raphthebard's reviews
30 reviews

Babel by R.F. Kuang

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challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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

Easily one of the best books I've ever read. Made me cry for a ridiculous amount of time, and I never usually cry at books. It's deeply informative, has a slow and deep world-building and simple fantasy elements. The characters were so easy to empathise with and each had their own clear motives and arcs. The ending is one of the best in any fiction I've read, the way it bought out the most visceral feelings from my heart. Don't listen to the people who rate this one star, because honestly it is really good. All hail Miss Kuang and thanks Ren for reccomending it for me.
4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane

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dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This play is a masterpiece. It was truly one of the most piercing and heart-rending pieces of literature I've ever read. In only 43 pages, a very personal and subjective narrative on depression is shown, a shocking yet intruiging narrative. Kane was a master of in-yer-face theatre, even prevailing her in her final play. 
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Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 2—Battle Tendency, Vol. 3 by Hirohiko Araki

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adventurous dark funny mysterious sad 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

4.75

This volume is just amazing, nothing else more to say. Again, I've already watched the anime before reading this, so I knew what was going to happen. That did NOT mean I wouldn't be emotional, because I still was. The part where
Ceasar dies and the reaction of Joseph and Lisa Lisa to the death
is one of the most fundamentally emotional and beautiful moments in Jojo and manga in general. I'm unashamed at the fact I cried for a really unnecessary amount of time over it when watching the anime, because Araki's storytelling and the character development is so well done, making me adore the characters. Please watch or read Jojo if you're into anime, it has itself a weird reputation but it's so worth it.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 3—Stardust Crusaders, Vol. 1 by Hirohiko Araki

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adventurous lighthearted 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? No

4.5

Araki is a master at storytelling and art, I think that's an obvious point. I've watched the anime before starting to collect some of the manga. You know a series is good if I can read through it, even though I know what's going to happen, and still engage with it. The characters, while balanced, are still loveable, and the change in plot from the last two parts sets a high precedent for the rest of Jojo's. Part 3, undoubtedly, is a fan-favourite part, and I can see why.
The Fountain by Kent Williams, Jared K. Fletcher, Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel

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emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book was a brilliant read. As a fan of manga and graphic novels, I've read this book multiple times to truly appreciate the artistry, I love the switching styles in between settings. The story was emotional, made even more so by the art. Overall, I would very much recommend this book to anyone.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu

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informative fast-paced

3.5

Picked this up from an Oxfam as a quick read to get me from my reading slump, it did the job well. While, obviously, some things are outdated, it's still quite informative and I felt I've learned a lot.
Taking Care of Baby by Dennis Kelly

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dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.5

I had to read this play so I can do a monologue in my theatre lesson, it was an exciting but sad read. Will definitely read again so I can come up with a conclusion myself, as it's very ambiguous. 
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Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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

4.75

One of my favourite books ever written, and I say that with my full chest. I first got this book during lockdown, after watching the miniseries on Amazon Prime. The book is just as funny and enjoyable to read as the show. Gaiman and Pratchett's ability to create a strong plot, loveable characters and an easy reading experience especially shines through in this book. This is probably the book I've read the quickest, I physically didn't want to put it down at some points because I was so absorbed in the world. Definitely a modern classic, I urge you to read this book if you haven't already because you are missing out. 
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

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

4.5

Definitely a classic that defines the human experience of greed and sin. With a very unique premise, Oscar Wilde excels at displaying his philosophies with his characters as the centre point. With reading this, you can really see the complexities and flaws of the characters, like Basil's obsession over his new-found muse, Henry's deep-rooted sinning and Dorian's vainness and the yearning to stay young forever. Two defining moments for me was when
Dorian first finds that his portrait is changing
and when
Basil was murdered.
Being my first classic, I did find it quite hard to read, but I eventually found a way to read it comfortably. This book resonates me and is my go-to book recommendation when someone wants to read a classic.  
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Thirteen Storeys by Jonathan Sims

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dark mysterious reflective slow-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

4.75

This book is probably one of the most enjoyable I've read. You find yourself being immersed in Banyan Court and it's uneasy atmosphere, and you find yourself rooting for the residents within the halls. I like how the horror portrays a reality for people living in dire situations, like it portrays the horror of capitalism and exploitation. Personally, I'm doing a re-read and post-noting it a lot, because i found the implementation of these themes to be truly intriguing. My personal favourite chapters were Inbox, A Stubborn Stain, and Round the Clock. Please read this book if you enjoy a set of cool, mysterious stories with enjoyable characters and concepts. 
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