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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
A very strange book, disturbing at parts, but oddly beautiful. 6/5 stars.
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The constantly switching perspectives, tenses, and interjections were just too confusing to follow, especially in audiobook format (and the narrator was very dry). Might be more enjoyable as a physical book, but it just confused me and didn't grab my attention.
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
3.0 stars
The writing is flowery and I did sometimes enjoy the poetic, ‘tale of long ago’ tone it carried. But sometimes I was just oh so confused or bored from its overwritten, long-windedness. The shifting perspectives contributes to some extent, but even without that it was getting to be a bit much where I started to feel like I was time traveling or I missed an entire section because I don’t remember how we got here - perhaps I zoned out. Despite that, I did like the idea of the multi-layered stories that were happening, very ambitious though and maybe not written in the most clear way. Still a really cool idea.
I did kind of like Keema and Jun, that is I liked what I knew of them - but that didn’t feel like much.I actually waited so long to hear about Keema’s arm thinking this would be where the real backstory comes in, only to be told I can imagine it for myself. Similarly I wanted more stories of Jun’s past as a Red Peacock. This story heavily involves both of them separating themselves from their pasts and understanding their current selves better however, so I theoretically understand not wanting to include that. But the actual effect of it was that I just wasn’t that invested in their growth or able to recognize it very well because I didn’t especially understand where they started.
I did overall enjoy the premise and general plot points of this novel, the execution and writing wasn’t to my liking, it is the biggest and pretty un-ignorable issue with this book.
The writing is flowery and I did sometimes enjoy the poetic, ‘tale of long ago’ tone it carried. But sometimes I was just oh so confused or bored from its overwritten, long-windedness. The shifting perspectives contributes to some extent, but even without that it was getting to be a bit much where I started to feel like I was time traveling or I missed an entire section because I don’t remember how we got here - perhaps I zoned out. Despite that, I did like the idea of the multi-layered stories that were happening, very ambitious though and maybe not written in the most clear way. Still a really cool idea.
I did kind of like Keema and Jun, that is I liked what I knew of them - but that didn’t feel like much.
I did overall enjoy the premise and general plot points of this novel, the execution and writing wasn’t to my liking, it is the biggest and pretty un-ignorable issue with this book.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the most stunningly written books I’ve read yet. Simon Jimenez articulates his story within a story so artfully that it truly feels as if I’m hearing my own mythic folklore from my grandmother’s mouth or watching it myself in the Inverted theatre. If you’re a fan of poetic prose and mystical worlds where tyrannical gods reign and speaking creatures and people alike must contend with their power, you MUST read this.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
The format of this novel is so unique and stunning
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Never read anything quite like it. Really enjoyed this. The structure was confusing at first but glad I stuck with it - complex story but beautifully written (even the uncomfy parts)
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes