I'm a big fan of Tchaikovsky's writing style, and this short story delivers all the best parts of it. It achieves Chilling insight into Tyranid horror
I'm a big fan of Tchaikovsky's writing style, and this short story delivers all the best parts of it. It achieves a balance between the otherworldly, alien motivations of the Tyranids and the relatable but hopeless efforts of the human characters. Considering their singular purpose, Tchaikovsky writes the Tyranids well, exploring the interconnectedness of the Hivemind and what passes for "thought processes" as it leads an invasion of this unfortunate Imperium world. Also, an effective exploration of Genestealer Cults that has educated this reader, who lacked some understanding that now feels mildly clearer. The story moves fast, but that's not to its detriment. Despite the short length, there's enough characterisation to get invested. If you like the Tyranids, this is a good read....more
Imaginative space horror but just too short. Not even just in terms of the limited number of stories (3 + a preview of a different book) but each storImaginative space horror but just too short. Not even just in terms of the limited number of stories (3 + a preview of a different book) but each story felt so short and ended too quickly.
It's a testament to the potential of this little universe Beardsell has created that these short vignettes don't feel like enough - but it's also a downside to have bought this book and for it to be this short.
The stories themselves, though, offer great atmosphere and tension. They move fast, but it's decent pacing - though, again, I would have liked them to be longer.
It hasn't affected my rating, but the AI imagery inside is disappointing. However, I believe this was published before awareness of how unethical GenAI is became widespread, so I'll let them off....more
Peak zombie fiction. I'm one of those horror fans who's pretty fatigued by zombie media. About the only thing I like is Resident Evil, because the zombPeak zombie fiction. I'm one of those horror fans who's pretty fatigued by zombie media. About the only thing I like is Resident Evil, because the zombies are only the tip of the iceberg. I can now add The Cult of Choíche to the very short list of zombie media that excites me. I was already a fan of Jamie's writing, but this book shows his growth over time. This is a character-focused narrative that successfully maintains good pacing whilst exploring the thoughts and motivations of its cast. In terms of cast, we've got a diverse bunch from various backgrounds, and no guarantees that anyone will survive. Their complexities create realistic responses to the plot, and fuel how they interact with one another. I appreciated how Jamie referenced zombie media without his work becoming a pastiche. It remained true to its own story; the influences were clear, but never to the detriment of the story. Perhaps the only criticism I have is that I wanted MORE. More death, more destruction, more zombie chaos. Perhaps it was a symptom of the relatively small setting and a desire to keep the focus on the plot and characters, but a few more vignettes of zombies tearing apart townsfolk may have elevated this further... But it's still a 5 star for me - I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience and going on this journey with the characters....more
I wasn't entirely sure how effectively a comic book would translate into prose. I've attempted it myself, before, just for fun, and it can be tough toI wasn't entirely sure how effectively a comic book would translate into prose. I've attempted it myself, before, just for fun, and it can be tough to fully grasp characters' thoughts and feelings. That being said, the prose format provides a better opportunity for this deep dive.
I haven't read the comics run this book adapts. I am, however, familiar with the X-Men. As a result, it was easy to picture the familiar characters, as there's so much art of them. That being said, I felt like description was lacking.
The focus was on the action and the interpersonal relationships. This, though, did mean that it wasn't easy to know what characters I'd never encountered in comics actually looked like. Some effort was made, but it was...limited.
I did like the story, though. It delved into the existential question of what you'd do to be "normal", but also the dangers of "miracles cures". It hit well with me, because it made me question whether I would accept a "cure" for autism just to be normal and not face ostracism, and I questioned whether this "cure" would ultimately be forced on people.
For the record, I wouldn't. There is no "cure" for autism because autism isn't a bad thing.
Anyway, the story was good. The conflict between the characters was well-written, and I liked how time was spent with minor characters to see how they felt about the situation.
Unfortunately, the ending was a little lacklustre. There was good action, but the story fell victim to comic book conventions and returned things to an only slightly different status quo.
In other words (spoiler alert) the cure just kind of disappears and no one needs to worry about it anymore.
So it was good, I enjoyed it, but it loses a star for lack of character description and a copout ending. I also found some of the writing quite clunky, with a bit too much passive description....more
A good, entertaining read that hits familiar comic book notes with a mature twist, yet doesn't try to be too edgy or cynical, plus its own original toA good, entertaining read that hits familiar comic book notes with a mature twist, yet doesn't try to be too edgy or cynical, plus its own original touches.
This is a fresh superhero universe, with its own teams, heroes, villains, and history. We enter a universe that has had superheroes as part of it for decades, and our protagonist, Mustang Sally, is stepping up from a minor team to the big players: Just Cause.
It delivers a swift pace with enough downtime to connect with characters. The plot is always present, but it doesn't overtake characterisation, and we get some great development.
The storyline itself is somewhat familiar superhero fare, yet it's never overly predictable, maintaining its entertaining flavour as things twist and turn. Plus, Healy doesn't shy away from a few character deaths along the way.
There were times where certain aspects of "women written by men" slipped through, and there were some descriptions that I felt were slightly dated, but these didn't detract from the read. I was taken aback by a couple of love scenes (definitely mature without crossing into erotica), and at times the writing had moments of feeling stilted, but overall this was a good fun read.
A criticism (that has a minor spoiler element, maybe) is that for much of the book the cast was kept small, allowing the reader to gain a good understanding of who's who and what they can do; later, a lot of characters drop in with little introduction and it's a challenge to keep track of powers, names, etc. but it's something easy enough to get past.
I can safely say I intend to read more books from the Just Cause Universe....more
Loading...
