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⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) Wow, this book was amazing. I have heard a lot about it and i was excited to get into this series. This was the first book and covers the story of Feyre, a girl who accidentally kills a faerie warrior in the form of a wolf. She is then abducted to satisfy the treaty between humans and faeries. Simply put this was a great book. Tons of excellent world-building, really great plot twists, and lovely visceral descriptions. I am stoked to continue on in the rest of the series!

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) This was an interesting read. The tone has changed from the previous three in the series. Rather than a more action forward story, this book takes its time to delve in the polemics and discourse behind the God Emperor of and his Empire. At times the dialogue and prose were gorgeous, at times they lagged. It felt less certain of what it wanted to do as a book as compared to Dune and Children. There were also markers of it’s time as some of the discourse was quite homophobic. Overall, still an interesting read, but a noticeable mark down from the first trilogy.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) Wow what a book. This was spectacular, on par with the first book of not better. I found the character development and the plot twists were stellar. overall a blast, loved it.

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) The second book in Frank Herbert’s epic series. Dune Messiah is an exploration of the aftereffects conquest has on an emperor. The book was intended as a set up for the third book and it feels like it. Yet it is gripping nonetheless. As a stand-alone book it isn’t as impactful as the first book, but as part of a series i imagine it only adds to the scope and beauty.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) Frank Herbert’s masterpiece was quite simply stunning. In terms of scope, exposition, complexity, nuance, and originality I was blown away. A political and psychological thriller of the highest order.

⭐ 6.0/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) VE Schwabs anti hero book was set up quite well but ultimately a disappointment. It came highly recommend yet failed to break any sort of boundaries. The book revolves around Victor: A brooding, violent, and righteous avenger determined to take revenge on his best friend. Eli: charming, cunning, and murderous, believes he is God’s holy warrior charged with killing every superhero (or ExtraOrdinary as referred to in this universe) alive. There is potential for a real, and gritty look at morality, justice, or retribution, yet the book falls flat on all counts. I’m not sure whether my disappointment comes from my extremely high expectations or a simple lack of nuance. Overall, it was enjoyable at times, but felt quite lacking.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) John Mark Comer’s book is a guide on how to slow down ones life (and why that is vital in the first place) and the joy that can come from such an act. It is practical, applicable, relatable, and quite needed.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) David Gushee’s public reexamination of his views on LGBTQ people and their inclusion in Christianity in which he “changes his mind” and explains why he is now fully affirming of LGBTQ people in Christian circles. This book is extremely well done, it is personal and emotional yet also exegetically and theologically robust. Overall one of (if not) the best book on the side of affirmation.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) GRR Martin’s history of the Targaryean Dynasty. For those who love a Song of Ice and Fire, and are desperate for and enthralled by any bit of lore you can get, this book is a gold mine. Otherwise you will never be more bored. Simply put, I loved it.

⭐ 8.0/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) Ernest Clines sci-fi/nerd/matrix/nostalgia-pumped adventure was a wonderful read. The world is expansive and believable, the characters interesting, the stakes are not merely high but realistic (as if we do not understand the threat of capitalistic monopoly). What would have made the book better would be nuance. For the most part, every character is one dimensional; some tension, complexity, or struggle would have been nice. Otherwise I have no complaints.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) The Finale to Robert Harris’ Cicero Trilogy. This book was amazing. From the death of Julius Ceasar to the rise of Octavian the historical events are of a magnitude rarely seen in the history of our world. Yet what is truly moving about this book is the depth of emotion explored in the grief, loss, triumph, and betrayal that Cicero experiences. I have loved this series, and I am quite sad to have finished it.

⭐ 9.5/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) Written by Dr. Matthew Bates, this is a masterful book,. extremely well written relatively quite easy to read. Bates presents a shattering thesis, namely that modern christianity mostly has misunderstood and misrepresented the gospel, that it is not that Jesus has died for our sins nor even that he has defeated death or saved us; rather it is (at its simplest) Jesus is King. He thoroughly and faithfully exegetes scripture in order to prove this point, and his work is remarkably solid. While quite heady at some points, it remains readable for most christians or those acquainted with basic theology. Overall, i would highly recommend this book to any person who identifies as a follower of Christ.

⭐ 9.0/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) The Second Book in the Cicero Trilogy. This was even better. The characters had been established and now Caesar was a main character. The Cataline conspiracy is the centre of the plot and the stakes are considerably higher. Hella good

⭐ 8.5/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) The first book in the Cicero trilogy. This was a genius book. It is set in ancient Rome during the events of Caesars rise to power. It is a political thriller. If you like political plots and backstabbing and history you will like this book

⭐ 7.5/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) This was a good movie. it didn’t need to be 4 hours. It gave nothing new to the genre however it was a massive improvement over Whedons version. There was nothing original however and while the action scenes and world building was very cool to see, it really didn’t do anything that hasn’t been done a million times.

⭐ 7.0/10 (Originally written by Joshua Karat) This movie is basically a buddy cop movie based in a universe in which a Lord of the Rings esque history is real and elves/orca/dwarfs live among humans in society. It was surprisingly enjoyable, good action, nice allusions and world building. At times the metaphor (orcs are very obviously representative of POC in the US, humans are middle-lower clsss whites, elves are the rich) is overplayed. However it is not horrendously overdone. My last critique is that i honestly wished it was longer. There was incredible potential for so many more plot lines and I wish i could have seen more.