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btlitell's reviews
88 reviews
A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
So many things happened in this book that it's hard to remember here at the end everything that happened.
Red Wedding - I stopped reading for a day. I was so devastated by that.
Everything that happened north of the wall was interesting and complex. I really enjoyed all of the really strong development that Jon and Samwell had in their time ranging. I've had a soft spot for Samwell since he showed up in the books, but seeing his POV has made me enjoy his character more. I was getting a bit annoyed by the "you know nothing, Jon Snow" quote (sorry, Ygritte) right around the time that it stopped being said in response to what felt like everything Jon said.
Purple Wedding - The aftermath was more upsetting than the events of the wedding itself.
Jaime feels more like a person now. Seeing his POV rather than hearing about him has certainly taken some of the poker chips off of his "what is wrong with this man" pile, but he also added a few more back on later.Seeing Brienne match him in their duel was exciting. He needed that humbling.
Tyrion remains the only Lannister that I have not found a reason to dislike. He's cunning and wiley, but in a house of lions, I'd say that's the only way his lived as long as he has.Tywin deserved that crossbow bolt in the gut. It pleases me that Tyrion was the one to do that, as surprised as I was that it happened.
I'm curious to see what happens with Bran in the next book.It made me so happy that Jon Snow saw Bran's direwolf before he escaped from the wildlings.
Everything is still so very complex in this world and the overall story. I'm quite baffled by the extreme attention paid to all of the minute details, especially with how massively large these books are. I didn't think 21 days would be a long enough library loan to read this, but I ended up finishing it with 8 days to spare. I think that alone speaks for the quality of this book and series.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Every man must die, Jon Snow. But first he must live.
So many things happened in this book that it's hard to remember here at the end everything that happened.
Red Wedding - I stopped reading for a day. I was so devastated by that.
Everything that happened north of the wall was interesting and complex. I really enjoyed all of the really strong development that Jon and Samwell had in their time ranging. I've had a soft spot for Samwell since he showed up in the books, but seeing his POV has made me enjoy his character more. I was getting a bit annoyed by the "you know nothing, Jon Snow" quote (sorry, Ygritte) right around the time that it stopped being said in response to what felt like everything Jon said.
Purple Wedding - The aftermath was more upsetting than the events of the wedding itself.
Jaime feels more like a person now. Seeing his POV rather than hearing about him has certainly taken some of the poker chips off of his "what is wrong with this man" pile, but he also added a few more back on later.
Tyrion remains the only Lannister that I have not found a reason to dislike. He's cunning and wiley, but in a house of lions, I'd say that's the only way his lived as long as he has.
I'm curious to see what happens with Bran in the next book.
There is a long league's worth of difference between willful and stupid.
Everything is still so very complex in this world and the overall story. I'm quite baffled by the extreme attention paid to all of the minute details, especially with how massively large these books are. I didn't think 21 days would be a long enough library loan to read this, but I ended up finishing it with 8 days to spare. I think that alone speaks for the quality of this book and series.
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
There was so much that happened in this book. Some things only furthered my opinions toward characters that formed with the first book. Tyrion continues to be the only Lannister that I tolerate, let alone actively root for. Cersei talking with Sansa gave her the briefest moment of humanity, but then she thoroughly ruined that during their huddling in Maegor's Holdfast. Jaime can stay in that cell for all I care, especially after how he talked to Catelyn while chained up and in a dungeon. His arrogance is astounding. Theon Greyjoy has joined my list of characters who need smacked in the mouth (well, he needs a lot more than that, but we'll start with that). I am really hoping he gets what is coming for him, but I suppose we'll see. I do wish that there was more of Robb Stark's POV in the book, but hearing about his deeds from others worked really well and probably helped build up the image of him as king of the north more than if we saw it on paper.
Wildfire is a horrid concoction that I can only imagine will show up again later. The entire Battle of the Blackwater was really interesting until the green flames appeared and it immediately turned into a chaotic mess. I really appreciated that Tyrion reflected on that and, at least to himself, admitted that he and Stannis were both responsible for the horrors that the wildfire caused.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
But the world preferred to forget that men who knew how to heal also knew how to kill.
There was so much that happened in this book. Some things only furthered my opinions toward characters that formed with the first book. Tyrion continues to be the only Lannister that I tolerate, let alone actively root for. Cersei talking with Sansa gave her the briefest moment of humanity, but then she thoroughly ruined that during their huddling in Maegor's Holdfast. Jaime can stay in that cell for all I care, especially after how he talked to Catelyn while chained up and in a dungeon. His arrogance is astounding. Theon Greyjoy has joined my list of characters who need smacked in the mouth (well, he needs a lot more than that, but we'll start with that). I am really hoping he gets what is coming for him, but I suppose we'll see. I do wish that there was more of Robb Stark's POV in the book, but hearing about his deeds from others worked really well and probably helped build up the image of him as king of the north more than if we saw it on paper.
Wildfire is a horrid concoction that I can only imagine will show up again later. The entire Battle of the Blackwater was really interesting until the green flames appeared and it immediately turned into a chaotic mess. I really appreciated that Tyrion reflected on that and, at least to himself, admitted that he and Stannis were both responsible for the horrors that the wildfire caused.
Do you hear them shrieking, Stannis? Do you see them burning? This is your work as much as mine.
His admission of this only added favorably to Tyrion's position in my mind. Jaime, Cersei, Joffrey, none of them would have said anything like this while seeing men burning in flames they can't extinguish.
I can't wait to start the next book later today.
I can't wait to start the next book later today.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
As with the first book, I really wish I had read these when I was younger.
Lockhart bothered me from the beginning. Draco is still ever so deserving of a smack in the mouth as he was in the first book, and Hagrid is still my favorite of the adults and deserved better treatment from others around him. He reminds me a lot of Fezzik as we see him in The Princess Bride (exceptionally large and probably capable of bending others around him (possibly physically) to his will but oh, so gentle possibly to a fault).
Looking forward to the next book whenever my library hold comes up for it.
Lockhart bothered me from the beginning. Draco is still ever so deserving of a smack in the mouth as he was in the first book, and Hagrid is still my favorite of the adults and deserved better treatment from others around him. He reminds me a lot of Fezzik as we see him in The Princess Bride (exceptionally large and probably capable of bending others around him (possibly physically) to his will but oh, so gentle possibly to a fault).
Looking forward to the next book whenever my library hold comes up for it.
Witch King by Martha Wells
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
I... I struggled to get into this. I listened to about 2 hours of the audiobook, but it just felt like too much and also not enough at the same time. There was a prologue or chapter right at the start that really didn't work well in audio format because it was just a list of names and what seemed like ancestry data.
I might try it again later, but we'll see.
I might try it again later, but we'll see.
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have a realistic grasp of my own strengths and weaknesses. My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer, and I have my mind… and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge. That’s why I read so much, Jon Snow.
It took a few hours to get emotionally invested into the story, but I'm entirely gripped by it now. The overall story is gripping and exciting. The characters are well-rounded for who they are (more to come on that), and the setting feels massive and intricate. I am fascinated by the years-long seasons and would like to see more of how that impacts things.
I dislike the entire Lannister family aside from Tyrion. Joffrey, the spoiled brat that he is, needs someone to tell him know (and maybe smack him in the mouth a bit...or a lot). Ned Stark was too good or a man for the treatment he received. Jon Snow may be a literal bastard, but he's got a heart of gold, struggling with his identity as he may be. I feel sorry for Daenerys being thrust into situations that she doesn't want to be in and needing to make the best of what happens to and around her.
I never read these books before, nor have I watched the show, and I am currently wishing I started reading years ago rather than waiting this long.
I dislike the entire Lannister family aside from Tyrion. Joffrey, the spoiled brat that he is, needs someone to tell him know (and maybe smack him in the mouth a bit...or a lot). Ned Stark was too good or a man for the treatment he received. Jon Snow may be a literal bastard, but he's got a heart of gold, struggling with his identity as he may be. I feel sorry for Daenerys being thrust into situations that she doesn't want to be in and needing to make the best of what happens to and around her.
I never read these books before, nor have I watched the show, and I am currently wishing I started reading years ago rather than waiting this long.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Incest, Murder, Sexual content, and War
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
From These Dark Depths by Vanessa Rasanen
5.0
Pirates. Sirens. Fae. Subterfuge. Rogues.
Once again, I'm left speechless and needing the next book. Fortunately, it's out and on my shelf.
I enjoyed where this story went and how it affected the characters on their way from start to finish. In book 1, I thought Declan was my favorite character, and he still resonates with me. But Tommy... He's taken Declan's spot as my favorite. His struggles with making decisions is something I very personally relate with. It's tough being thrust into a position where others are relying on you to make choices that impact their lives in very real and potentially dangerous ways. I am curious to see how he grows from here.
Once again, I'm left speechless and needing the next book. Fortunately, it's out and on my shelf.
I enjoyed where this story went and how it affected the characters on their way from start to finish. In book 1, I thought Declan was my favorite character, and he still resonates with me. But Tommy... He's taken Declan's spot as my favorite. His struggles with making decisions is something I very personally relate with. It's tough being thrust into a position where others are relying on you to make choices that impact their lives in very real and potentially dangerous ways. I am curious to see how he grows from here.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
I wish I read this when I was little and my third grade art teacher gifted my class our own copy. My only exposure to the series/fandom has been through memes and general internet browsing. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and later watching the movies.
Initial thoughts:
Hagrid is my favorite character so far. Dumbledore is a close 2nd.
Draco is mean, but I have a feeling that may be a benefit later. I at least hope that's the case.
"Aww, Neville" seems like it will be a recurring phrase.
Quirrell reminds me of Cicero from Skyrim's Dark Brotherhood questline. This is not a compliment to either character.
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
“There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."
I wish I read this when I was little and my third grade art teacher gifted my class our own copy. My only exposure to the series/fandom has been through memes and general internet browsing. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and later watching the movies.
Initial thoughts:
Hagrid is my favorite character so far. Dumbledore is a close 2nd.
Draco is mean, but I have a feeling that may be a benefit later. I at least hope that's the case.
"Aww, Neville" seems like it will be a recurring phrase.
Quirrell reminds me of Cicero from Skyrim's Dark Brotherhood questline. This is not a compliment to either character.
Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book but feel it could have been better in a few ways. As far as cyberpunk/sci-fi it's pretty interesting and the concept felt new enough rather than simply a fresh spin on something that previously existed. I really liked the execution of the transferable personality and a body that can change (in some cases) and thought it brought a nice approach to sci-fi's canon.
The biggest reason for this being a 4-star instead of 5 is the very graphically detailed sex scenes that not only seemed gratuitous but also too "technical" or "textbook" in their nature. Not really interested in that, but it's definitely better than if those scenes were filled with horrible and cliche euphemisms (or worse new attempts at euphemisms that are just ick lol). This is absolutely a me thing and not really anything against the writing or the story itself.
I am looking forward to eventually reading books 2 and 3 as well as watching the show.
The biggest reason for this being a 4-star instead of 5 is the very graphically detailed sex scenes that not only seemed gratuitous but also too "technical" or "textbook" in their nature. Not really interested in that, but it's definitely better than if those scenes were filled with horrible and cliche euphemisms (or worse new attempts at euphemisms that are just ick lol). This is absolutely a me thing and not really anything against the writing or the story itself.
I am looking forward to eventually reading books 2 and 3 as well as watching the show.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Death
Minor: Colonisation, Trafficking, War, Self harm, Suicide, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Forrest Gump by Winston Groom
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My experience with Forrest Gump up until some time near the end of my masters was only with the movie. I didn't even know there was a book until then, and while I won't say I prefer the movie, it's hard not to compare the two based on differences between the formats.
I think the book gave a more genuine look at the world from Forrest's perspective, but I think he was a lot easier to sympathize with in the movie than the book. His experience with the world being always tainted by others' perception of his intellectual/mental capabilities first is still just as touching and perhaps a bit more noticeable in the book.
After reading the book, there are things I wish they had incorporated into the film that would have been neat to see.I think if the movie could have included his playing chess, going to space, his relationship with Sue the Orangutan, living in Borneo for four years it could have captured a bit more of who Forrest is. I do really like how Forrest saw Lieutenant Dan not just as a Lieutenant but as a person, referring to him only as "Dan" instead of by his rank. That I think showed a lot more of his character and how he sees people as people and not simply as their rank or job title.
This was a great read and is worth picking up.
I think the book gave a more genuine look at the world from Forrest's perspective, but I think he was a lot easier to sympathize with in the movie than the book. His experience with the world being always tainted by others' perception of his intellectual/mental capabilities first is still just as touching and perhaps a bit more noticeable in the book.
After reading the book, there are things I wish they had incorporated into the film that would have been neat to see.
This was a great read and is worth picking up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Ableism
Minor: War, Drug use, Cursing, Medical content, Racial slurs, and Sexual content
The Future by Naomi Alderman
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ok so really early on in this, I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book BUT after the story started building and characters became interesting, and things started making a bit more sense, I can't help but feel like this book grabbed me and pulled me along with it. I didn't expect a lot of what happened and I will leave it at that because I don't really feel like doing the whole spoiler tagging at the moment.
Characters: wow!
Story: hits a bit close to reality at times, but holy shit that was great!
Setting: reminded me a bit of the early Assassin's Creed games with Desmond's present-day timeline but with some Tom Clancy-esque fact/reality bending to get to the place that was needed for this story to make sense as it was told.
I want to buy the physical book to have on my shelves (aka trophy storage). Very happy about this one. Read it. It's worth that much at least.
Characters: wow!
Story: hits a bit close to reality at times, but holy shit that was great!
Setting: reminded me a bit of the early Assassin's Creed games with Desmond's present-day timeline but with some Tom Clancy-esque fact/reality bending to get to the place that was needed for this story to make sense as it was told.
I want to buy the physical book to have on my shelves (aka trophy storage). Very happy about this one. Read it. It's worth that much at least.