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spootilious's reviews
123 reviews
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my first interaction with Brandon Sanderson outside of The Wheel of Time. I have to say I was not disappointed. I was curious to see how well Sanderson did at his own world building and after my husband went on rant after rant about The Stormlight Archives and Mistborn I gave in and picked up the first book.
The world building is certainly unique. The burning of metals reminded me of David Farland's The Runelords in a sense, but was also so unique I couldn't help being pulled in. The strange creatures Sanderson creates, like the Inquisitors and Mistwraiths, are so grotesquely wonderful as well.
The characters are all so unique and well defined. Their different dialects and ticks make them beautifully realistic and relatable. The different culture are intriguing as well.
Sanderson hits heavy on religion in this book as well. Between focusing on the Lord Ruler as God and the Keeper's mass information on forgotten beliefs I can't help but see the parallels with organized religion today. It certainly causes the reader to contemplate the world (both real and fictional).
The beginning is a bit slow but I couldn't put this book down once the ball got rolling. Honestly the five stars is less because I absolutely adored this book (I admit it is good just not the best I've read) and more because I cannot fault it. Sanderson provides wonderful descriptions, settings, characters, ideals, and conflict. There isn't much more I can say.
The world building is certainly unique. The burning of metals reminded me of David Farland's The Runelords in a sense, but was also so unique I couldn't help being pulled in. The strange creatures Sanderson creates, like the Inquisitors and Mistwraiths, are so grotesquely wonderful as well.
The characters are all so unique and well defined. Their different dialects and ticks make them beautifully realistic and relatable. The different culture are intriguing as well.
Sanderson hits heavy on religion in this book as well. Between focusing on the Lord Ruler as God and the Keeper's mass information on forgotten beliefs I can't help but see the parallels with organized religion today. It certainly causes the reader to contemplate the world (both real and fictional).
The beginning is a bit slow but I couldn't put this book down once the ball got rolling. Honestly the five stars is less because I absolutely adored this book (I admit it is good just not the best I've read) and more because I cannot fault it. Sanderson provides wonderful descriptions, settings, characters, ideals, and conflict. There isn't much more I can say.
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Dragonwatch by Brandon Mull
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I have to say that I am never disappointed in Mull. He really is a wonderful author. Dragonwatch was such a great read! I can't wait to start the next in the series!
Pros
-Loveable Characters
-Great Plot
-Not too predictable
-Strong Family bonds
-Exciting Adventure
-Fairly fast paced
-Unique Perspectives
Neither Pro/Con
-Not very descriptive, though it goes unnoticed unless you look for it.
Cons
-A bit of unrealistic/forced dialog
-You'll need to have read all of Fablehaven to really understand whats happening.
Pros
-Loveable Characters
-Great Plot
-Not too predictable
-Strong Family bonds
-Exciting Adventure
-Fairly fast paced
-Unique Perspectives
Neither Pro/Con
-Not very descriptive, though it goes unnoticed unless you look for it.
Cons
-A bit of unrealistic/forced dialog
-You'll need to have read all of Fablehaven to really understand whats happening.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
2.0
I was extremely underwhelmed. I really tried to like it but it felt like it was trying to be something it isn't. There is so many cliches and poorly written descriptions i was very dispointed. With the political plays that aren't done very cleanly and the details that are just slapped on as an after thought like a bi character and Mithridatism it felt sloppy. The only well rounded character was a support character literally named 'The Bomb'. I realize this may sound harsh but I have read fanfic more cleanly written.
In this book's defense it has a strong female lead and the basic simplistic descriptors can be effective when describing atrocities. Aside from that it was just.... meh
Won't read the second.
In this book's defense it has a strong female lead and the basic simplistic descriptors can be effective when describing atrocities. Aside from that it was just.... meh
Won't read the second.
Warrior of the Altaii by Robert Jordan
3.0
I was excited for this read and the forward had me in tears. Robert Jordan is a master wordsmith whose talent knows no bounds. However, reading WOA it is obvious that it was one of his first works and while I enjoyed watching the starting point of my favorite author it is obvious way this book was not published. The book is not bad. It is very good. However it drags a bit and the plot pots are a bit scattered and sloppy just as it should be with a novice writer. I highly recommend this book for the fans of TWOT that have finished the series but I would not recommend it to a reader just starting to read RJ. Overall I will cherish this book but will probably not reread.
The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera
3.0
The Book of Laughter and Forgetting is one I will not soon forget. I was assigned reading it in a undergraduate class and do not regret a moment of it. Kundera has a surreal way of describing things. His cadence is so enthralling and intricate it is quite artisan and I enjoyed it.
I suppose the reason I did not rate this book higher is because I feel that knowing Kundera's life story has added so much to the book that I feel like much of its effectiveness would have been lost without that knowledge. Still, knowing what I know about him causes the book to be full of metaphors, symbolism, and intrigue that really rounds itself.
Regardless of the rating I feel as if this book should be more well known here in America. Taught in High School rather than college. It is certainly one for any literary lover's bucket list.
I suppose the reason I did not rate this book higher is because I feel that knowing Kundera's life story has added so much to the book that I feel like much of its effectiveness would have been lost without that knowledge. Still, knowing what I know about him causes the book to be full of metaphors, symbolism, and intrigue that really rounds itself.
Regardless of the rating I feel as if this book should be more well known here in America. Taught in High School rather than college. It is certainly one for any literary lover's bucket list.
Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel García Márquez
4.0
I am very saddened that this novel is not explored here in the US until student reach college and even then is restricted to certain literary classes. Gabriel Marquez has a way with Magical Realism that is stunning and a joy to read even when he uses it so eerily.
Of Love and Other Demons is quite a moving story. Not necessarily because of the storyline itself but the metaphors and symbolism within it. The way Marquez forces the reader to realize how different the world use to be, what fear and hatred can do to people... what love can for that matter. The young girl's 'medical' and spiritual treatment was provided out of love from her father... love and fear... It is a reminder that too much of anything can be dangerous. A very moving story by a very talented man.
Of Love and Other Demons is quite a moving story. Not necessarily because of the storyline itself but the metaphors and symbolism within it. The way Marquez forces the reader to realize how different the world use to be, what fear and hatred can do to people... what love can for that matter. The young girl's 'medical' and spiritual treatment was provided out of love from her father... love and fear... It is a reminder that too much of anything can be dangerous. A very moving story by a very talented man.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
4.0
So... What to say about this book... I honestly loved it. Its not the best book I've ever read but it was very enjoyable. McQuiston has such a clean writing style and her Characters are so diverse. The interaction between characters are so realistic and relatable. The relationship between the too main characters is realistic rather than fantastical which is very refreshing. The dialog uses vulgar but very common language making it even more relatable. The plot is a bit predictable but is executed in unexpected ways... or rather unexpected times.
It drags a bit with political jargon but it is something that would fall flat if it was omitted. It is certainly needed for those readers who may be unfamiliar with the chaotic political system in America. It certainly did not have me on the edge of my seat but was a wonderful read. I had a very difficult time putting it down.
It drags a bit with political jargon but it is something that would fall flat if it was omitted. It is certainly needed for those readers who may be unfamiliar with the chaotic political system in America. It certainly did not have me on the edge of my seat but was a wonderful read. I had a very difficult time putting it down.
King Jack and the Dragon by Peter Bently, Helen Oxenbury
5.0
A wonderful children's picture book that I have read to my child countless times. It's rhyming scheme making it easy and fun to read aloud and its pictures a wonderful mix of realism and make-believe. It is a short book filled with action, adventure, and humor! My son loves it and I love it! The wonderful moral of the story being that its okay to be afraid and that things are not always what they seem make it a story to be shared! One of the only books I have ever given 5 stars. I can't find a fault with the beautifully simplistic story line and wonderful art.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
4.0
Realistic review then my opinion:
I really wish I could give this book 4.5 stars.
I realize that the people who read this book either love it or hate it and it is very rare to be in between.
I've noticed the people who hate it complain about the lack of action or plot points or don't like the ending. All of these things are valid.
This book has very little heavy hitting plot points. It is a story of two children's life during WW2. So, if you need a fast pace plot or to sit on the edge of your seat when you read a book then I don't recommend this one.
The ending of the book is unsatisfactory just as many endings in WW2 were. It was an artistic choice which I cannot fault Doerr for.
However, if you want a book that engages the senses and draws you in the stunning beauty of a painting only a gifted wordsmith can manage you've come to the right one.
Doerr's descriptions are breathtaking. He describes things from the character's POV so stunningly I can not give it words. One of the main characters is blind and rather than describing a shell as we see it he describes it as she feels it. It's really beautiful.
The countless atrocious acts that these children see or experience are described with such cold simplicity that it is moving. If a boy watches a man die he does not feel horror during this time period not because it is not horrific but because he is desensitized to it all and rather than relying on words to describe this horror Doerr relies on the reader's response to the coldness to be effective and it is. Only a writer with immense talent could manage such at thing and I have had the privilege to experience it.
The same could be said for the children's innocence in the book. Though as a reader we see what is happening because we know what has happened a sheltered innocent child during the time does not and Doerr manages quite well. Most of the time when an author tries to capture the innocence of youth in their writing it comes out too logical or bias or jaded... not here... not in this book.
I did not care for the ending just as most people did not. However, I can appreciate the choice Doerr made in it. It was fitting and quite realistic rather than pulling away from the rest of the realistic story to please the reader which I can appreciate.
I would also like to add that there are so many subtle things that Doerr added throughout the novel that I caught myself every chapter pausing to simply breath in. This is one of the best novels I have ever read and feel that it deserves to be on everyone's bucket list no matter if they end up hating it or loving it. The literary devices, sentence structure, cadence, metaphors, realism, reader response, and imagery are things that should be shared more openly with the world.
I really wish I could give this book 4.5 stars.
I realize that the people who read this book either love it or hate it and it is very rare to be in between.
I've noticed the people who hate it complain about the lack of action or plot points or don't like the ending. All of these things are valid.
This book has very little heavy hitting plot points. It is a story of two children's life during WW2. So, if you need a fast pace plot or to sit on the edge of your seat when you read a book then I don't recommend this one.
The ending of the book is unsatisfactory just as many endings in WW2 were. It was an artistic choice which I cannot fault Doerr for.
However, if you want a book that engages the senses and draws you in the stunning beauty of a painting only a gifted wordsmith can manage you've come to the right one.
Doerr's descriptions are breathtaking. He describes things from the character's POV so stunningly I can not give it words. One of the main characters is blind and rather than describing a shell as we see it he describes it as she feels it. It's really beautiful.
The countless atrocious acts that these children see or experience are described with such cold simplicity that it is moving. If a boy watches a man die he does not feel horror during this time period not because it is not horrific but because he is desensitized to it all and rather than relying on words to describe this horror Doerr relies on the reader's response to the coldness to be effective and it is. Only a writer with immense talent could manage such at thing and I have had the privilege to experience it.
The same could be said for the children's innocence in the book. Though as a reader we see what is happening because we know what has happened a sheltered innocent child during the time does not and Doerr manages quite well. Most of the time when an author tries to capture the innocence of youth in their writing it comes out too logical or bias or jaded... not here... not in this book.
I did not care for the ending just as most people did not. However, I can appreciate the choice Doerr made in it. It was fitting and quite realistic rather than pulling away from the rest of the realistic story to please the reader which I can appreciate.
I would also like to add that there are so many subtle things that Doerr added throughout the novel that I caught myself every chapter pausing to simply breath in. This is one of the best novels I have ever read and feel that it deserves to be on everyone's bucket list no matter if they end up hating it or loving it. The literary devices, sentence structure, cadence, metaphors, realism, reader response, and imagery are things that should be shared more openly with the world.