4.37 AVERAGE


I enjoyed this, again a book I wouldn’t have reached for otherwise. I would recommend it because it’s a short but interesting read. I think it’s best suited for people who like art and philosophy because it felt to me like it was very heavy on the themes around what is and isn’t art. I knew nothing about this book or the author before reading it, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I always see art as something that means something to its creator but can also be meaningful to others and this book cemented how I feel but I can also understand why others may feel art is for the viewer primarily. The book made me feel for the characters in such a short amount of time and it made me happy seeing Gaotona getting a happy ending. I don’t really have any connections to the book specifically in my life other than liking to make art but that helps me relate to Shai. I don’t highlight books or mark them, I liked the passage at the end of Gaotona ||reading the notes and understanding how brilliant the art created really was.|| I’ve never read Brandon Sandersons work but I probably should since this was enjoyable, I don’t usually read this genre either since I primarily read romantasy and wouldn’t really have a good comparison. I managed to easily finish the book in a matter of a few hours and it kept me hooked that I didn’t need a break. I think that any book discussing art is relevant to society in all times especially ones with ||corrupt government officials|| and wanting to make life better through art.

adventurous emotional fast-paced
adventurous mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring tense 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: No

Everything about this read was so perfect. 

Perfect length, had my heart racing,
happy ending
and lively philosophical questions I wish to revisit over and over again. 
emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was one of the most intriguing books I have ever read. I adore the exploration of the self and understanding of others and humanity through art. While this book leaves me with a burning desire for a sequel on our mysterious main character, I appreciate how her identity was revealed to us through her approach to her craft. It was really fascinating to read about how her pride and knowledge of people drove her to make the choices she did. I would love to know more about this world.
mysterious reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A lovely self-contained novella, set lightly in the same universe as Elantris (though there is no need to read that first). Can be read as just a fun bit of fantasy, with a unique magic system (of course) and a hint of con artistry, but also makes a great jumping-off point for discussions of art, life, and how our choices create our identity.
adventurous 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: No
adventurous funny mysterious fast-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: Yes