Take a photo of a barcode or cover
theravenkingx's reviews
329 reviews
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.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
We look at others with fucking trivial problems, and we think how long they'd last with a taste of our childhoods.
I'm not sure if the publishers marketed this book as a mystery/thriller, but I've noticed many people expressing disappointment. I approached it without any expectations and didn't feel misled at all. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and brilliance of this book. The writing reminded me of one of my all-time favorite books, *Never Let Me Go* It shares the same beautiful bleakness, with prose that is both ornate and melancholic. The slow burn of this book evokes deep emotions and hits you right in the gut. However, I understand that this book is not for everyone. It's a slow-paced narrative that tackles several triggering topics like child abuse, domestic violence, and addiction
If you're looking for a straightforward mystery/thriller, you might be disappointed. While the mystery element present, this book is much more than that. It's a profound exploration of the human condition, delving into the effects of traumatic experiences and their psychological implications. The story is about friendships, family, loss, unrequited love, and how an unexpected event can change the course of your life.
While this is one of the good books I have read this
year, it has some glaring issues. The book is filled with many unrealistic coincidences that, although didn't mind while reading, believe the author
could have handled differently. I can see some people being bothered them. There were numerous occasions where the author could have ended the
book in a bittersweet manner, which would have been more satisfying than the conclusion we got. I was ready to give this book a 5-star rating until I
reached the ending. It undid much of the character development and plot tension that had been carefully built up.
believe the author's attempt to wrap up the plot points was too much. He didn't leave anything to our imagination. Everything was over-explained, and everything worked out perfectly for everyone in the end.' it felt like the author was tying up every loose end with a neat little bow which took away from the
story's potential depth and complexity.
One plot point, in particular, was completely butchered at the end. It felt unnecessary and added nothing to the story. I found myself scratching my head, wondering why the author decided to mess with such a crucial part of a character's growth. It was like watching someone trip over their own shoelaces right before crossing the finish line.
Another issue I encountered, which didn't bother me as much but might frustrate other readers, was that the major twists were presented in a confusing and convoluted manner, often in just a line or two, before quickly moving on. This made it difficult to fully grasp the significance of these twists. While I didn't mind this stylistic choice for the most part, I felt that some plot twists could have benefited from more in-depth exploration.
Synopsis
In this book, we follow Saint, a young girl navigating the challenges of growing up, and her one-eyed friend, Patch, living in a small town in Missouri in 1975. They form an unlikely friendship, until one day, Patch intervenes to save a popular girl, Misty Meyer, from being kidnapped. The situation spirals out of control, and Patch is taken instead. Overcome with grief but driven by unfathomable courage, Saint sets out on a journey to find her friend, Patch. However, her quest doesn't end there. Ilt leads her down a rabbit hole. The existence of a girl named Grace,
kidnapped alongside Patch, becomes a mystery and a pivotal part of the story.
Over the next 26 years, we witness the characters
growth, challenges, and the complexities of their lives. This one event continues to haunt our main characters into their adulthood. Saint transforms
into a strong and independent police officer, though she carries emotional baggage from her childhood and the pain of unrequited love. Her journey takes her through various towns and cities, searching for the victims of the same man responsible for kidnapping Patch and Grace. Misty, forever
grateful for Patch's sacrifice, becomes an integral part of their intertwined fates. Grace's mysterious disappearance continues to influence the paths of our characters even in their adulthood.
The story focuses on the who and why of the heinous acts. The mystery is prevalent throughout
the narrative, but the heavy focus is on the characters and their journeys.
The narrative explores themes of survivors guilt, trauma, friendship, loss, and the passage of time, culminating in a conclusion that ties together the characters' journeys, revealing the profound impact
of their shared experiences. The story highlights the enduring strength of human connections and the relentless pursuit of justice, ultimately leading to a resolution that honors the sacrifices made and the bonds formed along the way.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
3.0
We look at others with fucking trivial problems, and we think how long they'd last with a taste of our childhoods.
I'm not sure if the publishers marketed this book as a mystery/thriller, but I've noticed many people expressing disappointment. I approached it without any expectations and didn't feel misled at all. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and brilliance of this book. The writing reminded me of one of my all-time favorite books, *Never Let Me Go* It shares the same beautiful bleakness, with prose that is both ornate and melancholic. The slow burn of this book evokes deep emotions and hits you right in the gut. However, I understand that this book is not for everyone. It's a slow-paced narrative that tackles several triggering topics like child abuse, domestic violence, and addiction
If you're looking for a straightforward mystery/thriller, you might be disappointed. While the mystery element present, this book is much more than that. It's a profound exploration of the human condition, delving into the effects of traumatic experiences and their psychological implications. The story is about friendships, family, loss, unrequited love, and how an unexpected event can change the course of your life.
While this is one of the good books I have read this
year, it has some glaring issues. The book is filled with many unrealistic coincidences that, although didn't mind while reading, believe the author
could have handled differently. I can see some people being bothered them. There were numerous occasions where the author could have ended the
book in a bittersweet manner, which would have been more satisfying than the conclusion we got. I was ready to give this book a 5-star rating until I
reached the ending. It undid much of the character development and plot tension that had been carefully built up.
believe the author's attempt to wrap up the plot points was too much. He didn't leave anything to our imagination. Everything was over-explained, and everything worked out perfectly for everyone in the end.' it felt like the author was tying up every loose end with a neat little bow which took away from the
story's potential depth and complexity.
One plot point, in particular, was completely butchered at the end. It felt unnecessary and added nothing to the story. I found myself scratching my head, wondering why the author decided to mess with such a crucial part of a character's growth. It was like watching someone trip over their own shoelaces right before crossing the finish line.
Another issue I encountered, which didn't bother me as much but might frustrate other readers, was that the major twists were presented in a confusing and convoluted manner, often in just a line or two, before quickly moving on. This made it difficult to fully grasp the significance of these twists. While I didn't mind this stylistic choice for the most part, I felt that some plot twists could have benefited from more in-depth exploration.
We look at others with fucking trivial problems, and we think how long they'd last with a taste of our childhoods
Synopsis
In this book, we follow Saint, a young girl navigating the challenges of growing up, and her one-eyed friend, Patch, living in a small town in Missouri in 1975. They form an unlikely friendship, until one day, Patch intervenes to save a popular girl, Misty Meyer, from being kidnapped. The situation spirals out of control, and Patch is taken instead. Overcome with grief but driven by unfathomable courage, Saint sets out on a journey to find her friend, Patch. However, her quest doesn't end there. Ilt leads her down a rabbit hole. The existence of a girl named Grace,
kidnapped alongside Patch, becomes a mystery and a pivotal part of the story.
"Two people are less lost than one."
Over the next 26 years, we witness the characters
growth, challenges, and the complexities of their lives. This one event continues to haunt our main characters into their adulthood. Saint transforms
into a strong and independent police officer, though she carries emotional baggage from her childhood and the pain of unrequited love. Her journey takes her through various towns and cities, searching for the victims of the same man responsible for kidnapping Patch and Grace. Misty, forever
grateful for Patch's sacrifice, becomes an integral part of their intertwined fates. Grace's mysterious disappearance continues to influence the paths of our characters even in their adulthood.
The story focuses on the who and why of the heinous acts. The mystery is prevalent throughout
the narrative, but the heavy focus is on the characters and their journeys.
The narrative explores themes of survivors guilt, trauma, friendship, loss, and the passage of time, culminating in a conclusion that ties together the characters' journeys, revealing the profound impact
of their shared experiences. The story highlights the enduring strength of human connections and the relentless pursuit of justice, ultimately leading to a resolution that honors the sacrifices made and the bonds formed along the way.
"Time changes our ability to view the things that
hurt us." "But not the pain."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy
The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson
slow-paced
2.0
Was this series necessary? No.
Did it form a cohesive, coherent, and well-plotted story spanning four books? No.
Can you skip this series? No, because of all the ties in to the cosmere.
I wouldn't even call this a series; it's more like a collection of Wax and Wayne adventures. Each book wraps up its own story neatly, with only the characters' growth and the lessons they've learned carrying over. You can read them in sequence, but they're also independent enough that you can stop after any book. This is partly why I disliked the fourth book because it tried too hard to link not just with the previous three books but with the entire Cosmere universe.
This book has really worn me out. I need a break from the Cosmere. I am so tired of these never ending developments and additions to my reading pile.
I was pleasantly surprised by the first book, enjoyed the second, and didn't mind the third, but the fourth one made me furious. It seemed like Brandon wrote it just to expand the Cosmere. It lacked its own plot and was overloaded with Cosmere references. It quickly became overwhelming, introducing a new magic system (briefly mentioned in the Stormlight Archive), a new planet, a new god, and several characters from other series.
I appreciate subtle hints that connect his works, but this book was too heavy on Cosmere connections, making it feel like a setup for future books. I hate that it's now essential to read this book and several other series to understand what's going on. You can't enjoy any one series on its own; you have to read all his works in a specific order to keep up. BTW, I am too dumb to remember every tiny detail. I still feel like I know next to nothing compared to people on the internet.
It feels like Brandon is trying too hard now. He's making things more confusing and convoluted. While I generally enjoy the evolving magic systems, it's getting to a point where I don't see an end to it.
Brandon didn't plan on writing this book, and it shows. Unlike his previous works, this one lacks the intricate world-building where every detail, no matter how insignificant, contributes to a surprising and satisfying conclusion. There were definitely quite a few plot points that were left unresolved.
Harmony mentioned that he made life too easy, which led to a delay in technological advancement because people were too content to seek better alternatives. Scadrial is technologically behind, yet Autonomy was still afraid of them. How does that make sense?
Additionally, despite being technologically backward, they managed to create a rocket in the end? Also, the Malwish technology wasn’t as backward. The brewing tensions between Elendel and Southern Scadrial were left unresolved, and the major focus of the book seemed to be on the Cosmere rather than anything else.
Spoilers Ahead
I hate it when authors can't stick to their decisions. Kelsier is one of my favorite characters in the entire Cosmere, and although I wanted him to live, his death made sense. It was crucial to the plot. By bringing him back, Brandon, in my opinion, is undermining his legacy. With that said, I am excited to see what the Ghostbloods are planning and what role Kelsier will play. I wasn't shocked by the reveal because I had already read The Secret History. I am still disappointed, though. He really should have moved on to the beyond with Vin and Elend
I don't understand the hate surrounding Wayne. He may not be the best character, but he's certainly not the worst Brandon has ever written. I enjoyed him for the most part. However, the humor became more juvenile with each installment. The fourth book introduced many plot points for him, but none were properly explored or explained. We don't know why he tried to stop Wax and Steris's wedding in the third book. If it was due to his dislike for Steris (which was never explored), it was a pretty inconsiderate move. His sudden rise to wealth was also never explained, nor why he was so secretive about it. How did he make so many good investments? Why was he calling himself dead? I thought he was being controlled by someone else or had figured out a way to see the future, which was making him rich.
I wanted Wayne to get more page time, but he never played any significant role in any of the books. It felt like Brandon was saving him for this one last act. What he did in the end really made him a true hero. However, it felt like nobody mourned him. Everyone seemed okay with him sacrificing himself.
The relationship between MeLaan and Wayne seemed forced and unbelievable. Marasi and Allik also made no sense whatsoever.
Overall, this book is absolutely necessary to read. You will not enjoy it, and it will be a pain to get through, but you can't risk not reading it because of all the Cosmere-related information it contains.
Did it form a cohesive, coherent, and well-plotted story spanning four books? No.
Can you skip this series? No, because of all the ties in to the cosmere.
I wouldn't even call this a series; it's more like a collection of Wax and Wayne adventures. Each book wraps up its own story neatly, with only the characters' growth and the lessons they've learned carrying over. You can read them in sequence, but they're also independent enough that you can stop after any book. This is partly why I disliked the fourth book because it tried too hard to link not just with the previous three books but with the entire Cosmere universe.
This book has really worn me out. I need a break from the Cosmere. I am so tired of these never ending developments and additions to my reading pile.
I was pleasantly surprised by the first book, enjoyed the second, and didn't mind the third, but the fourth one made me furious. It seemed like Brandon wrote it just to expand the Cosmere. It lacked its own plot and was overloaded with Cosmere references. It quickly became overwhelming, introducing a new magic system (briefly mentioned in the Stormlight Archive), a new planet, a new god, and several characters from other series.
I appreciate subtle hints that connect his works, but this book was too heavy on Cosmere connections, making it feel like a setup for future books. I hate that it's now essential to read this book and several other series to understand what's going on. You can't enjoy any one series on its own; you have to read all his works in a specific order to keep up. BTW, I am too dumb to remember every tiny detail. I still feel like I know next to nothing compared to people on the internet.
It feels like Brandon is trying too hard now. He's making things more confusing and convoluted. While I generally enjoy the evolving magic systems, it's getting to a point where I don't see an end to it.
Brandon didn't plan on writing this book, and it shows. Unlike his previous works, this one lacks the intricate world-building where every detail, no matter how insignificant, contributes to a surprising and satisfying conclusion. There were definitely quite a few plot points that were left unresolved.
Harmony mentioned that he made life too easy, which led to a delay in technological advancement because people were too content to seek better alternatives. Scadrial is technologically behind, yet Autonomy was still afraid of them. How does that make sense?
Additionally, despite being technologically backward, they managed to create a rocket in the end? Also, the Malwish technology wasn’t as backward. The brewing tensions between Elendel and Southern Scadrial were left unresolved, and the major focus of the book seemed to be on the Cosmere rather than anything else.
Spoilers Ahead
I hate it when authors can't stick to their decisions. Kelsier is one of my favorite characters in the entire Cosmere, and although I wanted him to live, his death made sense. It was crucial to the plot. By bringing him back, Brandon, in my opinion, is undermining his legacy. With that said, I am excited to see what the Ghostbloods are planning and what role Kelsier will play. I wasn't shocked by the reveal because I had already read The Secret History. I am still disappointed, though. He really should have moved on to the beyond with Vin and Elend
I don't understand the hate surrounding Wayne. He may not be the best character, but he's certainly not the worst Brandon has ever written. I enjoyed him for the most part. However, the humor became more juvenile with each installment. The fourth book introduced many plot points for him, but none were properly explored or explained. We don't know why he tried to stop Wax and Steris's wedding in the third book. If it was due to his dislike for Steris (which was never explored), it was a pretty inconsiderate move. His sudden rise to wealth was also never explained, nor why he was so secretive about it. How did he make so many good investments? Why was he calling himself dead? I thought he was being controlled by someone else or had figured out a way to see the future, which was making him rich.
I wanted Wayne to get more page time, but he never played any significant role in any of the books. It felt like Brandon was saving him for this one last act. What he did in the end really made him a true hero. However, it felt like nobody mourned him. Everyone seemed okay with him sacrificing himself.
The relationship between MeLaan and Wayne seemed forced and unbelievable. Marasi and Allik also made no sense whatsoever.
Overall, this book is absolutely necessary to read. You will not enjoy it, and it will be a pain to get through, but you can't risk not reading it because of all the Cosmere-related information it contains.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75