Andy Weir composes an action filled sci-fi story, with a dash of science, and a glimpse of a future where the moon is settled and fueling the world's economy.

With quirky characters, a crazy heistish plot, and plenty of action all around, this is a sci-fi story that is easy on the brain and reads with the pace of a good action thriller.

An enjoyable read, and if doing audio, Rosario Dawson's performance is quite good.

A solid Weir novel, not quite on the level of The Martian or Project Hail Mary, but I think fans of Weir will still get quite an enjoyable ride.

4 Stars

Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Penguin Random House, for the digital advanced reader copy. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Exodus: The Helium Sea picks up right where the first book of the duology, The Archimedes Engine, leaves off. Finn and crew are on the run, and the Crown Dominion is complete chaos as Thyra completes her coup and assumes the role of Empress.

I loved how Hamiliton recaps and catches readers up, giving us a nice recap of events through the point of view of the characters. It was seamless and well done.

Being a duology, this book does not mess around...it is pretty much gas from the get go. Similar ot the first book, we have multiple plot threads, with multiple characters, and the politics creates a great game of political chess that keeps things on edge without compromising the cool sci-fi action and technology.

Full of twists, turns, and a cast mix of humans, celestials, and some aliens thrown in, this sci-fi duology has been a complex, yet fun ride. It ticks all of the great sci-fi boxes one would expect, and I feel in addition, it sets the universe for the upcoming Exodus game up in a thrilling manner.

Good prose, with plenty of science dialogue without being sciencey (not really a word, but you know what I mean). Great pacing, with a banger ending that is complete and leaves you satisfied.

If you have an interest in the upcoming game, or interest in space opera/sci-fi, then I highly recommend checking out this complete duology. These were the first two works of Peter F. Hamilton I have read, and I will be checking out his other works after these.

4.3 STARS

A solid first novel, with good character work, a plot that twists but stays manageable, and prose that is witty and flows well.

A spicier, but not too spicy, take on the classic murder mystery, with a dash of conspiracy, crime, and spying thrown in for good measure, Murder at the Hotel Orient hits many great notes for those who love a good mystery, properly balancing cozy with the darkness that must accompany a good old fashioned murder.

I do like how the author managed to leave the door open for more mysteries down the line. Our amateur detective, and hotel concierge, Sterling, was a dynamic, complex, and loveable character (despite her participation in Vienna's corrupt underground). I hope we get to see her again.

4 STARS