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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
I give the first half of this book a 5, and the second half a 3. The book isn't actually divided into halves, but for me this felt like two books written by different authors - the first half was beautifully written and was rich with character development, and the second half was a romp through fantasy land. I've read much more nuanced fantasy, thus the 3, but it was more or less enjoyable all the way through. I'd be interested to hear what more dedicated fantasy fans would have to say!
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my second read from Victor LaValle. I read Lone Women a few weeks back and enjoyed it so much that I sought out more from the author. Upon beginning I found the same writing that drew me so quickly into Lone Women but, after several chapters I grew impatient. If I hadn't already read and enjoyed Lone Women so much, I would have dnf'd this book. It was an interesting story but could have been told in much fewer pages.
An exhilarating example of a modern-day (dark) fairy tale. LaValle's imagination is wild, and this novel has the most dizzying tonal shifts I've experienced outside of South Korean movies. If you're going to read one of his books, make sure to start this this one and not "Big Machine", like I did.
really really enjoyable writing, an interesting focus on trolls, kept me guessing at the direction the story was going, pretty quick ramp up in action at the end otherwise a fairly meandering pace. not super spooky or unsettling but I can see how others could be put off by some parts.
What happens when you get caught in someone else's fairy tale? And you don't actually believe in it?
Solid. A bit messagey. A painful twist midway through--I highly recommend knowing as little as possible before going into the book. The ending didn't have the punch of that twist, and I was bothered by the "In order for this to be a story about the main character, we have to break other characters and prevent them from doing the logical thing" ending. You'd think if ever there were a self-rescuing set of princesses, it would be here. Lost a star for that.
Solid. A bit messagey. A painful twist midway through--I highly recommend knowing as little as possible before going into the book. The ending didn't have the punch of that twist, and I was bothered by the "In order for this to be a story about the main character, we have to break other characters and prevent them from doing the logical thing" ending. You'd think if ever there were a self-rescuing set of princesses, it would be here. Lost a star for that.
3.5 stars - this was a little long for me and I think it would have worked better as a novella but I still enjoyed it.
Loved the themes, but it wasn't what I expected throughout. Still a good read, and I can understand the praise it gets.
"Every human being is a series of stories; it's nice when someone wants to hear a new one."
"Every human being is a series of stories; it's nice when someone wants to hear a new one."
DNF @ 60%
It was on its way to be a 2 star read..
The distance maintained between the reader and the characters and plot didn't work for me. It all felt very disjointed with nothing engaging enough to want to stick it out and learn how everything pieces together. The pacing didn't help either.
I wish authors wouldn't narrate their own audiobooks. Voice acting/narration is its own craft, completely separate to writing. I am a fan of Victor LaVelle the person, but that narration was so monotone and boring, really didn't make for a good listening experience.
It was on its way to be a 2 star read..
The distance maintained between the reader and the characters and plot didn't work for me. It all felt very disjointed with nothing engaging enough to want to stick it out and learn how everything pieces together. The pacing didn't help either.
I wish authors wouldn't narrate their own audiobooks. Voice acting/narration is its own craft, completely separate to writing. I am a fan of Victor LaVelle the person, but that narration was so monotone and boring, really didn't make for a good listening experience.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Murder