Scan barcode
peppypenguin's reviews
209 reviews
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.
Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight
4.0
I like that this book is more than just about the mystery of the baby. It's an intense look at motherhood, at familial and community relationships, about love. The plot was definitely intense, very well-weaved, and certainly well-written. It rounded together nicely at the end. Along the way there were some twists and turns I didn't expect, but at the same time there were some things I did. Overall I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it, not necessarily because of the mystery and wonderful twists and turns, but because of its characters and look at very human flaws
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
5.0
God this book was so intriguing! I'll never look at the Wizard of Oz in the same way again.
First of all, it's extremely well written. Everything just flows and sometimes it's almost like poetry.
The characters are very interesting and well developed. I wouldn't say there's character growth: this isn't a typical fantasy story where everyone turns for the better in the end. But they are certainly realistic, even in a setting so different from our own.
Elphaba's story is beautiful and tragic. Her strong will is so admirable and despite her shortcomings I think the author does a very good job of making the reader feel for her. The summary on the back says the book makes you question the nature of good and evil. Not only is this concept represented in the character herself and the events surrounding her, but there are actually philosophical musings on the subject that the author writes out as being present in Elphaba's thoughts. This my bother some people depending on the reader. Personally I found it added more depth and interest to the story. And it certainly gave more meaning to the end of the Witch's tale.
I think the end went by a little fast. One things kept happening right after the other in a ridiculous frenzy. But I think maybe this is done to represent the Witch's state of mind at the time, to make things chaotic.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I would strongly recommend it to anyone.
I'm almost tempted to read the original Wizard of Oz just to compare it to the original story. And I look forward to seeing the musical and what lighthearted twist they take on the story.
First of all, it's extremely well written. Everything just flows and sometimes it's almost like poetry.
The characters are very interesting and well developed. I wouldn't say there's character growth: this isn't a typical fantasy story where everyone turns for the better in the end. But they are certainly realistic, even in a setting so different from our own.
Elphaba's story is beautiful and tragic. Her strong will is so admirable and despite her shortcomings I think the author does a very good job of making the reader feel for her. The summary on the back says the book makes you question the nature of good and evil. Not only is this concept represented in the character herself and the events surrounding her, but there are actually philosophical musings on the subject that the author writes out as being present in Elphaba's thoughts. This my bother some people depending on the reader. Personally I found it added more depth and interest to the story. And it certainly gave more meaning to the end of the Witch's tale.
I think the end went by a little fast. One things kept happening right after the other in a ridiculous frenzy. But I think maybe this is done to represent the Witch's state of mind at the time, to make things chaotic.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I would strongly recommend it to anyone.
I'm almost tempted to read the original Wizard of Oz just to compare it to the original story. And I look forward to seeing the musical and what lighthearted twist they take on the story.
The Death Cure by James Dashner
4.0
WHAT A THRILL! Literally read to in one sitting because I couldn't put it down! A little predictable, maybe a little less in depth than it could have been, and I wish Teresa's character had been explored some more, but the conclusion to the trilogy is satisfying enough, and the journey there was fantastic! It's a great fast paced read, as I've said before, and I look forward to reading more from the author.
The Quick by Lauren Owen
4.0
I really did enjoy this book in the end. At first I had my misgivings, mainly because I wasn't sure I liked where the book was heading. It was fairly slow to start, and it introduced character back stories I weren't sure we're absolutely necessary. However, by the end, it all came together nicely, and those I thought weren't important added an interesting element to the story.
I do have to admit that even at the very end, I didn't care too much for the characters. I liked them, all of them, but I didn't necessarily care how their stories ended. Usually my heart is racing as I finish a book, and I'm just dying to see if the fictional people I've fallen in love with survive. Not with this one. I cared, but not as much as I usually do.
Overall the book was masterfully put together. I don't think it's easy to blend different points of view together, but I think the choice in voices and the way they were pieced together was excellent.
I would definitely recommend this book. It's slow to start but it certainly picks up and grabs you by the end.
I do have to admit that even at the very end, I didn't care too much for the characters. I liked them, all of them, but I didn't necessarily care how their stories ended. Usually my heart is racing as I finish a book, and I'm just dying to see if the fictional people I've fallen in love with survive. Not with this one. I cared, but not as much as I usually do.
Overall the book was masterfully put together. I don't think it's easy to blend different points of view together, but I think the choice in voices and the way they were pieced together was excellent.
I would definitely recommend this book. It's slow to start but it certainly picks up and grabs you by the end.
Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff
4.0
One of my friends recently got me into strong female character comics. If that's your cup of tea, them you'll definitely love this book. The characters are charming, and there's a... Quaintness I suppose, to the entire thing. Overall it's action packed, fun, and there's a lot of character growth for the lieutenant. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope to read more very soon!
The Eye of Minds by James Dashner
2.0
As usual Dashner is a master at simple writing that gets your blood pumping. His action scenes are well written and he's very good at suspense with plots that only reveal themselves last minute. Michael is a very interesting character, and the whole book universe is very interesting.
That being said, I just wasn't feeling it for this one. I saw the ending coming a mile away, and it lacked the level of excitement that the Maze Runner series had. Edit: I can now put my finger on something I had trouble expressing; that it followed a very basic almost RPG scenario, which is fine and even cool considering the universe of the book, but it wasn't a very innovative way to go about it, and it turned the suspense of finding out what the truth is into slight annoyance.
Overall I don't think it was bad at all; on many levels it was good and I fully intend to read the rest. It just wasn't as good in my opinion.
Edit: The problem with reviewing a book right away is that you're very high off the thrill of having just finished it. Usually the basic opinion you have of it stays the same, but sometimes... It doesn't. I still stand by the fact that this was a decent book and a fun read, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I really have no desire to read the rest of the series, which is a first for me because usually I like to finish what I started. That's why I had to change my 3 stars to two. I just can't help comparing it to the maze runner series, and after having read some good books, unfortunately this one really doesn't compare.
That being said, I just wasn't feeling it for this one. I saw the ending coming a mile away, and it lacked the level of excitement that the Maze Runner series had. Edit: I can now put my finger on something I had trouble expressing; that it followed a very basic almost RPG scenario, which is fine and even cool considering the universe of the book, but it wasn't a very innovative way to go about it, and it turned the suspense of finding out what the truth is into slight annoyance.
Overall I don't think it was bad at all; on many levels it was good and I fully intend to read the rest. It just wasn't as good in my opinion.
Edit: The problem with reviewing a book right away is that you're very high off the thrill of having just finished it. Usually the basic opinion you have of it stays the same, but sometimes... It doesn't. I still stand by the fact that this was a decent book and a fun read, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I really have no desire to read the rest of the series, which is a first for me because usually I like to finish what I started. That's why I had to change my 3 stars to two. I just can't help comparing it to the maze runner series, and after having read some good books, unfortunately this one really doesn't compare.
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo
5.0
This turned out to be so different from what I expected!
This may sound strange, but it actually reminded me of a sort of mature version of Spirited Away.
I love the use of the ideas of the afterlife. I loved the main character, and found all the others very intriguing to say the least.
And I think the ending was very satisfying and true to the character, for which there was plenty of development throughout the novel.
I think the beginning and end felt a little long and drawn out, but by the end I felt completely satisfied.
It's very interesting and very much worth the read.
This may sound strange, but it actually reminded me of a sort of mature version of Spirited Away.
I love the use of the ideas of the afterlife. I loved the main character, and found all the others very intriguing to say the least.
And I think the ending was very satisfying and true to the character, for which there was plenty of development throughout the novel.
I think the beginning and end felt a little long and drawn out, but by the end I felt completely satisfied.
It's very interesting and very much worth the read.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
4.0
At first I was a bit concerned about the writing style, but then I started to think of it as being told a story by a fire sort of thing... And I started to enjoy it even more.
It really is a fantastic tale with an interesting cast of characters. I can't say I had a favourite among them, but their tale really was worth reading.
Overall I think it was a very good worthwhile read.
It really is a fantastic tale with an interesting cast of characters. I can't say I had a favourite among them, but their tale really was worth reading.
Overall I think it was a very good worthwhile read.