I have a well documented love-hate relationship with the Amazon recommendation engine. Sometimes it’s spot on, and other times not so much. No matter the case, it’s omnipresent and seems to follow me around. My latest read, The Everything Box by Richard Kadrey, came courtesy of the Amazon recommendation engine through their sci-fiction and fantasy newsletter. I subscribe because I like seeing what’s up and coming in the science fiction genre. The Everything Box, as it so happens, fits more into the Fantasy domain. I figured I’d still give it a shot to see if the recommendation still had “it”.

Let me start out by saying that The Everything Box is an entertaining read. It’s funny, whimsical, and doesn’t take itself very seriously. With that out of the way, I’ll get to the “but” of the story. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’m just not into the magic, sorcery and fantasy genres. I didn’t realize from the description how much sorcery, magic, and related items there would be in the book. My preference are books that are primarily science fiction based, with the more emphasis on near-term, hard science fiction the better. It’s a shame really, because the story is well done, it moves quickly, and it’s easy to read.

Unfortunately, the recommendation engine was a miss on this one. I can’t recommend it if you’re looking for a good science fiction read. That’s not what it is. However, if you’re a Harry Potter fan and enjoy sorcery and fantasy books, then pick up The Everything Box. I highly doubt that you’ll regret it.