Marius Sørensen
7.5/10
The viewpoints are still the strongest part of these books. The addition of the flashback viewpoint from the tuners is amazing!
However, at some point during this or the last book, the magic system has become too complex and confusing. I am not able to fully immerse myself in the final confrontation as the overly complex description of how magic and orogeny are used takes something away from the underlying story/plot points.
Maybe this will all be clearer on a reread.
9.5/10
Absolutely fantastic storytelling. The expert play with viewpoints is awesome. The worldbuilding is awesome. The character development is awesome. I can't remember a fantasy series that was this captivating from page number 1 and all the way to the end.
The end is perfect and the cliffhanger makes me want to move to the next book instantly (which I will)
7.5/10
I think this is the best book thus far for me (publication order). To keep following Eustace is fun and the dynamic between Jill and Eustace is pretty fresh. Marsh-wiggles are awesome and Puddleglum enhances the book with his ongoing drawl of doomsday propaganda. This book feels like an actual adventure, something I don't feel about any of the others (except the first).
6.5/10
The middle was way too slow and feels like it doesn't contribute much to the story. The main character is still loaveble and her small crew of companions are a fun bunch.
Brandon saves the book in the last 4-5 chapters by doing what he does best, having the characters learn something new about their enemy and their magic system.
7.5/10
I'm reading these books in publication order and enjoyed this way more than the first book.
Caspian feels fleshed out and has motivation to fight his war. My main complaint is still the very fast pace though. There is a lot of build up to a war between two interesting factions, and then this war i a decided in less than half a chapter. This feels a little unfulfilling to me.
6.5/10
This book is a bit too fast paced for me. I feel like I should have a better understanding/relationship to the characters than I have time to develop. Would love some more dialogue to flesh out the four kids.
Additionally, the Christianity doesn't do it for me. I have no problem referring to the children as sons/daughters of Adam/Eve. However, when Aslan sacrifices himself for Edmunds sins and is reborn, it just feel unoriginal. I can understand that C. S. Lewis wanted to tell that story to his daughter and added his own twist though.
As of now this book is not a re-read for me. I will have to finish the series to see if it gets better. However, I think this is a book I can read for my children (when I have some).
Side note: I feel like if you like The Hobbit better than LOTR, this might be for you.
6/10
An enjoyable and easy read. I enjoy the chemistry and technology lingo even though I understand none of it.
However, the dialog is very lacking in my opinion. I don't feel like every single character in the book needs to be super witty and sassy, it just feels a little bland.
Finally, the heist/sabotage scenes seem a little to convinient at times. Maybe I am just a pessimist.
Note to self: If you are looking for a sci-fi book to reread go get The Martian or Project Hail Mary instead.
10/10
Absolutely phenomenal book. One of the best audiobooks I have ever went through. Entertaining from the first page all the way until the last. Definitely recommend!
Update:
I listened to it again and I am left with the same feeling as before. This audiobook was so good I ended up doing every chore possible around the house as an excuse for listening all day.
I feel a bit melancholy when I finish such a good book, but at least now my balcony is clean.
9/10
Amazing book, though most of its strength comes from wrapping up the previous 6 books, though I guess this is the point of a series of books.
The book in itself felt a little dry to me in the middle when Harry and Hermione are wandering around and trying to figure out what they should do all by themselves. However, the last couple of chapters (especially the one about Snape in the Pensieve) are absolutely outstanding.
I like how this book handles the final confrontation between Harry and Lord Voldemort way better than the films and it saddens me that they changed it so much. Harry having ample time to explain to Voldemort that he was wrong on several occasions works way better in the books than in the films.
Finally, it is worth noting that this series was way better for me on the second readthrough.
10/10 for the book (second readthrough)
10/10 for the Graphic Audio adaption
This book is just too good. The way Sanderson pushes the plot forward through the characters is perfect. The world expands at a record speed and it is perfect when reading this for the second time. The first time was marked with confusion, but this time I appreciate the concepts of the Cosmere and the foreshadowing on a whole other level. Onto the next one!
I have never listened to anything Graphic Audio before, but it was awesome. I do understand that some people think it is a bit too much, but I find it fun compared to many regular audiobooks. I was thoroughly immersed in every one of the pivotal moments on this listen.
