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elly_hinch's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
5.0
kstim's review
4.0
Unsurprisingly the world-building was absolutely phenomenal. The way Morgenstern is able to craft such a dreamlike, hyper-realistic world draws the reader in to what is a twisting story within a story. It is a maze of a novel and truly an exhilarating ride.
Unfortunately, it is very much slow to start. And the characters introduced fall a little flat and don't truly gain breath until the second half of the book. This is mostly a complaint about how Kat doesn't feature until the last interlude and how our dear Zachary seems to be more of a plot device rather than a fully fleshed out character. Not to say anything about how the romantic relationships just don't seem to have any teeth to them, any build-up. All other connections are where the book truly shines. Allegra & Dorian, Max & Ezra, Mirabel & Dorian, Eleanor & the Painter.
Not to say that I didn't enjoy every second of this book. The author once again was able to capture a truly unique, surreal experience with her writing. The Starless Sea weaves together a multitude of stories, tying the threads of one larger story into a beautifully written novel.
Unfortunately, it is very much slow to start. And the characters introduced fall a little flat and don't truly gain breath until the second half of the book. This is mostly a complaint about how Kat doesn't feature until the last interlude and how our dear Zachary seems to be more of a plot device rather than a fully fleshed out character. Not to say anything about how the romantic relationships just don't seem to have any teeth to them, any build-up. All other connections are where the book truly shines. Allegra & Dorian, Max & Ezra, Mirabel & Dorian, Eleanor & the Painter.
Not to say that I didn't enjoy every second of this book. The author once again was able to capture a truly unique, surreal experience with her writing. The Starless Sea weaves together a multitude of stories, tying the threads of one larger story into a beautifully written novel.
araskov's review
If I can be honest, I'm just not Morgenstern's audience. I struggled for ages through The Night Circus and now this. The concept is intriguing, it just doesn't captivate me.
rolypoliak's review
2.0
The setting was beautiful, and the writing was sometimes shockingly perfect in the description of feelings. However, I'm a plot and character development kind of guy, and the plot felt so slow and was interrupted too often by the necessary short stories. I felt thrown off, as if I couldn't enjoy any of the stories as much. I understand it was all connected, but the style wasn't for me.
aeckert's review
Got so tired of nothing happening. Also I made the mistake of listening to the audiobook instead of actually reading it - very bad idea for me and how I would need to engage with a book like this to enjoy it.
racheljiyoungshin's review
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
ag_berry's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ryanneliza's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
1_800_fuck_off's review
will come back to read it eventually i just wasn’t in the mood
klarial's review against another edition
3.0
It took me AWHILE to get into this one - like around the 50% mark - but I do think the ending ultimately pays off. If you loved The Night Circus give this a read, even if you find it to be a slow start.