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robinwalter's Reviews (1.87k)

informative medium-paced

This book achieved its stated aim of being a lay-accessible textbook. It was clearly written and well structured. The case studies and sample texts were interesting and it was nice to see NZE treated as something other than an Aussie afterthought
informative lighthearted medium-paced

A light and informative read, but often overdoing the jokey tone
lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

A very fast-paced finish to the series, fun and interesting.
informative medium-paced

An interesting read, but one I'm marking down for glossing over a cultural anomaly I was hoping it would address: Why are owls widely considered as wise but in Punjab, a symbol of stupidity?  The word "stupid" occurs only once in the entire book
  they’ve been revered and reviled, deemed sage and stupid 

So while the book considered cultures that viewed them as benign and others that viewed them as malign, there was no consideration at all or even mention of, any specific cultures that defy the 'norm' by considering them stupid.  A disappointing omission, to me and one that, given there's an entire chapter called "How Wise are Owls?", suggests a narrative choice
dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A very dark story, one that was bitterly realistic, especially in its dénouement
dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A great mix of darkness and light, sadness and joy. A well constructed mystery and real progress in interpersonal relationships
mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

A fun little teaser intro, not really sure why it was released separately
dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

One of the best of the last few I've read. Tightly plotted with a good balance between the personal interactions and the split-time mystery
emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A rather preachy animal welfare tract wrapped up in a sweet romantic amuse-bouche
mysterious relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

a very fast read, not one the most engaging in the series