spootilious's reviews
123 reviews

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-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

I loved this book! Though, there were a number of places that fell short.

Compared to The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance picked up the pace and really embellished the foundation characters. I breezed through the book much faster than I expected. However, I found the ‘plot twists’ to be extremely predictable. Only once in the 1080 pages was I generally surprised (and the even was a small one that happened in the wrap up).

I’m worried that this book (and possibly the next) suffers from middle book syndrome.

The big fight at the end (specifically the bits between two main characters) was so drawn out and repetitive that I skimmed most of it and didn’t feel like I missed anything of importance.

The emotional depth of some of the characters (at given points, not all the time) was very well written. The writing wasn’t as poetic as The Way of Kings. The illustrations were stunning and helpful, and I absolutely ADORED the humor throughout the book. High Fantasy books tend to take themselves too serious at time, and that does not seem to be the case with Stormlight.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It may not have been as good as the first, but it was fun and exciting. Highly recommend this series to Fantasy lovers.

Quotes:

A woman's strength should not be in her role, whatever she chooses it to be, but in the power to choose that role.

I say that there is no role for women--there is, instead, a role for each woman, and she must make it for herself.

Power is an illusion of perception.

Two blind men waited at the end of an era, contemplating beauty.

All stories told have been told before. We tell them to ourselves, as did all men who ever were. And all men who ever will be. The only things new are the names.

Expectation wasn't just about what people expected of you. It was about what you expected of yourself.

For glory lit, and life alive, for goals unreached and aims to strive. All men must try, the wind did see. It is the test, it is the dream.

To age truly was to suffer the ultimate treason, that of one’s body against oneself.

Beauty was out there, all around. To create art was not to capture it, but to participate in it.

The sensation—it’s not sorrow, but something deeper—of being broken. Of being crushed so often, and so hatefully, that emotion becomes something you can only wish for. If only you could cry, because then you’d feel something. Instead, you feel nothing. Just . . . haze and smoke inside. Like you’re already dead.

All people are musicians" Wit countered. "The question is whether or not they share their songs.

Circe by Madeline Miller

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Read: January 19, 2022

Title: Circe

Author: Madeline Miller

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology/Historical Fiction

Rating: 2.5/5

Review:

I went into Circe having read The Song of Achilles and thus had very high expectations. As such, I feel I was a bit bias on my opinion of this beautifully written novel but cannot be faulted for it.

Any work by Miller is bound to be stunningly written, with wonderous prose and breathtaking imagery. Circe is no different. She continues with her unique perspectives of Greek tragedies with her mimic of their iconic styles and the beautiful symbolism that is present in both.

The major downfall of this novel is simply the pacing. Much like the first half of The Song of Achilles, Circe drags on at a crawling pace (a beautiful one, but a crawl none the less). The plot remained steady throughout the novel, making it feel as if there were no major climax (despite what the obvious climax of the book actually is).

Overall, the writing is stunning, but the story fell flat for me. It is certainly a book I would recommend but would probably not reread.

Quotes:

But in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth.

The thought was this: that all my life had been murk and depths, but I was not a part of that dark water. I was a creature within it.

But perhaps no parent can truly see their child. When we look, we see only the mirror of our own faults.

It was my first lesson. Beneath the smooth, familiar face of things is another that waits to tear the world in two.

Content Warnings

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Read: January 16, 2022

Title: The Way of Kings

Series: The Stormlight Archives (Book 1)

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Epic Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Rating: 4/5

Review:

The Way of Kings has been on my TBR for a very very long time. The Stormlight Archives is my husbands favorite book series, and he has been recommending it since he read it (before we were even married). As the years went on, other recommended it to me as well, but I was always hesitant to pick it up. What if I don’t like it? What if I do what I always do and pick it apart piece by piece? They’ll hate me for it.

Ten years later and that’s exactly what I did. Turns out… I didn’t hate it.

I eased my way into Sanderson’s work, starting with The Wheel of Time, moving into Mistborn, and rounding it out with Warbreaker. So, I finally felt that I had a decent enough grasp of Sanderson’s style to acknowledge that even if The Way of Kings disappointed me, I would still enjoy it.

Sanderson continued his unique world building, breath-taking cultures, and stunning characters that I have witnessed in his other novels. With imaginative creatures, and a magic system only he could come up with, there is so much to learn in this new world that it is no wonder the first book is 1200+ pages.

As with all of his books his cadence is steady, attention to detail commendable, descriptions absolutely beautiful. He is thorough in building each political system, belief style and even personality of his characters.

All of this is expected of him, and it is certainly no wonder he is one of the leading names in Fantasy. Though, I will say that the story drags quite a bit in The Way of Kings. I grew a bit worried when I reached the last hundred pages and there was no climax in sight. Sanderson has always floored me with his ability to write a perfect ending and yet how would he achieve this in a hundred pages?

Somehow… He managed it. Though, ‘perfect’ is not the descriptor I would use for the ending of The Way of Kings. Fitting is a better word. There was no real revelation, some of the twists were quite predictable but it got the job done and set the story up for the next book. Overall, I’m satisfied (not thrilled).

I would also like to add that it, at times (specifically the prologue), seems that Sanderson had started writing this book long before his others. Occasionally a repetitive word or the occasional mundane descriptor feels a bit below the skill of his consistent prowess he has shown over the years. This of course is not a bad thing, but something to note. To me it marks this book as the start of a passion project years in the making and makes me all the more excited to continue reading.

Quotes:

The purpose of a storyteller is to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon.

And so, does the destination matter? Or is it the path we take? I declare that no accomplishment has substance nearly as great as the road used to achieve it. We are not creatures of destinations. It is the journey that shapes us. Our callused feet, our backs strong from carrying the weight of our travels, our eyes open with the fresh delight of experiences lived.

Sometimes the prize is not worth the costs. The means by which we achieve victory are as important as the victory itself.

A man’s emotions are what define him, and control is the hallmark of true strength. To lack feeling is to be dead, but to act on every feeling is to be a child.

Somebody has to start. Somebody has to step forward and do what is right, because it is right.

Must someone, some unseen thing, declare what is right for it to be right? I believe that my own morality -- which answers only to my heart -- is more sure and true than the morality of those who do right only because they fear retribution.

Too many of us take great pains with what we ingest through our mouths, and far less with what we partake of through our ears and eyes.

Ignorance is hardly unusual, Miss Davar. The longer I live, the more I come to realize that it is the natural state of the human mind. There are many who will strive to defend its sanctity and then expect you to be impressed with their efforts.

Weakness can imitate strength if bound properly, just as cowardice can imitate heroism if given nowhere to flee.

Death is the destination. But the journey, that is life. That is what matters.

Better to exist in agony than to vanish entirely.

Books can store information better than we can—what we do that books cannot is interpret. So if one is not going to draw conclusions, then one might as well just leave the information in the texts.

A story doesn’t live until it is imagined in someone’s mind.

Scared to go onward... but terrified to go back to what you were.

Don't try to stop yourself from feeling. You'll hate who you become.

There are worse things to be than a disease... When you have one, it reminds you that you're alive. Makes you fight for what you have. When the disease has run its course, normal healthy life seems wonderful by comparison.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I was very conflicted when I decided on the rating for this book. In a way it was breathtaking and unique, in another it took quite a bit of effort to finish. Still at a solid 3.5 I feel this book is well worth the read.

The fact that I hadn’t heard much about Belle Da Costa Greene before The Personal Librarian was published, saddens me. However, Marie Benedict has a way of resurrecting lessor known historical figures and breathing new life into them. Exploring the life of this incredible woman is both entertaining and eye opening as the book addresses prejudice, racism, and sexism without remorse. With elegant writing and wonderful use of language The Personal Librarian draws the reading into the life of a woman torn between two worlds and determined to not only survive but to conquer.

While I loved the subject matter and the historical aspect of this novel, there are a few places where I felt it fell a bit short. While it is obvious that certain dates and events of Belle’s life were adjusted for pacing issues, there were points where the book dragged on and I had to make a conscious effort not to skim through a few paragraphs/pages. There were also points where it felt as though I was reading romance and not historical fiction, as the novel dove into fairly detailed accounts of her affairs, without which I feel the story would be just as well received (while still addressing the consequences of those affairs).

Aside from these instances, I would have loved to have learned more about her career, including how she managed to acquire certain pieces and the career connections she made, or the influences she provided. At the same time, I suppose the book was just enough to get a taste of the intrigue behind the woman and push me to do my own research of her.

I look forward to learning so much more about this incredible individual!

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The first thing I ever heard about this book was how long it is! Coming in at 848 pages its definitely large. However, when you take into account the massive margins, the page breaks, and the glossary and timeline it’s looks fad larger than it actually is. Though, I think those of us that have actually read the book would agree that the enormity of this book does not stop at its physical girth. The book seems to drag and stretch at different parts of the story making it seem longer than it is. Then the final climax seems to rush by in the blink of an eye.

Honestly, however, that is one of the only complaints I have regarding this novel. Aside from that I just wanted more world building. Shannon focuses so much on the politics and religion of the world, barely brushing on culture customs or Intricacies that it leaves me wanting. Yes that would make the book longer, but I also feel this book would work wonderfully as a series. As a series it would also allow for more of these details. Shannon is incredible at building characters and plot that I have no doubt with a little more world building she’d be up there with Jordan and Sanderson, maybe even Tolkien.

As it stands The Priory of the Orange Grove is engaging and exciting read! Filled with diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, plot twists and an exploration of religion, myth, and the human condition it transcends traditional fantasy. It represents these characters the way they are meant to be seen: as people and not the token gay/non-white character. It’s not flaunted in your face or forcefully pulled to the front in an unnatural way. This book does what I wish all books would: it recognizes our differences as people in passing because that is all that they are, small things that make us different kinds of people but people all the same.

Shannon also has a way with language that continuously had me coming back for more. Her dialog drew attention to the different cultures throughout the book. Her descriptors made each scene almost dream like with its intensity and softness.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone with a deep love for fantasy.

Return of the Dragon Slayers by Brandon Mull

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

2.5/5

I’m deeply saddened by the conclusion of one of my favorite Young Adult series, but I am always excited to read a new adventure in the Fablehaven world.

I have to admit, I was fairly disappointed with Return of the Dragon Slayers. I enjoyed the book well enough, but it certainly lacked the hold the rest of the series seemed to have on me. It felt almost as if Mull needed a break from the series, so he crammed what needed to be two books into one. There was so much happening in so many different places that there wasn’t much flushing out. It almost read like a point-to-point iteration of events (i.e., the reader was told what was happening rather than feeling as if they were experiencing it). I felt that if Mull had stretched some of the events into a sixth book and gave us more detail and emotion that I would be more than happy with the ending of this series.

As it stands, the ending also felt a bit too open ended for the final installment of Fablehaven/Dragonwatch. I would have loved to have seen an epilogue; perhaps a conclusion to Calvin’s story or the giants as well as our two main characters.

Speaking of our two main characters; this book really allowed for Seth to shine. In fact, overall I felt Kendra had always been the star of the Fablehaven books and now in Dragonwatch, Seth takes center stage throughout the series which I appreciate.

The character development throughout the book for both characters was noted and appreciated if not a bit abrupt. Kendra’s final scene left much to be desired, but I can’t fault Mull for that, he has made his name in YA Fantasy not Romance.

Other than those things Return of the Dragon Slayers had all the greatness of every other Dragonwatch books: lovable characters, decent storylines, medium paced, wonderful settings. All in all not a bad book.

To put it simply as possible: I just wanted MORE. More details, more feeling, more explanation, more everything.

Dune by Frank Herbert

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adventurous reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

2.5/5

I would like to preface this review by stating that this is my opinion and I understand that not everyone will agree with it. So, please don’t come at me.

I have a lot of mixed feelings regarding Dune. If I rated the book solely on my enjoyment level I would probably rate it a 0.5/5. Finishing this book took quite a bit of effort and ended up putting me in a reading slump.

However, there is a lot more to a book than just how much we enjoy the story.

Dune deserves a lot more recognition than I have given it. It is certainly a book I recommend to anyone with an interest in the history of Sci-fi/Fantasy or politics. Dune is one of the foundations of modern fiction just as the Lord of the Rings is to fantasy and Sherlock Holmes or Poirot is to Mystery. Dune has helped mold the greatest fictions of the last 56 years.

It could be said from Herbert’s acknowledgement that this book was meant as a possible ‘prediction’ of the future of mankind. That being said, it could be viewed as a discussion piece of the human condition, and in that aspect, I find the book to be intriguing.

I also had the privilege of being surrounded by a number of individuals that had read the book when it was first published as I journeyed through the pages. I am not sure how many hours we spent arguing about the representation and implication of character designs throughout the book. As a modern day reader I see the female representation throughout the novel as sexist despite the power they hold, while many of the individuals I discussed the novel with found it to be a form of female empowerment. I found the mention of homosexuality to be a form of demonization, while those who read it 56 years ago where simply astonished to see the mention of homosexuality in a novel groundbreaking. Neither of these views are right or wrong, but rather point out the difference 56 years can make. The mention of jihad could be seen as disrespectful today yet might have been seen as a rare representation then.

If Herbert’s work was meant to be a discussion point than he has certainly achieved his goal. Dune has become more than just a sci-fi novel/series, it is a study of humanity, a caution for the future, a look into the past. All of these things make the book one of my top ‘must-reads’ even though I didn’t care for the novel at all.

As for why I didn’t care for the book, there are a lot of factors that went into the low rating I’ve given Dune. First and foremost, I suppose the biggest issue I had with the book is that it is excessively monotoned. Herbert’s writing style is somber and even throughout the work, from beginning to end, with no exception. There is no palpable suspense or twist, which made it more of a trudge than my usual tenacious devouring.

I also have to admit that I didn’t care for the constant inner monologue. While inner monologue is a wonderful tool to use to express things that cannot be explained by simple context, it felt overdone throughout the work. There were many points throughout the book that it felt like a point was being beaten into the reader rather than allowing the reader to confer and interpret on their own. In other words, it felt as if I was being treated like I wasn’t intelligent enough to connect certain obvious dots.

Yet, at the same time, Herbert’s world building was so complex that I wouldn’t mind some more elaboration. That is certainly a subject I could spend hours discussing with others regarding this book, and one that I felt I didn’t get enough of throughout Dune.

To sum up, setting aside my social opinions of representation throughout the novel (which I did not include when considering my rating) I found the book to be unentertaining and extremely dry, but a wonderful exploration of the human condition and the foundation of modern Sci-fi.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

People I would recommend this book to: Enjoy sad books/warmheartedness/slice of life

People I would not: Enjoys the details/likes consistency/loves a good mystery

I came into this book like many of you, having read The House in the Cerulean Sea and loving it. Typically, I try and stay away from romance novels but the mix of LGBTQ and fantasy had me coming back for more. Which is why I ran out and bought Under the Whispering Door as soon as it was released.

I can’t say that I adored it like I did The House in the Cerulean Sea but I certainly didn’t hate it. Anyone moving from Cerulean to Whispering Door, should definitely keep in mind that they are vastly different and should not be expected to yield the same results.

Under the Whispering Door addresses death in a unique way that can be interesting at time but also causes a number of plot holes. The characters are diverse and lovable, though at time it seems a bit forced (and it seemed at times that Klune was struggling a bit with consistency the first chapter of the book had a completely different feel than any other as if it were just tacked on). The romance aspect of the novel seems to be an afterthought, and while I don’t mind this I realize that it could be a bit disappointing after The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Overall, the book was predictable and straightforward, a bit lacking but still heartwarming. I am certainly glad that I read it but will not be coming back to it.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

So, I went into this novel with a love for Sherlock Holmes that I feel may have spoiled my experience with Christie. My obsession with Doyle has no doubt shaded my enjoyment of this book and I suppose I feel a bit guilty when I consider that fact. On top of that, I went into the first chapter already knowing who the murderer was and therefore missed out on the opportunity to be shocked by the twist ending.

All those things being said, this was in no way a bad book. In fact, I quite enjoyed it. It is wonderful to see that the novel still holds up after so much time has passed. The characters are all loveable and quirky and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I love that Hercule pokes fun at himself and focuses more on psychology rather than Holmes’ tendency towards logic. It is a stark contrast that I find quite appealing.

Overall, I suppose the user of language and the mark of a turning point in detective novels is what I loved most about this novel and can certainly understand why it is so beloved.

The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I have been so hesitant to start this series. It was one of my husbands favorite series in middle school and it has been recommended to me on booktok repeatedly. I had a feeling I wasn't going to love it as much as everyone wanted me to so I put it off and put it off....

Finally... I've read it... and unfortunately I was right.

Don't get me wrong, there are some things to like about this book. It has decent characters and development, it's not restrained by the image of what a hero 'should' be. I mean Bobby (the main character) struggles with himself constantly on whether or not to choose himself over the people in danger. In that aspect it is very realistic and I applaud Machale.

However, there are some things (alot of things) that fall flat for me. First and foremost, after finishing the book I really didn't care whether I went back to it or not and I think that says more about me than the book. But, it also felt like just another generic chosen-one YA novel. There was nothing that really stood out or set it apart. I honestly couldn't understand the hype, though I am happy someone loves this book so much. Every book deserves love.

Ignoring the predictable story line and generic YA plot, Machale has a very simplistic writing style that is practically made for the genre. The first person aspect and the way he set up the journals makes a lot of sense, though I can't help wanting something a bit more that appeals to more than twelve year olds (this is not meant as an insult). There are many YA authors that manage to pull an adult audience with just their writing style (Brandon Mull and his Fablehaven series popping to mind immediately). I did not take this into consideration when I rated the book, however, because I realize that this style is a preference and does not take away from the story for most people.

I will say, though, that the book did not age well. The dialog and references made me laugh and hit me with such nostalgia that I was a bit torn as to whether or not it was a good thing. At one point, I read some of the dialog to my son and he had no idea what some of the words meant which only made me laugh more. (Again, not an insult. I actually loved that).

Overall, I had to give the two star rating because I could find a memorable thing about this book . I have not given up on the series quite yet though and hope book two will be a bit more promising.

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spootilious's reviews 123 reviews

spootilious's reviews
123 reviews