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mjhorn's review against another edition
2.0
This was frankly quite a disappointment. After reading several glowing reviews, I expected more. It felt like a lot of unrealised potential.
There were some interesting ideas there, but they were not explored in any satisfying depth. The writing itself was boring.
I did enjoy the fontplay stuff, but didn't think it really added much to the story.
Contrary to tags labelling Raw Shark Texts 'literary fiction', I didn't think it was very literary at all. Its a pop novel.
Not terrible, but not what I was hoping.
There were some interesting ideas there, but they were not explored in any satisfying depth. The writing itself was boring.
I did enjoy the fontplay stuff, but didn't think it really added much to the story.
Contrary to tags labelling Raw Shark Texts 'literary fiction', I didn't think it was very literary at all. Its a pop novel.
Not terrible, but not what I was hoping.
reunis's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
kalfrank's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Very dense at times
wonderwarner's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The start of the story and its overall premise were unique and interesting. I was hoping for a stronger resolution at the end, but I suppose part of the point is to keep readers contemplating the blurry lines between reality and imagination.
jhamm's review against another edition
5.0
A book that makes me stop and think this much deserves five stars
400iux's review against another edition
3.0
that was crazy there were literally pictures of sharks made out of words
benny_g's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steven Hall had me in the first half and then… he kind of lost me. The Raw Shark Texts was a great read don’t get me wrong, but out of all of its meta-laden pages and pop culture connections what we have here is something I and many others have seen before in other mediums. Once we get past the whole intrigue of Eric Sanderson’s total amnesia and search for the truth, what we’re left with is just ideas thrown at a dartboard but with Spielberg’s Jaws thrown into the mix. Having the titular Shark or Ludovican be an unstoppable threat to our MC was fantastic! The dread it brought was palpable and the pages in the story where you could see the physical creature inching towards you was pure genius. It just sucks that the fear and tension was muddled by a lukewarm plot and honestly unlikable MC. Next time, give me more strange and cool ideas like the shark, but hold all the Jaws references for sometime else please.
Steven Hall had me in the first half and then… he kind of lost me. The Raw Shark Texts was a great read don’t get me wrong, but out of all of its meta-laden pages and pop culture connections what we have here is something I and many others have seen before in other mediums. Once we get past the whole intrigue of Eric Sanderson’s total amnesia and search for the truth, what we’re left with is just ideas thrown at a dartboard but with Spielberg’s Jaws thrown into the mix. Having the titular Shark or Ludovican be an unstoppable threat to our MC was fantastic! The dread it brought was palpable and the pages in the story where you could see the physical creature inching towards you was pure genius. It just sucks that the fear and tension was muddled by a lukewarm plot and honestly unlikable MC. Next time, give me more strange and cool ideas like the shark, but hold all the Jaws references for sometime else please.
amandairene's review against another edition
5.0
A good friend recommended this to me, and initially I was very reluctant to read it. I put it off for a couple of weeks because I was so set on the idea that I wouldn't like it. The picture I had in my head of the story did not even come close to what the book was actually about. I am so glad I managed to get past my first hesitations, as this is now one of my favourite books.
While I was reading The Raw Shark Texts, I couldn't stand to put it down, and after I was finished I thought about it for weeks. It is the kind of book that stays with you long after you have finished, and I still find myself thinking about the characters and the story years later. Everyone should read this book.
While I was reading The Raw Shark Texts, I couldn't stand to put it down, and after I was finished I thought about it for weeks. It is the kind of book that stays with you long after you have finished, and I still find myself thinking about the characters and the story years later. Everyone should read this book.
trendingline221's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
amypitts's review against another edition
Just not feeling it right now. Will pick up again.