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slowreaderpeter's Reviews (208)
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Babel is a wholly unique book. I’ve never encountered a fictional work quite like it. This was absolutely beautiful to read, as well as informative, devastating, intricate, intimate, clever, and made you think deeply. It is thematically diverse and yet so focused at the same time. Truly taking a holistic approach to the evils of capitalism, racism and colonialism, sexism, the destructive and toxic natures of academia, abuse, etc. Babel makes it abundantly clear they are all interconnected and systemic. I cannot recommend this book enough. Kuang truly outdid herself with this one.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
No spoilers, but an opening disclaimer: the author used AI to write the poetry that is written in this book. He is up front about training an AI in poetry from two ancient Chinese poets. The use of AI might not bother everyone, but it did me. Had I known this before getting the book for Christmas, I would not have gotten/read it.
This book was a bit messy, in part from the strategy the author used to write it, in part from the story just being messy to begin with. The final quarter or so of the book is the best part, but also drastically different from the first three quarters.
I cannot really say I recommend this book. Messy narrative, messy execution, and I personally don’t like AI being involved in the writing process, even if only selectively. It was not a bad book, not at all. But it wasn’t particularly great and had things stacked against it. Do with that what you will.
This book was a bit messy, in part from the strategy the author used to write it, in part from the story just being messy to begin with. The final quarter or so of the book is the best part, but also drastically different from the first three quarters.
I cannot really say I recommend this book. Messy narrative, messy execution, and I personally don’t like AI being involved in the writing process, even if only selectively. It was not a bad book, not at all. But it wasn’t particularly great and had things stacked against it. Do with that what you will.
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
I’m honestly not quite sure how to review The High Auction. This is truly a unique book. Definitely going to read the sequel though.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
A Desolation Called Peace is a fascinating look at language, in a sci-fi context, as well as examining society through individual vs collective notions, as well as individual AND/AS collectives. This is a truly interesting and engaging read, and a brilliant sequel to A Memory Called Empire.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
A Memory Called Empire is a truly fascinating read. The concept of passing down memories through generations isn’t necessarily unique, but the way this story handles them is. How it questions morality and immortality and how those notions are interpreted by different peoples are cultures. Then to wrap all that around a murder-mystery and massive political intrigue, had me hooked the entire story. I thoroughly recommend this book, but totally understand it’s probably not for those who aren’t big into science fiction already.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
The Shadow of the Gods is a phenomenal read! Great fantasy with Norse and Scandinavian inspiration, but making something wholly its own at the same time. Sometimes first entries into these epic fantasy stories feel like they are giant prequels, rather than first entries. This felt like a proper first entry, while also setting up things to really build and grow in subsequent books. I’m very excited to continue with this series!
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character