the_pale_woman's Reviews (542)

This is a short story collection. Each story is loosely connected and follows an overall plot, but that does not make it a novel in my eyes. It's similar to World War Z, where there is a global event (in this case plaque and climate change), and you're getting several pieces of the story through the lens of different characters. With a short story collection comes a few advantages and disadvantages in the reading experience. For me, the disadvantages typically outweigh the advantages. I'm not a fan of short stories in general, but I did like this book overall. I just wish this was made clear in the description or category. It says "a novel" on the cover. Come on now. I'll step out of my reading comfort zone occasionally, but only when I want to! Don't trick me into it. But enough of that. Now that I got those feelings out of my system, I can look at this without that I've been tricked biased. 

I cried a lot reading this. Mostly in the beginning stories. If you've ever experienced the death of a loved one, be warned. It's dark and has those science fiction like plots, but it feels very realistic. I wasn't expecting such a punch in the chest. I know, I will be thinking about these stories for a long time. Specifically, I liked the City of Laughter, Pig Son, Elegy Hotel, and Speak, Fetch, Say I Love You. I didn't feel as emotionally attracted to the rest of the stories. They were still interesting and thought-provoking, but they didn't carry the same emotional weight of the first half of the book. Overall, I really did like this read and would recommend it to most readers. I listened to the audio, which was good (full cast is a little much for me) but I think I would have preferred to read this physically just because I found myself wanting to stop and ponder. That type of reading is always best done physically. 

This prequel took the story back to Kingsbridge to great success. A Column of Fire was too historically broad for me. The Evening and the Morning felt more centralized like the original. I found it refreshing to get a historical story set in these times that doesn't completely resolve around vikings. The presence of the vikings plays a role in events but only inadvertently. This book focused more on the few people who influenced the birth of Kingsbridge. If you're thinking about starting this series, I would recommend you at least read The Pillars of the Earth first before this prequel. It was satisfying to see the beginnings of landmarks and systems in Kingbridge that come to play such crucial roles in the future of the town. 

I'll admit that it's a practice in patience to read about characters suffering continually. It's not the type of book for every reader, but I think it's the type that is hard not to find fascinating. I can't deny that I'm completely hooked, and also, I'm sad there's only one more Kingsbridge book left. 

As a cosmere fan, this reading experience was extremely satisfying. My mind is spinning with all the mentions and implications. Thinking beyond my cosmere geek out, I found it easy to connect to the characters and fast-paced plot in this read. I can easily say this was my favorite secret project. I would recommend this to anyone, but if you want to fully enjoy this, you have to read the entire cosmere. Get on it. 

I didn't completely mesh with this one. That might be due to the separation I've had from the characters and story. I binged the others last year, so reading this one on release was a different experience. Beyond that, I just didn't click with this plot. I loved being in Murderbot perspective again, but I didn't feel any interest in the events unfolding. 

Additionally, I found the "redacted" thing extremely irritating. I'll credit most of that feeling to listening to this as an audio, but it really took me out of the story every time it happened. 

In the end, I'm only slightly disappointed. For me, this is not the best entry in the murderdot series, but I'm still willing and excited to read more of the series and hope it continues. I would still highly recommend it. When you have smaller entries like this in a series, it's easier to overlook the ones that weren't perfect for you. 

I probably would have DNF'd this if I hadn't been listening to the audiobook. By the time I admitted to myself that the story was unlikely to get any better, I was already halfway through, and this is a relatively short read, so I finished it. I appreciated the ending, but I did not enjoy this read. 

The writing that is so highly talked of here is really rather dry most of the time. The tale takes forever to start, and when it finally does, it's disappointing and tedious. Ironic, given the mentality many of the characters in this novel have about their lives. All of these characters lack any redeemable qualities. While I know that's part of the point, I can't help but find it annoying. I dislike reading melodramas without purpose or progress.  It's as if the author just wanted to take everything you can hate in a human being (besides violence and brutally) and instill it in these individuals. It's not my cup of tea. Maybe if you loved Wuthering Heights, you would enjoy this read. These types of books are just not what I'm looking for in a classic. 

I think I enjoyed this prequel more than the original book, and I quite enjoyed Legands and Lattes. This story had a steadier flow and more lyrical turns of phrase. I felt like the author stepped up his game. Plus, you can't go wrong with a bookshop setting. That's low hanging fruit for a book lover such as myself. Not that I don't love coffee as well. 

I've been reading a lot of chunky series, and this was a perfect cozy tangent. It really put a smile on my face. Highly recommend.

This "Kingsbridge" novel is difficult to rate compared to the first two books. Alone, I would say it's an above average read. It has that large scope I generally enjoy. I admire the intertwining of historical figures and events with these characters' personal lives. 

However, I felt disconnected from Kingsbridge and the unquantifiable magic found in the previous books. It's flat by comparison. I missed spending time in Kingsbridge. Most of this book takes place elsewhere. Dealing with large-scale religious wars and politics. I wanted someone to build something. Even if it's just a house. I wanted someone to root for. I just wasn't that invested in the characters or their fates. Therefore, the story lacked a certain satisfaction. Making this read a disappointment. 

I decided not to be petty with a low star review because that's not the truth. To be honest, this book was fine. It was interesting. It's just not great, in my opinion. Regardless, I will continue the series. I hope to find that Kingsbridge magic again in the prequel and new 4th book. *fingers crossed*

This was purely a cover buy for me. It can't be denied how great a cover this is. That said,  I wish there had been more substance to this story. It felt superficial, in my opinion. It's the type of story you get from a modern movie. Shallow and random. That might be a bit harsh as it is just a lighthearted adventure with a random assortment of intelligent mammals. However, it really could have been better. The idea is there, but the execution isn't to my tastes. It probably would have been a 1 star if not for the cats. 

I can't even explain why I loved reading this.

This reads like a condensed diary. I don't mean that in a completely negative way. It feels like the story is in her words for the most part. It's simply stated and includes many ramblings that I'm sure are characteristic of her personality. I would have preferred to see those tangents edited down a touch. By the end of this relatively short book, I was having a hard time looking past her ever circling thought process and random name drops. While it grated on my nerves slightly, I still appreciate this book for what it is. I'm a fan, so that helps to tilt the scales towards an enjoyable read.
Unfortunately, I found it to be lacking in detail and nuance. I wasn't expecting to find that here, but you can always hope. I knew that managing my expectations would be the key to enjoying this read. I would say, for the most part, I succeeded. I found it to be interesting. I just wish there had been more. More life experiences shared, good or bad. More details about her early career. I was surprised by how fast the book takes you through her life. It felt like so much was held back. I don't want to pry into her private life, but when a story is offered, you can't help but ask questions and follow-ups. In the end, I was less than satisfied but not out right disappointed. 

At least I will forever be left with the iconic line...

"I'm Britney Spears now." 😈