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theravenkingx's reviews
329 reviews
James by Percival Everett
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
After reading some good and some mediocre books, I have finally found my first 5-star read of the year.
"James" is a retelling of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" but from the perspective of a slave named James, or Jim. I dove straight into it without reading the classic, and I have no regrets. I will probably never read the original because:
1. From what I have heard, it hasn't aged well.
2. It's a children's book, and I don't think I can handle any more of Huck. He's quite annoying.
"James" is a beautifully written story that is humorous, emotional, and often quite bleak. Ultimately, it is a tale of resilience and courage. The last 150 pages were a rollercoaster of emotions that had my eyes glued to the pages. I wasn't expecting it to get so dark, but it did, and it totally made sense.
My only complaint is the pacing. The third act felt too abrupt. The changes that James goes through happen so suddenly that we don't get the time to fully soak in his transformations, his emotions, and the implications of his actions. It would have been more impactful with a bit more development.
Spoiler
I also think we needed a bit more history about James and Huck's mother. James revealing that he is Huck's father felt unnecessary, and I don't think it added anything to the story. Instead, it raised more questions like: Was James forced, or was it consensual? And Why did nobody ever find out?
"James" is a retelling of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" but from the perspective of a slave named James, or Jim. I dove straight into it without reading the classic, and I have no regrets. I will probably never read the original because:
1. From what I have heard, it hasn't aged well.
2. It's a children's book, and I don't think I can handle any more of Huck. He's quite annoying.
"James" is a beautifully written story that is humorous, emotional, and often quite bleak. Ultimately, it is a tale of resilience and courage. The last 150 pages were a rollercoaster of emotions that had my eyes glued to the pages. I wasn't expecting it to get so dark, but it did, and it totally made sense.
My only complaint is the pacing. The third act felt too abrupt. The changes that James goes through happen so suddenly that we don't get the time to fully soak in his transformations, his emotions, and the implications of his actions. It would have been more impactful with a bit more development.
Spoiler
I also think we needed a bit more history about James and Huck's mother. James revealing that he is Huck's father felt unnecessary, and I don't think it added anything to the story. Instead, it raised more questions like: Was James forced, or was it consensual? And Why did nobody ever find out?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This year, I made a promise to myself to read more classics, and this is the first classic I have read this year. Here are my thoughts on it:
Little Women was a nice, short read. I understand why it is considered a classic, especially since it was written after World War II when people needed hope and a fun story to get lost in. However, I find it to be a somewhat disjointed story of four sisters. Each chapter introduces a new part of their lives and ends with some sort of conclusion, much like a collection of short stories. There is no clear plot, and the interesting events that do happen seem random and end abruptly. When I reached the last page, I didn't feel satisfied. The ending felt unfinished, which led me to do some research, and I discovered there is a book 2.
I am not in the mood for reading book 2 now, but maybe I will someday. Little women is overall a fun and cozy read. It just wasn't for me.
The use of non-linear storytelling in the movie is, I think, a clever move. The short stories from the book fit well as flashbacks in the film, as opposed to being the main plot.
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
This year, I made a promise to myself to read more classics, and this is the first classic I have read this year. Here are my thoughts on it:
Little Women was a nice, short read. I understand why it is considered a classic, especially since it was written after World War II when people needed hope and a fun story to get lost in. However, I find it to be a somewhat disjointed story of four sisters. Each chapter introduces a new part of their lives and ends with some sort of conclusion, much like a collection of short stories. There is no clear plot, and the interesting events that do happen seem random and end abruptly. When I reached the last page, I didn't feel satisfied. The ending felt unfinished, which led me to do some research, and I discovered there is a book 2.
I am not in the mood for reading book 2 now, but maybe I will someday. Little women is overall a fun and cozy read. It just wasn't for me.
The use of non-linear storytelling in the movie is, I think, a clever move. The short stories from the book fit well as flashbacks in the film, as opposed to being the main plot.
All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
This is one of those instances where the movie was better than the book. I'm not sure if it was the translation, but I found the writing to be quite mediocre. The book was full of sexism and poorly developed characters. While the concept was interesting and the ending was intriguing and shocking, there was little else that held my interest. This is the longest short book I have read in a while, and it took me a long time to finish because I just couldn't get into it.
The Burning God by R.F. Kuang
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I wasn’t expecting this book to continue for as long as it did after certain events took place. It was both shocking and epic. This series is one of the best war stories, focusing more on the strategy and aftermath of war rather than the battles themselves. However, those who enjoy larger-than-life battle scenes might find this book disappointing in how it handles the action scenes. Even the final battle felt like it ended abruptly, emphasizing the aftermath, which made me ponder what victory truly means. Is it really a victory if you can’t even feed your own people? Is it truly a victory if you have to bow and accept the same doctrine you swore to end?
I appreciate the questions this book raised and the profound message that not every win can be considered a victory.
The narrative veered dangerously close to YA tropes but, fortunately, never crossed into that territory. That said, this book and the series as a whole have some daunting flaws. The plot involving the Trifecta culminated in absolutely nothing. We never revisited Kasegi after his alleged capture. Vaisra’s sudden disappearance, handing full control to his son, felt abrupt and lacked any meaningful buildup. I believe this book could have been improved if it were told from two different POVs because it felt like we were blinded to what was going on in Nezha’s mind and what was happening in the Dragon Lord’s palace.
R.F. Kuang's writing is so intricate and beautiful; she always leaves me at a loss for words. She writes so good that I'll literally pay to read her grocery list, lol.
I appreciate the questions this book raised and the profound message that not every win can be considered a victory.
The narrative veered dangerously close to YA tropes but, fortunately, never crossed into that territory. That said, this book and the series as a whole have some daunting flaws. The plot involving the Trifecta culminated in absolutely nothing. We never revisited Kasegi after his alleged capture. Vaisra’s sudden disappearance, handing full control to his son, felt abrupt and lacked any meaningful buildup. I believe this book could have been improved if it were told from two different POVs because it felt like we were blinded to what was going on in Nezha’s mind and what was happening in the Dragon Lord’s palace.
R.F. Kuang's writing is so intricate and beautiful; she always leaves me at a loss for words. She writes so good that I'll literally pay to read her grocery list, lol.
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.