Book Review: The Fourth Consort By Edward Ashton

   I saw The Fourth Consort on Net Galley and did not request it- as I was 8 ARC's deep at the time, but I really liked the cover, and I had enjoyed Mickey Seven, so I thought this one might be a hit for me. 

It certainly fits the theme of Outer Space- with main themes of the book being Space travel, First Contact, and Aliens.  (Someone has put forth a Love Triangle, but frankly, that's reaching, there is no love triangle that I could find anywhere in this novel. There wasn;t a whole lot of love at all.) 

  I found it via my library's Libby App, and I was sort of surprised that it wasn't several months deep in holds. 

   This book has the most interesting, creative premise.  Our "hero" Dalton has a berth on a ship run by Alien Snails where his job is to go planetside on various planets and make first contact, establishing various agreements with the inhabitants.  He's promised an enormous end salary with benefits, though the job itself is so dangerous he's pretty sure he won't be seeing those benefits. 

    At the start, readers find themselves stranded on an alien world full of an insectoid species, Dalton and his crewmate Nera and an alien known as "The Stickman" (from an opposing force also seeking to establish various agreements with the planet's inhabitants).

Chaos ensues.  (IF you want a spoiler free review, please stop here!) 

Nera retreats to the landing capsule, leaving Dalton and The Stickman to contend with the Insectoid species. Both the Stickman and Dalton seem sure that someone is coming for them, but honestly as the reader, I was suspecting that "no one is coming for you" was going to be part of the plot. 

Dalton finds himself unexpectedly given the dubious honor of becoming the Fourth Consort to the Insectoid leader "First Among Equals"  In this society, things are matriarchal, and Dalton is pitied because he is indeed male. Through a wild series of events, Dalton and The Stickman, establish a fragile friendship of sorts, while Nera- from afar, attempts to dictate things from her point of view. It's definitely an interesting read on how things are interpreted with various amounts of information.  Nera, from her removed perch in the landing pod is more prone to a violent response, while Dalton, who's deep in the city is discovering the nuances of this society, and learning more about the Stickman as well. 

As our story concludes, Dalton is given several choices for his future, and I must admit, I was not expecting his choice at all, though it did delight me.   In some sense, Dalton had been a reactive character, allowing things to happen to him, and in the end his choice allows him to become proactive, but it was so subtle, that I almost missed it. 

    Barrie Kreinik narrated, and really did a fantastic job with several voices, including alien voices.  Nothing was "over the top"  and the narration style kept me listening, so I highly recommend the audiobook. 

My main disappointment is the same one that I had with Mickey 7.  Although I enjoyed the story, I felt like - firstly- Ashton failed to explore the alien cultures deeply. Dalton is made a consort but we never quite fully understand what that entails. I was wildly curious about what that entailed, but most of the book did not actually involve interaction with the consort or the consortee. Nera and breaker are both interesting characters, and even though readers are given backstories on most of the characters, the characters themselves still seem to lack personalities. 

So, while I did enjoy this one, I didn't really LOVE it.  Definitely will be interested in more narration from Barrie Kreinik though! 

STATS

First Published :  2/25/25

Pages: 288

Available as an Audio Book :  YES ( ~ 8hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: violence, death, death of parent,  death of spouse, interspecies experiences, colonialization (in space),  abandonment, 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly) 

 

Book Review: Seek the Traitor's Son, by Veronica Roth

 OH My,  reader friends....

This IS a book for your TBR.  I'd put it on top of your TBR.  It comes out in May- and I'd reserve that week for just this one. 

I requested this audiobook on NetGalley  and I was pretty sure I wouldn't get it, but it popped into my email and I thought, let's see about this one.  I had not read anything by Roth, but I knew I had enjoyed the Divergent films, and it's set sort of in space, this clearly was a book written for me. 

Without any spoilers- The basic plot is that two women are given a prophecy- one of them is to lead their people to victory in a decades long conflict. One is a feared, legendary General, the other a respected soldier. They are on opposite sides of this conflict and at the start, unequally invested in success.  The prophecy is neither expected, or wanted, but it cannot be ignored. 

As they move forward, everything changes in an instant, lives are changed, unravelled, and remade in unpredictable ways. Having read so many "dystopian romances"  I thought I knew where this was headed, and then it literally took off in many different directions which surprised and delighted me as a reader! While there is a familiar feeling to this story of a "chosen one" this one heads in unique directions, with characters that are so unique and well developed that they become friends (or enemies!) to the reader as the novel unfolds. To say I was invested may be an understatement. As a reader I was entranced, obsessed, and entirely locked in for the duration. 

   Although this is set in space, I found that the space setting was fairly loose as far as Sci-Fi goes. There's very little in this novel about the mechanics of humans in space, but there are- occasional aliens, and some very cool spacecraft. In some ways, Roth took the best parts of Space Opera, and dismissed the rest, and I found I was there for the experience. I could not put the book down.  When I was not listening, I was thinking about what I thought might happen next. I loved it. Roth then combines this space setting with a sort of "magical science" and all the elements we love from other heroic novels.  Thus, readers are treated to sword fights in space, travelling to strongholds on horseback- in space, alien communication devices, and ways to explore time in the past and the future as well as the present. 

    It sounds a little messy, but, it works. It works PERFECTLY. 

The balloon Zénith at sunrise or sunset, with five passengers during a long distance flight from Paris to Arcachon in March. , None. [Between 1875 and 1880] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2002716356/.

Not only does it work, it works beautifully. The writing just draws the reader in. I suspect that this is a book that works, mostly because Roth knows how to execute a story. This is not a story that could have been told by another author, it would not have come together properly and I cannot emphasize how much of the success of this has to do with Roth's imagination, and skill.  I could vividly see all of the characters, and their strange environment. The audiobook is narrated by Imani Jade Powers, Max Meyers, Rebecca Soler and Steve West.  This full cast brought a cinematic feel to my listening experience.  Roth provides just enough detail to create an immersive scene, and the full cast used tone, inflection and pacing to further allow me to know these characters. Hella's snark popped off and had me grinning while Theren's genuine aching gentleness spread over my mind like a warm blanket, an actual chill snuck down my spine when Rava's cold tones hit the page (airwaves). 

   Interestingly, at the end of the novel, Roth notes that she never intended to publish this story.  It was mostly a novel for her own enjoyment! I'm glad she was convinced to share it with the world, because my world was made much richer from the experience.

STATS

First Published :  8/12/2026

Pages: 432

Available as an Audio Book :  YES ( ~ 19.5 hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: violence, death, death of parent, death of child, death of spouse, references to disease transmission, (this is not a full list, read responsibly) 

Book Review: Child of the Dream by Sharon Robinson

 I picked up this short memoir from my library.  I was attracted to the cover and I was curious about a memoir by Sharon Robinson, child of Jackie Robinson. 

A joke was definitely had at my expense because I read about half of the book, when I started to think... this is "sort of YA".  I felt like things were VERY concrete, and that the entire nuance involving the Civil Rights Movement wasn't being addressed.  I looked around a bit and discovered, LO AND BEHOLD.  It is a book intended for young adult audiences. 

  I think this is a book that a lot of school libraries would like to have on their shelves. Sharon tells the story of her year, going to her first dances, figuring out how she can raise awareness of the Civil Rights movement in her school and beyond, attending her first sleep away camp, and getting her first kiss. She tells the story in a matter of fact way, that was very approachable and relatable.  

As an adult, I did feel that it lacked a certain nuance.  For a young reader, however, it presented facts and events in a natural way, as they interspersed with Sharon's day to day life during that year.  As Sharon was the child of a celebrity, her life was not the norm, and I enjoyed learning about her father's efforts and interactions with Civil Rights Giants. 

Do I recommend this book?  I DO, for the 11-14 yr old crowd. Not for an adult. It would be a good one for a tween book club. 

STATS

First Published :  2020

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :  YES (~5 hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: violence, references to historical past, racism (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: River Spirit by Leila Aboulela

 

It seems like quite some time since I finished a book.  I did finish River Spirit earlier this week but I didn't have time to sit and write a review. Work has been - not good at all. I am hopeful it will improve. My dream job more and more is just... Retirement. 

Anywhoo.

This book was so interesting and engaging. This is a bit of historical fiction, but if you are thinking of various poorly written romances with a historical setting- be prepared to have your socks blown off! 

Aboulela is truly a master.  The prose is readable and the story she weaves is compelling. 

In short - this is an epic tale set in 1880's-1890's Sudan. Using SEVEN points of view (count them!!!) Aboulela gives readers a rich and textured account of Sudan in the time of Mahdi wars.  Not only do we explore the view points of the major players, (known generals and revolutionaries), readers also meet "regular" characters of all social stations, giving a glimpse into all aspects of society at this time. There is love, treachery, fanaticism, conniving and thriving throughout the book.  I will freely admit that at the start I did have some trouble following all the points of view in the audiobook, but I suspect had I read it on page this would not have been a concern.  The audio narrator did use different voices, but I still struggled a bit. I am now VERY interested in this time period in Sudan, as it seems so eventful! 

As the perspectives unfolded, I was oddly reminded of a different Multi-POV story - There There by Tommy Orange. Although these books are set in wildly different times and spaces, they both do explore themes of identity/belonging, and violence and colonialism. I don't know that I recommend reading these in tandem but I do think if you like one of these, you will likely find the other to be interesting.  

This was my first read of Leila Aboulela.  I found myself interested in reading more of her work, so I expect I will continue to pull books of hers throughout this year. 

This is a great read, if you've set a goal to "read around the world" as it gives a good story and also explores culture of the area. 

STATS

First Published :  03/07/2023

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :  YES (~9hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: Dubious consent, sexual activity, violence, religious fervor, War violence, violence against women, poison, racism (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Book Review: Taken to Nobu by Elizabeth Stephens

   Book pals,  I STRUGGLED through this book. 

I wanted to LOVE it.  Fated mates, alien planet, a tough warrior human surviving amongst the aliens. 

In the end, I am glad I finished it because the second half of the novel is pretty enjoyable. The first half, just let the miscommunication trope stay too late at the party. The worst part about this was also that frankly speaking, as the reader I wasn't let in completely on the miscommunication- so I was left essentially guessing- and I am especially NOT a fan of that.  The world building was pretty much non-existent.  I fear all of it was used up in the first book which had pretty interesting world building.  This felt like it could be taking place on antarctica, not a cold outpost in outer space. 

Secondly I was not a big fan of the particularly sexy fun times in the book.  They didn't sound that fun to me, but given that other people love this book, I might have just been reading it at the wrong time. 

So, If you are looking for some alien romance, this could be one for you.  I'm undecided if I want to pursue more in this series.  If I do it will be a while.  I suspect this was the wrong time, wrong book situation more than a bad book, so if you do want some kinky alien romance, check this one out, it is on Kindle Unlimited and I got an audio copy from my library! 

STATS

First Published :  06/16/2020

Pages: 370

Available as an Audio Book :  YES (~9hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: Dubious consent, sexual activity, rape flashbacks, violence, (this is not a full list, read responsibly)

Books on my TBR...

 So reading friends...

I literally have not finished another book since Sex on the Moon. I am "in process" with all sorts of books, but... finishing one?  Apparently that's not in the cards!  Work has been difficult. On the positive side, I had a treatment for my eye condition and it seems to be working VERY well!  I'm definitely increasing my visual reading time! 

So - Let's talk about the TBR! 

 So I've been super fortunate to receive a few ARC's from publishers via net Galley. 

This is the US cover

This is the UK cover. 

And honestly, UK- what are you doing? Usually for me the UK cover wins, but in this case... US cover all the way.  This is a lush, very creative horror novel involving three brothers who abandon the American Civil War, and find themselves deep in the woods when they come upon a woman and her young son. For one of the brothers, this is too good to be reality and he must go investigating. Soon the brothers find themselves in a new fight for their lives.  I'm almost done with this one, and I do love it. I have read one other novel from Fracassi-  which was entirely different, and I am loving that everything I read from him is fresh, interesting and completely tension filled. 

Tor sent me an e-galley for Everina Maxwell's book that will hit shelves in October 2026. 

I am not going to lie. I LOVE Everina Maxwell's writing. Winter's Orbit  and Ocean's Echo are actual comfort reads, and I have very few books that I return to again and again, but both of these are those books.  I'm actually a bit afraid to start on Call Me Traitor, but I am going to try to carve out some time this afternoon! In hindsight, I probably should have waited for the audiobook, but I was so excited I grabbed this. 

AND, I did get the audiobook of Seek The Traitor's Son by Veronica Roth!

Roth is the author of the Divergent series, so this is bound to be excellent.  I've listened to about 1 hour of it so far, and I'm fascinated with Elegy Ahn, and her possible rival. Like prior works, this one contains a nice balance of character development, world building and a propulsive plot. It did require me to really focus on the audio. 

But WHAT ABOUT YOUR OUTER SPACE THEME?   Well let me tell you about my outer Space theme!!!  I have been kind of struggling with some of the non-Fiction books I've chosen.  I can see the author's enthusiasm light years away, but a lot of them aren't as engaging as I imagine a conversation would be with the author. 

I started this one, and so far, it is- not the most engaging book.  But I do intend to see if maybe I can get into it. It is under 400 pages, so...I should be able to do it!

and for fun, I'm reading on Audio Taken to Nobu by Elizabeth Stevens. 

It's not bad, but I will say it has taken all 14 of my loan days and I still have 1/5 hrs left. I think it's more the time in my life that I'm reading this, than the actual book. The Dub Con and miscommunication were very strong in the book and once I got through that, it became an interesting book about redemption, forgiveness and more. BUT... for some reason... I could not get this finished in a reasonable amount of time.  It is also full of longing and descriptions of people's body parts, making it hard to have on in the car or anywhere else. Alas! 

Also started Sister's of the Forsaken Star  by Lina Rather.  100% Underrated. 

This novella series is really delightfully weird - it might be too weird for the "general population" but for me, it's so cool. So more to come on that.  I am actively scouring NetGalley for new books on the Cosmos, and I would love it if any were to be sent my way! 

How's your reading life been? 

Book Review: Sex on The Moon by Ben Mezrich

 If you've been looking for Non-fiction that reads like fiction, this 2011 Beat the Backlist book is one you will want to read! 

 While normally I might say the title of the most audacious heist in history is overblown, in this case, I think it meets the criteria! Not so much that it was pulled off in any sophisticated manner, but that someone would decide that was the "thing to do" at all. 

   Readers are given an inside story of Thad Roberts, a one time fellow in a prestigious NASA program in Texas. While at NASA Thad, made a name for himself by being audacious, bold and curious. It didn't hurt that he was - by all accounts- very bright and conventionally attractive. 

Thad started out with an idea involving "decommissioned" moon rocks- those used for education, rather than hard scientific uses.  He and a friend dreamt of selling some of these "trash" moon rocks, and came up with a brave but not very sophisticated plan.  He was sure he'd never go through with it, but the more he dreamed and schemed, the deeper he got, until he found himself meeting a supposed buyer and being arrested by the FBI. 

   I enjoyed this book, but I will say, no matter how hard the author tried to make Thad likeable, I found him to be a complete Jack-Hole. This man had so many advantages in life, and decided to just be pushing the envelope in ways that didn't even make sense.  I suspect there is some sort of mental health issues at play in these decisions, but honestly, I feel like his time in prison was actually too short. This was a man with multiple opportunities ahead of him, and decided this was the most appropriate way to move through the world.  So not a fan. Not impressed, and deeply disturbed that he's now out in the world giving... TED talks. 

The writing is OK. I had the audiobook and for being only 320 pages, it did seem to drag on. So... 

revising my first statement, this is a book you MAY want to read. I have become obsessed with Axel Emmermann, a rock enthusiast who tipped off the FBI and assisted in multiple ways. So there is that.  This is a most interesting book and while I can't say I liked the main character, I did find the entire thing interesting.  So 3 stars out of 5 from me. 

STATS

First Published :  7/12/2011

Pages: 320

Available as an Audio Book :  YES (~8 hrs) 

Trigger Warnings: Heist, discussion of heights, drug and alcohol use, thievery, mild sexual behavior (this is not a full list, read responsibly)