Timothy Snyder opens eyes to what the United States will become if she doesn't open her eyes. His comparisons of current events fo recent history and it's tyrannical, fascist leaders are unparalleled. A must read for those who wish to change the world and how to do it right.
This is a masterfully created collection of short stories that can be used as a warning to our nation of things do not change in the United States. While the stories are dramatized (in a way), the symbolism is phenomenal and on point. It provides a unique inside on a dystopia America, where totalitarianism, authoritarianism, capitalism, propaganda, and technology reign, creating an indifferent society while the rich become richer and continue to capitalize (no pun intended) on the ignorance of a nation.
This is truly one of the heaviest books I have ever read, especially given the current political climate. If you need to, take breaks in between the stories, reflect on what Ginsberg is trying to tell us, and do your best to prevent that from happening.
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶
Holy shit. My first 5-star read this year! Rebecca has done it again - hit the ground running from the get go, moving chess pieces on multiple boards, and STILL leaving me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
The character growth, the plot, the world building beyond the continent - all of it was so well written.
In all honesty, I have no idea how I'm supposed to emotionally recover from this book...
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
4.25 ⭐️ 2/5 🌶
As the first installment of the Shadowborn Duet, there is a bit of world and background building in the beginning of this book. As with the other books in the CON series, it does start a bit slow but has a few twists at the end.
I've always loved Mische and felt like I related to her. You van visibly see and feel her struggles on the page and feel so much for her. Loved her character building in this book, and watching her grow through her struggles with her love for her god vs. Asar and her Shadowborn side.
The relationship she has with Asar is thr SLOWEST of slow burns, but when it starts, it goes from 0 to 100 really quickly. Although you can see that both are unsure of how to move their relationship to the next level due to their pasts. But the BANTER...the little quips and innuendos...yes, please!
Also, the more I read these, the more I overall dislike the damn deities. I hope they get what's coming to them in the next book!
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I'm excited to see what's next!
Definitely was not expecting much from this novella, but so glad I read it! I loved the enemies ➡️ friends ➡️ lovers in this, and how we gradually get to see this relationship grow (I hate insta-love!).
Plot was exciting and very well written. I wasn't too shocked about the twists, but still ended up pleasantly surprised at the end. FMC has great growth here (we ❤️ a strong female) with her journey being not only physical but also struggles mentally. MMC was everything you want in a broody, grumpy sunshine.
I was not expecting to like book 2 more than book 1!
I feel like this is because Raihn has to work so much harder to win Oraya back, and the character development for both of them was waaay more intense in this book, especially for Oraya. It was her coming into learning, accepting, and loving who she is, DESPITE her "flaws."
Her internal conflicts within this book regarding her relationship with Vincent was so well written I literally felt her struggle on the pages.
Overall - loved this book and will definitely continue the series.
Such a fun in between novel on my way to reading more about the next chapter of the Crown of Nyaxia series. I'm sure we'll see these characters in book #2.
A quick read with a story that pulls on your heart strings, with a hint of a slow burn.
Overall a great classic read. Definitely highlights totalitarianism, class warfare, revolution and corruption, and how to use language/co trol of knowledge as power. Can be seen as a warning for the future.