Eva Aviana Otilie
Ok now my final thoughts. I have to admit that I am not sure what to even say for this one. I am just in a somewhat of a shock.
So much of the darker details of how the world works was revealed now and it kinda amkes this series a little more scary.
Shive being gone, just CLIFFHANGER MUCH?!!!!!
I have to say that the snow helps ALOT againt the darkness in the earlier boojs. Like physical dark not theme
Ok first, what is up with me only reading good books latley? I mean great for me but this is strange.
Now, the actual book review.
I mean this book was great. The way it mixed the knowledge we have about animals and how evolution works. But also the idea and reimaging of how anials are and can be out there in the universe.
Well, it was simply amazing in my opinion. There is not much more to say
Strengths: -Powerful Themes: Butler masterfully delves into the harsh realities of slavery and the lingering effects of racism. The novel challenges readers to confront the past and consider its implications for the present, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read. - Engaging Concept: The time-travel element is not just a gimmick but a central thing that Butler uses to explore the intersections of history and personal identity. It creates a sense of urgency and tension that keeps me engaged. - Character Complexity: Dana is a strong, relatable protagonist. Her courage, resourcefulness, and moral dilemmas make her a compelling character, and her evolving relationship with Rufus adds layers of complexity to the story. - Emotional Impact: The novel effectively conveys the emotional and psychological toll of slavery, both on those who endure it and those who witness it. Butler's vivid descriptions and thoughtful character development allow the reader to feel the weight of Dana's experiences.
Weaknesses: - Pacing: While the story is engaging, there are moments where the pacing slows, particularly in the middle sections. Some scenes feel repetitive, which makes one feel like it starts becoming relative and the flow in my reading stops up. - Narrative Structure: The back-and-forth between the present and the past, while integral to the story, occasionally disrupts the narrative flow.
Såååå
Vet ikke helt hvor jeg skal begynne med denne omtalen.
Jeg elsker konspetet av denne boken. Jeg liker at de drar inn de pågående probrelmene og debattene i det norkse samfunnet. Jeg liker ikke kjærlightene. trengte ikke det, klarte meg bra med ‘bare' det politiske og hvordan hun kommer seg igjennom det universet.
This book persoanlly is probely the best untill now. It was actullay the last book I stopped at last time so good to have atleast come over that part.
I find that in this one we get to see more of the lore that I know (judging from the tv series) start forming. Like the bigger PLOT taht will eventually make the end finnaly starts properly
This book feelt like discovering a hidden gem in the fantasy genre—one that is quietly magical and richly detailed.I love how the charm and the academic research blends together so neatly.
The novel is set in 1909 and follows Emily Wilde, a socially awkward yet brilliant professor at Cambridge, who is working on what she hopes will be the definitive encyclopaedia of faeries. Emily's journey takes her to the remote village of Hrafnsvik in Scandinavia.
What drew me in was the way the story is presented as Emily's journal, I honestly loved this aspect so incredibly much. This narrative style makes it feel incredibly personal, as if you're peering into the thoughts of a woman who is much more comfortable with her books and faerie folklore than with people. Which to be fair is kinda exactly what the case is. Example, when she arrives in Hrafnsvik, Emily's interactions with the villagers are painfully awkward, leading to some amusing yet relatable moments. Her initial attempts to gather information from the villagers are met with suspicion and confusion, and her discomfort is palpable.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the relationship between Emily and Wendell Bambleby, her charming and infuriating colleague. When Wendell unexpectedly shows up in Hrafnsvik, Emily is both annoyed and relieved. Wendell is everything Emily is not—effortlessly sociable, charismatic, and, as we later discover, deeply connected to the faerie world in ways that Emily hadn't anticipated. Their banter is delightful, and the slow development of their friendship (with a hint of romance) is one of the highlights of the story. Have to add that the romance not being too in my face is one of the things I also highly like about this book. Heather Fawcett's writing is beautifully descriptive, particularly when it comes to the faeries and the wintry landscape of Hrafnsvik. The village feels isolated and otherworldly, the perfect backdrop for a story steeped in folklore. The faeries themselves are portrayed as both enchanting and dangerous, with their own complex rules and hierarchies. Emily's meticulous notes on the different types of faeries add depth to the world-building, making it feel as though you're reading a real scholar's work on these mythical creatures.
However, the book's pace is quite measured, which might not appeal to readers looking for fast-paced action. The focus is more on the slow unraveling of mysteries, both in the faerie world and in Emily's personal growth. While this slower pace allows for a deep immersion in the world and characters, it could feel a bit dragging at times, especially in the middle of the book.
A novel that weaves together history and fiction, creating an intricate tale set in the backdrop of the early 20th century and the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Concept and Plot The novel explores the story of Esme, a young girl who becomes fascinated by words discarded by the male lexicographers of the Oxford English Dictionary. The concept of exploring language through a gendered lens is innovative and thought-provoking. The book provides a detailed and vivid picture of the historical period, capturing the nuances of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The novel's deep dive into words and their meanings, especially those overlooked or deemed unimportant, offers an engaging exploration of language and its impact on society. An aspect I appreciate in fiction. I enjoy when I can let my linguistic wanna be loose.
he novel's pacing is uneven, with some sections feeling slow and overly detailed, while others rush through potentially significant plot developments. Certain plot points are predictable, reducing the tension and surprise that could have added depth to the narrative.
Character Development Esme is a compelling and empathetic character whose passion for words drives the narrative. Her growth from a curious child to a thoughtful adult is one of the novel's highlights. The novel features a diverse cast of supporting characters who enrich the story and provide different perspectives on the central themes.
Some characters feel underdeveloped, lacking the complexity and depth that would make them more relatable and engaging. The development of certain characters feels inconsistent, with some shifts in behavior or perspective occurring without sufficient buildup or explanation.
Writing Style Williams has a talent for descriptive language, painting vivid pictures of the setting and evoking the era's atmosphere. The novel demonstrates meticulous research and attention to historical detail, enhancing the authenticity of the narrative.
The writing style sometimes swing between compelling and disengaging, with sections that captivate followed by those that feel drawn out or lack focus. At times, the narrative becomes bogged down by excessive detailing, which can detract from the story's momentum and dilute the impact of key moments.
The book draws from the real-life horrors of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, where children were kidnapped and sold to wealthy families in the 1930s and 1940s. The story is told through two parallel timelines: one following Rill Foss, a young girl whose life is torn apart when she and her siblings are taken from their riverboat home, and the other centred on Avery Stafford, a present-day lawyer who begins to uncover her family's long-buried secrets.
Wingate excels in creating a haunting atmosphere that captures the reader's attention from the very first page. The portrayal of Rill's ordeal is heart-wrenching and emotionally charged, making it impossible not to sympathise with her plight. The historical aspect of the novel is well-researched, providing a grim reminder of a dark chapter in American history that is not widely known.
However, while the historical narrative is compelling, the contemporary storyline is less engaging. Avery's character feels somewhat underdeveloped, and her personal struggles seem trivial compared to the harrowing experiences of Rill and her siblings. This disparity between the two timelines weakens the overall impact of the novel, as the modern-day narrative often feels like an unnecessary distraction from the more gripping historical plot.
Another point of contention is the pacing. The novel starts strong, but the momentum begins to wane as it progresses, particularly in the middle sections. Some parts of the story feel repetitive, and the resolution, while satisfying, is somewhat predictable.
Despite these flaws, “Before We Were Yours” is a powerful read that sheds light on a disturbing piece of history. Wingate's writing is vivid and evocative, and the novel's emotional depth will resonate with readers who enjoy historical fiction. However, the uneven pacing and the less compelling contemporary storyline prevent it from being a truly outstanding work.
In conclusion, “Before We Were Yours” is a solid read, particularly for those interested in historical fiction, but it falls short of being a masterpiece. It's a book that lingers in your thoughts, but the imbalance between the two narratives keeps it from reaching its full potential. Hence, a 3.5-star rating feels appropriate for this emotional yet uneven novel.
The story started oit so well. Yes it deveoped slowly, but I was on track and invested. Then it dtarted to get so repetative.
I mean caracthers also exist, and the side caracthers do little for the story. And I jusy did not need the lovy stuff at all.
Ok, lastly. The shitty ass town. Yes it was bult well and I getnit but I hate that town
When I picked up the book, I was exited about the plot: a secret governmental agency responsible for managing and safeguarding the course of history through time travel. It promised a blend of historical intrigue, adventure, and a touch of science fiction, all things that I typically love. However, the book fell short in several key areas.
I think that overall I need to agree that it feels a bit like a fanfiction. I will explain more now: First, the narrative felt disjointed and inconsistent (kinda like someone earlier said. Like a 14 year old fanfiction.). While the concept of time travel and historical manipulation is complex, the storytelling often seemed to lack direction. The pacing was uneven, with some sections dragging on unnecessarily while others rushed through potentially fascinating events and encounters. This made it difficult to stay engaged and fully immersed in the story, again leading it to just drag out.
Character development was another huge issue. The protagonists, came across as underdeveloped and somewhat one-dimensional, ok super one-dimensional honestly. Their motivations and personal backgrounds were not explored in sufficient depth, making it hard to connect with them. Instead of feeling like fully realised individuals, they often seemed to serve as mere vehicles for advancing the plot. Or in a less fancy way, the characters all felt like puppets instead of actual alive people that the author is just guiding in their story.
The historical settings and events sometimes suffered from a lack of authenticity. As someone who enjoys historical fiction, I found myself frustrated by inaccuracies and that just makes me feel less connected as I know it is not actually accurate. I mean do your research properly. The book sometimes took too many liberties with historical facts, which, while maybe intended to help the narrative, ended up destroyingit in some ways.
The prose itself was another sticking point. While there were moments of evocative writing, these were overshadowed by a general sense of inconsistency. Some passages were beautifully crafted, drawing me into the world, while others felt clunky and awkward, pulling me out of the story. Like I felt I was on some kind of awkward rollarcoaster that pulls you back and forth.
Small line that I dont know where to put in the main subjects I like to keep in my reviews: THE ROMACE. I mean, it was not needed and felt all wrong to me. I would be fine without it in any and every way.
Small posetive thing tho since everything before was so negative: The concept remains a compelling one, and there were flashes of brilliance in the way certain historical figures and events were portrayed. The idea of exploring history through the lens of time travel is undeniably fascinating, and there were moments where the book's potential shone through.
Just overall sucks that my expectations and wants in this book were not met at all. The concept was so good, it just was way to inconsistent and not properly written. So in conclusion, it was a 2star for me. Borderline 1.75 but decided to keep it up at 2.
Now I know this one will be super short
I do struggle to write a proper rewiev of this one as honestly. I know how the rest of the series is and I may just kinda think of the entire series and not just THIS book.
But for me it is an obvious 5 star.
Snicket is great at ‘being in carcather' during the entire thing. Like all expleations are based on ‘this will end bad' and yes, I will admit. It is kinda annoying at times. But the commitment helps so much and it helps keep the feeling of it being a kinda child ghotic vibe. The vibe I just abseultly love.
The only negative part is kinda just generally how... can we say invested count Olaf is in marrying Violet. (also if any names I say are wrong I blame the transelations) Just did he actually spend real time trying to find other sulutions?.... he should have spent longer atleast
“The Girl on the Train” was a book I was really excited to dive into, but it ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me. The premise sounded intriguing—peering into the lives of strangers from the vantage point of a train window. It's a setting ripe for mystery and suspense, and the author does set up a compelling scenario. I mean atleast in theory.
However, as I got deeper into the story, I found myself losing some of that initial enthusiasm. The characters felt flat, and I struggled to connect with them. The protagonist, Rachel, had a lot of potential as an unreliable narrator, but her constant state of intoxication and the circular pattern of her thoughts made the narrative drag. And not in the way that can be interesting at times.
The plot had its moments of tension, but overall, the pacing felt uneven. There were parts where the story really picked up and I was exited to see what happened next, but then it would slow down with repetitive reflection or way less fun side plots. The twists were decent, though not as surprising as I'd hoped—they felt a bit too ... rehearsed and planned out. It does not feel like the characters doing an action but rather the author deciding they will do this.
In the end, “The Girl on the Train” wasn't quite the thrill ride I was expecting. It had some interesting elements and a strong setup, but it didn't quite deliver on the suspense or character depth I was looking for. It's a decent read if you're into psychological thrillers, but for me, it just missed the mark. So for me it is a sad 2.5 read.
A queer retelling of Jane Austen's classic novel, “Pride and Prejudice.” Set in the 19th century, it offers a fresh perspective by focusing on a romance between a non-binary character and another person of the same gender, while staying true to the themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth that are central to Austen's original world:
Good Parts:
1. Unique and Fresh Perspective:
- The retelling through a queer lens is one of the book's strongest features. By introducing non-binary and same-sex relationships into a historically heteronormative setting, Novoa breathes new life into the familiar narrative. This inclusion not only provides representation but also explores the nuances of identity and love in a historical context.
2. Faithfulness to Austen's Themes:
- Novoa adeptly retains the core themes of “Pride and Prejudice,” such as class disparity, pride, and societal norms. The dynamics between the characters and the challenges they face in overcoming prejudices are thoughtfully reinterpreted in this new context.
3. Engaging and Rich Prose:
- The writing style is both engaging and rich, capturing the essence of Austen's prose while also being accessible to contemporary readers. The language used effectively conveys the time period and the intricacies of social interactions.
4. Strong Character Development:
- The main characters are well-developed, with the protagonist showing a compelling arc of growth and self-discovery. The exploration of gender identity and the internal and external conflicts faced by the characters are handled with sensitivity and depth.
Bad Parts:
1. Pacing Issues:
- The novel sometimes suffers from uneven pacing. Certain sections, particularly in the middle, can feel slow or overly detailed, potentially detracting from the overall flow of the story. This can make the book feel longer than it is, especially during less action-packed scenes.
2. Predictability:
- For those familiar with “Pride and Prejudice,” the plot developments can be predictable. While the unique elements of the retelling add fresh interest, the overarching storyline follows closely to the original, which might lessen the sense of suspense or surprise for some readers.
3. Secondary Characters Underexplored:
- Some of the secondary characters, while interesting, do not receive as much development or exploration as they could. This leaves certain aspects of the story feeling a bit shallow or rushed, especially in comparison to the richly developed main characters.
4. Historical Accuracy vs. Modern Sensibilities:
- While the book is set in the 19th century, some readers may find the modern sensibilities and language used by the characters somewhat anachronistic. This blend of modern and historical elements may not always feel seamless, occasionally pulling readers out of the immersion in the period setting.
N.K. Jemisin's “The Fifth Season” is the first book in the Broken Earth trilogy, a novel that has garnered considerable acclaim for its unique world-building and innovative narrative structure. While there is much to admire in this book, several aspects detracted from my overall enjoyment, resulting in a 3-star rating.What I Liked:
1. Unique World-Building: Jemisin crafts an original and immersive world, the Stillness, where apocalyptic seismic activity is a constant threat. The intricate details of orogeny and the socio-political dynamics are compelling and rich.
2. Narrative Structure: The unconventional second-person perspective and non-linear timeline were initially jarring but ultimately intriguing. These choices add depth to the storytelling, making the reader piece together the narrative like a puzzle.
3. Strong Themes: The book delves into themes of oppression, survival, and resilience. The portrayal of marginalized communities and the exploration of power dynamics are thought-provoking and relevant.
4. Diverse Characters: The protagonist, Essun, and other characters like Damaya and Syenite, are complex and multi-dimensional. Their personal struggles and growth are engaging and emotionally impactful.
What I Didn't Like:
1. Pacing Issues: The novel's pacing is uneven. While the world-building is fascinating, it often slows down the narrative. There are sections where the plot drags, making it difficult to stay engaged.
2. Complexity Overload: The density of the world-building and the intricate plot can be overwhelming. At times, it felt like there was too much information to process, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the story.
3. Emotional Detachment: Despite the strong themes and character development, I found it challenging to connect emotionally with the characters. The narrative style, while innovative, sometimes created a distance between the reader and the characters' experiences.
4. Abrupt Ending: The book ends on a cliffhanger, which can be frustrating for readers looking for some resolution. While it sets up the next installment, it felt abrupt and left many plot threads dangling.
Conclusion:
“The Fifth Season” is a novel of contrasts. Its inventive world-building and bold narrative choices are both its greatest strengths and weaknesses. While I appreciate the ambition and creativity, the pacing, complexity, and emotional distance made it a mixed reading experience for me. Readers who enjoy detailed and innovative fantasy worlds might find it more rewarding, but be prepared for a challenging read.
“Mockingjay” wraps up Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy with a bang, but it's not without its flaws. The book dives deep into the harsh realities of war, which makes for a powerful read, but there are a few things that didn't quite hit the mark for me.First off, the way Collins portrays the impact of war is spot-on. It's gritty, dark, and doesn't sugarcoat anything. Katniss's struggles and the trauma she faces feel real and raw, which adds a lot of depth to her character. The themes of loss and the blurry lines between good and evil are really well done and make you think.That said, the pacing of the book felt a bit off. The first half seemed to drag, with long periods where not much happened. I understand that it was building up to the climax, but it did feel a bit slow. Also, the romantic subplot didn't quite work for me. It felt forced and didn't add much to the story.When the action finally picks up, it's intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat. However, some plot twists felt a bit sudden and not fully explained. The ending was realistic and fitting for the story, but it left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. Like it just built up but then the actual climax was just a let down.All in all, “Mockingjay” is a solid conclusion to the Hunger Games series. It has some great moments and really makes you think, but it also has its share of pacing and plot issues. I'd still recommend it to fans of the series, but just keep in mind that it might not live up to all your expectations.
