Take a photo of a barcode or cover
lit_terary's reviews
499 reviews
Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater
3.0
I’m so confused and so torn. Some parts of it I really loved on a spiritual level, others left me disappointed and heavily disconnected. It's definitely something other than my beloved "Raven Cycle", but, certainly, I can't fault Maggie Stiefvater for that. She's trying to grow, and the stories she writes will grow her, but, unfortunately, my attachment to the previous series kind of hindered my enjoyment for this spin-off, because in "Call Down the Hawk" I couldn't find what I'd cherished so much in the "Raven Cycle". That being said, this one is still a rather pleasurable read and a quite solid one, too.
Starting with the things I didn't like, I have to mention the ambience and overall atmosphere of the story. This element was the major show stopper in the first series, and in "Call Down the Hawk", I couldn't find a trace of the whimsical, eerie, autumny atmosphere that was dominant in the "Raven Cycle" and that I love so much; this book feels more toned down, definitely more mature and "grown-up-y", down to earth and less magical, and for me the story suffered because of it, losing something that had made the previous books so special.
Another issue I have to point out concerns the plot and how the story is constructed. The pace is so slow and lacklustre, giving at times the impression that the story never progresses forward. Given how character-driven the "Raven Cycle" is, I certainly was not expecting this to be plot-driven, intense and fast-paced book, but, to my despair, it wasn’t even character-driven either. Ronan is always Ronan (one of my favourite characters of all time), we know him, so there was no need to introduce him or delve any deeper into his character, and I cherished every second we get to spend with him. His scenes - and thank God majority of the book is focused on him - were by a long shot the most interesting and endearing, and good enough to carry the entire book (his poor back); but once we got to scenes following Jordan or Larooq-lane, oh my, those were definitely lacking. In my opinion, the two new characters (Larroq-Lane especially) were not handled the way that I would have to expect Stiefvater would, they were not properly explored, or explained, therefore I couldn't feel attached or even connected to them, which is a pity because I feel like both characters have so much potential and so much to disclose. Jordan's story was fascinating and so mind-boggling and while we do get a glimpse of her potential, Farooq-lane's storyline is such a wasted opportunity to engage in some really interesting conversations. Being part of the "bad guys", Farooq-lane could have been used as a super intriguing new and different perspective on this world of dreamers and visionaries, and her turmoils could've been explored so much more! Instead, her chapters were straight-up boring and confusing, and I really couldn't see the point of having as another point of view since it really doesn’t add anything to the story.
What really bothered me through-out the book, though, was the overall lack of purpose of the whole thing. There is nothing driving the story, nothing motivating the characters (for the exception, perhaps, of Farooq-lane); they all just go about their lives while nothing really happens to them, just stumbling upon stuff with no logic or criteria. Ronan wanting to know who Bryde is and Farooq-lane looking for Zeds-Greywarens just wasn't enough to carry the whole plot. The whole time, I had no idea where the story was headed, no idea what the purpose/mission of the story was. Nada. I
On a more positive note, I loved everything about the Lynch Brothers: every single scene had my heart bursting with either joy or pain. Ronan, as I said, is one of my favourite human beings ever, nothing to add about that, but Declan here was the real surprise and he kind of (but not totally) stole the show. His development throughout the series and to this book is truly remarkable, and I find myself caring for him almost the way I care about Ronan. What to say about Matthew? I adore him, but unfortunately is the Noah 2.0, so I guess we're not going to see or hear much of him firsthand - what a pity. Now, onto what saved this book - and, to an extent, my life: Pynch. Pynch. Pynch. Need I to say more? Adam fucking Parrish. I was one of those people who fervently believed we would get about zero amount of Adam Parrish in the "Dreamer Trilogy", but guess what, I was dead wrong. We get him. Oh yeah, we get him. We get them.
All in all, the strong emotional attachment that I have towards Ronan and Maggie Stiefvater’s stories and writing style, prevents me from giving it less anything less than 3 stars. I'm biologically designed to like whatever thing involving any of the Raven Boys, written by Maggie. That's the tea. There’s also this huge potential that I kept seeing and that has me convinced that the story could develop in satisfying ways - if I have the patience and will power to push through it. For the future books in the series, I just need Maggie to be more focused in constructing a plot that's solid and that makes sense, but, most of all, I need her to do what she does best, which is the exploration of character dynamics and relationships. I can't wait to see what she will put out next, and how this series will continue!
Starting with the things I didn't like, I have to mention the ambience and overall atmosphere of the story. This element was the major show stopper in the first series, and in "Call Down the Hawk", I couldn't find a trace of the whimsical, eerie, autumny atmosphere that was dominant in the "Raven Cycle" and that I love so much; this book feels more toned down, definitely more mature and "grown-up-y", down to earth and less magical, and for me the story suffered because of it, losing something that had made the previous books so special.
Another issue I have to point out concerns the plot and how the story is constructed. The pace is so slow and lacklustre, giving at times the impression that the story never progresses forward. Given how character-driven the "Raven Cycle" is, I certainly was not expecting this to be plot-driven, intense and fast-paced book, but, to my despair, it wasn’t even character-driven either. Ronan is always Ronan (one of my favourite characters of all time), we know him, so there was no need to introduce him or delve any deeper into his character, and I cherished every second we get to spend with him. His scenes - and thank God majority of the book is focused on him - were by a long shot the most interesting and endearing, and good enough to carry the entire book (his poor back); but once we got to scenes following Jordan or Larooq-lane, oh my, those were definitely lacking. In my opinion, the two new characters (Larroq-Lane especially) were not handled the way that I would have to expect Stiefvater would, they were not properly explored, or explained, therefore I couldn't feel attached or even connected to them, which is a pity because I feel like both characters have so much potential and so much to disclose. Jordan's story was fascinating and so mind-boggling and while we do get a glimpse of her potential, Farooq-lane's storyline is such a wasted opportunity to engage in some really interesting conversations. Being part of the "bad guys", Farooq-lane could have been used as a super intriguing new and different perspective on this world of dreamers and visionaries, and her turmoils could've been explored so much more! Instead, her chapters were straight-up boring and confusing, and I really couldn't see the point of having as another point of view since it really doesn’t add anything to the story.
What really bothered me through-out the book, though, was the overall lack of purpose of the whole thing. There is nothing driving the story, nothing motivating the characters (for the exception, perhaps, of Farooq-lane); they all just go about their lives while nothing really happens to them, just stumbling upon stuff with no logic or criteria. Ronan wanting to know who Bryde is and Farooq-lane looking for Zeds-Greywarens just wasn't enough to carry the whole plot. The whole time, I had no idea where the story was headed, no idea what the purpose/mission of the story was. Nada. I
On a more positive note, I loved everything about the Lynch Brothers: every single scene had my heart bursting with either joy or pain. Ronan, as I said, is one of my favourite human beings ever, nothing to add about that, but Declan here was the real surprise and he kind of (but not totally) stole the show. His development throughout the series and to this book is truly remarkable, and I find myself caring for him almost the way I care about Ronan. What to say about Matthew? I adore him, but unfortunately is the Noah 2.0, so I guess we're not going to see or hear much of him firsthand - what a pity. Now, onto what saved this book - and, to an extent, my life: Pynch. Pynch. Pynch. Need I to say more? Adam fucking Parrish. I was one of those people who fervently believed we would get about zero amount of Adam Parrish in the "Dreamer Trilogy", but guess what, I was dead wrong. We get him. Oh yeah, we get him. We get them.
All in all, the strong emotional attachment that I have towards Ronan and Maggie Stiefvater’s stories and writing style, prevents me from giving it less anything less than 3 stars. I'm biologically designed to like whatever thing involving any of the Raven Boys, written by Maggie. That's the tea. There’s also this huge potential that I kept seeing and that has me convinced that the story could develop in satisfying ways - if I have the patience and will power to push through it. For the future books in the series, I just need Maggie to be more focused in constructing a plot that's solid and that makes sense, but, most of all, I need her to do what she does best, which is the exploration of character dynamics and relationships. I can't wait to see what she will put out next, and how this series will continue!
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
2.0
[Actually 2.5]
It was ok, nothing mindblowing, but still a solid horror. There were a lot of things that I would call problematic, like for instance fat-phobia and fat-shaming, internalized sexism, cringey female characters and some unnecessary sexualization. Putting that aside, the reading experience is still rather enjoyable. The concept of the story is super weird and grotesque, which is something that I'm generally into, but it wasn't exceedingly scary or fucked-up, it only put me in an uncomfortable and weirded-out state now and then, when I wanted to be completely terrified. I feel like Hill could've pushed it a little more in terms of ambience and atmosphere because it had the potential of being freaky and scary.
The plot could've been better: the first part of the book was slow-paced but I didn't mind it that much because it was trying to build tension and setting the foundation for the story, but in the second half I thought things were being dragged out a little too much. The story would've benefitted from fewer pages, to be frank. What bugged me the most, though, was the ending and the resolution: for all the build-up that we got for 600 pages, that's what we end up with? A 20-pages long, half-assed, rushed ending? Really? I wouldn't have minded going through 600 pages of this, had the finale been satisfying and well done, but given what we end up with, it kind of lost me.
All in all, a mediocre but still solid horror.
It was ok, nothing mindblowing, but still a solid horror. There were a lot of things that I would call problematic, like for instance fat-phobia and fat-shaming, internalized sexism, cringey female characters and some unnecessary sexualization. Putting that aside, the reading experience is still rather enjoyable. The concept of the story is super weird and grotesque, which is something that I'm generally into, but it wasn't exceedingly scary or fucked-up, it only put me in an uncomfortable and weirded-out state now and then, when I wanted to be completely terrified. I feel like Hill could've pushed it a little more in terms of ambience and atmosphere because it had the potential of being freaky and scary.
The plot could've been better: the first part of the book was slow-paced but I didn't mind it that much because it was trying to build tension and setting the foundation for the story, but in the second half I thought things were being dragged out a little too much. The story would've benefitted from fewer pages, to be frank. What bugged me the most, though, was the ending and the resolution: for all the build-up that we got for 600 pages, that's what we end up with? A 20-pages long, half-assed, rushed ending? Really? I wouldn't have minded going through 600 pages of this, had the finale been satisfying and well done, but given what we end up with, it kind of lost me.
All in all, a mediocre but still solid horror.
An Anonymous Girl by Sarah Pekkanen, Greer Hendricks
2.0
I found this even less thrilling and suspenseful than "The Wife Between Us" and I didn't think it could be possible, and marketing a book like this as a mystery-thriller it's rather deceiving and misleading, in my opinion. I thought the story was tediously long and boring, too detailed and borderline obsessive. The characters go on, and on, and on, and on talking about insignificant aspects and details for two-thirds of the book, without doing anything relevant. The "mystery", if we can even dare call it that, is so lacklustre and bland and very reminiscent of the one in "The Wife Between Us". The author could've pushed the envelope a bit more, but instead stuck with what had worked for their debut work. This was so disappointing, I don't even have anything more to say. I'll probably never pick up a book from Pekkanen and Greer for the rest of my life. It's really not for me.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
5.0
I mean, what is there left to say? The greatest love story of all time and the most sensible, too. A brilliant work that never ages and that keeps passing the test of time. A literary masterpiece that really has it all: heart, style, humour, you name it. Nothing to add. Forever a favourite of mine.
Also: highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Rosamund Pyke, academy award nominee who also played Jane Bennet in the 2005 movie adaptation. It's simply sublime.
Also: highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Rosamund Pyke, academy award nominee who also played Jane Bennet in the 2005 movie adaptation. It's simply sublime.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
4.0
What a brilliant book! Agatha Christie at her finest. Unfortunately, I had already seen adaptations of this story, so I couldn’t truely enjoy it as I would’ve had I been more ignorant. Oh well... still a pleasurable read.
Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade by Patrick Dennis
4.0
4.5!! For the first time in my life, I'm actually sad that a book is over.
I will miss Auntie Mame, this brilliant, complex, beautifully written character. She is glorious, one of my favourite characters ever. this book was built all around her personality, and it works almost like an anthology of short stories, without following a single, precise plot. Every chapter stands on its own (some better than others, have to admit), and the purpose of every adventure is to give us a new piece in this huge puzzle that is Auntie Mame's personality. I loved that we would always learn something new about her in what felt like a never-ending depiction of her character. Her personality is multifaceted and every adventure of her offered a new side to it, always leaving the reader wanting more. At the end of the book, you almost get a sense of unsatisfaction at the thought that there could be much more to be unveiled and discovered of her personality, and in a way, it's s what makes her even more real, profound and even complex. Hands down, one of the most memorable characters I've ever read.
The adventures were also great, some more poignant and interesting than others - which has to be expected, and it always kept me engaged, always craving for more. In this book, I also found the funniest, most hilarious scenes that I will probably ever encounter in my life. It's the first and only book that has managed to have me actually laugh out loud. Some things were just so ridiculous, ludicrous and insane that simply had me rolling on the floor. This might not be the best book I've ever read, but sure is one of the greatest and most pleasurable reading experiences I've ever had.
I will miss Auntie Mame, this brilliant, complex, beautifully written character. She is glorious, one of my favourite characters ever. this book was built all around her personality, and it works almost like an anthology of short stories, without following a single, precise plot. Every chapter stands on its own (some better than others, have to admit), and the purpose of every adventure is to give us a new piece in this huge puzzle that is Auntie Mame's personality. I loved that we would always learn something new about her in what felt like a never-ending depiction of her character. Her personality is multifaceted and every adventure of her offered a new side to it, always leaving the reader wanting more. At the end of the book, you almost get a sense of unsatisfaction at the thought that there could be much more to be unveiled and discovered of her personality, and in a way, it's s what makes her even more real, profound and even complex. Hands down, one of the most memorable characters I've ever read.
The adventures were also great, some more poignant and interesting than others - which has to be expected, and it always kept me engaged, always craving for more. In this book, I also found the funniest, most hilarious scenes that I will probably ever encounter in my life. It's the first and only book that has managed to have me actually laugh out loud. Some things were just so ridiculous, ludicrous and insane that simply had me rolling on the floor. This might not be the best book I've ever read, but sure is one of the greatest and most pleasurable reading experiences I've ever had.
Artemis by Andy Weir
2.0
This aint' it chief. This book was a mess, both plot- and character-wise.
So many things happen, so many "heists", and while someone might find this aspect very thrilling, I didn't appreciate it at all. I would have prefered having just one simple but well-constructed heist, rather than several little random missions, all scattered around just to fill some pages. I feel like the story had no substance, no backbone content. The narration was also too detailed for my liking (mirroring that of "The Martian", but it worked in that context), and it almost felt like trying to compensate for the lack of actual content.
The main character was insufferably cringey and awkward to read, and it screamed "ideal female written by male author" all through-out. I wish some male authors would just stop forcing themselves into writing from a female main point of view when they clearly lack the ability to do so. As a girl my self, I can tell you that it's actually painful to read. I also have some *minor* issues with a main pov Muslim/Arabic representation that was not own-voice. I'm not Arabic nor Muslim, so I don't have the capacity to elaborate more on that, but it felt itchy at times. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for authors trying to put some diversity into their work, I applaud Weir for attempting that, what I personally find myself being iffy about, is authors writing from a POC point of view using the first person. I personally, underlying "personally", don't like it, sorry, but I do believe that the author was coming from a place of goodwill and good intentions, and I hope that at least he carried proper research beforehand.
All in all, a rather disappointing read that I honestly could've done without. Not sure whether I'll pick up another book from the author.
So many things happen, so many "heists", and while someone might find this aspect very thrilling, I didn't appreciate it at all. I would have prefered having just one simple but well-constructed heist, rather than several little random missions, all scattered around just to fill some pages. I feel like the story had no substance, no backbone content. The narration was also too detailed for my liking (mirroring that of "The Martian", but it worked in that context), and it almost felt like trying to compensate for the lack of actual content.
The main character was insufferably cringey and awkward to read, and it screamed "ideal female written by male author" all through-out. I wish some male authors would just stop forcing themselves into writing from a female main point of view when they clearly lack the ability to do so. As a girl my self, I can tell you that it's actually painful to read. I also have some *minor* issues with a main pov Muslim/Arabic representation that was not own-voice. I'm not Arabic nor Muslim, so I don't have the capacity to elaborate more on that, but it felt itchy at times. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for authors trying to put some diversity into their work, I applaud Weir for attempting that, what I personally find myself being iffy about, is authors writing from a POC point of view using the first person. I personally, underlying "personally", don't like it, sorry, but I do believe that the author was coming from a place of goodwill and good intentions, and I hope that at least he carried proper research beforehand.
All in all, a rather disappointing read that I honestly could've done without. Not sure whether I'll pick up another book from the author.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
5.0
The fact that I’m still able to enjoy these books despite already knowing everything by heart says a lot about the neverending and everlasting power of the Harry Potter world. I’m honestly glad and proud of being born this era. Now onto book number three.
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
3.0
I didn’t love it, but it wasn’t (obviously, duh) bad either. I do understand the intentions behind it, and the importance and literary relevance that it still holds, nevertheless it wasn’t the book for me.
The most interesting aspect of the story was certainly the characterization and psychological exploration of Emma Bovary, the protagonist of this story. Emma is essentially an idealist and a romantic, two things that will lead her to an existence of unsatisfaction and lust. She’s the maker of her own misfortunes and quite unable to see it or do anything about it, always striving to reach her idealized versions of happiness, love and fulfillment. In short, Emma Bovary is a modern antihero.
All of this is, tragically, stuffed under a dragged, bland plot that didn’t hold my interest in anyway. The story felt lacklustre, uneventful, and quite dull, often drifting away to some pointless digressions or scenes that didn’t relate to the main character or her story. The plot seems like it never progresses forward to the point where I felt frustrated.
I wish the book had been more character-based, focusing more on Emma and her turmoils rather than on the life in that goddamn village.
The most interesting aspect of the story was certainly the characterization and psychological exploration of Emma Bovary, the protagonist of this story. Emma is essentially an idealist and a romantic, two things that will lead her to an existence of unsatisfaction and lust. She’s the maker of her own misfortunes and quite unable to see it or do anything about it, always striving to reach her idealized versions of happiness, love and fulfillment. In short, Emma Bovary is a modern antihero.
All of this is, tragically, stuffed under a dragged, bland plot that didn’t hold my interest in anyway. The story felt lacklustre, uneventful, and quite dull, often drifting away to some pointless digressions or scenes that didn’t relate to the main character or her story. The plot seems like it never progresses forward to the point where I felt frustrated.
I wish the book had been more character-based, focusing more on Emma and her turmoils rather than on the life in that goddamn village.
Asylum by Patrick McGrath
3.0
3.5? Still not sure how I feel about this book, to be quite honest.
Starting with things I enjoyed, the story is narrated by an outsider that wasn't directly involved in what he's telling us but had only observed it, which is a narration device that I particularly like. The twist here is that the narrator is a psychiatrist, therefore we're also getting his insights and psychological analysis of the main characters and their actions. Given that the book is set during the 50s-60s, some analysis regarding sexuality and gender violence felt a bit dated and simplistic, but I nonetheless appreciated the attempt and delving into the characters' psychosis. The way the story is told makes it sound almost as if these recollections were part of a case study or psychiatric research and that, in my opinion, is the most interesting aspect of the story. I also liked how unreliable the narrator and every character all felt: I couldn't trust the main characters, because clearly deranged, and, in the end, I couldn't even fully trust the narrator, whose objectivity often turned out to be a bit faulty.
Now, onto things I didn't enjoy. The story mainly focuses on obsession, mania, lust, manipulation and toxic relationships - or so I think - but all these themes were wrapped and assembled by a plot that is not that strong to keep everything together. The plot was repetitive and a bit flat at times, never delivering high-intensity points or twists. Sometimes, I also felt quite lost: I couldn't see what the underlying moral of the story was (or if there was supposed to be one at all), and I couldn't understand what the author wanted me to get out of all of this. Maybe it's just me trying to make everything fit into tiny boxes, but the purpose of it all escapes me. Are we supposed to feel bad for Stella? Are we supposed to sympathize with Max? Are we to condemn Edgar or maybe the system that has failed him? Maybe it is me trying to find meaning where there's not supposed to be any. Maybe it was all just a rendezvous of basket-cases and an exercise of mental gymnastics.
All in all, this was definitely an interesting book that gave me a lot to think about but left me more confused that how I started.
Starting with things I enjoyed, the story is narrated by an outsider that wasn't directly involved in what he's telling us but had only observed it, which is a narration device that I particularly like. The twist here is that the narrator is a psychiatrist, therefore we're also getting his insights and psychological analysis of the main characters and their actions. Given that the book is set during the 50s-60s, some analysis regarding sexuality and gender violence felt a bit dated and simplistic, but I nonetheless appreciated the attempt and delving into the characters' psychosis. The way the story is told makes it sound almost as if these recollections were part of a case study or psychiatric research and that, in my opinion, is the most interesting aspect of the story. I also liked how unreliable the narrator and every character all felt: I couldn't trust the main characters, because clearly deranged, and, in the end, I couldn't even fully trust the narrator, whose objectivity often turned out to be a bit faulty.
Now, onto things I didn't enjoy. The story mainly focuses on obsession, mania, lust, manipulation and toxic relationships - or so I think - but all these themes were wrapped and assembled by a plot that is not that strong to keep everything together. The plot was repetitive and a bit flat at times, never delivering high-intensity points or twists. Sometimes, I also felt quite lost: I couldn't see what the underlying moral of the story was (or if there was supposed to be one at all), and I couldn't understand what the author wanted me to get out of all of this. Maybe it's just me trying to make everything fit into tiny boxes, but the purpose of it all escapes me. Are we supposed to feel bad for Stella? Are we supposed to sympathize with Max? Are we to condemn Edgar or maybe the system that has failed him? Maybe it is me trying to find meaning where there's not supposed to be any. Maybe it was all just a rendezvous of basket-cases and an exercise of mental gymnastics.
All in all, this was definitely an interesting book that gave me a lot to think about but left me more confused that how I started.