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gossamer_lens's Reviews (1.48k)
A very solid, fun, and enjoyable book. While it is rather middle grade in its handling of themes, it still tackled large topics and ideas and presented an interesting world. With the sequels looking to be shorter and immediately available on Libby, I will 100% continue the series to see where our protagonist can go from here.
My least favorite Sanderson so far, but so good. He hasn't missed so far. And to think I was scared to read more of his work in case it was actually overhyped.
My least favorite Sanderson so far, but so good. He hasn't missed so far. And to think I was scared to read more of his work in case it was actually overhyped.
A solid 4.5 as I just thought a bit more could have been explored.
The writing was solid, the plot enjoyable, the characters fun, and the way the chapters were presented was very interesting and kept me on my toes. I thought the plot twist was solid. Even if one had predicted it, the way it was presented was still fun and totally worth it. The romance was cute and light enough that it felt compelling and like it didn't overshadow the more interesting bits of the book.
I just felt like Barneveld decided to keep things a bit too light and fluffy. While everything was very fun and well presented, there could have been more exploration of themes regarding mental health, race, ethnicity, trying to fit in, communicating when people rarely listen or perhaps care, etc. The opportunities to discuss these topics were so clearly given... and then never taken. It felt a little like the author naturally wrote to them and then as soon as it was noticed they could go into something a bit deeper they turned abruptly. Which might have been a deliberate choice. It is just one that brought the book down a little bit for me.
The writing was solid, the plot enjoyable, the characters fun, and the way the chapters were presented was very interesting and kept me on my toes. I thought the plot twist was solid. Even if one had predicted it, the way it was presented was still fun and totally worth it. The romance was cute and light enough that it felt compelling and like it didn't overshadow the more interesting bits of the book.
I just felt like Barneveld decided to keep things a bit too light and fluffy. While everything was very fun and well presented, there could have been more exploration of themes regarding mental health, race, ethnicity, trying to fit in, communicating when people rarely listen or perhaps care, etc. The opportunities to discuss these topics were so clearly given... and then never taken. It felt a little like the author naturally wrote to them and then as soon as it was noticed they could go into something a bit deeper they turned abruptly. Which might have been a deliberate choice. It is just one that brought the book down a little bit for me.
This was a wild ride. A vast majority of this book has unneeded misogynistic and racist overtones. I'm fine with that coming from characters, but when it bleeds so heavily into almost all the narration/mood then it just gets a bit uncomfy. I think a big point of this book was the idea that there will always be decent people and bad people and everyone gravitates towards one or the other. But it was hard to take some of the messaging seriously when everything was infused with women sweating in unnatural places to help their clothing "cling" to various things. Whatever.
It really took me a long time to read this book for three reasons: it is a 1000+ page book, the first 40% hit a little too close to home at times as the whole thing is about a "cold/flu-like" superbug, and I just spent 1/2 of the first 60% of the book waffling between "am I intrigued?" and "I think this could be promising." It really wasn't until I was 60% of the way in that I was excited to keep reading. Which honestly made the first 600 pages or so a bit of a slog. I think it was solid and in the end, I enjoyed it. So I'm going to give it a 3.5/4 and round it out to 4 stars. I think if the ending had landed more solidly I could have given it a 4.5 that would have rounded up. But honestly, for how intrigued I ended up being it became a bit of a letdown in the last 5%.
I think I may be a bit generous if I give this 4 stars. So I'm going with 3.75... But it isn't all that serious of a thing and I enjoyed a good bit of it despite finding that it Flagged a good bit (pun intended).
It really took me a long time to read this book for three reasons: it is a 1000+ page book, the first 40% hit a little too close to home at times as the whole thing is about a "cold/flu-like" superbug, and I just spent 1/2 of the first 60% of the book waffling between "am I intrigued?" and "I think this could be promising." It really wasn't until I was 60% of the way in that I was excited to keep reading. Which honestly made the first 600 pages or so a bit of a slog. I think it was solid and in the end, I enjoyed it. So I'm going to give it a 3.5/4 and round it out to 4 stars. I think if the ending had landed more solidly I could have given it a 4.5 that would have rounded up. But honestly, for how intrigued I ended up being it became a bit of a letdown in the last 5%.
I think I may be a bit generous if I give this 4 stars. So I'm going with 3.75... But it isn't all that serious of a thing and I enjoyed a good bit of it despite finding that it Flagged a good bit (pun intended).
12/29/2013 - This book was perfectly stunning. It made me think about human character more and the whole story was enthralling. A must-read... I think.
I'll probably have to read this again someday too. Someday when I am older and will have a different outlook and perspective.
4/15/2021 - While my teenage self rated this 5 stars and enjoyed this book, the real wisdom I held was knowing I'd need to come back to this. Coming at this as a college graduate, after voting in presidential elections a few times, experiencing 2020, having left a high-demand religion, and having truly felt love... I cannot express how differently this book hits. It is a clever and thoughtful exploration of humanity.
*SPOILERS* While the struggles of a nearly 40-year-old man in a world as grim as Orwell paints isn't something that I feel much connection with... Orwell's use of his world-building, characters, and the events they face provides some very interesting food for thought. The point of this book is in no way the story. Orwell points out through the narrative that this is a dull world and that our main characters experience is very probably nothing special or astounding. However, this is a point that Orwell is making. The dullness and casual fear and violence of 1984 creates resounding dissonance for the reader. This dissonance allows the exploration of what it means to be human and how political theory fits into controlling and freeing humanity. Everything, up to the ending, makes it clear that this story is no epic but just a reflection on what it means to obtain and hold onto one's humanity, both on an individual and group level.
I'll probably have to read this again someday too. Someday when I am older and will have a different outlook and perspective.
4/15/2021 - While my teenage self rated this 5 stars and enjoyed this book, the real wisdom I held was knowing I'd need to come back to this. Coming at this as a college graduate, after voting in presidential elections a few times, experiencing 2020, having left a high-demand religion, and having truly felt love... I cannot express how differently this book hits. It is a clever and thoughtful exploration of humanity.
*SPOILERS* While the struggles of a nearly 40-year-old man in a world as grim as Orwell paints isn't something that I feel much connection with... Orwell's use of his world-building, characters, and the events they face provides some very interesting food for thought. The point of this book is in no way the story. Orwell points out through the narrative that this is a dull world and that our main characters experience is very probably nothing special or astounding. However, this is a point that Orwell is making. The dullness and casual fear and violence of 1984 creates resounding dissonance for the reader. This dissonance allows the exploration of what it means to be human and how political theory fits into controlling and freeing humanity. Everything, up to the ending, makes it clear that this story is no epic but just a reflection on what it means to obtain and hold onto one's humanity, both on an individual and group level.
Heartfelt and eager in its taking on a challenging topic. Enjoyable with a punch.
I finished this book in two days. I could not put it down. My thoughts were consumed by it. I find it very easy to pinpoint why I don't like something, I struggle to pinpoint why I love something. Because of this I just don't know what to even say. I've continued to think on it and wanted desperately to find some way to word how I felt reading this book... but I just don't. I spent multiple days thinking about this book and I have no words.
It is stunning, thoughtful, and sadness wrapped up in a feeling of almost happy nostalgia. I don't know. Just read it and maybe you will feel what I mean.
It is stunning, thoughtful, and sadness wrapped up in a feeling of almost happy nostalgia. I don't know. Just read it and maybe you will feel what I mean.
Overall very solid and fun. I thought the character insights we received were interesting and fun. I was left a little underwhelmed by some of the romantic moments/development and felt the ending was played a little fast and loose. But I'm very intrigued as to how the next book will continue the story and character development. Overall, a very good book and if someone is into modern fairytale quests stories, this would be a recommended read.
Solid and fun side story. I enjoyed the development of Gina and Sinbad's relationship and trust in each other.
I am sure the whole premise of this story is not unique. However, it was the first time I have read/interacted with the idea of antiques having souls. I thought the story charming, intriguing, and overall full of interesting questioning of what it means to be human, have a soul, and exist in a less-than-perfect world. A 4.5 that I'm rounding up. The story was solid, the characters intriguing, and nothing in the story took me away from my enjoyment of the book.