One of the most impactful and best written texts I’ve ever read. Something I reread every few years, and first read in middle school or high school. I think anyone could appreciate the text. I’m not religious but get something out of it every time.

Wow, this book blew me away. Typically I get a bit annoyed with authors that don’t drive the plot forward much but I have to say the prose and the mastery of the English language, especially in giving the text a lyrical quality and flow, was just so entrancing I didn’t care much. It is a very slow book, maybe THE slowest book I’ve read, actually. But I’ve never seen something as well realized as this, at least not in fantasy literature.

The characters and the world are fantastic, as is every facet of each. From mannerisms to crevasse of the castle! I’m not even really sure what to liken the fiction to though. It is fantasy but... like... what, baroque fantasy, I guess? I’ll definitely continue. I am all about it.

As a side note, the audiobook edition I thought was quite good. Simon Vance aka Robert Whitfield does a great job and you really notice the lyrical qualities and flow when it is read aloud.

Fantastic. There's a lot of setup regarding lab conditions, preconceptions, and things of that kind that was fairly interesting but became very pertinent as to how the various systems of Jurassic Park fail. I didn't expect the book to be so different than the movie! It operates on another level; one which is far more intelligent and meta, and that makes it even more satisfying. The characters actually exercise expertise in their respective fields, to the point where the mysteries featured in the movie are pretty much immediately solved in the book. The science behind it is fascinating and the dangers/deaths are more compelling because they showcase the ways in which the overall constructed system of the park falls, mirroring how the characters screw up and get hurt themselves. A lot of miscommunication and preconceived notions that literally get people killed. Happy for the critical take on the ways in which science is done in the west as well. Loved it.

It’s fantastic reading something that isn’t steeped in Western culture. I thought the approach to teaching kids in contrast to Harry Potter was refreshing and great while creating real stakes. The magic and relationships were much more nuanced and interesting. It was an incredibly enjoyable read for me.