E North – Google

Adrian Tchaikovsky is a genius, and Alien Clay is not only of the most brilliant books I've read this year, it's one of the most timely. Set in the far future, the plot revolves around an off world research scientist who desperately wants to be true to the science despite the Mandate, an all encompassing, big brother-type political movement that seeks to subvert fact for the fanciful notion that the entire universe only revolves around humankind. Tchaikovsky's passages about a people who can only think in black & white without seeing any gray areas are quite thought provoking. This novel has so many layers. But if all you want is a pulse pounding, entertaining read, have no fear, this novel will more than satisfy that need too. It's a compelling page turner that you will continue to think about long after you finished the last page.

For fantasy lovers who especially enjoy Fae mythology, this book is not to be missed. It's well researched in terms of traditional lore, but Housman certainly adds her own twists. The plot overall is quite original, and it reads quickly. So many "first books" fall a bit flat due to inflated prose. Housman's diction, however, is solid--never purple, but certainly vivid. I will certainly be looking for her books in the future.

This is the most beautifully written Indie published book that I have read, so do not be hesitant by the fact that it wasn't published by a big business. The prose is absolutely solid--the grammar is impeccable, the word choice is educational & surprising & fun, the sentence structure builds suspense. It's very well written in short. As an English teacher & as a parent, I strongly recommend this book. The plot line is basically about a larger mystery unfolding. Tom, an orphan, finds out his parents might still be alive--but why did they disappear? Why did they leave him? And when Tom escapes a horrible orphanage, why is he pursued by multiple groups of people who hound him? My daughter usually only reads fantasy, but she devoured this book. I love that it is both compelling & educational, and I highly recommend it. It's won multiple awards & it's easy to see why. I bought a copy for my classroom, and it was always checked out all year. Further Thought: There is a review here, obviously by a kid whose grammar is atrocious, ironically saying that the grammar in this book is poor. That's utterly ridiculous. As an English teacher, I can attest that the grammar is perfect, and this is one of the things I loved about the writing. This book has won over a dozen awards, so ignore any petty comments. I spent the money for two hardcover copies (one for home & one for my classroom), and I definitely do not regret a penny. It's a wonderful series, and my students have definitely enjoyed it. It is educational to a certain degree, but with so much out there that has no educational merit whatsoever, that's something I greatly appreciate about it. It is harder to find this book in America, but it's available if you google.

Absolutely brilliant & perfectly cast, this series is not only thought provoking & original--it's utterly addictive. I desperately do not want to wait a year for season 2! I love that in so many ways, the question of which group of people (or droids) are the real wolves is called into question again & again as the human colony proves repeatedly less civilized that the maternal & paternal droids. I really didn't think it was possible to create a totally unique & innovative "colonizing space" plot line anymore as so many of these exist (if not in film, certainly in novel form) & most of these rely on basically the same set of tropes, yet Raised by Wolves has managed it. It's unlike anything you have ever seen before & you'll be able to watch the whole season multiple times & still discover suggestions & implications you missed before. Honestly, this is absolutely one of HBO's most intelligent (yet not remotely confusing or frustrating) shows ever, and again, the casting is just perfect! Genius.

Some of the acting is strong, and there are many interesting moments. But Fraser Wilson is such an appalling, overly indulged, truly revolting character that it makes every single scene involving him hard to watch to the point that I stopped watching the series after episode 5. I don't know if he was really supposed to be such a terrible character or if the actor playing Fraser is just playing him all wrong, but there is nothing lovable, redeemable, or even tolerable about him. He is an absolute representation of every foul stereotype of generation z ever stated, and I frankly hate that he is representing a confused teenager coming of age. Was this character supposed to have Aspergers? I just really can't figure out why the writers thought anyone so devoid of compassion for others would remotely appeal to viewers. He is so disrespectful of his friend's exploration of gender identity. He is so disrespectful of both of his mothers' homosexuality. Honestly, it's so offensive. At least if he had Aspergers there would be an excuse, but this is never stated. Does he have a sociopathic malignant personality disorder? This is the type of character so detestable that it makes viewers unfairly dislike the actor playing the character. I hung in there with this series long enough to see if Fraser would be redeemed or beaten up, but as I'm on episode five and there's nothing leaning in that direction, I'm feeling done. The character Fraser, and perhaps the actor if it's his performance that is over the top wrong, ruins--singlehandedly--ruins this show. I hope it dies in the graveyard of one season bigoted, homophobic show graveyards.

Honestly, I can't understand people who don't get this film. It's absolutely astounding. The special effects alone make it worth watching. The choreography is so impressive. The performances are outstanding. It's extremely unusual--like nothing I have ever seen--but the cats are just so believable. If you don't like musicals than obviously you don't like musicals. But I can't imagine a better film rendition of this musical. It is just really an amazing feat.