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bookswithnicole's review against another edition
5.0
After about 100 pages in I became completely obsessed and read it every chance I could
okevamae's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book. As ever, Seanan McGuire has managed to create a fully realized world of magic that blends seamlessly with a real-world modern setting and feels absolutely real, with well-rounded characters who you want to root for even as they make heartbreaking mistakes that put their flaws on display.
I should mention that unless you already know what the Doctrine of Ethos is, you'll need to pay close attention to the first part of the book, or you'll end up very confused by the repeated mentions of it (like me!) There's also some non-linear storytelling, which personally I love, but I know some people can't stand it, so if that's not your cup of tea maybe skip this one.
I should also mention that although Seanan McGuire is well-known in recent years for her YA Wayward Children series, this is most definitely an adult novel. Content warning for attempted suicide, self-harm, violence, and murder - but if you've read and enjoyed any of her other adult novels, it's probably nothing you can't handle.
I should mention that unless you already know what the Doctrine of Ethos is, you'll need to pay close attention to the first part of the book, or you'll end up very confused by the repeated mentions of it (like me!) There's also some non-linear storytelling, which personally I love, but I know some people can't stand it, so if that's not your cup of tea maybe skip this one.
I should also mention that although Seanan McGuire is well-known in recent years for her YA Wayward Children series, this is most definitely an adult novel. Content warning for attempted suicide, self-harm, violence, and murder - but if you've read and enjoyed any of her other adult novels, it's probably nothing you can't handle.
dumb_library's review against another edition
4.0
I’m finding it SO difficult to rate this book. I loved it, but I can’t lie and say I understood any of it? I want to give it 5 stars for the sheer fact that the characters and writing overwhelmed me in a great way. However, I understood about 20% of the plot of this book. That might be the point, though? I can summarize this book like the jacket does, but I cannot for the life of me explain what the hell happened in this book. The more I read, the more confusing it got. I still loved it, though????? AHHHH I don’t know!!
ashtheaudiomancer's review against another edition
I normally love Seanan McGuire, but one just isn't working for me. Maybe I'll revisit it eventually, but I'm taking it off my shelf for now.
okjaaaaa's review against another edition
5.0
i'm confused. but in the best way possible - holy shit.
asreadbykat's review against another edition
5.0
True Rating: 5/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings: Flash-detailed attempted suicide, Murder, references to forced C-sections and genetic engineering, body horror (?), psychological trauma
My Thoughts
"Few things are more dangerous than a scientist with something to learn."
Seanan McGuire is one of those authors I know I love, and yet I continuously forget it until I stumble on one of their works again. "Middlegame" has been on my radar for at least a year now; so many booktubers had added this to one of their favorite books lists, and the premise absolutely intrigued me.
We have Roger and Dodger, two children with specialties: Dodger is a genius who can breathe life into math, and Roger can find the language to work around any situation. They also happen to be the result of an alchemical experiment by James Reed, a man who wants to use his master's teachings to use the two children to become a god.
The synopsis of this story doesn't really give a hint to what the reader is getting into. This story is very much character driven. While there is a plot, that plot hinges on the actions and thoughts of our two main characters. If you don't like a slower paced plot that jumps around, that can get confusing and then make sense, that follows characters from children to adulthood -this isn't the book for you. The book itself is almost like a "science experiment" in how it's written, but that's part of what makes it so fascinating.
McGuire's writing is really in the spotlight in this novel. There are so many passages I marked simply because of how they were phrased, or what was said. They were works of art on their own, adding a beautiful element to an otherwise grisly story. There are even terrifying scenes that are written beautifully. It feels like every sentence has a purpose, and that's one of the best feelings to get when reading.
McGuire's experience also comes into play with the twists and turns of the story. Rather than feeling jarring, they feel natural, inevitable. Even when I knew a twist was coming, I still had my jaw drop at several moments and had to think, "NOW IT MAKES SENSE!" McGuire kept this up all the way to the end of the story, and not once did it get annoying or feel like it was too much.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book and recommend to anyone who wants a slower, more character-driven sci-fi/fantasy novel.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Flash-detailed attempted suicide, Murder, references to forced C-sections and genetic engineering, body horror (?), psychological trauma
My Thoughts
"Few things are more dangerous than a scientist with something to learn."
Seanan McGuire is one of those authors I know I love, and yet I continuously forget it until I stumble on one of their works again. "Middlegame" has been on my radar for at least a year now; so many booktubers had added this to one of their favorite books lists, and the premise absolutely intrigued me.
We have Roger and Dodger, two children with specialties: Dodger is a genius who can breathe life into math, and Roger can find the language to work around any situation. They also happen to be the result of an alchemical experiment by James Reed, a man who wants to use his master's teachings to use the two children to become a god.
The synopsis of this story doesn't really give a hint to what the reader is getting into. This story is very much character driven. While there is a plot, that plot hinges on the actions and thoughts of our two main characters. If you don't like a slower paced plot that jumps around, that can get confusing and then make sense, that follows characters from children to adulthood -this isn't the book for you. The book itself is almost like a "science experiment" in how it's written, but that's part of what makes it so fascinating.
McGuire's writing is really in the spotlight in this novel. There are so many passages I marked simply because of how they were phrased, or what was said. They were works of art on their own, adding a beautiful element to an otherwise grisly story. There are even terrifying scenes that are written beautifully. It feels like every sentence has a purpose, and that's one of the best feelings to get when reading.
McGuire's experience also comes into play with the twists and turns of the story. Rather than feeling jarring, they feel natural, inevitable. Even when I knew a twist was coming, I still had my jaw drop at several moments and had to think, "NOW IT MAKES SENSE!" McGuire kept this up all the way to the end of the story, and not once did it get annoying or feel like it was too much.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book and recommend to anyone who wants a slower, more character-driven sci-fi/fantasy novel.
teresa_beatrice's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kiyajade's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
I never quite cared about anything in this book. I didn’t enjoy the multiple timelines, reading about school kids, all the jargon, the fact that it never seemed to end.
Also, was I supposed to read the A. Deborah Baker book? It’s weird that a book written by an alternate pen name of the author was constantly referenced.
Also, was I supposed to read the A. Deborah Baker book? It’s weird that a book written by an alternate pen name of the author was constantly referenced.
kenchingfox's review against another edition
Little too close to home in some respects.
bmlowry8's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5