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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
The seeds of VFD aren't very prominent in this story, but in the end you're reminded that there is an overarching mystery to this series in the form of three mysterious letters. While the standalone story here wasn't that exciting or gripping, that mystery was somewhat lacking, some addition to the cast is made that at least piques interest.
Getting deeper into Count Olaf's companions was a nice piece of information and definitely humanized him somewhat. The orphans, however, make some progress as characters, displaying a deep caring for other people for what may be the first time in the whole series. Esme was a good character - I wanted to like Jerome, but his spinelessness eventually just wears thin and makes him a poor caricature.
Getting deeper into Count Olaf's companions was a nice piece of information and definitely humanized him somewhat. The orphans, however, make some progress as characters, displaying a deep caring for other people for what may be the first time in the whole series. Esme was a good character - I wanted to like Jerome, but his spinelessness eventually just wears thin and makes him a poor caricature.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Every book has its own quirks that make the story exciting but I'm glad that we're getting hints at a bigger plot/story now! The stories were starting to become rather repetitive so the larger plot and quagmire triples were a much needed addition.
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of my favorites in this series. Really liked this one!
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My favorite in the series by far. This gave me nightmares as a child. So many good life lessons are taught here too - that sometimes doing nothing makes you just as accountable. The humor in this book is also a standout.
dark
funny
sad
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:
No
The Ersatz Elevator / Lemony Snicket
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ Regular light is in - as in as aqueous martinis, pinstripes, and orphans… ~
Is it ok to say that these books are enjoyable as the content is just so miserable?? Another round with the Baudelaire Orphans, this one has the same formula - new guardianship and shenanigans. But this one works, it feels that the quality is back even if it is very paint by numbers.
The Quagmire triplets bring an interesting dynamic, as they have answers and just as they get to saying them the Baudelaire say no wait until you’re rescued. It’s very frustrating but brings the story along.
The guardians then are two diffferent sides of a coin, Jerome wanting to help but being a coward…and Esme who’s just awful. Brought a new dynamic.
As always, CO is despicable, but the In Auction brought the red herring which was a solid play.
Looking forward now to the next undoubtedly unfortunate event.
Picked up from the TBR Pile: Graiguenamanagh
Bought from: NCBI, Clane - November 2023
- Read: 12/03/25 - 13/02/25
- Release Date: 31/03/01
- ISBN: 9781405208727
- Illustrator: Brett Helquist
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes