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stormlightreader's Reviews (936)
🔸 Characters: I would've liked to see more of Patience and Verity, but I assume that may come in book 2 and 3. Molly is a little badass and I assumed we haven't seen the last of her. Chade is another interesting character and I loved his conversation with Fitz regarding the content of their lessons ("As to what I'm to teach you...well. It's murder, more or less" 😁👌🏻). Obviously, it goes without saying that Fitz is a fantastic character, so not much else I can say there other than I just want good things for him but I don'tsee that happening anytime soon 😂. I had such mixed feelings about Burrich, especially after the rough ending of chapter 2 but I was so sad for Burrich when we hear about his sadness after Chivalry abandoning him and then his subsequent death - he clearly took that hard. Burrich intervening in Fitz's stealing was so abrupt and I even felt like I'd been caught red-handed 😂 he is the firm presence Fitz needed but he is so clear with his morals and boundaries and won't budge. He's a layered character that I adore already. Plus, Burrich can't get along with anyone who mistreats an animal 👌🏻
Quote: "If I ever find the right woman, I'll want her to know I won't be looking at another. And I'll want to know all my children are mine" -- Burrich
🔹Atmosphere: amazing, I felt completely immersed in the story from start to finish. It was just gorgeous. Hobb was constantly getting me in the feels from Fitz having to bed down with the dogs to Burrich and his admiration of Chivalry.
🔸 Writing Style: it was jarring in the beginning but I loved it very soon after and loved picking it up each time.
🔹 Plot: slow burn but thoroughly enjoyable. The Red Ship Raiders really intrigued me and I (morbidly) can't wait for the raids to properly begin. I love Fitz using the Wit(?) with the dogs.
🔸 Intrigue: very intriguing. I want to see more of Fitz using the Skill. I want to see more action with Fitz, Burrich, Verity and Kettricken. The creatures of 'the Forge', while the situation didn't grab me straight away but the more the forgings appeared the gravity of the results felt more impactful ("And thus they already have been raped in spirit if not in flesh").
🔹 Logic / Relationships: this story introduced me to so many amazing characters and relationships Burrich & Fitz, Rurisk & Fitz, Patience & Fitz, Verity & Fitz, even The Fool & Fitz. I enjoyed all of these interactions. Fitz and any of his dogs though 🥰
Quote: "...not at all sure that Burrich was right that bonding with a puppy wouldn't solve anything. I longed for his warm little world of straw and siblings and milk and mother").
🔸 Enjoyment: I enjoyed this way more than I expected to
I'm sure I've missed some valuable point(s) out of this review so I'll end on a short quote: "A grim horror settled on me"
A great start to my 2021 reading year!
I'm really not sure what I read. It was really interesting because of the dark themes. I'm not really sure what the actual plot was. I picked this up because of reviews saying Lapvona was disturbing, but I think I must be desensitised by the horror that I've watched/read over the years because, I wouldn't consider it disturbing but I also don't know what I would call it. Maybe just a category called WTF? It was definitely compelling and kept me reading and after I finished it, I still couldn't grasp what I'd just read. I saw a review saying that "it means absolutely nothing and you don’t get anything out of it" and I would totally agree. However, it was a fun read with some uncomfortable scenes.
I've only read book 1 of The Saxon Stories/Last Kingdom Series but since that series is based on historical events, I wasn't too sensitive about being spoiled by jumping straight into book 13.5.
Uhtred's Feast contains 3 short stories set at very different times in Uhtred’s life, which supplement the stories told in the main series. Despite having only read book 1, I don't feel like these short stories really gave much away. The rest of the book includes a number of Anglo-Saxon inspired recipes, with extra historical background.
Uhtred's Feast has left me really excited to carry on with the main series. I’m due to start book 2 of the Last Kingdom series and I can't wait to get back to it. If you love historical fiction and/or Vikings, this is a series to pick up. Uhtred is a great character, and I love watching him develop relationships as the series progresses.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins for sending me a beautiful hardback copy in exchange for a review.
Uhtred's Feast contains 3 short stories set at very different times in Uhtred’s life, which supplement the stories told in the main series. Despite having only read book 1, I don't feel like these short stories really gave much away. The rest of the book includes a number of Anglo-Saxon inspired recipes, with extra historical background.
Uhtred's Feast has left me really excited to carry on with the main series. I’m due to start book 2 of the Last Kingdom series and I can't wait to get back to it. If you love historical fiction and/or Vikings, this is a series to pick up. Uhtred is a great character, and I love watching him develop relationships as the series progresses.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins for sending me a beautiful hardback copy in exchange for a review.
I love that I can pick up a Hobb book and it never takes long to settle back into her writing style. At book 14, after taking breaks for the Liveships and the Rain Wilds, I barely remember what's gone on in the Fitz books (despite only reading the Tawny Man trilogy recently), but Hobb's writing is fab and she's able to recap important information to catch you up.
- Fool's Assassin is beautifully written and focuses on the relationship between an aging Fitz (Tom Badgerlock) and Molly, who later have a daughter, Bee.
- I couldn't really gel with Bee's POV, but having another POV, feels quite important in the Fitz books. It was a sudden change in writing style, but not a bad one.
- It took a while for the Fool to make an appearance but when he did I was immediately gripped. I love the friendship between Fitz and the Fool.
I keep remembering that these books are being recounted by an old Fitz (unless I imagined that) and I'm looking forward to the final book.
- Fool's Assassin is beautifully written and focuses on the relationship between an aging Fitz (Tom Badgerlock) and Molly, who later have a daughter, Bee.
- I couldn't really gel with Bee's POV, but having another POV, feels quite important in the Fitz books. It was a sudden change in writing style, but not a bad one.
- It took a while for the Fool to make an appearance but when he did I was immediately gripped. I love the friendship between Fitz and the Fool.
I keep remembering that these books are being recounted by an old Fitz (unless I imagined that) and I'm looking forward to the final book.
I’m so conflicted about this book. I really wanted to enjoy this but I think this is probably the weakest so far.
Things I enjoyed:
- a young Duncan Idaho ghola (that is honestly the main reason I kept reading) and development of the whole ghola storyline
- more world building
- a central focus on the Bene Gesserit and Reverend Mothers (the breeding programme, torture methods). Although the sheer amount of information feels overwhelming it's interesting at the same time.
Things I struggled with (but will probably appreciate more when I reread):
- the further we get from the Atreides family members at the centre of Dune and Dune Messiah, the harder it is to care about the storyline and new characters
- small changes to the core elements of Dune (e.g. Arrakis is now Rakis)
I did enjoy the book at points but I couldn't help comparing my enjoyment of it to my enjoyment of God Emperor. I'm still looking forward to Chapterhouse but my expectations are lower after reading this.
Things I enjoyed:
- a young Duncan Idaho ghola (that is honestly the main reason I kept reading) and development of the whole ghola storyline
- more world building
- a central focus on the Bene Gesserit and Reverend Mothers (the breeding programme, torture methods). Although the sheer amount of information feels overwhelming it's interesting at the same time.
Things I struggled with (but will probably appreciate more when I reread):
- the further we get from the Atreides family members at the centre of Dune and Dune Messiah, the harder it is to care about the storyline and new characters
- small changes to the core elements of Dune (e.g. Arrakis is now Rakis)
I did enjoy the book at points but I couldn't help comparing my enjoyment of it to my enjoyment of God Emperor. I'm still looking forward to Chapterhouse but my expectations are lower after reading this.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My enjoyment of this book never wanes. It was the first fantasy book I ever read. I think it's pretty perfect and gets better with every reread.
I've read this book 3 times and it has a been a 5⭐️ read every time! Yet, I struggle to sum up why I love it so much and I've failed to actually write a review for it until now 😄
This reread has been much slower because I'm in no rush to get through it and I'm annotating one of my editions as I go (and loving doing it).
Favourite relationships:
• Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark - I love this relationship, both in the book and in the show, so it's sad that it doesn't go beyond book/season one. Robert is the total opposite of Ned in every way, which makes them such an interesting duo. I really loved what Ned stood for and how noble he was. Granted, this didn't work in his favour, but when everyone is playing the game of thrones, it's refreshing to see one man trying to do the right thing.
• Cersei and her own best interests: Cersei is ruthless and a fascinating character to follow. I hate how she squashes people I like, but I can't help but love her. She is a queen through and through! Her telling Ned "When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground" is the epitome of Cersei's character! Cersei proceeding to install her son as king the second Robert dies confirms her ruthlessness. I have nothing but respect for her as a character!
• Catelyn Stark and Lysa Arryn: like Ned and Robert, these characters are such opposites. I like Catelyn more each time I reread AGoT. She's so wise and maternal but she's conscious of overstepping her son in matters of battle. Lysa is also maternal but in a completely different (and uncomfortable) way.
• Tyrion Lannister and Bronn the sellsword: just a funny pairing. Bronn is great from the start. Never feigns allegiance to anyone and is crystal clear that his allegiance can be easily bought. Their banter is so good.
• The Night's Watch: Jon's journey from being made to feel like an outsider by Catelyn (understandably) and taking the black has become one of my favourite parts of book 1. He has an idea of what the Night's Watch will be and is completely disillusioned when he gets there, but I love the relationships he builds with the brothers of the Night's Watch.
• Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen: Viserys is vile and is basically a carbon copy of his father (the Mad King, Aerys Targaryen). He betroths (sells) his sister to Khal Drogo, in exchange for use of Drogo's army to reclaim the Iron Throne. It's lovely to see Dany and Drogo grow closer and then to see Drogo execute Viserys after he threatens Dany. Dany grows so much in book 1 and it's clear that Viserys becomes threatened by her and the love she quickly garners from Drogo's khalasar.
• Sansa and Arya Stark: the contrast in the sisters is so well written. Sansa is difficult to like in book 1, she's very bratty and becomes quickly accustomed to life in the South. Whereas, Arya is more stubborn and it's clear she is less comfortable in Kings Landing. Sansa clearly wants a nicer life (you can't begrudge her that) but I love that Arya can roll with the punches a little better than her sister (in book 1).
Favourite characters (book 1):
• Daenerys Targaryen
• Cersei Lannister
• Catelyn Stark
• Ned Stark
• Jon Snow
• Robb Stark
World building:
The world building is incredible! The 'real world' issues the houses have to deal with (food, finances, getting preparing for battle) are so well done. I enjoy reading these types of scenes, as it grounds the story. Another of my favourite things is how subtle the magic is. Yes, there's dragons and white walkers, but the magic of Westeros isn't too obvious. Even though it's a fantasy book, there's a lot of realistic elements that I like.
Atmosphere
AGoT will always be the book that has my favourite prologue. The majority of my favourite moments took place in the North. GRRM does atmosphere so well and some of the best examples are in his descriptions of The Wall, Winterfell and The Eyrie. These are so well described! The isolation of The Wall, the sheer scale of The Eyrie and the natural features that warm up Winterfell despite it's northern location.
AGoT also ends with one of my favourite quotes: "And for the first time in hundreds of years, the night came alive with the music of dragons".
Cannot wait to revisit A Clash of Kings again!
I've read this book 3 times and it has a been a 5⭐️ read every time! Yet, I struggle to sum up why I love it so much and I've failed to actually write a review for it until now 😄
This reread has been much slower because I'm in no rush to get through it and I'm annotating one of my editions as I go (and loving doing it).
Favourite relationships:
• Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark - I love this relationship, both in the book and in the show, so it's sad that it doesn't go beyond book/season one. Robert is the total opposite of Ned in every way, which makes them such an interesting duo. I really loved what Ned stood for and how noble he was. Granted, this didn't work in his favour, but when everyone is playing the game of thrones, it's refreshing to see one man trying to do the right thing.
• Cersei and her own best interests: Cersei is ruthless and a fascinating character to follow. I hate how she squashes people I like, but I can't help but love her. She is a queen through and through! Her telling Ned "When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground" is the epitome of Cersei's character! Cersei proceeding to install her son as king the second Robert dies confirms her ruthlessness. I have nothing but respect for her as a character!
• Catelyn Stark and Lysa Arryn: like Ned and Robert, these characters are such opposites. I like Catelyn more each time I reread AGoT. She's so wise and maternal but she's conscious of overstepping her son in matters of battle. Lysa is also maternal but in a completely different (and uncomfortable) way.
• Tyrion Lannister and Bronn the sellsword: just a funny pairing. Bronn is great from the start. Never feigns allegiance to anyone and is crystal clear that his allegiance can be easily bought. Their banter is so good.
• The Night's Watch: Jon's journey from being made to feel like an outsider by Catelyn (understandably) and taking the black has become one of my favourite parts of book 1. He has an idea of what the Night's Watch will be and is completely disillusioned when he gets there, but I love the relationships he builds with the brothers of the Night's Watch.
• Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen: Viserys is vile and is basically a carbon copy of his father (the Mad King, Aerys Targaryen). He betroths (sells) his sister to Khal Drogo, in exchange for use of Drogo's army to reclaim the Iron Throne. It's lovely to see Dany and Drogo grow closer and then to see Drogo execute Viserys after he threatens Dany. Dany grows so much in book 1 and it's clear that Viserys becomes threatened by her and the love she quickly garners from Drogo's khalasar.
• Sansa and Arya Stark: the contrast in the sisters is so well written. Sansa is difficult to like in book 1, she's very bratty and becomes quickly accustomed to life in the South. Whereas, Arya is more stubborn and it's clear she is less comfortable in Kings Landing. Sansa clearly wants a nicer life (you can't begrudge her that) but I love that Arya can roll with the punches a little better than her sister (in book 1).
Favourite characters (book 1):
• Daenerys Targaryen
• Cersei Lannister
• Catelyn Stark
• Ned Stark
• Jon Snow
• Robb Stark
World building:
The world building is incredible! The 'real world' issues the houses have to deal with (food, finances, getting preparing for battle) are so well done. I enjoy reading these types of scenes, as it grounds the story. Another of my favourite things is how subtle the magic is. Yes, there's dragons and white walkers, but the magic of Westeros isn't too obvious. Even though it's a fantasy book, there's a lot of realistic elements that I like.
Atmosphere
AGoT will always be the book that has my favourite prologue. The majority of my favourite moments took place in the North. GRRM does atmosphere so well and some of the best examples are in his descriptions of The Wall, Winterfell and The Eyrie. These are so well described! The isolation of The Wall, the sheer scale of The Eyrie and the natural features that warm up Winterfell despite it's northern location.
AGoT also ends with one of my favourite quotes: "And for the first time in hundreds of years, the night came alive with the music of dragons".
Cannot wait to revisit A Clash of Kings again!
So much potential but executed poorly.
I preferred the present day storyline, it reminded me a bit of Scream 3 (with the remake of real events). I found it hard to invest in most of the characters. Audrey was the only character I was invested in at all. Harper and Merritt weren't really that interesting to me.
I think a lot of the past timeline could have been more concise and still had the same effect. The past storyline is basically the only reason you can call this book dark academia. The present day storyline had potential but focused far too much on the romance.
I preferred the present day storyline, it reminded me a bit of Scream 3 (with the remake of real events). I found it hard to invest in most of the characters. Audrey was the only character I was invested in at all. Harper and Merritt weren't really that interesting to me.
I think a lot of the past timeline could have been more concise and still had the same effect. The past storyline is basically the only reason you can call this book dark academia. The present day storyline had potential but focused far too much on the romance.
Our main character, Carlota, lives among hybrids (half human half animal experiments) that her father creates for a hacendado who sponsors his work.
This is my 4th book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and it's not my favourite but I enjoyed it. Like Mexican Gothic, the world building is great, and you can really imagine yourself in 1870's Mexico. I love this about her books.
There's some romance but it didn't feel too overwhelming. I read The Island of Doctor Moreau a while ago and don't really remember a great deal, but I like Moreno-Garcia's spin on the original story.
Carlota isn't the easiest character POV to read from, so it's good that we have the second POV. However, she did grow on me and I really felt for her at times. I read the book along with the audiobook and that was ideal for pronunciation and would definitely recommend it! The narrator does a great job.
This is my 4th book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and it's not my favourite but I enjoyed it. Like Mexican Gothic, the world building is great, and you can really imagine yourself in 1870's Mexico. I love this about her books.
There's some romance but it didn't feel too overwhelming. I read The Island of Doctor Moreau a while ago and don't really remember a great deal, but I like Moreno-Garcia's spin on the original story.
Carlota isn't the easiest character POV to read from, so it's good that we have the second POV. However, she did grow on me and I really felt for her at times. I read the book along with the audiobook and that was ideal for pronunciation and would definitely recommend it! The narrator does a great job.
This is such a difficult book for me to rate. On the one hand, there were some great things but there were also elements I really disliked.
The first few chapters were brill but the 100 pages felt like hard work and I thought this was going to be my first Sanderson DNF. BUT from about chapter 22 I was more into it. I'm not sure what happened but something piqued my interest from part 4 onwards.
I really struggled with the writing style, it felt like the book was being dumbsplained to me and I wasn't a fan. Whenever I was having things explained to me by the narrator it was really jarring and kept pulling me out of the story. I get that it is Hoid telling the story and this is his character but he's appeared throughout numerous cosmere books and never come across this arrogant to the reader.
I liked Tress, I liked the magic system and I don't think my heart has never gone out to a rat so much.
This was a really up and down read. Some parts felt really convenient
The first few chapters were brill but the 100 pages felt like hard work and I thought this was going to be my first Sanderson DNF. BUT from about chapter 22 I was more into it. I'm not sure what happened but something piqued my interest from part 4 onwards.
I really struggled with the writing style, it felt like the book was being dumbsplained to me and I wasn't a fan. Whenever I was having things explained to me by the narrator it was really jarring and kept pulling me out of the story. I get that it is Hoid telling the story and this is his character but he's appeared throughout numerous cosmere books and never come across this arrogant to the reader.
I liked Tress, I liked the magic system and I don't think my heart has never gone out to a rat so much.
This was a really up and down read. Some parts felt really convenient
- Tress is an innocent cup-loving girl from a remote island who somehow has Navani Kholin levels of knowledge about spores and is carrying out experiments and creating genius weapons and implements
- that dragon just agreed to take a less appealing option as a slave and now Tress is basically commanding this ship's crew with zero sailing experience
- that dragon...don't get me started
- Huck belonging to the sorceress was absolutely predictable