The Forgotten Ship by J.N. Chaney & Terry Mixon (2025)

The Forgotten Starship, the opening installment of a new space opera series by prolific authors J.N. Chaney and Terry Mixon, delivers a compelling blend of interstellar adventure and character-driven storytelling. Set in a richly imagined universe, the narrative follows a crew navigating a derelict starship's mysteries, grappling with advanced alien technologies and existential threats. The plot's unpredictable twists, evoking Fritz Leiber's swashbuckling Fafhrd and Gray Mouser tales, balance high-stakes action with introspective character arcs.

The authors' world-building, while occasionally leaning into fantastical elements that may jar readers preferring hard science fiction, excels in evoking awe through speculative technologies and cosmic scale. Themes of resilience, discovery, and moral ambiguity resonate, offering STEM readers intellectual fodder for analyzing human-machine interactions and societal structures in speculative settings. Business professionals may appreciate the crew's strategic problem-solving and leadership dynamics under pressure.

Despite minor tonal inconsistencies from fantasy-infused elements, the vivid characters and intricate universe make this a strong series opener. I anticipate exploring the sequel to see how the narrative evolves. 4/5 Stars.

Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson (2025)

Original Sin delivers a sharp exposé of former President Joe Biden's cognitive decline and the orchestrated cover-up by his inner circle, dubbed "The Politburo" by Tapper. This gripping "living history" reveals how advisors manipulated executive power, undermining constitutional integrity. Tapper, a former CNN journalist, admits partial complicity in downplaying Biden's condition, though his self-criticism lacks depth, given his public reporting at the time.

The book excels in dissecting the Democrats' failure to invoke the 25th Amendment, exposing a lack of integrity driven by loyalty and political expediency. It portrays congressional leaders as complicit, prioritizing party unity over public accountability, while vilifying Biden's family and aides as enablers. However, it neglects the administration's erratic foreign and domestic policies, leaving readers wanting a broader analysis of the power vacuum's consequences.

Compelling yet incomplete, Original Sin is a critical study of political ethics. 4/5 stars.

Hidden Potential by Adam Grant (2023)

This book offers a compelling dive into the sociology and cognitive psychology behind unlocking personal strengths. Grant outlines practical methods for cultivating patience, grit, and perseverance to achieve fulfilling outcomes in life and work. The science is robust, drawing on sociological insights to guide readers toward their potential. However, the book's relentless focus on "rags to riches" stories feels repetitive and overly simplistic, undermining the otherwise strong self-help framework. Compared to Robert Greene's Mastery, which covers similar themes with greater depth and nuance, Hidden Potential falls short. The heavy-handed adversity trope often overshadows the actionable advice, making parts of the read feel tedious. Still, its insights are valuable for those seeking career and personal growth.

3/5 Stars – Worth a read for its science, but the narrow narrative disappoints.

Nobody's Fool by Daniel Simons and Christopher Chabris (2023)

This book was lingering on my shelf, repeatedly overshadowed by my preference for space opera, historical fiction, and political reads. When I finally dove into this pop-science gem on cognitive psychology, I found it both enlightening and slightly over-the-top. The science is rock-solid, unpacking phenomena like Truth Bias, Familiarity, Overconfidence, and Confirmation Bias, with a focus on why we fall for scams, frauds, and misinformation. Notably, it debunks "social priming," a concept from Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow that Kahneman later retracted. While the sensational tone and writing style aren't my favorite, the fresh insights into cognitive pitfalls make it a worthwhile read.

4/5 Stars – Recommended for those curious about the psychology of deception.

A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge (1999)

When I pulled A Fire Upon the Deep off my shelf, I was convinced I'd read it 25 years ago, back when it swept the 1993 Hugo, Campbell, and Prometheus Awards, narrowly missing the Nebula and Locus. To my surprise, I hadn't! This novel, penned by the late Vernor Vinge, who passed in 2024, represents the sci-fi master at his peak. The intricate world-building, vibrant characters, and tightly woven subplots showcase why Vinge was a titan of the genre, earning accolades with nearly every release.

The story's inventive magic system—rooted in the unique physics of its galaxy-spanning setting—left me spellbound, while the complex character arcs kept me turning pages late into the night. From interstellar civilizations to alien minds, Vinge's creativity dazzles, blending hard science fiction with gripping human (and nonhuman) drama.

Rediscovering this gem inspired me to hunt down the rest of the Zones of Thought series, eager to see if I missed other treasures. If you love immersive, thought-provoking sci-fi, A Fire Upon the Deep is a must-read.

5/5 Stars – Highly recommended!

The man who saw seconds by Alexander Boldizar (2024)

After slogging through three lackluster books, I was thrilled to dive into The Man Who Saw Seconds by Alexander Boldizar, a standout among the 2025 Locus Awards Top 10 Finalists (announced this month by Locus Magazine). This novel is a gem. Boldizar's prose sparkles with clarity and wit, pulling me into a vividly crafted world. The characters leap off the page—vibrant, complex, and utterly compelling.

The story weaves sharp social commentary, nuanced politics, and thought-provoking philosophy into a tapestry of ideas that linger long after the final page. Its magic system, centered on a five-second prescience ability, is both inventive and gripping, adding a fresh twist to the narrative. The plot surges with unexpected turns, driven by tightly paced editing. The antagonists are chillingly well-motivated, their actions grounded in believable conviction, while the protagonists charm with their humor and larger-than-life personalities.

The ending left me wanting a touch more resolution, but the pulse-pounding action kept me hooked, overshadowing any minor qualms. The Man Who Saw Seconds is a triumph of storytelling and imagination.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Recommendation: A must-read for fans of smart, character-driven sci-fi with a philosophical edge.

We Dare by Eric Thomson (2019)

As a young teen, I might have been swept up by We Dare's sharply drawn characters and moderately engaging action. The story's pulse, at its best, hints at adventure. But as an older reader, my patience wore thin. The writing often stumbles, plagued by clunky prose and glaring plot holes. The science underpinning the world feels flimsy at best, and the economics of the setting stretch believability to the breaking point.

Worse, the story lacks stakes. The "good guys" wield such overwhelming military and political might that tension and drama evaporate, leaving little to grip the reader. I wanted to be invested, but the narrative's flaws made it impossible. "We Dare" ultimately disappointed me, failing to deliver the depth or thrill I crave in science fiction. 1/5 Stars.

House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski (2000)

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is a masterfully crafted, thought-provoking novel that immerses readers in a complex and multifaceted narrative. Its dense prose, meticulous editing, and innovative structure make it a standout work, though its horror elements may not appeal to everyone.

The novel offers a vivid portrayal of Los Angeles' gritty, working-class underbelly, drawing readers into a world that feels both raw and authentic. It also serves as a captivating exploration of cinematography and film production, weaving technical insights into the story with remarkable depth. Beyond its technical and social commentary, the book delves into philosophical questions, inviting readers to ponder the nature of reality and perception.

At its core, House of Leaves is a horror novel, blending a mysterious, awe-inspiring "magic system" with psychological terror. The story's depiction of characters grappling with acute, almost Lovecraftian schizophrenic episodes is both unsettling and compelling, evoking the cosmic dread of H.P. Lovecraft or the visceral tension of Stephen King. The dual plotlines—along with the richly developed characters and their nested stories-within-stories—are expertly woven together, creating a narrative that is as intricate as it is engaging.

Despite its many strengths, I found the horror elements difficult to stomach, as the genre is not to my taste. While the book's creativity and craftsmanship are undeniable, my personal aversion to horror overshadows its merits for me. Fans of Lovecraft, King, or experimental horror will likely find House of Leaves a thrilling and rewarding read, but it may not resonate with those who shy away from the genre. Rating: 2/5 Stars.

Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton (2024)

Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton offers a few redeeming qualities but ultimately falls short of its potential. Certain characters are crafted with depth and nuance, yet most remain flat and one-dimensional, lacking complexity. The magic system has intriguing elements but is largely inconsistent, poorly developed, and strains credulity, undermining the story's immersion. While the plot and dialogue occasionally deliver clever, humorous twists, these moments are overshadowed by numerous flaws. Unmotivated character actions, glaring oversights, plot holes, and narrative missteps abound, leaving the story feeling disjointed. It's evident that the book was rushed to publication, needing significant additional revisions. A disappointing read, Mal Goes to War earns 2/5 stars and is not recommended.

The War on the West by Douglas Murray (2022)

Douglas Murray's The War on the West is a compelling and meticulously researched defense of Western culture and Enlightenment ideals. Murray's articulate and witty prose captivates, weaving a narrative that is as engaging as it is thought-provoking. With clarity and precision, he presents rational, common-sense arguments that illuminate the enduring value of Western principles while critically examining their complex interplay with other cultures across philosophy, arts, science, and universal values. His expansive exploration of these themes offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges facing Western society today. A masterful blend of scholarship and eloquence, this book is a must-read for those seeking to understand the cultural debates of our time. 5/5 stars.

Virtual Light by William Gibson (1993)

William Gibson's Bridge Trilogy reaffirms his mastery of immersive world-building and vibrant characters, qualities that made Neuromancer and the Sprawl Trilogy unforgettable. After finding the Blue Ant series lackluster—its world, magic system, and characters failed to resonate—I hesitated to return to Gibson's work. However, this Bridge Trilogy novel, set in a richly imagined future, proves a rewarding exception. The universe pulses with energy, the characters brim with depth, and Gibson's prose captivates with its sharp, evocative flair.

That said, Gibson's futurism remains a weak point. His 1993 vision of 2005, as depicted here, exemplifies his often-inaccurate predictions of technology and science. Yet, the brilliance of his writing and the charisma of his characters more than compensate for these shortcomings, delivering a compelling narrative that overshadows the dated speculation. Bridge Trilogy is a testament to Gibson's enduring ability to craft worlds that linger in the imagination. 4/5 stars.

Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025)

Sarah Wynn Williams' Careless People is a captivating exploration of her tumultuous tenure at Facebook/Meta, delivered through the lens of an unreliable yet compelling narrator. Williams' idealism and unyielding drive to "heal the world" radiate through the narrative, illuminating the darker corners of her experience. Her account vividly traces the rise of social media as a formidable force in global political spheres, offering a fresh perspective on its far-reaching influence.

Particularly striking are Williams' subjective yet insightful depictions of navigating Facebook/Meta as a non-technical leader. She deftly unpacks the internal dynamics, highlighting the tensions between engineering teams and the broader organization. While the one-sided nature of her perspective occasionally skews the narrative, the authenticity of her voice and the clarity of her reflections make Careless People a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, power, and human ambition. 5/5 Stars.