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theravenkingx's reviews
305 reviews
Mickey7 by Edward Ashton
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Ever wondered what would happen if your clone showed up at work one day? And you both had to survive on the same salary? Well, this book explores the same scenario in space.
This wasn’t quite what I expected, but I still enjoyed it. The concept of an Expendable, whose sole job is to die to expand the collective knowledge of the space colonization team, is fascinating. However, the book doesn’t explore this theme as deeply as I would have liked. Instead, it focuses more on the accidental creation of Mickey8 to replace Mickey7, who is still alive. This leads them to hide this secret and survive on the limited food allocated to Mickey7.
I liked Mickey as a character. He was funny and very likable. The scientific concepts introduced were intriguing, though I can see why some might find the detailed chapters on the history of diaspora and technology a bit tedious. This isn’t a character or plot-driven story; it’s what I’d call a world-driven story. The book excels in immersing you in its intricate world-building, offering a richly detailed universe that feels both expansive and meticulously crafted. Overall, it's a fun little pallet cleanser that enjoyed more than I thought I would.
This wasn’t quite what I expected, but I still enjoyed it. The concept of an Expendable, whose sole job is to die to expand the collective knowledge of the space colonization team, is fascinating. However, the book doesn’t explore this theme as deeply as I would have liked. Instead, it focuses more on the accidental creation of Mickey8 to replace Mickey7, who is still alive. This leads them to hide this secret and survive on the limited food allocated to Mickey7.
I liked Mickey as a character. He was funny and very likable. The scientific concepts introduced were intriguing, though I can see why some might find the detailed chapters on the history of diaspora and technology a bit tedious. This isn’t a character or plot-driven story; it’s what I’d call a world-driven story. The book excels in immersing you in its intricate world-building, offering a richly detailed universe that feels both expansive and meticulously crafted. Overall, it's a fun little pallet cleanser that enjoyed more than I thought I would.
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I'm a big fan of R.F. Kuang. I'm a big fan of R.F. Kuang. She always entrances me with her skill in blending real-life events into her works of fiction. While it may be a sore point for some, I absolutely love her approach to writing. Most importantly, her books are extremely readable. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have spent hours learning about the Sino-Japanese and Opium Wars. I think her ability to weave historical events and her somewhat opinionated writing style makes her stand out from the rest. I sometimes feel like she is voicing my own personal opinions and far better than I ever could. That said, if she were to write a book without using any historical context, her books would be pretty generic, in my opinion. Most of her books read like YA and even though I had a great time with this book, it felt like it was switching back and forth between YA and adult constantly. The topics and themes she explored were definitely more adult, but the way she propelled the narrative was very YA. It wouldn't be wrong to say that this book read like YA but for a mature audience.
The book had plenty of dark and thought-provoking moments, which is what I have come to expect from Kuang. I enjoy collecting and devouring the nuggets of information that she leaves for the readers in her narrative. This book explores the themes of covert colonialism, religious crusades, the tactics of divide and conquer infamously used by the British, and economic coercion of a poorer country by a more dominant foreign power (which is more relevant now than ever before). All of this resonates deeply with the harsh realities of our world, making it a stark reminder of the ever-present struggles for power and justice.
I was ready to give this book a 4-star rating, but the ending changed my mind. It was so well-orchestrated that I couldn't help but be impressed. Instead of fitting the puzzle pieces neatly into place, Kuang defied our expectations and left us with scrambled pieces. We thought we knew where the pieces would fit, but she turned everything on its head in a brilliantly unexpected way
Synopsis
This book continues the story of Rin as she deals with the consequences of her actions and the death of Altan. Burdened with grief and a vendetta against the Empress, Rin loses herself in opium. The collapse of the Mugenese Empire has left a significant power vacuum triggering new conflicts among various warlords, each vying for control and influence. Rin is taken up by a visionary who wants to replicate Hesperian democratic ideals in the country. To achieve this, they need to dethrone the Empress first. The book delves deep into war strategies and political maneuvers, making it an intense and gripping read.
The book had plenty of dark and thought-provoking moments, which is what I have come to expect from Kuang. I enjoy collecting and devouring the nuggets of information that she leaves for the readers in her narrative. This book explores the themes of covert colonialism, religious crusades, the tactics of divide and conquer infamously used by the British, and economic coercion of a poorer country by a more dominant foreign power (which is more relevant now than ever before). All of this resonates deeply with the harsh realities of our world, making it a stark reminder of the ever-present struggles for power and justice.
I was ready to give this book a 4-star rating, but the ending changed my mind. It was so well-orchestrated that I couldn't help but be impressed. Instead of fitting the puzzle pieces neatly into place, Kuang defied our expectations and left us with scrambled pieces. We thought we knew where the pieces would fit, but she turned everything on its head in a brilliantly unexpected way
Synopsis
This book continues the story of Rin as she deals with the consequences of her actions and the death of Altan. Burdened with grief and a vendetta against the Empress, Rin loses herself in opium. The collapse of the Mugenese Empire has left a significant power vacuum triggering new conflicts among various warlords, each vying for control and influence. Rin is taken up by a visionary who wants to replicate Hesperian democratic ideals in the country. To achieve this, they need to dethrone the Empress first. The book delves deep into war strategies and political maneuvers, making it an intense and gripping read.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Shadows for Silence in the Forests of Hell by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
This is hands down the best mystery/thriller I have read this year.
The novel follows Birnam Wood, transitioning from a group of vigilantes who once illegally planted crops on abandoned land into a non-profit organization. They aim to reclaim neglected spaces for community use.
After a devastating earthquake, Sir Owen, a pest control magnate, decides to sell his land. Mira, the determined founder of Birnam Wood, sees this as a perfect opportunity for their cause. However, the land is mysteriously taken off the market.
Undeterred, Mira decides to investigate and breaks into the property, where she encounters a man who recognizes her. This unexpected meeting triggers a series of thrilling events.
Meanwhile, Tony Gallo, a former member of Birnam Wood, returns to town with ambitions of kick-starting his journalism career. In his quest for a groundbreaking story, he uncovers a foreign conspiracy linked to Sir Owen’s land, intertwining his fate with Mira’s mission.
This book isn't without its flaws. The plot takes a while to gain momentum, and it's heavy on social commentary and the author's personal views.
I find it off-putting when authors inject too much of their own opinions into their work. There was a particular section where this was especially noticeable. The author used an unrealistic scenario to express their thoughts on various philosophical and political issues. This part was difficult to digest, as the argument felt one-sided. The responses from other characters seemed crafted to steer the conversation in a way that conveniently supported the author's perspective.
Despite this, the book is incredibly captivating overall, and the ending left a strong impression on me. It was raw and realistic, making for a powerful conclusion. I am also fully aware that the ending may not work for everyone, but I thought it was perfect.
The novel follows Birnam Wood, transitioning from a group of vigilantes who once illegally planted crops on abandoned land into a non-profit organization. They aim to reclaim neglected spaces for community use.
After a devastating earthquake, Sir Owen, a pest control magnate, decides to sell his land. Mira, the determined founder of Birnam Wood, sees this as a perfect opportunity for their cause. However, the land is mysteriously taken off the market.
Undeterred, Mira decides to investigate and breaks into the property, where she encounters a man who recognizes her. This unexpected meeting triggers a series of thrilling events.
Meanwhile, Tony Gallo, a former member of Birnam Wood, returns to town with ambitions of kick-starting his journalism career. In his quest for a groundbreaking story, he uncovers a foreign conspiracy linked to Sir Owen’s land, intertwining his fate with Mira’s mission.
This book isn't without its flaws. The plot takes a while to gain momentum, and it's heavy on social commentary and the author's personal views.
I find it off-putting when authors inject too much of their own opinions into their work. There was a particular section where this was especially noticeable. The author used an unrealistic scenario to express their thoughts on various philosophical and political issues. This part was difficult to digest, as the argument felt one-sided. The responses from other characters seemed crafted to steer the conversation in a way that conveniently supported the author's perspective.
Despite this, the book is incredibly captivating overall, and the ending left a strong impression on me. It was raw and realistic, making for a powerful conclusion. I am also fully aware that the ending may not work for everyone, but I thought it was perfect.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
I can't believe I'm rating this book so highly despite it lacking a plot and character development. This book is a love letter to space exploration and the human spirit of discovery. It focuses more on themes and ideas than on conventional storytelling. Becky Chambers writes beautifully, immersing you in the story. It’s a short little book with magical writing and awe-inspiring themes that are both captivating and imaginative. It is sure to grab your attention from the first page and keep you hooked until the very end
The book follows a crew of four on a space mission to study four different planets. Each planet presents new challenges and obstacles to the crew. Midway through their mission, they lose contact with Earth and must decide whether to continue or abandon their mission. The crew, torn between their insatiable curiosity to learn and document their discoveries and their uncertainty about what transpired back on Earth, find themselves in a constant struggle between the thrill of exploration and the anxiety of the unknown. Becky Chambers' focus on the psychological aspects of space travel and self-discovery in the middle of nowhere is not a new perspective, but her take is quite unique.
My one issue with the book is that it’s written as a letter to Earth, intended for the space agency. It felt unrealistic because it seemed to assume that people back on Earth wouldn’t understand complex concepts. As a reader with no scientific background, I found the explanation helpful, but it didn’t make sense from the story’s perspective. Why would you explain everything in layman’s terms to professionals working at a space agency? I don't know what Becky could have done differently, but it just didn't feel right.
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
I can't believe I'm rating this book so highly despite it lacking a plot and character development. This book is a love letter to space exploration and the human spirit of discovery. It focuses more on themes and ideas than on conventional storytelling. Becky Chambers writes beautifully, immersing you in the story. It’s a short little book with magical writing and awe-inspiring themes that are both captivating and imaginative. It is sure to grab your attention from the first page and keep you hooked until the very end
The book follows a crew of four on a space mission to study four different planets. Each planet presents new challenges and obstacles to the crew. Midway through their mission, they lose contact with Earth and must decide whether to continue or abandon their mission. The crew, torn between their insatiable curiosity to learn and document their discoveries and their uncertainty about what transpired back on Earth, find themselves in a constant struggle between the thrill of exploration and the anxiety of the unknown. Becky Chambers' focus on the psychological aspects of space travel and self-discovery in the middle of nowhere is not a new perspective, but her take is quite unique.
My one issue with the book is that it’s written as a letter to Earth, intended for the space agency. It felt unrealistic because it seemed to assume that people back on Earth wouldn’t understand complex concepts. As a reader with no scientific background, I found the explanation helpful, but it didn’t make sense from the story’s perspective. Why would you explain everything in layman’s terms to professionals working at a space agency? I don't know what Becky could have done differently, but it just didn't feel right.