Tag: Science-Fiction

Book Review

Mindworks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction

TheShelfLife

Mindworks: An Uncanny Compendium of Short Fiction by Neal Shusterman

Publication Date: November 2025 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC | Based on a limited (yet large) provided selection of stories from collection

Overall Verdict: A collection of imaginative stories that fans of Shusterman will appreciate.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: A compilation of new and previous work of Shusterman together in one collection. These short stories stretch the imagination and have a wide range of focuses that fall within the realm of science-fiction, fantasy and horror.

My Analysis: First off I have to talk about the book cover. As an adult I can see the artistic vision behind it in incorporating elements from the stories. However, working with teens for as long as I have, there is a zero percent chance they would pick this one up because of that cover. They absolutely judge by the cover and I could even recommend it and they can see who the author is (he’s a popular one for us) and they would still be hesitant. As far as the stories go I was able to read the provided selection of shorts in the ARC, and it was still pretty extensive. From what I have gathered these are stories that are both new and previously written. They all definitely have that Shusterman flavor. Some I enjoyed far more than others, and I tended to be more intrigued by the sci-fi stories more than anything else. One in particular was fantastic, and I hear they may be adapting it to a film. All of the shorts varied in length, but all had the elements necessary for the reader. The writing was extremely imaginative and thought-provoking. If you are a fan of Shusterman’s other work there is a good chance you will like this collection too.

Book Review

The Confessions

TheShelfLife

The Confessions by Paul Bradley Carr

Publication Date: July 2025 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A thought-provoking take on the influence of AI, but misses out on providing characters to connect with.

3/5 Stars

Book Summary: LLIAM is the most powerful AI that everyone in the US uses to make decisions for them. From what they should eat for breakfast to where to vacation, LLIAM has the answer for everyone. But when one day LLIAM discovers a conscious, he mails out millions of letters sharing the secret confessions of people he helped. The letters cause chaos enough, but when LLIAM is suddenly completely offline no one knows what to do. CEO Kaitlin must track down her estranged co-worker Maud, who helped create LLIAM to try and fix everything before it’s too late.

My Analysis: The concept of this one is really good, and timely given how AI is currently incorporating itself into the world. It really shows the influence something like this can have and how easy it would be for humans to completely rely on it. You can tell the author really did his research and based on his own experiences was able to accurately show the tech side of AI. The thing I felt that was missing from this book, and what prompted a lower star rating, is that I couldn’t really connect with the characters. The book focused so heavily on the tech of AI that I felt it missed the mark on the human connection. Which is a little ironic given that fact is discussed within the book itself. There were a couple times where we got to see how the confession letters impacted individuals who were not directly related to LLIAM, but it would have felt more complete to me to hear more of those perspectives. This is an adult novel, but I do think there is good crossover for YA readers as well. If you like reading about AI and don’t mind it being a little more technical, this one is worth checking out. If you are looking for an AI book with more thrill, there are better options out there.

Book Review

Best of All Worlds

TheShelfLife

Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel

Publication Date: June 2025 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: An incredibly thought-provoking concept with unique characters who bring with them individual personalities in a difficult situation.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Xavier reluctantly goes away with his Dad and pregnant stepmother to their cabin for the week.  Upon waking after their first night there, Xavier quickly realizes that their cabin is now surrounded by a farm, and not in its proper location.  As Xavier, his Dad and Nia explore the area, it becomes clear that they are trapped in a dome with no one else around.  Three years later, another family arrives with the hope of escaping their circumstances.  As the families adjust to living in the dome together and consider how they could get out, tensions rise.  

My Analysis: This is one of the most unique books I have ever read.  The concept of these characters all stuck together for some unknown reason in a dome was very well thought out.  It brings to light a lot of ideas on how circumstances, environment and family all intertwine to create an individual’s personality and beliefs.  It was interesting to see how characters with such different outlooks could interact with one another.  I think it was the author’s intention to be purposeful when pitting characters opposing beliefs against one another, and I thought it was well written.  I could see how some may think it was a bit mundane, as a lot of it is the day-to-day living of these families,  but I was still invested throughout.  Oppel does a nice job of depicting Xavier as a teenage boy and how one would react to being found in such circumstances.  This novel would make a great book club choice as it would have some great discussion points.  Overall, if you like Sci-Fi, want something that is going to make you think, and don’t mind a story that is more character development than plot, you should give this one a read.