The Book Grind
  • Home
  • Book Reviews
    • By Title
    • By Author
    • By Year Read
    • By Series
    • Advanced Reader Copy Reviews
    • Archive (sortable)
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
    • Review Policy
Author

Jefferz

Jefferz

  • Book ReviewsScience Fiction

    Andy Weir: Project Hail Mary

    by Jefferz May 16, 2024
    May 16, 2024

    Reading and now reviewing Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir felt like one of the greatest tests of my patience as a reader and my ability to separate the book’s objective and subjective strengths/weaknesses. The writing style and presentation resulted in one of my least favorite reading experiences of the last year and would rightfully deserve a 1-star rating if not for the book’s concept and attention to probable scientific theories. I’ve since learned a lot of my distaste for Project Hail Mary is mostly due to Andy Weir’s signature (or potentially infamous) writing style, with only the following character-related items being Project Hail Mary-specific points. However, after taking some time to review the material after finishing the book, I can appreciate some of its strong technical qualities that no doubt contributed to its popularity and nomination for a 2022 Hugo Award. I was not previously familiar with Andy Weir’s past novels and had only seen short clips of the theatrical adaptation of The Martian, however what was immediately obvious is Weir’s strength for writing geeky science reactions and creative sci-fi concepts. The premise’s catastrophic phenomenon and its implications for life on Earth is not only creative, but also fascinating…

    Read more
    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsappEmail
  • Book ReviewsCrimeFantasy

    Ben Aaronovitch: Whispers Under Ground

    by Jefferz May 12, 2024
    May 12, 2024

    Reading Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London series is usually a good, but often mildly frustrating time for me as they’re decently fun reads that are so close to being excellent. Book number three, Whispers Under Ground, is unquestionably the most tonally consistent and focused story so far that improves upon all my biggest criticisms of the previous installments. While Midnight Riot/Rivers of London (I’ll be referring to book 1 as Midnight Riot for consistency) and Moon Over Soho suffered from overly loose, meandering plots that attempted to weave together two separate cases, Whispers Under Ground smartly focuses on just one case and allows its dry, tongue-in-cheek British style to be front and center. Despite the improvements across the board, unfortunately I found the core mystery investigation to suffer from inconsistent pacing yet again and the culprit/reveal to be rather random which holds this back from a higher rating. Each novel in the series so far has had an underlying theme that’s tied to the magical crime case and some type of fantasy element/being; Midnight Riot was themed to the theatre while Moon Over Soho was heavily Jazz-focused. Whispers Under London’s thematic flair is the visual fine arts (though one could…

    Read more
    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsappEmail
  • Book ReviewsScience Fiction

    Robert Charles Wilson: Spin

    by Jefferz April 28, 2024
    April 28, 2024

    Picked up on a blind Goodreads algorithm suggestion (dangerous choice, I know), I had no expectations or experience going into Robert Charles Wilson’s Spin. Obviously I assumed it would be at least competently plotted with a high-concept as the coveted 2006 Hugo Award winner for best novel. What I did not expect and was pleasantly surprised by was the highly restrained, nuanced, yet incredibly character work that carried me all through Spin. This is notable particularly when some of the science-fiction elements, pardon the bad pun, occasionally spun a bit out of control. A 4.5 rounded up, this rating is not necessarily a rating for a fun or entertaining time, but for a rating that respects the quality of the writing and the execution of the story. Some of my 5-star reads are entertaining or a thrill ride to read; Spin is slower and smart one that I know will stick with me for a while. The main plot of Spin asks the age-old question, what happens when a potentially catastrophic, maybe even apocalyptic event occurs? When faced with possibility that the end of the world is ending, how do people react and grapple with their impending death? (a possibility…

    Read more
    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsappEmail
  • Book ReviewsDystopian

    Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah: Chain-Gang All-Stars

    by Jefferz April 27, 2024
    April 27, 2024

    One part dystopian speculative science fiction, one part social commentary on systemic racism and the flawed American prison system, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s Chain-Gang All-Stars is an ambitious narrative that attempts to cover a lot of ground in <400 pages. Despite the book’s summary focusing on Loretta Thurwar and her survival with her partner and fellow chain member Hamara Staxxx, Chain-Gang All-Star reads more like a collection of short stories. Loretta and Hamara’s narrative only make up about 1/3 of the book’s content, the rest is devoted to over a dozen different characters and various perspectives covering the CAPE program. These perspectives include those of program participants, show producers, host and commentators, prison staff, abolitionist protestors, viewers, etc. The large scope of these various characters and the ambition behind Adjei-Brenyah’s commentary is ambitious and is well-designed to spark open conversations about topics in the book. Despite the great intention and ambition behind its pages, unfortunately I found the actual novel/story portion of the book to be disjointed and difficult to get into. For me, Chain-Gang All-Stars is at its best when it focused on Thurwar and Staxxx’s experiences which are compelling and interesting. The character psyche and gray morality of various…

    Read more
    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsappEmail
  • Book ReviewsFantasy

    Alix E. Harrow: Starling House

    by Jefferz April 10, 2024
    April 10, 2024

    Immersive, atmospheric, imaginative and of course gothic, Alix E. Harrow is an amazing storyteller and it’s immediately clear to me why Starling House has its following. The estate’s vivid descriptions and Eden’s somber setting set a distinctive scene that envelopes the reader in its quiet and character-focused narrative. The book’s is also full of elements that feels specially catered towards millennial/gen z contemporary readers; excessive footnotes (this one peeved me though), heavy emphasis and themes on mental health, stigmatism and judgement against those who are different, cynicism of the American dream/working economy), and several LGBTQ+ characters (though one character’s bi/pansexuality feel randomly tossed it and has nothing to do with anything apart from checking genre/bookTok boxes). Despite the cover and synopsis heavily focusing on the title house, the story is mostly a character-driven one focused on the world and people seen through Opal’s eyes as she struggles to make ends meets for her brother Jasper’s sake. Unfortunately, this novel lives and dies by Opal’s character and both her character and the tone of the story were not for me (subjective opinions, objectively this book is well-written). The majority of the book heavily hinges on Opal’s feeling of being judged, neglected,…

    Read more
    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsappEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts

☕ About Me

Reader & Coffee Connoisseur

Reader & Coffee Connoisseur


I am a reading enthusiast and book reviewer who enjoys reading with a warm latte in-hand, breaking down what I read in detail. Although my favorite genres are sci-fi, high/epic fantasy, mystery noir, and a sprinkle of contemporary romance, I consider myself a variety reader.


With a coffee (or favorite beverage) of choice, join me on The Book Grind as we read and sip our way through some great novels.

Professional Reader10 Book ReviewsFeatured Book Reviewer

☕ Currently Reading

Ava Reid: A Study in Drowning ReviewHayley Gelfuso: The Book of Lost Hours Review

☕ Recent Reviews

  • Miye Lee: The Dallergut Dream-Making District Review

    July 6, 2025
  • Kathryn Purdie: The Forest Grimm Review

    July 5, 2025
  • Chip Pons: Winging It With You Review

    July 1, 2025
  • Daria Lavelle: Aftertaste Review

    June 25, 2025
  • Holly Race: Six Wild Crowns Review

    June 19, 2025
  • Colin Searle: The Call of Abaddon Review

    June 15, 2025
  • Cara Bastone: Promise Me Sunshine Review

    June 9, 2025
  • Robert Jackson Bennett: The Tainted Cup Review

    June 7, 2025
  • Beth Cato: Cheddar Luck Next Time Review

    June 3, 2025
  • Holly Jackson: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder Review

    June 1, 2025
  • John Scalzi: The Kaiju Preservation Society

    May 27, 2025
  • B.K. Borison: First-Time Caller Review

    May 25, 2025

☕ Recent Blog Posts

  • 2024 Most Disappointing Reads

    February 24, 2025
  • Kindle Unlimited Reading Marathon Picks

    February 9, 2025
  • 2024 Most Pleasantly Surprising Reads

    January 31, 2025
  • 2024 Reading Wrap Up’s

    January 9, 2025
  • Goodreads
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Email
Footer Logo

@2025 - All Right Reserved.


Back To Top
The Book Grind
  • Home
  • Book Reviews
    • By Title
    • By Author
    • By Year Read
    • By Series
    • Advanced Reader Copy Reviews
    • Archive (sortable)
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
    • Review Policy