Caramel’s reviews – Page 3

Caramel reviews Artificial Condition: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

A few months ago, Caramel reviewed All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. Today he reviews Artificial Condition, the second book in the Murderbot Diaries saga, written originally in 2018. As usual, Sprinkles is taking notes and asking questions.

Sprinkles: So here we are ready to talk about a new Murderbot Diaries book.

Caramel: Yeah, I like these books! This is the continuation of the first one, and I like it.

S: Okay, so maybe you can remind us a bit about what this is all about. Murderbot sounds kind of violent, like a technologically sophisticated and out-of-control killer robot.

C: It is sort of true. The main character calls himself Murderbot, and he is definitely able to kill, he just sort of doesn’t.

S: Yes, I remember. He actually calls himself Murderbot kind of tongue in cheek, like a personal inside joke. He could kill everyone, but he just does not want to. Kind of.

C: Yes, but he also is smart. He knows he is capable of killing humans, but also humans are very powerful and eventually they would capture him and melt him down. So even though humans sometimes really annoy him, he is kind of not going wild on a murderous rampage also because he does not want to die.

S: We keep saying “he” and “die” and “wants” and so on, almost humanizing him. This is a cyborg, a part-organic, part-robot creature, who has hacked his own governing module, so he has about as much free will as the humans around him.

C: Exactly. He has full control over his body and mind, and he enjoys watching soap operas instead of dealing with humans and killing things and so on. But he is a SecUnit, that means he is a security unit, his job is to defend the people who hire him, and so occasionally he has to fight.

S: In the first book, he joined a group of scientists who were surveying a planet searching for anything useful or interesting. We even ended up watching the TV series they made out of that book. I think you enjoyed that a lot.

C: Yes! I think it is more correct to say that we both enjoyed it.

S: True.

C: And this book takes over when that first book ended, and more or less where the first season of the TV show ends. Murderbot is now traveling on his own and he faces new enemies and makes new friends.

S: That sounds cool!

C: It is cool. There is a new character, a very powerful artificial intelligence, for example, and he is pretty cool. But he is annoying too, so Murderbot calls him ART in his mind. R and T stand for Research Transport, and A stands for a word I cannot say because I am a good little bunny who does not say bad words. (But don’t worry. There are not that many other bad words in the book.)

Caramel is reading Artificial Condition: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. — Caramel is reading *Artificial Condition: The Murderbot Diaries* by Martha Wells.

S: So it sounds like this book is quite fun too. Is it as fun as the first book?

C: Yes, maybe more fun, he is now a security advisor. And he still loves to watch his soap operas, but he is also a lot more interested in doing things, helping people, solving problems, and so on. And he is still very funny. And he makes a lot of funny sideways comments.

S: That is wonderful, Caramel. You know I still have not read the first book. I did enjoy the TV series though. And talking to you about this book makes me want to go back to that first book and read it after all. So then I can also read this one.

C: Can we maybe add the trailer?

S: We have included the trailer for the first season in your review of the first book. They do not seem to yet have the trailer for the second season, even though they apparently will have one.

C: Oh, okay. At least maybe our readers can go and check out that first trailer. The show is funny, and a lot funnier than the trailer.

S: Yes, the title “Murderbot” kind of turns off some people, but it is actually pretty funny and interesting.

C: I can see why people might not like the name, but it is not really that violent most of the time. Though there are some violent scenes. After all it is a SecUnit and has to fight sometimes.

S: Yes. Okay, maybe this is a good time to wrap up this review.

C: Sure, I can always go back to reading!

S: Sounds like a good idea. But before that, what would you like to tell our readers?

C: Stay tuned for more book bunny reviews!

Caramel loved reading Artificial Condition: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells and is looking to read many more books in this series in the coming weeks and months. — Caramel loved reading *Artificial Condition: The Murderbot Diaries* by Martha Wells and is looking to read many more books in this series in the coming weeks and months.

Caramel reviews Star Wars: Lost Stars by Claudia Gray

Today Caramel is reviewing a book recommended by a friend of the blog: Star Wars: Lost Stars, written by Claudia Gray and published in 2015. As usual, Sprinkles is taking notes and asking questions.

Sprinkles: Finally we are talking about the space book you had promised us a couple weeks ago.

Caramel: Yes, it’s a Star Wars book this time.

S: What do you mean by that? Is it about the movies? You reviewed three books like that: Ultimate Star Wars: New Edition, Star Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles by Landry Q. Walker, and Star Wars: Complete Vehicles – New Edition. Or is it fiction about the Star Wars universe?

C: All those were cool! But this one is fiction.

S: Oh great! You have reviewed two fictional works about the Star Wars universe before: 5-Minute Star Wars Stories by LucasFilm Press and A Jedi You Will Be by Preeti Chhibber and Mike Deas. But according to Wikipedia, there are almost a million books about the Star Wars universe, and many of them, this one included, basically expand the universe with storylines touching the stories of the original three movies.

C: Yep, maybe not a million, but a lot! And this is one of them. It is what they call a “young adult” book. I am young but pretty far from being an adult.

S: Hmm, I can see it is a lot thicker than those two books you reviewed before and there are no illustrations or cute drawings.

C: No, unfortunately, it’s more of a romance thingy.

S: I guess when they call books “young adult”, sometimes romance shows up. And I know illustrations are always cool, and especially for space and technology related books, they would be really helpful.

C: Yeah, I wish it had drawings, too.

S: But you have also read many books without illustrations. Almost all the Wings of Fire books for example, not counting the graphic novelizations. So sometimes the story will still carry you along, because words help you see things too.

C: Yes, that is true.

S: Okay, so tell us a bit about the story itself. I understand we are in the Star Wars universe and there is some romance. But there has to be a story.

C: It’s about two people: a boy named Thane Kyrell and a girl named Ciena Ree. They live on an Imperial world. The boy is relatively rich and the girl is poorer. They become good friends and end up learning how to fly.

S: Okay, you will have to slow down for me a bit. An Imperial world, what do you mean by that?

C: It is a planet which is governed by the Galactic Empire. You remember the Galactic Empire from the movies?

S: Oh yes, I do. Okay, I cheated and looked it up: Wikipedia says that “[t]he book is set before, during, and after the events of the Star Wars original trilogy (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi), in which the Galactic Empire has tightened its stranglehold on systems in the Outer Rim while the Rebel Alliance also grows in strength.”

C: Don’t cheat! You should read the book if you want to know that! But anyways, yes, that is correct.

S: Okay, so we know the setting, kind of. But they learn to fly? You mean space ships?

C: Yep, they fly space ships, mostly inside atmosphere ships. Then they get really good, and they sneak into a show of the empire, and grand moff Tarken is there. The moff finds them and can see that they have potential. They then sign up to join the Imperial Navy, also known as the space people. They are the people who fly the TIE fighters.

Caramel is reading Star Wars: Lost Stars by Claudia Gray. — Caramel is reading *Star Wars: Lost Stars* by Claudia Gray.

S: Wait, you are going way too fast for me. What is a show of the empire? And what is a moff?

C: They sort of just show off their power and ships.

S: Oh, kind of like a military parade or an air show?

C: Yeah, except more dictator-like.

S: Well, the empire is kind of authoritarian, so that adds up. Okay so what is a moff? Sounds like a military rank then.

C: it’s some sort of important military leader

S: I see. Then what happens?

C: Well, basically they are split up and one stays with the Empire while the other one joins the rebels.

S: Is that how it ends?

C: No, that is kind of in the middle.

S: I see; that is good. At least we have not given away too many plot secrets. But it sounds like an interesting tension, of two friends who take different sides in a very big conflict. The romance is between the two of them, I am assuming?

C: Yes, it is.

S: But from all that you are telling me, the romance is there, but the story could work even if we just assumed they were two very good friends who are facing the dilemma of choosing different paths.

C: Yep, and honestly I’d have preferred that.

S: I know you and Marshmallow do not love romance. But for many readers, that sometimes adds just some extra flavor. But it seems to me the Star Wars backdrop is actually quite engaging too.

C: Yes, but it is not really a backdrop. It is really like you are living in the time of the movies and the world is very real.

S: Okay, then. That sounds good to me. Would you recommend it to other bunnies who like the Star Wars universe?

C: Maybe bunnies older than elementary school because younger bunnies do not like the mushy stuff too much.

S: I can’t imagine which younger bunnies you are talking about!

C: Hmm, me neither.

S: Okay, let us leave it there then. But the story was cool, no?

C: Yeah, it was neat to learn about how they got into flying. And it was a story of love and betrayal. And that can be kind of epic, you know. And I always love to read about the Star Wars universe and the ships and such. It was cool for example that Thane and Ciena were flying TIE fighters and we have seen them in all the movies.

S: Yes, I can see how that could be neat. Okay, so maybe this is a good place to end this review. What would you like to tell our readers?

C: Stay tuned for more book bunny reviews!

Caramel enjoyed reading Star Wars: Lost Stars by Claudia Gray and is now looking through a whole pile of other Star Wars books to pick the one to read next. — Caramel enjoyed reading *Star Wars: Lost Stars* by Claudia Gray and is now looking through a whole pile of other Star Wars books to pick the one to read next.

Caramel reviews Darkstalker: The Graphic Novel by Tui T. Sutherland and Jake Parker

Caramel has always been an avid fan of Tui T. Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series. He is also a lover of graphic novels. So he has already reviewed the graphic novelizations of the first eight Wings of Fire books (The Dragonet Prophecy, The Lost Heir, The Hidden Kingdom, The Dark Secret, The Brightest Night, Moon Rising, Winter Turning, and Escaping Peril) for the book bunnies blog. Today he reviews the graphic novel adaptation of Darkstalker, published just yesterday! As usual, Sprinkles is taking notes and asking followup questions.

Sprinkles: Here we are with a brand new Wings of Fire graphic novel! I knew you would be happy to get your paws on this book!

Caramel: Yes, you know I had to get my paws on it.

S: Well, it was just published yesterday, and here you are, ready to talk about it already. I am guessing that is a good sign.

C: Yep, it sure is. I’m very lucky to have it, and I’m glad we are talking about it.

S: Okay, so you had already read and reviewed the original Darktstalker.

C: Yep, I have, and both are awesome.

S: So can you remind our readers a bit about what the deal is with the Wings of Fire books and this book especially, given how it is not one of the standard series, but rather belongs to the associated Legends series?

C: Ok, so the Legends, the Winglets, and the Wings of Fire are all different series. The Wings of Fire are the original books; there are fifteen of them and they are about many different dragons who live on different continents on a planet and have many different adventures and challenges. The Legends are more sort of books that fill in gaps in knowledge missed in the original series, about historical and legendary events and characters. And the Winglets books are like that, too, but they are more about some of the side characters from the main series.

S: Alright, that is a good summary I think.

Caramel is reading Darkstalker: The Graphic Novel by Tui T. Sutherland and Jake Parker. — Caramel is reading *Darkstalker: The Graphic Novel* by Tui T. Sutherland and Jake Parker.

S: So then this book is a graphic novel adaptation of one of the Legends books, about a historical character named Darkstalker, right?

C: Yep, but he also shows up in the Jade Mountain story arc. That is the story arc that covers books six to ten.

S: Wait, so he is historical in a way because he is really old and ancient, but he is still affecting the main story line?

C: Yes, this book is basically his origin story.

S: I see. That’s cool.

C: And this also contains the thoughts and storyline of him and two other characters, Clearsight, and Fathom, his friends who were forced to go against him..

S: They also show up in the original version though, right?

C: Yep, but I was sort of wanting to see what they looked like, this being a graphic novel and all. And this was very close.

S: That is so neat! So why don’t you tell me a bit more about the graphic part of the graphic novel? I noticed that the main illustrator is Jake Parker, and not Mike Holmes, who was the one from the graphic novelizations of the main series.

C: Yeah, but it’s still good; I like this artist’s style too.

S: I am guessing the other books kind of set up a standard, a set of expectations for the reader, and this book is in line with those expectations.

C: I guess you could say it that way. I just say I liked them both.

S: Okay, sounds good to me.

C: Somehow, his style is familiar to me. Not sure why?

S: It might be because you already read some of his other work. Remember Kepler’s Intergalactic Guide to Spaceships?

C: Oh, yeah! That was a cool book! I told you somehow his style felt familiar.

S: Good for you! By the way, did you know that there will soon be a book sixteen for the original Wings of Fire series?

C: Yesss! I heard that a fourth arc is starting and I really really can’t wait! I really want to read it.

S: It is apparently titled The Hybrid Prince and will come out some time in March 2026.

C: It is so hard to wait!

S: It is apparently about a MudWing brother of Clay named Umber.

C: Really, ooooooooooooo, now I really need to read it.

S: I love your enthusiasm Caramel. I think it is certain that you will read and review it when it comes out.

C: Yay!

S: Okay, I think this is a good time to wrap up this review. What do you want to tell our readers?

C: Stay tuned for more book bunny reviews! And I can’t wait till March!!

Caramel loved reading Darkstalker: The Graphic Novel by Tui T. Sutherland and Jake Parker and can't wait for more Wings of Fire books! — Caramel loved reading *Darkstalker: The Graphic Novel* by Tui T. Sutherland and Jake Parker and can’t wait for more Wings of Fire books!

Caramel reviews The Little Book of Bees: Buzzy Wit and Wisdom by Sandra Lawrence

Today Caramel is chatting with Sprinkles (and a new friend!) about a little yellow book about bees: The Little Book of Bees: Buzzy Wit and Wisdom, compiled and written by Sandra Lawrence and published first in 2021.

Sprinkles: So we are talking about a little book about bees today.

Caramel: Yes! And that is why my friend is here with me.

Bee-positive the bee: Hello, Sprinkles and the book bunnies fans! I read this book first, to make sure Caramel would not be learning anything wrong about me and my folks. It seemed fine. There are six chapters. I like the first introductory one the most because it is called The Joy of Bees. Because we bring joy everywhere we go.

S: Except when you sting someone, but of course that is not a thing you like doing. I understand it is only a matter of self-defense and last resort.

C: Sprinkles, the stinging usually kills the bee, so maybe it is a bit morbid to be talking about that.

S: Okay, yes, you have a point, Caramel, how thoughtless of me… What kind of a hostess am I being? Welcome, Bee-positive, to the book bunnies blog.

B: Happy to be here!

S: I am glad you and Caramel read this book together.

C: Yeah, I really liked being able to share it with Bee-positive.

Caramel and Bee-positive the Bee review The Little Book of Bees: Buzzy Wit and Wisdom by Sandra Lawrence. — Caramel and Bee-positive the Bee review *The Little Book of Bees: Buzzy Wit and Wisdom* by Sandra Lawrence.

S: Okay, so Bee-positive started us off with the contents of the book. Maybe tell us a bit more. What are the other chapters like?

C: Well, the second chapter is called “Nectar of the Gods: Bees in myth, folklore and superstition”. So here I learned all kinds of weird things about bees. For example, Alexander the Great was buried in a sarcophagus filled with honey, did you know that?

B: But of course it is not true!

S: Hmm, I wonder… Anyways, I guess that is why the chapter is titled myth, folklore, and superstition.

C: Yep, probably.

S: Though honestly, I for one would not have wanted to lie down in a pool of honey. You know I love honey but …

C: Then again, it might be soft and comfortable and smell good too!

S: Hmm. No. Not for me.

B: Hey, it is a bit rude, don’t you think? We don’t make our honey so folks sleep in it or put old things in it.

S: Agreed.

C: Alright, let us move on then. The third chapter is “Hive World: Of bees and beekeeping” There are many facts about beekeeping here.

B: And the fourth chapter is “What’s the Buzz: Bees of the rich, powerful, famous and fashionable”. This is about the posh part of the family, the bees associated with rich and famous people.

C: Yeah, so this is where we learn about how Napoleon’s symbol was the bee.

S: Huh, I guess there is something to be said about bees being hard-working and so on. But apparently, according to Wikipedia, Napoleon chose them as a symbol for immortality and the resurrection of the empire and such. That is so interesting!

C: Yeah, I had no idea, either. Then the fifth chapter is called “A Taste of Honey”.

S: Hmm, I think I might like that chapter. Me and Winnie the Pooh.

C: Yes, you might. We did too. There are many facts in the chapter about honey.

S: Can you share with us something new that you learned about honey?

C: Sure, for example, they found jars of honey in the Valley of the Kings, 3500 years old.

S: Wow! That is old! I wonder how it tastes… as far as I know, honey does not spoil, really.

C: Well, we can never really keep it long enough to see; we eat it all up.

Caramel and Bee-positive the Bee are reading The Little Book of Bees: Buzzy Wit and Wisdom by Sandra Lawrence. — !Caramel and Bee-positive the Bee are reading *The Little Book of Bees: Buzzy Wit and Wisdom* by Sandra Lawrence.

C: Okay, now the last chapter. This one is called “Listen to the Bees: Advice for Life”.

B: Wait, maybe this is my favorite chapter!

C: Well, it is kind of one of my favorites too. It is full of interesting facts and proverbs and quotes from people who think about what the bees can tell us.

S: Can you give us an example?

C: Ok, here is an Arabian proverb: “When you shoot an arrow of truth, dip its tip in honey.”

S: Oh, cool. Can you tell our reader what you think it might mean?

C: To be kind when you tell the truth, like honey-coat it.

S: That makes sense. People might be too overwhelmed with pain to get your point if you don’t try to be gentle with them when telling them hard, painful truths.

B: Now, that would be a good use of honey. I approve.

C: Me too.

S: So this was a neat book for you, right, Caramel? You got to hang out with your new friend Bee-positive and learn a whole lot of new facts.

C: Yes, it is a very good book, and we had a lot of fun reading it. Right, Bee-positive?

B: Yeah, totally!

S: Okay, maybe this is a good time to wrap up this review. What would you like to tell our readers as we wrap up this review, Bee-positive?

B: See you guys, maybe, later! I will be the one buzzing around on those flower beds.

S: And how about you, Caramel?

C: Stay tuned for more book bunny reviews!

Caramel and Bee-positive the Bee loved reading The Little Book of Bees: Buzzy Wit and Wisdom by Sandra Lawrence together and recommend it to all other little bunny friends! — Caramel and Bee-positive the Bee loved reading *The Little Book of Bees: Buzzy Wit and Wisdom* by Sandra Lawrence together and recommend it to all other little bunny friends!