Ana
I guess I just wasn’t all that convinced. I had heard about how twisty this book was, but none of those twists really surprised me. My problem was with how little some of them held. With some of the twists, the author would just flat out gaslight us into believing he had cleverly fooled us into thinking one way, but it really wasn’t. It was more like he ignored that some things had happened, because otherwise it makes no sense. A plot hole, if you will And then, some other twists, you really do have to suspend your belief in order to maintain them as the truth. Also, there were some characters who, out of nowhere, were super detectives and just knew things, just because??? Anyway, it’s not a bad book. But it kind of doesn’t really hold to the light.
This was a good story! I really liked the setting and the world building. I would love to see more of Alex Stern and the Houses.
Unfortunately, it did have some problems. For starters, the writing, specially in the beginning, is filled with references and information that made it hard to read. My mind kept wandering and I had to reread a few passages. But also, towards the end, when we’re supposed to be having this high stakes situation, it didn’t really feel like that and ended up being a bit of a let down. I also didn’t like how it all conveniently just “rich people will keep it down” their problems away.
The story is still pretty good. The dark setting was nice and consistent throughout. And the mystery was pretty decent, as well.
Rating: 5 / 5 starsShort review: unconventionally and irrevocably, a horror story.
Quiet an easy and fast read; just a few minutes and you're done with this story. But it's been a few hours, and I'm still really sad.
A terrifying tale in its own way, with no apparent monsters or ghosts, but rather ourselves. Ourselves, and our capability to do wrong to others, even with our best intentions, and our mind's capability to do us harm.
I'll leave with you with a couple of highlights, that really just broke my heart.
John does not know how much I really suffer. He knows there is no reason to suffer, and that satisfies him.
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I tried to have a real earnest, reasonable talk with him the other day, and tell him how I wished he would let me go and make a visit to cousin Henry and Julia. But he said I wasn't able to go, nor able to stand it after I got there; and I did not make out a very good case for myself, for I was crying before I had finished.
Rating: 4 / 5 starsShort review: Dark, gritty and full of awesomeness. Initially, though, very confusing.
I've wanted to read this graphic novel for a long while. Thankfully, it was available on Kindle Unlimited, and I did not hesitate to make it my first KU read. And I'm glad I did.
Essentially, this graphic is just really awesome. A great, dark and mysterious main character, in a dark, cool setting, involving dreams and all these mysterious and mythological themes. Really, it's just my cup of tea. Add a few superheroes references with a dash of crossover, and it's even better.
And that's without mentioning the amazing art style brought into the story, with a lot of colors and dynamic panels that really brought a different tone to each character and each setting, making the experience very complete.
My one problem, though, was how confusing the initial part of the volume is. After all, Gaiman drops us in the story without any warning or acknowledgment, and halfway through I still found myself wondering what certain panels meant and what exactly was going on. He didn't really explain anything about the story and, instead, just started telling it, which meant that I had to constantly catch up and wonder what the purpose of each event and character was. This, nonetheless, is only prominent in the first issues of the volume, and didn't bother me much by the end of it.
Another thing that felt out of place was the whole sequence with Morpheus's sister, Death. That is, the story had already finished, and it felt, initially, like something else was starting. I definitely liked the character and the development to the MC that it brought, but it felt a bit detached from the overall story.
In general, it was a really great read, and I'm excited to continue reading the next issues to and see what's in store for our MC. I'm still hesitant if I will read all 10 volumes, but, for now, I'll definitely continue.
Dear lord, why didn't I read this book sooner?
Clearly, one of the best reading experiences there can be is when you find a book that makes you express yourself physically while reading. And this definitively happened while I was reading Jane Eyre. Every time I felt outraged, or filled with warn feelings or completely desperate for things to work out, my body of its own volition had to let out a scream, hit my reading table or just get the goofiest smile on. Reading Jane Eyre feels like that.
What I specially like about this novel is how real it treats life. Jane Eyre is very aware of her position in the world and how it works, and never aspires to more than she thinks she deserves, or that she'll get. And everything that happens to Jane, and the rest of the characters as well, is very real as well. From the happiest moments to the most miserable times. And it's very refreshing to find that. It's a very honest book.
I also loved how, despite everything that happened, she always stayed true to her own, passionate self. I find that a very hard mission in life, and I admire her for that.
In other words, this is my new favorite book. Also, please go read it.
Lo leí a recomendación de una amiga y por curiosidad. Era corto y era sobre un crimen de mi país, por lo que interes había.
En general, la estructura del libro era extraña. Saltaba mucho entre sucesos y se volvia confuso. Estaban los 6 capitulos, que ella separó en diferentes puntos de la historia, pero los primeros tres eran lo mismo, era muy revuelto.
Sobre la historia, no queda nada más que decir que que asco vivir en un país en donde se idolatren y se tengan a personajes como éste en el más alto pedestal. Que toda nuestra política actual esté relacionada con personajes asi, que caía en contradicciones con su ideología, demuestra lo mal que está. A la vez, todas aquellas personas que pudieron decir algo y no lo dijeron también tienen condena aqui. Y no me refiero a las victimas, me refiero es al conserje, secretario, los farmaceutas. Los que no tenían que ver directamente, pero que pudieron haber detenido a esta farsa de hombre.
En general, me gustó el libro, pudo haber sido estructurado mejor, pero da un buen visto central y objetivo de la historia, en donde deja que hable por si sola.
And finally I finish! It took me a while and a lot of determination but it was worth the effort. If a little slow at times, it's very gripping. It makes you want to read it at all hours to see what's going to happen next, what part of the story are you going to find, who's really who in the story... I enjoyed this book immensely. Very smart and real. And I can't hardly wait to read the sequel to this. The only thing that ticked me was the excessive descriptions of everything and everyone. It could have done without a good 100 pages. Although necessary at times, some things should have been left without saying, after all, they didn't add anything to the story.
All the same, a great book I would recommend to everyone that isn't squeamish or sore on delicate subjects, because this has a lot of them. But most definitely read this book.
I received this copy in exchange of an honest review, for so, none of my feelings were affected or biased by the author or publisher.
Update: 12/14/2015
Soon to be on my blog.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
One of the most beautiful illustrations I have seen for sure. I was mesmerized by them in every way. The story that went along with them were full of knowledge, short and elusive. The descriptions of each sephiroth was quite poetic and beautiful. Very open and wide. In other words, it was great.
Even thought it wasn't the best writing or, really, a well integrated story or something else, it was ok. Because that wasn't what it was trying to be. It has a more free idea to it.
Short review, because it's a short book, and not much is to be said. Unless I put myself to ponder about each story, which I will, but not here.
Quite the interesting story of this revolutionary woman, Rosa Luxemburg. But I felt like the author should have found a better balance between the story and the historical facts and the fun commentaries. And even thought I don't agree with the communist or socialist ideology, I think that most of the ideas in here were explained in a way that made sense.
That was a hell of a fun read! I laughed at this and was completely excited over it. I thought the characters were cool and that the story was very intense. Oooooonly thing is, it felt shallow, not on the materialistic side, but on the not really deep story. It all happened really fast. The scenes wouldn't last more than five pages. Most of them, at least. But it was fun.
I had to read this for my Biology class. I just had to read chapters 2 and 3, but I actually liked it and wanted to read more of it. It's actually very interesting, and I learned a lot. Not really something you want to read over and over again, but you definitely need the information that's in here, as general culture. And it was laid down in a very easy, clear way, which I'm very thankful for.
I received this copy in exchange of an honest review, for so, none of my feelings were affected or biased by the author or publisher.
Update: 01/09/2015
If you'd like to read this review on my blog.
Rating: 2.5/5 stars.
Ashes is the story of Matt, that while living a wonderful successful life, falls in hard times, and the story that follows, while trying to get his life back. Ashes gives a voice to those unnamed heroes that fight for our lives daily, and that not always win. This is what happens after one of those such days.
I loved that this novel centered around fire fighters. I think that they're underestimated most of the time. We don't give them enough credit, really. They put themselves at risk to save our lives. And sincerely, we don't do our best to help.
This is where Matt's story falls in. He suffered a horrific faith that doesn't fall anywhere near just, but there all the same. It was wonderful to see him overcome his anger and sadness over loosing it all, and manage to see beyond it and see all the people that loved him.
I think it's an important book for both the firefighters, because it brings awareness towards them, and people, because it shows that motivation, dedication, hard work and time can do wonders.
The only thing is that it wasn't the most interesting things to read. It read pretty bland and it lacked the suspense and drama. It needed a little more narrative.
And I wasn't a fan of the art design. All that black was sometimes hard to outline. And it didn't help with the overall presentation of the book. Like, if you're going to do it in b&w, at least let me see it.
Great book, you should read it, even if for the sake of knowing about the firefighters cause.
Initial Reaction
This novel was ok, but the way it was told felt kind of chopped. And like a lot of books, it missed some important parts of a character's personalities. But it was good and interesting. Also, I didn't like the art style.
Proper review to come.
I received this copy in exchange of an honest review, for so, none of my feelings were affected or biased by the author or publisher.
Update: 01/09/2015
If you'd like to read this review on my blog.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Heart and Brain is the collection of small comics of two comical characters we all know well. Heart and Brain. Taking a satirical spin to them, they talk about real life situations from the point of view of each organ and what their function is. This results in a funny, endearing comic strip that'll have you laughing out loud!
This was a really nice read. I mean, I love seeing satirical versions of what my heart and brain would be like. I think they represented them exactly as they are. The heart naive and reckless, but with true feelings and the drive for the better. The brain logical and responsible, but with flaws as minimum feelings and others like procrastination. None of them was better than the other and both as importante as each other.
And I loved that sometimes it wouldn't just be a funny, ironical or sarcastic joke presented, but that they added some small little moments of deep thinking and important messages.
I really like the Awkward Yeti. The only thing I would have like to see more was the other organs as well. So much heart and brain could be a little boring. Specially because the format was always the same and it could get repetitive.
But great bind up. Love to read more.
Initial Reaction
I really liked this! I love The Awkward Yeti and all their comics. And I was surprised a little that it actually had some very deep meanings hidden in it.
As you guessed, proper review to come.
I received this copy in exchange of an honest review, for so, none of my feelings were affected or biased by the author or publisher.
Update: 01/09/2015
If you'd like to read this review on my blog.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
The Fox is not your typical story. And it's not really a story. It's more than that. The Fox is about life. The Fox is about family. The Fox is about survival. The Fox is the story that you'll love, without too much complication. In the point of view of wild life, we see all this and more.
Have I ever told you how wonderful foxes are? Actually, animals in general? They now everything and everyone, don't over complicate themselves, and have their priorities straight. They don't follow the rules of time and they have the biggest and truest capability to love.
For me, this novel was just that. Animals in their truest form. No story, no background or intricate plot needed. Just the true.
And the design in the drawing was insane. So beautiful and detailed. And not only the characters but the ambient. It all had so many details and was so carefully crafted. Not some random scrambles likes some of today's graphic novels.
Read it. Seriously. It is necessary. (not really but pretty please)
Initial Reaction
The only reason I read this, was because it was about a Fox, and foxes are my favorite animals. And I'm hella glad I did. The art was gorgeous, loved it. Perfect. Real story, straight to the point. Love it. Please read it.
Proper review to come, thought it will be short.
I received this copy in exchange of an honest review, for so, none of my feelings were affected or biased by the author or publisher.
If you'd like to read this review on my blog.
Updated: 12/18/2015
Rating: 2/5 stars.
In tortured life, we hear about the story of Richard, and how his life slowly turned bad by his very special gift. Now, at his lowest point, an even occurs that gives him a new reason to stay alive, and actually, fight to stay alive.
When I was looking for new graphic novels to read in NetGalley (because honestly, they're so easy to read) and I saw this, I was really excited. It sounded like something that I could definitely like. But, something that I've come to realize, is an indicator of a possible bad story, is that the blur doesn't really talk about the plot. It talks about general storyline. When I read this, I wasn't sure of what was coming, but if I had known it was going to turn into this? I would have saved time and just don't read it.
I was expecting some fun, adventurous, filled with paranormal story. Instead, I got an unnecessary story, with unnecessary fillings and one hell of a weird out come. I swear, if I had read the final part with the first half, I wouldn't have guessed it was the same.
The story of Richard having a gift to see how people die sounded awesome, Sad for him, but awesome for me to read. But that wasn't it. There was also a weird plot about a weird ghost-avenger who wanted to kill him just because. And then the ending. The ghost was himself? And he was a clone? Of a guy who had a twin? Or was it the twin the ghost? Or was it the combination of both? All the same, the ending felt really rushed, and it felt like it hadn't been planned out at all, but rather a spur-of-the-moment kind of word-vomit. It was all over the place, and I'm not sure it made complete sense.
Also, it was really grotesque. But like, really, unnecessary grotesque. It had people's brains and guts flying all over the place, and blood pouring out of the paper. And it was like the author knew his story wasn't that good and decided to stick all that blood so that people would stay. Don't get me wrong, I normally don't complain about that. The realest the better. And when I started reading this, I felt it might be that way. But then it just got ridiculous.
The art style wasn't exactly pretty, and at times I wasn't sure of what the surroundings really where. Other than that, it was an enjoyable piece of work, without the guts.
Even thought all this, I did enjoy some of this. It wasn't a complete and total disaster. It was fast paced, at least the first part, and kind of gripping.
I don't think you should waste much time with this. And not everyone likes all this gross blood gutsy. Nah, I've wasted time.
Initial Reaction
Meh, I didn't like this. It had a good premise, and I only expected it to be adventurous and fun. But it had a really poor execution and nothing really happened. Also, it was confusing and had really grotesque scenes everywhere, that just became unnecessary.
Proper reviews in the morrow.