You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
lucybbookstuff's Reviews (392)
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ENTHUSIASTIC, wholehearted 5 stars!
What an incredible conclusion to the trilogy. ðŸ˜
This book's scope was absolutely massive. It feels like three books all on its own, but yet it does deserve, narratively, to be all together in one. There is "the quest" that we all come into this book expecting, and don't quite get to for a while. But the full book also encompasses a much larger quest of Fitz truly growing from a boy into a man. Dealing (and often not dealing) with his trauma. Coming to terms with harsh realities.
Surrounded by a terminally endearing cast of characters. Which Robin somehow builds out so well while staying completely entrenched in Fitz's own mind.
Hobb's writing remains to be absolutely incredible. From the beautiful prose to the theme exploration to the broader storytelling. I absolutely adored much of the theme work in this book especially. She had some truly ahead-of-her-time things to say about many things that strike home with me. Gender & sexuality, trauma, young love, loyalty, etc. And she does it all in a way that is devastatingly poignant and relatable, and not at all preachy.
I was not expecting this book's ending at all.I was expecting what the last two books gave me, which was total devastation and a lot of tears. This book had PLENTY of that, probably as much as the last two combined, but it didn't end with that. Which I appreciated. The ending was absolutely perfect.
However, I was definitely left somewhat emotionally confused by the very last chapter. I am so glad that Fitz finally found some peace. But it also leaves me wanting so much more from him.
So I'm very glad to know that, even after this incredible arc, I'm still quite far from the end, and I have lots of time with Fitz to look forward to yet! And for now, I'm VERY excited leave Fitz in peace, and to dive more into this world and meet some new characters in Live Ship Traders!
What an incredible conclusion to the trilogy. ðŸ˜
This book's scope was absolutely massive. It feels like three books all on its own, but yet it does deserve, narratively, to be all together in one. There is "the quest" that we all come into this book expecting, and don't quite get to for a while. But the full book also encompasses a much larger quest of Fitz truly growing from a boy into a man. Dealing (and often not dealing) with his trauma. Coming to terms with harsh realities.
Surrounded by a terminally endearing cast of characters. Which Robin somehow builds out so well while staying completely entrenched in Fitz's own mind.
Hobb's writing remains to be absolutely incredible. From the beautiful prose to the theme exploration to the broader storytelling. I absolutely adored much of the theme work in this book especially. She had some truly ahead-of-her-time things to say about many things that strike home with me. Gender & sexuality, trauma, young love, loyalty, etc. And she does it all in a way that is devastatingly poignant and relatable, and not at all preachy.
I was not expecting this book's ending at all.
However, I was definitely left somewhat emotionally confused by the very last chapter. I am so glad that Fitz finally found some peace. But it also leaves me wanting so much more from him.
So I'm very glad to know that, even after this incredible arc, I'm still quite far from the end, and I have lots of time with Fitz to look forward to yet! And for now, I'm VERY excited leave Fitz in peace, and to dive more into this world and meet some new characters in Live Ship Traders!
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I definitely liked this. Two very interesting and satisfying interconnected mysteries. Great exploration of the themes of class, privilege, and respect for the outdoors. A very lush and atmospheric setting. And characters I really grew to like and root for.
I'm not sure this should be classified as "literary fiction" though. It does have really top notch character work for a thriller, and some intermittently beautiful prose and thought-provoking moments. But it was very much a mystery thriller first. The characters were well-constructed, but not very deeply explored. The plot and pacing were all in service of laying out a good mystery more than anything else.
The time jumps were a lot, and there were maybe a few too many POVs. I was able to keep up well enough, but a lot of people may find it very annoying. I did get frustrated now and then when we'd be on the cusp of a big reveal, and then switch POVs and time periods for several chapters. But the storytelling mostly made up for those moments.
Overall, really liked and definitely recommend as a somewhat more cerebral thriller!
I'm not sure this should be classified as "literary fiction" though. It does have really top notch character work for a thriller, and some intermittently beautiful prose and thought-provoking moments. But it was very much a mystery thriller first. The characters were well-constructed, but not very deeply explored. The plot and pacing were all in service of laying out a good mystery more than anything else.
The time jumps were a lot, and there were maybe a few too many POVs. I was able to keep up well enough, but a lot of people may find it very annoying. I did get frustrated now and then when we'd be on the cusp of a big reveal, and then switch POVs and time periods for several chapters. But the storytelling mostly made up for those moments.
Overall, really liked and definitely recommend as a somewhat more cerebral thriller!
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
How does one talk about this book? 🥴
I loved the dry humor, and I enjoyed leaning into the crazy and just letting it wash over me. Though by part 2, the craziness was starting to get slightly tedious. It also started trying to be more emotional, or at least tried to be profound about its themes, and I'm not so sure it landed with me the way it was supposed to.
An absolutely outrageous, totally weird and fun time, though. I certainly enjoyed myself. I can say that much.
I loved the dry humor, and I enjoyed leaning into the crazy and just letting it wash over me. Though by part 2, the craziness was starting to get slightly tedious. It also started trying to be more emotional, or at least tried to be profound about its themes, and I'm not so sure it landed with me the way it was supposed to.
An absolutely outrageous, totally weird and fun time, though. I certainly enjoyed myself. I can say that much.
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really enjoyed this by the end and I'm stoked to continue the series!!!
Very clunky setup in the beginning. So many POVs with very similar voices, lots of info dumping, and it dropped me into a conflict that I had no reason to care about. It was pretty frustrating for a while, and I was worried that I'd never be made to care.
However, by about 30%, it hooked me. It may have specifically beenthe animal companion that did it lol, but also by that point, the characters were starting to distinguish themselves, the world felt more established, and the stakes felt more real. And it only got better from there.
I didn't get quite as emotionally invested as I could have been (though there's plenty of potential for that as the series progresses, but I did grow to have pretty strong feelings, positive or negative, towards most of the characters. I especiallylove my baby Corban, and am extremely frustrated with Veradis. Mainly, I was just gripped by the action and the way the plot and all those POVs ended up coming together.
Despite the clunky beginning, it's still an impressive debut, and John Gwynne clearly has storytelling talent. I did appreciate the simple prose and short chapters. That made it easy to pick back up even when I was struggling.
I won't be getting to Valor right away, but I am very excited for it. I keep finding myself thinking about elements of this book and getting butterflies imagining where it could go. 👀
Very clunky setup in the beginning. So many POVs with very similar voices, lots of info dumping, and it dropped me into a conflict that I had no reason to care about. It was pretty frustrating for a while, and I was worried that I'd never be made to care.
However, by about 30%, it hooked me. It may have specifically been
I didn't get quite as emotionally invested as I could have been (though there's plenty of potential for that as the series progresses, but I did grow to have pretty strong feelings, positive or negative, towards most of the characters. I especially
Despite the clunky beginning, it's still an impressive debut, and John Gwynne clearly has storytelling talent. I did appreciate the simple prose and short chapters. That made it easy to pick back up even when I was struggling.
I won't be getting to Valor right away, but I am very excited for it. I keep finding myself thinking about elements of this book and getting butterflies imagining where it could go. 👀
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow. What an absolutely brilliant, intelligent, thought-provoking book.
This had me thinking about slavery in ways I never really had before. I've always known that it's horrible, reprehensible, unforgivable. But I haven't encountered anything before that has made me consider all the nuances so thoroughly. Now I feel like I actually understand the myriad big and small ways in which it was so horrible. And why/how it went on for so long in the US. In Dana's words, "I never realized how easily people could be trained to accept slavery."
In addition to the brilliant theme exploration, this book also had excellent character work. I always love authors that can acknowledge the fullness of human beings. Hardly anyone is all good or all bad. And that was true here of even the most detestable characters.I hated Rufus passionately, but the author, the main character, and I still all understood why he is the way he is. Dana came into the story a pretty good person, but she also learned a lot AND had her goodness challenged quite a bit. And Kevin... no matter how good and moral someone is, that can never quite overcome the nature of being a white man in our society.
Also very good, suspenseful, nerve-wracking storytelling. Just an incredible book. (I also HIGHLY recommend the essay by Robert Crossley that was in the back of the standard paperback.)
Not quite a full 5 for a couple reasons:
• I'm not sure I'll ever be able to give a magical realism book 5 stars. I know the "why" of the time travel is not at all the point and is just a device, and I could mostly forget about it. But not totally. I'll never be able to engage with this kind of plot device and not ask questions, and therefore I can't ignore it when I get no answers.
• I felt the ending, like the literal last page, was quite abrupt. I found myself wanting just a bit, even a couple paragraphs, more aftermath/reflection.
That's it, though. Otherwise perfect.
This had me thinking about slavery in ways I never really had before. I've always known that it's horrible, reprehensible, unforgivable. But I haven't encountered anything before that has made me consider all the nuances so thoroughly. Now I feel like I actually understand the myriad big and small ways in which it was so horrible. And why/how it went on for so long in the US. In Dana's words, "I never realized how easily people could be trained to accept slavery."
In addition to the brilliant theme exploration, this book also had excellent character work. I always love authors that can acknowledge the fullness of human beings. Hardly anyone is all good or all bad. And that was true here of even the most detestable characters.
Also very good, suspenseful, nerve-wracking storytelling. Just an incredible book. (I also HIGHLY recommend the essay by Robert Crossley that was in the back of the standard paperback.)
Not quite a full 5 for a couple reasons:
• I'm not sure I'll ever be able to give a magical realism book 5 stars. I know the "why" of the time travel is not at all the point and is just a device, and I could mostly forget about it. But not totally. I'll never be able to engage with this kind of plot device and not ask questions, and therefore I can't ignore it when I get no answers.
• I felt the ending, like the literal last page, was quite abrupt. I found myself wanting just a bit, even a couple paragraphs, more aftermath/reflection.
That's it, though. Otherwise perfect.
Simply the most insufferable main character I've ever come across (at least in recent memory), and the narration unfortunately made it so much worse.
I knew enough going in to expect a caricature of a rich white gay man, but MY GOD, I didn't think it would be this bad. 💀
Also no living human adult is this stupid with kids. No, they don't know who Audra McDonald is, why is that shocking??? He also made that same joke with different pop culture references at least 5 times just in the first 30%.
I could also tell that it wasn't going to ever go nearly as deep on the grief topic as I would have wanted.
I can see the sweetness in the book, though, and definitely understand why it's a hit. Especially for folks who love stuff on the cozier, sillier side. Unfortunately, it went a bit too far to that side for my tastes. And I just could not tolerate Gay Uncle Patrick for 1 more second. ðŸ«
I was loath to DNF because I owned the audiobook on libro.fm, so there was no chance of reselling or giving it away. BUT libro.fm graciously refunded my credit even though it was slightly outside their return window!! Plug for libro.fm, they're the best!!!
I knew enough going in to expect a caricature of a rich white gay man, but MY GOD, I didn't think it would be this bad. 💀
Also no living human adult is this stupid with kids. No, they don't know who Audra McDonald is, why is that shocking??? He also made that same joke with different pop culture references at least 5 times just in the first 30%.
I could also tell that it wasn't going to ever go nearly as deep on the grief topic as I would have wanted.
I can see the sweetness in the book, though, and definitely understand why it's a hit. Especially for folks who love stuff on the cozier, sillier side. Unfortunately, it went a bit too far to that side for my tastes. And I just could not tolerate Gay Uncle Patrick for 1 more second. ðŸ«
I was loath to DNF because I owned the audiobook on libro.fm, so there was no chance of reselling or giving it away. BUT libro.fm graciously refunded my credit even though it was slightly outside their return window!! Plug for libro.fm, they're the best!!!
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is a very sweet and charming book. I went into it with low expectations, assuming I wouldn't like it because I don't typically like cozy. But it definitely drew me in with a couple of twists and, more importantly, constantly expounding on the importance of reading and bookstores.
Unfortunately, I had to put this down for several days after I hit the halfway point (had to prioritize my book club book). And when I went back to it, I found that I was kind of over it. The charm wasn't enough of a draw anymore. I do wonder if I might have had a different experience if I'd been able to keep up the momentum. Oh well.
I did love the relationship betweenAJ and Maya. That was entirely unexpected when I picked up the book and it was so sweet. As for the romance, I kinda found it superfluous by the end... The town was also cute, though the side characters mostly sucked.
I do have to say, I'm incredibly rubbed the wrong way bythe treatment of Marian Wallace as a character. She was never properly honored, and in fact her death was completely and explicitly used as a plot device to turn AJ's life around. Which is all the more infuriating knowing she and Maya are the only known Black characters. The young knocked-up product of foster care who loses her scholarship and kills herself. Are you kidding me? And considering Maya's race literally never comes into play (apart from one idioitic comment by a store patron), the exact same story could have been achieved without ever mentioning Maya's or Marian's race at all. I don't think any of this was malicious on Zevin's part, but certainly thoughtless. And just poor writing. There were several things that weren't wrapped up very well.
So, that colors my overall opinion quite a bit. It was on track for 4 stars for a while, then probably 3.75. But bumped down significantly for that last thing. The book is lucky it ended with poignant character moments and som personally touching musings about local bookstores.
Unfortunately, I had to put this down for several days after I hit the halfway point (had to prioritize my book club book). And when I went back to it, I found that I was kind of over it. The charm wasn't enough of a draw anymore. I do wonder if I might have had a different experience if I'd been able to keep up the momentum. Oh well.
I did love the relationship between
I do have to say, I'm incredibly rubbed the wrong way by
So, that colors my overall opinion quite a bit. It was on track for 4 stars for a while, then probably 3.75. But bumped down significantly for that last thing. The book is lucky it ended with poignant character moments and som personally touching musings about local bookstores.
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Wasn't sure about this book at first, due to generally finding overtly feminist/feminine rage stories a bit preachy (I am a feminist, I just personally find less catharsis and more frustration in stories that are trying so hard to make me angry).
BUT the fascinating historical context, well-constructed narrative, and general female badassery overshadowed that by the end.
Really loved learning about midwifery in this time period, and enjoyed the fellowship of women throughout the book. Definitely felt ragey at the injustices, but they did feel true to life.
Some of the character work was pretty cheesy.I especially found the husband a bit TOO good and the villain almost comically mustache-twirly . But I quite liked the main character by the end. Even if she seemed somewhat anachronistic. She was definitely relatable, and just an awesome person.
Overall really enjoyed this book and recommend widely. Check triggers though.
BUT the fascinating historical context, well-constructed narrative, and general female badassery overshadowed that by the end.
Really loved learning about midwifery in this time period, and enjoyed the fellowship of women throughout the book. Definitely felt ragey at the injustices, but they did feel true to life.
Some of the character work was pretty cheesy.
Overall really enjoyed this book and recommend widely. Check triggers though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Rape
funny
informative
medium-paced
As someone who doesn't read much history, this was engaging and informative!
I really like and appreciate Southon's irreverent narrative voice. I am usually intimidated by history books, but her style made this very digestible and more fun than I'd usually expect.
I didn't quite find it as laugh-out-loud funny as I was lead to believe, but it was still enjoyable.
Otherwise, I do feel that I could have gotten this exact same info from a single chapter or section of some other book. I'm not saying that this historical figure doesn't deserve a deep dive. It just felt like the available info was stretched pretty thin to create this full book. And a lot of it was Southon's personal extrapolation and theorizing based on extremely vague info.
Again, not saying there's no place for that, but I was expecting something a bit different.
Definitely learned some things, though! And Agrippina is undoubtedly fascinating. If anything, this book made me wish there were more firm info about her out there.
I really like and appreciate Southon's irreverent narrative voice. I am usually intimidated by history books, but her style made this very digestible and more fun than I'd usually expect.
I didn't quite find it as laugh-out-loud funny as I was lead to believe, but it was still enjoyable.
Otherwise, I do feel that I could have gotten this exact same info from a single chapter or section of some other book. I'm not saying that this historical figure doesn't deserve a deep dive. It just felt like the available info was stretched pretty thin to create this full book. And a lot of it was Southon's personal extrapolation and theorizing based on extremely vague info.
Again, not saying there's no place for that, but I was expecting something a bit different.
Definitely learned some things, though! And Agrippina is undoubtedly fascinating. If anything, this book made me wish there were more firm info about her out there.