octavii42's reviews
156 reviews

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The writing was a lot better than I expected it to be. A real page turner...I read this in a day. The main protagonist could be a little annoying at times as she wasn't the brightest spark but she got there in the end 🤦The plot twists were a little predictable. I can't say that I was really shocked by any of it which was a little disappointing as I've heard so much about this series being full of twists and lots of drama. I still enjoyed the ride though and will continue with the series.
Heresy: Savior, Lover, Killer—The Many Lives and Deaths of Jesus Christ by Catherine Nixey

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challenging informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.25

Very interesting read. 
Medea by Rosie Hewlett

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adventurous dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Another greek myth retelling! Medea is a tough one to tackle, especially from a feminist perspective. I thought the author did a good job of keeping her character balanced. Jason was a predictable let down however. I don't know why all these retellings that seek to tell the woman's perspective have to demonize the men. It makes it a less interesting read. I also found some of the colloquial language jarring like the use of 'ok' all the time. I was glad that the author stayed true to the myth and the play 👍
A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Overall I found this to be an ok read. It kept me interested just enough to want to finish. However, I found the writing annoying. It was trying too hard to be poetic. I don't know why everything needed to taste or smell like something silly like unsung songs or falling stars 🙄. It would get to the point where I would lose the thread of the story. I also found the love interests and their relationships very flat and far too unrealistic, even for fantasy! I don't think I'll continue with the series.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Unknown

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

4.5

A great poem. Really loved how the author used alliteration and their descriptions of nature were beautiful. Really enjoyed the ending as well. Lovely illustrated edition but the pictures were a bit pixelated 
The Wren: A Biography by Stephen Moss

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informative lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

A lovely little book on the Wren. Lots of interesting facts and some nice illustrations.
Through the Language Glass: Why The World Looks Different In Other Languages by Guy Deutscher

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challenging informative mysterious medium-paced

4.0

A very interesting read! Some parts went over my head a little but it was very well written and very accessible. 
Supernatural: Meetings with the Ancient Teachers of Mankind by Graham Hancock

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challenging informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

4.0

An interesting book for sure that will get you thinking about our concept of reality. A little repetitive and slow in places but very well researched and sourced. 
Lancelot by Giles Kristian

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adventurous dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is a well written book and there were some engrossing moments. However, there were some battle scenes that I found difficult to get through as I don't often enjoy them. I also found it difficult at times to be invested in Lancelot and his story. 
The Poetry of Birds by Samuel Carr

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challenging inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.75

This is an absolutely gorgeous book with the most wonderful illustrations! Comes with a lovely red ribbon bookmark. A good selection of bird themed poetry though no modern poetry in sight (take of that what you will). A bit disappointed that it didn't include my favourite Dickinson poem 'split the lark'