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slowreaderpeter's Reviews (208)
challenging
medium-paced
This book was honestly quite frustrating, and I feel I’m gonna have trouble explaining why.
To me, this book at times felt like a complete idea with incomplete execution, and at other times an incomplete idea with completed execution. No part of it felt fully there. Some metaphors were almost there. Some elements were introduced to feel like a metaphor, but never materialized into anything.
The very idea of the story couldn’t decide what it was critiquing or commenting on, whether or was academia or prison labor or capitalism. And if it was going for all three, then none of them fully satisfied (though I suppose academia came the closest).
All-in-all, I cannot really say I’d recommend this to anyone. I think Samatar’s writing ability, from a technical aspect is quite good, and that is honestly doing a fair amount of heavy lifting for my review. If it weren’t for that, I would probably have gone for a 3 stars or lower.
I wanted desperately to like this, and ended up largely unsure of what to do with any of it.
To me, this book at times felt like a complete idea with incomplete execution, and at other times an incomplete idea with completed execution. No part of it felt fully there. Some metaphors were almost there. Some elements were introduced to feel like a metaphor, but never materialized into anything.
The very idea of the story couldn’t decide what it was critiquing or commenting on, whether or was academia or prison labor or capitalism. And if it was going for all three, then none of them fully satisfied (though I suppose academia came the closest).
All-in-all, I cannot really say I’d recommend this to anyone. I think Samatar’s writing ability, from a technical aspect is quite good, and that is honestly doing a fair amount of heavy lifting for my review. If it weren’t for that, I would probably have gone for a 3 stars or lower.
I wanted desperately to like this, and ended up largely unsure of what to do with any of it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Walking Practice is without a doubt one of the wildest books I’ve ever read. This was a TRIP!
We have here a horror-comedy, with some dark humor at that. It’s a trans allegory, about not feeling at home in your own body, not being sure of who you are or are supposed to be. We have a poignant dissection of anxiety and of physical disability, of sex work. And all of this wrapped up in a little novella about an alien refugee trapped on Earth. This was funny and sad and a wonderful time!
We have here a horror-comedy, with some dark humor at that. It’s a trans allegory, about not feeling at home in your own body, not being sure of who you are or are supposed to be. We have a poignant dissection of anxiety and of physical disability, of sex work. And all of this wrapped up in a little novella about an alien refugee trapped on Earth. This was funny and sad and a wonderful time!
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
This book was solid! Honestly better than I was expecting it to be. I always have a worry about a book not living up to the hype train it eventually lands on, and Legendborn ended up being a pleasant surprise.
Deonn’s writing was technically more proficient and sound than many YA books I have read in recent years. And she straddles the line pretty finely between holding your hand to provide information or context and letting you come to things on your own. There are some things that, due to unintentional bias and prejudice, some people just will not understand without having their hand held and led through things (in this case, many of the Black-centered elements of the story).
One of the things I did not like as much, or found lacking, was the depth and expansion of the world. While we are provided with a lot of context or exposition to fill in information about King Arthur, the round table, and the histories surrounding it to expand the magical world, the world the characters exist in felt rather small. We are in the town of Chapel Hill, and yet we see almost none of the town. They are on the UNC campus, and yet we don’t see or experience much of that except for the lawn/quad and one other location. Even Bree and Alice’s dorm doesn’t really seem to exist outside of their single bedroom. It would have been nice to feel that these various places and people exist outside of Bree and the immediate story, but as it ended up they really feel tied explicitly to Bree.
That said, I do think the focus on Bree and grief and themes surrounding being Black in traditionally white spaces came through phenomenally. For me, things really became much more interesting around halfway through (though I’ll keep that secret for spoilers sake).
All-in-all, this was a very solid book with some interesting thematic work and character work, but could have used a more expansive world, or one that was filled in a little more.
Deonn’s writing was technically more proficient and sound than many YA books I have read in recent years. And she straddles the line pretty finely between holding your hand to provide information or context and letting you come to things on your own. There are some things that, due to unintentional bias and prejudice, some people just will not understand without having their hand held and led through things (in this case, many of the Black-centered elements of the story).
One of the things I did not like as much, or found lacking, was the depth and expansion of the world. While we are provided with a lot of context or exposition to fill in information about King Arthur, the round table, and the histories surrounding it to expand the magical world, the world the characters exist in felt rather small. We are in the town of Chapel Hill, and yet we see almost none of the town. They are on the UNC campus, and yet we don’t see or experience much of that except for the lawn/quad and one other location. Even Bree and Alice’s dorm doesn’t really seem to exist outside of their single bedroom. It would have been nice to feel that these various places and people exist outside of Bree and the immediate story, but as it ended up they really feel tied explicitly to Bree.
That said, I do think the focus on Bree and grief and themes surrounding being Black in traditionally white spaces came through phenomenally. For me, things really became much more interesting around halfway through (though I’ll keep that secret for spoilers sake).
All-in-all, this was a very solid book with some interesting thematic work and character work, but could have used a more expansive world, or one that was filled in a little more.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
This was one of the most difficult, yet profound books I’ve ever read.
The style she writes in, and the perspectives she chooses to tell this story from, almost make the entire book all the more unsettling. As we follow the progression of Yeoung-hye through the eyes of others, only to see the flaws, warts, hopes, and depravity in each one.
At times I cannot tell you if I loved this book or absolutely hated every minute of it. But it is truly profound, I will definitely say that. And massive credit to the translator, Deborah Smith, for capturing the essence of the words across each page. For conveying them so well across languages.
(Edit: after a few weeks I have raised my rating from 4 to 5 stars)
The style she writes in, and the perspectives she chooses to tell this story from, almost make the entire book all the more unsettling. As we follow the progression of Yeoung-hye through the eyes of others, only to see the flaws, warts, hopes, and depravity in each one.
At times I cannot tell you if I loved this book or absolutely hated every minute of it. But it is truly profound, I will definitely say that. And massive credit to the translator, Deborah Smith, for capturing the essence of the words across each page. For conveying them so well across languages.
(Edit: after a few weeks I have raised my rating from 4 to 5 stars)
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
In terms of pure magic systems, this has to be one of the most unique and clever books I’ve read in a while. The idea of scriving, how it works, and the intricacies it can present are truly inventive as hell! Massive props to Robert Jackson Bennett.
Additionally, the pacing of this novel was phenomenal. It never really slowed down, but neither did it feel rushed or break-neck speed. It simply knew how to keep the story moving and progressing at an engaging rate. Something I don’t often see.
I think the biggest detractors, to me, were in some of the early descriptions in the book. Of objects or people. The words chosen often feel at times either blunt, insensitive, or intentionally “edgy,” as though a young author is trying to get attention. But once we get beyond those few moments and the narrative really finds its legs, it takes off running marvelously.
A very solid read, and one I definitely recommend!
Additionally, the pacing of this novel was phenomenal. It never really slowed down, but neither did it feel rushed or break-neck speed. It simply knew how to keep the story moving and progressing at an engaging rate. Something I don’t often see.
I think the biggest detractors, to me, were in some of the early descriptions in the book. Of objects or people. The words chosen often feel at times either blunt, insensitive, or intentionally “edgy,” as though a young author is trying to get attention. But once we get beyond those few moments and the narrative really finds its legs, it takes off running marvelously.
A very solid read, and one I definitely recommend!
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
This is a phenomenal and angering book. It is filled to the brim with micro-aggressions towards women. Macro-aggressions too, but especially the every day societal micro-aggressions that do such unrelenting damage. I would recommend this book to anyone, but can tragically see it going over the heads of many.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
tense
fast-paced
This book was genuinely a lot of fun! The beginning portion of the book was a bit messy, paced too quick to try and get through the introduction. But once we got to the main location of the story and settled in, the story and the writing found their groove.
Compared to a YA version of Babel set in Bletchley Park, with dragons, this is an immensely accurate description. A Language of Dragons tries its best not to skimp on theme or concept throughout, really breathing life into the world and mechanics of language it has built.
At times the main character, Vivien, feels overly ignorant or oblivious, and at other times it feels very natural. When you sit and think, or observe the state of the world, her reactions and actions often make total sense. They surprisingly believable.
All-in-all, this is a very accessible book that explores the power of language and the struggles to overcome propaganda and conditioning you’ve always known. I would definitely recommend this book.
Compared to a YA version of Babel set in Bletchley Park, with dragons, this is an immensely accurate description. A Language of Dragons tries its best not to skimp on theme or concept throughout, really breathing life into the world and mechanics of language it has built.
At times the main character, Vivien, feels overly ignorant or oblivious, and at other times it feels very natural. When you sit and think, or observe the state of the world, her reactions and actions often make total sense. They surprisingly believable.
All-in-all, this is a very accessible book that explores the power of language and the struggles to overcome propaganda and conditioning you’ve always known. I would definitely recommend this book.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This might be an unpopular opinion, but after reading the first three books of The Dandelion Dynasty, I believe The Veiled Throne is the best so far.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this book is its exploration of past and present, of interpretation of events across time and between different peoples. Seeing how parents or grandparents remember events and eras compared to how youth (can) look at a similar time, one they never experience, through rose-tinted glasses of a bygone era, a better one.
I also think the way this book examines the notion of “you don’t know until you know,” or “once you see you can’t unsee” something. Using these ideas to explore propaganda and censorship, or waking up from a propagandized state, but also of the greys that exist and often prevent strictly good or evil narratives.
Seeing how closely it draws inspiration from current or other historic events is truly impressive and, at times, a bit overwhelming when you can make the comparisons.
I’d say my biggest complain of this book is the length. I think there are prices in the first half that drag on too long. Not that they aren’t important, but they could have been trimmed down. As it was, I was losing steam before I hit the competition gave me a jolt of energy. I enjoyed the final third of the book probably more than the rest of it combined.
All-in-all, a great read and I cannot wait to finish the series.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this book is its exploration of past and present, of interpretation of events across time and between different peoples. Seeing how parents or grandparents remember events and eras compared to how youth (can) look at a similar time, one they never experience, through rose-tinted glasses of a bygone era, a better one.
I also think the way this book examines the notion of “you don’t know until you know,” or “once you see you can’t unsee” something. Using these ideas to explore propaganda and censorship, or waking up from a propagandized state, but also of the greys that exist and often prevent strictly good or evil narratives.
Seeing how closely it draws inspiration from current or other historic events is truly impressive and, at times, a bit overwhelming when you can make the comparisons.
I’d say my biggest complain of this book is the length. I think there are prices in the first half that drag on too long. Not that they aren’t important, but they could have been trimmed down. As it was, I was losing steam before I hit the competition gave me a jolt of energy. I enjoyed the final third of the book probably more than the rest of it combined.
All-in-all, a great read and I cannot wait to finish the series.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Okay, I found this book to be delightful, a bit of a mess, and with a bunch of promise for both the series and the author.
The first thing I’ll say is that of all the characters, only Eva is truly fleshed out and developed thoroughly. We have bits and pieces of other characters, but they all feel a bit “stand-in,” to some extent? Like, the family members feel a bit generic-y family based on tropes or archetypes, the various crew members largely feel like they’re just filling the role of “you are pilot, you are spunky best friend,” etc. Which doesn’t give us a whole lot of depth, but at least they are loosely established for hopefully more development later.
I also thought that occasionally the author would just sort of not explain things or describe them, which I found odd and a smidge frustrating. Throughout the book we are treated to a large variety of alien species, sometimes only in passing, others in more extended spurts. But for the most part they aren’t really described much. So, we know these aliens exist, but we don’t have a thorough understanding of what most of them look like. I also thought similar problems came up in moments of action, where the descriptions were just sort of lacking or incomplete, and it made situating action pieces and scenes to be challenging at times.
Now, all of that said, this was a fun book, and I felt the author actually had a lot of technically well-written moments. You can really see the promise in her ability to grow. The story never once slowed down, and a couple moments felt a bit nonsensical. But I had a very enjoyable time reading this book and definitely plan to continue on with the series.
The first thing I’ll say is that of all the characters, only Eva is truly fleshed out and developed thoroughly. We have bits and pieces of other characters, but they all feel a bit “stand-in,” to some extent? Like, the family members feel a bit generic-y family based on tropes or archetypes, the various crew members largely feel like they’re just filling the role of “you are pilot, you are spunky best friend,” etc. Which doesn’t give us a whole lot of depth, but at least they are loosely established for hopefully more development later.
I also thought that occasionally the author would just sort of not explain things or describe them, which I found odd and a smidge frustrating. Throughout the book we are treated to a large variety of alien species, sometimes only in passing, others in more extended spurts. But for the most part they aren’t really described much. So, we know these aliens exist, but we don’t have a thorough understanding of what most of them look like. I also thought similar problems came up in moments of action, where the descriptions were just sort of lacking or incomplete, and it made situating action pieces and scenes to be challenging at times.
Now, all of that said, this was a fun book, and I felt the author actually had a lot of technically well-written moments. You can really see the promise in her ability to grow. The story never once slowed down, and a couple moments felt a bit nonsensical. But I had a very enjoyable time reading this book and definitely plan to continue on with the series.
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
I want to preface my review by stating, I really did enjoy this book.
I’ll start by saying that Son of the Storm was a significant improvement over Okungbowa’s previous novel, David Mogo Godhunter, which I found fascinating was terribly structured and bloated. It is genuinely so exciting to see an author improve from one book to the next. That said, some of the same issues I had in that previous book came back again.
First, I think the pacing of this book was a bit messy. The first 100 pages or so were on the slow side, and the final 70 pages felt like a rush to cram a lot in before the end. The 270 pages in the middle were quite excellent and enjoyable, but those beginning and ending parts still needed some work. The end especially. At times it felt like that final 70 pages was structured like a history textbook, just glossing through events to make sure they got covered and we knew they happened, but without a good flow to get in and out of events or between pieces of action.
Additionally, I found some of the character work to be a bit inconsistent. I think Danso, Lilong, Esheme, and Nem were all done quite well! They all had arcs and motivations that made sense, and we could follow along with what they did. But other characters, Zaq in particular, I just was very dissatisfied with his arc. It just felt incomplete and like it never quite knew where it was going. There were also a couple professor’s I very much wish we had had more exposure to, some perspective from, namely the two university mentors for Danso and Esheme. I think not expanding them more in this book was honestly a missed opportunity.
That said, I really quite enjoyed this book. I found the world interesting and the themes to be well executed (even if at times they were a bit on-the-nose). They were clear, but it never felt like we were being bashed over the head with messaging.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!
I’ll start by saying that Son of the Storm was a significant improvement over Okungbowa’s previous novel, David Mogo Godhunter, which I found fascinating was terribly structured and bloated. It is genuinely so exciting to see an author improve from one book to the next. That said, some of the same issues I had in that previous book came back again.
First, I think the pacing of this book was a bit messy. The first 100 pages or so were on the slow side, and the final 70 pages felt like a rush to cram a lot in before the end. The 270 pages in the middle were quite excellent and enjoyable, but those beginning and ending parts still needed some work. The end especially. At times it felt like that final 70 pages was structured like a history textbook, just glossing through events to make sure they got covered and we knew they happened, but without a good flow to get in and out of events or between pieces of action.
Additionally, I found some of the character work to be a bit inconsistent. I think Danso, Lilong, Esheme, and Nem were all done quite well! They all had arcs and motivations that made sense, and we could follow along with what they did. But other characters, Zaq in particular, I just was very dissatisfied with his arc. It just felt incomplete and like it never quite knew where it was going. There were also a couple professor’s I very much wish we had had more exposure to, some perspective from, namely the two university mentors for Danso and Esheme. I think not expanding them more in this book was honestly a missed opportunity.
That said, I really quite enjoyed this book. I found the world interesting and the themes to be well executed (even if at times they were a bit on-the-nose). They were clear, but it never felt like we were being bashed over the head with messaging.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!