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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
“'Time is what stops history happening at once; time is the speed at which the past disappears. Film gives those lost worlds a brief resurrection. Those since-fallen buildings, those long-decayed faces, they engrossed me. We were as you are, they said. The present doesn’t matter. ”
Cloud Atlas tells a story from six different perspectives from different time periods. We follow this diverse group of characters for a while struggling with human nature of that specific time period. But their life’s seem to have something that connects them.
How do you begin a review for a book that is so multilayered that it’s impossible to almost summarize what’s it all about. One thing is certain, it’s no surprise that the book is regarded as a masterpiece. This book feels like it’s alive and grows. It starts of with historical fiction and mutates from metafiction to contemporary fiction to science fiction. During these mutations the languages also differs. As it first of starts with old fashioned language and further-long it develops to futuristic language that’s very different from our own but still resembles English. Besides these mutations the book takes you on a journey through time. From early 1800s to the far future. And all the while these characters seem to have something in common. The book has some characteristics of an butterfly effect (the theory that the wings of an butterfly can cause an hurricane at some point).
But only after a few narratives, puzzle pieces slowly fall into place. If you are looking for a relaxing read, you might want to reconsider reading this. But if you are in search of an multilayered book that keeps you occupied to get to the bottom of this mystery, this book is for you.
Cloud Atlas tells a story from six different perspectives from different time periods. We follow this diverse group of characters for a while struggling with human nature of that specific time period. But their life’s seem to have something that connects them.
How do you begin a review for a book that is so multilayered that it’s impossible to almost summarize what’s it all about. One thing is certain, it’s no surprise that the book is regarded as a masterpiece. This book feels like it’s alive and grows. It starts of with historical fiction and mutates from metafiction to contemporary fiction to science fiction. During these mutations the languages also differs. As it first of starts with old fashioned language and further-long it develops to futuristic language that’s very different from our own but still resembles English. Besides these mutations the book takes you on a journey through time. From early 1800s to the far future. And all the while these characters seem to have something in common. The book has some characteristics of an butterfly effect (the theory that the wings of an butterfly can cause an hurricane at some point).
But only after a few narratives, puzzle pieces slowly fall into place. If you are looking for a relaxing read, you might want to reconsider reading this. But if you are in search of an multilayered book that keeps you occupied to get to the bottom of this mystery, this book is for you.
“'The arms kind of looked like swords. I want to fight it.”“You want to fight it.”“Yep.”“Because it looked … a little like swords.”“Yop.'”
Gideon the Ninth is planning to escape her life, she doesn’t want to serve the Ninth House any longer. But then the emperor summons the heirs of the Houses for a deadly trial. Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and an excellent bone witch, has also received the summons. But a necromancer without a cavalier can’t ascend. Harrow will fail this quest without the sword of Gideon and the Ninth House will perish.
I heard so many great things it sounded almost to good to be true. But it really surprised me. First off, the humor in this book is so dry I laughed my pants off! I blame Gideon for that. She is in one word amazing. A sarcastic, snarky and big brute of an ego with some amazing sword skills and a heart of gold. Gideon swept me off my feet. The story itself was all hands on deck. It was a complicated worldbuilding and needed attention otherwise I didn’t make anything of it. But once the world sank in, it felt really tangible. Some bits were left out, like a backstory of the Ninth House itself, but it didn’t feel like you needed it to get lost in the story. Which further long the story developed in a eerie murder mystery with necromancers. This book has been marketed sapphic, and although there is some nice chemistry between characters, I found that one less prominent as expected. But despite that I loved everything about it and I wasn’t ready for it. I still aren’t.
Gideon the Ninth is planning to escape her life, she doesn’t want to serve the Ninth House any longer. But then the emperor summons the heirs of the Houses for a deadly trial. Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and an excellent bone witch, has also received the summons. But a necromancer without a cavalier can’t ascend. Harrow will fail this quest without the sword of Gideon and the Ninth House will perish.
I heard so many great things it sounded almost to good to be true. But it really surprised me. First off, the humor in this book is so dry I laughed my pants off! I blame Gideon for that. She is in one word amazing. A sarcastic, snarky and big brute of an ego with some amazing sword skills and a heart of gold. Gideon swept me off my feet. The story itself was all hands on deck. It was a complicated worldbuilding and needed attention otherwise I didn’t make anything of it. But once the world sank in, it felt really tangible. Some bits were left out, like a backstory of the Ninth House itself, but it didn’t feel like you needed it to get lost in the story. Which further long the story developed in a eerie murder mystery with necromancers. This book has been marketed sapphic, and although there is some nice chemistry between characters, I found that one less prominent as expected. But despite that I loved everything about it and I wasn’t ready for it. I still aren’t.
The Broken Earth Trilogy revolves around Essun in the World of Stillness. Earth is being pestered with devastating earthquakes that will start the Fifth Season. In this season earth is afflicted with mutations in flora and fauna, boiled oceans and ashy skies. The Oregenes, people who can manipulate the earth, can prevent the disaster. Alabaster, friend and mentor from Essun and a powerful Oregene, however, started of the next Season by drawing power from floating Obelisks. These objects seem to have power but they are a complete mystery in what they do. Can Essun end the cycle of the seasons by using the power of the Obelisks?
The Obelisk Gate won the Hugo Award in 2017. So must be good, right? But unfortunately I didn’t like this book as much as many seem to do. Yes, it did get on with the story right where we left it. Yes the pacing was the same as the first book, slow but I never mind that. But the surprise and the puzzle of Damaya, Syenite and Essun was gone which meant that the Obelisk puzzle remained. Enough, you would say? Yes, you would think so, but the search in what these Obelisks are and how they function was so minor, that it kind of bored me. Okay, there was an interesting new POV, the daughter of Essun, and that was refreshing. But it let me down as the story more or less followed the same patterns as in book one. Because of it I lost my interest completely. The only reason I kept reading was the immaculate worldbuilding and the mystery revolving around the Seasons. This book had the second book syndrome if you ask me. I hope that part three will make up for it.
The Obelisk Gate won the Hugo Award in 2017. So must be good, right? But unfortunately I didn’t like this book as much as many seem to do. Yes, it did get on with the story right where we left it. Yes the pacing was the same as the first book, slow but I never mind that. But the surprise and the puzzle of Damaya, Syenite and Essun was gone which meant that the Obelisk puzzle remained. Enough, you would say? Yes, you would think so, but the search in what these Obelisks are and how they function was so minor, that it kind of bored me. Okay, there was an interesting new POV, the daughter of Essun, and that was refreshing. But it let me down as the story more or less followed the same patterns as in book one. Because of it I lost my interest completely. The only reason I kept reading was the immaculate worldbuilding and the mystery revolving around the Seasons. This book had the second book syndrome if you ask me. I hope that part three will make up for it.
“It was made out to be some kind of honor, giving your life for the good of humanity, but it was really just a reminder that cyborgs were not like everyone else.”
Cinder, is a talented mechanic and a cyborg. Because of that she is considered a low class citizen. Her stepmother and one of her stepsisters tolerate her, but see her rather go. When Cinder meets handsome Prince Kai she finds herself in a intergalactic struggle with a dangerous attraction. Can she find answers about her past to help her sick stepsister and can she resist the prince to protect her world's future?
I love retellings and when I learned about this one being a mash up with Star Wars and Cinderella, I knew that this had to be good. And it was. I absolutely loved this world and this new kick ass Cinder. Not only was this world very interring with a New Bejing with an emperor, a lunar colony and a European community I also loved the cyborg part of it. Especially the themes it discussed because of it, disability and the way people frown upon being disabled. I also loved, no adored Iko, the help of Cinder and the humor their dialogues brought.
Did I have some things to nag about. Yes I did have some points that I wasn’t that thrilled about. The ending, don’t worry, not going to spoil it, was somewhat meh. I’ve seen those endings a lot and it just don’t get the same emotion as it used to when I was younger. But despite that I liked this book a lot. Enjoyed the original outtake on such a old classic fairytale.
Cinder, is a talented mechanic and a cyborg. Because of that she is considered a low class citizen. Her stepmother and one of her stepsisters tolerate her, but see her rather go. When Cinder meets handsome Prince Kai she finds herself in a intergalactic struggle with a dangerous attraction. Can she find answers about her past to help her sick stepsister and can she resist the prince to protect her world's future?
I love retellings and when I learned about this one being a mash up with Star Wars and Cinderella, I knew that this had to be good. And it was. I absolutely loved this world and this new kick ass Cinder. Not only was this world very interring with a New Bejing with an emperor, a lunar colony and a European community I also loved the cyborg part of it. Especially the themes it discussed because of it, disability and the way people frown upon being disabled. I also loved, no adored Iko, the help of Cinder and the humor their dialogues brought.
Did I have some things to nag about. Yes I did have some points that I wasn’t that thrilled about. The ending, don’t worry, not going to spoil it, was somewhat meh. I’ve seen those endings a lot and it just don’t get the same emotion as it used to when I was younger. But despite that I liked this book a lot. Enjoyed the original outtake on such a old classic fairytale.
“Deep in the human unconscious is a pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense. But the real universe is always one step beyond logic.”
Dune takes place on the planet of Arrakis. A dessert planet where they mine a most valuable product, spice. The duke Leto Artreides is summoned by the emperor to be responsible for the government of this planet but he is betrayed. His son Paul and Paul’s mother succeed to escape. But they are now on a journey to a greater destiny.
For a year I was afraid to read this book. First of all it was a brick, second I wasn’t that experienced reading sci fi and third it was a classic from the seventies which probably meant that it contained old writing styles. And I can say, nope this was proven to be not the case, except the brick part. That one is true. You could kill a man with that book.
But besides that this chosen one story with a dark twist, was entertaining and interesting. It dealt with anthropological themes, what it means to survive with foreign traditions, it deals with racism and misconceptions and the worth of honor. And this all in such an immersive world full with intriges, politics and even some resemblance with oil mining.
The only downside to this book might’ve been the somewhat slow parts. Luckily the full cast audiobook with amazing sound effects knew to pull me through. Did I like everything? No, I had some difficulties with the messiah part and what kind of sacrifices there where made and I struggled with the switch in characteristics. But beside this, it’s clear why this book is considered a groundbreaking and classic sci fi.
Dune takes place on the planet of Arrakis. A dessert planet where they mine a most valuable product, spice. The duke Leto Artreides is summoned by the emperor to be responsible for the government of this planet but he is betrayed. His son Paul and Paul’s mother succeed to escape. But they are now on a journey to a greater destiny.
For a year I was afraid to read this book. First of all it was a brick, second I wasn’t that experienced reading sci fi and third it was a classic from the seventies which probably meant that it contained old writing styles. And I can say, nope this was proven to be not the case, except the brick part. That one is true. You could kill a man with that book.
But besides that this chosen one story with a dark twist, was entertaining and interesting. It dealt with anthropological themes, what it means to survive with foreign traditions, it deals with racism and misconceptions and the worth of honor. And this all in such an immersive world full with intriges, politics and even some resemblance with oil mining.
The only downside to this book might’ve been the somewhat slow parts. Luckily the full cast audiobook with amazing sound effects knew to pull me through. Did I like everything? No, I had some difficulties with the messiah part and what kind of sacrifices there where made and I struggled with the switch in characteristics. But beside this, it’s clear why this book is considered a groundbreaking and classic sci fi.
“I want to do something, right here, right now, to shame them, to make them accountable, to show the Capitol that whatever they do or force us to do there is a part of every tribute they can't own.”
Every year in a place called Panem The Capitol, ruler of 12 districts, hosts a show to control all districts: The Hunger Games. From each district a boy and girl is chosen between the age twelve and eighteen to partake in this deadly event that’s aired live all over Panem. In the 74th Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen, from District 12, volunteers to take the place of her twelve-year-old sister Prim Everdeen. Before she leaves she promises Prim that she will win!
The Hunger Games are almost legendary. Everyone has read the books or seen the movies. But I never read these books. So finally I read one of these books. Why? Why did I wait so long to read this?! It was so good! It’s perfectly paced and kept me on the edge of my seat for almost the entirety of the book. But besides this it wasn’t a book with just only excitement. Although it was exciting, at the same time you felt guilty for enjoying being this excited about an awful and patriarchal society that likes to dominate the poor. Not only does it creates a good illustration of corruption and power its also a wonderfully example of a powerful and strong female. One that is perceived as being worthy by only being beautiful, but she shows she kicks some real butt.
So, it’s no surprise that I totally loved it. An absolute new favorite and I can’t wait to continue with the serie.
Every year in a place called Panem The Capitol, ruler of 12 districts, hosts a show to control all districts: The Hunger Games. From each district a boy and girl is chosen between the age twelve and eighteen to partake in this deadly event that’s aired live all over Panem. In the 74th Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen, from District 12, volunteers to take the place of her twelve-year-old sister Prim Everdeen. Before she leaves she promises Prim that she will win!
The Hunger Games are almost legendary. Everyone has read the books or seen the movies. But I never read these books. So finally I read one of these books. Why? Why did I wait so long to read this?! It was so good! It’s perfectly paced and kept me on the edge of my seat for almost the entirety of the book. But besides this it wasn’t a book with just only excitement. Although it was exciting, at the same time you felt guilty for enjoying being this excited about an awful and patriarchal society that likes to dominate the poor. Not only does it creates a good illustration of corruption and power its also a wonderfully example of a powerful and strong female. One that is perceived as being worthy by only being beautiful, but she shows she kicks some real butt.
So, it’s no surprise that I totally loved it. An absolute new favorite and I can’t wait to continue with the serie.
The metropolis overcrowded, overshadowed by smog and polluted. When Bea’s five-year-old daughter, Agnes, slowly dies off its effects, there’s only one solution: The Wilderness State.
Fleeing a city to the only excising wilderness to survive because of climate change. It seems so far away, but this book really hit a nerve as drought is a reality where I live. Due to high temperatures there’s low water and parts of the river bank is drying out. Fortunately it’s only parts, but I found it fitting for this review to include.
New Wilderness however does not dwell long on issues of climate change. It’s a dystopian novel about what happens when people are one with nature again. It asks the question can we survive in the wild, are humans capable of returning to a nomadic existence and how do we react to the harsh elements and the dangers of nature without having any luxury? This is being explored through the experiences of Bea and Agnes and their relationship as mother and daughter. The story has no clear plot line, it doesn’t have a extensive worldbuilding, it’s more a transcription of daily live for these characters surviving nature. And I really loved it. The prose was beautiful and I loved how it let me think about my own relationship with nature and my mother. It made me wonder if we really could live with nature instead of against it. I would recommend this to anyone interested in these philosophical questions, but stay clear of it when you want more action or a clear plot.
Fleeing a city to the only excising wilderness to survive because of climate change. It seems so far away, but this book really hit a nerve as drought is a reality where I live. Due to high temperatures there’s low water and parts of the river bank is drying out. Fortunately it’s only parts, but I found it fitting for this review to include.
New Wilderness however does not dwell long on issues of climate change. It’s a dystopian novel about what happens when people are one with nature again. It asks the question can we survive in the wild, are humans capable of returning to a nomadic existence and how do we react to the harsh elements and the dangers of nature without having any luxury? This is being explored through the experiences of Bea and Agnes and their relationship as mother and daughter. The story has no clear plot line, it doesn’t have a extensive worldbuilding, it’s more a transcription of daily live for these characters surviving nature. And I really loved it. The prose was beautiful and I loved how it let me think about my own relationship with nature and my mother. It made me wonder if we really could live with nature instead of against it. I would recommend this to anyone interested in these philosophical questions, but stay clear of it when you want more action or a clear plot.
“The world is a terrifying place, more than I ever realized. But if I had my whole life to do over again, that's literally the only thing I'd change. I'd stop being so afraid of other people.”
Paper Girls is about four paper delivery girls from the eighties. Hells Night, the night after Halloween, is a worst day as paper girl as you get ambushed by partying people. These girls decide to team up Suddenly they’re in a story of a lifetime. In part two we follow up on this a adventure from the paper girls.
When I really had a Stranger Things hangover I heard this was the next thing to read. I needed no more convincing and wanted to read it immediately.
These graphic novels are wonderful. The humor is amazing and the group dynamic between friends makes you want to join the friend group. And slowly a mystery develops.
And finally the drawings. They are vibrant and in an awesome eighties style. And just because of that 80s vibe I love them. I would recommend it to anyone in search of a wonderful, funny, mysterious and exciting graphic novel serie.
Paper Girls is about four paper delivery girls from the eighties. Hells Night, the night after Halloween, is a worst day as paper girl as you get ambushed by partying people. These girls decide to team up Suddenly they’re in a story of a lifetime. In part two we follow up on this a adventure from the paper girls.
When I really had a Stranger Things hangover I heard this was the next thing to read. I needed no more convincing and wanted to read it immediately.
These graphic novels are wonderful. The humor is amazing and the group dynamic between friends makes you want to join the friend group. And slowly a mystery develops.
And finally the drawings. They are vibrant and in an awesome eighties style. And just because of that 80s vibe I love them. I would recommend it to anyone in search of a wonderful, funny, mysterious and exciting graphic novel serie.