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342 reviews
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
sad
1.0
God. I know the main character is a child but he was truly the dumbest child I've ever read.
This story truly hinders on just how dumb this kid is, seeing all the horrific things going on around him and being able to apply morality to them. If we're supposed to believe this lack of care is because of his upbringing, then we wouldn't have him constantly sympathising with every beaten down character we meet.
For anyone who hasn't read this book, this kid regularly meets a clearly starved, beaten, and unwashed child at a fence and spends most of his time whining about how envious he is of this kids life as he doesn't go to school.
That's without mentioning the inaccuracies and often harmful rewriting of history this author does on multiple occasions. If you have an interest in this book, I'd recommend either reading or watching a video explaining just how influentually terrible this book is. I was, thankfully, aware of this going in but even then some of the language used has had lasting effects on how kids are taught about the atrocities of the holocaust. The only reason this isn't 1 star is because this was a book that I did (sadly) finish. The final attempt at a "moral" felt unearned and again played on the stupidity of a 12 year old.
This story truly hinders on just how dumb this kid is, seeing all the horrific things going on around him and being able to apply morality to them. If we're supposed to believe this lack of care is because of his upbringing, then we wouldn't have him constantly sympathising with every beaten down character we meet.
For anyone who hasn't read this book, this kid regularly meets a clearly starved, beaten, and unwashed child at a fence and spends most of his time whining about how envious he is of this kids life as he doesn't go to school.
That's without mentioning the inaccuracies and often harmful rewriting of history this author does on multiple occasions. If you have an interest in this book, I'd recommend either reading or watching a video explaining just how influentually terrible this book is. I was, thankfully, aware of this going in but even then some of the language used has had lasting effects on how kids are taught about the atrocities of the holocaust. The only reason this isn't 1 star is because this was a book that I did (sadly) finish. The final attempt at a "moral" felt unearned and again played on the stupidity of a 12 year old.
Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee
adventurous
hopeful
2.5
This is a book bought 100% on cover vibes alone, and I have had to sit with my thoughts for a while before feeling ready to write this review.
The good:
The setting of this book is in a fantasy version of Japanese-occupied Korea, and it does a fantastic job of portraying how this setting and the complex emotions it brings affect our main character of Jebi. As an artist, I don't always love reading about fellow artists, (especially from authors who do little to no research) but Yoon Ha Lee manages to capture the right amount of desperation, passion, and hesitation when it comes to Jebi's artistic morality.
The magic system being built upon the destruction of art (which is then used in painted runes) is a such a compelling choice, especially in a society actively being oppressed by a colonial force.
While I loved the first half of the book, following Jebi and their struggles to find artistic work & their complex relationship with their sister. The second half suffers majorly from the lack of page count. This book is under 300 pages, and it shows with how sloppy and rushed some elements feel past the 50% mark. I truly loved our main duo, but I felt myself struggling to connect to anyone else as we moved from event to event with very little room to breathe.
Overall, this was an ambitious book that did stick the landing with some major elements but didn't quite manage to elevate the overall story into being one I connected to strongly.
The good:
The setting of this book is in a fantasy version of Japanese-occupied Korea, and it does a fantastic job of portraying how this setting and the complex emotions it brings affect our main character of Jebi. As an artist, I don't always love reading about fellow artists, (especially from authors who do little to no research) but Yoon Ha Lee manages to capture the right amount of desperation, passion, and hesitation when it comes to Jebi's artistic morality.
The magic system being built upon the destruction of art (which is then used in painted runes) is a such a compelling choice, especially in a society actively being oppressed by a colonial force.
While I loved the first half of the book, following Jebi and their struggles to find artistic work & their complex relationship with their sister. The second half suffers majorly from the lack of page count. This book is under 300 pages, and it shows with how sloppy and rushed some elements feel past the 50% mark. I truly loved our main duo, but I felt myself struggling to connect to anyone else as we moved from event to event with very little room to breathe.
Overall, this was an ambitious book that did stick the landing with some major elements but didn't quite manage to elevate the overall story into being one I connected to strongly.
Gunmetal Gods by Zamil Akhtar
adventurous
dark
hopeful
3.5
This is a book I've had on my shelf ever since I read and LOVED the authors novella to this series Death Rider.
I wanted so badly to love this book, and while I don't think it worked as well as the novella, it does set up an intriguing world and cast of characters. The two main ones we follow are Micah: a religious fanatic invading the land that took his daughter and Kevah: an retired hero whose days of slaying magus (okay, maybe just the one) are far behind him.
These two were such perfect picks for our PoV chapters. Both are not only on opposing sides of the war, but they've also dealt with the grief of losing a loved one in vastly different ways. Being able to see both sides of the conflict and how these characters view one another, the world, the magic system, creates some fantastic reading moments.
My main gripe is the pacing. What worked incrediably effectively in Akhtar's novella does not seem to translate as well into a full-length novel. We would have scenes of methodic dialogue, reflection, and tense decision-making only to have the next scene skip weeks or even months. It was hard to keep up or feel like any real time had passed as these jumps in time weren't done as effectively as they could have been.
I truly did love the directions and decisions the author made in this book. I could never quite guess where it would go next, and I'm definitely interested in reading more of their work in the future.
I wanted so badly to love this book, and while I don't think it worked as well as the novella, it does set up an intriguing world and cast of characters. The two main ones we follow are Micah: a religious fanatic invading the land that took his daughter and Kevah: an retired hero whose days of slaying magus (okay, maybe just the one) are far behind him.
These two were such perfect picks for our PoV chapters. Both are not only on opposing sides of the war, but they've also dealt with the grief of losing a loved one in vastly different ways. Being able to see both sides of the conflict and how these characters view one another, the world, the magic system, creates some fantastic reading moments.
My main gripe is the pacing. What worked incrediably effectively in Akhtar's novella does not seem to translate as well into a full-length novel. We would have scenes of methodic dialogue, reflection, and tense decision-making only to have the next scene skip weeks or even months. It was hard to keep up or feel like any real time had passed as these jumps in time weren't done as effectively as they could have been.
I truly did love the directions and decisions the author made in this book. I could never quite guess where it would go next, and I'm definitely interested in reading more of their work in the future.
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
medium-paced
5.0
Jennette McCurdy and her work in various childrens TV shows are not something I was aware of growing up so going into this I didn't have any particular misconceptions about her time on any of them. Dispite that, McCurdy's choice to have the book take place within the mind of her child-self throughout important moments of her life, giving us a deep and often horrifying look at these moments in her life and just how confused and misguided, and often manipulated, she was in these scenarios is heartbreaking. This was a tough read, even knowing the rough outline of child abuse in the industry. It didn't prepare me for the depth and raw emotion Jennette McCurdy was able to potray and she does a fantastic job of it. I listened to the audiobook version of this and it made for all the more impactful to feel these emotions coming from Jennette herself.
This book is not only an important look at the injustice children in the industry faced, and still face to this day, it's also fantastically written.
This book is not only an important look at the injustice children in the industry faced, and still face to this day, it's also fantastically written.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
2.0
Such a beautifully written story that weaves in many interconnected narrative that culminate in an underwhelming end.
I like to think I'm well versed in slow, and often confusing stories. But, despite my patience with this book, I found the further I got into the story, the less I felt connected to the characters or main story we follow. Morgenstern's writing is undeniably beautiful, but the pacing of the book felt glacial. I don't usually mind slower narratives but in combination with lacklustre characters, and world building that, while fantastic, never really gets explained.
I ended up finishing the book wondering what any of it all means. I get some books allow reader interpretation to truly be part of the magic, but this reader had no clue and ended up kind of bored by the end.
A lovely and thoughtful book that really wasn't not for me.
I like to think I'm well versed in slow, and often confusing stories. But, despite my patience with this book, I found the further I got into the story, the less I felt connected to the characters or main story we follow. Morgenstern's writing is undeniably beautiful, but the pacing of the book felt glacial. I don't usually mind slower narratives but in combination with lacklustre characters, and world building that, while fantastic, never really gets explained.
I ended up finishing the book wondering what any of it all means. I get some books allow reader interpretation to truly be part of the magic, but this reader had no clue and ended up kind of bored by the end.
A lovely and thoughtful book that really wasn't not for me.
This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay
4.5
This is a book I've been meaning to pick up ever since my nurse of a sister recommended it to me. A humour yet real medical diary about interesting medical cases? Count me in!
I managed to nab the audiobook version from Libby which is narrated by the author, Adam Kay himself.
This book managed to perfectly walk the line between fun, weird, and tragic stories of his experiences as a junior doctor working for the NHS (National Health Service for those not from England). Adam Kay is able to make you laugh one minute and cry the next but always had my full attention throughout as even when I could predict some experiences (thanks to my sisters rants about how horribly they're all paid) he still managed to shine a light on parts of the medical system I hadn't ever seen before. While I don't think all his jokes hit, (and maybe wouldn't be enjoyed by all) I do think he was able to strike the right balance without overpowering the stories.
This is a fun and easy read with moments of poignancy that reminded both the author and the reader of what it is to be human.
10/10 would recommend to any and all who find the blurb even slightly interesting.
I managed to nab the audiobook version from Libby which is narrated by the author, Adam Kay himself.
This book managed to perfectly walk the line between fun, weird, and tragic stories of his experiences as a junior doctor working for the NHS (National Health Service for those not from England). Adam Kay is able to make you laugh one minute and cry the next but always had my full attention throughout as even when I could predict some experiences (thanks to my sisters rants about how horribly they're all paid) he still managed to shine a light on parts of the medical system I hadn't ever seen before. While I don't think all his jokes hit, (and maybe wouldn't be enjoyed by all) I do think he was able to strike the right balance without overpowering the stories.
This is a fun and easy read with moments of poignancy that reminded both the author and the reader of what it is to be human.
10/10 would recommend to any and all who find the blurb even slightly interesting.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
3.5
This was such a well-timed read with me actually reading it DURING our real-time solstice where the book takes place. While this book is not as 'cosy' as it may have been sold to me. This book managed to fit in perfectly with the series' progression and was an appreciated contemplative look at our characters' journey so far.
This book deals with the aftermath of all the previous books but none more than book 3, A Court of Wings and Ruin. We get to see the smaller scaled impressions the death, war, and changes to the world has had on the world of Faerûn and its inhabitants.
While I wouldn't describe this book as 'cosy', I truly did appreciate the realities it tries to address when it comes to hopeful fantasy. For a series that's often diminished because (god forbid) it's marketed in the fantasy romance genre, I find myself enjoying my read of the series and will continue to read it.
I'd recommend this, but it definitely does not work for anyone who isn't familiar with the previous books. If you stopped at book 3, maybe give book 3.5 a go!
This book deals with the aftermath of all the previous books but none more than book 3, A Court of Wings and Ruin. We get to see the smaller scaled impressions the death, war, and changes to the world has had on the world of Faerûn and its inhabitants.
While I wouldn't describe this book as 'cosy', I truly did appreciate the realities it tries to address when it comes to hopeful fantasy. For a series that's often diminished because (god forbid) it's marketed in the fantasy romance genre, I find myself enjoying my read of the series and will continue to read it.
I'd recommend this, but it definitely does not work for anyone who isn't familiar with the previous books. If you stopped at book 3, maybe give book 3.5 a go!
A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
2.5
I wanted to love this so bad!
This series started out as overhyped imo but as I read more books, the more the world, characters, and mystery managed to draw me in. I learnt very early on that the final book/s had been written by a different author, Brandon Sanderson, whose work I have previously found very underwhelming but I read review after review claiming that Sanderson's ending was one I would most likely enjoy. When I finally got to his books, the series had grown so much and I'd come to love so many of the characters AND I truly found myself enjoying books 12 & 13. The pacing was still slow, but it was also a staple of the series so I didn't see much issue with it. Getting to book 14, this book, the issues this creates finally comes to a head. Some storylines felt well paced, and the battle itself I did truly enjoy. Just, the more I time I ruminate on my thoughts and feelings on the final book, the more I find myself disappointed in what we got.
So many storylines were rushed, but the worst was just how many were completely abandoned. There's MANY characters we never see or hear from again and I can't help but consider that Jordan wouldn't have made this mistake. Specific storylines we've been waiting for BOOKS to come to a head and felt dragged to death in book 12 & 13 were unceremoniously thrown at us and then we're immediately dragged on to the next plot point.
I end up feeling kind of disappointed with the series as a whole, and I HATE saying that. I spent so many hours buying, reading, talking about, and loving these books and to have the final few ruin that for me feels soul crushing. I don't HATE this. I just think the way in which so many people reassured me it was good and how I hyped it up in my own mind set me up for failure. I hope on a reread I can be kinder to the series but right now I don't even want to pick up the prequel.
This series started out as overhyped imo but as I read more books, the more the world, characters, and mystery managed to draw me in. I learnt very early on that the final book/s had been written by a different author, Brandon Sanderson, whose work I have previously found very underwhelming but I read review after review claiming that Sanderson's ending was one I would most likely enjoy. When I finally got to his books, the series had grown so much and I'd come to love so many of the characters AND I truly found myself enjoying books 12 & 13. The pacing was still slow, but it was also a staple of the series so I didn't see much issue with it. Getting to book 14, this book, the issues this creates finally comes to a head. Some storylines felt well paced, and the battle itself I did truly enjoy. Just, the more I time I ruminate on my thoughts and feelings on the final book, the more I find myself disappointed in what we got.
So many storylines were rushed, but the worst was just how many were completely abandoned. There's MANY characters we never see or hear from again and I can't help but consider that Jordan wouldn't have made this mistake. Specific storylines we've been waiting for BOOKS to come to a head and felt dragged to death in book 12 & 13 were unceremoniously thrown at us and then we're immediately dragged on to the next plot point.
I end up feeling kind of disappointed with the series as a whole, and I HATE saying that. I spent so many hours buying, reading, talking about, and loving these books and to have the final few ruin that for me feels soul crushing. I don't HATE this. I just think the way in which so many people reassured me it was good and how I hyped it up in my own mind set me up for failure. I hope on a reread I can be kinder to the series but right now I don't even want to pick up the prequel.
The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
5.0
A fantastic introduction not only into a rich and vibrant fantasy world filled with my kind of dragons (unknowingly powerful & mysterious). It also doubles as a fantastic introduction to our main heroine, Maddileh. The story drops us right into the thick of her story, an attempt to redeem her name as a knight by slaying her first dragon, the powerful White Lady.
I found the interweavings of other knights tales and the dragons they slayed, and there magical after effects, fascinating & cannot wait to see more of this world. What little I saw has all my attention and flew by in no time at all.
My one minor gripe is barely one at all, seeing as this IS a novella, but the ending felt a little too rushed and bound in a neat bow. I personally loved it, but when reading other readers opinions on it I did find myself agreeing, even if it didn't effect my 5 star rating!
I 10/10 recommend this!
I found the interweavings of other knights tales and the dragons they slayed, and there magical after effects, fascinating & cannot wait to see more of this world. What little I saw has all my attention and flew by in no time at all.
My one minor gripe is barely one at all, seeing as this IS a novella, but the ending felt a little too rushed and bound in a neat bow. I personally loved it, but when reading other readers opinions on it I did find myself agreeing, even if it didn't effect my 5 star rating!
I 10/10 recommend this!