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cayenne503's Reviews (227)
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The middle part of the plot was pretty slow. It kind of felt like they were just killing time before the final scene on the floor, which is the same problem I had with book 3. However once that scene starts…strap in, it’s a rollercoaster. I unexpectedly found myself crying when Donut sang her song . And the ending?! So many plot twists I think I have whiplash.
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If you thought the third book dragged in comparison to the first two, this one will be way more enjoyable.
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Interesting and informative but very repetitive at some points and very dense. Multiple chapters are dedicated to different examples of women’s unpaid care work being undervalued and the results of that. Which, while true, makes it pretty hard to get through after reading essentially the same piece of information for the 20th time. The format of “assertion, statistics to back up assertion, restate assertion” works well for shorter articles but also contributed to the book being dense. I actually switched to the audiobook partway through and read along while listening, that made it interesting again.
The disjointed stories didn’t really work for me. I realized when I kept checking to see how much more I had to get through, that I should prob just give up. Also Libby (the app not the character) said someone else was waiting on the hold so I took that as a sign.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Overall: 4.5/5
Possibly because I’ve read the first three books in less than 2 weeks and the novelty is wearing off, but this one was ever so slightly not as good as the first 2. Still very good, still very much looking forward to the next installment.
Possibly because I’ve read the first three books in less than 2 weeks and the novelty is wearing off, but this one was ever so slightly not as good as the first 2. Still very good, still very much looking forward to the next installment.
Characters: 5/5
For a while I was worried that the side characters were looking one dimensional but I think the last couple chapters reopened the door. Carl’s personality continues to shine through despite his earlier protests about not liking drama. Donut is, of course, the best character ever created in literature.
For a while I was worried that the side characters were looking one dimensional but I think the last couple chapters reopened the door. Carl’s personality continues to shine through despite his earlier protests about not liking drama. Donut is, of course, the best character ever created in literature.
Setting/Worldbuilding: 4.5/5
I found the gimmick of this floor confusing and didn’t really understand it. I suppose one could argue that’s intentional both in-world and at the meta level. Especially given the note from the author at the beginning.
I found the gimmick of this floor confusing and didn’t really understand it. I suppose one could argue that’s intentional both in-world and at the meta level. Especially given the note from the author at the beginning.
Plot: 4/5
Related to the floor gimmick, the plot wasn’t as gripping this book as the first two. It really seemed like the characters were just being, ahem, railroaded to the climactic battle and then it didn’t turn out to be as exciting asearlier boss fights . Granted, again, that was likely necessary from a plot standpoint as Carl surely would have died. It was great to see the unlikely group of friends all rallying to rescue him. I was disappointed that the eponymous book didn’t really play a part in the story . Maybe it becomes more important later.
Related to the floor gimmick, the plot wasn’t as gripping this book as the first two. It really seemed like the characters were just being, ahem, railroaded to the climactic battle and then it didn’t turn out to be as exciting as
Writing: 4.5/5
The major fault of the actual writing for me continues to be the repetitiveness. Take a shot every time Carl thinks his real catchphrase and you’ll die of alcohol poisoning.
The major fault of the actual writing for me continues to be the repetitiveness. Take a shot every time Carl thinks his real catchphrase and you’ll die of alcohol poisoning.
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Overall: 5/5
Catch me starting book 3 this very instant.
Catch me starting book 3 this very instant.
Characters: 5/5
All hail Princess Donut. Carl is cool too.
All hail Princess Donut. Carl is cool too.
Setting/Worldbuilding: 5/5
Love the slow reveal of the world and politics outside the dungeon.
Love the slow reveal of the world and politics outside the dungeon.
Plot: 5/5
No spoilers but you can bet your tiara I damn near had a heart attack over Donut.
No spoilers but you can bet your tiara I damn near had a heart attack over Donut.
Writing: 4.5/5
Seems like the editors missed the mark a bit on this one. There are multiple instances where the same phrase is used twice in a short time. That’s my only real gripe though and I don’t think it’s enough to drag down the overall rating (hypocritically, I’m repeating what I said about book one on this point)
Seems like the editors missed the mark a bit on this one. There are multiple instances where the same phrase is used twice in a short time. That’s my only real gripe though and I don’t think it’s enough to drag down the overall rating (hypocritically, I’m repeating what I said about book one on this point)
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-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
Overall: 3.25/5
Not as good as the first book IMO. I still want to continue the series especially since we were left on another cliffhanger, but I don’t want it badly enough to get the hardback third book that was just released; I’ll wait for the paperback.
Characters: 3/5
Very little character growth from book one. With few exceptions, each character has one central trait that informs everything they do.
Setting/Worldbuilding: 5/5
This is the shining star for me. The blend of real history, Arthurian legend, and invented magic is wonderful.
Plot: 2/5
I was on the verge of giving the plot 1/5 but the climactic battle scene near the end redeemed it a bit with the twists it threw in. Otherwise though, the plot leaves much to be desired. There’s a repetitive cycle ofBree getting injured then rescued, Bree getting betrayed by someone she thought she could trust, the team making a daring getaway to a new location where they learn a little more information …again and again. Yawn.
Writing: 3/5
Sorry to say but some of the writing is painfully bad. The dialogue feels so forced, the exposition is shoved down your throat, and there is very little left open to interpretation. At the same time some of the writing is very good too, especially the emotionally raw scenes with Bree recognizing the trauma of her ancestors. The slow burn romance side plot was not my favorite aspect but I won’t deny that it was well implemented. The constant will they-won’t they definitely added to the tension.
Not as good as the first book IMO. I still want to continue the series especially since we were left on another cliffhanger, but I don’t want it badly enough to get the hardback third book that was just released; I’ll wait for the paperback.
Characters: 3/5
Very little character growth from book one. With few exceptions, each character has one central trait that informs everything they do.
Setting/Worldbuilding: 5/5
This is the shining star for me. The blend of real history, Arthurian legend, and invented magic is wonderful.
Plot: 2/5
I was on the verge of giving the plot 1/5 but the climactic battle scene near the end redeemed it a bit with the twists it threw in. Otherwise though, the plot leaves much to be desired. There’s a repetitive cycle of
Writing: 3/5
Sorry to say but some of the writing is painfully bad. The dialogue feels so forced, the exposition is shoved down your throat, and there is very little left open to interpretation. At the same time some of the writing is very good too, especially the emotionally raw scenes with Bree recognizing the trauma of her ancestors. The slow burn romance side plot was not my favorite aspect but I won’t deny that it was well implemented. The constant will they-won’t they definitely added to the tension.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Overall: 5/5
This is the most fun book I’ve read in a long time. The adventure, the fun characters, the unpredictability…chef’s kiss
Characters: 5/5
This is how characterization should be done. Everyone is so unique and has a distinctive voice. Love it.
Setting/Worldbuilding: 5/5
Sure the dungeon itself is a little contrived, borrowing from established video game tropes, but it’s clear there’s a much deeper level of lore than what we see on the surface. What’s up with the corporation, the rest of the universe, the micro communities of the dungeon inhabitants?
Plot: 5/5
Super fun, I’ve never been able to guess what will happen next.
Writing: 4.5/5
The style of writing is easy to read and richly descriptive. Sometimes disgustingly so—in a good way if that makes sense. It’s a little repetitive when it comes to the main character’s inner monologue. Not enough to knock down the overall rating, but pickier readers might be annoyed.
This is the most fun book I’ve read in a long time. The adventure, the fun characters, the unpredictability…chef’s kiss
Characters: 5/5
This is how characterization should be done. Everyone is so unique and has a distinctive voice. Love it.
Setting/Worldbuilding: 5/5
Sure the dungeon itself is a little contrived, borrowing from established video game tropes, but it’s clear there’s a much deeper level of lore than what we see on the surface. What’s up with the corporation, the rest of the universe, the micro communities of the dungeon inhabitants?
Plot: 5/5
Super fun, I’ve never been able to guess what will happen next.
Writing: 4.5/5
The style of writing is easy to read and richly descriptive. Sometimes disgustingly so—in a good way if that makes sense. It’s a little repetitive when it comes to the main character’s inner monologue. Not enough to knock down the overall rating, but pickier readers might be annoyed.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall 4.75/5
I picked this up purely because I had to make a longish drive and the length was just about perfect for the round trip drive time. I’m a huge fan of Sanderson and greatly enjoyed one Kowal book before so I had high expectations. Fun story, good performance by the narrator, the perfect length for what it is. I already recommended it to a friend of mine before I had even finished it.
Characters: 4.5/5
It’s such a short story that there’s no room for major character development but I do think most of the important characters felt like real people. They seemed like they truly have motivation instead of just riding the wave of the plot.
Setting/Worldbuilding: 5/5
Very cool concept and well thought out. It seemed very immersive even despite being such a short story. I could see myself watching a tv series set in this world even if it didn’t follow this particular story.
Plot: 4/5
Pretty straightforward. Once you know the premise of the story it happens largely as you would expect. Entertaining but not groundbreaking. The twist/reveal at the very end got me-did NOT see that coming
Writing: 4.5/5
Excellent, as I would expect from these authors. The only minor issues that kept this section from being a 5/5 for me was the noticeable moments of infodumping and the repetitiveness of the POV character’s thoughts about her unexpected abilities. Both minor in the grand scheme of things
Narration/Sound: 5/5
The narrator does an excellent job portraying the emotion of the POV character and has great timing and pacing with the action sequences. The sound effects and music also added a lot—I’ve never listened to an audiobook with those effects before but I really liked it.
I picked this up purely because I had to make a longish drive and the length was just about perfect for the round trip drive time. I’m a huge fan of Sanderson and greatly enjoyed one Kowal book before so I had high expectations. Fun story, good performance by the narrator, the perfect length for what it is. I already recommended it to a friend of mine before I had even finished it.
Characters: 4.5/5
It’s such a short story that there’s no room for major character development but I do think most of the important characters felt like real people. They seemed like they truly have motivation instead of just riding the wave of the plot.
Setting/Worldbuilding: 5/5
Very cool concept and well thought out. It seemed very immersive even despite being such a short story. I could see myself watching a tv series set in this world even if it didn’t follow this particular story.
Plot: 4/5
Pretty straightforward. Once you know the premise of the story it happens largely as you would expect. Entertaining but not groundbreaking. The twist/reveal at the very end got me-did NOT see that coming
Writing: 4.5/5
Excellent, as I would expect from these authors. The only minor issues that kept this section from being a 5/5 for me was the noticeable moments of infodumping and the repetitiveness of the POV character’s thoughts about her unexpected abilities. Both minor in the grand scheme of things
Narration/Sound: 5/5
The narrator does an excellent job portraying the emotion of the POV character and has great timing and pacing with the action sequences. The sound effects and music also added a lot—I’ve never listened to an audiobook with those effects before but I really liked it.
informative
inspiring
reflective
Very well written, telling three intertwined stories: the life, illness, and death of Henrietta Lacks; the discovery, development, and research of her immortal cancer cells; and the life of her children and descendants as they learn about Henrietta, her cells, and all the discoveries that resulted from them.