reubenalbatross's Reviews (521)

I started reading this thinking it might be interesting to see how different the show and original source material was. 

But... there were way too many pop culture references for me in the first two pages, and I already know the twists, so decided why bother?

Unfortunately I was no way near as impressed with this one compared to The Housemaid.

It didn't start out well as I didn't realise the main character was Millie from The Housemaid until about a third of the way into the book. Sure, most of this was probably due to me not paying due attention, but I do think it could have been mentioned earlier in the book.

Some of the phrases around technology seemed really outdated which threw me off a bit. Numbers being described as 'programmed' into a phone, and a debate over whether or not you 'save' text messages, as if you have to do so manually? 

I was also infuriated by some of Millie's decisions. Why not speak to Enzo to 1. Speak to the only perosn who would understand your situation 2. Potentially help save someone's life?? - all for the sake of pride. I felt like it was just a lazy plot convenience or horrible character choice.

And all in all, I just wasn't as interested in the plot. A few of the twists did shock me, but overall I wasn't as invested.

The opening was immediately so contrived.

I listened to this on audio and the narrator was annoying.

The two adults just seemed like awful and stupid people who shouldn't be raising a child.

Absolutely nothing made me want to continue, and everything made me want to stop reading. 

This was a lovely and witty romance with a unique twist. The chemistry felt real, the characters were likeable and realistic, and the world provided interesting commentary on single-dom. Also, the audiobook was one of the best narrations I've listened to. 

Reading the author's note was strange, because I felt like the book still showed a couple as being the best scenario. It ended with the main character in a happy relationship, and showed single people in a negative light. It also didn't explore polyamorous relationships at all, which I felt was a missed opportunity.

This was such a great second book to this series.
 
I love all of the morality questions in it, and how Rin can never be sure that what she is doing is the right thing. Having the 'good' and 'bad' sides of the war constantly changing is so interesting. Its a great reflection of how everyone thinks what they're doing is right, without ever considering the other side's point of view.
 
I was a little confused by the separation of north and south in here though. Characters who live in the south are described as being from the north. Towards the end of the book I came to realise it is more of a moral/class divide than physical, but I still don't think the distinction was ever made clear. 

I'm so glad I enjoyed this one as much as I did.
 
The book is obviously just all set up for the rest of the series, but Williams' writing is so compelling, and this world so unique, that I really didn't mind.
 
The time jump is so interesting, especially seeing the similarities and differences in characters from the first trilogy. However, I am still a little confused by the age differences between the various generations.

I really enjoyed having points of view from both sides of the conflicts. Most fantasy focuses on the 'good guys', which often means conflicts don't feel quite as fleshed out, so this was refreshing to read.
 
I loved the thriller-esque twists at the end. I really should have seen one of them coming, but I had absolutely no clue until it was spelled out! 
 
I can't wait to see how the series unfolds.  

Side note - I have a theory that

Morgan falling off the tower

is a nod to Game of Thrones and Bran falling off the wall. Whether this is true, and a respectful thing or Williams taking the mick after Martin basically copied the start of The Dragonbone Chair for Game of Thrones, or not, it's still an interesting comparison to make. 

This book just seems to be full of stupid people and French stereotypes. The 'mystery' wasn't anywhere near compelling enough for me to want to continue. 

I'm also sure that if each character wasn't narrated by a different person I'd have a very hard time telling their personalities apart - none of the characters are very developed and it's all tell, no show. 

This book scared me in so many ways, primarily due to the fact that almost 100 years on from its publication date, it all still seems highly possible. 

It has truly stood the test of time, and is a great example of how nothing ever really changes. 

I've no real comments on the novel itself, but the audio narration was just not good. It sounded like high school play acting at times, and I didn't care enough about the story to carry on listening to it. 

This was such an emotively written and powerful book. 

The audiobook narration was amazing, though my mind did wander at the beginning so much that I had to re-start the book at around 30%. I put it down to Chris Reilly's beautiful voice lulling me away.