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halcyonuncoil's reviews
76 reviews
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
5.0
I first read this book in high school as part of a class assignment. I expected to do the usual thing and skim the first chapter or two to get the gist of the story and then write some nonsense so the teacher would accept it.
Instead I was riveted.
I don't love Orson Scott Card- mostly for personal policies he's funded- but he is a really really good writer, and this book reflects that.
-
Cons: unrealistic 6 year old, very vague descriptions of 'buggers', somewhat emotionless MC, unnecessary bullying
Pro: Politics from little not-yet-teenagers, intelligent and creative MC, the Game (you know the one), that ENDING THO, character development, Bean
Instead I was riveted.
I don't love Orson Scott Card- mostly for personal policies he's funded- but he is a really really good writer, and this book reflects that.
-
Cons: unrealistic 6 year old, very vague descriptions of 'buggers', somewhat emotionless MC, unnecessary bullying
Pro: Politics from little not-yet-teenagers, intelligent and creative MC, the Game (you know the one), that ENDING THO, character development, Bean
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
medium-paced
4.0
Surprisingly easy read for a philosophy book. Contains some fascinating opinions on ruling and leadership. Also has an annoyingly high opinion of himself, but it's not showcased super often so there is that.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
5.0
A young man attempting to sell a property to a wealthy lord travels from London to Transylvania to discuss the upcoming purchase. He isn't even fully at the Count's palace when he begins to wonder if he's made the wrong decision.
Written in an epistolary fashion for a good portion of the book, it keeps a relatively light 'laugh in the face of danger' tone that is very British. The sole American character is a laughable cowboy parody and I love him. Contains surprisingly strong and willful female characters for the time period it was written in.
Written in an epistolary fashion for a good portion of the book, it keeps a relatively light 'laugh in the face of danger' tone that is very British. The sole American character is a laughable cowboy parody and I love him. Contains surprisingly strong and willful female characters for the time period it was written in.
The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I love Seph from the bottom of my heart. He's also a piece of work, especially in the beginning of the book. I am writing this review a few years after reading said book, and I may be a bit hazy on the details, so I'm going to make this a spoiler free as possible.
This is the sequel to the wonderful Warrior Heir, following Seph McCauley who is a delinquent kid who keeps getting kicked out of schools for arson. Well jokes' on him, because the 'all boys reformatory school' he gets taken in to is... not going to let that happen.Which actually turns out to be a Really Bad Thing for Seph.
This is definitely a young adult book series as it does contain some serious issues, and follows the pov of a teenager, which can leave older readers feeling frustrated at decisions being made at times. I enjoy reading this book over but it gets dark to the point that even the happenings of the first book, which were pretty much textbook child abuse, seem rather tame by comparison for specific parts.
This is the sequel to the wonderful Warrior Heir, following Seph McCauley who is a delinquent kid who keeps getting kicked out of schools for arson. Well jokes' on him, because the 'all boys reformatory school' he gets taken in to is... not going to let that happen.
This is definitely a young adult book series as it does contain some serious issues, and follows the pov of a teenager, which can leave older readers feeling frustrated at decisions being made at times. I enjoy reading this book over but it gets dark to the point that even the happenings of the first book, which were pretty much textbook child abuse, seem rather tame by comparison for specific parts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Torture
I wasn't exactly sure how to tag this and I'm sure I missed some of the warnings, but there is a part later in the book where a character is graphically murdered in dreams, repeatedly by his teacher. So that's no good.
Nothing Good Can Come from This: Essays by Kristi Coulter
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
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