The Nebula Collection by Artline

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Publishing books with covers that are all part of the same image is still a relatively uncommon practice in Bulgaria. There have been some nicely designed series over the years, but not many that build a consistent visual identity across multiple titles.

This is the Nebula sci-fi series, featuring titles like Murderbot, Silo, and others. I’m curious to see how long this publisher plans to keep the style going. Something with the perspective feels limiting, as if it should end within 2-3 books.

And here is my success with the books, green are those I already read, red are those I did not start or did not finish. Overall, very solid books so far, mostly 5/5 with a rare 4/5 here and there.

For We Are Many by Dennis E. Taylor

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In the second part of the Bobiverse series, the self-replicating Bob probes have now reached dozens of star systems, and their mission has grown far beyond exploration. With Earth in a nuclear winter, the Bobs take on the monumental task of coordinating humanity’s evacuation. In book 2, Earth isn’t the only place in trouble. In the nearby stars, two other civilizations face extinction, and the Bobs can’t help but get involved.

Meanwhile, a new threat threatens to end humans – the aliens called “Others.” Although their presence remains mostly peripheral, it’s clear that they will have to be dealt with.

The challenge that this book faces is that we now have lots of bobs and neither gets enough spotlight to make a difference between them, except maybe Bob 1. But Bob 1 doesn’t do anything interesting.

5*/5, I liked the book very much and recommend the series. My copy is part of the Nebula series, which has matching. Bob sits next to the Murderbot and Silo.

Domestic Long-hair

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This fluffy ball is, I think, a restaurant cat. Lots of the restaurants here have semi-stray cats that would help the customers eat their meat, if they’re having difficulties. Meow.

October in Books

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October was a busy month and I didn’t have much time for entertainment. I still managed to finish five books.

Best Book

  1. The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin – my third book by this author and it might also be the best so far. An ancient Egypt-like world, where magic is collected from dreams, and dreaming is visiting the land of the dead. The priests gathering the magic are at risk of taking too much and losing humanity. The idea is not too novel but the whole story felt sufficiently different, alien, and better. Overall, a clear 5/5 and one of the best for the month on this blog for the year.
  2. Turbo Twenty-Three by Janet Evanovich – where Stephanie Plum will investigate a person turned into a giant ice cream bar. A nice, ice-creamy bubble gum with a good plot. Also 5/5.
  3. and 4. The first two books about Jake Longly by D.P. Lyle. A former baseball player turned detective, a series glowing in 70s style neon with a bit of exploitation. Overall very promising. I gave them 4/5 and ordered the 3rd book. Looking forward to reading it, once it gets home.

Worst Book

  1. Caraval by Stephanie Garber – I felt tricked by that one. It started well but turned into a slime. 3/5 – not for me. Probably won’t look for the continuation but who knows.