The Kaiju Preservation Society

I'm glad I read the acknowledgments at the end of the book, because at first this was going to be more of an expression of mydisappointment. I have been reading Scalzi's books for a while now, and with that comes certain expectations around exposition, world building, and resolution. By his own declaration, the author calls this book out as a quickly written "pop song", which it really is. It's a fun read, fairly campy and predictable, but I also enjoyed it, so what's the harm?

This is a really fun, cool, way way out there book. First, its great to read. Snappy, snarky dialogue and it moves at a good clip. Second, the characters and plot drivers are good and worth caring about. Third, this story is bizarre and fun. Although it is set in science, there is no science to explain the overall premise of the Kiaju, so just go with it. It’s a great way to lose a weekend when you could be doing something productive, but a lot less fun. Enjoy.

4.5 stars!! Please ignore how long it took me to read this book, I genuinely don’t know what is wrong with me. This book was incredible. Everything from the idea that there is a multiverse, to actual Godzilla monsters, to the found family trope, to Martin freaking Satie (the real MVP). I loved the science and the family style bickering and the way that this book never really took itself too seriously. This wasn’t a book I think I would have ever picked up on my own (shoutout to the hubs), and that’s also likely why it took me a minute to finish, but I am so so glad that I read it. I ended up actually enjoying the fact that there was absolutely no romance because it’s really hard to find a good story without it these days. There is a teenie tiny part in the middle where it slows down, hence the not five stars, but it by no means detracts from the story like some other sci-fi explanations can do. But that’s literally my only complaint.

I bought this in March, but didn't get around to reading it until October, because I was (and still am) slogging through the painful Mayfield Witches trilogy by Anne Rice, (the entire last 4 months), and I needed a break. And such a welcome break it was. I enjoyed the premise, and the timing, as it was very topical. The characters were great, and interacted together like a well oiled machine. I would have been happy if the book had gone on another couple hundred pages. It almost had the feel of a "The Big Bang" story. Spoiler : If you don't know what happens to Bella when it happens you don't know how the real world works. If you ever read this, John, great job!!! Some reviews whined about the political jabbing, but let's be serious, if you were actually alive and had cognitive abilities during 2020, the jabs were right on and well deserved. I don't understand how so many troglodytes have given this book a 1 or 2 star rating. In any case, there are losers amoung us. I really hope Sony, or even the evil empire, picks up the rights and makes a feature length film out of this.

I love science fiction that purposefully entertains. When an author who knows how to write puts storytelling as his top priority, you can (sometimes) get a gem like The Kaiju Preservation Society. Better than a gem, it's hilarious fun from the first sentence to the last. No dystopian themes, no gruesome scenes, and very few bullets too. What you will find are fun characters, witty dialogue, and... monsters. Sort of monsters. More like large, fire breathing creatures who are just doing their best to survive and reproduce within their ecological niche! Don't worry, you'll love them, along with the KPS caretakers who will risk anything to protect these creatures. Definitely get this book. I'd give it 6 stars if I could.