“It is curious how people take it for granted that they have a right to preach at you and pray over you as soon as your income falls below a c
“It is curious how people take it for granted that they have a right to preach at you and pray over you as soon as your income falls below a certain level.”
I absolutely adore Orwell's Animal Farm and 1984; they’re both exceptional works that feel remarkably prescient. Knowing they are considered his masterpieces, I decided to explore more of his writing and picked up this one.
This book is quite different from his more famous works. It’s semi-autobiographical, comprised of a series of shorter stories and observations rather than a cohesive narrative. Orwell’s keen eye for detail is evident as he explores life in Paris and London. Through his reflections, he delivers a candid portrayal of poverty and class disparity, shedding light on how economic hardship impacts individuals' lives and self-worth.
The book serves as a critique of societal structures that perpetuate inequality and exploitation. Orwell’s observations are not just personal anecdotes but serve as a broader commentary on systemic issues.
“Within certain limits, it is actually true that the less money you have, the less you worry.”
Overall, it’s an engaging read with Orwell’s throwing humor around making the journey more enjoyable. However, it does become somewhat repetitive, particularly with its frequent discussions on money and food, which might be less relatable for some readers. Despite this, the book concludes effectively, and I believe I grasp the point Orwell was making....more
Murder at Spindle Manor ★★★★ Murder on the Lamplight Express ★★★★ 1/2
This book was absolutely brilliant. The more I reflect on it, the more I find myseMurder at Spindle Manor ★★★★ Murder on the Lamplight Express ★★★★ 1/2
This book was absolutely brilliant. The more I reflect on it, the more I find myself liking it. I'm especially glad that this series won the SPFBO award; otherwise, I might never have discovered it.
The story picks up after the events of the first book, with Isabeau still taking the lead role alongside the rest of her crew from book one. Her mission leads her aboard the Lamplight Express, where a murder occurs, casting suspicion on everyone once again.
The book begins with introductions to each character before the murder unfolds, setting off a cascade of action, drama, and suspense. Despite the complexity of events and twists, the writing is clear and engaging. There's a generous dose of humor—Mr. Homes is particularly hilarious—and the book is relatively short with concise chapters.
Combining steampunk fantasy with murder mystery, Stang pays homage to Christie, a detail I noticed belatedly in the title. The first half focuses more on the mystery than fantasy elements, while the second half accelerates with heightened intrigue. The story unfolds with twist after twist, making it delightfully unpredictable. I found myself fully immersed, shutting off my analytical brain to savor every twist.
The characters are a standout feature, gradually revealing their secrets and complexities. Each character is fascinating in their own right, adding depth to the narrative. I'm eagerly looking forward to where the next installment of the series will take us.
Summary:I thoroughly enjoyed this book—excellent writing, compelling characters, and a clever storyline that showcases Stang's impressive writing skills and intellect. Knowing that a third book is arriving soon has made it one of my most anticipated reads of the year!
“Being ordinary has always been an impossible dream for me, so I’m happy to have achieved it.”
The Housemaid ★★★★ The Housemaid's Secret ★★★
“Being ordinary has always been an impossible dream for me, so I’m happy to have achieved it.”
The Housemaid ★★★★ The Housemaid's Secret ★★★ 1/2 The Housemaid is Watching ★★★★
The book has received mixed reviews, and I can see why. When I dive into thrillers, I typically seek fast-paced, entertaining stories, and McFadden certainly delivers on that front. However, upon deeper reflection, certain aspects of the plot and details start to bother me or appear nonsensical.
This is the finale of The Housemaid trilogy and overall, I liked it and devoured it in two days. The story is a bit different taking place more than a decade in the future where Millie is married and have children. She is starting a kind of new life moving into a new place and then things turn downhill from there.
McFadden's writing, while not particularly poetic or ornate, remains straightforward and easy to follow, which greatly enhances the reading experience. The narrative structure, with its short and frequent chapters, mirrors that of the previous books, often ending on cliffhangers that propel the story forward with new questions and mysteries.
Millie, Enzo, and their children form an endearing family unit. While their core personalities remain consistent over time, certain developments between them feel contrived upon reflection, serving the plot's needs rather than organic character growth. The neighbors add intrigue, showcasing McFadden's knack for manipulating reader emotions toward various characters.
The story consists of three parts, a kind of introduction and second part is the peak of the story and the drama and then third part is where we get the explanation, and things start to make sense. There were a lot of little details that made sense by the end of the book, but some parts did not. (Like the hypertension thing?) And I still can't decide if the epilogues properly fit the timeline although I did enjoy that last bit.
In summary, this book isn't flawless; the more I scrutinize it, the more imperfections I uncover. Certain plot events seem contrived and lack logical coherence. Yet, despite its shortcomings, the book captivated me and kept me eagerly turning pages. I look forward to exploring more of McFadden's work in the future. ...more
“Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us
“Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us.”
I first became intrigued by this book when it won two Goodreads awards: best debut and best historical fiction. Initially disinterested in the genre, I almost dismissed it. However, subsequent glowing reviews piqued my curiosity, and mistakenly thinking it was historical fantasy, I decided to give it a chance.
The narrative intertwines the lives of three women—Kate, Altha, and Violet—spanning different eras: contemporary times, the 1900s, and the 1600s. Despite their temporal differences, their stories are interconnected by themes of abuse by men, their deep bond with nature, and their struggles for empowerment.
The writing is compelling and poetic, though I occasionally found it challenging to distinguish between the distinct points of view within chapters. Nonetheless, Kate, Altha, and Violet are well-developed characters who endure significant trials. This book touches on sensitive subjects like rape and abortion, which may be uncomfortable for some readers.
Most male characters are portrayed negatively, reflecting the harsh realities faced by women across different time periods. The storylines initially unfold in parallel, keeping readers captivated with frequent cliffhangers before gradually converging into a cohesive narrative. While I expected fantasy elements, the book leans more towards magical realism, a departure from my usual preferences that surprisingly worked well in this context.
“A great many things look different from a distance. Truth is like ugliness: you need to be close to see it.”
The epilogue provides a satisfying conclusion, adding depth to the narrative and enhancing its overall impact. Despite some shortcomings in character voices and male representation, the book is skillfully crafted with intricately woven storylines that culminate in a satisfying finale. I understand its award-winning status, yet recognize it may not resonate with every reader....more
I was very excited to go back to the Greatcoats world since it featured some of my favorite characters. This is set in the same Crucible of Chaos ★★★
I was very excited to go back to the Greatcoats world since it featured some of my favorite characters. This is set in the same world but is not directly related to the previous events. I think in terms of quality, this is sadly a downgrade.
I generally enjoy De Castell's writing style and humor, but something felt off with the prose in this book. The writing seemed overly embellished, with an abundance of complex words that sometimes felt forced. This was particularly noticeable in the beginning, though I found it improved as I progressed beyond the first 30%.
Estevar, the protagonist, left me with mixed feelings. While he's an okay character, he isn't particularly memorable. I had hoped to discover new characters to love, akin to Brasti from the Greatcoats series, but Estevar felt rather plain. De Castell's attempt to create a different kind of hero didn't quite resonate with me; instead of standing out, Estevar seemed unremarkable. The secondary characters didn't fare much better in leaving an impression.
The plot and the mystery elements were engaging enough to keep me reading through to the end. However, when compared to the original series, this book felt lacking and somewhat average. The action and battles, which were more subdued compared to its predecessors, also contributed to this feeling.
Upon finishing the book, I was inclined to skip the rest of the series, but a friend assured me that "Play of Shadows" was better, which gave me hope for the series' redemption. I'm optimistic that it will restore my faith in the Greatcoats world once more.
The Fall ★★★★ Of Blood and Fire ★★★★ Of Darkness and Light ★★★★ 1/2 The Exile ★★★★ Of War and Ruin ★★★★★ The Ice ★★★★ The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow ★The Fall ★★★★ Of Blood and Fire ★★★★ Of Darkness and Light ★★★★ 1/2 The Exile ★★★★ Of War and Ruin ★★★★★ The Ice ★★★★ The Blood that Burns the Winter Snow ★★★★
This is a very short story in The Bound & The Broken series. It follows a day in the life of Vars Bryer. And although it doesn't add much to the plot given that we already know what happens to these characters, it added depth to Vars character, and I love him and his family even more now.
This felt like reading a single chapter but a damn-good chapter nonetheless!...more
“Sadness keeps attempting to tie weights to her wrists and ankles, therefore she has to keep moving, she has to outpace it.”
After loving O
“Sadness keeps attempting to tie weights to her wrists and ankles, therefore she has to keep moving, she has to outpace it.”
After loving O'Farrell's writing in "I Am, I Am, I Am" I decided to give this book a chance. I got myself a paperback and dived in. I usually avoid historical fictions, but this sounded good, and I was willing to make some effort. However, my experience with this novel was a mixed bag.
One of the top reviews mentions that the writing is good but there is simply too much of it and I think I could not have worded it any better. I still think O'Farrell has a killer prose and she got my attention at the beginning of the tale but the more I read, the harder it became to push on. I think this could have been much better as a novella. There is no reason it needed so many pages.
Undoubtedly, O'Farrell excels at crafting characters with depth and authenticity, and the plot, while somewhat predictable due to its historical roots, still managed to hold my interest. However, the sheer verbosity of the writing often overshadowed these strengths. It felt as though every detail, no matter how insignificant, was meticulously described, leaving little room for the narrative to breathe naturally.
Perhaps I am partly at fault for venturing into a genre that typically doesn't resonate with me. Yet, I had hoped that O'Farrell's storytelling prowess would transcend my usual preferences. Unfortunately, this was not the case. It appears that some literary pairings are simply not meant to be....more
“You can tell a lot about a person by the way they act when they are left waiting too long.”
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
This is one of the big
“You can tell a lot about a person by the way they act when they are left waiting too long.”
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
This is one of the biggest titles this year in the thriller genre. It already garnered 300K ratings with an average rating of 4 stars which is pretty awesome. The synopsis also is interesting and those were enough reasons for me to pick it up.
The story follows Evie porter who is in fact not Evie porter but a fake identity for her job with her secret boss. Things soon escalate quickly when she meets a character using her real name and identity. I think the beginning of this story is its strongest part. It catches the reader's attention fast and quickly start throwing twists here and there. The writing fits the narrative, and I could tell Elston is not new to writing.
Initially, I rated the book 4 stars, but upon reflection, I revised it to 3.5 stars, ultimately rounding down to 3. While I enjoyed the book, there were some drawbacks. The alternating identities and timelines, while enhancing the thriller elements, occasionally muddled the story. Although I followed along without confusion, I believe other readers might find it challenging.
The middle section of the story stagnates, offering more of the same. While I appreciate a good plot twist, an excess of twists, some of which diminish the impact of others, detracted from the experience.
Evie is a compelling protagonist whom I rooted for throughout. However, secondary characters like Devon, who appears capable of anything asked of him, and Ryan, Evie's target and romantic interest, felt underdeveloped. The resolution at the end was satisfying overall, except for Ryan's part, which continues to bother me.
In summary, while the story is engaging with a strong narrative and writing style that explain its hype, it suffers from an excess of twists and characters that sometimes border on the caricatural
“There’s no hierarchy of pain. Suffering shouldn’t be ranked, because pain is not a contest.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook narrated b
“There’s no hierarchy of pain. Suffering shouldn’t be ranked, because pain is not a contest.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley, whose captivating delivery breathed life into the memoir. Initially, I stumbled upon this book in a local bookstore, but its blurb failed to resonate with me, prompting me to set it aside. However, faced with dwindling audiobook options later on, I decided to give it a chance, and I found myself quickly engrossed.
The memoir, penned by a therapist who embarks on her own journey through therapy following a personal crisis, not only delves into her own narrative but also shares compelling stories of her patients. What struck me most was the author's adept writing style, effortlessly tackling significant themes without delving too deeply into scientific jargon or becoming overly dramatic. Instead, she infuses the narrative with a subtle touch of humor, creating a seamless and engaging read.
While Gottlieb's own journey is compelling, I found her patients' stories to be even more riveting, particularly John's transformative arc throughout the book, revealing layers beyond initial impressions. Amidst discussing these narratives, Gottlieb skillfully intertwines insights on therapy and psychological theories, never veering into didacticism.
In fact, as I immersed myself in the narrative, I couldn't help but wish for a therapist like Gottlieb in my own life, someone I could confidently recommend to others. Even in 2024, therapy remains largely stigmatized, especially within Eastern communities. Yet, I believe this book serves as a powerful antidote to such misconceptions, shedding light on the beauty and efficacy of therapy.
“We can’t have change without loss, which is why so often people say they want change but nonetheless stay exactly the same.”
Although the book's length may seem daunting for a non-fiction work, by the end, I felt deeply connected to both the author and her patients, left craving more. It's a must-read for anyone interested in mental health, offering profound insights and a poignant glimpse into the human experience....more
“You can't force a person to show up, but you can learn a lesson when they don't”
Each year, I eagerly anticipate Henry's latest book, a tr
“You can't force a person to show up, but you can learn a lesson when they don't”
Each year, I eagerly anticipate Henry's latest book, a tradition that began with my enchantment with "Beach Read." What captivates me most is Henry's transition from fantasy and magical realism to romance, a shift that has truly transformed her writing. Surpassing a million ratings, each of her previous works (with "Happy Place" fast approaching that mark) speaks volumes. It's amusing how the blurb on the back cover of her latest work, "Funny Story," casually refers to it as her fifth book, almost disregarding her earlier accomplishments.
I'll be frank—the preceding book by Henry left much to be desired; its mediocrity often slips my mind. However, her first three novels were exceptional, leaving a lasting impression. I'm pleased to declare that this time, Henry has once again worked her magic.
The narrative revolves around Daphne and Miles, both reeling from recent breakups as their ex-partners find solace in each other's arms. Adding fuel to the fire, Daphne and Miles share living quarters and concoct a plan to fake a relationship, much to their exes' chagrin. Henry's writing is exquisite, effortlessly flowing from page to page, blending humor with emotional depth—a quality that earns this book a spot among my "tear-worthy" shelf, revealing my inner romantic.
“Trust people's actions, not their words. Don't love anyone who isn't ready to love you back. Let go of the people who don't hold on to you. Don't wait on anyone who's in no rush to get to you.”
As for the characters, I found both protagonists endearing in their imperfections. Miles defies the typical male love interest archetype, lacking the conventional chiseled perfection. The supporting cast is equally well-developed.
Plot-wise, I felt there were perhaps too many threads for a book of this length. While Miles' sister's storyline felt somewhat lacking, the others were well crafted. Henry excels in portraying the sudden downturns inherent in romance novels, mirroring real-life experiences. By the story's conclusion, I found solace in the resolution of all narrative threads, shedding a tear as anticipated (or not anticipated).
“I don't think there's a right way to feel,' I say. 'And you can't control it, anyway. Feelings are like weather. They just happen, and then they pass.”
"Funny Story" transcends its title, delving into profound themes while maintaining a lighthearted tone. The characters are relatable, the story compelling. Fans of Henry, particularly those left wanting by her previous work, will probably enjoy this delightful tale.
“Astonishing how everyone is willing to go abroad to fight for the rights of foreigners while having such little concern for those of their ow
“Astonishing how everyone is willing to go abroad to fight for the rights of foreigners while having such little concern for those of their own countrymen at home.”
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
This is my 10th book by Boyne and although I prefer his later books. This was still a very decent read. The novel follows the life of Tristan Sadler, a young soldier who finds himself deeply entrenched in the horrors of war. As Tristan navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and morality, Boyne skillfully explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of the choices we make.
I made my way backwards through Boyne's books so I can tell that he grew as an author. I am not a big fan of World War stories, but Boyne is one of the few authors who can make me enjoy those. The later stories are a bit more creative writing wise while The Absolutist had a more straightforward narrative. All of that being said, the prose was still polished and fun to read.
Tristan is an interesting protagonist. Through his eyes, readers are transported to the trenches of France, where the brutality of battle is juxtaposed with moments of tenderness and humanity. Boyne has an ability to let me care about the characters and this was the same case in this book.
I think my problem with this book is that it was very predictable. After finishing my first reading session of half an hour. I knew exactly where this was going. The more I read, the easier it was to predict and the more confident I was in my expectations. This could be due to the fact that it is my 10th book by the author or that it was really easy to predict. Usually this doesn't bother me in character driven books, but it felt like there was a lot of build-up and tension towards somethings that was obvious to me. I still enjoyed the epilogue which I did not see coming.
Afterall, at its core, The Absolutist is a meditation on the nature of truth and the moral ambiguity of wartime actions. Boyne challenges readers to confront difficult questions about courage, cowardice, and the fine line between right and wrong. As Tristan grapples with his own sense of guilt and responsibility, readers are compelled to consider their own beliefs about justice and forgiveness. A must read for fans of historical fiction with LGBT elements. ...more
“You don’t have to have a reason to be tired. You don’t have to earn rest or comfort. You’re allowed to just be.”
A Psalm for the Wild-Buil
“You don’t have to have a reason to be tired. You don’t have to earn rest or comfort. You’re allowed to just be.”
A Psalm for the Wild-Built ★★★★ A Prayer for the Crown-Shy ★★★ 1/2
The sequel in the Monk and Robot series is comforting and feels like a hug. Chambers has a great prose and provides food for thought in this compelling sequence.
I think I enjoyed book one a little bit more as I connected more to the characters. This time, I was a bit distant from them as I felt the focus shifted toward the philosophy which I mostly enjoyed. Chambers still ask tough questions in this sequel that basically have no concrete answers and telling us that it is okay to just be!
There were some strong moments in this book that gave me all kind of feelings and I think that is great for a story this short. I thought the series will be longer, but I believe it will stay as a duology for the time being with a chance to expand it in the future. I will be keeping an eye on it anyway as it felt good to read this....more
I usually read thrillers when I want something fast, simple and entertaining. I don't read them for thThe Housemaid ★★★★ The Housemaid's Secret ★★★ 1/2
I usually read thrillers when I want something fast, simple and entertaining. I don't read them for the language or the depth and that's why I mostly enjoyed The Housemaid, book one in the series. I know that 90% of thrillers are standalone -another reason to read them as a palate cleanser- so when I saw that there was a sequel, I was excited, but I had a lot of questions in mind; would it be as good? How will the story be expanded? Is it just a way of milking the series? And after reading the book, I got my answers which I will be trying to answer here.
The story takes place a few years after the first book, and we see Millie trying to advance in her life. Things are not easy given her background, but a promising job changes her life once again. The Garricks hires Millie to help with the home chores and then things start getting crazy. The plot was kind of similar to book one and the book follows a similar format which kinds of make it more predictable this time. Whenever things are going smoothly in a thriller or a romance novel then it is not a good sign as you know shit is about to happen.
The prose was simple, as I said, I am not looking for purple prose in a thriller and McFadden writes in straightforward manner. The chapters are short, and the pacing is fast, making this a super quick read that I finished in a day. The characters are well written. I am not the biggest fan of Millie but the secondary characters are better.
The plot is still strong this time. I was wondering how things keep happening to Millie but by the end it made sense. Also, things start to get complicated at some point and I liked how they were resolved. At the end of the day, I enjoyed this although a tiny bit less than book one. I am going to read book three and see how the series will be wrapped. ...more
“There’s something more final than forever. It’s never. Never is infinite.”
I just finished my first book by Jimenez, and I understand now
“There’s something more final than forever. It’s never. Never is infinite.”
I just finished my first book by Jimenez, and I understand now why people rave about her writing. The story revolves around Alexis and Daniel, who hail from vastly different backgrounds. Alexis, an ER doctor from a wealthy family, contrasts sharply with Daniel, a small-town resident struggling with financial issues and a significant age gap between them. It's a refreshing twist on the typical older billionaire trope, where the female lead is actually the affluent one.
Jimenez's writing is delightful. The narrative is heartwarming, blending humor with a smooth flow that makes for an effortless read. While the romance isn't overly spicy, which I didn't mind, repetitive mentions of "incredible sex" did grow tedious after a while.
“Look at that mantrum. Eight thousand nerves in the clitoris and still not as sensitive as a white man not getting his way.”
In my view, Daniel emerges as the more compelling protagonist. His character resonated with me more than Alexis, who at times felt exaggeratedly incompetent in everyday tasks despite excelling as a doctor. Her involvement in delivering a baby and performing complex medical maneuvers seemed implausible for an ER doctor, not a gynecologist. Mentioning her sedating an animal while assisting in Daniel's town struck me as unrealistic too—I'm a doctor myself, and it just doesn't work that way in medicine. Nonetheless, the supporting characters, especially Briana and Doug, were wonderfully portrayed, even the less likable ones were well-developed. I'm looking forward to the sequel mainly because of them.
Plot-wise, the romance was straightforward but charming, particularly in the small-town setting with its strong focus on family dynamics, which I found heartening and well-executed. My main gripe lies with the ending—it felt somewhat vague, especially regarding Alexis's family, leaving me wanting more closure.
“Don't let them decide the life you're going to live. You only get one”
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Jimenez's writing is solid and humorous, though not flawless, with some minor shortcomings. It's a quick and purposeful read that fulfills its aim of entertaining its audience. ...more
I did not know what to expect when I went into this. The earlier winners of SPFBO were mostly epic and grimdark fantasy novels. There has been a shiftI did not know what to expect when I went into this. The earlier winners of SPFBO were mostly epic and grimdark fantasy novels. There has been a shift lately in the winner with a romantasy and a humor fantasy winning last year. Murder at Spindle Manor adds another genre to the winner's list with its murder mystery vibes.
Lately, I've been drawn to thrillers and murder mysteries, but I've never stumbled upon such a unique blend of genres before, and I'm pleased to say it was executed perfectly! Initially skeptical, Stang quickly won me over with his engaging writing style, which effortlessly matched the story's tone.
The narrative follows huntress Isabeau Agarwal in pursuit of a deadly monster capable of wearing its victims' skins. Her chase leads her to Spindle Manor, where ten guests find themselves entangled in a murder mystery. As another murder unfolds, suspicion hangs over everyone, and the tension mounts.
After the initial murder, the story adopts an Agatha Christie-esque approach, with thorough interviews and character development. This method not only propels the plot forward but also allows for a rich introduction to each character—a hallmark Christie excels in, and Stang adeptly mirrors.
Fantasy elements are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, requiring little explanation and enriching the world with various monsters and deities. The pacing is brisk, with the book spanning about 300 pages, ensuring a swift and engaging read. The unfolding events captivated me, and all loose ends were neatly tied by the satisfying conclusion. I'm eagerly looking forward to continuing the series soon. I haven't read other SPFBO finales this year, but I can see why this one won! ...more
I was so excited about this new series as I was a big fan of the Greatcoats series, and this is supposeCrucible of Chaos ★★★ Play of Shadows ★★
DNF ~55%
I was so excited about this new series as I was a big fan of the Greatcoats series, and this is supposed to be somehow related to that. Crucible of Chaos was okay. I contemplated reading this or not for a long time and finally decided to give it a chance given that it was supposedly better but for me it was very underwhelming.
I think the idea of a play did not work for me very well. Compared to the original series this felt like a historical fantasy and history and I aren't much of friends. I wanted to DNF earlier but lowered my expectations, went with a different mindset, persisted a bit and then I was just waiting to finish the book knowing I won't continue the series and I thought to myself why I should put myself through that. And that was when I stopped reading this at chapter 40 a bit more than halfway through the series.
Looking at the reviews. I saw a few people who agree with me specially those who did not read the main series. As someone who did, I still felt the same. On the other hand, a lot of readers enjoyed this, and the average rating is currently great so take this review with a grain of salt and just maybe try it for yourselves! ...more
We Are the Dead ★★★★ A Fool's Hope ★★★★ 1/4 Until the Last ★★★★
At the time of writing this review, this book has more pages than it has ratings, and thiWe Are the Dead ★★★★ A Fool's Hope ★★★★ 1/4 Until the Last ★★★★
At the time of writing this review, this book has more pages than it has ratings, and this is a crime!! This series is so underrated, and many more fantasy fans should be reading it. Sometimes, I scratch my head wondering how the book world operates! On another note, the conclusion truly deserves a better cover; the current one doesn't do justice to the brilliance of the story and feels somewhat daunting.
Shackle proved himself to be an excellent writer with this series. I am definitely going to read his next books. I was lucky to read the books back-to-back as the series doesn't have a recap -and there isn't one too since it is not the most well-known series- and it can get overwhelming with all the characters and plotlines. The writing is excellent. There are a lot of quotes that I felt contrasted the darkness of the series. The chapters are also kind of short, there are almost 120 chapters in 784 pages, so it is still a THICC finale.
The character development from the first book to the series' conclusion is remarkable. Shackle isn't afraid to be ruthless, dispatching characters left and right, lending an air of unpredictability. Most characters receive satisfying closure, although I found the treatment of the main villain lacking, as I'll delve into in the plot section. Jax's arc was particularly intriguing, and introducing new characters in the finale was a bold move that paid off.
Set after the events of the second book, the narrative is brimming with action. It's been ages since I encountered a fantasy series with this level of intensity. However, due to its length, the action can feel repetitive, and I believe the middle section could've been trimmed. The final confrontation with the villain left me underwhelmed; it felt rushed, as if the author simply wanted to wrap things up quickly. The series had been one rollercoaster ride after another, with the characters teetering on the edge of hopelessness, so the resolution felt somewhat unsatisfactory. With a bit more finesse, it could've been an extraordinary conclusion instead of merely a good one.
Overall, the finale enriches the story, with everything heading in the right direction - the writing, the characters, and the plot. Despite the letdown of the final showdown, I still appreciated how the series concluded. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for Shackle's future works, and if you haven't delved into this series yet, do yourself a favor and add it to your reading list....more
“Just because something isn’t meant to last a lifetime doesn’t mean it wasn’t meant to be.”
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Renowned for her adept
“Just because something isn’t meant to last a lifetime doesn’t mean it wasn’t meant to be.”
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Renowned for her adept portrayal of authentic characters, Taylor Jenkins Reid demonstrates her narrative prowess once again in this work. Having previously admired Reid's craftsmanship in "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" and her nuanced characterizations in "Daisy Jones and the Six" and "Malibu Rising," I eagerly delved into her earlier repertoire, spurred by the resurgence in interest catalyzed by a cinematic adaptation (Which I only just discovered).
The narrative orbits around Emma and her entanglements with two romantic prospects: Jesse, presumed deceased following a helicopter incident, and Sam, whose connection with Emma evolves amidst the backdrop of Jesse's unexpected return. Despite my general aversion to love triangles, Reid navigates this trope skillfully.
The prose is commendable, peppered with memorable quotes and thought-provoking moments that enrich the reading experience. While the narrative maintains a seamless flow, I discerned a noticeable disparity in character depth compared to Reid's later works. This observation, however, may stem from the unfair comparison engendered by my elevated expectations, forged by Reid's established standard of realism.
“It’s a scary thought, isn’t it? That every single person on this planet could lose their one true love and live to love again? It means the one you love could love again if they lost you.”
The plot unfolds with intrigue, as the uncertainty surrounding Emma's romantic fate gains momentum. Yet, certain narrative threads, particularly those elucidating Jesse's survival and subsequent recovery, felt underdeveloped, straining credulity. Additionally, occasional instances of character behavior diverged from my anticipations, detracting from the overall cohesiveness.
In conclusion, I found this to be an engaging read, characterized by its brisk pace and capacity for introspection. While not devoid of flaws in execution, it offers ample material for contemplation. As for Emma's ultimate choice, I leave that discovery to prospective readers. ...more
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