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dkamada's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
Time is trippy and so is love
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Colonisation, Slavery, Blood, Violence, Classism, Death, Xenophobia, Grief, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Self harm
angorarabbit's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Context: So I read my Libby books on the Kindle app and now I want to get all the silly achievements. Without giving Amazon any money.This was one of the five books on my GoodReads want to read list that was eligible for the Series Pioneer achievement and I only had to wait one day for my hold. So there you have it. Three of the other books still have holds, the fourth is not available at my libraries.
Clark Tech: The existence, maintenance and power supplies of the mechanism, assistants, and portals.These things have been running for thousands to tens of thousands of years. No explanation as to how the portals transport living beings instantaneously through time and space to where they need or want to be.I’m not certain, but I think a time travel rule was broken in the last chapters,
In many ways this reads like a YA book.We first meet the main character when she is 10. In the first third of the book we spend most of our time with children. The adults do not have much character development. The children as they age do not seem to change much except to mildly flirt. The protagonist has a “chosen one” vibe and also “she is not like other girls”. Boys pretty much exist to help her with her explorations. Serious rule breaking is follow.jAlso I didn’t learn one new word.
I really had high hopes for this book. I loved the ideas regarding the library, mechanism, and assistants., Although I’m always hesitant with time travel, the author does handle the time travel part better than many (time turners I’m thinking of you).It’s just that somehow the execution didn’t work for me. The writing was fine and for the most part the action taking place was clear. I was confused as to some characters motivations. The book was 3 stars going towards 4 until I got to the last 10 chapters (there are 70 chapters) then it starting slipping to 2 stars. It felt as if they were just the set up for book 2.
I also twigged two major plot twists in the first 10-20 chapters. I hate it when that happens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gun violence, Xenophobia, Violence, Genocide, Death of parent, Classism, Death, and Abandonment
Moderate: Cursing
One character has an intellectual disability, though it is not part of the plot. All characters are heteronormative.musebeliever's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.0
The premise of an infinite library connecting different worlds and different times is really interesting. However, I grew tired by the author's choice to painstakingly relate andnexplain every single feeling, memory, and action of the two main characters. This considerably lengthened the book and diluted the story so much that it just became the background of the characters' never-ending inner monologue.
In addition to that, the author does the very creepy thing of having a 20yo man (who is in reality, probably 30 yo because of time stopping shenanigans), meet his soulmate when she is 12 yo. But because of time travels shenanigans, he actually met her first when he was a child, and she was an adult and could not recall it. I just can't with this type of meeting setting.
In short, the setting was interesting, but this was definitely not for me.
In addition to that, the author does the very creepy thing of having a 20yo man (who is in reality, probably 30 yo because of time stopping shenanigans), meet his soulmate when she is 12 yo. But because of time travels shenanigans, he actually met her first when he was a child, and she was an adult and could not recall it. I just can't with this type of meeting setting.
In short, the setting was interesting, but this was definitely not for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Xenophobia, Body horror, and Violence
yilliun's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Wholly original and unlike anything I had ever read before. Some of the early sections dragged and I struggled to get through those world building pieces. The last 200 pages flew by though, so that made up for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement, Child death, Classism, and Xenophobia
aloy's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Confinement, Violence, War, Xenophobia, and Fire/Fire injury
matcha_pages's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
I dove head first into this book and was mesmerized by the story, the world, and the evocative descriptions. I love a slow burn, layered approach to building character relationships. And that's exactly what we get with Livira, Evar, and their respective friends and family. We follow them across time as they uncover the mysterious of the Library and what that knowledge yields. The themes of history repeats itself and how knowledge can be wielded as a tool really drive the plot. The world building was spectacular and magical, I felt like I was part of the world.
There were a few nods to pop-culture or our history ("we're not in kansas anymore" or the Raven's name) that pulled me out of the book, but didn't impede my enjoyment. However, some parts did get repetitive and not in a meaningful way. I don't think it's a stylistic choice because it's mostly world building elements or past events that get rephrased every so often.
I can't wait for the next book in April 2024!
There were a few nods to pop-culture or our history ("we're not in kansas anymore" or the Raven's name) that pulled me out of the book, but didn't impede my enjoyment. However, some parts did get repetitive and not in a meaningful way. I don't think it's a stylistic choice because it's mostly world building elements or past events that get rephrased every so often.
I can't wait for the next book in April 2024!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and War
Moderate: Grief, Classism, and Xenophobia
plume_de_renarde's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Xenophobia, and Violence
Moderate: Grief and War
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
booksandteatime's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Genocide, Death of parent, Confinement, Fire/Fire injury, Classism, Gore, War, Xenophobia, Death, and Blood
maiadawn's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow, just wow. To be completely honest, I didn't have a lot of hopes for this book. Mr. Lawrence's works and I have had a complicated relationship. While I have always liked his writing style I haven't enjoyed his characters as much. (Yep, totally a me issue, I get that!)
But, this book. Man oh man, I loved it! I loved all of the characters, the world-building, and even the setup for the next book! Livira and Evar are great characters, I really enjoyed both of their individual storylines and of course their slow-burn romance. I was rather proud of myself for having figured out one of the mysteries before it was revealed and it was just as heartbreaking as I knew it would be when the truth came out.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, and completely absorbed my attention. I can hardly wait for the next one!
But, this book. Man oh man, I loved it! I loved all of the characters, the world-building, and even the setup for the next book! Livira and Evar are great characters, I really enjoyed both of their individual storylines and of course their slow-burn romance. I was rather proud of myself for having figured out one of the mysteries before it was revealed and it was just as heartbreaking as I knew it would be when the truth came out.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, and completely absorbed my attention. I can hardly wait for the next one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Death, and War
seykv's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-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
The Book that Wouldn't Burn is the 10th Mark Lawrence book I have read. It is not my favorite. However, I am amazed that his writing style continues to develop and, in many ways, improve. His prose is as witty and lyrical as ever. His pacing is tighter despite its more extreme lack of chronology. His worldbuilding is more detailed, building upon his prior works while also distinguishing this world well enough to stand on its own.
The novel follows Livira and Evar, their strange timeline-spanning relationship, and the reality-defying library they inhabit. Livira and Evar are serviceable protagonists. Both are likeable and realistic. Lawrence has a knack for characterization. He understands how people can change in response to their environment. He can trace clear lines between the traits of a character and the events they have undergone. I think this is why he often features child protagonists, who are at an age when they are most malleable. His writing creates characters that are complex yet easy to understand and love. Livira and Evar are no exception.
I felt the true main character, however, was the library. This library is not normal. That is clear from the beginning. Many of its books are written by non-human hands, and none are placed on the shelves by living hands. Who created this library? Who maintains it? How do Livira and Evar fit within it? These questions are what pulled me through the book and led me to finish in 3 days.
I prefer the first half of the book, which focuses on teasing the book's mysteries. The driving force of this section is the characters' curiosity, which I felt myself. You spend most this time learning about the library alongside Livira and Evar. Simply watching them wander the shelves was a delight. You examine its infinite yet ever-unique chambers, its political and social situation, and its history. You explore nuanced themes--how people use knowledge for good and bad, how authorities manipulate knowledge, and how knowledge flows throughout civilizations.
I find the majority of my complaints in the second half Spoilerafter Livira and Evar meet as adults. The motivations of the characters inexplicably shift, and I found trouble relating to them.Spoiler Livira and Evar become infatuated. I find their romance unbelievable. They spend a few scenes and a few days together, and suddenly their relationship becomes the focal point of their lives and the plot. The pacing quickens. Mysteries are unraveled in rapid succession. I barely had enough time to wrap my head around one revelation before another was given, some of which answered questions I had not even asked.Spoiler(Livira is Evar's Assistant, Malar is the Soldier, Mayland works against the library, etc.) The emotional weight of each these beats is reduced. The novel begins to address the xenophobia introduced earlier. Unfortunately, I found its handling of this theme to be rather simple. Spoiler It boils down to Livira and Evar accepting that the other is not responsible for their species' actions. They repair their bond. However, the wider systems of xenophobia, which extend beyond individual relationships, go largely unmentioned. I wish these prejudices had been examined on a larger societal scale and not just a personal one, especially since they take such a spotlight in the latter chapters. However, the novel does provide thoughtful commentary on many other aspects of civilization, and this aspect may be further developed in later entries.
Just to be clear, I really enjoyed this book. There was never a moment I was bored. I love the setting, and I am invested in what happens to the world. I look forward to the 2nd novel!
The novel follows Livira and Evar, their strange timeline-spanning relationship, and the reality-defying library they inhabit. Livira and Evar are serviceable protagonists. Both are likeable and realistic. Lawrence has a knack for characterization. He understands how people can change in response to their environment. He can trace clear lines between the traits of a character and the events they have undergone. I think this is why he often features child protagonists, who are at an age when they are most malleable. His writing creates characters that are complex yet easy to understand and love. Livira and Evar are no exception.
I felt the true main character, however, was the library. This library is not normal. That is clear from the beginning. Many of its books are written by non-human hands, and none are placed on the shelves by living hands. Who created this library? Who maintains it? How do Livira and Evar fit within it? These questions are what pulled me through the book and led me to finish in 3 days.
I prefer the first half of the book, which focuses on teasing the book's mysteries. The driving force of this section is the characters' curiosity, which I felt myself. You spend most this time learning about the library alongside Livira and Evar. Simply watching them wander the shelves was a delight. You examine its infinite yet ever-unique chambers, its political and social situation, and its history. You explore nuanced themes--how people use knowledge for good and bad, how authorities manipulate knowledge, and how knowledge flows throughout civilizations.
I find the majority of my complaints in the second half Spoilerafter Livira and Evar meet as adults. The motivations of the characters inexplicably shift, and I found trouble relating to them.Spoiler Livira and Evar become infatuated. I find their romance unbelievable. They spend a few scenes and a few days together, and suddenly their relationship becomes the focal point of their lives and the plot. The pacing quickens. Mysteries are unraveled in rapid succession. I barely had enough time to wrap my head around one revelation before another was given, some of which answered questions I had not even asked.Spoiler(Livira is Evar's Assistant, Malar is the Soldier, Mayland works against the library, etc.) The emotional weight of each these beats is reduced. The novel begins to address the xenophobia introduced earlier. Unfortunately, I found its handling of this theme to be rather simple. Spoiler It boils down to Livira and Evar accepting that the other is not responsible for their species' actions. They repair their bond. However, the wider systems of xenophobia, which extend beyond individual relationships, go largely unmentioned. I wish these prejudices had been examined on a larger societal scale and not just a personal one, especially since they take such a spotlight in the latter chapters. However, the novel does provide thoughtful commentary on many other aspects of civilization, and this aspect may be further developed in later entries.
Just to be clear, I really enjoyed this book. There was never a moment I was bored. I love the setting, and I am invested in what happens to the world. I look forward to the 2nd novel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, War, and Xenophobia
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