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lucybbookstuff's reviews
366 reviews
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book.
I laughed out loud.
I sobbed with my entire soul.
I cheered proudly.
I felt indescribable dread.
I fell in love.
I seethed with hatred.
I had my heart shattered over and over, but rebuilt every time, stronger than the last.
I had to put it down for a couple days and come back only when I was ready.
I ran out of 4 different tab colors marking my favorites of the endlessly beautiful passages.
As I was sitting outside, reading the last few pages, it started to rain. I live in the desert and it's been an alarmingly dry winter. We've been begging for rain. And it finally happened. I could instantly smell the creosote, blanketing the city in its earthy scent. I let it fall on the book. It felt right.
"The ripples have weakened. But the waters will never be still."
I laughed out loud.
I sobbed with my entire soul.
I cheered proudly.
I felt indescribable dread.
I fell in love.
I seethed with hatred.
I had my heart shattered over and over, but rebuilt every time, stronger than the last.
I had to put it down for a couple days and come back only when I was ready.
I ran out of 4 different tab colors marking my favorites of the endlessly beautiful passages.
As I was sitting outside, reading the last few pages, it started to rain. I live in the desert and it's been an alarmingly dry winter. We've been begging for rain. And it finally happened. I could instantly smell the creosote, blanketing the city in its earthy scent. I let it fall on the book. It felt right.
"The ripples have weakened. But the waters will never be still."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Incest, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book wasn't bad, but
1) it read like it was written for the express purpose of becoming a Hulu miniseries, and
2) I read this at the same time as Betty by Tiffany McDaniel, and that was just cruel to this book lol.
This book just lacked some of the emotional depth and strong character work that I want from literary fiction. There were a few poignant moments that had me misty-eyed, but overall, I just didn't connect with or root for these characters much and I found the book pretty boring. Most of it felt trite and generic to me.
To be fair, I do not have sisters, and I thankfully haven't had to deal with addiction in any of my closest family/friends. So I lacked opportunities for real connection with the book. I did somewhat connect with the grief part. But I generally don't think the writing style lent itself to getting me invested.
I do appreciate the endometriosis rep. And I have to imagine a lot of the addiction rep was pretty accurate as well.
Some specific things that irked me werethe love story between mentor/student since she was 15 when they first met, the portrayal of non-white/American/straight people, and the somewhat Hallmark happy ending.
I can totally see the appeal of this book. And if it's ever turned into a tv series, I think I'd enjoy that much more. But yeah, not for me in book form.
1) it read like it was written for the express purpose of becoming a Hulu miniseries, and
2) I read this at the same time as Betty by Tiffany McDaniel, and that was just cruel to this book lol.
This book just lacked some of the emotional depth and strong character work that I want from literary fiction. There were a few poignant moments that had me misty-eyed, but overall, I just didn't connect with or root for these characters much and I found the book pretty boring. Most of it felt trite and generic to me.
To be fair, I do not have sisters, and I thankfully haven't had to deal with addiction in any of my closest family/friends. So I lacked opportunities for real connection with the book. I did somewhat connect with the grief part. But I generally don't think the writing style lent itself to getting me invested.
I do appreciate the endometriosis rep. And I have to imagine a lot of the addiction rep was pretty accurate as well.
Some specific things that irked me were
I can totally see the appeal of this book. And if it's ever turned into a tv series, I think I'd enjoy that much more. But yeah, not for me in book form.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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
A reread 4 years later, and it's gonna stay at 5 stars. 🤌🏻
I rated it that very early in my reading renaissance, back when I gave 5s away pretty easily. For a bit, I thought I'd be okay downgrading this to 4.5. It really is quite a slow build, and I felt the pace creeping at times. But the last part!!! It just HITS, and I had forgotten so many details and it's just so good and has me so pumped to get into Crooked Kingdom.
I adore these characters SO MUCH. My precious children. Bardugo built them so well. I could never give them less than 5 stars.
Also, for good measure: the world is vivid, the magic is unique and simple, and the prose is beautiful. And once again these CHARACTERS and every single relationship between all of them. Love love love.
I rated it that very early in my reading renaissance, back when I gave 5s away pretty easily. For a bit, I thought I'd be okay downgrading this to 4.5. It really is quite a slow build, and I felt the pace creeping at times. But the last part!!! It just HITS, and I had forgotten so many details and it's just so good and has me so pumped to get into Crooked Kingdom.
I adore these characters SO MUCH. My precious children. Bardugo built them so well. I could never give them less than 5 stars.
Also, for good measure: the world is vivid, the magic is unique and simple, and the prose is beautiful. And once again these CHARACTERS and every single relationship between all of them. Love love love.
informative
slow-paced
Very informative, comprehensive, and helpful. Also infuriating. Quite dense, I zoned out more than I wish I did, but I never could have gotten through it in physical format. I own it on libro.fm, so I can always revisit it if I want a refresher.
Either way, I know a ton more about the conflict than I did before. Definitely should be required reading for the "Western world."
Either way, I know a ton more about the conflict than I did before. Definitely should be required reading for the "Western world."
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. 😭
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. 😭
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.