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I still enjoy that these worlds are so individual that they show the inner workings of the character. I have no interest in being in any of them. And that's the point, the worlds are not for me. But I still enjoy reading about them.

Poetic descriptions usually put me off in a novel because the act puts importance on something that usually doesn't need it. It pulls me out of the story. Strong Washburn uses poetics instead to show the inner feelings of the character. And she does it well. You viscerally feel the turmoil or the disgust or the peace. It totally worked for me.

This was done in a magical-realism type of plot (though the grittiness is not like the wispy distance of the genre at all), so the dream-like connections to the earth had the same feeling as the prose.

And the final speech was brutally beautiful. I cried.

This book starts with the same formula as his next, Starter Villain: snappy, funny dialog with a silly plot idea. And I mean 'silly' as a good thing. It totally works in Villain.

This book though relies on a very tired plot point to move forward and then falters. Just didn't work for me.

Reading order advice: Read this after you read The Siren Depths. Three of the stories explicitly say they happen after that book.

I think the stories were written at that time, but this collection was published last. I wouldn't recommend reading it last (like I did). The novella really sets you up for the final two books.

I'd also recommend you read this one first after Siren, then the other short story book after it. They both should be read before you read the last two Raksura books.

Worth the read though.

Whoops! This is a short story. I thought it was a book.

I love Murakami's style, but it's an adult style. It doesn't fit so well for a simple fable told by a child.

This book is pretty much a continuation of the last book and it's much longer than all the previous. Which was fine with me. I didn't need it to end. I did have to slow down reading several times as I was anxious to find out what happens.

The relationships are what makes this series. You get to know the characters and watch them grow. But luckily they don't grow too much.

(I'll continue to read the last-published short stories, but this was a nice conclusion.)

This book was a little like her later Murderbot books, slow and character building sequences interspersed with blood-pumping action.

And this book ends in a cliffhanger! It's late tonight, but I have to continue with the last book....

Edit: I'd recommend reading this book after The Siren Depths but before the last two novels in the series. Actually, I'd also recommend reading after Siren and after the second story collection book. It emotionally sets up the last two novels, which are really two parts of one last book.

I liked the two longer pieces. They add flavor to the series. One was like a side story but showed how their bonding increased between the books. The second filled out some important history.

There were also a couple short stories that were like decoration.

Geez, the emotions in this one were tough. Anger, frustration, anxiety. Of course they all come from my caring for the protagonist, Moon. I just want him to be able to relax for a turn. I don't think it'll happen...

I'll definitely finish up this series.

This entry to the series is still strong. Exploration of places and gripping turns. I felt emotionally attached to the group's outcomes.

There's a large ensemble of characters, but each one's story is treated with care and interest. Each personality comes from how they react to an initial event, and the plot is only revealed from their daily lives. Very engaging.

Also, I'm pretty bad at remembering names. But Moriarty does a good job at giving hints to separate each character, so I was able to follow along.

Another recommendation from my librarian cousin. Has to be good...

It starts out as a normal novel. You get to know the people and their issues. Then the magic and the circus comes in. All is as finished as possible by the end. Really satisfying.

I can see why this is popular. A magic infused, small and comfy adventure.

The prose can be a bit clunky, but it still works.

A short novel, but the writing is so dense, there's a full epic inside.

That said, I could barely parse the sentences. Make sure you have a broad vocabulary and knowledge the Khazar empire before you embark.