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bjlongchamps's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
neenthefiend's review against another edition
2.0
I feel sneaky and somewhat guilty because my partner and I were supposed to be reading this series together, but it’s been sitting at my bedside while I stare at it longingly. I couldn’t resist. After finishing I am excited to re-read with them and move onto the second book but I also am acutely aware why this series spooked me so much as a child to the point where I abandoned ship.
noorisreading's review against another edition
4.0
It was very good I think that the descriptions helped a lot I really like how he explains every thing and the plot is so fascinating I want to read more.
bookhamster88's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chavagrenville's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
3.75
A good opening to the series though it is clear not everything within the Snicketverse has been fully developed yet
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, and Pedophilia
sumayyaha's review against another edition
5.0
Very fast read.
Lots of intrigue and I can't believe I didn't read this when I was younger.
Lots of intrigue and I can't believe I didn't read this when I was younger.
tobbled's review against another edition
4.0
One of my favourite book series of all time
Was rewatching the show and was getting SO annoyed by the kids so had to re read the book to see if they’re actually annoying or if it’s just the fault of the tv show - spoiler alert: they’re only annoying in the show.
Was rewatching the show and was getting SO annoyed by the kids so had to re read the book to see if they’re actually annoying or if it’s just the fault of the tv show - spoiler alert: they’re only annoying in the show.
renegadedryad's review against another edition
5.0
This series was my absolute favorite as a child, and I started reading them in kindergarten. I read them tens of dozens of times.
I'm rereading them out loud to Benji, and they're every bit as charming and unfortunate as I remember.
I'm rereading them out loud to Benji, and they're every bit as charming and unfortunate as I remember.
idahobekah's review against another edition
4.0
Prior Experience:
I’ve always been a huge fan of the movie, as well as a casual 1-time viewer of the first season of the Netflix series. I had a desire to reignite my love for these characters by finally reading the first three books.
What I loved:
- I loved the foreshadowing in this and the simplicity of the plot. It’s refreshing.
- The writing ensures that there is no age limit to enjoy this type of book, and those are the books that make the best juvenile fiction books.
- Pacing felt great! I flew through even though I knew where the story was heading.
- This only ENHANCED my appreciation of Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Count Olaf— as well as Neil Patrick Harris’. It could have undermined their performances which was my biggest hesitation when heading into this series.
Where it falls short:
- Omniscient narrators are just not my favorite form of book. This form was very well done regardless of repetitive moments. (Example: “Claus wondered what to do next,” followed by Claus asking “what do we do next?”) This shortcoming had me desiring a shifting point of view story. Maybe even diving into the brain of Count Olaf for a short while within the final chapters.
- This story among many other children’s stories suffers from the “adults are either stupid or evil” trope. It works well when you’re an angsty kid or pre-teen hoping for others to relate to. It can be compelling, but when you’ve seen the trope enough it just becomes played out.
Overall Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
I’ve always been a huge fan of the movie, as well as a casual 1-time viewer of the first season of the Netflix series. I had a desire to reignite my love for these characters by finally reading the first three books.
What I loved:
- I loved the foreshadowing in this and the simplicity of the plot. It’s refreshing.
- The writing ensures that there is no age limit to enjoy this type of book, and those are the books that make the best juvenile fiction books.
- Pacing felt great! I flew through even though I knew where the story was heading.
- This only ENHANCED my appreciation of Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Count Olaf— as well as Neil Patrick Harris’. It could have undermined their performances which was my biggest hesitation when heading into this series.
Where it falls short:
- Omniscient narrators are just not my favorite form of book. This form was very well done regardless of repetitive moments. (Example: “Claus wondered what to do next,” followed by Claus asking “what do we do next?”) This shortcoming had me desiring a shifting point of view story. Maybe even diving into the brain of Count Olaf for a short while within the final chapters.
- This story among many other children’s stories suffers from the “adults are either stupid or evil” trope. It works well when you’re an angsty kid or pre-teen hoping for others to relate to. It can be compelling, but when you’ve seen the trope enough it just becomes played out.
Overall Rating: 4.5 ⭐️