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t0ast_and_t3a's Reviews (494)
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5🌟
I love how transporting Mandel’s writing is. She has a way of captivating the scene through her characters that’s just phenomenal. And her writing style, the way she uses white space in the novel, how she gives the reader everything they need in order to render the scene through their own capable senses, and how timeless her story is even as it transcends time itself.
I guessed the ending, but it really didn’t rob the story of its weight, because that’s just how good Mandel manipulates the story and themes. Maybe it’s because I’ve thought about said themes often in my own life, but Mandel presents them with a silver lining I never considered—and that takes real talent.
Favorite sentence: A life lived in simulation is still a life.
I love how transporting Mandel’s writing is. She has a way of captivating the scene through her characters that’s just phenomenal. And her writing style, the way she uses white space in the novel, how she gives the reader everything they need in order to render the scene through their own capable senses, and how timeless her story is even as it transcends time itself.
I guessed the ending, but it really didn’t rob the story of its weight, because that’s just how good Mandel manipulates the story and themes. Maybe it’s because I’ve thought about said themes often in my own life, but Mandel presents them with a silver lining I never considered—and that takes real talent.
Favorite sentence: A life lived in simulation is still a life.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A slow start but a promising finish. I love the dual POVs but wish they were balanced better. Also really like that the FMC isn’t 18 and seems to make slightly better decisions than a teenager. I’m interested to see where the story goes from here, since the ending opened up a few questions for me.
Also, too many people survived (main characters, side characters) so there’s that to consider. Should I bother being attached to anyone?
As for the FMC/MMC relationship—there’s the typical tension there and I’m thinking it’s going to be a bit cliche, but we shall see.
Glad I gave this one a second chance.
Also, too many people survived (main characters, side characters) so there’s that to consider. Should I bother being attached to anyone?
As for the FMC/MMC relationship—there’s the typical tension there and I’m thinking it’s going to be a bit cliche, but we shall see.
Glad I gave this one a second chance.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such an interesting world, with a unique magic-system and well-written characters. I guessed the big reveals pretty early on, but how they were written in were well done despite this. I really loved the descriptions and the descent into chaos (kinda gave me Catching Fire vibes, with much different stakes but equal amount of tension and intrigue). However, there was a bit of a slow start and some things were never really explained (things that are important to the plot). I know this is a series, so I’m hoping it gets better fleshed out in book 2.
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Character-driven, sensory forward, and slow-paced. I really enjoyed the writing style—the visuals and descriptions that made me feel as if I were there with the main character throughout the story. The relationships were complicated all around, especially the relationship the MC had with herself. The story really puts into perspective one’s place and how they take up space, not only in the world but other people’s worlds as well. But also, how we make ourselves fit into the worlds in order to not cause disruption or discomfort for those around. The writing and themes were phenomenal, but in the end it was the pacing that knocked the rating down a bit for me.
Favorite quote: “How to say she built a life that relied on the mirrors of others”
Favorite quote: “How to say she built a life that relied on the mirrors of others”
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was “Check & Mate” with spice, and I’m not mad about it.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5🌟
This is a lyrical character-driven gothic romance. The characters are beautifully written and the story is terrific. The only thing that lost it half a star was I guessed the big reveal in the first couple chapters—maybe that would have been different if I’d physically read it. The male narrator was great, and while there was nothing wrong with the female narrator, I personally felt she wasn’t right for the character (this is a nit-pick, so pay it little mind). I really enjoyed the romantic theme throughout the story, between all the characters, but it was the language that was truly captivating. Rich, ethereal, and all-encompassing.
This is a lyrical character-driven gothic romance. The characters are beautifully written and the story is terrific. The only thing that lost it half a star was I guessed the big reveal in the first couple chapters—maybe that would have been different if I’d physically read it. The male narrator was great, and while there was nothing wrong with the female narrator, I personally felt she wasn’t right for the character (this is a nit-pick, so pay it little mind). I really enjoyed the romantic theme throughout the story, between all the characters, but it was the language that was truly captivating. Rich, ethereal, and all-encompassing.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another tension-filled romance from Bailey. Not going to lie, I almost dropped this a few times, not really vibing with the step-sibling angle, but in the end it worked out. The FMC was a bit frustrating and the MMC was an overprotective hockey man, but it was still entertaining. As per usual, the side characters shined, and I’m interested to see what happens with two of them in, what I’m sure will be her next book.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed this one more than the first. More action, more stakes, more romance. A satisfying conclusion to an intriguing duology.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is just brilliant. The Sleepless in Seattle nod, the tight strings of tension that Borison just steadily plucks like she’s teaching a masterclass in the art of slowburn (and boy, when that string snaps, it SNAPS), and the adorable as f*ck ending.
A perfect arc, great side characters, and dual POV. It’s just a powerhouse of a romance and I just love it. Okay, bye.
A perfect arc, great side characters, and dual POV. It’s just a powerhouse of a romance and I just love it. Okay, bye.