Beyond the Light Horizon (Lightspeed #3)

This series draws the reader in with its intriguing premise, great characters, and cosmic scope. It delivers a solid, if not spectacular, resolution to its central conflicts. The world-building and pacing keep the reader engaged, but the final reveal of the universe's mysterious force falls flat, leaving awe replaced by disappointment. Adding a book or two between the second and third installments could have deepened the narrative and elevated it to greatness.

It's a fun read for space opera fans, but don't expect a mind-blowing payoff. 3/5 Stars.

Shadow of the Silk Road (2007)

In this captivating travelogue, a renowned writer and scholar embarks on a vivid exploration of the Silk Road's ancient routes, weaving together past and present. With a keen eye, he traverses diverse regions, offering concise, engaging summaries of their historical significance. He searches for echoes of this rich past in the customs, faces, and landscapes of today's inhabitants, creating a compelling narrative that bridges centuries.

This book is a must-read for anyone eager to discover how history's shadows shape the vibrant cultures of the modern Silk Road. Clear, insightful, and beautifully written, it invites a broad audience to journey through time. 4/5 Stars.

Trap Line by Timothy Zahn (2025)

This short story has a fairly good plot, but the world-building and magic system are horrible. 2/5 Stars.

Live Wire by Harlan Coben (2009)

The character arcs and continuing adventures are well-written and gripping. Tight story & deep mystery.  This one is a little too melodramatic. 5/5 Stars.

A Tempest at Sea by Sherry Thomas (2023)

Well-crafted story with many of our favorite characters from the series.  Fun mystery. I look forward to the next story in the series!  I am also glad that Sherry Thomas is another book in this series. 5/5 Stars.

The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2021)

I did not like this one.  The magic system was terrible and there were too many plot contrivances. 1/5 Stars.

Insistence of vision by David Brin (2016)

I read some of the stories before but I enjoyed this compilation and the author's introductions. 5/5 Stars.

Beyond the Reach of Earth by Ken MacLeod (2023)

I like the continuation of the story and the character arcs.  Fun. 4/5 Stars.

Steel World by B.V. Larson (2013)

I think a 12-year-old version of me may have enjoyed this book; however, the writing is horrible. The politics are awful, I did not like any of the characters, and the story is meh at best. 1/5 Stars.  Reminder to self: do not buy any other books by this author.

The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum by Margalit Fox (2024)

This captivating, concise, and well-crafted tale follows a crime boss "fence" who ruled the redistribution of stolen goods during the wild, violent 19th century in the USA. The characters burst with color and intrigue, drawing the reader into vivid slices of life across New York's diverse social classes. This historical fiction echoes Amor Towles' style, brimming with authentic dialogue and era-specific slang. 4/5 stars.