jem_ko's reviews
57 reviews

The 100 by Kass Morgan

4.0

This is a brilliant debut novel but, it is a debut. You actually see Morgan’s writing style progress as you read this book and you should be aware that this is just the formation of a great writer and so is not written excellently. Ofcourse, the writing is much more than bearable and the plot is magnificent. This makes up tenfold for any narrator/writing issues one may stumble over when reading. Also be wary that the books are nothing like the series, bar the original premise, though I still adored the books.

Day 21 by Kass Morgan

4.0

Initially slowly but Morgan really finds her writing style in this novel and it pays off in excess. The characters also experience some great growth expanding on the previous novel.

The Power by Naomi Alderman

3.0

I have very mixed feelings about this book. Whilst the premise and writing was interesting at first -especially with the chosen style of narration slowly intertwining our distanced characters- the book JUST KEPT GOING. There were so many times I thought I had reached the climax of the story arc and then I realised I still had hundreds of pages left. The ending is arguably unsatisfying though that depends on what you expect of it; I found it sort of fitting and it made me feel content after all I had witnessed within this dystopian utopia that Alderman creates. Despite this I must say that the way the book does have some great plot twists and the way every character has developed by the end (apart from one cough cough) is actually quite phenomenal and not devoid of realism.

Homecoming by Kass Morgan

5.0

EASILY THE BEST SO FAR. It is astonishing how Kass Morgan accomplishes so much plot, character growth, writing strength and movement in a book that does not feel too forced or exceedingly fast paced. This, third book in the series, provides serious change to the few arguably flawed aspects of Morgan’s existing plot and then gives growth and unforeseen expansion to characters that has you emoting and sympathising with every ounce of your being. A real display of how Kass Morgan has only bettered herself as an author.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

5.0

Come on guys. This was clearly the OG dystopian template of our times. Collins moves through issues like poverty, pain and the bliss of ignorance with the grace of a masterful novelist and her characters and plot are gripping from beginning to end. This trilogy was destined to enchant young children and adults alike as we reread it in anticipation of the prequel.

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

4.0

A quick listen/read and a great insight into the psychological creation of bias against feminism. I especially appreciated the take being racially and culturally aware and progressive as well as Chimamanda uses knowledge from her Nigerian heritage to also discuss feminism within the context of modern African culture as well as within the typically discussed Western cultures.
Upon rereading I have to note how there are some takes that I would like the author to expand upon but I am aware that this book is more of an essay than a novel and so appreciate the concise and yet passionate points the author still manages to get across in such a quick read!

Rebellion by Kass Morgan

5.0

SCREW MY PAST SELF. After the first 15 chapters (which are still good but were not as brilliant as i had expected for the finale) this book regains life and Morgan employs shock, tension and emotion like she never has before. It was brilliant.

Hot Milk by Deborah Levy

4.0

This book is beautiful... and insane. If you like the intense writing style and overthinking that can be seen in novels like ‘Call Me By Your Name’ you will probably enjoy ‘Hot Milk’. The writing is poetic and indulgent and Levy does not hesitate to overdescribe as she ponders, like her overly anxious narrator, the meanings of much larger undertones and philosophical thoughts through a series of small notes on the day to day occurrences in Sofia’s life. This book also discusses maternal (and sometimes family) relationships in such a brutal but beautiful manner. Attachment and memory are also explored but it has to be said that Levy’s description of relationships is the shining glory which elevates this book beyond others. It is easy to see why this was shortlisted for the 2019 Man Booker prize!
The book is, however, complex and emotional, it is even arguably convoluted the further in you get, so be aware of that.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

4.0

(no spoilers dw) the ending is such a lovely, if cliche, discussion of love, vulnerability and a solidifying of the tyrants view on the core of human nature. I understand how people might have disliked it but I think it is equally befitting. My only issues are that resolutions came almost too quickly after the final twist and that the parting words of the epilogue were just foreshadowing for the trilogy rather than a serious and unique conclusion. Nevertheless the book as a whole was a great character study [would love to see more of these for other characters actually] and the philosophical explorations made were extremely interesting (though slightly base level but that is understandable for YA).

Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking

4.0

thoroughly enjoyable with great punches of british sarcasm to underpin the brilliantly simple explanations of fairly complex scientific concepts! ofc one may disagree with some of the views presented but you have to remember that these are also just HIS personal opinionated answers to questions