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bloop's Reviews (102)
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is oh so very close to being perfect. I'm so glad that The Secret History was recommended as an autumn read because I have not stopped thinking about it everyday since I've read it. Donna Tartt is just an absolute genius. Did this book need to be 550 pages? Not really. But did I eat up every single page? Yes, yes I did. Tartt is amazingly talented at setting up the scene; I could really picture myself in Vermont in every single scenario. It was honestly like a movie was playing in my head while reading the book, especially when I listened to the whole Oppenheimer soundtrack for the entire Book 2. Furthermore, this book is considerably slower paced than the books I am used to reading but honestly I kind of liked it. Being a Classics minor, I was so excited whenever I saw a reference to the Classics, but even then, there were so many things that just went over my head. I was thinking, damn, this lady did so much research for this book, only to realize that she literally studied Classics in college. Kinda cool when I pieced together those connections or saw something where I was like, hey! I read that for an ancient lit class! The only reason why I took off 0.25 stars was because although I enjoyed reading it, I will have to admit that there were times where the scenes and descriptions went too off the rails and became superfluous. Also the ending was good, but kind of played out like a comedy to me for a few lines. Didn't really appreciate that in a book that is supposed to be a dark academia serious drama. Otherwise, I loved it. Hoping to reread in the future and maybe a reread would warrant 5 stars :)
I'm particularly rough on non-fiction books because a lot of them fail to hold my attention, so a 3.75 stars is actually quite high. Richard Harris writes a thorough expose on the current state of academia, and having dipped my toes into research myself, I was shocked to say the least. There were so many things that I read in this book that totally surprised me because my professors have always impressed the importance of conducting experiments without bias and to follow the scientific method properly. Turns out, much of academia does not conduct research this way (most unintentionally) but the main factor behind this shoddy research is always money (or lack, thereof). A lot of times the anecdotes and facts become repetitive, but one thing is for sure: I will definitely read my research more closely. Published research is not the Gospel. I was also disappointed that there wasn't as much explanation for some biological research but I understand why because this book is meant for a more general audience that wouldn't care about the granular. Would recommend for anyone going into a field of higher education in STEM.
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
I don't know how I stumbled upon this novella, but it was on my TBR and was conveniently available at the library so I decided to give it a try. I LOVED IT. I honestly cannot believe that this book is 185 or so pages. The premise is so unique, and I enjoyed the Southern Gothic Fantasy Body Horror vibes. The story felt so immersive and I felt like I knew each character very intimately. I immediately fell in love with Sadie because of her wit and humor, and was super intrigued by whatever was going on between Maryse and her beau. The prose that P. Djeli Clark employed in Ring Shout is very interesting, specifically choosing to write in AAVE to match the main character's dialect and the dialogue of Nana Jean in Gullah. At times, I didn't really understand Gullah so I had to look up the words or figure it out based on context but I don't mind this, as it helped me research a topic that I previously had no knowledge of.
I don't like the reviews that state that this book inadvertently "excuses" the atrocities that the KKK and racist white supremacists have committed because it shoves the blame onto an entity that is "hate" rather than the people themselves. The book is not doing that at all. Have you guys ever heard of an allegory? The author is illustrating that hate can manifest into these terrible actions and turn people into monsters, but the people are willingly entranced by this hate and letting it consume them. It does not shift blame, rather concentrates it on the person that allows it to control them.
The only reason why I took off half a star was just because I wish some aspects of the world were explained better like how the butcher was able to access Maryse's visions?? I wasn't quite sure what they were. Also I didn't really understand the Black Aunties and how to access that world either. I understand that they are supposed to be a twist on the Fates like in Greek Mythology, but it was just unclear but I am just going to chalk that up to the book being short. I'm sure that if Ring Shout had around 300 more pages, Clark would have had the opportunity to really massage out this interesting Demonic Jim Crow World that he created. Would definitely recommend, especially for this Autumn Season.
I don't like the reviews that state that this book inadvertently "excuses" the atrocities that the KKK and racist white supremacists have committed because it shoves the blame onto an entity that is "hate" rather than the people themselves. The book is not doing that at all. Have you guys ever heard of an allegory? The author is illustrating that hate can manifest into these terrible actions and turn people into monsters, but the people are willingly entranced by this hate and letting it consume them. It does not shift blame, rather concentrates it on the person that allows it to control them.
The only reason why I took off half a star was just because I wish some aspects of the world were explained better
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is the definition of average. I had high hopes going into it, as this was my first thriller, but was wholly disappointed with the resolution as I had guessed the culprit 75% of the way through the book. The main character isn't supposed to be likeable, but man, I hated her. I was frustrated with her actions as it seemed like she was just acting stupid for no reason sometimes, and she makes the worst possible choices. (I'm aware that this is supposed to be because she is an alcoholic, but seriously wth.) I did not connect with any character in the book, and all of them are pretty cartoony and exaggerated versions of people. They were not realistic at all and were like caricatures of the person they were supposed to portray. I hated how the ending played out, and the big villainy speech from the culprit at the end was laughable. I felt like I was watching a parody movie while reading it. The story is overall just okay, and it kept me hooked, mainly just because I wanted to see if my suspicions about the killer were correct. Nothing good stands out to me in this book, but it's not overwhelmingly bad.
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am absolutely shattered. This book broke my heart a million times before putting back some of the pieces together. I am so mad that I didn't read this earlier but it was never assigned reading for my school so I just put it off despite all the positive reviews. I like how the main character is not painted to be the typical MC with the courageous, brave-hearted traits, but a more realistic portrait of a child who is scared and insecure. A child who is too afraid to express his kindness that he ends up being cruel to the people that deserve it the least is honestly the most raw way to demonstrate his character. And yet, we still have people that believe in the strength of Amir's character. From Rahim Khan: "A man who has no conscience, no goodness, does not suffer." I sobbed during various points of this book, which I feel like is pretty rare because novels are usually set up so the climax is near the end. But my emotions were so cathartic throughout the whole time I read this book. Additionally, I didn't know much about the war in Afghanistan before reading this and it helped shed some light into the history of the Taliban and Afghanistan. It only took me two days but this story and the characters will stay with me forever.
Really displeased with this book. It's not good. Tiktok has failed me once again. Chani, the main character, is definitely too horny for her own good, and the way she talks about Gabe makes me physically cringe at times, like "I want to lick him like a lollipop." Gives me major Kissing Booth vibes when Joey King's character tells Jacob Elordi's character that she wants to "use him like her personal jungle gym." I have to shudder. Plus, Chani sucks. She is constantly blaming her problems on other people and has a BIGGG victim complex. I feel like nothing happens throughout the book, and I'm supposed to root for Gabe and Chani? Sorry, I feel no emotional attachment to either of them. Another reviewer is right when they say they feel like they're reading the same dialogue over and over again. It is very repetitive and I was getting annoyed while reading the book. I only finished this book for the sake of finishing it.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Tiger's tits. I was blown away by the ending to this amazing trilogy, so much so that I had to sit with the ending for over a week before I write this review. Out of all three books, I have to say that I still think the first one is the best in terms of pacing and storyline, but The Burning God is a close second. I loved how we got to see more of Su Daji and Jiang Ziya; their backstories make me understand their motives more and empathize with their struggles. Daji doesn't seem as untouchable as she once was in this book. I also liked how Kuang further explored the relationship between the Nikara and the Hesperians and how *shocker* regardless of what the Nikara do or how civil they act, they will never be seen as peers to Hesperians just by the inherent nature of their ethnicity. R.F. Kuang writes with intention and it shows.
Now, I do want to say that while most of the plot elements seem carefully planned out, I am annoyed about the timing of some things. For example, the Trifecta are OP, and the way they were randomly destroyed was just major plot armor for Rin because there's no fuckin way she could beat any of them lmao. Also, the shamans she created happened way too late in the book and we barely got to see any of them. When we did, they were mainly there for plot convenience. Would've loved to see a deeper dive into this
Those are my main concerns that keep this book from being a 5 star read, but it's very close to perfect. The ending was absolutely heartbreaking but necessary. R.F. Kuang I love you! Can't wait to read Yellowface next.
Now, I do want to say that while most of the plot elements seem carefully planned out, I am annoyed about the timing of some things.
Those are my main concerns that keep this book from being a 5 star read, but it's very close to perfect. The ending was absolutely heartbreaking but necessary. R.F. Kuang I love you! Can't wait to read Yellowface next.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
R.F. Kuang keeps proving once again why she is one of my favorite authors. The themes of this book are essentially the same as The Poppy War, so I don't feel the need to go over them in this review. I will say though, I did not get through this book as quickly as the first. I think it's partially because I did enjoy the scenes at Sinegard more where it's sorta Harry Potter/dark academia-esque? I felt like some of the descriptions of the battles and battle strategies were a bit superfluous but by no means was this book ever boring. One of the only gripes I have about this book is how the Cike is always tossed aside. We never really explore any of the characters in depth and they are only in the scenes when convenient to Rin. Otherwise, expect to never hear about them again. Also, Rin needs to stfu about Altan holy shit. Those scenes were annoying imo.
Also, this enemies to lovers arc is really toying with my heart!! I blame it on the Wattpad in me and I know that it will probably never happen but ahhh... A girl can dream. Also, I didn't expect the plot twist when it happened, but the foreshadowing that led up to it made sense.
All in all, such a good sequel but nothing can ever match the first book imo. We'll see how I feel after i finish The Burning God.
Also, this enemies to lovers arc is really toying with my heart!! I blame it on the Wattpad in me and I know that it will probably never happen but ahhh... A girl can dream. Also, I didn't expect the plot twist when it happened, but the foreshadowing that led up to it made sense.
All in all, such a good sequel but nothing can ever match the first book imo. We'll see how I feel after i finish The Burning God.
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I read this book a month or so ago, so much has slipped my memory. I don't think I can give it an adequate review, but this much I remember:
The plot twist at the end was something I did not expect at all. It's gut-wrenching when you realize what happened. I do remember being bored at some parts due to gratuitous detail and filler. For the most part though, I liked the book. I remember thinking that this is a book that seems like it would be taught in a high school English class (if Republicans don't ban it first).
It's crazy that this book is based on a real place, and after reading accounts of real people who went through shit like this, I was appalled. America truly has a nasty, disgusting history, and it makes me wonder what else is being hidden from us.
The plot twist at the end was something I did not expect at all. It's gut-wrenching when you realize what happened. I do remember being bored at some parts due to gratuitous detail and filler. For the most part though, I liked the book. I remember thinking that this is a book that seems like it would be taught in a high school English class (if Republicans don't ban it first).
It's crazy that this book is based on a real place, and after reading accounts of real people who went through shit like this, I was appalled. America truly has a nasty, disgusting history, and it makes me wonder what else is being hidden from us.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Poppy War is one of the few books where I knew I was going to instantly give it 5 stars. First off, I'm so amazed that R.F. Kuang wrote this book while she was in college. Her command of the English language is so evident and yet not once did I feel lost when reading because although she uses complex words, she articulates her ideas so well. I read Babel before picking up this one, and I'm so shocked that this is her debut because it was so good. At every turn, I was HOOKED. I don't see the same pacing issues that others have mentioned. I think it was paced perfectly well, with the first part showing the innocence of a pre-wartime, with a lighter tone. The immediate shift in tone during the following parts mirrors the events in the book, and I think that the fast pacing was perfectly appropriate.
As someone who mainly reads lighter books, I was hopeful for a greater love subplot, but alas. I have to disagree with a previous reviewer who says that Nezha and Rin's relationship is forced and too aggressive. I have to say that it's just the opposite. The amount of tension present makes sense for that part of the story. They don't even kiss or do anything at all, and Nezha is barely in the latter two thirds of the book before he dies, so I don't even know what they were saying. Also, someone said that they didn't understand how the bullying was just pushed to the side during war because people usually don't put petty things like that aside even in wartime. There was literally whole paragraphs where they argued about that very thing??? And I think the fact that they were fighting alongside each other during the war and witnessed their classmates being slaughtered trauma-bonded them and brought them closer like,, what more do you want? I do understand why relationships aren't developed further though, as it is primarily a book about war and the morality behind actions during war.
The characters were all fleshed out really well, and I found Rin to be super compelling, even if at times she wasn't likeable or made stupid decisions. I say this about every strong-willed, confident, stubborn female character, but Rin really reminds me of Korra from the "Legend of Korra" series (and that's a good thing, unlike what a lot of incels would have you believe).
It is clear that there was so much thought and research behind creating this book, as seen through the event that parallels the Rape of Nanking, and other Easter Eggs like Bodhidharma (reference to Buddhism) and Sunzi (Sun Tzu). R.F. Kuang wrote a masterpiece and she is quickly climbing my list of favorite authors. Can't wait to read the next books in the trilogy!
As someone who mainly reads lighter books, I was hopeful for a greater love subplot, but alas.
The characters were all fleshed out really well, and I found Rin to be super compelling, even if at times she wasn't likeable or made stupid decisions. I say this about every strong-willed, confident, stubborn female character, but Rin really reminds me of Korra from the "Legend of Korra" series (and that's a good thing, unlike what a lot of incels would have you believe).
It is clear that there was so much thought and research behind creating this book, as seen through the event that parallels the Rape of Nanking, and other Easter Eggs like Bodhidharma (reference to Buddhism) and Sunzi (Sun Tzu). R.F. Kuang wrote a masterpiece and she is quickly climbing my list of favorite authors. Can't wait to read the next books in the trilogy!