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themoonwholistens's Reviews (698)
2nd read update: to absolutely no one’s surprise, i still loved it. The JL parallels… unmatched.
If you like politically intriguing urban fantasy that centers around morally questionable characters with complicated pre-established relationships that find themselves in the middle of inter-clan conflict but still sticks together in the end because they are family… this is the book for you. [ends run-on sentence]
Additional note: I think it's an underrated topic but the way subtle dynamics in the Hong Kong and Asian cultures play into the different scenes was so well-done that I think if you aren't familiar with Asian cultures and their cultural/family dynamics, you wouldn't get it. But if you do, you will really appreciate it.
*thinks about the quote*
*slams hands on the table*
*thinks about the quote again*
*sobs*
my mind is reeling.
I was shocked at how easy it was to feel invested in these complex, calculating, and at times violent, characters but still possess so much heart for the people and things they love (no matter what kind of complicated relationship it may be)
Fonda Lee took her time in the beginning building the politics, character dynamics, and world-building in this multi-POV story but it balances its characters and plot so well that it never felt like it was dense or dragging. It was like we were slowly learning how the political dynamics works as the details unfolded at the start and I just have to say that it was nothing short of clever.
The fact that FL is both a black-belt martial artist and former corporate strategist SHOWS in the writing and details she put into the book.
I find it very rare for a cast of characters to be so well-balanced in writing, page-time, and character development that you feel like you’re watching an extended version of a movie and that you could be an extra unseen member actually in story and following around the characters…. especially in stories centered around a family that already have pre-established relationships prior to the start of the story. But Fonda Lee found that balance and kept it going all throughout.
Jade City mainly follows four central characters: Kaul Lan, Kaul Hilo, Kaul Shae, and Anden Emery. Four siblings of the Kaul family that can’t be any more different but are all so uniquely intriguing. I don’t think I can give justice for my love of the sibling/family relationships and dynamics…. so all I will say is:
i am ATTACHED.
i am INVESTED.
i am HERE FOR IT.
ah yes… golden sibling dynamics right there.
If you want intensity and action, it doesn’t fall short either. It’s action-packed without forgetting the complex characters dynamics to back up the intensity and vivid imagery to keep you on your toes and feel like you never want to let these characters go.
“Drama and reminisce of classic Hong Kong ganster films” really is the vibe of what you’re getting if all of that was set in a fantasy metropolis that’s both gritty and vividly written. The world-building was subtle but effective and so cleverly written. Especially for a book that really isn’t that long, I was surprised at how much subtleties and nuance FL was able to weave in a dynamic plot that revolves around power, family, and all the technical in-betweens that comes with actually ruling a clan.
Themes revolve around family/brotherhood, power, and prejudice in a society. While showing perspectives from the top of the social ladder to those at the bottom, and everything in between.
The addition of Jade as the main fantasy element that this world revolves on was the perfect cherry on top. It almost felt like the Jade just made them a little more super human and made the fight scenes/perceptions make a lot more sense even though I consider it as more of a soft magic system. Don’t get me wrong, this is definitely still a violent and brutal book with graphic imagery and arguably cruel characters so just keep that in mind.
It truly has everything you want in a fantasy action novel from character dynamics that sweep you up to Jade-enhanced fight scenes that leave you gasping. My mind felt so alive. I absolutely loved the fact that we still see them bond over both trivial things like having dinner to major power-changing dynamics like you know… planning a siege.
You know the plot is well-written when you realize that the twist and turns that happen have been building up to it the whole time but you are still shocked that it even happened at all. The fact that this book had me grieving over characters i’ve never even met should say something in itself. I truly felt like I cared about every minor character as much as Hilo did. Even the enmity between the two clans never felt short of perfectly paced that even though we don’t see them decided on the details, nothing ever felt like it didn’t make sense.
To be honest, this might be a new favorite of mine. It's really high up there.
↣ Highly recommended if you enjoy brutal, action-packed urban fantasy that have intensity levels turned on high at almost every chapter and perfectly balanced character-driven and plot-driven stories. Especially, if you like morally questionable characters full of scheming and betrayal that still leaves you wanting to always cheer them on. ↢
the things people do for power…. I have been shaken to my core.
Now, excuse me because I need to find a Kaul family that I can get myself adopted into, Anden Emery style.
— 5.0 —
⇢ content warnings// Addiction (allegory), Body horror, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Overdose, Self-harm (mentioned), Sexual abuse of minor, Sexual content, Suicide (mentioned), Violence (graphic)
If you like politically intriguing urban fantasy that centers around morally questionable characters with complicated pre-established relationships that find themselves in the middle of inter-clan conflict but still sticks together in the end because they are family… this is the book for you. [ends run-on sentence]
Additional note: I think it's an underrated topic but the way subtle dynamics in the Hong Kong and Asian cultures play into the different scenes was so well-done that I think if you aren't familiar with Asian cultures and their cultural/family dynamics, you wouldn't get it. But if you do, you will really appreciate it.
“If heart alone could win the war, we’d already be victorious.”
*thinks about the quote*
*slams hands on the table*
*thinks about the quote again*
*sobs*
my mind is reeling.
I was shocked at how easy it was to feel invested in these complex, calculating, and at times violent, characters but still possess so much heart for the people and things they love (no matter what kind of complicated relationship it may be)
Fonda Lee took her time in the beginning building the politics, character dynamics, and world-building in this multi-POV story but it balances its characters and plot so well that it never felt like it was dense or dragging. It was like we were slowly learning how the political dynamics works as the details unfolded at the start and I just have to say that it was nothing short of clever.
The fact that FL is both a black-belt martial artist and former corporate strategist SHOWS in the writing and details she put into the book.
“In general, however, people were uncomfortable around misfortune and reluctant to admit to their own.”
I find it very rare for a cast of characters to be so well-balanced in writing, page-time, and character development that you feel like you’re watching an extended version of a movie and that you could be an extra unseen member actually in story and following around the characters…. especially in stories centered around a family that already have pre-established relationships prior to the start of the story. But Fonda Lee found that balance and kept it going all throughout.
Jade City mainly follows four central characters: Kaul Lan, Kaul Hilo, Kaul Shae, and Anden Emery. Four siblings of the Kaul family that can’t be any more different but are all so uniquely intriguing. I don’t think I can give justice for my love of the sibling/family relationships and dynamics…. so all I will say is:
i am ATTACHED.
i am INVESTED.
i am HERE FOR IT.
“Screw you, Hilo,” she snapped. “I can kill my ex-boyfriends myself.”
ah yes… golden sibling dynamics right there.
If you want intensity and action, it doesn’t fall short either. It’s action-packed without forgetting the complex characters dynamics to back up the intensity and vivid imagery to keep you on your toes and feel like you never want to let these characters go.
“Drama and reminisce of classic Hong Kong ganster films” really is the vibe of what you’re getting if all of that was set in a fantasy metropolis that’s both gritty and vividly written. The world-building was subtle but effective and so cleverly written. Especially for a book that really isn’t that long, I was surprised at how much subtleties and nuance FL was able to weave in a dynamic plot that revolves around power, family, and all the technical in-betweens that comes with actually ruling a clan.
Themes revolve around family/brotherhood, power, and prejudice in a society. While showing perspectives from the top of the social ladder to those at the bottom, and everything in between.
“People were people. The power of jade didn’t make them better or closer to godliness; it just made them more powerful”
The addition of Jade as the main fantasy element that this world revolves on was the perfect cherry on top. It almost felt like the Jade just made them a little more super human and made the fight scenes/perceptions make a lot more sense even though I consider it as more of a soft magic system. Don’t get me wrong, this is definitely still a violent and brutal book with graphic imagery and arguably cruel characters so just keep that in mind.
It truly has everything you want in a fantasy action novel from character dynamics that sweep you up to Jade-enhanced fight scenes that leave you gasping. My mind felt so alive. I absolutely loved the fact that we still see them bond over both trivial things like having dinner to major power-changing dynamics like you know… planning a siege.
“Nothing good's coming, when the dogs start disappearing from the streets.”
You know the plot is well-written when you realize that the twist and turns that happen have been building up to it the whole time but you are still shocked that it even happened at all. The fact that this book had me grieving over characters i’ve never even met should say something in itself. I truly felt like I cared about every minor character as much as Hilo did. Even the enmity between the two clans never felt short of perfectly paced that even though we don’t see them decided on the details, nothing ever felt like it didn’t make sense.
To be honest, this might be a new favorite of mine. It's really high up there.
↣ Highly recommended if you enjoy brutal, action-packed urban fantasy that have intensity levels turned on high at almost every chapter and perfectly balanced character-driven and plot-driven stories. Especially, if you like morally questionable characters full of scheming and betrayal that still leaves you wanting to always cheer them on. ↢
the things people do for power…. I have been shaken to my core.
Now, excuse me because I need to find a Kaul family that I can get myself adopted into, Anden Emery style.
// buddy read with mah friend
— 5.0 —
⇢ content warnings// Addiction (allegory), Body horror, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Overdose, Self-harm (mentioned), Sexual abuse of minor, Sexual content, Suicide (mentioned), Violence (graphic)
I may seem calm in this review but this was nearly 24 hours after I repeated the ending too many times that I lost count, went ice skating, ran way into a forest, and fell in love with boys with sad eyes.
— overall thoughts: 4.5 —
⇢ content warnings//
⇢ representation: Gay main character, Immigrant main character (brown and from an unnamed, war-torn country)
If you like literary fiction within contemporary adult and teen realities with a focus on people getting together and bonding over a certain sport...in the cold... My gosh are you going to love this. (I am that kind of person). I’m not going to lie to you, I really did lose count of how many times I repeated the ending because of how hopeful it made me feel in the middle of a pandemic.
It was personally not a heavy read but it was definitely an emotional one, or maybe Backman is just an expert on making me feel things. The book puts a lot of light on the mental health of teenagers but also parents raising children at this time of their lives.
The story is the camaraderie brought by a small town, passion for what you do, and what success truly means. Themes on family and community are very forefront, specifically how they live with both the small perfect imperfections and tragedies. This also means it tackles topics like grief and processing sexual assault, and victim blaming… among other things. I feel like I say that a lot with Backman books. ...AND I WAS THERE FOR ALL OF IT. He is just able to pack so many themes and discussions in a compressed story without it ever feeling like it's too much. It literally feels like you're living these people's lives.
I say: “Where are we from?”
You say: “BEARTOWNNNN!!”
*insert rink side crowd noises*
Essentially, the plot revolves around hockey and how it brings together these different people. As usual, that's all I think you should know about the plot. This isn't strictly labelled as a mystery but you are going to be left figuring out what led to that scene that happen on the very first page.
And to be honest: it's just good storytelling. I want to reread this book in a cabin in the cold woods.
Fredrik Backman’s writing style is consistent with the two workss I have read wherein he successfully weaves each character’s background into each other. Especially given the contained settings of the books, it does work really well in my opinion.
Anxious People was my first Backman book and while I loved everything about it, I found it a little difficult to connect with on a personal level. And although, these two books tackle somewhat similar themes, I was able to relate to Beartown more because it highlighted the relationships between people who have (mostly) known each other their whole lives rather than strangers who just met.
I am officially in love with how he builds up character relationships, dynamics, and developments. It gives me shivers. The book hooks you by telling you the peak of how everything ends but it feels too wild from where the story begins, so you're mind is left actively figuring out how all these seemingly simple plot points will build. I loved the depiction of the effect of sports on small towns, despite being a city girl, the rest of my family come from a province and this made me feel very nostalgic.
Where there is Backman, you will find: charming characters, no matter what background he gives them.
A significant part of the book discusses the mental downhill that someone who has been raped or sexually abused experience. I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers but it was tackled extremely well in my opinion while still feeling realistic.
Fredrik Backman’s technical skills in creative writing is on point. The repetitions of the “Beartown” chant make you feel like you’re actually part of this town yourself. It made me feel attached to everything that was going on. Not to mention how everything ties back so cleanly.
Out of the 2 books by this author that I have read, this one is my favorite and it might be difficult to beat, just because this story felt too much like it was written for me. If you need to know anything else about this book: cold, hockey, small towns, coming-of-age, friendships, bravery, family (it's the whole package as far as themes go).
I don't know what else to say. I was feeling all the emotions.
↣ Read this for a cold but cozy, heart wrenching but touching, and overall emotional story that will leave you feeling... optimistic? or rather: leave you looking forward to tomorrow while appreciating where you came from. ↢
I thought about that quote longer than I care to admit.
“The only time I’m not moving forward,
is when I’m taking aim.”
— overall thoughts: 4.5 —
⇢ content warnings//
Spoiler
Body image, Child mortality (flashback), Guns, Homophobia, Rape, Rape culture, Suicide (mentions), Suicidal thoughts, Victim blaming, Violence⇢ representation: Gay main character, Immigrant main character (brown and from an unnamed, war-torn country)
If you like literary fiction within contemporary adult and teen realities with a focus on people getting together and bonding over a certain sport...in the cold... My gosh are you going to love this. (I am that kind of person). I’m not going to lie to you, I really did lose count of how many times I repeated the ending because of how hopeful it made me feel in the middle of a pandemic.
It was personally not a heavy read but it was definitely an emotional one, or maybe Backman is just an expert on making me feel things. The book puts a lot of light on the mental health of teenagers but also parents raising children at this time of their lives.
“There is a town in a forest that loves a game. There’s a girl sitting on a bed playing a guitar for best friend. There’s a young man sitting in a police station trying not to look scared. In a hallway in a hospital, a nurse passes a lawyer talking loudly into her cell phone. In the stands in an ice rink, in a capital city, grown men and women are on their feet, shouting that they are the bears from Beartown.”
The story is the camaraderie brought by a small town, passion for what you do, and what success truly means. Themes on family and community are very forefront, specifically how they live with both the small perfect imperfections and tragedies. This also means it tackles topics like grief and processing sexual assault, and victim blaming… among other things. I feel like I say that a lot with Backman books. ...AND I WAS THERE FOR ALL OF IT. He is just able to pack so many themes and discussions in a compressed story without it ever feeling like it's too much. It literally feels like you're living these people's lives.
I say: “Where are we from?”
You say: “BEARTOWNNNN!!”
*insert rink side crowd noises*
Essentially, the plot revolves around hockey and how it brings together these different people. As usual, that's all I think you should know about the plot. This isn't strictly labelled as a mystery but you are going to be left figuring out what led to that scene that happen on the very first page.
And to be honest: it's just good storytelling. I want to reread this book in a cabin in the cold woods.
“If you are honest, people may deceive you. Be honest anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfishness. Be kind anyway. All the good you do today will be forgotten by others tomorrow. Do good anyway.”
Fredrik Backman’s writing style is consistent with the two workss I have read wherein he successfully weaves each character’s background into each other. Especially given the contained settings of the books, it does work really well in my opinion.
Anxious People was my first Backman book and while I loved everything about it, I found it a little difficult to connect with on a personal level. And although, these two books tackle somewhat similar themes, I was able to relate to Beartown more because it highlighted the relationships between people who have (mostly) known each other their whole lives rather than strangers who just met.
I am officially in love with how he builds up character relationships, dynamics, and developments. It gives me shivers. The book hooks you by telling you the peak of how everything ends but it feels too wild from where the story begins, so you're mind is left actively figuring out how all these seemingly simple plot points will build. I loved the depiction of the effect of sports on small towns, despite being a city girl, the rest of my family come from a province and this made me feel very nostalgic.
Where there is Backman, you will find: charming characters, no matter what background he gives them.
“Culture is as much what we encourage as what we permit.”
A significant part of the book discusses the mental downhill that someone who has been raped or sexually abused experience. I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers but it was tackled extremely well in my opinion while still feeling realistic.
"What an uncomfortable, terrible, source of shame it is for the world, that the victim is often left with the most empathy for others."
Fredrik Backman’s technical skills in creative writing is on point. The repetitions of the “Beartown” chant make you feel like you’re actually part of this town yourself. It made me feel attached to everything that was going on. Not to mention how everything ties back so cleanly.
Out of the 2 books by this author that I have read, this one is my favorite and it might be difficult to beat, just because this story felt too much like it was written for me. If you need to know anything else about this book: cold, hockey, small towns, coming-of-age, friendships, bravery, family (it's the whole package as far as themes go).
I don't know what else to say. I was feeling all the emotions.
↣ Read this for a cold but cozy, heart wrenching but touching, and overall emotional story that will leave you feeling... optimistic? or rather: leave you looking forward to tomorrow while appreciating where you came from. ↢
“Never do you find friends like the ones you find when you were 15 years old.”
I thought about that quote longer than I care to admit.
”It has always seemed to me that a coward is a person who cares more about what people say than about what is right. Bravery isn’t about what people call you, Spensa. It is about who you know yourself to be."
FORMAT READ: Audiobook
SIMILAR VIBES: Ender’s Game, City of Ember (slight steampunk side)
READ FOR: intense and engaging space battles, squad goals, emotional gut punches, badass heroine
OVERALL: 4.75/5
SO. GOOD. I WANT TO SCREAM.
Brandon Sanderson’s world building does not let down! It takes some time to get fully invested but once you’re in, oh boy, YOU. ARE. IN. He always starts building from the most basic things up and I always feel like there’s more to the world that he initially introduces. He delivers ideas so well and makes it so prominent in the writing while still making it so seamlessly woven into the story. I love everything about the sky, the moon, the stars… so to find that the book took to featuring those as symbolisms made me giddy.
He paces his plots so well that everything just hits you when you least expect it AND I JUST REALLY WANNY CRY BECAUSE I AM SO INVESTED !!!
I’ve said this before but I’m going to say it again: I was still not able to guess Sanderson’s plot twists even with all of his foreshadowing. It’s the type that you won’t even dream of becoming a plot twist if that makes sense. There were scenes that left me so frustrated (in the good way) but everything wrapped up so well, that I was left satisfied!! <3 UGH. I JUST CANT.
“Fly anyway.”
The characters’ chemistry is so well written and it all just made sense, I was so invested in their whole flight team <3 I was crying and laughing in all the right parts, my heart racing and wrenching. They’re so entertaining while having the right depth and I loved seeing their character developments. They were also diverse which was a nice touch!
Spensa can be intese, dark and I always find it amusing. But I love her character so much!! It has been a while since I have loved a female MC in a fantasy and Spensa is one who deserves all the support I can give her.
The story got so much more interesting as the plot progressed. If you like exciting, intense, space battles… THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. It’s hilarious and entertaining in all the right parts. All the battle space scenes was so exciting and so well written. The feeling is just like Mistborn but without the epic fantasy side. The space action is so detailed that I can imagine myself flying a Poco. The illustrations also largely helped me, as a reader, be able to imagine the ships much better, especially in relation to each other.
As usual, Sanderson wrote a novel that I was not aware I wanted to read. I thought the whole plot was going to about how she GETS into flight school or something but it wasn’t and was about her ACTUALLY in flight school and everything else that comes with it. Which I really loved and found super addicting to read.
Sanderson’s worlds are always so much more complex than the blurbs make it out to be and I am in for the ride.
“You get to choose who you are. Legacy, memories of the past, can serve us well. But we cannot let them define us. When heritage becomes a box instead of an inspiration, it has gone too far.”
PLOT: ★★★★★
WRITING STYLE: ★★★★★
WORLD BUILDING: ★★★★★
CHARACTERS: ★★★★★(4.5)
THEMES: ★★★★★
PACING: ★★★★★
PAGE TURNER: ★★★★★
---------------------------------
PRE READ:
you already know that any and all Brandon Sanderson books go straight to my TBR pile
i can never keep myself from reading a brandon sanderson book... I'm coming soon Stormlight Archives
I ABSOLUTELY ATE THIS UP. The way this is exactly what I love: dark and lyrical... and I'm surprised that I loved it... (do know what you’re getting into before you pick this up though, content warnings at the end as usual)
This review is a mess but this book grinded up my brain cells
This book is for you if a dark and lyrical, queer retelling of dracula’s brides but the brides are f/f/m and they fall in love with each other sounds interesting to you.
THE WRITING. The fact that the name "Dracula" wasn't actually mentioned the whole book was really interesting from a reader's perspective and given that it's told from second POV just made the narrative that much easier to drown myself in. It really sold the vampiric passage of time on me, a little change here and there but not really enough for it to make a big difference. Given the plot and it’s a little more about the “romance”, I love that it focused more on the agelessness of vampires rather than other supernatural abilities.
I love dark stories that pack emotion, nuance, and still sends the right hopeful message while still being whimisical. So if you are like me, and 'light' horror is your thing, you really will enjoy this. That saying that “the best villains are the ones you secret love” was depicted so well with the story while still maintaining the idea that… well, it’s gaslighting and manipulation. I got so sucked into the narrative that I really felt all the emotions and contradictions that you would expect to feel from a story about dracula’s “wives”.
I do kind of feel like it was cut short but if i look at it through the lens of horror, it’s a common trend in the horror I’ve read. When I say horror, it's not jumpscare horror in case that's what you were wondering. It's just a little more on the extreme of dark, which is exactly my kind of horror. I still do wish we got more of the trio living their lives together because it would have pushed this to be a new fave. In short, I needed more Alexi.
If I were you, I would go into this more for the the lyrical writing than a grand plot in case that’s something you’re expecting. It’s more focused on character relationships and dynamics, which isn’t a problem for me but it might affect you.
↣ If you’re a sucker for dark and savory words, that promise a lifetime of sweetness that feels too good to be true… please read this. The longer I am apart from this book, the more I feel embroidering a blanket from S.T. Gibson's words. ↢
— 4.0—
⇢ content warnings// Depictions of: Emotional, verbal, and physical intimate partner abuse, Gaslighting, War, famine, and plague, Blood and gore, Consensual sexual content, Sadomasochism, Self harm, Body horror, Violence and murder, Alcohol use, Depression and mania, Sexual assault (not directed at any named character), Drug use, Drowning, Child abuse (off-page), Death
⤜ pre-read review ⤛
queer reimagining of dracula's brides ft. polyamorous relationship/s... yes, thank you.
This review is a mess but this book grinded up my brain cells
“You could have kissed me or slit my throat and either would have made as much sense.”
This book is for you if a dark and lyrical, queer retelling of dracula’s brides but the brides are f/f/m and they fall in love with each other sounds interesting to you.
“Through her eyes, I was able to experience the story for the first time all over again.”
THE WRITING. The fact that the name "Dracula" wasn't actually mentioned the whole book was really interesting from a reader's perspective and given that it's told from second POV just made the narrative that much easier to drown myself in. It really sold the vampiric passage of time on me, a little change here and there but not really enough for it to make a big difference. Given the plot and it’s a little more about the “romance”, I love that it focused more on the agelessness of vampires rather than other supernatural abilities.
I love dark stories that pack emotion, nuance, and still sends the right hopeful message while still being whimisical. So if you are like me, and 'light' horror is your thing, you really will enjoy this. That saying that “the best villains are the ones you secret love” was depicted so well with the story while still maintaining the idea that… well, it’s gaslighting and manipulation. I got so sucked into the narrative that I really felt all the emotions and contradictions that you would expect to feel from a story about dracula’s “wives”.
“I want to live. But I want to live in the world, not on the outskirts of it.”
I do kind of feel like it was cut short but if i look at it through the lens of horror, it’s a common trend in the horror I’ve read. When I say horror, it's not jumpscare horror in case that's what you were wondering. It's just a little more on the extreme of dark, which is exactly my kind of horror. I still do wish we got more of the trio living their lives together because it would have pushed this to be a new fave. In short, I needed more Alexi.
If I were you, I would go into this more for the the lyrical writing than a grand plot in case that’s something you’re expecting. It’s more focused on character relationships and dynamics, which isn’t a problem for me but it might affect you.
“The people only call me cruel because it’s easier to think of a woman as cruel than competent.”
↣ If you’re a sucker for dark and savory words, that promise a lifetime of sweetness that feels too good to be true… please read this. The longer I am apart from this book, the more I feel embroidering a blanket from S.T. Gibson's words. ↢
— 4.0—
⇢ content warnings// Depictions of: Emotional, verbal, and physical intimate partner abuse, Gaslighting, War, famine, and plague, Blood and gore, Consensual sexual content, Sadomasochism, Self harm, Body horror, Violence and murder, Alcohol use, Depression and mania, Sexual assault (not directed at any named character), Drug use, Drowning, Child abuse (off-page), Death
⤜ pre-read review ⤛
queer reimagining of dracula's brides ft. polyamorous relationship/s... yes, thank you.
”When we've lost the strength to save ourselves, we somehow find the strength to save each other.”
FORMAT READ: Audiobook
SIMILAR VIBES: The 5th Wave, The Darkest Minds
READ FOR: post-apocalyptic road trip, thought provoking
READING LEVEL: Level 2-3 out of 5
OVERALL THOUGHTS: 4.75
I know a lot of people don’t really like this book compared to Neal Shusterman’s other works but I actually really loved this. I did have a different expectation regarding the plot when I started reading it and I think that’s why a lot of people might be turned off.
What I knew going in:
- there is a drought
What I did not know going in:
- there are more characters than just Alyssa and her brother
- there’s a bit of a squad/roadtrip/teen survival band thing going on at some point in the story (and I liked it)
- there’s a roadtrip !!
Disclaimer: I really like post-apocalyptic stories to begin with.
The book deals a lot with the different kinds of people or how people would react/survive in times of crisis. And I think the Shusterman’s did a very good job writing that. I don’t want to compare it to his other works because there are different topics that are being tackled and they’re different books.
The plot took a lot of crazy turns and it was just what I was looking for in a post-apocalyptic book about teenagers. I was on the edge the whole time and it was still able to wrap everything up well. I know not everyone is a fan of it but I really liked how these kids ganged up together to survive and they actually did a good job writing their struggles and showing through their experiences the possibilities of what could happen to humanity.
As usual, Shusterman creates a story that could not be far off from our current reality. He present the “what ifs” and does it well.
I have yet to read Unwind but I have read the Arc of a Scythe series and I loved it too. I would recommend not basing your expectations of authors on their other works and basing it on what the book presents itself to be. Some authors may change their writing style based on what a certain book’s goal is.
Dry is a pretty intense book and it is unlike any other post-apocalyptic book I have read. There were honestly parts that I had to stop and count to 10 to get my head straight again.
This is a standalone and a lot of people are saying that they did not connect with the characters. I actually think that even though we are not given in depth discussions or descriptions of each one of them, you progressively get more attached to them as the plot goes on. I actually was able to connect to the characters really well and they all have their reasons for acting the way that they do (which was also clearly written for me).
I hate to be like every other reviewer of this book… but it’s the truth: I felt so thirsty reading this and probably drank a glass of water every few chapters.
PLOT: ★★★★★
WRITING STYLE: ★★★★★
WORLD BUILDING: ★★★★★
CHARACTERS: ★★★★★
THEMES: ★★★★★
PACING: ★★★★★
PAGE TURNER: ★★★★★
PRE READ:
well… I really loved this. I found a new all-time favourite book. Mild Spoiler:
Spoiler
that scene at the end between Kolten and Alyssa HAD BE BAWLINGGGGGRTC cuz I stayed awake to finish reading this and I need sleep. Just know that I slept with tears in my eyes :)
//
I love reading survival/apocalyptic kind of stories. And this one makes me feel dread and I'm actually in suspense even though this isn't a thriller or anything?? HAHA
//
I'm impulse reading this book so... :)
I hope I like this because I really loved Shusterman's writing there. AND ALSO: This is read by a full cast :))
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“It’s a story of love, of hatred, and of the dreams
that live in the shadow of the wind.”
It should be a crime to write a book as beautifully as this. Characters are so beautifully written with a plot that drives forward every second of the way but still manages to let you enjoy the experience for what it is.
“Keep your dreams, you never know when you might need them.”
There's something whimsical that comes with well-executing a book about books and the writing style brought to life the 1945 Barcelona. As usual, I barely knew anything going into this book aside from the fact that it's so well loved and I can see why. I was not aware that this involved a mystery but it drove the plot forward without feeling like you were only holding on for the plot twist. At the same time, the looming mystery was so investing to watch unfold, especially with the characters... I fell in love with them ohmy
[ upon further consideration, I have lowered my rating from a 3.5 to a 2.5. I don't think this book was bad but I just did not enjoy my time reading it. I think that the characters get swept up by the plot more than them actually make decisions that drive the plot forward and the build up was just... not there. ]
I liked a lot of things, but I was also, unfortunately, underwhelmed by a lot more. If you’re someone like me who cannot handle slow-paced books, you’re going to need to pack a lot of patience.
Hiba said that this read like a 500-page prologue and… I agree?? this book promises a lot and I think I was waiting for that
for some good news: this gave me a lot of Gods of Jade and Shadow x Aladdin vibes which was really fun
I think my expectations were just too high. I do think we need more Islamic rep in books, especially since I actually found the mythology one of the most interesting aspects of the whole thing. The writing style is very accessible while still feeling entirely transportive but the plot failed to capture my interest for the most part and I could not get myself to be emotionally attached to the characters. The info dumpy parts didn’t really help either even though the ideas were unique. I’m not saying that there weren’t any interesting parts in this book at all… but it sure did take a long time for them to get to the point.
the parts I enjoyed the most were the first 30% and the last 30% of this book, the middle portion was shrivelling my brain cells.
I did love the 18th century Cairo setting and what Nahri’s character ultimately meant in the ending of the book being what she is:. The underlying themes of oppression and believing that a certain lineage/blood holds superiority that was discussed within the plot was intriguing… but, again, it was mostly in the ending.
!! There is Muslim representation (the mythology was what I loved), which I can’t comment on the accuracy of but I will now be directing you to May and Hiba for some #OwnVoices reviews !!
I wouldn’t go into this expecting a sweeping romance that fit my reading taste but there is a romance. For the most part, I saw Nahri and Dara as friends, the dynamic was intriguing at best and boring at worst. I acknowledge that this was very trope-y but it was executed in a better-than-usual-way. I just really wished I was more invested in the characters. There wasn’t really anyone I was too interested to learn more about, which is important for me in a story.
I do think it has a lot of unique twists but it just never felt like the stakes were high enough even though I knew it was. The slow pacing just doesn’t match my personal reading preferences, especially when it comes to bigger casts and complex world-building that require me to be invested in more than a few characters.
Chakraborty’s passion bleeds through the narrative. I just think this book dragged on longer than necessary without capturing my interest the way it should. I’ll still probably read the second book because I have heard that it does get better but we'll see.
↣ If you enjoy a unique and descriptive world-building, you'll probably enjoy this as long as you don't mind the slow pacing. ↢
Still would recommend this, it just didn’t blow me way. I feel like if I read this a couple of years ago, I would have loved it.
i'm the unpopular opinion among our buddy reading friends so based on that ratio, there's still a chance that most readers will love this :)
— 2.5 —
⇢ content warnings// Blood, Child trafficking, Genocide, Gore, Rape (mentioned), Torture, Violence, War
I liked a lot of things, but I was also, unfortunately, underwhelmed by a lot more. If you’re someone like me who cannot handle slow-paced books, you’re going to need to pack a lot of patience.
“On the day of your judgement, when you’re asked why you didn’t stand up for what you knew was just… loyalty to your family won’t excuse you.”
Hiba said that this read like a 500-page prologue and… I agree?? this book promises a lot and I think I was waiting for that
for some good news: this gave me a lot of Gods of Jade and Shadow x Aladdin vibes which was really fun
I think my expectations were just too high. I do think we need more Islamic rep in books, especially since I actually found the mythology one of the most interesting aspects of the whole thing. The writing style is very accessible while still feeling entirely transportive but the plot failed to capture my interest for the most part and I could not get myself to be emotionally attached to the characters. The info dumpy parts didn’t really help either even though the ideas were unique. I’m not saying that there weren’t any interesting parts in this book at all… but it sure did take a long time for them to get to the point.
the parts I enjoyed the most were the first 30% and the last 30% of this book, the middle portion was shrivelling my brain cells.
I did love the 18th century Cairo setting and what Nahri’s character ultimately meant in the ending of the book being what she is:
Spoiler
a healer!! There is Muslim representation (the mythology was what I loved), which I can’t comment on the accuracy of but I will now be directing you to May and Hiba for some #OwnVoices reviews !!
I wouldn’t go into this expecting a sweeping romance that fit my reading taste but there is a romance. For the most part, I saw Nahri and Dara as friends, the dynamic was intriguing at best and boring at worst. I acknowledge that this was very trope-y but it was executed in a better-than-usual-way. I just really wished I was more invested in the characters. There wasn’t really anyone I was too interested to learn more about, which is important for me in a story.
I do think it has a lot of unique twists but it just never felt like the stakes were high enough even though I knew it was. The slow pacing just doesn’t match my personal reading preferences, especially when it comes to bigger casts and complex world-building that require me to be invested in more than a few characters.
Chakraborty’s passion bleeds through the narrative. I just think this book dragged on longer than necessary without capturing my interest the way it should. I’ll still probably read the second book because I have heard that it does get better but we'll see.
“In what world do men and women pay the same price for passion?”
↣ If you enjoy a unique and descriptive world-building, you'll probably enjoy this as long as you don't mind the slow pacing. ↢
Still would recommend this, it just didn’t blow me way. I feel like if I read this a couple of years ago, I would have loved it.
// buddy read with Tristan, Lenn, Angele, Rose, Pauline, and Pau
i'm the unpopular opinion among our buddy reading friends so based on that ratio, there's still a chance that most readers will love this :)
— 2.5 —
⇢ content warnings// Blood, Child trafficking, Genocide, Gore, Rape (mentioned), Torture, Violence, War
this is one of the best covers i have ever seen
this read less like a poetry collection and more like a full blown story written in poetry format but nonetheless, it still broke my heart.
it touches on the complicated relationships between siblings and young friendships with a poignant family background. it takes place over a short period of time but it felt like a life-time, probably how we all viewed the world in our middle school ages
it lacks a lot of representation that i would have looked for and that would have personally made it more relatable for me but i’m weary of saying even that since this is a story that obviously a lot of other people would probably find hitting close to home
this middle grade poetry bind is definitely more for when you are looking for a heart wrenching and poignant story to go through though
my favorite piece was probably the last
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
— 3.0 —
⇢ content warnings// death, emotional abuse, post traumatic stress disorder
this read less like a poetry collection and more like a full blown story written in poetry format but nonetheless, it still broke my heart.
it touches on the complicated relationships between siblings and young friendships with a poignant family background. it takes place over a short period of time but it felt like a life-time, probably how we all viewed the world in our middle school ages
it lacks a lot of representation that i would have looked for and that would have personally made it more relatable for me but i’m weary of saying even that since this is a story that obviously a lot of other people would probably find hitting close to home
this middle grade poetry bind is definitely more for when you are looking for a heart wrenching and poignant story to go through though
my favorite piece was probably the last
“Does a rating
help adults pretend
they can forecast and protect
from forces bigger than themselves?”
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
— 3.0 —
⇢ content warnings// death, emotional abuse, post traumatic stress disorder
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Recommended by Benjamin
I'm suddenly curious about Seanan McGuire's other books after starting the Wayward Children
I'm suddenly curious about Seanan McGuire's other books after starting the Wayward Children
CRYING COUNTER: 4
I have said it before and I will say it again: if there's one thing Cassie Clare does right, it's character dynamics. The nostalgia factor will also be the death of me.
— overall thoughts: 3.75 —
I do think this book went on for way too long than necessary. There were too many battle sequences, which usually isn't a bad thing, but I feel like it overpowered some of the more important plot points. It dragged for a huge part but I liked the way everything played out.
The strong concepts on family, friendship, and love connects so well with the supernatural aspect and I think is the reason so many people are enthralled with this series as a whole (myself included).
I just think that CC wanted to do a lot with this book between: concluding TDA while setting up for both TLH and the next trilogy after this. Most shadowhunter books really do have a lot of plot packed into it but this just dragged in the middle. Some parts of the plot got repetitive but in some way it was still different and enjoyable given the conflicts that happen. Sort of like their in the same place but the characters are mentally/emotionally different. Which I think is interesting to read about but gets tiresome when done too much.
I kind of knew who was going to end up with who in terms of romance but Cassie Clare had me doubting at times with how she was writing everything. Going to come clean that there were certain portions that I cared more about every other character except for Emma and Julian, sorry. If this book did not have the amount of references that it did, I probably would have rated it lower. I did absolutely love catching up to the OG shadowhunter squad and the TMI characters.
I have also come into terms with the fact that I enjoy the "older" shadowhunter books in terms of timeline because I think that's where Cassie Clare's strongest in storytelling.
I am very much trash for the characters in this series at this point and if you aren't, I can't promise that you'll love these books but if you are... well we really are in it deep. The plot reveals and character relationships will forever be the core of my appreciation for this series.
↣ A very classic but modern YA setting and if you’re in the mood for that, Cassie Clare never lets down in my opinion (because she doesn’t shy away from the angst). There were still some small inconsistencies in the writing but honestly a book doesn’t need to be objectively perfect to be your favorite, it just needs to be something that you enjoy wholeheartedly. ↢
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“Julian?” “Julian is that you?”
That is screaming TID reference. You know how it was Jem who said “Will? Will is that you?” to Tessa. And like: Jem and Will are parabatais = Emma and Julia are parabatais & Jem and Tessa are romantically involved too = Emma and Julian are romantically involved
Do you guys see the parallelism and foreshadowing
I have said it before and I will say it again: if there's one thing Cassie Clare does right, it's character dynamics. The nostalgia factor will also be the death of me.
— overall thoughts: 3.75 —
I do think this book went on for way too long than necessary. There were too many battle sequences, which usually isn't a bad thing, but I feel like it overpowered some of the more important plot points. It dragged for a huge part but I liked the way everything played out.
The strong concepts on family, friendship, and love connects so well with the supernatural aspect and I think is the reason so many people are enthralled with this series as a whole (myself included).
"Parabatai, Kit thought suddenly. In the slump of the young man's shoulders, in his outstretched hands, in the longing stamped on his face, he saw Emma and Julian, he saw Alec as he spoke about Jace;
I just think that CC wanted to do a lot with this book between: concluding TDA while setting up for both TLH and the next trilogy after this. Most shadowhunter books really do have a lot of plot packed into it but this just dragged in the middle. Some parts of the plot got repetitive but in some way it was still different and enjoyable given the conflicts that happen. Sort of like their in the same place but the characters are mentally/emotionally different. Which I think is interesting to read about but gets tiresome when done too much.
I kind of knew who was going to end up with who in terms of romance but Cassie Clare had me doubting at times with how she was writing everything. Going to come clean that there were certain portions that I cared more about every other character except for Emma and Julian, sorry. If this book did not have the amount of references that it did, I probably would have rated it lower. I did absolutely love catching up to the OG shadowhunter squad and the TMI characters.
I have also come into terms with the fact that I enjoy the "older" shadowhunter books in terms of timeline because I think that's where Cassie Clare's strongest in storytelling.
I am very much trash for the characters in this series at this point and if you aren't, I can't promise that you'll love these books but if you are... well we really are in it deep. The plot reveals and character relationships will forever be the core of my appreciation for this series.
↣ A very classic but modern YA setting and if you’re in the mood for that, Cassie Clare never lets down in my opinion (because she doesn’t shy away from the angst). There were still some small inconsistencies in the writing but honestly a book doesn’t need to be objectively perfect to be your favorite, it just needs to be something that you enjoy wholeheartedly. ↢
instagram | blog | ko-fi
------------
“Julian?” “Julian is that you?”
That is screaming TID reference. You know how it was Jem who said “Will? Will is that you?” to Tessa. And like: Jem and Will are parabatais = Emma and Julia are parabatais & Jem and Tessa are romantically involved too = Emma and Julian are romantically involved
Do you guys see the parallelism and foreshadowing