Reviews

Wool by Hugh Howey

midwifereading's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I cannot believe I didn't know this was a series! To be fair, I had never heard of it. This was one of the 12 books, 12 friends, in 12 months challenge, and I went in totally blind.

While this first book didn't end entirely on a cliffhanger, it's clearly not over. And I have questions. I can't wait to read more!

This dystopian tale is believable, down-to-earth, and populated with characters I cared about. From the beginning you are made aware of just how high the stakes really are in this plausible,  post-apocalyptic future. 

Characters are compelling, and their arcs vary. None of them are bland, flat, or simply plot fodder. Even the side characters matter and make a difference to the story. 

The story is full of surprises, not twists, but surprises. One thing builds on another in such a way that it all feels real.

Loved it.

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bering's review against another edition

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5.0

Fantastic story, so well written. I couldn't stop reading once I started. One of my new favorite books ever.

fedak's review against another edition

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4.0

One of the wave of books made possible via Amazon's self-publishing platform and popularized via word of mouth and grass roots popular acclaim.

Could have been titled "Mary Sue in the Fallout Vault". :) There was absolutely nothing original here- the post apocalyptic setting is a shameless copy of the Fallout video game's vaults. (Which wasn't particularly original to begin with).

The characters are standard hero archetypes. Despite that it was a thoroughly enjoyable and fast paced read. Though for something that spanned 500 pages we should have gotten something better in the way of character development or world building.

stitchbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

little_red_reads's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

I genuinely loved this book! Such a fully imagined world, a examination of what it takes for a society to survive, both on a large scale, and the toll it takes on the individual. The way that the author showed the insidious power of ideas and communication... Just a quietly powerful read. 

laveryc525's review against another edition

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tense medium-paced

4.0

dianareadsalot's review against another edition

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4.0

This was mostly read via audio book. The narrator was pretty good. I wasn't sure about this book as I had previously read a portion of it. My local B&N chose this as their Sci fi book & I'm so glad I gave it another chance. I'm already set to read thr next book, regardless of the bookclub reads it.

I've never read a dystopian novel like this. Such a great read!

Highly recommend.

logbennett's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

wired153's review against another edition

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challenging dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

kaitain's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75