Andrew Benesh > Recent Status Updates

Archie is my second favorite character, and having her introduced as both criminal and caretaker is great.

A very dramatic opening! I'm glad to see more Hero, even if Houndstooth is away. They're just delightfully insane.

Finished! I continue to enjoy hope Fry builds more depth to Hux, and really highlights the various symmetries within the film and franchise. I wish we got more Chewie and Rose, but I felt the extra attention to the Chewie / Leia moment was really good. I'm a little mixed on the final characterization of Rey's compassion, but really liked Luke's closing. Also hooray for Lanais!

The insights into Snoke, Hux, and Rey continue to be helpful. I still wish we got more Phasma and Holdo, though I appreciate the more focused reflection on Holdo and Leia's past (nice LPOA nod!). As we approach the Crait battle, I'm anxious to see how the Kylo/Luke fight will be presented.

I'm really enjoying Poe's thoughts, and those of the imperial officers around Hux. The detours into Leia's force experience and Maz's dispute were tantalizing. I wish we got more Chewie and Amilyn. Finn feels more frustrating on paper; it's easier to empathize with Rose about him in writing.

I really like how Fry is building characters through their insights and internal monologues. Hux feels much more complete. Leia's ceremonies for the dead were really well written, and felt really in sync with her portrayal in other books. And the extra depth for Paige is appreciated.

I'd heard about the prologue, but it's still really impactful. It really contextualizes the events of the OT and Luke's journey in ways that haven't been well illustrated before.

Finished! A fun ending, that really highlights the characters strengths and personal dynamics. I appreciate Huff's choice at the end; it feels right with the messages about corporate vs piratical theft.

I like the way the relationships are building. Yana is a clear favorite now. There's just the right balance of action and intrigue with the diplomat conspiracy.

This is a fun, lighter read. I'm enjoying the way elements of "hard" sci-fi - rules, chain of command, etc - are being compelling used for younger readers. The family relationships feel genuine, and the judge was delightfully entertaining.

Finished! I felt the embalming school section was too brief; the author mostly just reiterated her critique of the industry. I think it's valid, but I'd like to see more. The discussion of death acceptance and quality of life is really important stuff.

The further exploration of fragmentation has been helpful, particularly as it relates to people's fears about death and misuse of bodies. I'm off mixed feeling about the side story about love and Disney. The redwoods chapter is good, but if feels like it's missing something internal to the narrator; that might just reflect the sensitivity of the episode though.

The cremation of infants, bodies donated to science, and amputated limbs leads to a good conversation about religion, fragmentation, and roles. I wish there were a more nuanced discussion of unidentified and unclaimed bodies.

The chapter on embalming practices as they've evolved through time is fascinating

The discussion of really death experiences and cultural comfort continues to be very well crafted. It's a good balance of personal and academic.

A fascinating explanation of the cremation process, and an intriguing first day of work. I'm really appreciating the self reflection and attention to cultural differences.

A potent little intro on fear of death and Memento Moris. I'm curious how this book will proceed.

Finished! The battle conclusion and "boss fights" were very satisfying. The reunification of the Crew, Asper's acceptance of Denaos, and Lenk and Kataria's honesty were satisfying. I want more Bralston, and felt bad for Greenhair and Ulbecetonth. The Miron twist is a good way to set up the next books.

This battle is almost over. The Shen were pretty much as Gariath assumed. Bralston, Denaos, and Xai all have had fitting falls. In assuming Lenk had to relapse, which probably won't sit well with Kataria.

I'm looking the Shen less as this battle proceeds. Gariath and Kataria are being awesome though.

I'm glad some of the Greenshict drama has died down. Gariath's fight was particularly good. Also, obligatory elf butt comments. It feels like things are starting to align for the final conflict, though Sheraptus seems to be shifting focus.

Gariath is seriously hardcore. This section seems to have a lot of emotional conflicts - the brewing tensions are finally boiling over. The Gonwa power station is crazy.

I wanted Sheraptus to die so much, even though I knew it couldn't happen yet. Still, it would have been a nice surprise. His existential crisis is amusing, even if it is just a means to more violence. Greenhair also needs to get dead, preferably by Dread.

I'm glad Bralston isn't dead and is having second thoughts. in assuming Gariath will be similarly alive. The detail in describing action and environment is really good, if hard to follow at times. Lenk needs to grow up.

I'm really liking Lenk and Denaos' progressions; Dread and Gariath seem to be flagging some. I'm torn about Bralston. The hallucinations are a bit jarring, but it makes sense. Asper is frustratingly sympathetic.

Finally coming back to this trilogy. It's a very dramatic opening - Hanth confronted with the ancient God he chose not to free. Lenk's opening reflection felt more developed than previous books.

Finished. The court outcomes made sense, though I'd wish for more concrete handling of Tonya. I'd be curious to see a follow up once Charlie is released, and to see how his future relationships develop.

Talk about an anticlimactic arrest! I did enjoy the Bonnie and Clyde chapter, although there did seen to be a notable tone shift towards greater informality afterwards. Tonya seems particularly shitty, and I'm very reluctant to allow her background to exonerate her. On the other hand, she is starting to make more sense.

The lack of leads is incredible. The reliance on academic profilers, amateur sleuths, and extensive federal support whole constantly missing the actual criminals is downright Hannibal-esque.

I'm glad they've finally addressed the racial issues in the community, and the effects on firefighter's families and friendships. Also, the bottom of volunteer firefighting departments is getting more and more ridiculous as I read.