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761 reviews
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
5.0
I finally read The Count of Monte Cristo, and I’m completely blown away. This is one of the richest, most gripping stories I’ve ever read, with betrayal, revenge & redemption woven into every page. It’s the kind of book that completely consumes you & I savoured all 1,276 pages of it.
Edmond Dantès’ journey is a rollercoaster of heartbreak, hope & retribution that had me hooked every step of the way. Watching him transform from a kind, trusting young man into the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo was utterly fascinating & so deeply emotional. His meticulous plotting & the way every thread tied together left me in awe of Dumas’ genius.
But this story is about so much more than revenge. At its heart, it is also about love, friendship, loyalty & the resilience of the human spirit. As Dumas writes, “All human wisdom is contained in these two words – ‘Wait and Hope.’” It’s a tale of hope & redemption as much as it is one of heartbreak & vengeance.
The supporting characters made the story even richer. Abbé Faria’s wisdom & mentorship were a profound part of Dantès’ transformation, while Haydée’s quiet strength & loyalty completely stole my heart. Mercedes’ story, filled with so much longing & heartbreak, added a layer of emotional depth that has really stuck with me.
I was also struck by how much this story explores the weight of vengeance & the power of forgiveness. Dantès’ journey is not only about seeking justice but also grappling with the moral consequences of his revenge. It asks, can retribution truly bring peace—or is it forgiveness that ultimately heals?
From the claustrophobic despair of Château d’If to the grandeur of Parisian society, Dumas’ worldbuilding is absolutely immersive. I felt like I was traveling across Europe alongside Dantès, swept into the elegance, intrigue & danger of his world.
Lastly, I read the Robin Buss translation & it’s wonderfully accessible while retaining the elegance of Dumas’ prose. If you’re thinking about diving into this classic, I highly recommend this version!
TCOMC isn’t just a story; it’s an experience. It will stay with me forever & I can’t recommend it enough.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
5.0
After falling in love with Dostoevsky’s White Nights—which I read three times over in one sitting—I had high hopes for Crime and Punishment. It absolutely exceeded them and cemented Dostoevsky as one of my favourite authors.
Raskolnikov is one of the most complex, raw, and painfully human characters I’ve ever encountered. His torment, self-justifications, and ultimate search for meaning pulled me in completely. The way Dostoevsky captured his inner turmoil was nothing short of extraordinary.
Dostoevsky’s writing is simply stunning. He masterfully balances intense philosophical questions with gripping storytelling, creating a narrative that’s both thought-provoking and impossible to put down. Every scene brims with tension and emotion, demanding your full attention.
The female characters in this novel, particularly Dunya and Sonya, were also standouts for me. Dunya’s strength and compassion shone throughout, and her fierce independence made her a character I deeply admired. Sonya’s dedication to her family and unwavering kindness brought such humanity to the story. I loved how Dostoevsky portrayed these women with complexity and emotional depth, adding even more layers to an already incredible book.
Listening to Will Poulter’s narration elevated the experience even further. His performance brought the characters and story to life so vividly, and I’d highly recommend the audiobook.
This is a book that challenges you, shakes you, and leaves you questioning so much about life, morality, and the choices we make.
“What do you think? Would not one tiny crime be wiped out by thousands of good deeds? For one life, thousands would be saved from corruption and decay. One death, and a hundred lives in exchange—it’s simple arithmetic!”
Raskolnikov is one of the most complex, raw, and painfully human characters I’ve ever encountered. His torment, self-justifications, and ultimate search for meaning pulled me in completely. The way Dostoevsky captured his inner turmoil was nothing short of extraordinary.
Dostoevsky’s writing is simply stunning. He masterfully balances intense philosophical questions with gripping storytelling, creating a narrative that’s both thought-provoking and impossible to put down. Every scene brims with tension and emotion, demanding your full attention.
The female characters in this novel, particularly Dunya and Sonya, were also standouts for me. Dunya’s strength and compassion shone throughout, and her fierce independence made her a character I deeply admired. Sonya’s dedication to her family and unwavering kindness brought such humanity to the story. I loved how Dostoevsky portrayed these women with complexity and emotional depth, adding even more layers to an already incredible book.
Listening to Will Poulter’s narration elevated the experience even further. His performance brought the characters and story to life so vividly, and I’d highly recommend the audiobook.
This is a book that challenges you, shakes you, and leaves you questioning so much about life, morality, and the choices we make.
“What do you think? Would not one tiny crime be wiped out by thousands of good deeds? For one life, thousands would be saved from corruption and decay. One death, and a hundred lives in exchange—it’s simple arithmetic!”
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
5.0
I absolutely loved Order of the Phoenix! This book felt darker and more intense than the previous ones, and I was completely hooked. Harry’s struggles, the rise of Dumbledore’s Army, and the fight against Umbridge had me turning pages nonstop. The emotional depth in this book hit so hard, and the ending left me heartbroken.
Fred and George’s fireworks rebellion? ICONIC. The friendships, the fight for what’s right, and the emotional weight of it all made this such an unforgettable read.
Oh the nostalgia reading this again and again!
Oh the nostalgia reading this again and again!
The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan
4.5
The Shadow Rising, the fourth installment in The Wheel of Time, is where this series truly hits its stride. Robert Jordan masterfully expands the world, deepens the lore, and raises the stakes in ways that left me completely hooked from start to finish.
What stood out most to me was the incredible character growth. Perrin being an absolute standout—his return to the Two Rivers completely stole my heart. Watching him step up as a leader and fight for his people was so moving—his arc was full of strength, heart, and sacrifice, and I was fully invested every step of the way. Love him.
And oh, how I adore Mat! His charm, wit, and reluctant heroism continue to shine, making him another one of my absolute favourites.
Jordan’s world-building is nothing short of phenomenal. The deep dive into the Aiel culture was fascinating, and the ever-present threat of the Forsaken kept me on edge. The magic system, political intrigue, and prophecies are intricately woven together, creating a constant sense of tension and wonder. The atmosphere is so richly detailed that I felt completely immersed in every corner of this world.
So much happens in this book that it’s hard to put it all into words. There are massive reveals and turning points that completely shifted how I saw the story, making the world feel even more alive and unpredictable. The slower pacing in parts allowed for deeper character development, and it paid off beautifully.
This is The Wheel of Time at its best—epic in scope, intimate in its character moments, and unforgettable in its execution. I cannot wait to continue this journey and see where the Pattern leads next.
My only small critique is that the multiple plotlines occasionally felt uneven, but it barely impacted my overall enjoyment. The depth of the world and the complexity of the characters more than made up for it.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
5.0
This isn’t the kind of book I’d usually reach for. Honestly, it’s one I would’ve passed by without a second glance. Westerns have never been my thing, and I wasn’t sure I’d connect with a story set in a world so far removed from my usual reading tastes. But after hearing so many glowing recommendations, I decided to take a chance… and wow, am I glad I did.
From the very first pages, I was completely hooked. I went in thinking I might struggle to get into it, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was utterly swept up in the lives of these characters. And when I wasn’t reading? I was thinking about them. Constantly. McMurtry has this incredible gift for writing people who feel heartbreakingly real. They aren’t just characters on a page—they feel like old friends (or people you wish you knew), and I found myself deeply invested in every one of them.
Gus McCrae completely stole my heart—and honestly, I’m still not over it. His charm, wit, and quiet depth made him impossible not to adore. I especially loved how he cared for Lorena after everything she endured. His patience and quiet strength in helping her heal added so much depth to his character and brought even more heart to the story.
But it wasn’t just Gus. I could go on forever listing names—Roscoe Brown, Lorena, Newt, Deets, Dish, Clara… I loved them all. Every single character is so layered and authentic. They’re flawed, funny, vulnerable, and resilient. Their relationships are just as compelling—messy, beautiful, and painfully real.
And then there’s the dynamic between Gus and Captain Woodrow Call. Their friendship is the heart and soul of this story, and it absolutely floored me. They’re complete opposites—Gus, with his humor and easygoing charm, and Call, with his rigid sense of duty—but their bond runs so deep. Their relationship is full of affection, frustration, and so many unspoken moments of understanding. It felt raw and genuine, and it’s easily one of the most memorable friendships I’ve ever read.
What surprised me most about this book was how immersive it is. McMurtry’s storytelling makes you feel like you’re right there beside them—riding through endless plains, dust in your lungs, heart in your throat. Then, sharing quiet moments by the fire. The American frontier isn’t just a setting; it’s alive. The harsh, unforgiving landscape shapes everything in this story—the characters’ decisions, their struggles, their triumphs. It’s both brutal and breathtaking, and it adds such weight to every moment.
McMurtry’s writing is deceptively simple but incredibly powerful. Every bit of dialogue feels natural, and his descriptions bring the world to life without ever slowing the story. He strikes a perfect balance between the brutal reality of the frontier and its raw, untamed beauty. I was completely transported.
And the emotions? They hit hard. One moment (IYKYK) absolutely wrecked me. I had to close the book and just sit with it for a while. It was that devastating. But that emotional weight, that heartbreak, is exactly what makes Lonesome Dove so unforgettable. And just when you think it’s all too heavy, McMurtry finds a way to make you laugh, grounding the story in the realities of life.
Beyond the adventure, this story digs into friendship, regret, aging, and the haunting pull of the past. It made me think about how we chase dreams and live with the consequences of choices made long ago. Those deeper themes give this story so much more weight.
Even at over 800 pages, not a single moment felt wasted. I found myself savoring every bit of it, not wanting the journey to end. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
I never thought I’d fall so deeply for this book but yet here I am! Lonesome Dove isn’t just a Western. It’s a story about friendship, love, loss, and the messy, beautiful imperfections of life. It’s sprawling in scope yet deeply intimate in its storytelling. It surprised me in the best possible way, and I know it’s a story I’ll carry with me for a long time.
“It ain’t dying I’m talking about, it’s living.” — Gus McCrae
From the very first pages, I was completely hooked. I went in thinking I might struggle to get into it, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was utterly swept up in the lives of these characters. And when I wasn’t reading? I was thinking about them. Constantly. McMurtry has this incredible gift for writing people who feel heartbreakingly real. They aren’t just characters on a page—they feel like old friends (or people you wish you knew), and I found myself deeply invested in every one of them.
Gus McCrae completely stole my heart—and honestly, I’m still not over it. His charm, wit, and quiet depth made him impossible not to adore. I especially loved how he cared for Lorena after everything she endured. His patience and quiet strength in helping her heal added so much depth to his character and brought even more heart to the story.
But it wasn’t just Gus. I could go on forever listing names—Roscoe Brown, Lorena, Newt, Deets, Dish, Clara… I loved them all. Every single character is so layered and authentic. They’re flawed, funny, vulnerable, and resilient. Their relationships are just as compelling—messy, beautiful, and painfully real.
And then there’s the dynamic between Gus and Captain Woodrow Call. Their friendship is the heart and soul of this story, and it absolutely floored me. They’re complete opposites—Gus, with his humor and easygoing charm, and Call, with his rigid sense of duty—but their bond runs so deep. Their relationship is full of affection, frustration, and so many unspoken moments of understanding. It felt raw and genuine, and it’s easily one of the most memorable friendships I’ve ever read.
What surprised me most about this book was how immersive it is. McMurtry’s storytelling makes you feel like you’re right there beside them—riding through endless plains, dust in your lungs, heart in your throat. Then, sharing quiet moments by the fire. The American frontier isn’t just a setting; it’s alive. The harsh, unforgiving landscape shapes everything in this story—the characters’ decisions, their struggles, their triumphs. It’s both brutal and breathtaking, and it adds such weight to every moment.
McMurtry’s writing is deceptively simple but incredibly powerful. Every bit of dialogue feels natural, and his descriptions bring the world to life without ever slowing the story. He strikes a perfect balance between the brutal reality of the frontier and its raw, untamed beauty. I was completely transported.
And the emotions? They hit hard. One moment (IYKYK) absolutely wrecked me. I had to close the book and just sit with it for a while. It was that devastating. But that emotional weight, that heartbreak, is exactly what makes Lonesome Dove so unforgettable. And just when you think it’s all too heavy, McMurtry finds a way to make you laugh, grounding the story in the realities of life.
Beyond the adventure, this story digs into friendship, regret, aging, and the haunting pull of the past. It made me think about how we chase dreams and live with the consequences of choices made long ago. Those deeper themes give this story so much more weight.
Even at over 800 pages, not a single moment felt wasted. I found myself savoring every bit of it, not wanting the journey to end. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
I never thought I’d fall so deeply for this book but yet here I am! Lonesome Dove isn’t just a Western. It’s a story about friendship, love, loss, and the messy, beautiful imperfections of life. It’s sprawling in scope yet deeply intimate in its storytelling. It surprised me in the best possible way, and I know it’s a story I’ll carry with me for a long time.
“It ain’t dying I’m talking about, it’s living.” — Gus McCrae
Titus Alone by Mervyn Peake
5.0
Absolutely a new fave series!
One I will have to reread again soon for sure
One I will have to reread again soon for sure
The Passing of the Dragon by Ken Liu
4.75
Honestly don’t know how Ken Liu does it! Such a short read but so thought provoking.
The Bell Chime by Mona Kabbani
3.0
I enjoyed it and I didn’t.
Thought provoking though and great mental health rep!
Thought provoking though and great mental health rep!