Review: Dark Matter by Michelle Paver |《Reread》

5 stars for Dark Matter by Michelle Paver |《Reread》.

The best moment to be in, is in-between books. Because the possibilities are endless. In truth, Dark Matter is not my choice read initially. Having read I'm Not Lazy, I'm on Energy Saving Mode by Dancing Snail, I was thinking of reading another non-fiction; yet while I was reading it, I kept thinking that perhaps I should be reading a horror instead, and my mind kept bringing me back to Michael Paver's Dark Matter. In the end, I decided to go with my heart instead. So, Dark Matter it is.

This is a story about a group of young gentlemen planning to overwinter in the wilderness, to study the High Arctic biology, geology and ice dynamics over the year. It is about the Arctic, the Midnight Sun, the Polar Night, the polar bears, seals and icebergs. But not quite.. it is also about fear; fear of the unknown, fear of what we cannot see or detect and the disquiet. The feeling of desolation, squalor and the group slowly fracturing under pressure is what makes it stay with you. It is not just horror. It is loneliness weaponized. Desperation. Oppression. You name it, we have it, in this book.

I always lament that once a book is read, we can never unread the book. Surprisingly, with Dark Matter, it feels different. Even though I remember this novel and its story developments, I am still able to enjoy the story on my second read. I think bulk of the reason is that during my first read, I am so anxious to find out what is going to happen next that I tend to read fast and overlook details. First read = sprinting through the fear - "What's in the hut? What's that sound? Is Jack going to be ok?!" With this second read, since I already know what is going to happen next, I can take my time to read and absorb all the finer details of the story. Second read = I already know the dread is coming, so I can actually sit in it. It certainly makes a big difference to the reading process and happiness quotient.

This is a book that gives so much more when read a second time. The Arctic descriptions, the silence, the way author Michelle Paver builds that slow creep of isolation and "something is wrong but I can't see it" - it all lands differently when I'm not racing to the next page. Since this is a reread for me, the details that hit me differently this time are the quiet moments, the journal entries and the feeling that the cold is getting into the words themselves.

I can still enjoy the story even knowing what happens. That’s the mark of a book with real atmosphere and detail, not just jump scares. I catch the foreshadowing, the little details in Jack’s narration, and the way the weather mirrors the mood.

All in all, a great story to be read and enjoyed again and again.

Review: I'm Not Lazy, I'm on Energy Saving Mode by Dancing Snail

4 stars for I'm Not Lazy, I'm on Energy Saving Mode by Dancing Snail.

This is not your usual wordy narrative kind of non fiction but it is not exactly a picture book either. This book is more like a picture diary where the author adds a few lines here and there as captions to her illustrations.

A practical book that expresses deep thoughts and feelings which we usually keep to our own selves for fear of being judged by others.

Easy to read and to relate to.

P/S: This is a late post. I finished reading this book way before I went for my surgery on 11 Sep 2026. There's just too many things to settle and too many things on my mind, so I did not post this until now. One thing for sure, I'm still battling with pain and a monster named Tired.

Review: Strange Buildings (Strange #3) by Uketsu

5 stars for Strange Buildings (Strange book 3) by Uketsu.

This book reads like an extension of book 2 Strange Houses. There are eleven short stories on strange buildings. At first glance, the stories seems totally unrelated, but on careful reading, they begin to intertwine, telling one incredible tale.

This is basically one big story which the author ingeniously breaks up into eleven individual files or cases, to give the impression that they are not related. And then one by one as if solving a big jigsaw puzzle, these fragmented pieces are placed in their rightful position to form a big picture in the grand scheme of things.

I enjoy reading this third book in the Strange series as much as the first two. Because each story is short, it is easy to read and pause for a break before I continue with the next one. I have some fun trying to spot the connections as I read along. Well, I would say it is not easy!

Uketsu is a writer of great originality. I am impressed by the refreshing storyline and the writing style, especially how the author wraps up the story and ties up loose ends. The last chapter is akin to watching a movie that is left with less than ten minutes or so run time. You thought the perpetrator is finally apprehended. And then five minutes before the credits start rolling, the last piece of puzzle reveals its hiding place. And finally, the jigsaw is whole.

Review: Strange Houses (Strange #2) by Uketsu

4 stars for Strange Houses (Strange book 2) by Uketsu.

Strange Houses is a creepy puzzle-box of a book. Each chapter starts with an unusual, to the point of being freaky, house floor plan, then peels back the “normal” layout to reveal disturbing secrets hidden in the walls.

The story is not so much a horror, but leans more towards unsettling mystery. The reader in me feels like an architect-turned-detective as I manoeuvre these "haunted" house blueprints with "oh no" moments such as when a hallway makes no sense.

This book is perfect for you if you like weird-vibe stories that make you side-eye every corner of your own home.

Have you read it yet, or thinking of picking it up?

Review: Strange Pictures (Strange #1) by Uketsu

5 stars for Strange Pictures (Strange book 1) by Uketsu.

It has been a long while since I last read a mystery novel that I'd forgotten the thrill and fun of immersing myself in solving one.

This is the first time I am reading a book filled with so many pictures — or illustrations. I do wonder if these pictures are drawn by the author himself. If yes, that means the author is not just brilliant with weaving stories but gifted at drawing as well.

Each chapter starts with a “normal” picture, then author Uketsu zooms in on one tiny detail that turns everything sinister. It is a good thing that I bought the dead tree version of a book because I find myself constantly flipping back and forth to look at those pictures again and again.

Strange Pictures is a creepy, fast-paced book, and the reveals hit like a jump scare. You will never look at family photos or convenience store pictures the same way again.

Review: Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels #10) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels book 10) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

My memory fails me, for real this time. I'm not sure if I should be happy or sad. The fact is, this book reads absolutely new to me. I remember reading it in that same year it was first published but the thing is, I simply cannot recall anything at all, not even a vague impression. No inkling. Nothing. Zilch. The flip side is, reading this book as a first feels really wonderful.

Kate Daniels' world is never short of action and surprises. In this last instalment of the series, she is tasked to solve the mystery of two hundred missing people. In the midst of Kate's investigations, ancient creatures start popping out of her aunt Erra's nightmares and attack them. And as if these aren't trouble enough, Kate finds out that her father is secretly mobilising his army. To make matters worse, there is a Fae assassin running around in Atlanta city hoping to kill Kate, Curran and their son Conlan.

Magic Triumphs is as good a title as its delivery of the closing arc of a grand finale. There are troops, mages, witches, the Pack, the Undead, the military, the Druids, the Order, the pagans, the Red Guard and even the Iron Dogs. Yes, all the different factions in Atlanta make their appearance and contribute in their own way to a colourful firework that signals a closure to Kate Daniels.

Review: Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels #9.5) by Ilona Andrews

Did Not Finish Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels book 9.5) by Ilona Andrews.

Iron and Magic slots right between Magic Binds and Magic Triumphs timeline-wise. It’s short but gives readers that breather with Kate and Curran before the final book throws everything at them.

When I started out on this book, I thought the story would make for a nice palate cleanser before the finale wrecks the reader in me emotionally. My tall paperback of a Magic Triumph - recently purchased via Amazon and received in good order - can wait its turn on the shelf. But in the end, my calculation misfires as I am unable to complete this novel. I struggle to make myself read at least until I reach the halfway mark. It is difficult to enjoy the story because it portrays Huge in a different light from what I perceived and wanted him to be.

Iron and Magic era Hugh is... something else. He’s one of those characters you either love to hate or hate to love. No in-between. What I like about Hugh so much is a mixed bag really. His chaos energy. His loyalty. The way he talks to Curran. The way he is attracted to Kate. Most of all, how he is turned on by Kate in their no-style fighting style. The Hugh in this book is post Roland. He is still powerful in his own way, but very much different from the earlier books. And I didn't exactly like it. But well, at least I make it a point to stop my reading at halfway mark, so if I ever want to continue with this book in future, I know where I left off.

Review: Magic Binds (Kate Daniels #9) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》

5 stars for Magic Binds (Kate Daniels book 9) by Ilona Andrews |《Reread》.

Author Ilona Andrews did it again. This book 9 is not just a story with a straightforward, straight-out plot, but one with branches that reach out far and wide to form even more branches - subplots that run alongside the main plot, adding depth, character development and thematic richness to the story. To be able to do this, the authors have to know their magic inside out to be able enchant the branches to inter-relate. And that is an impressive feat. For the reader, it is a much simpler job. I just have to keep reading to piece everything together into a grand picture.

Magic Binds can be summarized simply into two words. "Power corrupts". Because of this, I feel that the book title is aptly chosen. It is also revealed in this book that Kate is well versed in the language of power. These are words spoken and shown in italics. This thing about the language of power.. I list it here in my review post more for my own reference, in case I decide to read this series again in the future.

Finishing Magic Binds means I have just survived the wedding + Roland mess + the whole "Atlanta will burn" prophecy. My heart needs a minute, no scratch that, a break, before Magic Triumphs drops the final boss.

Next up, book 9.5 Iron and Magic.