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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
Audible so it has only been while I’ve been in the car. I just couldn’t get into it. I pushed through but I just wasn’t feeling this one at all which I’m disappointed by because I wanted to enjoy this one.
Picked this up about a week ago and didn’t understand anything that was happening bc there’s so much lore that i forgot about since the last time i read it. Will have to start over, i did really enjoy it though so looking forward to rereading/finishing it next time
adventurous
mysterious
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:
Yes
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is the second time I've read this as I now have the 2nd one and have forgotten the complicated plot. Brilliant both times. Like Gormenghast but with a bit more plot and less death.
I wish I could give this book more stars. But 450 pages in which barely anything happens + too many characters + too fancy words didn't do it for me. A bummer, since the blurb sounded absolutely amazing.
I was torn between four and five stars - which I usually reserve for Austen, Dickens, Shakespeare and the like. Yes, Rotherweird is superb - well-written, with some fascinating world-building. Totally unlike 'Harry Potter' - more like 'Jonathan Strange' meets Frances Hardinge, but with added elements of detective work and crosswords.
This is one of the most engaging books I've read all year - the characters are convincing, interesting and varied, even one with no name. Several decent strong women too, actively involved in the plot, not mere set-dressing. Looking forward to the sequel!
This is one of the most engaging books I've read all year - the characters are convincing, interesting and varied, even one with no name. Several decent strong women too, actively involved in the plot, not mere set-dressing. Looking forward to the sequel!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This had a lot of potential, and also a lot of elements which I would usually love - fantasy and mystery and elements of the grotesque reminiscent of Gormenghast, along with an interesting setting. Unfortunately, I think it was ultimately too ambitious, having far too large a cast of characters and too much crammed into a single novel. I felt myself missing things and getting lost as I listened to the audiobook, and if I do give the series another chance I will definitely read the next installment physically.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved it, and can't wait to read more. I would have liked to learn a bit more about some of the characters, but I hope that will come in future instalments.
Update: March 2025 (3rd reread)
While I still really like this book, and I'm particularly intrigued by the world, there are things which annoy me.
Oblong is a useless teacher and a ridiculous man, and how is it that the place is populated with geniuses when the original genius children seem mostly to have all died? Maybe this gets explained later on in the series?
Update: March 2025 (3rd reread)
While I still really like this book, and I'm particularly intrigued by the world, there are things which annoy me.
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-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
A slow-paced but enjoyable read with some bits of history thrown in. Potentially too many characters introduced in too much detail, and the ending was a little bit too predictable.