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the_pale_woman's reviews
482 reviews
Severance by Ling Ma
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
This was unable to grab my attention. Too boring for my tastes. It also doesn't help that it is about a global pandemic but was written pre-covid. Some might find the virgin speculation interesting but after the reality I only see flaws.
Excalibur: A Novel of Arthur by Bernard Cornwell
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
3.5
I expected a little more from the ending, but the journey was entertaining. However, it could have used more Merlin. I think the characterization of his humor and mysteriousness carries this retelling.
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
I think I found the ending of this book satisfying for the wrong reasons.
For a book I feel like I didn't enjoy much, I have a lot of opinions, more than I can share here. Due to the abundance of those emotions, I'm forced to admit that this wasn't a bad read. Anything that produces such intense visceral feelings should be commended for that feat alone. But in reality and in practice, I was practically raging at this book while reading. I found Sciona to be the most annoying POV I've read in a minute. The mountains of hypocrisies, while obviously intentional, weighed on my reading experience. Combine that with the worst romance since Pocahontas, and we get my disdain. Plus, the magic system was slightly boring in its explanation and ultimately incredibly predictable. My only bright haven here was the themes. They might not have been executed to perfection, but the attempt has value.
For a book I feel like I didn't enjoy much, I have a lot of opinions, more than I can share here. Due to the abundance of those emotions, I'm forced to admit that this wasn't a bad read. Anything that produces such intense visceral feelings should be commended for that feat alone. But in reality and in practice, I was practically raging at this book while reading. I found Sciona to be the most annoying POV I've read in a minute. The mountains of hypocrisies, while obviously intentional, weighed on my reading experience. Combine that with the worst romance since Pocahontas, and we get my disdain. Plus, the magic system was slightly boring in its explanation and ultimately incredibly predictable. My only bright haven here was the themes. They might not have been executed to perfection, but the attempt has value.
Ringworld by Larry Niven
1.0
I got beef. This was too sexist for me to enjoy. So mush so that it still bothers me. I've read plenty "products of their time" but I found myself incapable of giving this any grace.
It brings me joy that scientists did the math and called this dude out on his stupid ring. That's not my problem with the book but I'm glad someone gave him shit for something.
It brings me joy that scientists did the math and called this dude out on his stupid ring. That's not my problem with the book but I'm glad someone gave him shit for something.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
3.5
This read benefitted from the added sensory experience of the winter season. I couldn't imagine reading this on a beach; it just wouldn't fit. Its flaws might have chafed more if exposed to heat. But with the world covered in blankets of white, I couldn't help but feel a little charmed while reading this.
I was initially intrigued by the three main female perspectives, but there were moments when this strength was abandoned. For one excruciatingly long part, you are randomly shoved into the POV of an uneducated, small child. He doesn't really understand what is happening around him, but he is the one relaying the events of the plot. It's tedious and, in retrospect, basically ruined the book.
I was also disappointed with the ending. I can forgive a happily ever after, especially in a fairytale, but that happy ending has to fit the characters and the world that you've built.
I was initially intrigued by the three main female perspectives, but there were moments when this strength was abandoned. For one excruciatingly long part, you are randomly shoved into the POV of an uneducated, small child. He doesn't really understand what is happening around him, but he is the one relaying the events of the plot. It's tedious and, in retrospect, basically ruined the book.
I was also disappointed with the ending. I can forgive a happily ever after, especially in a fairytale, but that happy ending has to fit the characters and the world that you've built.
Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
I've been putting off reviewing this because I'm truly divided on my feelings.
To start with a positive, I really enjoyed reading this giant book. This expansive, interconnected universe of worlds is everything I've always wanted from a book series. It's why I started reading the Cosmere in the first place. This huge tome of a book just adds to that greater whole, and it's better for it. As a pseudo conclusion, I wouldn't say it's perfect, but it was satisfying to consume.
However, I'm ultimately disappointed in the execution. What happened to subtlety in storytelling? When every theme and emotion of a story is fully spelled out and constantly repeated, you close the door to interpretation and introspection. It excludes the element of human complexity that makes fiction its own art. This feels too influenced by self-help books and picture books. As if it's not adult fantasy anymore, but some family-friendly Marvel flop. Simplified for the masses and politically correct. Now, as much as I want to nitpick every cringe moment and pedantic mental deficiency inclusion, I just don't have the time. Plus, my biggest gripe was that one Jasnah chapter, and that's not even a big part of the book.
Overall, I did like this book. It may not sound like it, but I did. My feelings are just complicated and can't be fully summed up with trite rhetoric.
To start with a positive, I really enjoyed reading this giant book. This expansive, interconnected universe of worlds is everything I've always wanted from a book series. It's why I started reading the Cosmere in the first place. This huge tome of a book just adds to that greater whole, and it's better for it. As a pseudo conclusion, I wouldn't say it's perfect, but it was satisfying to consume.
However, I'm ultimately disappointed in the execution. What happened to subtlety in storytelling? When every theme and emotion of a story is fully spelled out and constantly repeated, you close the door to interpretation and introspection. It excludes the element of human complexity that makes fiction its own art. This feels too influenced by self-help books and picture books. As if it's not adult fantasy anymore, but some family-friendly Marvel flop. Simplified for the masses and politically correct. Now, as much as I want to nitpick every cringe moment and pedantic mental deficiency inclusion, I just don't have the time. Plus, my biggest gripe was that one Jasnah chapter, and that's not even a big part of the book.
Overall, I did like this book. It may not sound like it, but I did. My feelings are just complicated and can't be fully summed up with trite rhetoric.
The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman
adventurous
fast-paced
4.5
Yes, this one rounded out the plot and the setting of the crawl. It even lays some groundwork for further satisfaction and payoffs. But beyond anything, it was just a fun listen. I can't wait to see Carl and Donut burn it down and, as always... kill, kill, kill!
Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
4.5
This was a fantastic sequel. Carl and Donut are quickly climbing the ranks of best character duos.
I wouldn't go so far as to say these are flawless pieces of literature. That's ridiculous. However, in my experience, it is rare to find an interesting science fiction series that can keep some humor flowing. I might be basic, but these books are actually inducing genuine laughter. I'm happy I gave these a go despite the litRPG label. I'd recommend you do the same.
I wouldn't go so far as to say these are flawless pieces of literature. That's ridiculous. However, in my experience, it is rare to find an interesting science fiction series that can keep some humor flowing. I might be basic, but these books are actually inducing genuine laughter. I'm happy I gave these a go despite the litRPG label. I'd recommend you do the same.
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
4.5
New achievement! You've found a new favorite book!
You are now tasked with the mission to acquire and read the rest of the series. Ideally, in audiobook form to experience the quintessential performance of the one-man show, Jeff Hays.
There are currently seven books in this ongoing series. The infallible sources of Reddit estimate this series will be anywhere from eight to ten books long, but all warn that the future of this series is not fixed. This shit just got a TV deal, and that changes its completion status to uncertain. Regardless, you're now officially a fan, and the condition is permanent.
Reward: There is no reward. Isn't being entertained enough of a reward for you?
You are now tasked with the mission to acquire and read the rest of the series. Ideally, in audiobook form to experience the quintessential performance of the one-man show, Jeff Hays.
There are currently seven books in this ongoing series. The infallible sources of Reddit estimate this series will be anywhere from eight to ten books long, but all warn that the future of this series is not fixed. This shit just got a TV deal, and that changes its completion status to uncertain. Regardless, you're now officially a fan, and the condition is permanent.
Reward: There is no reward. Isn't being entertained enough of a reward for you?