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puglord's reviews
177 reviews
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships by Marshall B. Rosenberg
informative
slow-paced
1.5
Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
On Beauty by Zadie Smith
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
informative
reflective
slow-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
4.0
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A Hero Born by Jin Yong
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, and a writer of Chinese heritage would’ve been better suited to translating the nuances in language and culture. Not to mention that the name translations sounded ridiculous in contrast with the historical China background, with names like Skyfury Guo contradicting with Qiu Chuji. His name should’ve been kept as Guo Xiaotian rather than changed to pander to white audiences.
As for the characters, there was a diverse cast of them, all with different martial arts styles. But all of them were quick to anger. While the action scenes were interesting, it was irritating how the characters were constantly getting angry and ending up in fights when the situation could’ve been easily resolved. Their personalities weren’t as distinctive either. A lot of them were flat and one-dimensional.
Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I loved the writing style and all the beautiful descriptions and the world building. There’s detailed imagery of the food, clothing, and palaces.
I wasn’t a fan of the love triangle, and the relationship development for both love interests was weak. There aren’t really any moments that depict the growth and closeness. It’s mainly told rather than actually shown with the two. They meet and suddenly the narrative jumps to romantic interests and highlights palace gossip around them. The romance subplot came off as tiring and I wasn’t that invested in it.
Same with the development with the friends. Shuxiao and Minyi are supposed to be her close friends yet they never interact except for plot convenience. Both are flat and cookie-cutter and don’t really have distinctive personalities apart from being loyal to Xingyin.
I wasn’t a fan of the love triangle, and the relationship development for both love interests was weak. There aren’t really any moments that depict the growth and closeness. It’s mainly told rather than actually shown with the two. They meet and suddenly the narrative jumps to romantic interests and highlights palace gossip around them. The romance subplot came off as tiring and I wasn’t that invested in it.
Same with the development with the friends. Shuxiao and Minyi are supposed to be her close friends yet they never interact except for plot convenience. Both are flat and cookie-cutter and don’t really have distinctive personalities apart from being loyal to Xingyin.