robin_duguay's reviews
293 reviews

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

This book was a bit of a mess, but I enjoyed it. It doesn’t really know what it wants to be - part sci-fi, romance, political/spy thriller, comedy, social commentary. 

But I love the fact that the author developed a crush on a real-life polar explorer from a doomed expedition in the 1800s, transported him to our time, and brought him to life. 
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck

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challenging dark reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.5

We’re incapable of comprehending infinity. Somehow, Peck manages to convey even an inkling of its horror in just 100 pages. 
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

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challenging mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

3.75

Rabbits: A Novel by Terry Miles

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 41%.
DNF at 41% 

Exciting premise of a deadly, secret, worldwide game played by discovering anachronisms, coincidences, etc. Unfortunately, the author clearly isn’t the mastermind of such a game because they aren’t able to create compelling clues for the reader to follow. We’re told the game is fascinating and complex but this book sure isn’t. 

Spoiler rant - our main characters completely lost me when 
one of their good friends goes unresponsive for an extended period of time while researching this supposedly deadly game, and then they find him sitting like a zombie in his apartment watching some Slenderman-esque video on loop, having clearly not showered in days and so catatonic he’s even pissed himself repeatedly. Do they stay with their friend to make sure he’s okay, or get him to medical attention? Nah, they say take a shower and we’ll see you tomorrow, dude. Give you one guess how that goes.
Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5