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josiah17's reviews
241 reviews
Jade City by Fonda Lee
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Well, glad to be done with this. Unfortunately, I believe Jade City to be pretty overhyped. I was never captivated by this clan rivalry narrative, nor did I care for any of the characters besides Shae and sometimes Anden. Fonda Lee's writing often felt distant and stilted to me, preventing any real sense of connection into the perspectives of the characters and true depth to what makes them tick. And I simply didn't enjoy to read about many of them. Hilo was an arrogant and shortsighted idiot who annoyed me to death. I understand that's intentional and there's surely an arc he goes through. But It's one thing where an author can write unlikeable characters like Hilo and still make you care and attached to them (Joe Abercrombie being the best example of this). Sadly that's just not the case here.
I do admit the urban setting grew on me over time after it initially felt quite odd and out of place even though I knew this was the setting ahead of time. I also feel the magic system could become more interesting with how fundamental jade is to the economy and political landscape, even though I did feel let down by how vaguely the different enhancements are described and explored.
Ultimately, I'm just left feeling absolutely nothing at the end of the book. Very unlikely that I'll give Jade War a chance, but who knows. My completionist brain is a curse sometimes.
I do admit the urban setting grew on me over time after it initially felt quite odd and out of place even though I knew this was the setting ahead of time. I also feel the magic system could become more interesting with how fundamental jade is to the economy and political landscape, even though I did feel let down by how vaguely the different enhancements are described and explored.
Ultimately, I'm just left feeling absolutely nothing at the end of the book. Very unlikely that I'll give Jade War a chance, but who knows. My completionist brain is a curse sometimes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Blood
Moderate: Body horror and Sexual content
Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb
On one hand, I want to rate this 5 stars simply because of how many emotions this book put me through. It was a full spectrum of sensations and internal reactions. Had me sitting in silence for minutes on end, huge pits in my stomach, watering eyes, all of it. Truly so so so emotional, which is immense praise for Hobb's writing and her characters. But I can't quite overlook my grievances with the ending and part of the climax, which I have often felt are Hobb's most evident weaknesses as a writer. The climax occuring in the middle of the book with its resolution felt a little rushed and disorganized to me. And I'm very conflicted about where Fitz ends up, in addition to the whole ending (last 50 pgs probably) feeling very rushed as well and almost completely glossed over near the very end. However, it may have taken another 100 pages or so of just dialogue and interactions for me to feel differently.
All in all, my complaints do not heavily diminish this reading experience or the trilogy as a whole. Fool's Fate is still a great final book to a spectacular trilogy. And in the meantime, I think I'm bumping The Golden Fool to 5 stars because at least one of these books deserve that, and I believe I ultimately enjoyed that one the most.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"I'd rather be forgotten for the things people think I've done. And I'd give it all if I could forget the things I failed to do."
On one hand, I want to rate this 5 stars simply because of how many emotions this book put me through. It was a full spectrum of sensations and internal reactions. Had me sitting in silence for minutes on end, huge pits in my stomach, watering eyes, all of it. Truly so so so emotional, which is immense praise for Hobb's writing and her characters. But I can't quite overlook my grievances with the ending and part of the climax, which I have often felt are Hobb's most evident weaknesses as a writer. The climax occuring in the middle of the book with its resolution felt a little rushed and disorganized to me. And I'm very conflicted about where Fitz ends up, in addition to the whole ending (last 50 pgs probably) feeling very rushed as well and almost completely glossed over near the very end. However, it may have taken another 100 pages or so of just dialogue and interactions for me to feel differently.
"Home is people. Not a place. If you go back there after the people are gone, then all you can see is what is not there any more.”
All in all, my complaints do not heavily diminish this reading experience or the trilogy as a whole. Fool's Fate is still a great final book to a spectacular trilogy. And in the meantime, I think I'm bumping The Golden Fool to 5 stars because at least one of these books deserve that, and I believe I ultimately enjoyed that one the most.
"In that last dance of chances
I shall partner you no more.
I shall watch another turn you
As you move across the floor.
In that last dance of chances
When I bid your life goodbye
I will hope she treats you kindly.
I will hope you learn to fly.
In that last dance of chances
When I know you'll not be mine
I will let you go with longing
And the hope that you'll be fine.
In that last dance of chances
We shall know each other's minds.
We shall part with our regrets
When the tie no longer binds.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia
The Golden Fool by Robin Hobb
The blurb of this book, which I don't even normally read, really gave me false expectations for this book. I was expecting more excitement and another intriguing quest, but instead the plot kinda meandered and wasn't always enticing. However, this is probably the most emotionally impactful entry in the series so far. The character work, relationships, evolving dynamics, all of it is just generational by Hobb. And because of that, a seemingly stagnant plot never actually felt stagnant; so much was happening with Fitz's introspection and the evolution of characters and relationships. It was a rollercoaster. Tawny Man is finally giving me everything that everyone raves about when it comes to Fitz's entries in Realm of the Elderlings. I'm honestly really close to still giving this 5 stars, but I'll hold off until I finish Fool's Fate to let my thoughts solidify. Fantastic book.
(Loved all the connections to Liveship Traders too. Can't imagine people skipping that trilogy and missing all these references and crossovers.)
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Tentatively bumped to 5 stars after finishing the trilogy on 7/30/24.
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"To recognize you are the source of your own loneliness is not a cure for it. But it is a step towards seeing that it is not inevitable, and that such a choice is not irrevocable."
The blurb of this book, which I don't even normally read, really gave me false expectations for this book. I was expecting more excitement and another intriguing quest, but instead the plot kinda meandered and wasn't always enticing. However, this is probably the most emotionally impactful entry in the series so far. The character work, relationships, evolving dynamics, all of it is just generational by Hobb. And because of that, a seemingly stagnant plot never actually felt stagnant; so much was happening with Fitz's introspection and the evolution of characters and relationships. It was a rollercoaster. Tawny Man is finally giving me everything that everyone raves about when it comes to Fitz's entries in Realm of the Elderlings. I'm honestly really close to still giving this 5 stars, but I'll hold off until I finish Fool's Fate to let my thoughts solidify. Fantastic book.
"Perhaps having the courage to find a better path is having the courage to risk making new mistakes."
(Loved all the connections to Liveship Traders too. Can't imagine people skipping that trilogy and missing all these references and crossovers.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence
Fool's Errand by Robin Hobb
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Edit 9/25/24: I think about this book and trilogy way more than I anticipated. I don't think Fools Errand is perfect, but it's so so lovely and it's 5 stars to me now.
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Original review:
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Original review:
"Some speak of the savagery of beasts. I will ever prefer that to the thoughtless contempt some men have towards animals."
After not loving The Farseer Trilogy, what a wonderful surprise this was. I wasn't particularly excited to get back to Fitz's story after such a fantastic trilogy in the Liveship Traders, but I was swept away with adult Fitz and his fatherhood. Adult Fitz is simply far more enjoyable to read about than Fitz as a teenager. Beginning this book with him, his son Hap, and Nighteyes on their little homestead was such a lovely treat. I actually care about Fitz now and his relationship with Hap and his companions. I absolutely love The Fool now and I was so happy to see Nighteyes again, and even Chade and Kettricken.
Hobb's prose remains just spectacular. It somehow felt even more enriching with this book, perhaps because this might be the most enjoyable book in Realm of the Elderlings thus far. The plot was not my favorite, and I felt some of the resolution may have been a little convenient. But it really didn't detract from the overall reading experience. Nor did I feel the pacing dragged at all when I felt it often did throughout the Farseer Trilogy.
I just had a great time with this one. The last 50 pages broke my heart and left me empty inside though. Which of course means I'm starting the next book immediately 😀
Nighteyes why couldn't you live forever 😭
Hobb's prose remains just spectacular. It somehow felt even more enriching with this book, perhaps because this might be the most enjoyable book in Realm of the Elderlings thus far. The plot was not my favorite, and I felt some of the resolution may have been a little convenient. But it really didn't detract from the overall reading experience. Nor did I feel the pacing dragged at all when I felt it often did throughout the Farseer Trilogy.
I just had a great time with this one. The last 50 pages broke my heart and left me empty inside though. Which of course means I'm starting the next book immediately 😀
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Violence
Jingo by Terry Pratchett
Another highly entertaining Discworld novel. Loved Nobby and Colon getting some more page time here. As Pratchett always does, he provides more great social commentary, specifically on war and politics in this City Watch adventure. He's such a clever writer, always making things humourous yet impactful.
Poor Nobby catching so many strays though 😭
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
'Taxation, gentlemen, is very much like dairy farming. The task is to extract the maximum amount of milk with the minimum amount of moo.'
Another highly entertaining Discworld novel. Loved Nobby and Colon getting some more page time here. As Pratchett always does, he provides more great social commentary, specifically on war and politics in this City Watch adventure. He's such a clever writer, always making things humourous yet impactful.
Poor Nobby catching so many strays though 😭
'Rather a lonely person, our Nobby,' said Carrot.
'Well, yes ...'
'But I'm sure he'll find the right person for him,' Carrot added, cheerfully.
Probably in a bottle, said Angua to herself. She remembered the conversation with him. It was a terrible thing to think, but there was something itchy about the thought of Nobby being allowed in the gene pool, even at the shallow end."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Well, that's finally done. Unfortunately a very lackluster reading experience as a whole due to several factors, including this tiresome book. But it is still solid. McMurtry's writing is nice and the characters are good, albeit extremely irritatingly sexist and racist thanks to 19th century Texas. Clara—the only respectfully written female character—in particular felt like the saving grace of this book as it admittedly became more grueling to read. But the last 150 pages was quite enjoyable and wraps up things nicely. I really liked Newt too and the banter between Gus and Call was great.
On a reread, perhaps I would like this book more when I'm not in a slump. But I'm extremely doubtful I'll ever try a reread. Altogether, a good book, but SEVERELY overhyped and frustrating.
On a reread, perhaps I would like this book more when I'm not in a slump. But I'm extremely doubtful I'll ever try a reread. Altogether, a good book, but SEVERELY overhyped and frustrating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Me too Murderbot, me too.
Murderbot truly is the extremely introverted and socially-awkward killing robot everyone says it is. So relatable on several levels. The plot didn't really do anything for me but it was fun nonetheless and I'll continue the series.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
"I liked the imaginary people on the entertainment feed way more than I liked real ones, but you can’t have one without the other."
Me too Murderbot, me too.
Murderbot truly is the extremely introverted and socially-awkward killing robot everyone says it is. So relatable on several levels. The plot didn't really do anything for me but it was fun nonetheless and I'll continue the series.
Hyperion by Dan Simmons
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Well, I was really hoping I'd love this book, but I didn't. I did come to like it in the end, but it was still mostly a mixed bag for me.
Dan Simmons has good prose, but the execution of his writing ultimately lacked something that couldn't allow me to feel immersed enough throughout portions of the book. Part of that is his lack of description when it comes to the super futuristic technology and terminology he's created.
The book is also structured in a way that I didn't expect. It's essentially broken into 6 different tales with an overarching narrative that sorta pulls them together.
In order, The Priest's Tale kicked things off in a fascinating manner. The beginning of the tal added to my sense of confusion from the beginning of the novel where the overarching plot is introduced. But the end of the story left me wanting to explore more of this intriguing religion and the world of Hyperion.
The second tale was The Soldier's Tale. This one followed a military soldier of Palestinian descent (awesome!!!) who falls in love with a mysterious woman he meats during a training simulation. A lot of the futuristic technology and weaponry is present in this tale, so I unfortunately the tale suffered from a lack of imagery and detail to me. But it has a really solid twist at the end which had me quite shocked.
Next was The Poet's Tale, which was somewhat interesting and presented more intrigue regarding Hyperion and the Shrike. Just solid altogether, with a good ending especially.
Now, the following tale was truly exceptional. The Scholar's Tale was such a a brilliant stretch of writing. Completely emotionally gut-wrenching. I thought it was perfect, and almost makes this book reading just to experience that story.
The fifth story was The Detective's Story. Nothing outstanding. And actually pretty weird. A woman falling in love with an AI inhabiting the body of a human. Or at least I think that's what was going on. Pretty forgettable.
The final story was The Consul's Tale. A decent look at some of the oppression by the Hegemony, and another love story in a sense. The story ultimately provided a better look at the working factions of this fictional universe and the motivations and intentions of said factions. Or at least that's my perception. If you can't tell already, this book was definitely confusing and overwhelming.
I'm still glad I read this book even if it didn't live up to the hype. Perhaps I could've set better expectations for myself had I know the structure of the book. Anyways, decent read. I can see why people like it, but I won't be reading more of the Hyperion series.
Dan Simmons has good prose, but the execution of his writing ultimately lacked something that couldn't allow me to feel immersed enough throughout portions of the book. Part of that is his lack of description when it comes to the super futuristic technology and terminology he's created.
The book is also structured in a way that I didn't expect. It's essentially broken into 6 different tales with an overarching narrative that sorta pulls them together.
In order, The Priest's Tale kicked things off in a fascinating manner. The beginning of the tal added to my sense of confusion from the beginning of the novel where the overarching plot is introduced. But the end of the story left me wanting to explore more of this intriguing religion and the world of Hyperion.
The second tale was The Soldier's Tale. This one followed a military soldier of Palestinian descent (awesome!!!) who falls in love with a mysterious woman he meats during a training simulation. A lot of the futuristic technology and weaponry is present in this tale, so I unfortunately the tale suffered from a lack of imagery and detail to me. But it has a really solid twist at the end which had me quite shocked.
Next was The Poet's Tale, which was somewhat interesting and presented more intrigue regarding Hyperion and the Shrike. Just solid altogether, with a good ending especially.
Now, the following tale was truly exceptional. The Scholar's Tale was such a a brilliant stretch of writing. Completely emotionally gut-wrenching. I thought it was perfect, and almost makes this book reading just to experience that story.
The fifth story was The Detective's Story. Nothing outstanding. And actually pretty weird. A woman falling in love with an AI inhabiting the body of a human. Or at least I think that's what was going on. Pretty forgettable.
The final story was The Consul's Tale. A decent look at some of the oppression by the Hegemony, and another love story in a sense. The story ultimately provided a better look at the working factions of this fictional universe and the motivations and intentions of said factions. Or at least that's my perception. If you can't tell already, this book was definitely confusing and overwhelming.
I'm still glad I read this book even if it didn't live up to the hype. Perhaps I could've set better expectations for myself had I know the structure of the book. Anyways, decent read. I can see why people like it, but I won't be reading more of the Hyperion series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror
Priest of Crowns by Peter McLean
Great conclusion to a well-written grimdark fantasy series. In the moment of reading the final 50 pages or so, I had thought Tomas's schemes were coming together perhaps too easily. And I partially maintain that perspective. However, in reflection, this book is simply more about spotlighting who Tomas Piety is revealed to be at his core. It's really about what people are willing to do for authority and power, and the cost of that. He's a very well-written, incredibly flawed character.
I had a great time with Tomas's memoirs. The final page wrapped the series up in such a beautifully tragic manner. I'm really going to miss McLean's vivid atmosphere and his perfected, distinct narrative voice for Tomas Piety. Fantastic stuff.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"An uncomfortable truth is an unwelcome one, by and large, and most people will choose comfort every time."
Great conclusion to a well-written grimdark fantasy series. In the moment of reading the final 50 pages or so, I had thought Tomas's schemes were coming together perhaps too easily. And I partially maintain that perspective. However, in reflection, this book is simply more about spotlighting who Tomas Piety is revealed to be at his core. It's really about what people are willing to do for authority and power, and the cost of that. He's a very well-written, incredibly flawed character.
"I was on the way to getting everything I wanted, but at what cost?"
I had a great time with Tomas's memoirs. The final page wrapped the series up in such a beautifully tragic manner. I'm really going to miss McLean's vivid atmosphere and his perfected, distinct narrative voice for Tomas Piety. Fantastic stuff.
"Look at me, Ma.
Please, look at me."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Torture, and Blood
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Deluxe Edition 2 by Hayao Miyazaki
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
What an incredible story. Encompasses so many highs and lows, hope and despair. It especially doesn't shy away from death and humanity's faults. Nausicaä's qualities of resilience, compassion, and selflessness are even more admirable and impactful because of this. Miyazaki truly is a master of storytelling.
This being my first manga means I don't exactly have a basis of comparison regarding writing quality and whatnot within the medium. But I'm certain it's going to be hard to top this extraordinary tale. Breathtaking art too. I love Nausicaä so much. One of the most insirpational characters I've come across in fiction. I'm gonna revisit this manga many times in the future.
This being my first manga means I don't exactly have a basis of comparison regarding writing quality and whatnot within the medium. But I'm certain it's going to be hard to top this extraordinary tale. Breathtaking art too. I love Nausicaä so much. One of the most insirpational characters I've come across in fiction. I'm gonna revisit this manga many times in the future.
"Let us depart. No matter how difficult it is...we must live."