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mrs_ailurophile's reviews
583 reviews
A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
3.0
Three stars. More like two and a half, really. But three because I love this series. Overall.
*SLIGHT SPOILERS*
I love this series. I do. But this is by far my least favorite of the books. I won't repeat everything I found wrong with it, mostly because I agree with what other reviewers have said and I see no need to repeat it. I will, however, state what the two things that bothered me the most are.
The first is the length. I have no problem with reading a 1500-2000 page book. But I felt myself dragging through it. And I mean, I'm a fast reader anyway, but at the beginning I was reading at my usual pace. Then around page 900 or so I started to get a little disillusioned. And then at about 1100 I was wishing it would be done with. I mean, the edition I had read was almost 1500 pages because it was the mass market paperback edition. But, really, it was 1500 pages of almost nothing.
Which leads me my second objection: the plot. The plot was dragged out. Yes, there were things I wanted to learn, which kept me going. Such as Bonnet's fate. But that didn't happen until the very end. I guess it was the details. There were so many damn details. I'm all for descriptive storytelling, but so long as it enhances the plot. This was just too much. The side plots were also very annoying. Claire gets kidnapped. Then 400 pages of nothing. Lizzie gets jilted. Yay. Roger finds a calling. Yay. Lizzie marries twins. Yay. Someone murders a pregnant girl. Boo. Mr. Christie sacrifices himself for his daughter. Aw. Brianna is pregnant. Yay. And while that may sound interesting, but....honestly? Very little of it adds to the general storyline.
It just seemed like a waste. I just began An Echo in the Bone but from what I've heard it's basically the same as the 6th novel: a lot of nothing, with the added annoyance of more POV characters. But I did hear Written in My Heart's Own Blood is amazing, and has redeemed Gabaldon in many readers' eyes. So I'll trudge through it until I can get to the 8th book.
*sigh* But I wish I could just skip the 7th.
*SLIGHT SPOILERS*
I love this series. I do. But this is by far my least favorite of the books. I won't repeat everything I found wrong with it, mostly because I agree with what other reviewers have said and I see no need to repeat it. I will, however, state what the two things that bothered me the most are.
The first is the length. I have no problem with reading a 1500-2000 page book. But I felt myself dragging through it. And I mean, I'm a fast reader anyway, but at the beginning I was reading at my usual pace. Then around page 900 or so I started to get a little disillusioned. And then at about 1100 I was wishing it would be done with. I mean, the edition I had read was almost 1500 pages because it was the mass market paperback edition. But, really, it was 1500 pages of almost nothing.
Which leads me my second objection: the plot. The plot was dragged out. Yes, there were things I wanted to learn, which kept me going. Such as Bonnet's fate. But that didn't happen until the very end. I guess it was the details. There were so many damn details. I'm all for descriptive storytelling, but so long as it enhances the plot. This was just too much. The side plots were also very annoying. Claire gets kidnapped. Then 400 pages of nothing. Lizzie gets jilted. Yay. Roger finds a calling. Yay. Lizzie marries twins. Yay. Someone murders a pregnant girl. Boo. Mr. Christie sacrifices himself for his daughter. Aw. Brianna is pregnant. Yay. And while that may sound interesting, but....honestly? Very little of it adds to the general storyline.
It just seemed like a waste. I just began An Echo in the Bone but from what I've heard it's basically the same as the 6th novel: a lot of nothing, with the added annoyance of more POV characters. But I did hear Written in My Heart's Own Blood is amazing, and has redeemed Gabaldon in many readers' eyes. So I'll trudge through it until I can get to the 8th book.
*sigh* But I wish I could just skip the 7th.
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin
3.0
Okay. Wow. Where to start?
I started reading the first novel when the show began, and decided not to finish the show until all the books have been released. Yes, I understand it might be a while. And after finishing Dance, I'm thinking I might not be able to keep to that vow. And here's why:
I'm not impressed. I mean, I did it enjoy it, because I can't help but love a good story. So here's a short list of why this book gets three stars. The Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen herself. Adding MORE POV characters. Details, details, and, oh guess what? EVEN MORE DETAILS. Repetition is another major vexation. Last, and least irritating of all, is the cliffhanger. But I won't repeat everything, because I'm not GRRM and I understand others feel the same way.
Daenerys. Oh Dany. From the very start, she was my absolute favorite character. She blossomed from a shy wallflower to a powerful queen. Circumstances have not made it easy for her, but I doubt she would have grown into her power without such trials. WHAT HAPPENED? I was cheering for her all through books 1-3, waiting for the moment when she would finally make the decision to cross the seas and claim her inheritance. WHAT HAPPENED?? The most action that happened to her was at the end, when she flew off on Drogon's back and encountered some of the Dothraki of her late husband's. WHAT HAPPENED??? She went from a symbol for freedom that slaves and free folk could rally around to a simpering girl child. She became fearful and indecisive. Honestly, she actually began to annoy me.
I don't want to read about characters that I may or may not like, only to have them get killed off later. Some POV characters are unnecessary, like Quentyn, who could be omitted completely and his storyline filled in by another. Others are just page wasters, like Greyjoy. It's confusing and irritating and unwarranted. Stop it. Please.
"Omit needless words." The Elements of Style by E.B. White and William Strunk Jr. I believe that sums up my issues with GRRM's love of detail. Details are good, but not to the extent where I'm wanting to skip passages (and I won't lie, I did.)
"Words are wind." "You know nothing, Jon Snow." "Where do whores go?" "Reek rhymes with...." Those are just a few phrases that got old very, very fast. If I wanted to, I'd go back and count how many times he repeats those phrases. Luckily for me, I will save myself the time and effort, and settle for knowing I'm not alone in feeling this way.
And lastly, one of GRRM's most infamous trademarks: THE CLIFFHANGER. I get it. I truly do. Cliffhangers were invented to keep us fans wanting more. And granted, I'm not a die hard fan of the series. I enjoy a good story, and by most accounts, it's agreed that ASOIAF has a better story than many. And, yes, I'm comparing it to Harry Potter, but it is possible to write a series of books without a major cliffhanger at the end of every book.
With the exception for Feast and Dance, I had to take a year or two break in between books. Why? Because there is so much to process and, quite frankly, sometimes the information would be too much for my mortal mind to retain all at once. In fact, I had to take a break from Dance and read a couple YA books, because YA novels are quick, mostly lighthearted, and easy to read. Then I was able to go back to Dance and finish.
I applaud Martin's view that a fantasy series should have more than just a plot line. The politics, the real life consequences of the characters' actions, and the fact that there's no true good or evil but people just wanting to get by with what they have. I bet even the Others have no "evil" intention. Ambition, loyalty, love of family and friends, honor, truthfulness, cruelty, shrewdness, revenge, hatred, all these traits, and more, are only a part of what makes ASOIAF as great as it is.
But, for the love of your fans, so they stay sane and entertained, please don't add any more POV characters and please, PLEASE, tone down on the details and repetition. Or I swear, I think I'll go as crazy as Reek and begin to rhyme myself. *shudders*
I started reading the first novel when the show began, and decided not to finish the show until all the books have been released. Yes, I understand it might be a while. And after finishing Dance, I'm thinking I might not be able to keep to that vow. And here's why:
I'm not impressed. I mean, I did it enjoy it, because I can't help but love a good story. So here's a short list of why this book gets three stars. The Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen herself. Adding MORE POV characters. Details, details, and, oh guess what? EVEN MORE DETAILS. Repetition is another major vexation. Last, and least irritating of all, is the cliffhanger. But I won't repeat everything, because I'm not GRRM and I understand others feel the same way.
Daenerys. Oh Dany. From the very start, she was my absolute favorite character. She blossomed from a shy wallflower to a powerful queen. Circumstances have not made it easy for her, but I doubt she would have grown into her power without such trials. WHAT HAPPENED? I was cheering for her all through books 1-3, waiting for the moment when she would finally make the decision to cross the seas and claim her inheritance. WHAT HAPPENED?? The most action that happened to her was at the end, when she flew off on Drogon's back and encountered some of the Dothraki of her late husband's. WHAT HAPPENED??? She went from a symbol for freedom that slaves and free folk could rally around to a simpering girl child. She became fearful and indecisive. Honestly, she actually began to annoy me.
I don't want to read about characters that I may or may not like, only to have them get killed off later. Some POV characters are unnecessary, like Quentyn, who could be omitted completely and his storyline filled in by another. Others are just page wasters, like Greyjoy. It's confusing and irritating and unwarranted. Stop it. Please.
"Omit needless words." The Elements of Style by E.B. White and William Strunk Jr. I believe that sums up my issues with GRRM's love of detail. Details are good, but not to the extent where I'm wanting to skip passages (and I won't lie, I did.)
"Words are wind." "You know nothing, Jon Snow." "Where do whores go?" "Reek rhymes with...." Those are just a few phrases that got old very, very fast. If I wanted to, I'd go back and count how many times he repeats those phrases. Luckily for me, I will save myself the time and effort, and settle for knowing I'm not alone in feeling this way.
And lastly, one of GRRM's most infamous trademarks: THE CLIFFHANGER. I get it. I truly do. Cliffhangers were invented to keep us fans wanting more. And granted, I'm not a die hard fan of the series. I enjoy a good story, and by most accounts, it's agreed that ASOIAF has a better story than many. And, yes, I'm comparing it to Harry Potter, but it is possible to write a series of books without a major cliffhanger at the end of every book.
With the exception for Feast and Dance, I had to take a year or two break in between books. Why? Because there is so much to process and, quite frankly, sometimes the information would be too much for my mortal mind to retain all at once. In fact, I had to take a break from Dance and read a couple YA books, because YA novels are quick, mostly lighthearted, and easy to read. Then I was able to go back to Dance and finish.
I applaud Martin's view that a fantasy series should have more than just a plot line. The politics, the real life consequences of the characters' actions, and the fact that there's no true good or evil but people just wanting to get by with what they have. I bet even the Others have no "evil" intention. Ambition, loyalty, love of family and friends, honor, truthfulness, cruelty, shrewdness, revenge, hatred, all these traits, and more, are only a part of what makes ASOIAF as great as it is.
But, for the love of your fans, so they stay sane and entertained, please don't add any more POV characters and please, PLEASE, tone down on the details and repetition. Or I swear, I think I'll go as crazy as Reek and begin to rhyme myself. *shudders*
Written in My Own Heart's Blood by Diana Gabaldon
4.0
3.5 Stars
***Will Write A Longer Review Soon***
Definitely better than the previous two books and much more enjoyable, though I'm still slightly piqued at the addition of two more plots (William and Lord John's, and Denny and Dottie's, even if the latter was featured less than the former). It is still not as good as the first three, though I did find Drums of Autumn fairly enjoyable, but I'm hooked into the story anyway and I might as well finish with it.
Edit 5/29/2017
As I said previously, this was more enjoyable than the previous two installments and I must say it has redeemed the series in my eyes. It didn't feel as drawn out, though I wish she had focused less on William and Lord John and more on Roger and Brianna (although the ending was definitely interesting).
While I do enjoy reading about the former, I feel like Gabaldon is deviating from the original storyline far more than I appreciate. However, her writing is still addicting and I can't help but feel impatient because I know the next book will not be released this year (or so it says on her website).
This is my guilty pleasure series as it has every genre of literature that I enjoy. Seriously. I also admire Gabaldon's ability to keep her readers hooked, even if they wish she could write faster. ;)
***Will Write A Longer Review Soon***
Definitely better than the previous two books and much more enjoyable, though I'm still slightly piqued at the addition of two more plots (William and Lord John's, and Denny and Dottie's, even if the latter was featured less than the former). It is still not as good as the first three, though I did find Drums of Autumn fairly enjoyable, but I'm hooked into the story anyway and I might as well finish with it.
Edit 5/29/2017
As I said previously, this was more enjoyable than the previous two installments and I must say it has redeemed the series in my eyes. It didn't feel as drawn out, though I wish she had focused less on William and Lord John and more on Roger and Brianna (although the ending was definitely interesting).
While I do enjoy reading about the former, I feel like Gabaldon is deviating from the original storyline far more than I appreciate. However, her writing is still addicting and I can't help but feel impatient because I know the next book will not be released this year (or so it says on her website).
This is my guilty pleasure series as it has every genre of literature that I enjoy. Seriously. I also admire Gabaldon's ability to keep her readers hooked, even if they wish she could write faster. ;)
Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan
5.0
Okay, its rare for me to find a book that I've enjoyed THIS much. I mean, I enjoy most of the books I've read, barring the occasional novel that just didn't fit for me. However, I am really kind of obsessed and I cannot wait until the sequel comes out.
I had originally read the Mistborn series (still need to finish that sequel trilogy), and after realizing that Sanderson was in the same group of authors as Sullivan, I thought I'd give this a try.
I am so glad I did. I have not read any of his other works, but I think I might just have to before the next novel comes out.
So much for my promise to finish all the other series I've started before beginning another. :P
I had originally read the Mistborn series (still need to finish that sequel trilogy), and after realizing that Sanderson was in the same group of authors as Sullivan, I thought I'd give this a try.
I am so glad I did. I have not read any of his other works, but I think I might just have to before the next novel comes out.
So much for my promise to finish all the other series I've started before beginning another. :P
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two by J.K. Rowling
3.0
THREE AND A HALF STARS
So, I have been so out of the loop with everything Harry Potter. That being said, I was a die hard fan from the beginning. But when the seventh book was published and the excitement faded away, I was content. I've reread the books countless times, have watched the movies many times, and my love hasn't faded.
However, I am mildly disappointed that Rowling published the script to the play. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" should have stuck to the stage, because I see how the play would succeed. (I have not read the reviews for it yet but I imagine any lover of HP would enjoy it.) I don't think it was necessary to expand on the timeline of Harry Potter any further; Pottermore was more than enough in my opinion.
My overall verdict: meh. It was a fun read, quick and easy, but it wasn't necessary.
Harry had his time. Now he deserves to rest.
So, I have been so out of the loop with everything Harry Potter. That being said, I was a die hard fan from the beginning. But when the seventh book was published and the excitement faded away, I was content. I've reread the books countless times, have watched the movies many times, and my love hasn't faded.
However, I am mildly disappointed that Rowling published the script to the play. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" should have stuck to the stage, because I see how the play would succeed. (I have not read the reviews for it yet but I imagine any lover of HP would enjoy it.) I don't think it was necessary to expand on the timeline of Harry Potter any further; Pottermore was more than enough in my opinion.
My overall verdict: meh. It was a fun read, quick and easy, but it wasn't necessary.
Harry had his time. Now he deserves to rest.
Shadowmarch by Tad Williams
3.0
3.5 Stars
Original, well-written, and imaginative, Williams does an excellent job at building up the plot. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed his writing. Thankfully I don't have to wait for the next book - I bought all four on a whim (My originals are MIA).
Original, well-written, and imaginative, Williams does an excellent job at building up the plot. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed his writing. Thankfully I don't have to wait for the next book - I bought all four on a whim (My originals are MIA).