pertinent_sonder's reviews
43 reviews

The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I Sold My Life for Ten Thousand Yen per Year, Vol. 3 by Shouichi Taguchi, Sugaru Miaki

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

i found the story interesting in the beginning. however, as it progressed, i didn't feel like it drew me in any further. it's short and quite fast-paced, but it also felt like not much actually happened, sort of like it went by in a blur.
i liked the premise, but I don't think i ever felt connected to the characters in any way. 
overall, I'd say that it was pretty average. it didn't feel very profound or reflective. i wouldn't think of recommending it to someone, and won't re-read it either. 

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Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

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challenging dark reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


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Coraline by Neil Gaiman

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

It's fascinating to me how Rick Riordan manages to make me laugh even in the most tense parts of his books. 
Apollo's character is really interesting. In the beginning he's pretty stuck up and self-centred. Soon though, he comes to terms with the mistakes he's made and the defects in his character. It's a pretty face-paced book and is only the first of a series, so I'm eager to see how this character arc proceeds.
All I can say for Meg right now is that she's cute and I hope she finds lovable people at CHB!


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Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

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slow-paced
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

I didn't like many things in this book, so let's start with what I did like. Meyer's writing itself is very good. She has this pleasantly descriptive writing style, suitable for a romance book. 
The plot, however, I didn't like. It felt like I was chasing a climax throughout the entire book. I'd always expect something plot-twist-like happening, only to be let down. I even made up a term for it, climax-baiting. 
The romance... where was it? It seemed to me that Bella and Edward were only physically attracted to each other (inspite of their "sexual and romantic attraction go hand-in-hand for me" discussion). 
Don't even let me get started on why the entire premise of a 100-something y/o vampire lusting for a 17 y/o's blood and falling in love with her is wrong. And that's BESIDES his stalking and possessiveness.
I finished the book, but didn't feel like it. Not in a good way. More like a "there was nothing to miss" kind of way.
The last 100 or so pages were intriguing. The first 300-odd were plain boring and at points frustrating.

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Transformed: The Perils of the Frog Prince by Megan Morrison

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adventurous inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Aaand Morrison has done it again. 
This book probably has the most delightful character development so far in the series. And I love good cahracter arcs.
Syrah starts off as an arrogant... well, jerk. He doesn't want to accept responsibility, neither for work nor for his mistakes. 
As he progresses through the story, trying to uncover the mystery behind the plague and
poisoning of the Governor,
he starts seeing things with a more mature mindset. Frequently, he asks himself, "Why was I like that?" something most young people can probably relate to on some level.
The supporting characters are amazing and loveable. The blossoming of Syrah and Harrow's friendship is truly endearing. 
Morrison uses the story of the Frog Prince to address the pertinent issue of the merits of democracy by encouraging the reader to dwell on it's different facets.
I really like how Morrison doesn't write to convince readers of one set opinion, but to encourage them to expand their view. A great message for not only young kids still figuring out the world, but also for adults who sometimes forget to change their perspective.
This book series has quickly climbed my list of favourite book series. Until the next one comes out, I'll be convincing everyone who'll listen to give these a try.

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