Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
slow-paced
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
A thoroughly delightful book. The narration has a very strong presence, so some may find it a bit too silly or flat-out annoying. It has its fun. Do not look for this book to take itself seriously, and you might be pleasantly surprised the one or two times it does. If you like Terry Pratchett, Dianna Wynne Jones, or the book version of The Princess Bride, this will likely work for you. Plenty of jokes about English literature, a strong anti-war message, and some sweet character moments. Although I completely disagree with the views on Jane Eyre expressed in this book XD
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is my fourth time with this book. The first two times I read the paperback. In 2019 I listened to the audiobook, and I listened to the audio again this time.
Each rereading is charming, funny, witty, and enjoyable. I love this story.
Each rereading is charming, funny, witty, and enjoyable. I love this story.
I absolutely hated this book, it was an ordeal to finish it
Quite enjoyed this book, borrowed from a friend. Actually enjoyed the world-building and pacing, although the characters tend to lack motivation and voice, and the romance was rather dull. Would've loved to see more of Next's nameless father.
ridiculous, corny (sometimes painfully so), clever, thought-provoking, and fun. a good summer read/listen (in the car).
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
After rereading this book, I can only conclude I remember more of book 2 (and onward?) then of book 1, because this was not as much fun as I remember. I still very much enjoy the quirky world building with all the weird SpecOp agencies, including a time travel one, but I did not much care for the Crimea war plot. Maybe because it is a bit too close to our reality.
It was fun to reread this book with a bit more life-experience and after having read Jane Eyre (which I had not the first time I read it). It was probably the reason I picked up Jane Eyre in the first place, so I do have to give the book credit for that.
Although I did by no means hate the characters, I do think this is a book you should read for the plot, the world building and the sometimes clever turns of phrase, not for the character work.
I might have to reread book 2 too, to see if that is as much fun as I remember this series being, but I will have to read Sense and Sensibility first, if I want to fully appreciate it, which I still have not done despite the 15 years that have passed.
It was fun to reread this book with a bit more life-experience and after having read Jane Eyre (which I had not the first time I read it). It was probably the reason I picked up Jane Eyre in the first place, so I do have to give the book credit for that.
Although I did by no means hate the characters, I do think this is a book you should read for the plot, the world building and the sometimes clever turns of phrase, not for the character work.
I might have to reread book 2 too, to see if that is as much fun as I remember this series being, but I will have to read Sense and Sensibility first, if I want to fully appreciate it, which I still have not done despite the 15 years that have passed.
A light-hearted genre-bender about a literary detective hunting down a deranged villain with a penchant for stealing novel manuscripts set in an alternate 1980s England. Still with me? Definitely not for everyone, but its quick pace and unique story did keep me turning the page. However, if you're not at all interested in literature like Dickens, Brönte, Shakespeare, etc. then I'm not sure this book is for you as there are constant references. I didn't love it, but I do plan on continuing the series the next time I'm looking for a silly read. 3.5/5.