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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
The general idea of the history is interesting, but the execution isn't that good. This is generally slow, lacking the rhythm that would draw the reader in. There are many parallel storylines that don't connect, and too much meandering and unnecessary rambling. Even if I liked it, I didn't find it outstanding, even somewhat disappointing.
slow-paced
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but it certainly wasn't what was delivered. Possibly, I would have like it more had I not just read two great books [b:Babel: An Arcane History|57945316|Babel An Arcane History|R.F. Kuang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677361825l/57945316._SY75_.jpg|90789229] (also set in Victorian England) and [b:Our Wives Under the Sea|58659343|Our Wives Under the Sea|Julia Armfield|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1633437192l/58659343._SY75_.jpg|92277854] (also set near water) in the last month or so. I kept waiting for something to take a turn for the interesting, but by the 2/3 point or so, I just wanted the story to be over.
Really well written.Seriously, I’m in love with this writing. BUT, nothing actually happens at all in this book, like ever. Don’t read this if you like your books to have a plot or a point or any story at all. Also, although it was CLEARLY character driven, none of them were particularly likeable or memorable.
I think the beautiful writing was sold short by the obvious lack of substance. If it had been just a little more interesting it wouldn’t have taken me so long to read it. Still, the descriptions were amazing...
I think the beautiful writing was sold short by the obvious lack of substance. If it had been just a little more interesting it wouldn’t have taken me so long to read it. Still, the descriptions were amazing...
This was whimsical and atmospheric, but didn't have much depth. After a fifty or so pages, it got less interesting because none of the characters did anything surprising or complicated. I think the writing was good, but I wish there'd been more plot. Also, I found it odd how the author kept making such a big deal about Cora wearing a man's coat. I get that this was strange given the times, but did it really have to be referenced by all characters all the time?
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
I’m very delighted that I conveniently forgot it was adapted to a show until the very end of the book so I’m going to go watch that because the whole time I was reading this book I kept thinking to myself wow this would make a really good show lmao now I see it’s an Apple TV show I think it’s already a weird book and Apple TV shows are weird so I’m preparing myself currently because I’m not sure how I feel about this book yet and I don’t want to read or hear any other opinions yet all can say is I enjoyed The Enlightment a lot more than this book. This book was somehow even more difficult to read idk why I thought I would have an easier time reading it lol and it made me feel very tense and uneasy in a way which surprised the serpent didn’t trouble me the people did
There's an adage that says "don't judge a book by its cover" but I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person who bought this because it has one of the most gorgoeous covers ever.
Opening it up, the story is a slow burn, not a page turner, overwritten in places, but not jarringly so, with a swirling mass of victoriana - the newly emerging science, the declining religion, the lifes and loves of some very well-drawn characters, all in orbit around this mysterious and shadowy serpent that may or may not be out there somewhere.
Opening it up, the story is a slow burn, not a page turner, overwritten in places, but not jarringly so, with a swirling mass of victoriana - the newly emerging science, the declining religion, the lifes and loves of some very well-drawn characters, all in orbit around this mysterious and shadowy serpent that may or may not be out there somewhere.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-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:
Yes