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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
I just don't know how to describe the experience of reading this book. I read it all the way to the end, and for a book that is like a bazillion pages (read: 766) long, that seems to make it worth 3 stars, right? I mean, the main character of the book is hard to pin down, but the two characters that stand out the strongest for me are Brad Wolgast and Peter. They have the strongest voices and the most consistent narratives and tone.
In what is perhaps not a startling coincidence, they are also the most confused and uncertain characters in the book. I mean, these two dudes could not know less about themselves and how they affect the people around them.
But anyway, back to my review, which is turning out to be as fumbling, lethargic, and meandering as the book itself.
I do not recommend this book, unless you feel like reading something sort of interesting while you punish yourself by wasting time on it. I mean, I don't know how I finished it. Sheer determination? Strong will? A need to not let it beat me? I don't know. I sensed a challenge and sunk my teeth in, refusing to let go until it was all over and the book was dead before me. It took a while, I can tell you that.
First of all, the whole 20% of the book's beginning is wholly unnecessary. Some would say, "It's setting up the characters." No, not really. Most of the people it describes die before the book really gets started, so... Others might say, "We need Amy's backstory." Do we though? She is like a mirage in this book. She barely speaks and her thoughts are rambling(are we seeing a pattern here?) and pretty much never make sense when we see the world from her perspective. I argue, boldly and without a hint of rambling, You could totally start this book out with the Town. (or whatever that place is called where Peter's story begins)
I mean, I think about it now and I feel like this book is something I lived through. I didn't suffer, but I certainly didn't enjoy it much. It was like waiting in line at the DMV. It doesn't hurt, but it kind of makes you want to die.
If I keep writing this, I will talk myself into lowering the amount of stars, so to sum up, I'll just say: This book is too damn long and needed a hell of a lot of tightening, and if I say it was because a dude wrote this that he got away with it, someone will probably just call me sexist. And to that person I would say, "Patrick Rothfuss, George RR Martin, Michael Poalini... and many more." And then I would go read some Harry Potter Fan Fiction to cleanse my soul.
PS- I just read the description blurb for this book which says, "IT HAPPENED FAST." in all caps just like that and I want to laugh hysterically because NOTHING IN THIS FREAKING BOOK HAPPENS FAST.
In what is perhaps not a startling coincidence, they are also the most confused and uncertain characters in the book. I mean, these two dudes could not know less about themselves and how they affect the people around them.
But anyway, back to my review, which is turning out to be as fumbling, lethargic, and meandering as the book itself.
I do not recommend this book, unless you feel like reading something sort of interesting while you punish yourself by wasting time on it. I mean, I don't know how I finished it. Sheer determination? Strong will? A need to not let it beat me? I don't know. I sensed a challenge and sunk my teeth in, refusing to let go until it was all over and the book was dead before me. It took a while, I can tell you that.
First of all, the whole 20% of the book's beginning is wholly unnecessary. Some would say, "It's setting up the characters." No, not really. Most of the people it describes die before the book really gets started, so... Others might say, "We need Amy's backstory." Do we though? She is like a mirage in this book. She barely speaks and her thoughts are rambling(are we seeing a pattern here?) and pretty much never make sense when we see the world from her perspective. I argue, boldly and without a hint of rambling, You could totally start this book out with the Town. (or whatever that place is called where Peter's story begins)
I mean, I think about it now and I feel like this book is something I lived through. I didn't suffer, but I certainly didn't enjoy it much. It was like waiting in line at the DMV. It doesn't hurt, but it kind of makes you want to die.
If I keep writing this, I will talk myself into lowering the amount of stars, so to sum up, I'll just say: This book is too damn long and needed a hell of a lot of tightening, and if I say it was because a dude wrote this that he got away with it, someone will probably just call me sexist. And to that person I would say, "Patrick Rothfuss, George RR Martin, Michael Poalini... and many more." And then I would go read some Harry Potter Fan Fiction to cleanse my soul.
PS- I just read the description blurb for this book which says, "IT HAPPENED FAST." in all caps just like that and I want to laugh hysterically because NOTHING IN THIS FREAKING BOOK HAPPENS FAST.
Three and a half, really, but I'm generously rounding up.
Killing off nearly everyone from the first third of the story led me to be warier about caring at all about any of the characters in the last two thirds. But I eventually did, anyway.
Seriously, though, I hate plots that leap decades. I understand that there was necessary set-up involved with the "early" years, but it seems that there are two different books here (actually, there are eleven different Parts, but those could be separated into two distinct groups by the nine decade fast forward).
No surprise, the end is a cliffhanger that means to draw us into the next volume of the series, but I'm not sure I feel like taking that trip. This one was long and bleak.
Killing off nearly everyone from the first third of the story led me to be warier about caring at all about any of the characters in the last two thirds. But I eventually did, anyway.
Seriously, though, I hate plots that leap decades. I understand that there was necessary set-up involved with the "early" years, but it seems that there are two different books here (actually, there are eleven different Parts, but those could be separated into two distinct groups by the nine decade fast forward).
No surprise, the end is a cliffhanger that means to draw us into the next volume of the series, but I'm not sure I feel like taking that trip. This one was long and bleak.
Wow. This book is not what I thought it would be. So sad, so good, so different. Can't wait to read the rest and glad the trilogy is complete so I can just keep plowing through the story. Highly recommend, and the audiobook is very well done. What amazing characters, and so MANY of them.
This was a reread and I had exactly the same problem as the first time - the massive time jump killed it for me! I know the start is only intended as background but it's so jarring to have all the characters you've become invested in suddenly vanish.
I love me some post apocalyptic fiction, and I'm interested to continue reading this series. It reminds me of the Tomorrow, When the War Began series, in a good way.
This is one of those books that I liked, but I can't explain why I liked. It suffers from lack of editing, too many undeveloped characters, unanswered questions, and some confusing plotlines. And yet, I found myself unable to put it down and will be reading the rest of the series. Post apocalyptic worlds are not generally my thing, but this one, regardless of how farfetched it is, had me completely immersed and wanting more.
This book has a fascinating story, great characters, and wonderful writing. My only complaint is that Cronin has a tendency to go on a bit. What could be said in 5 words, he'll say in 50. Hence, a book that's over 800 pages long. I really liked this book and am glad I saw it through, but I'm not sure I'll read the sequel. It's an intimidating task.
slow-paced
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The first half was really good, but killing the whole original cast ruined the story line for me