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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
I really loved this book- it was beautiful and sad and interesting and sweet, with a great friendship and flawed, human characters but still lots of magical whimsy and cool clockwork. (Not steampunk but more than reality).
Very interesting read. At times a bit confusing, but that added to the charm. Especially when the characters were as confused as I was.
This was a wonderfully imagined story. I didn't know what would happen next. I thought I might know what would happen, but I was wrong. And I was surprised. And I was curious. And interested. And delighted.
It took me a few pages to become accustomed to Natasha Pulley's style. At first I thought it was slightly clunky - a new writer not sure of her footing. But then I realized she knew exactly what she was doing and what her characters were doing and saying; she was writing in the style of her story.
And I smiled in delight with the end of the story.
Thank you. I was lost in a good book.
It took me a few pages to become accustomed to Natasha Pulley's style. At first I thought it was slightly clunky - a new writer not sure of her footing. But then I realized she knew exactly what she was doing and what her characters were doing and saying; she was writing in the style of her story.
And I smiled in delight with the end of the story.
Thank you. I was lost in a good book.
On this episode of Lucky Hates Everything...
A book I really enjoyed and yet I feel it could have been better. No, it should have been better.
The premise and plot are cool and unique. The characters too. The writing is accessible yet fluid and at times, poetic. This is writing that I got lost in, in a good way. I don't think I cringed once at a strange metaphor attempt. The whole comes together in a well-crafted, balanced way. I just kept reading, and that's a story that gets four stars (at least).
And yet, and yet, I can't get past how incredibly selfish all the characters are. It's remarkable, really. They have no qualms whatsoever over using each other, fracturing lives, destroying property, and worse, and yet somehow are depicted as caring (in a way, I suppose) and heroic (erhm...ish?). These aren't typical "flawed" heroes, they're more like reality show self-absorbed nincompoops written as clever and far more socially, legally, and scientifically adept. That's the best way I can describe it. It's like...I cared for them a lot, until they ruined it all in the last 25% of the book. And then it all leads to an ending that was less satisfying than I expected.
Despite my irritation at the characters questionable morals and decision making, I did enjoy the majority of the book. Not perfect, in a very strange sort of way, but well written, and not a plot concept you're likely to see elsewhere.
A book I really enjoyed and yet I feel it could have been better. No, it should have been better.
The premise and plot are cool and unique. The characters too. The writing is accessible yet fluid and at times, poetic. This is writing that I got lost in, in a good way. I don't think I cringed once at a strange metaphor attempt. The whole comes together in a well-crafted, balanced way. I just kept reading, and that's a story that gets four stars (at least).
And yet, and yet, I can't get past how incredibly selfish all the characters are. It's remarkable, really. They have no qualms whatsoever over using each other, fracturing lives, destroying property, and worse, and yet somehow are depicted as caring (in a way, I suppose) and heroic (erhm...ish?). These aren't typical "flawed" heroes, they're more like reality show self-absorbed nincompoops written as clever and far more socially, legally, and scientifically adept. That's the best way I can describe it. It's like...I cared for them a lot, until they ruined it all in the last 25% of the book. And then it all leads to an ending that was less satisfying than I expected.
Despite my irritation at the characters questionable morals and decision making, I did enjoy the majority of the book. Not perfect, in a very strange sort of way, but well written, and not a plot concept you're likely to see elsewhere.
I definitely enjoyed this book a lot, but I'm having a hard time putting my finger on what exactly made it so good.
The characters are memorable, relate-able, and believable without being outstanding. The story is intriguing, but starts out slowly before finishing in a rush. Really, the book focuses on relationships, how friendships are formed, when friends drift apart, and the influence of seemingly random events.
It's a book that's left me thinking and that's always a good thing. I'm looking forward to Pulley's next book.
The characters are memorable, relate-able, and believable without being outstanding. The story is intriguing, but starts out slowly before finishing in a rush. Really, the book focuses on relationships, how friendships are formed, when friends drift apart, and the influence of seemingly random events.
It's a book that's left me thinking and that's always a good thing. I'm looking forward to Pulley's next book.
challenging
informative
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of the most beautifully written book I’ve ever read. Even when the plot loose me I continue to read because of how the words nicely flow together.
The only problem is it is very wordy, like 3 sentences could have been condensed down to 1, and does read like the book was published in the 1880’s.
As for the plot it started strong with an intriguing question, but it slows down very quickly and drags. Same goes for the main characters. They have solid personalities, but never got to the point where I cared for them or I just straight up distrust and disliked(looking at you Mori) .
So the best way to describe the book its like a classic and gorgeous landscape piece. Can appreciate the work behind the craft and appreciate the beauty, but there isn’t anything that I adore.
The only problem is it is very wordy, like 3 sentences could have been condensed down to 1, and does read like the book was published in the 1880’s.
As for the plot it started strong with an intriguing question, but it slows down very quickly and drags. Same goes for the main characters. They have solid personalities, but never got to the point where I cared for them or I just straight up distrust and disliked
So the best way to describe the book its like a classic and gorgeous landscape piece. Can appreciate the work behind the craft and appreciate the beauty, but there isn’t anything that I adore.
I wasn't sure about this story while I was reading it. It felt like not a lot was happening, but that isn't correct. Instead, it is built like an intricate piece of clockwork, with every scene moving things closer to the (almost inevitable) conclusion. I've been thinking about it a great deal since I finished it and will probably re-read it soon.
Spoiler
Grace was such a bitch. I don't think she deserved her happy ending.
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's perfectly lovely, just maybe not for me. I really did enjoy the setting of Victorian England with touches of almost steampunk technology sprinkled in, there was just something that didn't connect with me. Maybe the central romance? I don't know, when it was a sort of mystery about Irish Nationalist bombings, I was into it. But when it was a weird cozy story about relationships I kind of bounced off.
adventurous
slow-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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence
Minor: Homophobia, Police brutality, Death of parent
inspiring
mysterious
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:
Complicated