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peppypenguin's reviews
207 reviews
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
4.0
I have to say that I, surprisingly, enjoyed this book! Of course I wouldn't say it's a literary masterpiece, but it was a fun, action packed, fast-paced read that kept me interested the whole time. I love the connection the author provides the readers to Thomas, and I love the entire concept. Most of all I love that by the end of it everything made sense, even though nothing was completely solved (hence the sequels). Perhaps four stars seems rather high, but I'm rating it for what it is: a quick read for teens. I'm past those years and this book still kept me up thinking at night. Overall I enjoyed this book and I hope that the sequel will not disappoint. :)
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
5.0
Wow. How do I begin? Reading this book was, to me, like taking a leisurely stroll through a museum. Each chapter was a work of art, so intricate and detailed and beautiful. Each piece is connected in various ways, and though there is underlying mystery by the end of it you come out with an understanding and sense of completion. Morgenstern's writing is absolutely amazing. I was so enthralled with each chapter, that I pulled out the book every chance I got. The book is beautiful but it is a slow read: I appreciated each beauty at intervals, taking it chapter by chapter and pausing in between. Except for when I reached the end, as I'm the kind of person who gets a sudden rush at that point, I feel like this is perhaps the best way to read the book. I enjoyed the characters and the choice of timeline and way of presenting the story. I think the strength comes from this beauty I've been describing, as well as the entire idea and world that the author presents. This book is most certainly worth a read, though it should be said that this isn't for those who are looking for a romance or adventure novel. I recommend it for those who read for the appreciation of reading, and especially for those who enjoyed being whisked away from their daily lives into fantastical worlds that keep you dreaming long after the last page has been read and the book firmly shut.
The Martian by Andy Weir
3.0
Definitely a really interesting book. The science was fascinating and Mark is a funny, light-hearted narrator. My problem was I felt every single character was very two-dimensional, and despite the fact that it's a suspenseful, epic story of survival, I didn't feel tired along with the character by the end of it, and sometimes the science just got tedious because I felt it replaced a lot of possibly interesting psychological depth. Like Mark as narrator did not change his tone at all the entire time he was trapped, and given that it was over a year I find it impossible that it wouldn't have changed even in the slightest. The last bit of the optimistic view of humanity was nice, but to be honest, it felt very slapped on at the end, and I would venture to say it was almost childish. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this, but I think it was lacking some depth.
The Girls by Lori Lansens
4.0
A truly beautiful story that I had a very difficult time putting down. It's heartbreaking and inspiring, and I felt like Rose and Ruby were so REAL. Admittedly the story is told a little messily, but it still manages to work really well, and I think it only makes it feel more real. Strongly recommend.
Babel-17/Empire Star by Samuel R. Delany
5.0
Both these stories are an absolute must read for any lover of the science-fiction genre, or even anyone who enjoys intelligent, well-written, thought provoking literature.
More Than This by Patrick Ness
5.0
This book kept me on the edge and guessing nearly the entire time.
The story was told magnificently, it as well-written, the characters were well thought-out, the theme and philosophy was woven in perfectly, and I enjoyed how self-aware it was as a novel.
It dragged a touch but not in a a way that was unenjoyable. I think it cut itself off at just the right moments. The author did an amazing job at setting the scene, building up suspense, and delivering startling developments that did not come without some foreshadowing. I enjoyed the philosophy and how it was delivered through the characters, and felt the ending was satisfying.
I strongly recommend this book.
The story was told magnificently, it as well-written, the characters were well thought-out, the theme and philosophy was woven in perfectly, and I enjoyed how self-aware it was as a novel.
It dragged a touch but not in a a way that was unenjoyable. I think it cut itself off at just the right moments. The author did an amazing job at setting the scene, building up suspense, and delivering startling developments that did not come without some foreshadowing. I enjoyed the philosophy and how it was delivered through the characters, and felt the ending was satisfying.
I strongly recommend this book.
Would You Kill the Fat Man?: The Trolley Problem and What Your Answer Tells Us about Right and Wrong by David Edmonds
4.0
This book is really great because it takes a rather complicated topic of discussion in philosophy and renders it completely understandable for the average person, who can then join the debate themselves. It provided history and good, relevant examples, even if they're a little old. I think it did a fairly good job of remaining unbiased: some will likely consider it as going around in circles but I think it's a good thing that it never settled. If you're interested in ethics and philosophy, I really recommend this one.
Church Of Marvels by Leslie Parry
4.0
Like reading a beautiful nightmare. It's not for the faint of heart that's for sure. However, it's extremely well-written, and though I won't spoil how, the author is very good at revealing shocking twists and turns. Very much worth the read.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
5.0
I absolutely fell in love with this book. There is nothing I did not love about it.
The characters are so real and interesting, the plot is exquisitely simple to follow yet very intricate, and the writing style is immensely enjoyable because it's written in a way where there is a surprise at every turn. It is simple to read but also does not treat the reader like they don't have a mind of their own; the story is laced with bigger themes and philosophical musing to leave the reader contemplating even afterward.
This book really is a masterpiece; I can't rave about it enough. True it is rather long and very detailed, but reaching the end I couldn't help but really feel I'd been along for a true ride, and it really is very, very, very, satisfying.
The characters are so real and interesting, the plot is exquisitely simple to follow yet very intricate, and the writing style is immensely enjoyable because it's written in a way where there is a surprise at every turn. It is simple to read but also does not treat the reader like they don't have a mind of their own; the story is laced with bigger themes and philosophical musing to leave the reader contemplating even afterward.
This book really is a masterpiece; I can't rave about it enough. True it is rather long and very detailed, but reaching the end I couldn't help but really feel I'd been along for a true ride, and it really is very, very, very, satisfying.
Magic Knight Rayearth: Omnibus by CLAMP
5.0
Nostalgia!!!!!!!
I actually watched the anime before reading this manga years ago.
I think the anime goes into more depth and detail and that in some ways it's better than the manga.
But the art in the manga is so fantastic, and though the story is more simple I still have a huge soft spot for it. The simplicity is even endearing in its own way. And this is the original story, and I still am absolutely in love with the whole idea, no matter how cheesy and old it may be.
I actually watched the anime before reading this manga years ago.
I think the anime goes into more depth and detail and that in some ways it's better than the manga.
But the art in the manga is so fantastic, and though the story is more simple I still have a huge soft spot for it. The simplicity is even endearing in its own way. And this is the original story, and I still am absolutely in love with the whole idea, no matter how cheesy and old it may be.