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one4ale's reviews
78 reviews
The Metamorphoses Of Ovid by Ovid
4.0
A very interesting, and surprisingly deeply romantic, depiction of change and human relationships.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
4.0
4.5 stars
A fun and fulfilling read, no fat and all story. I think that's one of the book's best strengths, that it never feels contrived or meanders around a plot point for the sake of dragging it out. This can be read in one sitting and you'd be engaged the whole way through.
I really liked the concept of the Labyrinth, and the worldbuilding in this is similarly well done. My issue with this, and why it's not a 5,
A fun and fulfilling read, no fat and all story. I think that's one of the book's best strengths, that it never feels contrived or meanders around a plot point for the sake of dragging it out. This can be read in one sitting and you'd be engaged the whole way through.
I really liked the concept of the Labyrinth, and the worldbuilding in this is similarly well done. My issue with this, and why it's not a 5,
Spoiler
is that the Halls didn't really feel explored. They could've been a real alt-dimension or a hallucination and it wouldn't have changed much. The rituals and magic regarding it all are hardly explored either. It makes it feel like a secondary aspect of the story instead of the focal point.
The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
4.0
4.5 stars.
I know I was a child when I read this but how did I not see the obvious twists the first time around? That being said, it was still fun to read now older and I think anyone could enjoy this for some quick entertainment. The audiobook VA was really good, and so was the sound design.
I know I was a child when I read this but how did I not see the obvious twists the first time around? That being said, it was still fun to read now older and I think anyone could enjoy this for some quick entertainment. The audiobook VA was really good, and so was the sound design.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
4.0
Just barely a four. Definitely gonna pick up the sequels.
The good:
- Great worldbuilding, it really feels fleshed out.
- The magic system is interesting.
- The characters are endearing, the main plot is engaging.
- Entertaining and a fast paced read, but not rushed.
The bad:
- A lot of plotlines go nowhere, like the possessed plague.
- Some of the fights end anticlimactically.
- Can get tropey at times.
The good:
- Great worldbuilding, it really feels fleshed out.
- The magic system is interesting.
- The characters are endearing, the main plot is engaging.
- Entertaining and a fast paced read, but not rushed.
The bad:
Spoiler
- Any magic besides Blood and Bone is very underused.- A lot of plotlines go nowhere, like the possessed plague.
- Some of the fights end anticlimactically.
- Can get tropey at times.
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett
4.0
Great novella for a quick read, had a lot of fun reading/listening to it. The audiobook cast was incredible. It’s got a lot for fans of the original, but doesn’t rely on its fame. I do like that the mystery isn’t a typical murder, so it feels fresh.
The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett
5.0
This was so, so incredible that I still can't believe it. Just when I think I have it all figured out she pulls it out from under me! There were like 3 shocking twists in this that made me have to marinate in it for a bit. The ending was completely satisfying, and thoroughly wrapped up. I guessed a few of the final reveals, but it really was all in front of me the whole time I can't believe how obvious it is now. Perfect!
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
4.0
Touching, well written, and engaging to read. I don't remember a single male character in this book who wasn't either mentally unwell or did something morally dubious. I love the human condition! Great read for fans of alternating storylines and large casts.
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
4.0
Another “cozy” read, not much mystery but nonetheless enjoyable. I’d say it’s equal parts plot and character focused, and since I like reading about crime and getting old there was lots here. Good plot, good characters, good ending, good jokes and emotional beats.
My only real complaint is that there isn’t a lot of tension in the book; everything really all goes well for everyone and there wasn’t a moment I felt like things wouldn’t end in the best, mickey mouse way for everyone. It doesn’t ruin it, but it does make the book feel like it’d be best read in one or two shots as a relaxant.
My only real complaint is that there isn’t a lot of tension in the book; everything really all goes well for everyone and there wasn’t a moment I felt like things wouldn’t end in the best, mickey mouse way for everyone. It doesn’t ruin it, but it does make the book feel like it’d be best read in one or two shots as a relaxant.