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angie_the_bibliophile's reviews
84 reviews
Possession by A.S. Byatt
4.0
3.7 ⭐
This book's end though..wow. This book is beautifully and intellectually written, but sometimes hard to read or follow. I sometimes felt that DNFing would just be easier, but I'm glad I stuck with it. I started reading the book end of last year when my brain was tired and I think that contributed to me finding things meandering and sluggish to get through at times. The book is worth it and I'll be keeping it on my shelf due to its uniqueness. This book is "a romance", yes, but not just in the traditional sense of lovers - the book is also about love for yourself, others, academia and history. People also classify this as dark academia, and to that I also say, not in the traditional sense of what you'll find in The Secret History or If Were Villains (I loved both those books), however it does share themes, and I do recommend you giving it a go. I'll definitely be reading more of Byatt's work
This book's end though..wow. This book is beautifully and intellectually written, but sometimes hard to read or follow. I sometimes felt that DNFing would just be easier, but I'm glad I stuck with it. I started reading the book end of last year when my brain was tired and I think that contributed to me finding things meandering and sluggish to get through at times. The book is worth it and I'll be keeping it on my shelf due to its uniqueness. This book is "a romance", yes, but not just in the traditional sense of lovers - the book is also about love for yourself, others, academia and history. People also classify this as dark academia, and to that I also say, not in the traditional sense of what you'll find in The Secret History or If Were Villains (I loved both those books), however it does share themes, and I do recommend you giving it a go. I'll definitely be reading more of Byatt's work
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
3.0
3.5 ⭐
Donna's books really embody "it's about the journey, not the destination". I like how the book's blurb is so vague. Donna's writing is beautiful and eloquent and even if nothing super interesting was happening in parts of the book I just found myself reading and reading. The book is quite bleak and I really wanted it to get to a resolution by the last 150 pages, but I found the ending quite philosophical and am happy I stuck it out.
Donna's books really embody "it's about the journey, not the destination". I like how the book's blurb is so vague. Donna's writing is beautiful and eloquent and even if nothing super interesting was happening in parts of the book I just found myself reading and reading. The book is quite bleak and I really wanted it to get to a resolution by the last 150 pages, but I found the ending quite philosophical and am happy I stuck it out.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
5.0
The Secret History is a literary masterpiece that captivated me from the first page to the last. The catalyst for Dark Academia as we know and enjoy it today. Donna Tartt's eloquent prose weaves a tale of mystery, academia, and the complexities of human nature. The characters are richly developed, and the atmospheric setting adds to the novel's allure. With its brilliant storytelling this book is a true gem that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter. A must-read for anyone who appreciates depth, intelligence and a touch of the enigmatic.
Emperor of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
5.0
5 ⭐
A Riveting Conclusion to an Epic Trilogy!
An absolute masterpiece that delivers a breathtaking conclusion to The Broken Empire trilogy. Lawrence's storytelling prowess reaches new heights as he weaves a complex tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, and redemption.
As with the previous two books, the character development in this final installment is nothing short of brilliant. Jorg Ancrath's evolution from a ruthless young prince to a multifaceted and compelling ruler is both satisfying and authentic. Lawrence skillfully explores the depths of Jorg's psyche, making him a protagonist I couldn't help but root for, flaws and all.
The world-building is rich and immersive, showcasing Lawrence's ability to craft a vivid and atmospheric setting. The intricate political machinations and the dynamic relationships between characters add layers of depth to the narrative. One of the standout features is Lawrence's prose, which is both eloquent and razor-sharp. The narrative is laced with philosophical reflections that add intellectual weight to the story without sacrificing its fast-paced momentum.
The climax is a tour de force of epic proportions, bringing together all the threads in a satisfying and unpredictable manner. Lawrence manages to deliver a conclusion that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
In conclusion, this series is a triumph of fantasy literature. Mark Lawrence has crafted a brilliant finale that not only does justice to the preceding novels but elevates the entire trilogy to a level of excellence. This book deserves a resounding 5 stars for its compelling characters, intricate plot, and masterful storytelling. Highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy.
A Riveting Conclusion to an Epic Trilogy!
An absolute masterpiece that delivers a breathtaking conclusion to The Broken Empire trilogy. Lawrence's storytelling prowess reaches new heights as he weaves a complex tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, and redemption.
As with the previous two books, the character development in this final installment is nothing short of brilliant. Jorg Ancrath's evolution from a ruthless young prince to a multifaceted and compelling ruler is both satisfying and authentic. Lawrence skillfully explores the depths of Jorg's psyche, making him a protagonist I couldn't help but root for, flaws and all.
The world-building is rich and immersive, showcasing Lawrence's ability to craft a vivid and atmospheric setting. The intricate political machinations and the dynamic relationships between characters add layers of depth to the narrative. One of the standout features is Lawrence's prose, which is both eloquent and razor-sharp. The narrative is laced with philosophical reflections that add intellectual weight to the story without sacrificing its fast-paced momentum.
The climax is a tour de force of epic proportions, bringing together all the threads in a satisfying and unpredictable manner. Lawrence manages to deliver a conclusion that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
In conclusion, this series is a triumph of fantasy literature. Mark Lawrence has crafted a brilliant finale that not only does justice to the preceding novels but elevates the entire trilogy to a level of excellence. This book deserves a resounding 5 stars for its compelling characters, intricate plot, and masterful storytelling. Highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy.