Cyberpunk 3+/5

Hiro, a hacker who helped design key environments in the metaverse, uncovers a massive plot and must find allies among a disparate group of corrupt government, Mafia, religious, and commercial movers and shakers to defeat it. I followed this story better than I followed Neuromancer, though it was also extremely dark and convoluted. You have to have a taste for this kind of SF, but I liked it.

Didn’t get the next grant application in, but DID get a lot done on the book I’m editing.

Horror 5-/5

Worried for her cousin’s safety—or mental health—Noemi travels to the decaying mansion to convince the new husband to let her return with Noemi to Mexico City; but of course, no one can ever leave High Place. Noemi is a beautifully flawed and naïve protagonist facing obstacles and antagonists on every front. Yet she has strength and resilience, too—and smarts. Couldn’t put this one down.

Worked on my second editorial contract for 2023, and this one is another beautiful book. I also read Into the Woods, by John Yorke, and found it excellent–it’s on the 5-act structure. And, I submitted a second grant application (out of 4). Another one to submit this week.

Literary 5/5

Eleanor is certain the local pop star is going to marry her—even though they have not yet met—so certain, she fails to recognize the true affection of one of her co-workers. This novel was funny and sad and worked a magical slow reveal of the forces shaping Eleanor’s life that made the book impossible to put down.