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lucybbookstuff's reviews
366 reviews
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. 🫠
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. 🫠
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.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
Consider this an update to my 5 star review of a different edition in 2021.
Still a 5! On my 4th read of this series. I've read it every few years since I was 18 and it never disappoints or lessens in quality or hits home any less.
It's just an expertly crafted story. Such intelligent theme exploration. Perfectly laid-out worldbuilding. It never feels info-dumpy because she works it in so seamlessly. Very good character work with Katniss. I recognize even more now, as a full-fledged adult, how clearly we can see Katniss's traumatized brain working to protect itself.
I also like to think of this book in terms of how it works for its intended YA audience. I thought at 18 and still think now that it's perfectly written for the audience. Relatable teenage thoughts, easy prose, really engaging plotting. Practically every chapter ends on a cliffhanger. It's just so well done.
Always a little nervewracking to revisit old faves, but I'm thrilled to still give it 5 stars.
It's just an expertly crafted story. Such intelligent theme exploration. Perfectly laid-out worldbuilding. It never feels info-dumpy because she works it in so seamlessly. Very good character work with Katniss. I recognize even more now, as a full-fledged adult, how clearly we can see Katniss's traumatized brain working to protect itself.
I also like to think of this book in terms of how it works for its intended YA audience. I thought at 18 and still think now that it's perfectly written for the audience. Relatable teenage thoughts, easy prose, really engaging plotting. Practically every chapter ends on a cliffhanger. It's just so well done.
Always a little nervewracking to revisit old faves, but I'm thrilled to still give it 5 stars.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was sitting at 4.75 for quite a while. Being so much longer than book 1, I really felt the slow pace this time around. And I got extremely frustrated with situations that seemingly did not have to get that bad.
But looking back at the major plot points, the character & relationship arcs, the emotional threads throughout (and the impact of the ending 😭), and Hobb's incredible prose and knowledge of humanity... the sum of the book's parts definitely deserves a full 5 stars.
I think I would say that I liked Assassin's Apprentice more, but they're still definitely both 5 stars. My introduction to Hobb'd writing and Fitz was so magical and perfect, I can't blame this book for not quite topping it.
As for the frustrating parts... I felt they could have realistically been resolved much more easily. But the way it went wasn't unrealistic. Unfortunately. 😑
I find myself needing another significant break after finishing this. These books are such undertakings - and I undertake them so gladly, but I don't think it will ever be a binge situation. And that's good, because I still want to draw it out and make the experience last.
That said, I'm so looking forward to seeing how this trilogy ends. I'm really excited to explore the world more, and it definitely sounds like we won't be stuck at Buckkeep. 👀 (Quite the opposite, in fact...)
But looking back at the major plot points, the character & relationship arcs, the emotional threads throughout (and the impact of the ending 😭), and Hobb's incredible prose and knowledge of humanity... the sum of the book's parts definitely deserves a full 5 stars.
I think I would say that I liked Assassin's Apprentice more, but they're still definitely both 5 stars. My introduction to Hobb'd writing and Fitz was so magical and perfect, I can't blame this book for not quite topping it.
As for the frustrating parts... I felt they could have realistically been resolved much more easily. But the way it went wasn't unrealistic. Unfortunately. 😑
I find myself needing another significant break after finishing this. These books are such undertakings - and I undertake them so gladly, but I don't think it will ever be a binge situation. And that's good, because I still want to draw it out and make the experience last.
That said, I'm so looking forward to seeing how this trilogy ends. I'm really excited to explore the world more, and it definitely sounds like we won't be stuck at Buckkeep. 👀 (Quite the opposite, in fact...)
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Romance is one of the only genres where I can rate something 3.5 and still say I had a marvelous time reading it. 😂
Absolutely nothing special about the writing here, and it was quite repetitive, but just such a fun time!
As always, Julia Quinn writes completely charming characters and excellent banter, and the perfect amount of spice for my taste.
It's just the right fluff for me when I need it. 🙌🏻
Absolutely nothing special about the writing here, and it was quite repetitive, but just such a fun time!
As always, Julia Quinn writes completely charming characters and excellent banter, and the perfect amount of spice for my taste.
It's just the right fluff for me when I need it. 🙌🏻
I was already wary of it being Reylo fanfic, but I was hoping I could ignore that. Turned out, she absolutely would not let me ignore it lol.
Pressed on anyway, found myself not really liking the main characters, but figuring they'd get some decent development.
Then had some conversations with people who said there is no character development at all, so...
Thought I'd give it a hate read... then I opened it back up and an overwhelming wave of apathy washed over me.
And here we are. 😂
Pressed on anyway, found myself not really liking the main characters, but figuring they'd get some decent development.
Then had some conversations with people who said there is no character development at all, so...
Thought I'd give it a hate read... then I opened it back up and an overwhelming wave of apathy washed over me.
And here we are. 😂
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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
Damn!!!
I really couldn't have chosen a better book to dive into scifi/space operas with!! Such an approachable entry point!
As a scifi novice, I was worried for a while that all the scifi worldbuilding would be too much for me, and it definitely threw me into the deep end, BUT it didn't end up being so convoluted that I couldn't follow. Honestly, I was surprised by how well I was able to follow everything, once I got the hang of it.
The prose of this book was nothing special; pretty basic and bare. But that's absolutely not a bad thing. Once again, as a novice, I was very grateful that, on top of all the new terminology and worldbuilding, it wasn't also flowery and pretentious.
Some of the inner monologues got quite repetitive. I'm not sure we needed to bounce back and forth SO much. But that is where my criticisms end. And I do somewhat understand this choice, too, for unfolding the mystery the way it did.
Speaking of the mystery. What an awesome cat-and-mouse thriller plot!! It kept me engaged from basically page 1. The use of POVs and time jumps was expertly done. I had caught on to a specific narrative choice that did eventually help me figure out one of the huge twists. But I only fully theorized it mere pages before it was revealed, so it was still exciting and not disappointing.
The worldbuilding was so well-done. Despite the prose using very few outward descriptors for anything or anyone, I still got a well-rounded idea of the planets in this star system, the government and bureacracy, the history and religion and culture, the technology, etc. There is more to be unveiled in future books, to be sure, but this was an excellent introduction.
One thing I absolutely loved about the worldbuilding is what I'm choosing to call the "casual queerness." Queerness was baked into the worldbuilding so seamlessly. It's almost as if... it's that easy. If humans would stop caring so much about each other's genitals. Queerness is really just a fact of life and not a problem. Jacobs imagined a flawed world, but queerness was not one of its flaws, and I appreciate her for it.
Lastly, the characters. Like I said, very few outward appearance descriptors for any of them. I could barely imagine what any of them look like. But I got SUCH a strong sense of all of their inner worlds. They were all multifaceted and flawed and so, so intriguing. I cannot wait to learn more about them all.And see how their relationships flourish, now that they've all met.
I'm going to wait as long as I can stand it to read book 2, just so I'm not waiting an interminable amount of time afterwards for book 3 to be published.I imagine we're going to be following POVs both on Capamame and in the Treble system and I'm so so excited.
I really couldn't have chosen a better book to dive into scifi/space operas with!! Such an approachable entry point!
As a scifi novice, I was worried for a while that all the scifi worldbuilding would be too much for me, and it definitely threw me into the deep end, BUT it didn't end up being so convoluted that I couldn't follow. Honestly, I was surprised by how well I was able to follow everything, once I got the hang of it.
The prose of this book was nothing special; pretty basic and bare. But that's absolutely not a bad thing. Once again, as a novice, I was very grateful that, on top of all the new terminology and worldbuilding, it wasn't also flowery and pretentious.
Some of the inner monologues got quite repetitive. I'm not sure we needed to bounce back and forth SO much. But that is where my criticisms end. And I do somewhat understand this choice, too, for unfolding the mystery the way it did.
Speaking of the mystery. What an awesome cat-and-mouse thriller plot!! It kept me engaged from basically page 1. The use of POVs and time jumps was expertly done. I had caught on to a specific narrative choice that did eventually help me figure out one of the huge twists. But I only fully theorized it mere pages before it was revealed, so it was still exciting and not disappointing.
The worldbuilding was so well-done. Despite the prose using very few outward descriptors for anything or anyone, I still got a well-rounded idea of the planets in this star system, the government and bureacracy, the history and religion and culture, the technology, etc. There is more to be unveiled in future books, to be sure, but this was an excellent introduction.
One thing I absolutely loved about the worldbuilding is what I'm choosing to call the "casual queerness." Queerness was baked into the worldbuilding so seamlessly. It's almost as if... it's that easy. If humans would stop caring so much about each other's genitals. Queerness is really just a fact of life and not a problem. Jacobs imagined a flawed world, but queerness was not one of its flaws, and I appreciate her for it.
Lastly, the characters. Like I said, very few outward appearance descriptors for any of them. I could barely imagine what any of them look like. But I got SUCH a strong sense of all of their inner worlds. They were all multifaceted and flawed and so, so intriguing. I cannot wait to learn more about them all.
I'm going to wait as long as I can stand it to read book 2, just so I'm not waiting an interminable amount of time afterwards for book 3 to be published.
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
This is undoubtedly an impressive work, both on its own and as a debut. This review may be a bit disjointed because I'm having a lot of thoughts and I just want to get them out.
I wanted to give it an even 4, but the more I think about it, the more flaws I notice.
This book kept me intrigued. I started it just before the 2024 election, and picking it back up afterwards was hard, but it immediately got me fired up with some of the political relevance it held.
I really like Rin as a main character and I enjoyed the story of her rise from the very bottom of society. I especially enjoyed the "training montage" part of the book with Jiang. And I really appreciate the themes of the book: anticolonialism, the dangers of revenge, seeing your enemies as people, etc.
However, I feel like this book could have benefited from being multi-POV. I felt disconnected from a lot of Rin's relationships. I didn't really get any of the emotional hits from her interactions with Altan. Everything was pretty surface level, and not explained very well. I feel like multi-POV could also have helped me understand the "why" behind a lot more things as well. It did a lot of telling, not showing regarding the history and worldbuilding.
Speaking of history, I didn't go into this knowing much about the massacre of Nanjing, BUT I did know that this book draws from those events directly. Now having read it, I'm not sure how I feel about just how much it directly lifted. Kuang acknowledges this, and I'm certain it was done with the utmost respect for the real history. But I do feel like this fictional story got kind of lost in those lifted historical details at times. On the other hand, it definitely makes me want to pay respect to the real history and read The Rape of Nanking.
I also feel that the pacing of this book was pretty wild. It covered SO much ground and introduced so many things... It felt like too much at times, and it didn't go into most of it nearly enough for me to understand it all. I'm sure some elaboration is forthcoming in the other books, but this confusion for now didn't seem necessary.
All that said, I do think this was a good book. A very impressive debut and a decent introduction. I will definitely continue the series and I look forward to seeing how it diverges from history.
I wanted to give it an even 4, but the more I think about it, the more flaws I notice.
This book kept me intrigued. I started it just before the 2024 election, and picking it back up afterwards was hard, but it immediately got me fired up with some of the political relevance it held.
I really like Rin as a main character and I enjoyed the story of her rise from the very bottom of society. I especially enjoyed the "training montage" part of the book with Jiang. And I really appreciate the themes of the book: anticolonialism, the dangers of revenge, seeing your enemies as people, etc.
However, I feel like this book could have benefited from being multi-POV. I felt disconnected from a lot of Rin's relationships. I didn't really get any of the emotional hits from her interactions with Altan. Everything was pretty surface level, and not explained very well. I feel like multi-POV could also have helped me understand the "why" behind a lot more things as well. It did a lot of telling, not showing regarding the history and worldbuilding.
Speaking of history, I didn't go into this knowing much about the massacre of Nanjing, BUT I did know that this book draws from those events directly. Now having read it, I'm not sure how I feel about just how much it directly lifted. Kuang acknowledges this, and I'm certain it was done with the utmost respect for the real history. But I do feel like this fictional story got kind of lost in those lifted historical details at times. On the other hand, it definitely makes me want to pay respect to the real history and read The Rape of Nanking.
I also feel that the pacing of this book was pretty wild. It covered SO much ground and introduced so many things... It felt like too much at times, and it didn't go into most of it nearly enough for me to understand it all. I'm sure some elaboration is forthcoming in the other books, but this confusion for now didn't seem necessary.
All that said, I do think this was a good book. A very impressive debut and a decent introduction. I will definitely continue the series and I look forward to seeing how it diverges from history.