raenyreads's Reviews (345)

I've been sitting on this review for a while thinking I'd find the right words eventually but I've had no luck. I just really enjoyed this book, I was hooked the entire time and excited to see what would happen next. There's always something happening and it never felt like a drag to read. Is Rin a loveable character? Hell no, but if you've read the previous books and expected that then we read different books. She's a character you can feel for but would 100% be terrified of. I found all the characters really interesting all the way to the conclusion and I was gripped to see how it would all end - it didn't disappoint.

This book is just so fun, classic Terry Pratchett writing (as much as I can tell so far in reading his books) and so many interesting characters. I read this at Christmas and haven't read the other Death books beforehand so I can't comment to how well it sits in that series, but as a standalone I think it's a great installment. There is a lot going on in this book which could get confusing at times but I feel with these books that is just part of the ride. A great book which I'd recommend you read in the festive season!

This final installment in the winternight trilogy returned to the feel of the first book which I missed a bit in the second. In this book we get more of the mythological and folklore elements which made me love the first book and I was so happy to see it. I also think the plot in this book is the strongest of the three books. I hadn't been really convinced by the romance subplot in the previous books but I was invested by the end of this book. Overall its a great conclusion to the series.

I don't really rate personal memoirs as it feels weird to rate someone's life, but don't let my lack of rating confuse you into thinking this book isn't good, it's amazing! I listened to the audiobook and I think it really enhanced the experience hearing Hannah Gadsby tell her story and do all the voices. If you've seen and liked Nanette I think this is definitely worth a read (and if you've haven't seen Nanette, go watch it right now, you won't regret it!). Obviously difficult topics are dealt with here so check the warnings before reading.

I admit I only read this book as it was picked for a book club I'm in and so I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. The plot is interesting enough but the characters are all very 2 dimensional. The writing style wasn't for me in places and I did find my mind wandering. It did have some interesting moments though and I was intrigued enough to want to know what happened at the end. Just overall very middle of the road, even for when it was written.

This is a good follow up to the first book, it just had less of what I personally liked in the first one which was all the mythological creatures. The plot was fine and kept me intrigued, though I have no idea what's going on with the romance sub plot. Interested to see where it goes from here.

A very quick and enjoyable read. The characters are cute and I like the overall feeling if it, but there's not much too it since it's some one shots which are vaguely linked. Still fun though!

I read The Priory of the Orange Tree last year and really loved it so I was so excited when I got accepted for this arc! An 800 page book can be intimidating but this one is 100% worth it.

The pacing of this book is very steady from start to finish. I never once thought that it started to drag or slow down but it also never felt like we were rushing through things too quickly. There were always events happening that kept me intrigued and they all contributed to the overall plot so I was invested throughout. I would describe it as towards the slower side of medium paced. 

Every character is interesting, my favourites being Dumai and Wulf, so although I may have wanted to read on in a certain plotline I was never truly disappointed when we switched perspectives. The relationships depicted were really well set up, whether they developed on the page or were already established. The world presented is queernorm and I love to see it.

The range of female characters presented in Samantha Shannon's books are unrivalled compared to the other books I've read. She gives every single character their own strengths, which are not always physical, and challenges to overcome. Which should be normal but we all know it isn't always the case.

The worldbuiling was re-established in this book following The Priory of the Orange Tree, and new elements and places were also added. Samantha Shannon's writing and the way she describes places are just gorgeous and honestly a big reason why I love her books so much. She makes me feel like I am right there alongside the characters in these beautiful places. 

Overall, if you enjoyed The Priory of the Orange Tree you absolutely have to give this prequel a try, I think you'll love it!

This... was sort of terrible. I'll give it to SJM that this was her first book, it's not the worst thing I've ever read but my god has her writing improved since this... and that's saying something. The plot was fine but the characters are all complete idiots and there would just be a line here and there that would make me go 'what?' and completely remove me from the experience because of how much it just didn't make sense or because of how stupid it was.

umm sir people don't tend to remove their opponents brain and organs in a drunken brawl?! and no Celeana, if a person is being serious it doesn't mean they think you're ugly. Oh and why does it matter if she is a virgin or not Chaol or whether Dorian knows it?!

The magic system and world building was interesting, which is basically where my 2 stars come from. I don't think I'll continue this series, though people do say it gets better.

Is this book ground breaking? No. But is this book enjoyable and written well? I think so. The premise is one you've probably read before in some way but I think the magic system and some unique aspects of the world building make this an interesting read. I never felt like I was struggling through it and I enjoyed the journey it took me on. I am however more excited to read the sequel covering the dancing sister and the pirate as I think I'll like that one more.