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Review: Platform Decay – The Murderbot Diaries

First, I have LOVED The Murderbot Diaries. Even before the Apple TV series came out, it has been a comfort read for me.

Platform Decay is the eighth installment in The Murderbot Diaries, but it could easily stand alone if you really wanted it to (I recommend reading all of them, though).

Murderbot is on another dangerous rescue mission, on a large space station full of corporate corruption. It’s tasked with protecting familiar allies, and unexpectedly, children (much to its dismay).

Murderbot is funny as always with its banter, and Wells does a wonderful job of showing its character growth.
The pacing feels awkward towards the end, and the ending feels abrupt.
Overall, Platform Decay is entertaining and a great addition to The Murderbot Diaries.

Thank you to Tor and Netgalley for the eARC! Platform Decay is out on May 5.

10.14.25 | leave a comment

Review: Cello’s Gate by Maurice Africh

Cello’s Gate by Maurice Africh

“No one ever said being a sky pirate would involve so much math.”

Captain Grey and his crew of sky pirates get hired by an immortal to find the fabled Stones of Indigo, said to hold godlike power. In seeking the first stone, they go to an unfamiliar island where danger awaits. Their treasure hunt quickly turns into a fight for survival.

I picked up Cello’s Gate because of the premise (sky pirates!), the stunning cover, the anticipation of a debut sci-fi/fantasy novel, and a random tiktok I saw about it.

The novel’s paced is even, and the dialogue feels natural. I feel many first novels in series have an info-dumping problem when it comes to world building, but did not feel that so much in this one, even with Africh’s detailed description. Dot was my favorite, with Mars close behind.

Cello’s Gate is a fantastic debut that nails action, humor, and found-family charm. I can’t wait to see where the hunt for the stones goes in the next book!

08.18.25 | leave a comment

the best books i read in summer 2025

It’s been quite awhile since I’ve posted in this space. If you’re a mom, you know what Maycember is like, and I chose to spend the rest of the summer with my family, and not worry much about social media. Because I only have so many summers with my daughter at home. Also because the world is bonkers right now. During the break, I read a lot at the pool, we got a new puppy, and my daughter grew right before my eyes. We both completed our local library’s summer reading challenge, too!
Now we’re getting back into the routine of the school year, and I’m looking back at what I’ve read. All together, a lot of audiobooks on libby, a lot of four and three-star ratings, and a few series finished! It was a good bookish summer.