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Awix (3310 KP) rated The Kraken Wakes in Books

Sep 5, 2019 (Updated Sep 13, 2019)  
The Kraken Wakes
The Kraken Wakes
John Wyndham | 1953 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wyndham's second catastrophe novel isn't up to the same standard as Day of the Triffids, but is still a solidly crafted and (perhaps) eerily prophetic read. Aliens colonise the Earth and begin trying to displace the human inhabitants - but the twist is that they live somewhere almost totally inaccessible to human beings (at the bottom of oceanic trenches) which makes them rather difficult to strike back at.

Despite Wyndham's very reserved style, it's difficult to read The Kraken Wakes now and not interpret it as a novel about climate change: there is the predictable inability to agree on what to do about the crisis to begin with (many key players refuse to admit there is even a problem) and when the invaders make their final move (they melt the icecaps, causing rises in sea level and widespread flooding) the response of world governments leaves a lot to be desired. Many vivid sequences; the tone feels peculiarly light in parts, but the final third of the book is very powerful (though let down a bit by a somewhat bungled conclusion - the original, considerably more accomplished but much darker ending was changed at a late stage). Not one of Wyndham's strongest novels, but still one many authors would have been proud to write.
  
All Twisted Up (FBI Files (Spec. Ops. Tac Team) #1)
All Twisted Up (FBI Files (Spec. Ops. Tac Team) #1)
Patricia Logan | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
ALL TWISTED UP is the first book in the FBI Files (Spec. Ops. Tac Team), featuring Nash and Joshua. Nash is on the team, a bit of a playboy (I'm being polite!), while Joshua looks after his family and works two jobs. These two couldn't be any different. Trying to keep Joshua alive after he's targeted by a cartel is what unites them.

This was a page-turner, for sure. Each of the main characters in the group was interesting, and I can't wait to learn more about each of them. As for Nash and Joshua, well, there's plenty of heat between them, but feelings too. Let's just say the playboy stops playing away.

I will admit, I wasn't paying too much attention when the different cartels were mentioned. It was good enough for me to know 'a' cartel was after Joshua, and Candy's team were on hand to save the day.

A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and absolutely recommend. Now, when's the next one out?

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 30, 2025
  
Cruel Elites (Nocturnal Academy book 2)
Cruel Elites (Nocturnal Academy book 2)
Holly Hook, Margo Ryerkerk | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
203 of 250
Kindle
Cruel Elites ( Nocturnal Academy book 2)
By Margo Ryerkerk and Holly Hook

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

I refuse to end up as a vampire's slave.

There's no escape out of Nocturnal Academy's prison school. Being here means I've lost my mother, my best friend, and my freedom.

Now, Nocturnal Academy plans to make me into a courtesan for the vampires. My only hope out is topping the Placement Tests and becoming the 1 out of 100 fae who gets to shape her own fate.

But between a mysterious vampire guard confusing my feelings, my nemesis circling in on me like a viper, and a teacher who hates my guts, all my plans are falling apart. If I'm not careful, I won't even end up as a courtesan, but as dead meat.


This is the second book and definitely a star more than I rated book 1. This was more settled and the story is picking up and getting interesting. It’s definitely a tough concept that these Young mainly female fae really have limited outcomes on their lives and can be a bit tough to read in places, but I’m finding it well written! Looking forward to reading the next one.
  
208 of 250
Book
The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror 19th annual collection
An anthology of stories edited by Ellen Datlow, Gavin J Grant and Kelly Link

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

The legendary anthology is back, with witches and warlocks, fairy rings and gothic tales. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 presents the best short stories and poetry published in this genre, and takes readers into the most fantastic realms imaginable. Culled from thousands of annuals, acclaimed writers and genre specialists Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link and Gavin Grant offer a broad range of fantastical and horrific fiction, including work from Jeffery Ford, China Miville, Bruce Sterling, Mark Samuels, Barbara Rhoden and many more. In addition, this critically renowned series offers an extensive overview of the year in fantasy and horror. The Years Best Fantasy and Horror 2006 is the best source for fans or nascent readers of fantasy and horror.


There weren’t many that I actually enjoyed reading if I’m completely honest. Loved Adam Nevill’s short but this is one I’ve read a few times. These are great for finding authors I have a few on my tbr list now. Overall it was very average.