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beccabou's reviews
885 reviews
The Burning God by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
dark
3.25
The story is dark and sweeping, which lots of great moments. The whole novel felt too long from one move to the next and significant moments skimmed over too quickly.
I suppose that is realistic to war (lots of arduous marching and quick deaths), but doesn’t make for a fun read.
I get why Rin killed herself, and therefore Kitay, but it didn’t feel as revolutionary I wanted it to be.
I suppose that is realistic to war (lots of arduous marching and quick deaths), but doesn’t make for a fun read.
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
fast-paced
5.0
Incredible continuation! I love how they explore the inner workings and convictions of Zetian. The new stakes and mystery/challenge to solve was compelling - I cannot wait for book 3!
Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
medium-paced
4.75
I really enjoyed the pacing and the POV rotation. As always, the character arcs and growth are so good!
Spoiler-ish details on the writing (not story):I loved the inclusion of real curses and the tender/post-coital moments between characters - Sanderson’s continuation of progress in his views/writing.
Full spoiler summary (I will need this for when the next book comes out after multiple years!):Dalinar died in the contest because he renounced his oaths so that Odium (Taravangian) would take up the power, immediately making him a target for all the other shards. A little piece of Honor did flee though! Shallan is stuck in Shadesmare, and is trying to figure out how to contact Adolin, through the Ghostblood’s seon (spren-ish spanreed). Adolin’s leg was crushed and amputated, and with no more storm light, it can’t regrow. He did save Yanagawn, the Azimir emperor. Kaladin became a Herald and is in a peaceful land seeking to give therapy to the Heralds. Szeth renounced his spren and is going to help his people. Sigzil was given the dawnshard from Wit and sent off planet (cue Sunlit Man - I was so confused all book!!). Wit was vaporized by Odium, but was regrown on another planet is seeking other gods to help. Renarin and Rlain love each other!!! And are going together to talk to the singers. Navani know’s Dalinar’s dead, but ended in a coma.
Spoiler-ish details on the writing (not story):
Full spoiler summary (I will need this for when the next book comes out after multiple years!):
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
3.75
Good mystery, if the tried and true formula of ‘suspense and reveals’.
Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds
emotional
5.0
Stunning graphic novel version of a heart wrenching story!
Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
sad
4.0
Sci-fi novella - interesting concept, though as with all short pieces, I wanted more!
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
As it is Frankl’s personal story at Auschwitz, I don’t think it is appropriate to rate.
I found the discussion of humanity and choice in the face of one’s circumstances interesting. The second half of the book discussing logotherapy, or “meaning-making” therapy interesting. Though I did really appreciate the lines: “But let me make it perfectly clear that in no way is suffering necessary to find meaning. I only insist that meeting is possible, even in spite of suffering – provided, certainly the suffering is unavoidable. If it were avoidable, however, the meaningful thing to do would be to remove its cause, biological or political. To suffer unnecessarily is masochistic rather than heroic” (p. 113).
I found the discussion of humanity and choice in the face of one’s circumstances interesting. The second half of the book discussing logotherapy, or “meaning-making” therapy interesting. Though I did really appreciate the lines: “But let me make it perfectly clear that in no way is suffering necessary to find meaning. I only insist that meeting is possible, even in spite of suffering – provided, certainly the suffering is unavoidable. If it were avoidable, however, the meaningful thing to do would be to remove its cause, biological or political. To suffer unnecessarily is masochistic rather than heroic” (p. 113).