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abby_ace_of_books's reviews
607 reviews
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
"This is what happens when you hurry through a maze: the faster you go, the worse you are entangled"(115).
House of Leaves is one of those books that a) I feel like I can't rate accurately because I'm an angry person full of pettiness and b) I feel like I can't properly review because I'm not nearly smart enough to understand half of the details.
That being said, I will still be offering my unwanted and mostly uninformed thoughts on this book.
So...what is House of Leaves actually about? The best way I can explain it is a film analysis with two sets of annotations...all on a film that doesn't exist, which brings me to the first thing I wanted to talk about: the framing narratives.
At its heart, this book is a story of a family that moves into a haunted house. However, this story is delivered in the form of a highly intellectual film analysis. And this film analysis is annotated by a man named Johnny, plus a set of "editors" who seem to be practically nonexistent. The book also has the possibility of adding a fifth(?) frame with you, the reader, should you choose to annotate or place yourself into the book (which I'll get to later).
In essence, it's confusing. It's meant to be a maze because the house that the book revolves around is a maze. It's full of dead ends and red herrings and twists and turns (literally forcing you to flip the book upside down). The film the analysis is based on does not exist, even in the context of the books. Both the editors and Johnny claim that Zampono (the man who supposedly wrote the analysis) made the whole thing up and quoted people who had never even heard of the film in the first place. Basically: nothing is real.
The Plot(s)
I'd like to devote the first main part of this review to the "plots" that the book follows.
In the middle of everything is the story about the haunted house and the family that lives there. Navidson, Karen, and their children move into a house that is measurably bigger on the inside than the outside, and it seems to shift in response to the family. I found this to be the most intriguing aspect of the book, and I surprisingly found myself caring for the characters somewhere along the line. This was probably the most "horror-y" part of the book, but the story itself didn't scare me (the implications and my own imagination did). While I've seen a few complaints about the ending, I honestly didn't mind it that much because I was just glad to be done with the book.
The next layer is Zampono's intellectually dense film analysis. Look, I've read flat-out research for school before. I've read analyses of books that are drier than the Sahara. But this book? It gave a new definition to "dry." I know it's the point. I know the book is supposed to make you feel bored. But for the love of all things holy...could the sections devoted to physics and building materials and random other tangents be any shorter? Please?
Past Zampono is Johnny, who is reading and annotating the film analysis because he wants to publish it? His annotations, however, are mostly details regarding his sexual exploits. It wasn't as dry as Zampono, but it was equally unenjoyable. I have to admit, about 150 pages in, I googled whether or not I was reading the book the right way and discovered that a handful of people say it's okay to skim Johnny's parts. So I did. Sorry, not sorry; I don't need to read about strippers and someone's mental breakdowns for 500 pages. I don't care that it adds to the story. I care that I finish and don't end up in the grippy sock home.
Format and How I Chose to Read the Book
I've seen formatting somewhat similar to this book before, which I'll talk about later, but I just wanted to explain quickly the method I chose to read this book.
When I first started House of Leaves, I was innocent, naive, and didn't expect to be so frustrated by the stupid book. I tried to read it in the way I believed was the "intended" way. Or, in other words, I tried to brute force my way through it by reading everything. That didn't last very long. I got bored. I got mad. I googled the answers like the not-critical thinker I am.
Apparently, it's sort of a choose-your-own-adventure. You pick what to read and how to read it. I read all of the main analysis, skimming through the footnotes that appeared to be citations and other irrelevant notes. I skimmed Johnny's stories because they apparently weren't super essential for the surface-level reading of the book. I wish I had chosen to annotate or devote more time to this book, but I went into it expecting a slightly dense read and not something that felt like schoolwork.
And, look, I did do some critical thinking. I tried to find meaning, and I know that, like any maze, there are dozens of paths and interpretations in the book. There probably aren't wrong answers. That being said, I probably found a way to misread this, so I'm only going to briefly mention my theories/thoughts.
#1) I don't know how to explain it, but it feels like the book is trying to blend the line between fiction and reality. In most books, it's easy to separate the two, but this one felt different. The film is fake to Johnny, just as Johnny's story is fake to us (the reader). But what if it wasn't? Maybe I'm overthinking things, but while reading, I asked myself if the film was maybe real in some sense (I obviously know it isn't). I don't know, it just felt like the book was intruding on my life in a way, which brings me to my other thoughts.
#2) The book isn't just a maze; it's a physical "thing" that parallels various objects in the story. The house is a mysterious puzzle to Navidson; the film is a puzzle to Zampono; the analysis is a puzzle to Johnny; and now, the book is a puzzle to us. Just as exploring the house becomes Navidson's obsession, analyzing the film becomes Zampono's obsession, and understanding the analysis becomes Johnny's obsession; this book is an obsession on its own, especially if the reader chooses to annotate, thus adding another layer to the narrative.
#3) This one is the most illogical, but I feel like, in addition to this book being an obsession, it brings out the worst traits in everyone. Navidson's obsession with the house leads him to isolate himself from his family and follow his own narcissism. Zampono's obsession with the film leads him to create a dense, nearly unreadable analysis to satiate his curiosity and build his ego. Johnny's obsession with the analysis makes him unstable and insane. Similarly, the book itself made me angry, stubborn, frustrated, and a dozen other negative things. It's just a hunk of pages, and maybe I'm reading too far into it, but it brought out the worst in me, too.
Please take all of these thoughts with a grain of salt. Someone else probably said them before me and they're probably somehow wrong, but it's just my ideas.
Final Thoughts
If you'll indulge my ramblings for a little longer, I'd like to conclude my opinions on this book.
Did I enjoy reading it? No. I hated every second of it. Was I happy that I finished it? Yes. Like any puzzle, I was happy I "solved" it. Would I recommend it? It depends, I guess.
The thing that draws many readers to House of Leaves is its uniqueness. However, I've seen many of its unique elements in other books that I enjoyed much more. Looking for unique physical formatting with upside-down words and pictures? Try the Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. In the mood for a classic with framing narratives? The most obvious choice is Frankenstein. Want a book where you feel like a character? The Spear Cuts Through Water literally makes you one without the cringy-ness. For some reason you're looking for a book with footnotes? The Ruin of Kings has plenty, plus four interweaving narratives. The only thing this book offered that I hadn't necessarily seen before was the idea of a "maze" symbolized through the pacing, but I'm sure there are options out there.
To summarize all of this for you: I didn't really enjoy House of Leaves. I could be missing something. Maybe I'll reread it someday when I'm less of a snob. But, as of right now, it wasn't really a book for me, and for that reason (among others), I do not feel qualified to rate this book.
House of Leaves is one of those books that a) I feel like I can't rate accurately because I'm an angry person full of pettiness and b) I feel like I can't properly review because I'm not nearly smart enough to understand half of the details.
That being said, I will still be offering my unwanted and mostly uninformed thoughts on this book.
So...what is House of Leaves actually about? The best way I can explain it is a film analysis with two sets of annotations...all on a film that doesn't exist, which brings me to the first thing I wanted to talk about: the framing narratives.
At its heart, this book is a story of a family that moves into a haunted house. However, this story is delivered in the form of a highly intellectual film analysis. And this film analysis is annotated by a man named Johnny, plus a set of "editors" who seem to be practically nonexistent. The book also has the possibility of adding a fifth(?) frame with you, the reader, should you choose to annotate or place yourself into the book (which I'll get to later).
In essence, it's confusing. It's meant to be a maze because the house that the book revolves around is a maze. It's full of dead ends and red herrings and twists and turns (literally forcing you to flip the book upside down). The film the analysis is based on does not exist, even in the context of the books. Both the editors and Johnny claim that Zampono (the man who supposedly wrote the analysis) made the whole thing up and quoted people who had never even heard of the film in the first place. Basically: nothing is real.
The Plot(s)
I'd like to devote the first main part of this review to the "plots" that the book follows.
In the middle of everything is the story about the haunted house and the family that lives there. Navidson, Karen, and their children move into a house that is measurably bigger on the inside than the outside, and it seems to shift in response to the family. I found this to be the most intriguing aspect of the book, and I surprisingly found myself caring for the characters somewhere along the line. This was probably the most "horror-y" part of the book, but the story itself didn't scare me (the implications and my own imagination did). While I've seen a few complaints about the ending, I honestly didn't mind it that much because I was just glad to be done with the book.
The next layer is Zampono's intellectually dense film analysis. Look, I've read flat-out research for school before. I've read analyses of books that are drier than the Sahara. But this book? It gave a new definition to "dry." I know it's the point. I know the book is supposed to make you feel bored. But for the love of all things holy...could the sections devoted to physics and building materials and random other tangents be any shorter? Please?
Past Zampono is Johnny, who is reading and annotating the film analysis because he wants to publish it? His annotations, however, are mostly details regarding his sexual exploits. It wasn't as dry as Zampono, but it was equally unenjoyable. I have to admit, about 150 pages in, I googled whether or not I was reading the book the right way and discovered that a handful of people say it's okay to skim Johnny's parts. So I did. Sorry, not sorry; I don't need to read about strippers and someone's mental breakdowns for 500 pages. I don't care that it adds to the story. I care that I finish and don't end up in the grippy sock home.
Format and How I Chose to Read the Book
I've seen formatting somewhat similar to this book before, which I'll talk about later, but I just wanted to explain quickly the method I chose to read this book.
When I first started House of Leaves, I was innocent, naive, and didn't expect to be so frustrated by the stupid book. I tried to read it in the way I believed was the "intended" way. Or, in other words, I tried to brute force my way through it by reading everything. That didn't last very long. I got bored. I got mad. I googled the answers like the not-critical thinker I am.
Apparently, it's sort of a choose-your-own-adventure. You pick what to read and how to read it. I read all of the main analysis, skimming through the footnotes that appeared to be citations and other irrelevant notes. I skimmed Johnny's stories because they apparently weren't super essential for the surface-level reading of the book. I wish I had chosen to annotate or devote more time to this book, but I went into it expecting a slightly dense read and not something that felt like schoolwork.
And, look, I did do some critical thinking. I tried to find meaning, and I know that, like any maze, there are dozens of paths and interpretations in the book. There probably aren't wrong answers. That being said, I probably found a way to misread this, so I'm only going to briefly mention my theories/thoughts.
#1) I don't know how to explain it, but it feels like the book is trying to blend the line between fiction and reality. In most books, it's easy to separate the two, but this one felt different. The film is fake to Johnny, just as Johnny's story is fake to us (the reader). But what if it wasn't? Maybe I'm overthinking things, but while reading, I asked myself if the film was maybe real in some sense (I obviously know it isn't). I don't know, it just felt like the book was intruding on my life in a way, which brings me to my other thoughts.
#2) The book isn't just a maze; it's a physical "thing" that parallels various objects in the story. The house is a mysterious puzzle to Navidson; the film is a puzzle to Zampono; the analysis is a puzzle to Johnny; and now, the book is a puzzle to us. Just as exploring the house becomes Navidson's obsession, analyzing the film becomes Zampono's obsession, and understanding the analysis becomes Johnny's obsession; this book is an obsession on its own, especially if the reader chooses to annotate, thus adding another layer to the narrative.
#3) This one is the most illogical, but I feel like, in addition to this book being an obsession, it brings out the worst traits in everyone. Navidson's obsession with the house leads him to isolate himself from his family and follow his own narcissism. Zampono's obsession with the film leads him to create a dense, nearly unreadable analysis to satiate his curiosity and build his ego. Johnny's obsession with the analysis makes him unstable and insane. Similarly, the book itself made me angry, stubborn, frustrated, and a dozen other negative things. It's just a hunk of pages, and maybe I'm reading too far into it, but it brought out the worst in me, too.
Please take all of these thoughts with a grain of salt. Someone else probably said them before me and they're probably somehow wrong, but it's just my ideas.
Final Thoughts
If you'll indulge my ramblings for a little longer, I'd like to conclude my opinions on this book.
Did I enjoy reading it? No. I hated every second of it. Was I happy that I finished it? Yes. Like any puzzle, I was happy I "solved" it. Would I recommend it? It depends, I guess.
The thing that draws many readers to House of Leaves is its uniqueness. However, I've seen many of its unique elements in other books that I enjoyed much more. Looking for unique physical formatting with upside-down words and pictures? Try the Illuminae Files by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman. In the mood for a classic with framing narratives? The most obvious choice is Frankenstein. Want a book where you feel like a character? The Spear Cuts Through Water literally makes you one without the cringy-ness. For some reason you're looking for a book with footnotes? The Ruin of Kings has plenty, plus four interweaving narratives. The only thing this book offered that I hadn't necessarily seen before was the idea of a "maze" symbolized through the pacing, but I'm sure there are options out there.
To summarize all of this for you: I didn't really enjoy House of Leaves. I could be missing something. Maybe I'll reread it someday when I'm less of a snob. But, as of right now, it wasn't really a book for me, and for that reason (among others), I do not feel qualified to rate this book.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
4.0
Okay, so Abby might have a new favorite fairytale retelling series.
Look, my cousin has been begging me to read Cinder for years, but I didn't actually add it to my TBR until I saw the author post art of the love interests from her series, and I am only slightly ashamed to admit that I chose to read this because of pretty pictures. That being said, I am once again learning that my cousin may or may not know my book tastes better than I do because I read this in less than 24 hours.
Essentially, the story is a Cinderella retelling but with androids, cyborgs, and evil moon colonists with mind control. Cinder is a cyborg and a mechanic, and after meeting Prince Kai in the market one day, she becomes embroiled in politics, plagues, and an evil queen's plot for world domination. While it follows the familiar "girl goes to the ball" pattern, I was surprised at how many subplots could fit into one story. There are plagues, robots, princely politics, and fast pacing to keep me occupied. I found the plot twists to be a bit predictable, but given this reads as younger YA, I forgave that (because I would not have seen it coming a few years ago). I'm also a bit mad at the ending because I didn't realize the series would continue Cinder's story and was expecting more closure.
I thought the cast of this book was very enjoyable to read about. Peony being a "nice" stepsister was unexpected, and I liked Iko as the family's android, too. I still have mixed feelings about the doctor. I really liked Kai (because I've always been a fan of princes with morals who just want to be green flags), although I wish we got to see more of Levana's manipulation of him, considering she has the power to; she just never really did. Cinder is an intriguing protagonist, given she knows about as much about her backstory as the reader does, and I thought her stubborn personality, mixed with her technological knowledge, was unique for a "Cinderella" character.
Cinder is the first book in a sci-fi series of fairytale retellings that promises action, intrigue, and characters you'll root for from beginning to end.
4.25/5
Look, my cousin has been begging me to read Cinder for years, but I didn't actually add it to my TBR until I saw the author post art of the love interests from her series, and I am only slightly ashamed to admit that I chose to read this because of pretty pictures. That being said, I am once again learning that my cousin may or may not know my book tastes better than I do because I read this in less than 24 hours.
Essentially, the story is a Cinderella retelling but with androids, cyborgs, and evil moon colonists with mind control. Cinder is a cyborg and a mechanic, and after meeting Prince Kai in the market one day, she becomes embroiled in politics, plagues, and an evil queen's plot for world domination. While it follows the familiar "girl goes to the ball" pattern, I was surprised at how many subplots could fit into one story. There are plagues, robots, princely politics, and fast pacing to keep me occupied. I found the plot twists to be a bit predictable, but given this reads as younger YA, I forgave that (because I would not have seen it coming a few years ago). I'm also a bit mad at the ending because I didn't realize the series would continue Cinder's story and was expecting more closure.
I thought the cast of this book was very enjoyable to read about. Peony being a "nice" stepsister was unexpected, and I liked Iko as the family's android, too. I still have mixed feelings about the doctor. I really liked Kai (because I've always been a fan of princes with morals who just want to be green flags), although I wish we got to see more of Levana's manipulation of him, considering she has the power to; she just never really did. Cinder is an intriguing protagonist, given she knows about as much about her backstory as the reader does, and I thought her stubborn personality, mixed with her technological knowledge, was unique for a "Cinderella" character.
Cinder is the first book in a sci-fi series of fairytale retellings that promises action, intrigue, and characters you'll root for from beginning to end.
4.25/5
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
"She was Aelin Ashryver-Galathynius - and she would not be afraid."
Heir of Fire is the third installation in the Throne of Glass series, and going into it, I remembered literally 1 semblance of a scene and then misremembered the ending (leaving me emotionally unprepared). While it isn't my favorite book in the series, the last 10% is what made me continue to read the first time I read this series.
The reason I'm still not a huge fan of this book is because I'm not really a Rowan/Celaena fangirl...I found their scenes to be slower than everyone else's, and of the POVs, I dreaded theirs the most. That being said, I feel like not much happened in this book as a whole. Until the last 30% or so, the characters are mostly just slowly working towards their little goals, and it's not really all that interesting. I almost rated it lower than Crown of Midnight, but the ending spared it from that fate because it hurts so much.
As I said before, Rowan and Celaena are my least favorite of the characters. I think it might just be that I have an issue with main characters in half the books I read, but I wasn't drawn to them and their dynamics for the first half of the book. Aedion also annoyed me for a while, and I still think he's kinda bland. Manon, Abraxos, and the Thirteen are some of my favorites just because of their vibes and that they're not hyper-focused on romance, at least for this book. Dorian and Sorscha were my favorites in this, and Dorian is definitely better upon a reread? I don't know why or how. I'm also still a Chaol apologist, sorry not sorry. He's literally the meme about "you say you want complex characters, but you didn't try to understand him."
Even though Heir of Fire isn't my favorite book in the series, I think it sets up well for book 4 (which was my favorite the last time I read it), and I'm glad Celaena finally picked a love interest.
3.75/5
Link to Libby Annotations
Heir of Fire is the third installation in the Throne of Glass series, and going into it, I remembered literally 1 semblance of a scene and then misremembered the ending (leaving me emotionally unprepared). While it isn't my favorite book in the series, the last 10% is what made me continue to read the first time I read this series.
The reason I'm still not a huge fan of this book is because I'm not really a Rowan/Celaena fangirl...I found their scenes to be slower than everyone else's, and of the POVs, I dreaded theirs the most. That being said, I feel like not much happened in this book as a whole. Until the last 30% or so, the characters are mostly just slowly working towards their little goals, and it's not really all that interesting. I almost rated it lower than Crown of Midnight, but the ending spared it from that fate because it hurts so much.
As I said before, Rowan and Celaena are my least favorite of the characters. I think it might just be that I have an issue with main characters in half the books I read, but I wasn't drawn to them and their dynamics for the first half of the book. Aedion also annoyed me for a while, and I still think he's kinda bland. Manon, Abraxos, and the Thirteen are some of my favorites just because of their vibes and that they're not hyper-focused on romance, at least for this book. Dorian and Sorscha were my favorites in this, and Dorian is definitely better upon a reread? I don't know why or how. I'm also still a Chaol apologist, sorry not sorry. He's literally the meme about "you say you want complex characters, but you didn't try to understand him."
Even though Heir of Fire isn't my favorite book in the series, I think it sets up well for book 4 (which was my favorite the last time I read it), and I'm glad Celaena finally picked a love interest.
3.75/5
Link to Libby Annotations
Neverseen by Shannon Messenger
I forgot how angsty and annoying Keefe is in this one...
Here are my notes on Neverseen, and note that there might be spoilers for this book and others in the series:
- (5) Dex's feet are smaller than Fitz's ... it's not relevant at all, but it's a thing
- (9) Alden really sent out a 6-year-old boy into the human world to search for some obscure 4(?) year old girl
- (43) Not Sophie stopping to talk about Hitler
- (56) "...and I'm sure you've heard how valuable Alvar has been to the Council" ... who's gonna tell 'em?
- (99) I hope Sophie realizes she isn't special for reading the entire encyclopedia by age 6 because I read two entire animal encyclopedias by the same age
- (124) How many tires did it take Keefe to take the oath? He never says, but he claims he got a message, so I assume he got it eventually unless he lied
- (146) So if cognates are, like, basically married in a sense, does that imply that Quinlin was third-wheeling with Alden and Della? Or was Della the third wheel?
- (198) Why would a Psionpath be dangerous?
- (221) Gisela couldn't have recruited Jolie because she only joined the Neverseen after she got pregnant with Keefe (15 years ago), and Jolie died/got recruited 17 years ago ... so it would've had to be Umber or some other secret woman
- (234) Why did Gisela want Keefe to be a Conjurer?
- (242) I'm starting a deep voice counter because so far, Keefe, Gethen, and Tiergan all have deep voices from what I remember, so here: Timkin is #1
- (303) So if Forkle had been Sir Astin all along, has he always played the role of a star teacher guy? Literally why?
- (314) I'm surprised that the Neverseen hasn't recruited a Beguiler yet because that could be SUPER powerful ... although I wonder if that and mesmerizing even work on Sophie because she's probably too special for that
- (317) Terik and Alina were the only two mentioned to help sedate Prentice, so either one of them could have applied that sopradine ... I have my suspicions of Terik because he tries to be so close to Sophie, but Alina would be so cool on the Neverseen
- (318) Why is Terik so sweaty at the prisoner exchange? Because he was carrying Prentice (who Tiergan holds like a baby, by the way), or maybe because he knows he did something wrong?
- (356) Deep Voice #2: Wylie (it's also intense)
- The theory about the Elvin world being a dystopia seems more and more true because they have the ability to help all the humans and they withhold it because of some old grudge
- (374) Also love how Dex's inception day is in 3 weeks, and someone better celebrate it or else (update: no one noticed or cared)
- (394) So Ruy was in Ambi, meaning he's indecisive and also thinks outside the box
- (470) Keefe probably just hates Tam because he reminds him of himself
- (474) Tam = fruity (implies Sophie isn't his "type")
- (481) Sophie notes that Terik looks ashamed of not knowing how this plague started, and she assumes it's because he and the Council knew, but what if it's actually because he's evil
- (492) Ruy's parents were the ones to turn him in to the Council; he got expelled at level 4 (14) right after he manifested; he is considered "irredeemable"
- (495) Blur apparently knows some technology stuff
- (515) Why can't anyone leap to Slurps and Burps ... because in book 1 Edaline and Sophie had to walk, and now they're walking again
- (532) I can't imagine that Vociferators are in high demand ... what good does someone who can make loud, ugly sounds do?
- (540) Terik shouts, "This is madness" at Fintan.. could he be playing good, or maybe he's genuinely confused as to why Fintan is revealing himself (if he's not familiar with the Neverseen's plans)
- (552) Ruy was still going to Exillium when he was part of the Neverseen (he was a part of it when Keefe was 5 or 6)
- (562) Not Alvar pretending not to know who Ruy is
- (571) Not Alvar flat-out teasing Forkle about how he knows where their hideout is
- (579) Why DID Lady Cadence loan Sophie her markchain?
- (596) Why was Dimitar just sitting in his throne room waiting for them?
- (621) Alvar was the youngest EVER to enlist in the Neverseen ... and he also throws Ruy under the bus here!
- (660) Alvar is worried about Ruy being alone at the hideout and doesn't want to be late
- (672) Is Magnate Leto Forkle's true form? Because he undoes his ruckleberries to turn into him
Here are my notes on Neverseen, and note that there might be spoilers for this book and others in the series:
- (5) Dex's feet are smaller than Fitz's ... it's not relevant at all, but it's a thing
- (9) Alden really sent out a 6-year-old boy into the human world to search for some obscure 4(?) year old girl
- (43) Not Sophie stopping to talk about Hitler
- (56) "...and I'm sure you've heard how valuable Alvar has been to the Council" ... who's gonna tell 'em?
- (99) I hope Sophie realizes she isn't special for reading the entire encyclopedia by age 6 because I read two entire animal encyclopedias by the same age
- (124) How many tires did it take Keefe to take the oath? He never says, but he claims he got a message, so I assume he got it eventually unless he lied
- (146) So if cognates are, like, basically married in a sense, does that imply that Quinlin was third-wheeling with Alden and Della? Or was Della the third wheel?
- (198) Why would a Psionpath be dangerous?
- (221) Gisela couldn't have recruited Jolie because she only joined the Neverseen after she got pregnant with Keefe (15 years ago), and Jolie died/got recruited 17 years ago ... so it would've had to be Umber or some other secret woman
- (234) Why did Gisela want Keefe to be a Conjurer?
- (242) I'm starting a deep voice counter because so far, Keefe, Gethen, and Tiergan all have deep voices from what I remember, so here: Timkin is #1
- (303) So if Forkle had been Sir Astin all along, has he always played the role of a star teacher guy? Literally why?
- (314) I'm surprised that the Neverseen hasn't recruited a Beguiler yet because that could be SUPER powerful ... although I wonder if that and mesmerizing even work on Sophie because she's probably too special for that
- (317) Terik and Alina were the only two mentioned to help sedate Prentice, so either one of them could have applied that sopradine ... I have my suspicions of Terik because he tries to be so close to Sophie, but Alina would be so cool on the Neverseen
- (318) Why is Terik so sweaty at the prisoner exchange? Because he was carrying Prentice (who Tiergan holds like a baby, by the way), or maybe because he knows he did something wrong?
- (356) Deep Voice #2: Wylie (it's also intense)
- The theory about the Elvin world being a dystopia seems more and more true because they have the ability to help all the humans and they withhold it because of some old grudge
- (374) Also love how Dex's inception day is in 3 weeks, and someone better celebrate it or else (update: no one noticed or cared)
- (394) So Ruy was in Ambi, meaning he's indecisive and also thinks outside the box
- (470) Keefe probably just hates Tam because he reminds him of himself
- (474) Tam = fruity (implies Sophie isn't his "type")
- (481) Sophie notes that Terik looks ashamed of not knowing how this plague started, and she assumes it's because he and the Council knew, but what if it's actually because he's evil
- (492) Ruy's parents were the ones to turn him in to the Council; he got expelled at level 4 (14) right after he manifested; he is considered "irredeemable"
- (495) Blur apparently knows some technology stuff
- (515) Why can't anyone leap to Slurps and Burps ... because in book 1 Edaline and Sophie had to walk, and now they're walking again
- (532) I can't imagine that Vociferators are in high demand ... what good does someone who can make loud, ugly sounds do?
- (540) Terik shouts, "This is madness" at Fintan.. could he be playing good, or maybe he's genuinely confused as to why Fintan is revealing himself (if he's not familiar with the Neverseen's plans)
- (552) Ruy was still going to Exillium when he was part of the Neverseen (he was a part of it when Keefe was 5 or 6)
- (562) Not Alvar pretending not to know who Ruy is
- (571) Not Alvar flat-out teasing Forkle about how he knows where their hideout is
- (579) Why DID Lady Cadence loan Sophie her markchain?
- (596) Why was Dimitar just sitting in his throne room waiting for them?
- (621) Alvar was the youngest EVER to enlist in the Neverseen ... and he also throws Ruy under the bus here!
- (660) Alvar is worried about Ruy being alone at the hideout and doesn't want to be late
- (672) Is Magnate Leto Forkle's true form? Because he undoes his ruckleberries to turn into him
Lodestar by Shannon Messenger
Like I said, I won’t be reviewing this series, but for some reason I just really like the vibes of Lodestar and it’s probably my favorite book so far?
Anyway, here are my notes on the book, and just a spoiler warning for this book and the rest of the series:
- (6) Deep Voice #3: Fitz has a deep crisp accent
- I think people forget Biana and Fitz’s traumas when it comes to their brother and keefe (who is Fitz’s best friend) betraying them in less than 48 hours
- (27) Keefe says the Neverseen had ALL their Technopaths working on the cache, which implies to me that there’s at least 3 of them … and if that’s the case, surely at least one of them could make high tech weapons for the Neverseen or ability restrictors because a 12 year old boy could
- (34) why does Forkle not like his Magnate Leto look
- Grady thinks Keefe is going to be like Brant (saying Sophie is like Jolie) and Edaline thinks Keefe will be like Jolie by being a double agent
- (43) Kenric wasn’t part of Project Moonlark but is he involved with the Black Swan in some other way?
- (58) why DID the Neverseen attack the registry? (Update: they erased Alvar, Brant, Fintan, and Ruy’s records)
- (159) Fintan wipes his mind of anything he doesn’t want to remember … what if he wiped his memories of Bronte on purpose
- (225) Juline is the only Collective member with a family at home that she lives with
- (343) Ruy is in charge of teaching Keefe skills because he was (according to Keefe) Exillium’s star student, which also makes me wonder why hpe got kicked out if he was so good at everything … also Alvar makes Keefe do his chores
- (368) When Alvar let Sophie get away when he was the Boy Who Disappeared, the Neverseen locked him in a flaming room for a day and I’m just imagining Ruy’s reaction (maybe he made a secret force field to protect Alvar or maybe he just sat outside the room and worried the whole time )
- (390) why are Grizel and Sandor kinda Percabeth coded? Like, childhood friends to lovers, turning down important positions (Grizel didn’t join the queens Royal guard) to stay together … I guess the similarities end there but still…
- (396) Ruy and Alvar are fighting again … Ruy is going to get punished and he wants Alvar to share the blame to lessen the punishment but Alvar said no … I’m choosing to believe they’re both too traumatized by previous punishments but honestly they’re giving Lovers Doomed By the Narrative right now
- (399) Fintan called Ruy a disappointment
- (407) Marella is ALSO not Tam’s type, and Linh says he’s into brunettes but … are we sure that’s what he’s referencing
- (421) is there a reason Jensi is one of the three people to burst splotchers on the first day of training?
- (432) Oralie recommended Sandor to watch Sophie? Did she know him before?
- The ability-centricity of the world of the elves itself harms everyone, not just the Talentless. Grady is seen as a tool or weapon to be utilized by multiple parties throughout the series, and his ability defines him more often than his own personality does. He is not allowed at the Summit because he might mesmerize someone, and while I understand the concerned, it’s not just the summit where Grady faces prejudice and I feel like it’s something that’s not discussed enough in the series, especially given what little we know about his past and how he lost all of his friends when he manifested and how they pinned the blame on him whenever they felt like it.
- (439) Ruy is being a big drama queen right now
- Listen, I know spiral staircases are aesthetically pleasing but also … all it takes is one elf in a wheelchair and suddenly they can’t go anywhere because you don’t have any freaking elevators … unless there’s some Elvin magic floating wheelchair tech that I’m not aware of
- (474) I get the symbolism of a sword in a stone but also like … why not just make it a fake sword that can’t do anything on the off chance that prisoners will break out … it seems stupid to taunt them at that point
- (509) Sandor and Grizel need to be a thing by the end… like, they’re so sweet with each other and if they die I will cry so hard … now I’m just picturing them falling in battle together
- (520) If Forkle has figured out a way to trigger abilities, why not just make the kids at Foxfire do that instead of go through ability testing
- (575) Sophie infuriates me because she literally has a chance to look at Ruy’s face right now but doesn’t
- (578) AND once again Dex’s trauma is ignored … he got trapped in the mirror room and I’m sure it reminded him a little of his kidnapping
- (582) Terik thanks Sophie for bringing the alicorns to Foxfire … why is he so excited about it
- (630) Honestly, Dimitars logic is sound … his own people gain nothing from alliance with the elves and I think he’s right to question them (even if he has other flaws)
- (659) what feels wrong about Brant’s death to Sophie? Is it that she later realizes there were 4 figures on the beach, including Vespera? What is it?
- Did Brant get a wanderling? I can see why he wouldn’t but … he was still a victim of circumstance and maybe he was evil but it was because the world forced him to be
Anyway, here are my notes on the book, and just a spoiler warning for this book and the rest of the series:
- (6) Deep Voice #3: Fitz has a deep crisp accent
- I think people forget Biana and Fitz’s traumas when it comes to their brother and keefe (who is Fitz’s best friend) betraying them in less than 48 hours
- (27) Keefe says the Neverseen had ALL their Technopaths working on the cache, which implies to me that there’s at least 3 of them … and if that’s the case, surely at least one of them could make high tech weapons for the Neverseen or ability restrictors because a 12 year old boy could
- (34) why does Forkle not like his Magnate Leto look
- Grady thinks Keefe is going to be like Brant (saying Sophie is like Jolie) and Edaline thinks Keefe will be like Jolie by being a double agent
- (43) Kenric wasn’t part of Project Moonlark but is he involved with the Black Swan in some other way?
- (58) why DID the Neverseen attack the registry? (Update: they erased Alvar, Brant, Fintan, and Ruy’s records)
- (159) Fintan wipes his mind of anything he doesn’t want to remember … what if he wiped his memories of Bronte on purpose
- (225) Juline is the only Collective member with a family at home that she lives with
- (343) Ruy is in charge of teaching Keefe skills because he was (according to Keefe) Exillium’s star student, which also makes me wonder why hpe got kicked out if he was so good at everything … also Alvar makes Keefe do his chores
- (368) When Alvar let Sophie get away when he was the Boy Who Disappeared, the Neverseen locked him in a flaming room for a day and I’m just imagining Ruy’s reaction (maybe he made a secret force field to protect Alvar or maybe he just sat outside the room and worried the whole time )
- (390) why are Grizel and Sandor kinda Percabeth coded? Like, childhood friends to lovers, turning down important positions (Grizel didn’t join the queens Royal guard) to stay together … I guess the similarities end there but still…
- (396) Ruy and Alvar are fighting again … Ruy is going to get punished and he wants Alvar to share the blame to lessen the punishment but Alvar said no … I’m choosing to believe they’re both too traumatized by previous punishments but honestly they’re giving Lovers Doomed By the Narrative right now
- (399) Fintan called Ruy a disappointment
- (407) Marella is ALSO not Tam’s type, and Linh says he’s into brunettes but … are we sure that’s what he’s referencing
- (421) is there a reason Jensi is one of the three people to burst splotchers on the first day of training?
- (432) Oralie recommended Sandor to watch Sophie? Did she know him before?
- The ability-centricity of the world of the elves itself harms everyone, not just the Talentless. Grady is seen as a tool or weapon to be utilized by multiple parties throughout the series, and his ability defines him more often than his own personality does. He is not allowed at the Summit because he might mesmerize someone, and while I understand the concerned, it’s not just the summit where Grady faces prejudice and I feel like it’s something that’s not discussed enough in the series, especially given what little we know about his past and how he lost all of his friends when he manifested and how they pinned the blame on him whenever they felt like it.
- (439) Ruy is being a big drama queen right now
- Listen, I know spiral staircases are aesthetically pleasing but also … all it takes is one elf in a wheelchair and suddenly they can’t go anywhere because you don’t have any freaking elevators … unless there’s some Elvin magic floating wheelchair tech that I’m not aware of
- (474) I get the symbolism of a sword in a stone but also like … why not just make it a fake sword that can’t do anything on the off chance that prisoners will break out … it seems stupid to taunt them at that point
- (509) Sandor and Grizel need to be a thing by the end… like, they’re so sweet with each other and if they die I will cry so hard … now I’m just picturing them falling in battle together
- (520) If Forkle has figured out a way to trigger abilities, why not just make the kids at Foxfire do that instead of go through ability testing
- (575) Sophie infuriates me because she literally has a chance to look at Ruy’s face right now but doesn’t
- (578) AND once again Dex’s trauma is ignored … he got trapped in the mirror room and I’m sure it reminded him a little of his kidnapping
- (582) Terik thanks Sophie for bringing the alicorns to Foxfire … why is he so excited about it
- (630) Honestly, Dimitars logic is sound … his own people gain nothing from alliance with the elves and I think he’s right to question them (even if he has other flaws)
- (659) what feels wrong about Brant’s death to Sophie? Is it that she later realizes there were 4 figures on the beach, including Vespera? What is it?
- Did Brant get a wanderling? I can see why he wouldn’t but … he was still a victim of circumstance and maybe he was evil but it was because the world forced him to be
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
4.0
Books with second-person POVs are either the best or worst books you'll ever read...sorry, I don't make the rules.
The Fifth Season is considered (at least from what I've seen) to be one of the best science-fiction/fantasy novels and a must-read for all SFF fans. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it when I started, as I typically don't enjoy "classic" SFF books, and admittedly, it did take me a bit to get used to the prose. I think the most striking thing about this book is the worldbuilding. In a world where a select group of people can control the earth and cause major weather changes called "Seasons," there is also another class of humanoids called stone-eaters, as well as Guardians who monitor those with magic.
I'd like to introduce a new term that I think describes the plot: meandering. Books like this have characters who want to accomplish something, but along the way, they kind of "meander" through the story. The pacing was kind of slow, especially because two of the POVs didn't necessarily have explicit "goals" in a sense. Essun is a mother searching for her kidnapped daughter. Damaya must train in her power. Syenite must comply with the wishes of her superiors or face the consequences. The ending was interesting, and I'm excited to see where the story goes, but the plot definitely wasn't my favorite part.
I can't say much about the characters for spoiler reasons. My opinions on the POVs changed over the course of the novel. Essen's POV (which was in second person) was interesting at first but slowed down early on. Syenite's POV started slow but I think it ended up being my favorite. I really liked Damaya's POV as well. As for side characters, Alabaster grew on me a lot, and I also liked Hoa from his first introduction. Schaffa can die in a hole, please and thank you.
The Fifth Season is a masterfully written SFF novel with incredible worldbuilding, beautiful prose, and powerful women.
4.25/5
The Fifth Season is considered (at least from what I've seen) to be one of the best science-fiction/fantasy novels and a must-read for all SFF fans. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it when I started, as I typically don't enjoy "classic" SFF books, and admittedly, it did take me a bit to get used to the prose. I think the most striking thing about this book is the worldbuilding. In a world where a select group of people can control the earth and cause major weather changes called "Seasons," there is also another class of humanoids called stone-eaters, as well as Guardians who monitor those with magic.
I'd like to introduce a new term that I think describes the plot: meandering. Books like this have characters who want to accomplish something, but along the way, they kind of "meander" through the story. The pacing was kind of slow, especially because two of the POVs didn't necessarily have explicit "goals" in a sense. Essun is a mother searching for her kidnapped daughter. Damaya must train in her power. Syenite must comply with the wishes of her superiors or face the consequences. The ending was interesting, and I'm excited to see where the story goes, but the plot definitely wasn't my favorite part.
I can't say much about the characters for spoiler reasons. My opinions on the POVs changed over the course of the novel. Essen's POV (which was in second person) was interesting at first but slowed down early on. Syenite's POV started slow but I think it ended up being my favorite. I really liked Damaya's POV as well. As for side characters, Alabaster grew on me a lot, and I also liked Hoa from his first introduction. Schaffa can die in a hole, please and thank you.
The Fifth Season is a masterfully written SFF novel with incredible worldbuilding, beautiful prose, and powerful women.
4.25/5
The Road of Bones by Demi Winters
3.0
The Bjorn Curse strikes again! Apparently, 2024 is not my year for Viking books because I am really not vibing with them.
The Road of Bones is a fantasy adventure filled with romance, Vikings, and hidden magic. I think it originally ended up on my TBR because of the found family trope, but I honestly didn't love the found family in this one. Before I continue this review, I just want to note that although I did not really enjoy this book, I think there is a large audience out there who would (I'm just not a fan of smut or possessive romances).
The plot of the book was pretty decent. There are multiple POVs, but only one of them is really "different" (there's an assassin chasing the main characters). Silla's life is thrown into turmoil when her father is murdered in front of her, leaving her with only an address to find at the other end of the very dangerous Road of Bones. She meets the Bloodaxe Crew and convinces them to take her across the Road, but on the way, they are met with danger in the form of forest creatures, soldiers, and even their own relationships. I thought the plot was pretty well-paced, although there were sections that dragged. I did find the plot twists to be fairly predictable, especially the main ones (I only missed one, but I had considered it at one point). I thought the ending was okay, but I don't know that I will be continuing the series.
The characters were the part that made me not enjoy the book. Silla is portrayed as an innocent, naive, blushing maiden who hasn't cursed, got drunk, or had sex...and apparently, that's the hottest thing on the planet for the male leads. She refuses to even witness "violence" until halfway through the book, and I just found her to be annoying. Most of the "found family" was forgettable, although I would have preferred a book about them rather than Silla. I did not like Rey because I thought he was 40...and because he's just boring, in my opinion. I hated Jonas even more, though. I could rant about him and his toxic little behaviors for days (buddy was excited to find out that Silla was a virgin because that meant he got to take it from her...)
The Road of Bones is a fantasy adventure story that borders on romantasy and is filled with popular tropes sure to make it enjoyable for fans of the genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-copy!
3.25/5
The Road of Bones is a fantasy adventure filled with romance, Vikings, and hidden magic. I think it originally ended up on my TBR because of the found family trope, but I honestly didn't love the found family in this one. Before I continue this review, I just want to note that although I did not really enjoy this book, I think there is a large audience out there who would (I'm just not a fan of smut or possessive romances).
The plot of the book was pretty decent. There are multiple POVs, but only one of them is really "different" (there's an assassin chasing the main characters). Silla's life is thrown into turmoil when her father is murdered in front of her, leaving her with only an address to find at the other end of the very dangerous Road of Bones. She meets the Bloodaxe Crew and convinces them to take her across the Road, but on the way, they are met with danger in the form of forest creatures, soldiers, and even their own relationships. I thought the plot was pretty well-paced, although there were sections that dragged. I did find the plot twists to be fairly predictable, especially the main ones (I only missed one, but I had considered it at one point). I thought the ending was okay, but I don't know that I will be continuing the series.
The characters were the part that made me not enjoy the book. Silla is portrayed as an innocent, naive, blushing maiden who hasn't cursed, got drunk, or had sex...and apparently, that's the hottest thing on the planet for the male leads. She refuses to even witness "violence" until halfway through the book, and I just found her to be annoying. Most of the "found family" was forgettable, although I would have preferred a book about them rather than Silla. I did not like Rey because I thought he was 40...and because he's just boring, in my opinion. I hated Jonas even more, though. I could rant about him and his toxic little behaviors for days (buddy was excited to find out that Silla was a virgin because that meant he got to take it from her...)
The Road of Bones is a fantasy adventure story that borders on romantasy and is filled with popular tropes sure to make it enjoyable for fans of the genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free e-copy!
3.25/5
The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi
4.0
"Love may give you strength, but retribution gives you purpose."
The Final Strife is a fantasy story rich with discussion of oppression in a world where classes are divided by the color of their blood. The worldbuilding was intriguing, especially as the book progressed and plot twists were revealed. I'm always a fan of stories rich in history, and this book was no different.
The story follows three main POVs: Sylah, an Ember disguised as a Duster; Anoor, a Duster disguised as an Ember; and Hassa, a Ghosting. The three women come from different classes but are connected in their wish to see change in the world. I did find the book a little slow at times. It could be the beginning of a reading slump, but I really just didn't connect well to the story. There was a fair amount of action throughout, especially towards the end, and the plot twists kept me entertained, but overall I just felt like the story dragged on for a while. The middle of the book focused more on the characters' inner growth, in my opinion, and because I wasn't super invested in the characters, I didn't love the slower pacing.
The main cast of characters is definitely intriguing and complex, I just didn't really feel attached to any of them. Sylah's struggle with addiction was empowering, but she was fairly stubborn and set in her ways, and she got on my nerves a few times. I liked Anoor a little bit more, and I'm excited to see where her character arc takes her, but she was a bit trope-y. Hassa was probably my favorite, and she was the only one whose POVs I really looked forward to. In terms of side characters, Gorn grew on me, I liked Kwame, and I absolutely despised Jond.
Fans of fantasy stories rooted in history will enjoy The Final Strife and the romance, action, and social commentary it has to offer.
3.5/5
The Final Strife is a fantasy story rich with discussion of oppression in a world where classes are divided by the color of their blood. The worldbuilding was intriguing, especially as the book progressed and plot twists were revealed. I'm always a fan of stories rich in history, and this book was no different.
The story follows three main POVs: Sylah, an Ember disguised as a Duster; Anoor, a Duster disguised as an Ember; and Hassa, a Ghosting. The three women come from different classes but are connected in their wish to see change in the world. I did find the book a little slow at times. It could be the beginning of a reading slump, but I really just didn't connect well to the story. There was a fair amount of action throughout, especially towards the end, and the plot twists kept me entertained, but overall I just felt like the story dragged on for a while. The middle of the book focused more on the characters' inner growth, in my opinion, and because I wasn't super invested in the characters, I didn't love the slower pacing.
The main cast of characters is definitely intriguing and complex, I just didn't really feel attached to any of them. Sylah's struggle with addiction was empowering, but she was fairly stubborn and set in her ways, and she got on my nerves a few times. I liked Anoor a little bit more, and I'm excited to see where her character arc takes her, but she was a bit trope-y. Hassa was probably my favorite, and she was the only one whose POVs I really looked forward to. In terms of side characters, Gorn grew on me, I liked Kwame, and I absolutely despised Jond.
Fans of fantasy stories rooted in history will enjoy The Final Strife and the romance, action, and social commentary it has to offer.
3.5/5
The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang
5.0
I thought I was mentally prepared for this book on my second read-through, but I wasn't...
The Dragon Republic is the second book in the Poppy War series, and not only does it expand worldbuilding-wise, but it also discusses new themes and introduces new characters and relationships. I honestly don't think I can rank these books because each one has things that I love.
Rin has destroyed the Federation, but now the stakes are higher than ever. The Hesperians wish to eliminate Chaos (aka shamanism), and the Dragon Warlord intends to overthrow the Empress and establish a republic. One of the things I love about this series is that you never know where it'll go next. Usually, I don't like it when I can't predict things in books, but I don't mind it here because the progression of events seems natural. The plot has plenty of twists, and there's some action dispersed throughout the book, but overall, I think it's the style and the themes that keep me enthralled.
Every single character feels complex and human. I love the evolving friendship between Rin and Kitay (more platonic friendships in fiction, please!), and I love it juxtaposed Rin's relationship with Nezha. I'm glad Venka made a reappearance (she's one of my favorites in this one). Qara and Ramsa are also favorites of mine, but Chagan grew on me a lot, and there are so many other characters that I like, too. I also like the introduction of the Hesperians and what they symbolize in terms of Chinese history.
The Dragon Republic escalates the stakes of the first Poppy War book while furthering character development and establishing new themes regarding the role of foreigners and their religions.
4.75/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To say I am angry with the end of this book is an immense understatement.
SPOILER I was so afraid that Kitay would die that I didn't even think to worry about Ramsa or Qara (two of my other favorites). And then Nezha? If he were real, he and I would no longer be on speaking terms.
At least my military history class knowledge finally came to be useful.
The Dragon Republic is the second book in the Poppy War series, and not only does it expand worldbuilding-wise, but it also discusses new themes and introduces new characters and relationships. I honestly don't think I can rank these books because each one has things that I love.
Rin has destroyed the Federation, but now the stakes are higher than ever. The Hesperians wish to eliminate Chaos (aka shamanism), and the Dragon Warlord intends to overthrow the Empress and establish a republic. One of the things I love about this series is that you never know where it'll go next. Usually, I don't like it when I can't predict things in books, but I don't mind it here because the progression of events seems natural. The plot has plenty of twists, and there's some action dispersed throughout the book, but overall, I think it's the style and the themes that keep me enthralled.
Every single character feels complex and human. I love the evolving friendship between Rin and Kitay (more platonic friendships in fiction, please!), and I love it juxtaposed Rin's relationship with Nezha. I'm glad Venka made a reappearance (she's one of my favorites in this one). Qara and Ramsa are also favorites of mine, but Chagan grew on me a lot, and there are so many other characters that I like, too. I also like the introduction of the Hesperians and what they symbolize in terms of Chinese history.
The Dragon Republic escalates the stakes of the first Poppy War book while furthering character development and establishing new themes regarding the role of foreigners and their religions.
4.75/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To say I am angry with the end of this book is an immense understatement.
SPOILER I was so afraid that Kitay would die that I didn't even think to worry about Ramsa or Qara (two of my other favorites). And then Nezha? If he were real, he and I would no longer be on speaking terms.
At least my military history class knowledge finally came to be useful.
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
4.0
"They were binary stars, trapped in each other's gravitational field and easily diminished without the other's opposing force."
I've been in a dark academia/spooky season mood recently, so I decided to reread The Atlas Six with the intention of actually getting to book 3 this time. (I'll probably get there...but I always forget that these books slow me down and I have other things to read). Did this fulfill my dark academia hunger? Not really. The genre itself is fairly hit or miss for me, so I don't know why I'm craving it...but I think this series falls somewhere in the middle in terms of the range of dark academic books I've enjoyed.
Six recruits enter, but only five will complete initiation. This is one of those books where a lot happens, but also nothing happens. The beginning is interesting, and there are a few scenes in the middle that keep the book moving before the exciting end, but most scenes are heavily character-focused, which is something I struggle to enjoy at times. There's a fair amount of "scholarly" conversations about magic that feel a bit like theoretical lectures, but I didn't mind them too much. I struggle to rate this accurately because although nothing really happened, I enjoyed the vibes, and sometimes that warrants a higher rating than I would typically give to a book with a similar plot.
I also think the reason I was willing to rate this as highly as I did is because the characters make me feel things. Callum earns the award for the most hateable POV because I despise him, and he doesn't deserve redemption. Parisa gives the vibes of an evil Nina Zenik, but I didn't mind her as much during this read as I did previously. Tristan is just kind of boring to me, and the same goes for Dalton. My favorites were Reina, Nico, and Libby. Reina is just so logical compared to everyone else, and I like that she's just along for the ride. I really just like the dynamics between Nico and Libby (which is why I still desperately want to read the novella) and the idea of being practically soulmates without actually being soulmates.
The Atlas Six is a dark academia novel focused on magic, knowledge, and what one would do in the name of their ambition.
3.75/5
I've been in a dark academia/spooky season mood recently, so I decided to reread The Atlas Six with the intention of actually getting to book 3 this time. (I'll probably get there...but I always forget that these books slow me down and I have other things to read). Did this fulfill my dark academia hunger? Not really. The genre itself is fairly hit or miss for me, so I don't know why I'm craving it...but I think this series falls somewhere in the middle in terms of the range of dark academic books I've enjoyed.
Six recruits enter, but only five will complete initiation. This is one of those books where a lot happens, but also nothing happens. The beginning is interesting, and there are a few scenes in the middle that keep the book moving before the exciting end, but most scenes are heavily character-focused, which is something I struggle to enjoy at times. There's a fair amount of "scholarly" conversations about magic that feel a bit like theoretical lectures, but I didn't mind them too much. I struggle to rate this accurately because although nothing really happened, I enjoyed the vibes, and sometimes that warrants a higher rating than I would typically give to a book with a similar plot.
I also think the reason I was willing to rate this as highly as I did is because the characters make me feel things. Callum earns the award for the most hateable POV because I despise him, and he doesn't deserve redemption. Parisa gives the vibes of an evil Nina Zenik, but I didn't mind her as much during this read as I did previously. Tristan is just kind of boring to me, and the same goes for Dalton. My favorites were Reina, Nico, and Libby. Reina is just so logical compared to everyone else, and I like that she's just along for the ride. I really just like the dynamics between Nico and Libby (which is why I still desperately want to read the novella) and the idea of being practically soulmates without actually being soulmates.
The Atlas Six is a dark academia novel focused on magic, knowledge, and what one would do in the name of their ambition.
3.75/5