ninetalevixen's reviews
2011 reviews

Moving Pictures by Terry Pratchett

3.0

As always, the premise is brilliant and funny and satirical and all that; I was delighted to recognize so many references and identify so much tongue-in-cheek social commentary. So I have to admit that I was somewhat disappointed not to have enjoyed this more, due to wholly subjective reasons: (ironically) forgettable protagonists, an amorphous/ vague Big Bad, the general atmosphere. 

Swamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvater

3.0

Maybe (Western) comics just aren't really my thing? The story is entertaining enough but I didn't find it all that profound or resonant; I also didn't vibe with the art style, though of course that's a completely subjective experience.

Impossible To Forget by Imogen Clark
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.

The main thing is that I'm just not a fan of the writing style, which feels overly showy and dramatic; since I'm not (yet) invested in any of the characters from the opening chapter, the immediate jump to a flashback was off-putting on its own — even aside from how Angie is portrayed to be rude bordering on mean (and not in a way that could reasonably be explained away by "just made a bad first impression").

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.

I may watch the TV show then try the book again. (Don't @ me, this works for me sometimes, okay.) But currently I'm just overwhelmed and confused, since in the opening three chapters we've visited three different time periods with three different POV characters; I have no idea what's happening or who I should be paying attention and/or getting attached to, and little interest in pushing through to find out.

(Also, I know that 6% may look like I haven't given this book much of a chance, so I'd just like to point out that she is thicc.)

Beneath Black Sails by Clare Sager
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.

 This was on my TBR because I've been actively looking for New Adult protagonists outside the Romance genre — nothing against Romance, I'm just not often in the mood for it —and I was intrigued by the combination of pirates and faeries. But this is much heavier on the (heteronormative, innuendo-laden) romance than I was hoping for; I also find the protagonists irritatingly arrogant and I'm not all that convinced about their chemistry. 

Summer Sons by Lee Mandelo
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

I should stop picking up books just because ellias compares them to The Raven Cycle. Like, I already knew that I have a very low tolerance for horror, and I'm not all that into the Southern Gothic aesthetic. The writing style also felt too dense, though that may just be a mismatch with my mood at the time. 

Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire

4.5

This is certainly distinct from the previous books, atmospherically if not (entirely) thematically. It was lovely to get a chance to connect with Cora as a protagonist, along with

Sumi and Regan

, and to see a very different perspective on the doors and childhood.

The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale

4.0

This was just what I needed after a string of DNFs: a cute, casually diverse romp of a romcom with strong familial and platonic relationships. (Rita's doggos are particularly adorable too!) The endgame/ main romance is one that I rooted for from start to end; despite the premise and synopsis, it didn't feel like a love triangle so much as a second-chance romance that passes through star-crossed lovers. I appreciated that the broad strokes of the narrative generally played out as expected, while there were some small surprises in the details, making for a comfortable but not boring read.

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CONVERSION : 11.5 / 15 = 4 stars

Prose: 6 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 8 / 10
Emotional Impact: 7 / 10
Development / Flow: 6 / 10
Setting: 8 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: 5 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 4 / 5 

Chronicles of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.

Honestly, I just do not care about these random Avonlea inhabitants whom we've never met or even heard of before, so it was pretty much impossible for me to get invested in this collection of short stories. 

A Bond Undone: The Definitive Edition by Gigi Chang, Jin Yong

4.0

I received an advance copy from St. Martin's Press through a Goodreads giveaway; all opinions are my own and honest.

Oh, I liked this so much more than the first book. I'm not quite sure whether it's because I was already attached to the characters, or I preferred this translator, or the pacing/plot was more interesting in this one, or maybe all of the above. But in any case, this was engaging and exciting, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

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CONVERSION: 11.07 / 15 = 4 stars

Prose: 6 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 8 / 10
Emotional Impact: 6 / 10
Development / Flow: 8 / 10
Setting: 9 / 10

Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 4 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: N/A
Rereadability: 4 / 5
Memorability: 3 / 5