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crusoe's reviews
201 reviews
The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Half of the reading experience is truly just going: no Nicky, no! In your brain. But if you're able to handle that, you'll find a story that's full of great characters, laugh out loud moments and a lot of heart. I especially like how the character are architypical but who they are goes beyond that; makes them easy to connect to. Can't wait to read about them again in the next part.
That said, TJ Klune does have the very unfortunate habit of not thinking through how his reader base will react to certain scenes. Likethe fallout of Nick's dad punching a wittness is not truly adressed. Yes, he is demoted, but it feels like we don'tget to see the impact of his actions. This makes the whole idea of policemen being heroes seem rather forced. It's icky.
That said, TJ Klune does have the very unfortunate habit of not thinking through how his reader base will react to certain scenes. Like
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Death of parent
The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Mythologies by Roland Barthes
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Interesting way for me to find out that being sick and a little loopy is the best way for me to read Barthes. Apparently this borders the state of a casual French reader from 1954.
Read it before for uni once and enjoyed it now as well. Barthes really is the originator of analytic commentary on popculture it feels like. Did skip the theory at the back of the book this time around, felt that was a bit much for my snotclogged head haha.
Read it before for uni once and enjoyed it now as well. Barthes really is the originator of analytic commentary on popculture it feels like. Did skip the theory at the back of the book this time around, felt that was a bit much for my snotclogged head haha.
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The drama! Oh, the drama! I'm truly weak in the knees for books where it feels like you're losing your mind alongside the characters.
I love the angst, I love the horrific drawings and stories, and although I feel the story looses the plot a bit near the end and unravels, I enjoyed the journey.
I love the angst, I love the horrific drawings and stories, and although I feel the story looses the plot a bit near the end and unravels, I enjoyed the journey.
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Voor het te laat is by Mark Carwardine, Douglas N. Adams
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Found this little gem at the thrift. I didn't know Douglas Adams had written about nature, what a fun little side quest! It reads like a Bill Bryson book and catches you by surprise occasionally with how funny it is.
Needed a break after reading something heavy and this did the trick just fine even if it's not groundbreaking.
Needed a break after reading something heavy and this did the trick just fine even if it's not groundbreaking.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Can't give this the full 5 stars because I could not connect well to the characters but in every other regard I adore this book! From the slow world-building to a fantastic climactic end; everything lines up. Every character has their own motivations, even the sidecharacters and that breathes real life into the story. It feels like there is much under the surface that can be revealed at a second read.
As someone who was once ensnared in the claws of academia, the way this story weaves theory with history and critique of the institution was quite nice.
Can't wait to read more in the dark academia subgenre of 'WTF RICHARD?!'
As someone who was once ensnared in the claws of academia, the way this story weaves theory with history and critique of the institution was quite nice.
Can't wait to read more in the dark academia subgenre of 'WTF RICHARD?!'
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Xenophobia, Trafficking, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Classism
Moderate: Gun violence, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Islamophobia, Religious bigotry, Alcohol
The Darkest Hour by Erin Hunter
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is the perfect ending to an amazing first series in this franchise! The first half starts tense but isn't overly filled with dramatic plotpoints which makes the back end of the book feel like a punch to the gut.
Firestar's pride for his clan and him reflecting on their individual stories and skills before and during the battle was an emotional rollercoaster and the twist with scourge was excellent. Chapeau.
Firestar's pride for his clan and him reflecting on their individual stories and skills before and during the battle was an emotional rollercoaster and the twist with scourge was excellent. Chapeau.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, War
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Fun companion piece for fans of Twilight but it doesn't really add much to the overall narrative. Kind of a bore.