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watermelleon's Reviews (254)
ughh im so annoyed. I'm annoyed at myself for not reading this sooner, and I'm more annoyed that I took it on holiday with me. This is a book requires quite a bit of brainpower, and the lighter reads did much better in italy. noted for next holidays to come. As I wasn't focusing, im extremely lost. I think the plan forward is to put it down for now and just read the entire thing again. Not sure it will become a firm favourite, but I do love the writing style so im tempted to pick up another calvino.
My main problem was I was finding the varying sections perhaps too short? not enough time to grip my head around each new scenario, and I prefer much more what david mitchell is doing (even though this book is an influencer of everything he has done, semi-wish I read calvino before him). Perhaps a second read is for the best as it will give me a better understanding of everything. there is certainly a lot to process with this one: think of it as an essay on reading, because in the heart that is what this is.
My main problem was I was finding the varying sections perhaps too short? not enough time to grip my head around each new scenario, and I prefer much more what david mitchell is doing (even though this book is an influencer of everything he has done, semi-wish I read calvino before him). Perhaps a second read is for the best as it will give me a better understanding of everything. there is certainly a lot to process with this one: think of it as an essay on reading, because in the heart that is what this is.
did anyone else read these books as a child?? I can barely remember what happens it has been so long, but I remember this series being incredible. Been thinking about it a lot lately so I have just got a hold of a copy to reread (again). I used to get this out at the library all of the time.
going to review these books separately as im reading a version with the whole trilogy inside.
it has really been some time since I have read this. And its weird because on reading I remembered all of the emotions I had reading it as a child, and wow this book kind of sucks! ok harsh, its just a bit "meh." Yet constantly, I cite this as being one of my favourite childhood series that I've read MULTIPLE TIMES. I don't really feel disappointed about my feelings reading this - rereading childhood favourites is always scary in case you discover the passion is gone, but im pretty sure that my feelings on this one is the same.
Making sense? no? well, the edition I used to read is the one I bought now, the 3in1 edition with all of the books inside. I never saw this book as a separate book. I was a fast reader as a kid, and I could read the entire thing in days. its simply written, this book comes to 120 pages. at no point did I ever consider the book as three separate things. now I see it as a single entity, the snow spider is a little bit... all over the place? things are really quick. a lot happens. you could say the events in this one book could in itself make three! But the magic in this series really comes in the books to come, so clearly this is just vital set up. however, like I said, I think I already knew this. I had memories of me trying to sludge through this first book to get to the good parts that I had completely forgotten because the other sections are SO GOOD.
the only thing I might add is I did cringe a little bit at gwyn and the other kids, like it just felt a bit make-believey for me at times and not actually real. and I LOVE EIRLYS SO MUCH, part of me cannot remember why BUT I DO, but oh my god WERE HER PARENTS REALLY TOO DUMB TO RECOGNISE THEIR OWN KID? REALLY. (also I think the characterisation for the dad went a bit too far, I don't think a parent would resent their kid so much for what happened like it was a bit weird)
Can I say I loved the welsh-ness of it however. Its rooted in tradition, and I love how gwyn is so tied to his landscape and nature around him through his powers (maybe its the wiccan in me idk). but its really nice, and I think probably (im not welsh) a very staple of welsh literature for kids in a world that is slowly losing large parts of its language, landscape and tradition. The grandmother being the only character who is consistently tied down to the language, landscape, and local lore is so telling and true: gwyn doesn't understand welsh until she gives him his powers and he is more tied to the nature around him. Its just really sweet and telling the themes about the key to keeping these traditions being through the connection of generations. Gwyn is disconnected from his dad, his dad disconnected from the grandmother: each of these disconnections down the generations results in a further distance from the culture of their surroundings which is only saved by reconnection. kind of sad really.
OK THERE ARE A FEW PROBLEMS AS STATED. but I cant wait to remember what the fuck this is about and why I loved it so much. loving the nostalgia of it all, rereads for the win.
it has really been some time since I have read this. And its weird because on reading I remembered all of the emotions I had reading it as a child, and wow this book kind of sucks! ok harsh, its just a bit "meh." Yet constantly, I cite this as being one of my favourite childhood series that I've read MULTIPLE TIMES. I don't really feel disappointed about my feelings reading this - rereading childhood favourites is always scary in case you discover the passion is gone, but im pretty sure that my feelings on this one is the same.
Making sense? no? well, the edition I used to read is the one I bought now, the 3in1 edition with all of the books inside. I never saw this book as a separate book. I was a fast reader as a kid, and I could read the entire thing in days. its simply written, this book comes to 120 pages. at no point did I ever consider the book as three separate things. now I see it as a single entity, the snow spider is a little bit... all over the place? things are really quick. a lot happens. you could say the events in this one book could in itself make three! But the magic in this series really comes in the books to come, so clearly this is just vital set up. however, like I said, I think I already knew this. I had memories of me trying to sludge through this first book to get to the good parts that I had completely forgotten because the other sections are SO GOOD.
the only thing I might add is I did cringe a little bit at gwyn and the other kids, like it just felt a bit make-believey for me at times and not actually real. and I LOVE EIRLYS SO MUCH, part of me cannot remember why BUT I DO, but oh my god WERE HER PARENTS REALLY TOO DUMB TO RECOGNISE THEIR OWN KID? REALLY. (also I think the characterisation for the dad went a bit too far, I don't think a parent would resent their kid so much for what happened like it was a bit weird)
Can I say I loved the welsh-ness of it however. Its rooted in tradition, and I love how gwyn is so tied to his landscape and nature around him through his powers (maybe its the wiccan in me idk). but its really nice, and I think probably (im not welsh) a very staple of welsh literature for kids in a world that is slowly losing large parts of its language, landscape and tradition. The grandmother being the only character who is consistently tied down to the language, landscape, and local lore is so telling and true: gwyn doesn't understand welsh until she gives him his powers and he is more tied to the nature around him. Its just really sweet and telling the themes about the key to keeping these traditions being through the connection of generations. Gwyn is disconnected from his dad, his dad disconnected from the grandmother: each of these disconnections down the generations results in a further distance from the culture of their surroundings which is only saved by reconnection. kind of sad really.
OK THERE ARE A FEW PROBLEMS AS STATED. but I cant wait to remember what the fuck this is about and why I loved it so much. loving the nostalgia of it all, rereads for the win.
I TOTALLY LOVE THIS. I've heard a few comments saying that the film is better but I have to disagree. a lovely short adventure and introduction through the land of oz, at times I felt like there could have been more detail as some events happened rather quickly but I certainly enjoyed it!! (also this book has convinced me that glinda is evil 100%). i'm kind of intrigued to see where the series will go and if glinda actually fulfills her promises (If this actually gets answered I am not sure) , however I don't reckon it will get much more above the standard of the first one, but they are a delight to read as an easy light break!
Review for the snow spider here
I definitely chose the right time to reread this series. the second book did not disappoint! The series as as a whole is undoubtedly flawed, yet revisiting these characters just felt so much like home to me. this time of year is horrible for me, and its nice to visit something familiar in such a setting as this one which is so different to my own life.
In this book we read from a new perspective which quite honestly I LOVED. In my previous review I mentioned how I remembered being in love with Bethan/Eirlys but now it is clear that Nia was the one I was thinking of. Nia to me is the best character, hands down. I feel like I have always felt this way, but in many ways she is very much like me. she likes to make things, takes things at face value and has such a beautiful sense and understanding of the nature around her. She is an underdog, but learns she has so much more within her than what others give her credit for. Nia is fantastic, and on the whole as a character massively improves the series.
This was just a sweet read for me. it was nice. the timing i think was important to making this so enjoyable for me: the weather is icy, i'm worrying about going to visit my parents in the countryside, i'm dabbling in religious ideas and noticing the nature around me more. all of these concerns and thoughts lately offer me answers within these pages. I just love the escapism of this series, the love for traditional wales and language and the importance of being close to nature seeps through the pages. and the duty of us to continue caring for nature! ugh I could write essays about the pastoral elements in this. but yes. in short it is an easy read, a pastoral escape with a bit of magic thrown in, and some really lovable characters. just what we all need this time of year.
I definitely chose the right time to reread this series. the second book did not disappoint! The series as as a whole is undoubtedly flawed, yet revisiting these characters just felt so much like home to me. this time of year is horrible for me, and its nice to visit something familiar in such a setting as this one which is so different to my own life.
In this book we read from a new perspective which quite honestly I LOVED. In my previous review I mentioned how I remembered being in love with Bethan/Eirlys but now it is clear that Nia was the one I was thinking of. Nia to me is the best character, hands down. I feel like I have always felt this way, but in many ways she is very much like me. she likes to make things, takes things at face value and has such a beautiful sense and understanding of the nature around her. She is an underdog, but learns she has so much more within her than what others give her credit for. Nia is fantastic, and on the whole as a character massively improves the series.
This was just a sweet read for me. it was nice. the timing i think was important to making this so enjoyable for me: the weather is icy, i'm worrying about going to visit my parents in the countryside, i'm dabbling in religious ideas and noticing the nature around me more. all of these concerns and thoughts lately offer me answers within these pages. I just love the escapism of this series, the love for traditional wales and language and the importance of being close to nature seeps through the pages. and the duty of us to continue caring for nature! ugh I could write essays about the pastoral elements in this. but yes. in short it is an easy read, a pastoral escape with a bit of magic thrown in, and some really lovable characters. just what we all need this time of year.
its 50 shades of gray with vampires and better use of consent and communication. EL james would probably love this. Also yuri on ice.
in terms of a trashy read it is what it is really, and In all fairness when it comes to lesbian relationships I have seen far worse. I do stand by the statement that I don't think gl will ever be 100% something I enjoy reading, but I think I will read a bit more of this to see where it goes!
the art is undoubtedly the best thing about it. its incredibly stunning.
the two things I can't get behind?
- How the girls treat each other? It's weirdly of non-consensual at times. no its not a good idea to kiss her in her sleep. no if you ask her to go somewhere it isn't automatically a date. They aren't really together at this point and their relationship is already really off in that respect.
- OH My GOD. THE SIBLING THING. It's absolutely unnecessary. they're sisters but not really sisters and they have to mention it on every other page. It just sounds a bit baity to me quite honestly and the story could really work without it. Idk makes me feel a bit like its being aimed towards people into that or something. like there's a scene where she's reading the citrus manga (kind of oddly meta) to understand her own feelings and it felt a bit to me like they were trying to make a bit of a reach at the reader with that one???
those are my thoughts anyway. Very impressed with the art.
the art is undoubtedly the best thing about it. its incredibly stunning.
the two things I can't get behind?
- How the girls treat each other? It's weirdly of non-consensual at times. no its not a good idea to kiss her in her sleep. no if you ask her to go somewhere it isn't automatically a date. They aren't really together at this point and their relationship is already really off in that respect.
- OH My GOD. THE SIBLING THING. It's absolutely unnecessary. they're sisters but not really sisters and they have to mention it on every other page. It just sounds a bit baity to me quite honestly and the story could really work without it. Idk makes me feel a bit like its being aimed towards people into that or something. like there's a scene where she's reading the citrus manga (kind of oddly meta) to understand her own feelings and it felt a bit to me like they were trying to make a bit of a reach at the reader with that one???
those are my thoughts anyway. Very impressed with the art.
4.5
HOLY FORKING SHIRTBALLS
well this went in a direction I DID NOT EXPECT
Here i was reviewing the last chapter like it was a smut series lolol not anymore i am invested
HOLY FORKING SHIRTBALLS
well this went in a direction I DID NOT EXPECT
Here i was reviewing the last chapter like it was a smut series lolol not anymore i am invested
