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jodar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I found Assassin of Reality had a less visceral and shocking impact compared to the previous novel, Vita Nostra. Just as for the MC, doubtless the reader too is now anticipating some more of the earlier weirdness. To me the weirdness this time was more surreal, though, and less nightmarish and unhinged.
It is definitely a worthwhile read all the same and a good sequel to the first novel. I’m sure I’m not alone in not being entirely sure what actually occurs to the MC and the entire universe(!) at the end. A lot was unintelligible, I suspect intentionally so for us mere humans!
The novel poses some daunting questions: Can there be freedom without evil? If you were super-powerful but not all-powerful like the MC, how would you act for the good? Why would you act for the good, even? Is ultimate reality, or perhaps rather the goal of perfection, impersonal, inhuman logic? Or will allowing any personality within reality necessarily lead to imperfection? And at a more human level, do intimate relationships have a ‘purpose’? – or is that attitude narcissistic and undermining of true relationship?
There are echoes of Christian themes, such as creation by the Word, though it is an indirect influence, not overt. So too, elements of a destructive cult: intimidation by instructors and levels of enlightenment, whereby teachings at a lower levels are “necessary lies”.
The translation had a few American English words and expressions that are likely cryptic to other readers – a tony cocktail party; cry uncle; cockamamie – and more than once a non-standard plural aircrafts instead of aircraft.
CW: extramarital sex.
It is definitely a worthwhile read all the same and a good sequel to the first novel. I’m sure I’m not alone in not being entirely sure what actually occurs to the MC and the entire universe(!) at the end. A lot was unintelligible, I suspect intentionally so for us mere humans!
The novel poses some daunting questions: Can there be freedom without evil? If you were super-powerful but not all-powerful like the MC, how would you act for the good? Why would you act for the good, even? Is ultimate reality, or perhaps rather the goal of perfection, impersonal, inhuman logic? Or will allowing any personality within reality necessarily lead to imperfection? And at a more human level, do intimate relationships have a ‘purpose’? – or is that attitude narcissistic and undermining of true relationship?
There are echoes of Christian themes, such as creation by the Word, though it is an indirect influence, not overt. So too, elements of a destructive cult: intimidation by instructors and levels of enlightenment, whereby teachings at a lower levels are “necessary lies”.
The translation had a few American English words and expressions that are likely cryptic to other readers – a tony cocktail party; cry uncle; cockamamie – and more than once a non-standard plural aircrafts instead of aircraft.
CW: extramarital sex.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual content and Gaslighting
aguywhopatsdogs's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The vibes were still there, but the overarching story was not as compelling as Vita Nostra.
fraebae66's review against another edition
2.0
I have no clue what happened in this book. The first book is great as a stand-alone. Go, lisa!
mausoleum's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ennieeva's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Still weird
cedence's review against another edition
Update 27\08-24:
Those who know me, know that I adore Vita Nostra and have encouraged people to read it for YEARS. It was also a book that was written as a standalone originally. So, while I'm entertained to be back in this highly atmospheric universe and to see Sasha struggle through the academy, I've been struggling to 'commit' to this read and finish it since it released in March 2023. The way the characters are brought back.. was done, but it didn't feel "needed" per se from the beginning for me. It could have ended at Vita Nostra as it originally did. However, I do enjoy how this book digs deeper into Sasha's beliefabout a world without love being impossible , which was crucial to the - what the fk just happened - ending of Vita Nostra. It also feels partially urgent, but I'm also confused about some of the stakes and dimensions and such.
I think this is my official DNF :(
But I'm not putting it past myself to read parts of it here and there until one day in the future, I've read it all.
_
May continue later. So far it didn't feel necessary.
Those who know me, know that I adore Vita Nostra and have encouraged people to read it for YEARS. It was also a book that was written as a standalone originally. So, while I'm entertained to be back in this highly atmospheric universe and to see Sasha struggle through the academy, I've been struggling to 'commit' to this read and finish it since it released in March 2023. The way the characters are brought back.. was done, but it didn't feel "needed" per se from the beginning for me. It could have ended at Vita Nostra as it originally did. However, I do enjoy how this book digs deeper into Sasha's belief
I think this is my official DNF :(
But I'm not putting it past myself to read parts of it here and there until one day in the future, I've read it all.
_
May continue later. So far it didn't feel necessary.
calamityjayne's review against another edition
4.0
I had a hard time following some of this as the concepts were quite abstract, but it was still an interesting read. I did not find it as engaging or mysterious as the first book. I wonder if something was just lost in translation?
forever_fantasy's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0