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spookynorvegan's reviews
588 reviews
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
4.0
You would think that a storyline that revolves around a power struggle between three protagonists would leave its reader picking or finding a favorite to root for...the extraordinary thing about this novel is how equally all three sister characters inspire empathy and support. I really enjoyed this book; it boasts a well drawn plot line and original concept. The only frustration I had was with the conclusion...the next book won't be out for at least a year and really left me hanging!
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
3.0
While I enjoyed the premise, setting and general concept of the story, I gave this book a mere three stars because I felt the character arc and development was shallow and felt rushed. There was also no diversity among the principal characters; your standard thin/muscular, attractive white people comprising the cast. Which is a bit surprising given that not only does the author herself identify as being in a minority group, but is also an advocate for diversifying youth literature.
Some novels are quickly placed within the 'YA' genre simply because the protagonist(s) happen to be teenagers; whereas other books not only have young characters, but also have a subsequently underdeveloped writing style, presumptuous character development and/or ill quality of narrative. 'Shatter Me', unfortunately falls into this later category. Despite having a unique, and well-written style of prose that is genuinely enjoyable for the reader, this book feels way too rushed and the characters are poorly developed, leaving a distinct, and sloppy two dimensional feel.
I will be finishing out this series as the prose and premise are intriguing enough to warrant my interest. Hoping for a bit more depth from the characters in the next two volumes...
Some novels are quickly placed within the 'YA' genre simply because the protagonist(s) happen to be teenagers; whereas other books not only have young characters, but also have a subsequently underdeveloped writing style, presumptuous character development and/or ill quality of narrative. 'Shatter Me', unfortunately falls into this later category. Despite having a unique, and well-written style of prose that is genuinely enjoyable for the reader, this book feels way too rushed and the characters are poorly developed, leaving a distinct, and sloppy two dimensional feel.
I will be finishing out this series as the prose and premise are intriguing enough to warrant my interest. Hoping for a bit more depth from the characters in the next two volumes...
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
4.0
Mafi uses the same style prose in this, the second in her 'Shatter Me' trilogy, that was used in the first installment, but dials the frantic feel back a bit; which I think helped weigh down the characters to a much needed level. This is also the longest book in the series and is really packed with action, and exciting plot points.
All in all a really solid read.
Much more confident and refined than the first volume, and exciting to read. A perfect middle volume to this series. Looking forward to reading the final installment.
(I would absolutely recommend that the reader seeks out the supplementary text that is chronologically placed between books one and two ('Destroy Me'), it was a great perspective shift and enriched the reading experience of this book all the more. )
All in all a really solid read.
Much more confident and refined than the first volume, and exciting to read. A perfect middle volume to this series. Looking forward to reading the final installment.
(I would absolutely recommend that the reader seeks out the supplementary text that is chronologically placed between books one and two ('Destroy Me'), it was a great perspective shift and enriched the reading experience of this book all the more. )
Unite Me by Tahereh Mafi
4.0
This 'bonus content', supplementary novellas, or however you want to think of them are GREAT.
I loved the change of perspective from the main series and being able to see the other half of a scene played out from someone else's position. 'Destroy Me' manages to really get the reader to start humanising snd sympathising with the antagonist of the first book in the series. 'Fracture Me' sort of does the reverse of that, by making the original love interest of the first couple books seem less appealing and more flawed.
The journal content offered in this paperback collection is also a neat read; giving the reader even more of the main character's back story, and satisfying still more curiosity around the content of the coveted notebook.
I was generally impressed with these, definitely not a gimmick to squeeze more into a maxed out series; these novellas really fill out and enrich the entire storyline that much more.
I loved the change of perspective from the main series and being able to see the other half of a scene played out from someone else's position. 'Destroy Me' manages to really get the reader to start humanising snd sympathising with the antagonist of the first book in the series. 'Fracture Me' sort of does the reverse of that, by making the original love interest of the first couple books seem less appealing and more flawed.
The journal content offered in this paperback collection is also a neat read; giving the reader even more of the main character's back story, and satisfying still more curiosity around the content of the coveted notebook.
I was generally impressed with these, definitely not a gimmick to squeeze more into a maxed out series; these novellas really fill out and enrich the entire storyline that much more.
Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi
5.0
Wow.
Maybe I need a little bit more time to process what I just finished reading, but just, wow.
I binge read this entire series (including the two extra novellas) in just a few days, I consistently could not wait to find out what happened next. This series is like an amazing blend of the X-men franchise, and the Hunger Games series.
I loved the series resolution in this, the final installment. The series in general got better and better as it went along, and I could not have hoped for a better resolution of the narrative.
I just put this down, and am still sort of euphoric about it all...this series is a truly wonderful reading experience.
Maybe I need a little bit more time to process what I just finished reading, but just, wow.
I binge read this entire series (including the two extra novellas) in just a few days, I consistently could not wait to find out what happened next. This series is like an amazing blend of the X-men franchise, and the Hunger Games series.
I loved the series resolution in this, the final installment. The series in general got better and better as it went along, and I could not have hoped for a better resolution of the narrative.
I just put this down, and am still sort of euphoric about it all...this series is a truly wonderful reading experience.
Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter
3.0
I'm pretty familiar with the original Russian folklore that this is based upon, and I really enjoyed this retelling.
There were some unresolved plot and character issues within the narrative, but to be fair, they are the same holes found in the original stories; and thus I personally chose to allow them to be little fantastical points to accept, a sort of reversion to the feel and form of the root mythos.
The originality behind this version of the fairy tale(s) is dark, magical and completely unique. I appreciated the lack of driving love interest for the protagonist; as this tends to (unfortunately) feature all too often within the YA - fantasy genre. Our main character is instead motivated by a a conscience, and sense of duty, also keeping with the original folklore's protagonist.
Overall, a really fun, unique read, which is further enriched by a certain level of familiarity with the original story. I would especially recommend this to middle and high school students that enjoy fairy tales and folklore culture. This could be wonderfully utilised as a enjoyable teaching tool.
There were some unresolved plot and character issues within the narrative, but to be fair, they are the same holes found in the original stories; and thus I personally chose to allow them to be little fantastical points to accept, a sort of reversion to the feel and form of the root mythos.
The originality behind this version of the fairy tale(s) is dark, magical and completely unique. I appreciated the lack of driving love interest for the protagonist; as this tends to (unfortunately) feature all too often within the YA - fantasy genre. Our main character is instead motivated by a a conscience, and sense of duty, also keeping with the original folklore's protagonist.
Overall, a really fun, unique read, which is further enriched by a certain level of familiarity with the original story. I would especially recommend this to middle and high school students that enjoy fairy tales and folklore culture. This could be wonderfully utilised as a enjoyable teaching tool.
The Pale Dreamer by Samantha Shannon
5.0
Awesome. I've literally been counting down until the release of the third book next spring, so this prequel novella is just what I needed to help me get through the wait.
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
4.0
Not generally being a fan or reader of the high-fantasy genre, this book proved to be a real slow burner for me. I was nearing the first hundred pages before the pace picked up and I felt invested enough in the storyline and characters to be swept up, instead of feeling like I was dragging myself along.
But swept up I definitely was, in the end. I really enjoyed this book, and as unversed as I am within the genre, I thought the characters were both endearing and flawed and the plot exciting and interesting. Did not however, enjoy the footnote structure. Hated it in fact. Felt that it was entirely contrived and distracting. Hoping subsequent volumes will not feature this narrative choice.
Very happy to see that this is the first volume in an announced trilogy. Can't wait to see the Pale Daughter finish getting her vengeance...
But swept up I definitely was, in the end. I really enjoyed this book, and as unversed as I am within the genre, I thought the characters were both endearing and flawed and the plot exciting and interesting. Did not however, enjoy the footnote structure. Hated it in fact. Felt that it was entirely contrived and distracting. Hoping subsequent volumes will not feature this narrative choice.
Very happy to see that this is the first volume in an announced trilogy. Can't wait to see the Pale Daughter finish getting her vengeance...
On the Merits of Unnaturalness by Samantha Shannon
5.0
An amazing little reference piece, written with a breathtaking accuracy in character, to be enjoyed alongside the ongoing Bone Season series by Samantha Shannon. I only wish it was available in hard copy!