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angie_the_bibliophile's reviews
82 reviews
Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
I've been wanting to read Tchaikovsky a long time and randomly found this series at the library knowing nothing of it and having never read the author.
The book starts out a bit slow, but Adrian cemented his main character cast very well and I got to know them, their worlds and culture etc. and was able to easily tell them apart. By the time the book ramps up the stakes and the danger and the adventure I could easily absorb new characters and keep up with all that was happening.
Adrian's writing is fantastic and I enjoyed his world building so much. The human insect races were so well done and I loved them all! I've just never read anything like it before.
Definitely taking out the second book at the library tomorrow.
Bonus points for the last chapter being an even round 40, that made me so happy haha.
The book starts out a bit slow, but Adrian cemented his main character cast very well and I got to know them, their worlds and culture etc. and was able to easily tell them apart. By the time the book ramps up the stakes and the danger and the adventure I could easily absorb new characters and keep up with all that was happening.
Adrian's writing is fantastic and I enjoyed his world building so much. The human insect races were so well done and I loved them all! I've just never read anything like it before.
Definitely taking out the second book at the library tomorrow.
Bonus points for the last chapter being an even round 40, that made me so happy haha.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I agree with others, the less you know the better, because the book is so short. It's a bit slow at the beginning, but that's okay, the coconut cracks open quite instantly and takes off from there. Illustrations would've elevated the experience of reading this book, but the lack thereof definitely didn't take anything away from the atmosphere. I'd love to read more by this author.
The Minders by John Marrs
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
A book with loads of short chapters still felt slow. One dimensional characters who I don't care about. I don't like how unnatural dialogue was used at times purely for conveying information to the reader. Repetitive in parts. If you ask too many questions the world and plot kind of falls apart. Many people that disliked this book loved his other work, but I'm not sure he'll be high on my TBR in the near future.
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
This book is written very well - the ending was ferocious! 👌
Although there are only three main characters, each with their own POV that I enjoyed, it took me some time to get used to the many side characters and the use of Norse terms throughout the story. I listened to the audiobook, which Colin Mace narrated excellently, and I plan to continue the series if I can find an affordable secondhand hard copy. I'd love to have a glossary and map without having to open my browser.
John is a fantastic author and I've already added other works to my TBR.
Although there are only three main characters, each with their own POV that I enjoyed, it took me some time to get used to the many side characters and the use of Norse terms throughout the story. I listened to the audiobook, which Colin Mace narrated excellently, and I plan to continue the series if I can find an affordable secondhand hard copy. I'd love to have a glossary and map without having to open my browser.
John is a fantastic author and I've already added other works to my TBR.
Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
It's easy to give a book five stars if you're writing its review through the tears it caused. When my husband asked me about my reading last night I explained one of the parts that made me tear up yesterday and he said that that's the beauty of sports - it's the comaraderie, the respect, the found family, the support, on and off the field.. And I've never had that experience so this book hit me with all the feels. Fredrik writes in an almost philosophical way, you can almost hear him pondering and the gears moving - his books are a pleasure to read.
Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher
3.0
..gingerbread..gingerbread..gingerbread!
I struggled a bit to finish, but did not want to DNF it. I'll still try something else from the author (it's my first read from her), but maybe not a romance focused novel.
I struggled a bit to finish, but did not want to DNF it. I'll still try something else from the author (it's my first read from her), but maybe not a romance focused novel.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
5.0
Dear reader.. With this novel Charlotte shattered me, but then rebuilt me, leaving lasting scars. Unforgettable!
Bunny by Mona Awad
4.0
3.7 ⭐. Don't read too many reviews on this book, just read it! Don't take it too seriously - you'll still have a good time. Fantastic writing
The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
5.0
4.5 ⭐
This short book took me on an intense journey into the complexities of mental health and societal pressures. The protagonist's struggle and obsession with the yellow wallpaper created a haunting atmosphere that lingered with me. The exploration of gender roles added a personal resonance to the narrative. Despite some slow pacing, the deliberate approach heightened the impact for me. This book is a powerful, thought-provoking experience, and I easily give it 4.5 stars.
This short book took me on an intense journey into the complexities of mental health and societal pressures. The protagonist's struggle and obsession with the yellow wallpaper created a haunting atmosphere that lingered with me. The exploration of gender roles added a personal resonance to the narrative. Despite some slow pacing, the deliberate approach heightened the impact for me. This book is a powerful, thought-provoking experience, and I easily give it 4.5 stars.