The Long Mars by Terry Pratchett My rating: 3 of 5 stars "The Long Mars," the third installment in the Long Earth series, continues to expand the already vast canvas of Pratchett and Baxter's creation. While the concept of "Joker Mars" – echoing the familiar "Joker Earths" – is intriguing, it's just one of three distinct narrative threads woven throughout this book. We follow Sally Linsay on a journey across the Martian Stepped worlds, unraveling the mysteries her father, Willis, seeks. This exploration of the alien landscapes of the Long Mars is certainly compelling, but personally, it was the storyline involving "The Next" that truly captivated me. Joshua Valiente's arc, which delves into the emergence of these post-human children, is where the book really shines. It's a powerful exploration of prejudice, fear, and the potential societal clashes that arise when faced with the "other." The authors masterfully tackle ...
"Miss Scarlet" Season 5: A Detective's Triumph and a Welcome Shift "Miss Scarlet" Season 5 marks a significant and, in my opinion, successful evolution for the series. While the departure of "The Duke" (Stuart Martin) was a major change, this season truly shines as one of the show's best, allowing Eliza Scarlet to step fully into her role as a formidable detective. Unlike previous seasons where the show sometimes felt weighed down by overt feminist messaging, Season 5 strikes a more balanced tone. It delves deeper into the intricacies of Victorian England, offering a richer portrayal of the era's social dynamics without feeling preachy. The mysteries themselves take center stage, allowing Eliza's sharp intellect and investigative skills to truly shine. The introduction of Detective Alexander Blake (Tom Durant-Pritchard) has been met with mixed reactions, but I found his presence refreshing. He offers a different kind of dynamic with Eliza...