Rosewater

I read speculative fiction in the undying hope that something will come along and surprise and make me find a new perspective on the world. It doesn't happen often, but it's electric every time. Rosewater is that book - I loved everything about this new take on alien encounters, psychics and oppressive governments. It's clear that Dr. Thompson has a firm grounding in science (he's a psychiatrist), with decently well-thought out explanations for how alien physiology works and impacts human cognition in this world. The sociology of the aliens and their motivations are...alien – distinct from other first encounter books I've read, and I enjoyed the futuristic Nigerian setting. If I had a complaint (and I always do), I would say many of the sex scenes are gratuitous and a little uncomfortable, but that was a minor annoyance. I liked the time-skipping back and forth as each time jump revealed a little bit more of the global setting and Kaaro's backstory and motivations (the perspective shifting is also something I've encountered from a number of Nigerian writers

Will review at www.fantasyliterature.com.

(Audiobook Review) I thought this was a good story and perhaps I would have enjoyed it if I had just read it on my own. The narrator has a strong Nigerian accent which made it a bit tricky on 2x speed and the inflection on some parts felt a little off. It was quite an odd story about being human and alien all at the same time. it was enjoyable and I will probably be reading the next in the series.