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aldoregan's reviews
389 reviews
Words of Radiance Part One by Brandon Sanderson
5.0
second read: June 25, 2018
i’ve always considered this series as the BEST one that i’ve ever read but oh my god i think i completely forgot how absolutely brilliant and mindblowing this book actually is and this is only part one !! idk how sanderson does it, but somehow each book turns out to be better than the previous one.
first read: Dec. 31, 2016
01/03/2016
*Reviewed this book as a whole instead of dividing it into two parts (first and second half of Words of Radiance)*
“Words are where most change begins.”
I am, yet again, in awe of Brandon Sanderson's work. Before reading this book, I have to admit that I was very nervous because of two reasons. One was because of the things that might happen in this book, The Way of Kings killed me so I had no idea what Words of Radiance would do to me. Second was because I didn't know if this was going to be as good as The Way of Kings. The first book set the bar way too high, I wasn't sure if this book was going to meet (especially exceed) my expectations. That's the problem when the first book is so good, the expectations for the next book are way waay waaay higher. But I am glad to say that this is actually and surprisingly even better than The Way of Kings. I kid you not. It was more amazing, more brilliant, more thrilling, more exciting, more suspense, more action packed, more badass, more of everything that we got in the first book. And that is saying a lot because after reading The Way of Kings, I immediately declared that it was the best fantasy book and the best book I've ever read ever. And now that I've read the second book, this series undoubtedly is the best series that I've ever read! No question. I know I've said this before but it is truly unlike any book that I've read.
“All stories told have been told before. We tell them to ourselves, as did all men who ever were. And all men who ever will be. The only things new are the names.”
Every chapter, every scene was just spot on amazing. And I am so excited and nervous for what's to come. I keep forgetting that this is only the second book out of ten books, which means that SO MUCH MORE COULD HAPPEN. SO MUCH MORE. I'm literally drained from the WoR ride not because it was boring but because it was so wild and exhilarating. I am just so excited for what's to come next, for what Sanderson has in store for us.
“Do not let your assumptions about a culture block your ability to perceive the individual, or you will fail.”
Honestly, Brandon Sanderson is literally one of the best fantasy authors who have ever existed. To be able to create such a massive world with incredible characters, astonishing worldbuilding, filled with scenes that will just leave your heart racing nonstop, scenes that will leave you laughing your ass off, scenes that will either break or warm your heart. Everything about this world Sanderson has created, the characters, the story, EVERYTHING is just so engaging and brilliant. I can't even begin to think how much planning each book Sanderson has to go through because everything is just so brilliant and excellent and soooo good and so unique and amazing etc I am still in awe.
“I say that there is no role for women—there is, instead, a role for each woman, and she must make it for herself.”
I love the characters, obviously. Sanderson shaped the main characters up so well in a way that made them seem real eventhough they are, in fact, fictional. These characters are very flawed and they all have this dark side but this is what makes them human. Kaladin Stormblessed remains as my favorite, and Dalinar, along with Shallan in a close second. All the other characters were splendidly well done. You can really see that Sanderson didn't just create the side characters for the heck of it, they all had purposes and they all had something to bring into the story and they were all necessary. It's just great how Sanderson introduces to us these minor characters but he doesn't let them stay on the sidelines. Everyone literally has a role and I'm just so impressed because we don't see that a lot in books, whatever genre it may be.
“I will protect even those I hate,” Kaladin whispered through bloody lips. “So long as it is right.”
The worldbuilding is just WOW. It is so complex, and so massive, but very well thought of *applause for Sanderson*. A world this big? Anything could go wrong and could go all over the place. But Sanderson knows his stuff so soooo well. He knows which direction he's going. He knows this world so much that it becomes realistic even though it is fantasy. You can really see that every aspect and detail about this world, Sanderson has planned and crafted it excellently.
“I seek the truth,” Shallan said. “Wherever it may be, whoever may hold it. That’s who I am.”
We got so much more answers this time, especially regarding the spren (whom I actually thought were not going to play a big part in the story). But Sanderson also left us with more questions unanswered GAAAAH.
“Beauty was out there, all around. To create art was not to capture it, but to participate in it.”
Plot is all the stars in the galaxy out of 5! There were so many surprises all throughout the book, from the beginning until the end. Things that I never thought would happen(like when Adolin killed Sadeas) . Pacing was on point, yet again. There was never a dull moment. Whoever's point of view I read, whatever scene I read, was engaging. Interesting. Exciting. Astounding. Thrilling. Suspenseful. This book, the previous book, this series is just SOOO SOOOO GOOD AND SOOOO SOOO BRILLIANT. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT SO SO SOetc MUCH.
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH DO I NEED SAY MORE?
IM GLAD I PICKED THIS SERIES UP BECAUSE THIS IS TRUTHFULLY THE BEST SERIES I HAVE EVER READ AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT GAAAAH I NEED YOU BOOK THREE.
"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination."
FAVORITE PARTS:
1. Shallan's backstory. In The Way of Kings, it took a longer time for me to actually like Shallan unlike with Kaladin and Dalinar. But in this book, she became one of my favorites. It really helped how we got to learn so much more about her from her backstory and it just really made me appreciate her character and who she is right now. I can't imagine how she managed to be so brave and so full of light even when she's grown up surrounded by darkness, abuse, and hopelessness. I commend her for it, honestly.
2. Shallan killing Tyn; summoning her Shardblade and being BADASS.
3. Shallan spying for the Ghostbloods and being the wisest inexperienced spy ever.
4. Kaladin and Shallan's first meeting bc wow that was hilarious and amusing.
5. When Adolin, Kaladin, and Shallan were reunited with Wit because damn hilarious.
6. The fight with Kaladin, Dalinar, and Adolin against the Assassin in White aka Szeth.
7. That duel Adolin had against four Shardbearers thaAT HAD ME SCREAMING. THEN KALADIN JUMPS DOWN THE ARENA OR WHATS IT CALLED TO HELP SAVE THE DAY.
8. When Kaladin finds out that Adolin locked himself in the prison as well because it seemed unfair that Kaladin was locked up.
9. When Dalinar finally believed Kaladin about Amaram.
10. Kaladin and Shallan stuck down in the chasms because that part was too precious for me to handle. Especially when Kaladin finally understood that him and Shallan were far from different at all. And when they confided to each other, aaaaahhhh precious.
11. That fight scene against the Parshendi in the last few parts was AMAZING.
12. When Syl came back and became a Shardblade/Honorblade and Kaladin was alight.
13. When Kaladin saved Dalinar and he was like "these are my winds you bastard" (not his exact words but y'know hahahah) to Szeth. BADASS.
14. The fight between Kaladin and Szeth. THE BEST BATTLE IVE EVER READ EVER.
15. That last part with the four Knights Radiant gathered together!!!!
12/31/2016
AAAAND THE FIRST HALF IS DONE! OH GOD THAT WAS A BRILLIANT FIRST HALF! WHAT A GREAT WAY TO END 2016! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
.
.
.
I have to keep reminding myself that this is only the first half of a massive book because WOW that was an amazing first half!!!!!
*Full review to be posted once I finish part 2.
i’ve always considered this series as the BEST one that i’ve ever read but oh my god i think i completely forgot how absolutely brilliant and mindblowing this book actually is and this is only part one !! idk how sanderson does it, but somehow each book turns out to be better than the previous one.
first read: Dec. 31, 2016
01/03/2016
*Reviewed this book as a whole instead of dividing it into two parts (first and second half of Words of Radiance)*
“Words are where most change begins.”
I am, yet again, in awe of Brandon Sanderson's work. Before reading this book, I have to admit that I was very nervous because of two reasons. One was because of the things that might happen in this book, The Way of Kings killed me so I had no idea what Words of Radiance would do to me. Second was because I didn't know if this was going to be as good as The Way of Kings. The first book set the bar way too high, I wasn't sure if this book was going to meet (especially exceed) my expectations. That's the problem when the first book is so good, the expectations for the next book are way waay waaay higher. But I am glad to say that this is actually and surprisingly even better than The Way of Kings. I kid you not. It was more amazing, more brilliant, more thrilling, more exciting, more suspense, more action packed, more badass, more of everything that we got in the first book. And that is saying a lot because after reading The Way of Kings, I immediately declared that it was the best fantasy book and the best book I've ever read ever. And now that I've read the second book, this series undoubtedly is the best series that I've ever read! No question. I know I've said this before but it is truly unlike any book that I've read.
“All stories told have been told before. We tell them to ourselves, as did all men who ever were. And all men who ever will be. The only things new are the names.”
Every chapter, every scene was just spot on amazing. And I am so excited and nervous for what's to come. I keep forgetting that this is only the second book out of ten books, which means that SO MUCH MORE COULD HAPPEN. SO MUCH MORE. I'm literally drained from the WoR ride not because it was boring but because it was so wild and exhilarating. I am just so excited for what's to come next, for what Sanderson has in store for us.
“Do not let your assumptions about a culture block your ability to perceive the individual, or you will fail.”
Honestly, Brandon Sanderson is literally one of the best fantasy authors who have ever existed. To be able to create such a massive world with incredible characters, astonishing worldbuilding, filled with scenes that will just leave your heart racing nonstop, scenes that will leave you laughing your ass off, scenes that will either break or warm your heart. Everything about this world Sanderson has created, the characters, the story, EVERYTHING is just so engaging and brilliant. I can't even begin to think how much planning each book Sanderson has to go through because everything is just so brilliant and excellent and soooo good and so unique and amazing etc I am still in awe.
“I say that there is no role for women—there is, instead, a role for each woman, and she must make it for herself.”
I love the characters, obviously. Sanderson shaped the main characters up so well in a way that made them seem real eventhough they are, in fact, fictional. These characters are very flawed and they all have this dark side but this is what makes them human. Kaladin Stormblessed remains as my favorite, and Dalinar, along with Shallan in a close second. All the other characters were splendidly well done. You can really see that Sanderson didn't just create the side characters for the heck of it, they all had purposes and they all had something to bring into the story and they were all necessary. It's just great how Sanderson introduces to us these minor characters but he doesn't let them stay on the sidelines. Everyone literally has a role and I'm just so impressed because we don't see that a lot in books, whatever genre it may be.
“I will protect even those I hate,” Kaladin whispered through bloody lips. “So long as it is right.”
The worldbuilding is just WOW. It is so complex, and so massive, but very well thought of *applause for Sanderson*. A world this big? Anything could go wrong and could go all over the place. But Sanderson knows his stuff so soooo well. He knows which direction he's going. He knows this world so much that it becomes realistic even though it is fantasy. You can really see that every aspect and detail about this world, Sanderson has planned and crafted it excellently.
“I seek the truth,” Shallan said. “Wherever it may be, whoever may hold it. That’s who I am.”
We got so much more answers this time, especially regarding the spren (whom I actually thought were not going to play a big part in the story). But Sanderson also left us with more questions unanswered GAAAAH.
“Beauty was out there, all around. To create art was not to capture it, but to participate in it.”
Plot is all the stars in the galaxy out of 5! There were so many surprises all throughout the book, from the beginning until the end. Things that I never thought would happen
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH DO I NEED SAY MORE?
IM GLAD I PICKED THIS SERIES UP BECAUSE THIS IS TRUTHFULLY THE BEST SERIES I HAVE EVER READ AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT GAAAAH I NEED YOU BOOK THREE.
"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination."
1. Shallan's backstory. In The Way of Kings, it took a longer time for me to actually like Shallan unlike with Kaladin and Dalinar. But in this book, she became one of my favorites. It really helped how we got to learn so much more about her from her backstory and it just really made me appreciate her character and who she is right now. I can't imagine how she managed to be so brave and so full of light even when she's grown up surrounded by darkness, abuse, and hopelessness. I commend her for it, honestly.
2. Shallan killing Tyn; summoning her Shardblade and being BADASS.
3. Shallan spying for the Ghostbloods and being the wisest inexperienced spy ever.
4. Kaladin and Shallan's first meeting bc wow that was hilarious and amusing.
5. When Adolin, Kaladin, and Shallan were reunited with Wit because damn hilarious.
6. The fight with Kaladin, Dalinar, and Adolin against the Assassin in White aka Szeth.
7. That duel Adolin had against four Shardbearers thaAT HAD ME SCREAMING. THEN KALADIN JUMPS DOWN THE ARENA OR WHATS IT CALLED TO HELP SAVE THE DAY.
8. When Kaladin finds out that Adolin locked himself in the prison as well because it seemed unfair that Kaladin was locked up.
9. When Dalinar finally believed Kaladin about Amaram.
10. Kaladin and Shallan stuck down in the chasms because that part was too precious for me to handle. Especially when Kaladin finally understood that him and Shallan were far from different at all. And when they confided to each other, aaaaahhhh precious.
11. That fight scene against the Parshendi in the last few parts was AMAZING.
12. When Syl came back and became a Shardblade/Honorblade and Kaladin was alight.
13. When Kaladin saved Dalinar and he was like "these are my winds you bastard" (not his exact words but y'know hahahah) to Szeth. BADASS.
14. The fight between Kaladin and Szeth. THE BEST BATTLE IVE EVER READ EVER.
15. That last part with the four Knights Radiant gathered together!!!!
12/31/2016
AAAAND THE FIRST HALF IS DONE! OH GOD THAT WAS A BRILLIANT FIRST HALF! WHAT A GREAT WAY TO END 2016! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
.
.
.
I have to keep reminding myself that this is only the first half of a massive book because WOW that was an amazing first half!!!!!
*Full review to be posted once I finish part 2.
Words of Radiance Part Two by Brandon Sanderson
5.0
second read: July 01, 2018
IM DED AJDJSJDJJSNS
first read: Jan. 03, 2017
01/03/2017
*Reviewed this book as a whole instead of dividing it into two parts (first and second half of Words of Radiance)*
“Words are where most change begins.”
I am, yet again, in awe of Brandon Sanderson's work. Before reading this book, I have to admit that I was very nervous because of two reasons. One was because of the things that might happen in this book, The Way of Kings killed me so I had no idea what Words of Radiance would do to me. Second was because I didn't know if this was going to be as good as The Way of Kings. The first book set the bar way too high, I wasn't sure if this book was going to meet (especially exceed) my expectations. That's the problem when the first book is so good, the expectations for the next book are way waay waaay higher. But I am glad to say that this is actually and surprisingly even better than The Way of Kings. I kid you not. It was more amazing, more brilliant, more thrilling, more exciting, more suspense, more action packed, more badass, more of everything that we got in the first book. And that is saying a lot because after reading The Way of Kings, I immediately declared that it was the best fantasy book and the best book I've ever read ever. And now that I've read the second book, this series undoubtedly is the best series that I've ever read! No question. I know I've said this before but it is truly unlike any book that I've read.
“All stories told have been told before. We tell them to ourselves, as did all men who ever were. And all men who ever will be. The only things new are the names.”
Every chapter, every scene was just spot on amazing. And I am so excited and nervous for what's to come. I keep forgetting that this is only the second book out of ten books, which means that SO MUCH MORE COULD HAPPEN. SO MUCH MORE. I'm literally drained from the WoR ride not because it was boring but because it was so wild and exhilarating. I am just so excited for what's to come next, for what Sanderson has in store for us.
“Do not let your assumptions about a culture block your ability to perceive the individual, or you will fail.”
Honestly, Brandon Sanderson is literally one of the best fantasy authors who have ever existed. To be able to create such a massive world with incredible characters, astonishing worldbuilding, filled with scenes that will just leave your heart racing nonstop, scenes that will leave you laughing your ass off, scenes that will either break or warm your heart, it's unbelievably incredible. Everything about this world Sanderson has created, the characters, the story, EVERYTHING is just so engaging and brilliant. I can't even begin to think how much planning each book Sanderson has to go through because everything is just so brilliant and excellent and soooo good and so unique and amazing etc I am still in awe.
“I say that there is no role for women—there is, instead, a role for each woman, and she must make it for herself.”
I love the characters, obviously. Sanderson shaped the main characters up so well in a way that made them seem real eventhough they are, in fact, fictional. These characters are very flawed and they all have this dark side but this is what makes them human. Kaladin Stormblessed remains as my favorite, and Dalinar, along with Shallan, in a close second. All the other characters were splendidly well done. You can really see that Sanderson didn't just create the side characters for the heck of it, they all had purposes and they all had something to bring into the story and they were all necessary. It's just great how Sanderson introduces to us these minor characters but he doesn't let them stay on the sidelines. Everyone literally has a role and I'm just so impressed because we don't see that a lot in books, whatever genre it may be.
“I will protect even those I hate,” Kaladin whispered through bloody lips. “So long as it is right.”
The worldbuilding is just WOW. It is so complex, and so massive, but very well thought of *applause for Sanderson*. A world this big? Anything could go wrong and could go all over the place. But Sanderson knows his stuff so soooo well. He knows which direction he's going. He knows this world so much that it becomes realistic even though it is fantasy. You can really see that every aspect and detail about this world, Sanderson has planned and crafted it excellently.
“I seek the truth,” Shallan said. “Wherever it may be, whoever may hold it. That’s who I am.”
We got so much more answers this time, especially regarding the spren (whom I actually thought were not going to play a big part in the story). But Sanderson also left us with more questions unanswered GAAAAH.
“Beauty was out there, all around. To create art was not to capture it, but to participate in it.”
Plot is all the stars in the galaxy out of 5! There were so many surprises all throughout the book, from the beginning until the end. Things that I never thought would happen(like when Adolin killed Sadeas) . Pacing was on point, yet again. There was never a dull moment. Whoever's point of view I read, whatever scene I read, was engaging. Interesting. Exciting. Astounding. Thrilling. Suspenseful. This book, the previous book, this series is just SOOO SOOOO GOOD AND SOOOO SOOO BRILLIANT. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT SO SO SOetc MUCH.
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH DO I NEED SAY MORE?
IM GLAD I PICKED THIS SERIES UP BECAUSE THIS IS TRUTHFULLY THE BEST SERIES I HAVE EVER READ AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT GAAAAH I NEED YOU BOOK THREE.
"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination."
FAVORITE PARTS:
1. Shallan's backstory. In The Way of Kings, it took a longer time for me to actually like Shallan unlike with Kaladin and Dalinar. But in this book, she became one of my favorites. It really helped how we got to learn so much more about her from her backstory and it just really made me appreciate her character and who she is right now. I can't imagine how she managed to be so brave and so full of light even when she's grown up surrounded by darkness, abuse, and hopelessness. I commend her for it, honestly.
2. Shallan killing Tyn; summoning her Shardblade and being BADASS.
3. Shallan spying for the Ghostbloods and being the wisest inexperienced spy ever.
4. Kaladin and Shallan's first meeting bc wow that was hilarious and amusing.
5. When Adolin, Kaladin, and Shallan were reunited with Wit because damn hilarious.
6. The fight with Kaladin, Dalinar, and Adolin against the Assassin in White aka Szeth.
7. That duel Adolin had against four Shardbearers thaAT HAD ME SCREAMING. THEN KALADIN JUMPS DOWN THE ARENA OR WHATS IT CALLED TO HELP SAVE THE DAY.
8. When Kaladin finds out that Adolin locked himself in the prison as well because it seemed unfair that Kaladin was locked up.
9. When Dalinar finally believed Kaladin about Amaram.
10. Kaladin and Shallan stuck down in the chasms because that part was too precious for me to handle. Especially when Kaladin finally understood that him and Shallan were far from different at all. And when they confided to each other, aaaaahhhh precious.
11. That fight scene against the Parshendi in the last few parts was AMAZING.
12. When Syl came back and became a Shardblade/Honorblade and Kaladin was alight.
13. When Kaladin saved Dalinar and he was like "these are my winds you bastard" (not his exact words but y'know hahahah) to Szeth. BADASS.
14. The fight between Kaladin and Szeth. THE BEST BATTLE IVE EVER READ EVER.
15. That last part with the four Knights Radiant gathered together!!!!
01/03/2017 (5:30 am)
1000000000000000000etc/5 stars BECAUSE WOW I AM IN AWE
Full review to come!!!!!!
IM DED AJDJSJDJJSNS
first read: Jan. 03, 2017
01/03/2017
*Reviewed this book as a whole instead of dividing it into two parts (first and second half of Words of Radiance)*
“Words are where most change begins.”
I am, yet again, in awe of Brandon Sanderson's work. Before reading this book, I have to admit that I was very nervous because of two reasons. One was because of the things that might happen in this book, The Way of Kings killed me so I had no idea what Words of Radiance would do to me. Second was because I didn't know if this was going to be as good as The Way of Kings. The first book set the bar way too high, I wasn't sure if this book was going to meet (especially exceed) my expectations. That's the problem when the first book is so good, the expectations for the next book are way waay waaay higher. But I am glad to say that this is actually and surprisingly even better than The Way of Kings. I kid you not. It was more amazing, more brilliant, more thrilling, more exciting, more suspense, more action packed, more badass, more of everything that we got in the first book. And that is saying a lot because after reading The Way of Kings, I immediately declared that it was the best fantasy book and the best book I've ever read ever. And now that I've read the second book, this series undoubtedly is the best series that I've ever read! No question. I know I've said this before but it is truly unlike any book that I've read.
“All stories told have been told before. We tell them to ourselves, as did all men who ever were. And all men who ever will be. The only things new are the names.”
Every chapter, every scene was just spot on amazing. And I am so excited and nervous for what's to come. I keep forgetting that this is only the second book out of ten books, which means that SO MUCH MORE COULD HAPPEN. SO MUCH MORE. I'm literally drained from the WoR ride not because it was boring but because it was so wild and exhilarating. I am just so excited for what's to come next, for what Sanderson has in store for us.
“Do not let your assumptions about a culture block your ability to perceive the individual, or you will fail.”
Honestly, Brandon Sanderson is literally one of the best fantasy authors who have ever existed. To be able to create such a massive world with incredible characters, astonishing worldbuilding, filled with scenes that will just leave your heart racing nonstop, scenes that will leave you laughing your ass off, scenes that will either break or warm your heart, it's unbelievably incredible. Everything about this world Sanderson has created, the characters, the story, EVERYTHING is just so engaging and brilliant. I can't even begin to think how much planning each book Sanderson has to go through because everything is just so brilliant and excellent and soooo good and so unique and amazing etc I am still in awe.
“I say that there is no role for women—there is, instead, a role for each woman, and she must make it for herself.”
I love the characters, obviously. Sanderson shaped the main characters up so well in a way that made them seem real eventhough they are, in fact, fictional. These characters are very flawed and they all have this dark side but this is what makes them human. Kaladin Stormblessed remains as my favorite, and Dalinar, along with Shallan, in a close second. All the other characters were splendidly well done. You can really see that Sanderson didn't just create the side characters for the heck of it, they all had purposes and they all had something to bring into the story and they were all necessary. It's just great how Sanderson introduces to us these minor characters but he doesn't let them stay on the sidelines. Everyone literally has a role and I'm just so impressed because we don't see that a lot in books, whatever genre it may be.
“I will protect even those I hate,” Kaladin whispered through bloody lips. “So long as it is right.”
The worldbuilding is just WOW. It is so complex, and so massive, but very well thought of *applause for Sanderson*. A world this big? Anything could go wrong and could go all over the place. But Sanderson knows his stuff so soooo well. He knows which direction he's going. He knows this world so much that it becomes realistic even though it is fantasy. You can really see that every aspect and detail about this world, Sanderson has planned and crafted it excellently.
“I seek the truth,” Shallan said. “Wherever it may be, whoever may hold it. That’s who I am.”
We got so much more answers this time, especially regarding the spren (whom I actually thought were not going to play a big part in the story). But Sanderson also left us with more questions unanswered GAAAAH.
“Beauty was out there, all around. To create art was not to capture it, but to participate in it.”
Plot is all the stars in the galaxy out of 5! There were so many surprises all throughout the book, from the beginning until the end. Things that I never thought would happen
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH DO I NEED SAY MORE?
IM GLAD I PICKED THIS SERIES UP BECAUSE THIS IS TRUTHFULLY THE BEST SERIES I HAVE EVER READ AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT GAAAAH I NEED YOU BOOK THREE.
"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination."
1. Shallan's backstory. In The Way of Kings, it took a longer time for me to actually like Shallan unlike with Kaladin and Dalinar. But in this book, she became one of my favorites. It really helped how we got to learn so much more about her from her backstory and it just really made me appreciate her character and who she is right now. I can't imagine how she managed to be so brave and so full of light even when she's grown up surrounded by darkness, abuse, and hopelessness. I commend her for it, honestly.
2. Shallan killing Tyn; summoning her Shardblade and being BADASS.
3. Shallan spying for the Ghostbloods and being the wisest inexperienced spy ever.
4. Kaladin and Shallan's first meeting bc wow that was hilarious and amusing.
5. When Adolin, Kaladin, and Shallan were reunited with Wit because damn hilarious.
6. The fight with Kaladin, Dalinar, and Adolin against the Assassin in White aka Szeth.
7. That duel Adolin had against four Shardbearers thaAT HAD ME SCREAMING. THEN KALADIN JUMPS DOWN THE ARENA OR WHATS IT CALLED TO HELP SAVE THE DAY.
8. When Kaladin finds out that Adolin locked himself in the prison as well because it seemed unfair that Kaladin was locked up.
9. When Dalinar finally believed Kaladin about Amaram.
10. Kaladin and Shallan stuck down in the chasms because that part was too precious for me to handle. Especially when Kaladin finally understood that him and Shallan were far from different at all. And when they confided to each other, aaaaahhhh precious.
11. That fight scene against the Parshendi in the last few parts was AMAZING.
12. When Syl came back and became a Shardblade/Honorblade and Kaladin was alight.
13. When Kaladin saved Dalinar and he was like "these are my winds you bastard" (not his exact words but y'know hahahah) to Szeth. BADASS.
14. The fight between Kaladin and Szeth. THE BEST BATTLE IVE EVER READ EVER.
15. That last part with the four Knights Radiant gathered together!!!!
01/03/2017 (5:30 am)
1000000000000000000etc/5 stars BECAUSE WOW I AM IN AWE
Full review to come!!!!!!
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
3.0
3.5
My dad recommended this to me because he told me this was one of his favorites when he was younger. The Day of the Jackal is clearly a classic for a reason. I can definitely see the influence of this story to contemporary literature. It’s a good read, however I did find some things that I really disliked about this book.
Classic is always a difficult read for me, and this one more so. This is a thriller story but the pace is excruciatingly slow. Not much happens until the last 30% of the book. The side characters were merely there for plot escalation. I was definitely hooked by the story, but I didn’t have that attachment towards the characters because there wasn’t any characterization at all. The writing style is bland and boring and difficult to understand at times. It was hard to get through the first part because not much was happening. I dare say the first part kind of was a snooze fest.
The pace quickens once you get past that. It’s just not as engaging as I thought it would be. It has a strong plot, but poor characterization and writing style. But as I said, despite all of that it is a pretty good book. I just wouldn’t consider it as a favorite.
My dad recommended this to me because he told me this was one of his favorites when he was younger. The Day of the Jackal is clearly a classic for a reason. I can definitely see the influence of this story to contemporary literature. It’s a good read, however I did find some things that I really disliked about this book.
Classic is always a difficult read for me, and this one more so. This is a thriller story but the pace is excruciatingly slow. Not much happens until the last 30% of the book. The side characters were merely there for plot escalation. I was definitely hooked by the story, but I didn’t have that attachment towards the characters because there wasn’t any characterization at all. The writing style is bland and boring and difficult to understand at times. It was hard to get through the first part because not much was happening. I dare say the first part kind of was a snooze fest.
The pace quickens once you get past that. It’s just not as engaging as I thought it would be. It has a strong plot, but poor characterization and writing style. But as I said, despite all of that it is a pretty good book. I just wouldn’t consider it as a favorite.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
4.0
My greatest wish for humanity is not for peace or comfort or joy. It is that we all still die a little inside every time we witness the death of another. For only the pain of empathy will keep us human. There’s no version of God that can help us if we ever lose that.
Scythe is set in a utopian world. All social and economical problems and issues - like hunger, poverty, suffering, even death- have been conquered. The world has come to a perfection. Humans are now immortal, everyone is treated fairly, and the needs of the people are acknowledged and provided. However, in order to keep the stability of the population, a group of people called scythes are tasked to glean (kill) a certain amount of people per year. In this perfect world, scythes have become the face of death. The story follows two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, who become apprentices of a scythe. The problem is, neither of them wants to become a scythe.
I think all young women are cursed with a streak of unrelenting foolishness, and all young men are cursed with a streak of absolute stupidity.
There was a time in my life that I liked to call my “dystopian phase”. Each book I bought, each book I read, each book I talked about were all set in a dystopian world. It was fun while it lasted, eventually I grew tired of reading only dystopian books. It’s been quite awhile since the last time I read one, to be completely honest. But what sets Shusterman’s dystopian world apart from the other dystopian books that I’ve read is that it is very thought provoking. In a way, Scythe is a philosophical book disguised as YA fiction. Scythe is not only a story about what it is like to live in a utopian world, it subtly discusses what life and death truly mean. Moreover, it also presents how meaningful it is to be human and being alive and living. It also plays with morality in a very well done way. I went into this book not really giving it much thought, but when I finished it, I was left pondering. I thought about a lot of things, but most especially, I thought about living and how meaningful it is. It made me appreciate living a lot more than I could ever think of.
Human nature is both predictable and mysterious; prone to great and sudden advances, yet still mired in despicable self-interest.
As for the story, it was very gripping and fascinating. It was fast-paced and straight to the point, but not at all confusing. In fact, how the story unfolds is done excellently and there’s always something going on. The downside, however, is that because of the third person POV (or omniscient POV), I found it difficult to connect with the main characters. I felt like I didn’t truly know who they were, or it felt like I only knew a part of them but not all parts of them. Although, they were still very interesting characters to read about.
Innocence is doomed to die a senseless death at our own hands, a casualty of the mistakes we can never undo. So we lay to rest the wide-eyed wonder we once thrived upon, replacing it with the scars of which we never speak, too knotted for any amount of technology to repair.
I didn’t really have high expectations for this book, but I ended up pleasantly surprised. Reading this book is a paradox. It is both terrifying and lovely to read about because of how insightful and thought provoking it is. I can’t wait for the second book AAAAHHH.
Without the threat of suffering, we can’t experience true joy. The best we get is pleasantness.
Scythe is set in a utopian world. All social and economical problems and issues - like hunger, poverty, suffering, even death- have been conquered. The world has come to a perfection. Humans are now immortal, everyone is treated fairly, and the needs of the people are acknowledged and provided. However, in order to keep the stability of the population, a group of people called scythes are tasked to glean (kill) a certain amount of people per year. In this perfect world, scythes have become the face of death. The story follows two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, who become apprentices of a scythe. The problem is, neither of them wants to become a scythe.
I think all young women are cursed with a streak of unrelenting foolishness, and all young men are cursed with a streak of absolute stupidity.
There was a time in my life that I liked to call my “dystopian phase”. Each book I bought, each book I read, each book I talked about were all set in a dystopian world. It was fun while it lasted, eventually I grew tired of reading only dystopian books. It’s been quite awhile since the last time I read one, to be completely honest. But what sets Shusterman’s dystopian world apart from the other dystopian books that I’ve read is that it is very thought provoking. In a way, Scythe is a philosophical book disguised as YA fiction. Scythe is not only a story about what it is like to live in a utopian world, it subtly discusses what life and death truly mean. Moreover, it also presents how meaningful it is to be human and being alive and living. It also plays with morality in a very well done way. I went into this book not really giving it much thought, but when I finished it, I was left pondering. I thought about a lot of things, but most especially, I thought about living and how meaningful it is. It made me appreciate living a lot more than I could ever think of.
Human nature is both predictable and mysterious; prone to great and sudden advances, yet still mired in despicable self-interest.
As for the story, it was very gripping and fascinating. It was fast-paced and straight to the point, but not at all confusing. In fact, how the story unfolds is done excellently and there’s always something going on. The downside, however, is that because of the third person POV (or omniscient POV), I found it difficult to connect with the main characters. I felt like I didn’t truly know who they were, or it felt like I only knew a part of them but not all parts of them. Although, they were still very interesting characters to read about.
Innocence is doomed to die a senseless death at our own hands, a casualty of the mistakes we can never undo. So we lay to rest the wide-eyed wonder we once thrived upon, replacing it with the scars of which we never speak, too knotted for any amount of technology to repair.
I didn’t really have high expectations for this book, but I ended up pleasantly surprised. Reading this book is a paradox. It is both terrifying and lovely to read about because of how insightful and thought provoking it is. I can’t wait for the second book AAAAHHH.
Without the threat of suffering, we can’t experience true joy. The best we get is pleasantness.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
5.0
second read: august 4, 2018
this book really fucked me up so bad The Audacitydjfj
first read: january 4, 2016
This book deserves all the stars in the galaxy. And more.
"Part of being alive is having life change us. The people around us, the events we live through, all of them shape us."
(I'm so sorry if this review has many swear words on it. I literally just finished Illuminae so my emotions are basically all over the place... in a good way. Again, I'm so sorry.)
This sonofabitch played with my fucking feelings then left me sobbing on the goddamn floor!!!!
I think the last time I literally sobbed because of a book was when I read Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (which was some time in June 2015). And now here I am again. Sobbing non stop and trying not to scream profanities as I've finished Illuminae. Actually, now that I think about it, this is the first time I've cried SO SO MUCH because of a book.
I did not expect this would fucking happen to me.
The writing style was a different one. Unique, definitely. And very smartly written. It's impressive how they wrote this book. Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff deserve a big hand. Seriously. *slow claps* At first I had to adjust to the writing style because it was veryyy different from the books I've recently read. But really, it's so impossible not to get into this book. You can easily get sucked into the story. One minute I was doubting I'd love this book then the next thing I know I'm motherfucking loving it.
"You deserve every star in the galaxy laid out at your feet and a thousand diamonds in your hair. You deserve someone who'll run with you as far and as fast as you want to. Holding your hand, not holding you back. You deserve more than I could ever give you, Kady. But I'll give you everything I can if you still want me to."
Illuminae has it all. It's funny, romantic, cute, and very VERY intense. When shit started happening, SHIT REALLY STARTED HAPPENING. I read those parts panting and frightened, as if I was experiencing it myself. I felt so nervous and so scared for the characters.
This book is fucking brilliant and, like a bastard, played with my fucking emotions like they were toys. And when I say THAT, it means YOU (yes you!!! reading this) should pick up this motherfucker and let it mess with your feelings. Because a great and amazing book will always do that to a reader.
"The universe owes you nothing, Kady. It has already given you everything, after all. It was here long before you, and it will go on long after you. The only way it will remember you is if you do something worthy of remembrance."
Is it way too early for me to consider this as the best book I've read this year? Yes?
I DON't FUCKING CARE. THIS BOOK FUCKING DESERVES IT.
1000000000 and more zeros / 5 BRILLIANT, AMAZING, MOTHERFUCKING STARS FOR YOU, ILLUMINAE.
this book really fucked me up so bad The Audacitydjfj
first read: january 4, 2016
This book deserves all the stars in the galaxy. And more.
"Part of being alive is having life change us. The people around us, the events we live through, all of them shape us."
(I'm so sorry if this review has many swear words on it. I literally just finished Illuminae so my emotions are basically all over the place... in a good way. Again, I'm so sorry.)
This sonofabitch played with my fucking feelings then left me sobbing on the goddamn floor!!!!
I think the last time I literally sobbed because of a book was when I read Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas (which was some time in June 2015). And now here I am again. Sobbing non stop and trying not to scream profanities as I've finished Illuminae. Actually, now that I think about it, this is the first time I've cried SO SO MUCH because of a book.
I did not expect this would fucking happen to me.
The writing style was a different one. Unique, definitely. And very smartly written. It's impressive how they wrote this book. Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff deserve a big hand. Seriously. *slow claps* At first I had to adjust to the writing style because it was veryyy different from the books I've recently read. But really, it's so impossible not to get into this book. You can easily get sucked into the story. One minute I was doubting I'd love this book then the next thing I know I'm motherfucking loving it.
"You deserve every star in the galaxy laid out at your feet and a thousand diamonds in your hair. You deserve someone who'll run with you as far and as fast as you want to. Holding your hand, not holding you back. You deserve more than I could ever give you, Kady. But I'll give you everything I can if you still want me to."
Illuminae has it all. It's funny, romantic, cute, and very VERY intense. When shit started happening, SHIT REALLY STARTED HAPPENING. I read those parts panting and frightened, as if I was experiencing it myself. I felt so nervous and so scared for the characters.
This book is fucking brilliant and, like a bastard, played with my fucking emotions like they were toys. And when I say THAT, it means YOU (yes you!!! reading this) should pick up this motherfucker and let it mess with your feelings. Because a great and amazing book will always do that to a reader.
"The universe owes you nothing, Kady. It has already given you everything, after all. It was here long before you, and it will go on long after you. The only way it will remember you is if you do something worthy of remembrance."
Is it way too early for me to consider this as the best book I've read this year? Yes?
I DON't FUCKING CARE. THIS BOOK FUCKING DESERVES IT.
1000000000 and more zeros / 5 BRILLIANT, AMAZING, MOTHERFUCKING STARS FOR YOU, ILLUMINAE.
Gemina by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
5.0
second read: august 12, 2018
i just finished rereading this book which means it’s time for me to read obsidio, chums. 😳
the first time i read this, i was so overwhelmed, but the second time is a piece of cake. i Fully Understand everything now !!
first read: january 11, 2017
“And blood and tears and screams did not matter anymore, because at least they are together.”
The Illuminae Files passes in flying colors when it comes to originality of how the story is told. The best thing about this trilogy is how it's told in a very different way from the rest of the books we read. And yet it does not fail to engross the readers. To let them laugh, frustrate them, swoon them. This book does not fail to let the readers feel.
We were introduced with new characters and, just like our original protagonists, these new main characters were badass, hilarious, and very fun to read about. Their dialogues and how they interacted with each other was entertaining and I love the relationship that they all have with each other. Just like our characters from the first book, I absolutely LOVE the characters that we got to meet in this book.
Trust me when I say this fucked me up real good. Again. Kristoff and Kaufman, you've managed to do this to me twice already. They leave me crumpled and emotionally exhausted by the time I finish the book. There's just really something special about how they write the story. Even though the whole explanation gave me a headache because of its complexity, I can't help but be more fascinated. It was a bit overwhelming to be honest, but at the same time I found myself really impressed and astonished.
The plot was just as strong as the first book. Kaufman and Kristoff connect everything and everyone in a brilliant way. I absolutely loved every page of this book. It really was creatively written and the plot excellently well done.
Although, I do think Illuminae was better than this one, I still love this book so much. Honestly, Gemina is a really REALLY good read. Not as good as Illuminae, but still AMAZING, ACTION PACKED, AWW-WORTHY, CRY-WORTHY, TERRIFYINGLY THRILLING, and HILARIOUS. One of my faves this 2017? Me thinks so.
01/09/2017
FUCJED ME UP REAL GOOD. AGAIN.
03/01/2016
OHMYGOD THE COVER IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
i just finished rereading this book which means it’s time for me to read obsidio, chums. 😳
the first time i read this, i was so overwhelmed, but the second time is a piece of cake. i Fully Understand everything now !!
first read: january 11, 2017
“And blood and tears and screams did not matter anymore, because at least they are together.”
The Illuminae Files passes in flying colors when it comes to originality of how the story is told. The best thing about this trilogy is how it's told in a very different way from the rest of the books we read. And yet it does not fail to engross the readers. To let them laugh, frustrate them, swoon them. This book does not fail to let the readers feel.
We were introduced with new characters and, just like our original protagonists, these new main characters were badass, hilarious, and very fun to read about. Their dialogues and how they interacted with each other was entertaining and I love the relationship that they all have with each other. Just like our characters from the first book, I absolutely LOVE the characters that we got to meet in this book.
Trust me when I say this fucked me up real good. Again. Kristoff and Kaufman, you've managed to do this to me twice already. They leave me crumpled and emotionally exhausted by the time I finish the book. There's just really something special about how they write the story. Even though the whole explanation gave me a headache because of its complexity, I can't help but be more fascinated. It was a bit overwhelming to be honest, but at the same time I found myself really impressed and astonished.
The plot was just as strong as the first book. Kaufman and Kristoff connect everything and everyone in a brilliant way. I absolutely loved every page of this book. It really was creatively written and the plot excellently well done.
Although, I do think Illuminae was better than this one, I still love this book so much. Honestly, Gemina is a really REALLY good read. Not as good as Illuminae, but still AMAZING, ACTION PACKED, AWW-WORTHY, CRY-WORTHY, TERRIFYINGLY THRILLING, and HILARIOUS. One of my faves this 2017? Me thinks so.
01/09/2017
FUCJED ME UP REAL GOOD. AGAIN.
03/01/2016
OHMYGOD THE COVER IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
4.0
second read: august 19, 2018
tatbilb is one of those cutesy, feel-good books that puts me in a good mood whenever i read it and that’s why i love it so much. it isn’t a perfect book by any means but it’s adorable and funny and full of fluff and sometimes ,, that’s really all i need. the movie , tho it wasn’t the best book to film adaptation out there, really made me appreciate the story a lot more.
first read: august 8, 2015
tatbilb is one of those cutesy, feel-good books that puts me in a good mood whenever i read it and that’s why i love it so much. it isn’t a perfect book by any means but it’s adorable and funny and full of fluff and sometimes ,, that’s really all i need. the movie , tho it wasn’t the best book to film adaptation out there, really made me appreciate the story a lot more.
first read: august 8, 2015