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jayal's reviews
183 reviews
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo, Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
"Stop punishing yourself for being someone with a heart. You cannot protect yourself from suffering. To live is to grieve. You are not protecting yourself by shutting yourself from the world." - Sankt Juris
I believe Nikolai's kindness stems from his compulsive tendecy of people pleasing. If he wasn't such a people pleaser, given his origin story, he'd be a villain.
In addition, I declare that Nikolai is by far my top favorite male character written by a woman. I'm so used to reading about brooding and mysterious male characters that Nikolai is sooooo refresing to read. He's unabashedly vain and charming with a strong sense of style. Not a hint of misogyny or him feeling emasculated whilst being around strong female characters. If Brooklyn Nine-Nine has Jake Peralta, then Grishaverse has Nikolai Lantsov.
Also, the Nikolai and Nina RIZZ is effortlessly amazing. I sure hope these two would get to meet each other again soon. I need to see more interactions between these two!!! I believe they'd make a great duo.
I liked Zoya's background story, it gave her character much more depth and justifies her behavior towards Alina and other people in the original trilogy. I liked how the author showed Jarl Brum's human side. I liked Sankt Grigori and Sankt Juris. And I soooo loved the the twists and turns in Isaak's story.
However, if not for the revival of a character that should've never returned, this easily would've been an easy 5-star for me. This twist felt lazy to me. His death and Alina's deed by the end of the previous trilogy was suddenly for naught. This character already had a good ending, in my opinion, in the previous books, it doesn't feel necessary to bring him back again. Why don't we get a new villain instead? Come on, I really thought we were about to have a queen bee for a villain. That would've been cool.
πππππ
I believe Nikolai's kindness stems from his compulsive tendecy of people pleasing. If he wasn't such a people pleaser, given his origin story, he'd be a villain.
In addition, I declare that Nikolai is by far my top favorite male character written by a woman. I'm so used to reading about brooding and mysterious male characters that Nikolai is sooooo refresing to read. He's unabashedly vain and charming with a strong sense of style. Not a hint of misogyny or him feeling emasculated whilst being around strong female characters. If Brooklyn Nine-Nine has Jake Peralta, then Grishaverse has Nikolai Lantsov.
Also, the Nikolai and Nina RIZZ is effortlessly amazing. I sure hope these two would get to meet each other again soon. I need to see more interactions between these two!!! I believe they'd make a great duo.
I liked Zoya's background story, it gave her character much more depth and justifies her behavior towards Alina and other people in the original trilogy. I liked how the author showed Jarl Brum's human side. I liked Sankt Grigori and Sankt Juris. And I soooo loved the the twists and turns in Isaak's story.
However, if not for the revival of a character that should've never returned, this easily would've been an easy 5-star for me. This twist felt lazy to me. His death and Alina's deed by the end of the previous trilogy was suddenly for naught. This character already had a good ending, in my opinion, in the previous books, it doesn't feel necessary to bring him back again. Why don't we get a new villain instead? Come on, I really thought we were about to have a queen bee for a villain. That would've been cool.
πππππ
Play for Time: Poems by Paula Mendoza
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
"to say I love you and believe it is the same I, the same love, the same youβis sentimental"
"Ash is only that which can't unburn."
I loved this.
I may brush up on my poetry after this. I am suddenly inspired to write again.
I also may have to re-read this at some point for better understanding and arrive at new interpretations.
My favorites are the following: All This Paper, Autopoiesis, On The Topography of Tears
πππππ
"Ash is only that which can't unburn."
I loved this.
I may brush up on my poetry after this. I am suddenly inspired to write again.
I also may have to re-read this at some point for better understanding and arrive at new interpretations.
My favorites are the following: All This Paper, Autopoiesis, On The Topography of Tears
πππππ
A Field Guide to the Roads of Manila and Other Stories by Dean Francis Alfar, Andrew Drilon
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
π: A Field Guide to the Roads of Manila and Other Stories (2015)
ποΈ: Dean Francis Alfar
1. A Field Guide to the Roads of Manila
Loved the lore behind the famous streets of Metro Manila and how each became a sentient being with their personality derived from the culture of its inhabitants. The ending was a little bit too fast for me, though.
πππππ
2. Ohkti
Arabic for 'sister'. It is a touching story about two orphaned sisters. One who found love and deceit, the other who feared love because of what happened to her sister.
"This is a love story, but it has nothing to do with a man. You had no father because a father means someone who stays to be a father, and the man who helped to make you was anything but that."
πππππ
3. The New Daughter
A woodworker who built his children out of wood. All the boys he built had grown and left him, and now all he wants is a daughter. The ending reveals that he, in fact, is neither ready nor fit to father a little girl.
πππππ
4. Things
A self-aware woman is being hunted and punished by her lover's dead wife. My only question is, why is the woman the only one being punished?
πππππ
5. Godfathers
A speculative epistolary about two men claiming to be the godfathers of a girl, promising to provide protection to their goddaughter after the death of her parents. The girl's silence brings about the true intentions of her 'godfathers.'
πππππ
6. Noted On An Ascent
Confusing read.
πππππ
7. The Girl With The Gun
Is this free verse poetry? If it was a poem, then I'm not a fan of how the narrative poem was executed. It's not poetic and engaging enough for me. The story would've come out better if it was written normally, though.
πππππ
8. Float
The imagery reminds me of Disney Pixar's 'Soul.'
πππππ
9. Brother & Sister
It has the vibes of Hansel and Gretel, but the children are zombified. The story almost became my favorite in the whole collection until I read the last two paragraphs. I feel like there should've been more to that ending.
πππππ
10. Steps
A Cinderella-inspired story, written from the perspective of the STEPmother. First, you find it sweet and warm, then wholesome, then fulfilling, then speculative, then anticipative, then disturbing, and then utterly shocking. It's still a story about love; no one died.
"Are you here to be my mother?" She asked.
This question took you by surprise, and so did your quick reply.
"Of course not. She is dead. I can never be her."
AND OOOOOH boy, she, indeed, was not THERE to be Cinderella's mother.
This is, by far, the CRAZIEST Cinderella story adaptation I have ever read.
πππππ
11. City Cross
I was waiting for something extraordinary to happen. Reading this piece feels like it's nonfiction, a memoir to be specific. I enjoyed reading through the imagery of Metro Manila. The pacing is natural and very engaging to read.
πππππ
12. Dai vidas du'l grandu investigadores: El Caso du'l Toro Perduto (From The Lives of the Great Detectives: The Case of the Missing Bull)
When the bull speaks, does it spit BULLshit or facts?
Also, what an incredibly long title for such a short story. And yes, the translation is even included in the title.
πππππ
13. Glove & Goggles
A steampunk-style short story. It reminds me of Alita: The Battle Angel.
The world-building was appealing, and its flow was reasonable.
πππππ
14. Jianghu
Not my cup of tea.
πππππ
15. This Is The Story
It's another one of those stories that reads like a memoir. If this story is dear and personal to the author, I have nothing to say.
However, if this is entirely a work of fiction and is not personally associated with the author, then I must say that the mother was right for never forgiving her husband. The mother sacrificed too much of her life, her womanhood, and her dignity but still never put an ounce of blame and remorse on their child.
The husband is a complete hopeless romantic who never cared about his wife's wellbeing, not a single hint of remorse on the text, he's just a sad sad boy who's abandoned his family because his wife never loved him.
Sex, even inside marriage, without the other party's consent, is rape. Being forced against your will will never be romantic.
The boy you raised with your blood and tears just so he doesn't become like his father, then grows up to be the exact replica of his father, is an absolute nightmare of a reality. It's as if the mother died without ever experiencing the fulfillment of life. A life ruined by men, no redemption for anyone whatsoever. Just a sham of a happy ending for the son that, in reality, wouldn't probably last.
It's a well-written story, I must confess. However, I am not rating this story out of respect whether this is based on reality or not.
------------------------
My Review:
It was a dark and rainy day when I passed by an NBS and decided, hmm, maybe I should check out some books for fun. It wasn't my plan to buy anything that day until my eyes landed on two books, a Nick Joaquin one and this book, a collection of speculative fiction short stories. After reading both books, I must say it was well worth my money.
I am glad to have found this book. I used to read similar pieces as our assigned readings during our CW class. Now, I was able to explore the genre of speculative fiction more. I will most definitely read more of Dean Alfar's works in the future!
I'm going to take a Speculative Fiction course next year, I am absolutely looking forward to studying more about this genre of wide variety. Hey, maybe I could try out writing a speculative piece, too!
Overall Rating: πππππ
ποΈ: Dean Francis Alfar
1. A Field Guide to the Roads of Manila
Loved the lore behind the famous streets of Metro Manila and how each became a sentient being with their personality derived from the culture of its inhabitants. The ending was a little bit too fast for me, though.
πππππ
2. Ohkti
Arabic for 'sister'. It is a touching story about two orphaned sisters. One who found love and deceit, the other who feared love because of what happened to her sister.
"This is a love story, but it has nothing to do with a man. You had no father because a father means someone who stays to be a father, and the man who helped to make you was anything but that."
πππππ
3. The New Daughter
A woodworker who built his children out of wood. All the boys he built had grown and left him, and now all he wants is a daughter. The ending reveals that he, in fact, is neither ready nor fit to father a little girl.
πππππ
4. Things
A self-aware woman is being hunted and punished by her lover's dead wife. My only question is, why is the woman the only one being punished?
πππππ
5. Godfathers
A speculative epistolary about two men claiming to be the godfathers of a girl, promising to provide protection to their goddaughter after the death of her parents. The girl's silence brings about the true intentions of her 'godfathers.'
πππππ
6. Noted On An Ascent
Confusing read.
πππππ
7. The Girl With The Gun
Is this free verse poetry? If it was a poem, then I'm not a fan of how the narrative poem was executed. It's not poetic and engaging enough for me. The story would've come out better if it was written normally, though.
πππππ
8. Float
The imagery reminds me of Disney Pixar's 'Soul.'
πππππ
9. Brother & Sister
It has the vibes of Hansel and Gretel, but the children are zombified. The story almost became my favorite in the whole collection until I read the last two paragraphs. I feel like there should've been more to that ending.
πππππ
10. Steps
A Cinderella-inspired story, written from the perspective of the STEPmother. First, you find it sweet and warm, then wholesome, then fulfilling, then speculative, then anticipative, then disturbing, and then utterly shocking. It's still a story about love; no one died.
"Are you here to be my mother?" She asked.
This question took you by surprise, and so did your quick reply.
"Of course not. She is dead. I can never be her."
AND OOOOOH boy, she, indeed, was not THERE to be Cinderella's mother.
This is, by far, the CRAZIEST Cinderella story adaptation I have ever read.
πππππ
11. City Cross
I was waiting for something extraordinary to happen. Reading this piece feels like it's nonfiction, a memoir to be specific. I enjoyed reading through the imagery of Metro Manila. The pacing is natural and very engaging to read.
πππππ
12. Dai vidas du'l grandu investigadores: El Caso du'l Toro Perduto (From The Lives of the Great Detectives: The Case of the Missing Bull)
When the bull speaks, does it spit BULLshit or facts?
Also, what an incredibly long title for such a short story. And yes, the translation is even included in the title.
πππππ
13. Glove & Goggles
A steampunk-style short story. It reminds me of Alita: The Battle Angel.
The world-building was appealing, and its flow was reasonable.
πππππ
14. Jianghu
Not my cup of tea.
πππππ
15. This Is The Story
It's another one of those stories that reads like a memoir. If this story is dear and personal to the author, I have nothing to say.
However, if this is entirely a work of fiction and is not personally associated with the author, then I must say that the mother was right for never forgiving her husband. The mother sacrificed too much of her life, her womanhood, and her dignity but still never put an ounce of blame and remorse on their child.
The husband is a complete hopeless romantic who never cared about his wife's wellbeing, not a single hint of remorse on the text, he's just a sad sad boy who's abandoned his family because his wife never loved him.
Sex, even inside marriage, without the other party's consent, is rape. Being forced against your will will never be romantic.
The boy you raised with your blood and tears just so he doesn't become like his father, then grows up to be the exact replica of his father, is an absolute nightmare of a reality. It's as if the mother died without ever experiencing the fulfillment of life. A life ruined by men, no redemption for anyone whatsoever. Just a sham of a happy ending for the son that, in reality, wouldn't probably last.
It's a well-written story, I must confess. However, I am not rating this story out of respect whether this is based on reality or not.
------------------------
My Review:
It was a dark and rainy day when I passed by an NBS and decided, hmm, maybe I should check out some books for fun. It wasn't my plan to buy anything that day until my eyes landed on two books, a Nick Joaquin one and this book, a collection of speculative fiction short stories. After reading both books, I must say it was well worth my money.
I am glad to have found this book. I used to read similar pieces as our assigned readings during our CW class. Now, I was able to explore the genre of speculative fiction more. I will most definitely read more of Dean Alfar's works in the future!
I'm going to take a Speculative Fiction course next year, I am absolutely looking forward to studying more about this genre of wide variety. Hey, maybe I could try out writing a speculative piece, too!
Overall Rating: πππππ
The Traveling Companion by Hans Christian Andersen
4.0
Goosebumps! It's a solid 4.5 for me. This is now one of my favorites Andersen has ever written. John really is a good kid.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
3.0
ACOTAR series has been sitting and cooking for quite a while in my bookshelves now. I finally have the time to take this off my reading list.
First of all, astounding world-building as always. Although, in comparison to the world of the ToG series, the map of Erilea is far more detailed compared to Prythian.
Second, I understand that the name Jurian could be a fantasy name for Julian, but Clythia? Please tell me I've been pronouncing this name wrong.
Third, I'm not a fan of the faerie wine bits with Rhysand at all. I see it romanticizing/normalizing getting drugged. I don't think it even helped with the plot. It's unnecessary. Alis' warning about it just for THAT to exactly happen doesn't sit right with me at all.
Fourth, I almost enjoyed the plot twist. If only the revelation wasn't dragged too long.
Fifth, Feyre's plot armor's obvious and a little too strong. She makes these crazy impulsive choices but rarely ever faces their consequences (well, upon reading the synopsis of ACOMAF, she might be doing just that). She's basically Belle from Beauty and the Beast, who loves painting instead of reading.
WAITβ It's actually the plot of Beauty and the Beast! Who could've thought __LOVE__ would always come and save the day??????????!
First of all, astounding world-building as always. Although, in comparison to the world of the ToG series, the map of Erilea is far more detailed compared to Prythian.
Second, I understand that the name Jurian could be a fantasy name for Julian, but Clythia? Please tell me I've been pronouncing this name wrong.
Third, I'm not a fan of the faerie wine bits with Rhysand at all. I see it romanticizing/normalizing getting drugged. I don't think it even helped with the plot. It's unnecessary. Alis' warning about it just for THAT to exactly happen doesn't sit right with me at all.
Fourth, I almost enjoyed the plot twist. If only the revelation wasn't dragged too long.
Fifth, Feyre's plot armor's obvious and a little too strong. She makes these crazy impulsive choices but rarely ever faces their consequences (well, upon reading the synopsis of ACOMAF, she might be doing just that). She's basically Belle from Beauty and the Beast, who loves painting instead of reading.
WAITβ It's actually the plot of Beauty and the Beast! Who could've thought __LOVE__ would always come and save the day??????????!
The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen
4.0
I'm giving it a 3.5 or 4 rounded up because of the anticlimactic ending. No battles. No sacrifices, other than Gerda's red shoes that was immediately returned to her. Great writing and I appreciate the attention to detail. I can imagine exactly what is being described in almost every scene. I can't wait to watch its movie adaptation again, which I found to be memorable when I was only ten years old.
I love the adventure but I wish Andersen made it more thrilling since it was already chilling. The build up to the story's climax made me feel a little bit emotional at its peak then came the resolution and it just went downhill from there. I mean, there were more blocks of text to share the stories of the flowers in the garden of that creepy old lady that were mostly irrelevant to the plot than the remaining paragraphs of the ending. The ending felt a little rushed to me, however, it's always the journey that counts so what I am saying could be completely irrelevant!
I love the adventure but I wish Andersen made it more thrilling since it was already chilling. The build up to the story's climax made me feel a little bit emotional at its peak then came the resolution and it just went downhill from there. I mean, there were more blocks of text to share the stories of the flowers in the garden of that creepy old lady that were mostly irrelevant to the plot than the remaining paragraphs of the ending. The ending felt a little rushed to me, however, it's always the journey that counts so what I am saying could be completely irrelevant!
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
5.0
This is actually better that the first book. The way the last few chapters were written left me cold in my goosebumps. The writing really improved in this one.
I love it.
This book completely redeemed this series for me. Thanks to Nikolai Lantsov.
I can't wait to watch this on Netflix.
Great Job, Leigh Bardugo. Let's hope it gets better in the next one.
I love it.
This book completely redeemed this series for me. Thanks to Nikolai Lantsov.
I can't wait to watch this on Netflix.
Great Job, Leigh Bardugo. Let's hope it gets better in the next one.
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
3.0
The writing didn't feel as strong as the previous one. I don't hate it but I don't love it at the same time. The second book was better, probably because of Nikolai.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
3.0
Bardugo's Shadow and Bone has a good world building, but the writing was a little weak. At the very beginning, I felt like I was thrown into a world without knowing and warning me about it. There were too many fantasy terms I needed to consume in one chapter. Excessive info-dumps that I didn't have the time to appreciate its world building and the characters.
The important scenes that should be heavy, did not feel like a big deal.
Not too bad yet it could have been better. I hope the Netflix series makes up for it.
UPDATE: I LOVE, LOVE THE SERIES SO MUCH!!!!
The important scenes that should be heavy, did not feel like a big deal.
Not too bad yet it could have been better. I hope the Netflix series makes up for it.
UPDATE: I LOVE, LOVE THE SERIES SO MUCH!!!!