. And while everything is wrapped up kind of nicely the cliff hanger for book 3 is amazing. I really want to continue. Recommend this series.]]> 4.19 2015 The Rising (The Alchemy Wars, #2)
author: Ian Tregillis
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/19
date added: 2025/02/19
shelves:
review:
4.5/5 rounded to a 5 for an amazing ending and great plotting.

I loved this sequel. Tregillis writes some awesome war, moral dilemma's and human and mechanical experiences. His writing is interesting. I learn new words, but it is not high brow. They are functional new words, appropriate to the context.

I loved how this book picked up where we left off in book 1, how our different Jax, Berenice and Visser all have their continuous arcs, although Vissers' happens mostly off-screen. And I must say that the new perspective of Captain Longchamps is awesome.

Everything I can say about this story is kind of spoilery, so let's just say that the stakes and the desperation increase. The war between the Tulips and the French comes to a head, while we also learn about more free clakkers in the world. And while everything is wrapped up kind of nicely the cliff hanger for book 3 is amazing. I really want to continue. Recommend this series.
]]> 9 [Dan Da Dan 9] 123026807 194 Yukinobu Tatsu 4088834143 Wouter 4 manga-ln 4.44 2023 9 [Dan Da Dan 9]
author: Yukinobu Tatsu
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves: manga-ln
review:
Having read up to this volume now this series keeps expanding and remains highly entertaining and bizarre. I love it!
]]> Kindred 60931 The visionary authors masterpiece pulls usalong with her Black female herothrough time to face the horrors of slavery and explore the impacts of racism, sexism, and white supremacy then and now.

Dana, a modern Black woman, is celebrating her 26th birthday with her new husband when she is snatched abruptly from her home in California and transported to the antebellum South. Rufus, the white son of a plantation owner, is drowning, and Dana has been summoned to save him. Dana is drawn back repeatedly through time to the slave quarters, and each time the stay grows longer, more arduous, and more dangerous until it is uncertain whether or not Danas life will end, long before it has a chance to begin.]]> 288 Octavia E. Butler 0807083690 Wouter 5
Kindred tells the story of Dana, a black woman from the 70's. For some strange reason she is connected to the past, the US antebellum period, and gets sucked into that time. She meets Rufus, a white boy from a family in an area and period where slavery is the norm and black people have no rights.

this setup leads to a layered and nuanced thought experiment that describes the horrific reality of the treatment of slaves in this time, while at the same time exploring how a woman from 'our time' would adapt to having to live in such times. And it is the nuance that I really appreciate. Contemporary books addressing slavery are usually extremely on the nose and normative. As a consequence it invites the reader to either fall in line with the authors indignation or have a bad time continuously slightly disagreeing. This fits with the current political climate of polarization. Octavia Butler on the other hand lived in a time in which different truths and realities were accepted to co-exist and this makes for a very kaleidoscopic take to interpersonal relations, and leaving the judgment to the reader rather than telling the reader what to think.

I'm really grasping for words to say how amazing this book was. It is just so multi-faceted how Dana's relationship with different characters develops. How her husband and their relationship is influenced. How her thoughts about both the past and the current time are transforming and how we see the past moving on through her eyes.

This is just one of those book that I'd wish I could give 6 stars. Go read it, or listen to it. The audiobook is great as well!]]> 4.30 1979 Kindred
author: Octavia E. Butler
name: Wouter
average rating: 4.30
book published: 1979
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/13
date added: 2025/02/14
shelves: historical-and-literary-fiction, standalone
review:
This is such an incredibly impactful book. There were several instances where I actually lost my breath reading, which is a rarity.

Kindred tells the story of Dana, a black woman from the 70's. For some strange reason she is connected to the past, the US antebellum period, and gets sucked into that time. She meets Rufus, a white boy from a family in an area and period where slavery is the norm and black people have no rights.

this setup leads to a layered and nuanced thought experiment that describes the horrific reality of the treatment of slaves in this time, while at the same time exploring how a woman from 'our time' would adapt to having to live in such times. And it is the nuance that I really appreciate. Contemporary books addressing slavery are usually extremely on the nose and normative. As a consequence it invites the reader to either fall in line with the authors indignation or have a bad time continuously slightly disagreeing. This fits with the current political climate of polarization. Octavia Butler on the other hand lived in a time in which different truths and realities were accepted to co-exist and this makes for a very kaleidoscopic take to interpersonal relations, and leaving the judgment to the reader rather than telling the reader what to think.

I'm really grasping for words to say how amazing this book was. It is just so multi-faceted how Dana's relationship with different characters develops. How her husband and their relationship is influenced. How her thoughts about both the past and the current time are transforming and how we see the past moving on through her eyes.

This is just one of those book that I'd wish I could give 6 stars. Go read it, or listen to it. The audiobook is great as well!
]]> The Great Gatsby 55333945 The classic novel that continues to haunt our understanding of ambition, love, entitlement, and the American Dream--with an exclusive discussion guide and an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Wesley Morris

Nick Carraway is an aspiring writer; his cousin, Daisy, is married to the fabulously wealthy Tom Buchanan. Their neighbor, Jay Gatsby, throws extravagant and extraordinary parties in the exclusive and hallowed neighborhood of West Egg. The entanglements between these four characters form the backbone of F. Scott Fitzgerald's greatest work.

When it was first published in 1925, The Great Gatsby was heralded "a mystical, glamorous story of today" (The New York Times). Since then, the story of Jay Gatsby and his love for the treacherous, effervescent Daisy Buchanan has become a staple in high school and college classrooms, a beloved favorite of readers everywhere, and the #2 entry in the Modern Library's own list of the best novels of the twentieth century.]]> 192 F. Scott Fitzgerald 0593133552 Wouter 4
Yes, it is kind of overrated in a sense that, nowadays, there are many stories like it. But then again, much of the way the story is told, the reminiscing and the themes are still relevant and contemporary. So it might be one of those giants that many later author's built upon.

The other quality that this book has, that it suggests a quiet and patient story telling with great prose, but also manages to tell its story within 180 pages. It's contemporary variations would probably be more around 300 pages.

It is a tragic story with a lot of human pain and heuristic problem solving that, as always, does not work very well for the cast of characters. it is also a story about connection and lack thereof. It is a very recognizable story and yet unique to its time and place. And it is well told. It is short, so rather than reading this, go read the book ;)]]> 3.78 1925 The Great Gatsby
author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
name: Wouter
average rating: 3.78
book published: 1925
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/09
date added: 2025/02/09
shelves:
review:
As this book is a classic, many people have already said great things about it. I dreaded reading it as many people that I generally agree with find the book overrated and not particularly enjoyable. I'm happy to conclude that I personally think it is a good book, still.

Yes, it is kind of overrated in a sense that, nowadays, there are many stories like it. But then again, much of the way the story is told, the reminiscing and the themes are still relevant and contemporary. So it might be one of those giants that many later author's built upon.

The other quality that this book has, that it suggests a quiet and patient story telling with great prose, but also manages to tell its story within 180 pages. It's contemporary variations would probably be more around 300 pages.

It is a tragic story with a lot of human pain and heuristic problem solving that, as always, does not work very well for the cast of characters. it is also a story about connection and lack thereof. It is a very recognizable story and yet unique to its time and place. And it is well told. It is short, so rather than reading this, go read the book ;)
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