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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
Excellent book. It requires quite a time investment, but very approachable prose, good structure, and I cared deeply about the protagonists. It was emotionally satisfying, interesting in its historical aspects, and certainly one of the better books I've read in my life.
adventurous
hopeful
slow-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:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book is very well written and would be fun for any historical fiction fans. The themes such as the struggle between good and evil, the importance of knowledge and education, social change and class mobility, and the triumph of love and loyalty in the face of adversity, are just really well explored and enjoyable. And told against a beautiful and interesting backdrop of the cathedral being built.
My only complaint is the slow pace, and too much violence. By the last 4 hours or so I was just really ready for the book to be done. And I kinda get the sense the author felt the same, as I felt there was just some sloppiness in how a few of the story threads for tied up.
Plot +1
Characters +1
Setting +1
Writing Style +1
Pacing +0
Themes +1
Originality +1
Emotional impact +0
Overall enjoyment +1
Ending +1
My only complaint is the slow pace, and too much violence. By the last 4 hours or so I was just really ready for the book to be done. And I kinda get the sense the author felt the same, as I felt there was just some sloppiness in how a few of the story threads for tied up.
Plot +1
Characters +1
Setting +1
Writing Style +1
Pacing +0
Themes +1
Originality +1
Emotional impact +0
Overall enjoyment +1
Ending +1
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: War
Minor: Ableism, Abandonment
I loved this book. Will read the next in series. Very meaty book. 974pages.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
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:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
I've only made it 15% (Kindle measurements) of the way through this title since I started reading it over a month ago, so I think it's time to abandon it. Perhaps I've lost my taste for massive 1,000 page epics. Or maybe the writing was just too simple or the plot was too soap opera melodramatic or I'm just not that into architecture. Regardless I couldn't seem to keep my mind on this book.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-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