I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The cover of this book caught my eye because it looked intrigI received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The cover of this book caught my eye because it looked intriguing, promising a blend of humor and survivalist insights set against the backdrop of an impending doomsday. However, the book itself falls short of these expectations, offering little more than the ramblings of someone seemingly disconnected from the harsh realities of an actual apocalypse.
One of the most significant shortcomings of the book is its attempt at humor. Stefan seems to be trying too hard to infuse wit and satire into the narrative, but these attempts frequently miss the mark. Instead of providing a sharp and entertaining critique of survivalism and government conspiracies, the jokes feel forced and out of place, detracting from the overall reading experience.
The characters, too, fail to leave a lasting impression. They lack depth and complexity, making it difficult for readers to form any genuine connection or investment in their fates. The main protagonist, in particular, comes across as bland and uninspiring. His narration, intended to convey a sense of impending doom, instead feels monotonous and fails to evoke the necessary tension or urgency that one would expect in an apocalyptic setting.
Furthermore, the pacing of the book is inconsistent. The narrative plods along for much of the first two-thirds, only to suddenly pick up pace around the 70% mark. This abrupt shift leaves the story feeling disjointed and uneven. Important events and developments are rushed through or skipped entirely, leaving readers with unanswered questions.
Overall, this was a disappointing read for me that did not live up to its intriguing premise....more
In this short story, we are introduced to Libby, a woman trapped in a cycle of abuse inflicted by her husband and her own grandfather. Her life takes In this short story, we are introduced to Libby, a woman trapped in a cycle of abuse inflicted by her husband and her own grandfather. Her life takes a sudden turn when she encounters June, a mysterious woman who swiftly eliminates both tormentors from Libby's life.
The narrative, however, falls short of providing the emotional and psychological depth one might expect from such a complex and delicate subject matter. The killings come across as shallow and strangely lacking in gravity, even appearing to evoke a sense of satisfaction from her. There is a missed opportunity to delve into June's character—her motivations, past experiences, or methods of covering her tracks—which could have added layers of intrigue and depth to the storyline.
June and Libby's relationship also remains ambiguous. There is no clear indication that June's actions are motivated by genuine concern or care for Libby; instead, her actions appear somewhat detached and clinical.
Overall, the story feels quite simplistic and fails to explore its potentially rich themes and character dynamics. The absence of plotting and psychological insights into the characters' actions leaves the reader with a sense of unfulfilled curiosity....more
I was instantly reminded of Judge Dee from Van Gulik’s stories, which I liked very much as a child. Discovering these new stories was a delightful surI was instantly reminded of Judge Dee from Van Gulik’s stories, which I liked very much as a child. Discovering these new stories was a delightful surprise. This short story presented an uncommon vampiric tale that was absorbing, atmospheric, and delightful. The twist at the end was particularly enjoyable....more
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