1984
George Orwell · 1949 · Read 2026
★★★★★
A true masterpiece for the ages. My second read, but it is even more relevant today than when I last read it decades ago. An absolute MUST READ for everyone.
Reading List
Book Reviews
What I've been reading — honest reviews from a translator, editor, and novelist.
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The Mist
Stephen King · 1980
Currently ReadingGenre
Year
Who Fears Death
Nnedi Okofor · 2010 · Read 2026
★★★★★
A very interesting take on post-apocalyptic Africa. Some of it was quite graphic, just to warn potential readers. It was almost an even mix between extraordinarily fantastic approaches and overused tropes, hence the middling review.
The Communist Manifesto
Karl Marx & Friedrich Engels · 1848 · Read 2026
★★★★★
One of the most influential writings of modern history, and still extremely important today in modern geopolitics. Some of the ideas were a bit idealistic with regards to the capitalist structure's readiness to be replaced, but there is no doubt this is revolutionary thinking that should be understood by everyone interested in economic and political structures.
The Poppy War
R.F. Kuang · 2018 · Read 2026
★★★★★
A wonderful debut from a very talented author. I found some of the transitions a little bit jarring, and you can kind of get the feel for just how young the author is at the time of writing. I was extremely impressed to see the adaptation of real historical events in China delivered for a majority Western audience.
Assassin's Apprentice
Robin Hobb · 1995 · Read 2026
★★★★★
A true masterpiece of character work. Hobb certainly earns her place as one of the all-time greats. A bit of a disconnect with the size of the empire and the size of the military, but it didn't take me out of the story too badly.
Fury of the Gods
John Gwynne · 2024 · Read 2026
★★★★★
A competent finish to the Bloodsworn trilogy. I get the impression that this series was meant to be longer, but it was cut short. I know that Gwynne's family was going through a devastating time, so it makes sense. However, I do feel like it left quite a few unjustified loose ends.
Hunger of the Gods
John Gwynne · 2022 · Read 2026
★★★★★
A great followup to Shadow of the Gods. Not a huge fan of some of the POVs, but it was still a very solid book 2.
Shadow of the Gods
John Gwynne · 2021 · Read 2026
★★★★★
A very exciting book with amazing fight choreography. I loved the viking-themed fantasy, but there was a bit too much of "oh, great...another boat..." for me.
The Prophet
Kahlil Gibran · 1923 · Read 2026
★★★★★
I went in completely blind to this one. It was not what I was expecting, but it certainly had me dropping the book and going "Woah!" several times. A true great for its time.
Heart of Darkness
Joseph Conrad · 1899 · Read 2026
★★★★★
Amazing classic. I am astounded that English is Conrad's 4th language. I was particularly impressed at how the formatting of the novel gave the impression of impenetrable jungle, adding greatly to the atmosphere and feeling of the book. A masterpiece.
Spock Must Die!
James Blish · 1970 · Read 2026
★★★★★
A great campy pulp sci-fi for when you are specifically looking for something terrible. It was awful in all of the right ways — a perfect palate cleanser.