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the_pale_woman's reviews
444 reviews
The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
It's always exciting to explore a new universe in its inception, but it's also torturous to wait for the continuation and, ultimately, the conclusion of a new book series. I spotted that there will be a new novella for this series out later this year, but how long will I have to wait for the conclusion of this story? I think The Expanse was nine books and seven novellas. Will this new series truly be a trilogy? You could argue that they failed that prompt already with the addition of a novella before the other two books are even out. Regardless, you guys got me; I'll wait and read.
This story surprised me multiple times. I find avoiding the back blurb to be a generally good practice when you already like the writer. I'd highly recommend going into this one blind, just as I did, if possible. The twists were unexpected and quite interesting. I'm hoping that theme continues throughout the series. Blindside me, please. I like it.
If you're a hard sci-fi reader or familiar with game theory, then I'd recommend reading this with someone else so you can debate the scientific quandaries this story creates. I enjoyed it, but I could also pull it apart for hours. I'd wager you'll feel the same way.
Jefferson Mays does a great job with the audiobook. That's not surprising, as he also narrated The Expanse. However, I think this type of sci-fi might lend itself better to physical reading. There were names and descriptions I wanted to flip back to, and that's just not feasible with audio.
This story surprised me multiple times. I find avoiding the back blurb to be a generally good practice when you already like the writer. I'd highly recommend going into this one blind, just as I did, if possible. The twists were unexpected and quite interesting. I'm hoping that theme continues throughout the series. Blindside me, please. I like it.
If you're a hard sci-fi reader or familiar with game theory, then I'd recommend reading this with someone else so you can debate the scientific quandaries this story creates. I enjoyed it, but I could also pull it apart for hours. I'd wager you'll feel the same way.
Jefferson Mays does a great job with the audiobook. That's not surprising, as he also narrated The Expanse. However, I think this type of sci-fi might lend itself better to physical reading. There were names and descriptions I wanted to flip back to, and that's just not feasible with audio.
Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
funny
slow-paced
0.5
This is easily the worst book I've read this year. I can't give you a coherent explanation as to why I read it or why I finished it. Masochistic curiosity, sure, but why did I spend time reading this when there are so many great books out there?
The core books of the series aren't the worst. I actually like this type of schlock occasionally. But I read the extra novella. I should have known that any more additions to this story would just be a cash grab, something cobbled together because one must always capitalize on popularity. But I was hoping it would just be like the first book. It's not. It's boring, redundant, repetitive, and just too annoying. Any additional tidbit this perspective gives to the story is just surrounded and smothered by a recurring, spiraling diatribe. It was truly a torture to finish, but I did it to myself.
The core books of the series aren't the worst. I actually like this type of schlock occasionally. But I read the extra novella. I should have known that any more additions to this story would just be a cash grab, something cobbled together because one must always capitalize on popularity. But I was hoping it would just be like the first book. It's not. It's boring, redundant, repetitive, and just too annoying. Any additional tidbit this perspective gives to the story is just surrounded and smothered by a recurring, spiraling diatribe. It was truly a torture to finish, but I did it to myself.
The Pagan Lord by Bernard Cornwell
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
4.0
I'd say this was a step up from the previous book, but the victories and defeats still felt somewhat weak compared to earlier books. I still love it, but I think a few palate cleansers might be in order before I continue with the series. I think I need something that's less episodic. Not all stories work in a binge.
Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwell
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
4.0
I'm having a rollercoaster of feelings about this book. It's probably my least favorite of the series so far. I'm not entirely sure if that has to do with the plot and progression, other external factors, or even some combination. This book felt like more setup than progress. There were a few great moments, but I wanted more out of some of the scenes. Overall, I love reading Uhtred's story, but this one had me feeling slightly burned out.
My other issue was that I hated the audiobook narrator. "Hated" might be a strong word, but I'm growing increasingly nostalgic for the perfect tone set in the beginning of the series by Jonathan Keeble and more averse to these milk toast, generic British narrators with their atrocious pronunciations. When in doubt, stick with how the words have been pronounced for the past five books instead of going your own way. It's about the readers' enjoyment of the story, not your chance to try to prove you're smarter than the previous guy.
My other issue was that I hated the audiobook narrator. "Hated" might be a strong word, but I'm growing increasingly nostalgic for the perfect tone set in the beginning of the series by Jonathan Keeble and more averse to these milk toast, generic British narrators with their atrocious pronunciations. When in doubt, stick with how the words have been pronounced for the past five books instead of going your own way. It's about the readers' enjoyment of the story, not your chance to try to prove you're smarter than the previous guy.
Dregs of Empire: A Tale of The Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I don't usually enjoy novellas, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Lorian's experiences on Belusha. In the sixth book, Lorian provides Hadrian Marlowe with very little information about his time on Belusha, which obviously piqued my curiosity. Plus, Lorian is a well-developed character who deserves more attention, so having an entire story centered around him was fantastic. The plot had intriguing twists and complexities. I found it to be well-crafted, and it has made me want to read the other sun eater novellas I haven't gotten around to as well. It would be convenient if all of them were available in one collection. But that would be too easy.
The Burning Land by Bernard Cornwell
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I crown Uhtred, king of awesome characters. He will meet any challenge to his title at the shield wall.
I thought this fifth book of the Saxon Stories was just as great as the last. This series is proving to be consistently captivating. It's well-written and perfectly paced. I'm so pleased that there are eight more books to binge, plus an adaptation.
One downside has been the inconsistent audio narration. This one is narrated by John Lee. He did an okay job, but he doesn't narrate any more of the books, so there's no point in getting used to him. Not like it really matters as I'm convinced no one can narrate these books as well as the original, Jonathan Keeble. I'm annoyed that these publishers are bouncing this series around to so many different narrators. The next book is narrated by Stephen Perring. These books deserve an audio version that is as consistently good as they are.
I thought this fifth book of the Saxon Stories was just as great as the last. This series is proving to be consistently captivating. It's well-written and perfectly paced. I'm so pleased that there are eight more books to binge, plus an adaptation.
One downside has been the inconsistent audio narration. This one is narrated by John Lee. He did an okay job, but he doesn't narrate any more of the books, so there's no point in getting used to him. Not like it really matters as I'm convinced no one can narrate these books as well as the original, Jonathan Keeble. I'm annoyed that these publishers are bouncing this series around to so many different narrators. The next book is narrated by Stephen Perring. These books deserve an audio version that is as consistently good as they are.
Sword Song: The Battle for London by Bernard Cornwell
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Best yet. Back to my favorite narrator for the series, Jonathan Keeble. I'm devastated that this will be the last book narrated by him. He should have done the entire series. The publishers should be ashamed of themselves. I might even switch to reading the physical copy and just try to imagine Keeble's gruff voice.
The plot of this one felt tighter than previous volumes. Or maybe the events just felt more inevitable because of foreshadowing. The battles started early and came often, culminating in the final intense battle at the end, which read like a cherry on a sundae. I felt immense satisfaction in Uhtred's victories and intense frustration with his obstacles. It was great. If you like war stories, then you have to read this.
The plot of this one felt tighter than previous volumes. Or maybe the events just felt more inevitable because of foreshadowing. The battles started early and came often, culminating in the final intense battle at the end, which read like a cherry on a sundae. I felt immense satisfaction in Uhtred's victories and intense frustration with his obstacles. It was great. If you like war stories, then you have to read this.
The Book of Elsewhere by China Miéville, Keanu Reeves
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I knew this was going to be on the weird side, so I wasn't as put off by the beginning of this book the way I imagine others might be. The change in narrative perspectives is jarring. I generally hate when books do this, but for some reason, my brain gave this one a pass.
I think if I had known anything about the comics before reading this, I might have better understood what was happening. But as it was, it took time to understand who the major players were and what type of story it was. Once it clicked, I was hooked, but that took a long time considering the length of this book. I never found myself impatient with my lack of knowledge, but I think that was because I expected it. I knew Mieville wasn't a traditional writer. I had heard that he was quite surreal and used unique language. I think knowing that helped me let go and just experience it.
On the surface, you could categorize this as a simple, reluctant superhero story. However, I found a quest for insight that permeated every facet of this strange story. It made me think, infer, and read between the lines, probably to unnecessary excess. I had my husband read it, and he didn’t see the depth I did, to the point where I question my own experience of it, which honestly just made me like this book even more. It demands a reread in the future, and I hope more readers will give it a chance.
I think if I had known anything about the comics before reading this, I might have better understood what was happening. But as it was, it took time to understand who the major players were and what type of story it was. Once it clicked, I was hooked, but that took a long time considering the length of this book. I never found myself impatient with my lack of knowledge, but I think that was because I expected it. I knew Mieville wasn't a traditional writer. I had heard that he was quite surreal and used unique language. I think knowing that helped me let go and just experience it.
On the surface, you could categorize this as a simple, reluctant superhero story. However, I found a quest for insight that permeated every facet of this strange story. It made me think, infer, and read between the lines, probably to unnecessary excess. I had my husband read it, and he didn’t see the depth I did, to the point where I question my own experience of it, which honestly just made me like this book even more. It demands a reread in the future, and I hope more readers will give it a chance.
Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
5.0
With this series, I’m balancing on the edge of wanting to fully devour every volume as quickly as possible while also wanting to space out the books to savor them. I’m simply enthralled by the story. This particular book was just as great, if not better than the last.
I have been listening to these on audio, specifically narrated by Jonathan Keeble. However, this volume was only available at my library, narrated by Tom Sellwood. He did all right. He just lacks all forcefulness in his speech. He’s just not my Uhtred. Despite these thoughts, I still loved the book.
I have been listening to these on audio, specifically narrated by Jonathan Keeble. However, this volume was only available at my library, narrated by Tom Sellwood. He did all right. He just lacks all forcefulness in his speech. He’s just not my Uhtred. Despite these thoughts, I still loved the book.
The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
I think I enjoyed this more than the second book, but I can’t really be sure. I might just be giving in to hypocrisy. The well of lost plots indeed. Yet I will give credit where it’s due. The literary satire is on point. My plan is to read these whenever I might need a quick palate cleanser. I’ll just try to keep my expectations low so I’m more likely to enjoy the ridiculousness.