books_and_cream_cheese's reviews
154 reviews

Im Zeichen der Mohnblume - Die Erlöserin by R.F. Kuang

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dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Ein starkes Ende für die Trilogie! Die letzten 50 Seiten habe ich die Kinnlade nicht wieder hochgekriegt - und die Szene mit Petra?! Wow. 

Obwohl ich alles in allem auch sagen muss: Das Buch war, wie auch das letzte, ein kleines bisschen zu lang. Einige Personen waren für meinen Geschmack etwas zu schnell "weg vom Fenster", da gab es an der ein oder anderen Stelle mehr Potenzial. Und letztendlich denke ich, dass diese Serie thematisch einfach auch nicht so richtig was für mich ist. Das Thema Krieg, Militär und Strategie ist durch die ganze Trilogie hinweg übermäßig präsent und ich bin einfach nicht der Mensch, der gern so ausgiebig "nur" darüber liest. Trotzdem - alles in allem unfassbar gut gelungen! Die Geschichte wird mir noch lange im Gedächtnis bleiben.
Kodi (Book 1) by Jared Cullum

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was so cute! After finishing a book about the war, I needed something to make me believe in humanity again - and reading this feels like a warm hug. Such a warm and safe space to be for an hour 🐻
Die Kaiserin by R.F. Kuang

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

4.0

Wie das erste Buch in der Reihe super spannend - man merkt jedoch, dass es nicht so lang hätte sein müssen. Die politischen Intrigen, militärischen Strategieplanungen und die Darstellung des Kolonialismus sind großartig gelungen! Das Buch ist deutlich düsterer - auf der einen Seite scheint die Darstellung aneinandergereihter Gräueltaten realistisch in Anbetracht der Kriegssituation, auf der anderen Seite nimmt es einigen Szenen etwas die gewünschte Intensität, wenn Rin am laufenden Band fremd- oder selbstverursachte Qualen leidet. Aber so oder so, ein wirklich gutes Buch! Ich freue mich schon, das Finale der Trilogie zu lesen.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

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dark funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

R. F. Kuang is one of my absolute favourite authors - there's something about her writing style that is so addicting and I love how she varies her tone and storytelling with every new project she approaches. Same with this book - it's direct, funny and obnoxious in the best way. The insight in (and commentary on) the publishing industry and social media influence were increadibly interesting, you can tell Kuang worked a lot of her own experiences into the story. 

I wished she elaborated a bit more on how provilege and wealth plays a role within all of this (it's mentioned briefly here and there, this could have been discussed a bit more) and some parts in the middle of the book dragged a bit, but the last few pages SLAYED. 

Great book, this opens up some interesting discussions! 
Im Zeichen der Mohnblume - Die Schamanin by R.F. Kuang

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adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

[Deutsche Übersetzung gelesen]

Dieses Buch macht so unfassbar süchtig... trotz der Länge hat das Buch keine überflüssigen Seiten, jeder Teil der Geschichte ist wichtig und es wird nie langweilig. Rin ist eine spektakuläre Protagonistin und die moralischen Dilemmas, mit denen sie konfrontiert wird, erzeugen eine großartige Spannung. 

Einziges kleines Manko für mich war, dass einige der Twists etwas vorhersehbar waren - das Buch hat jedoch genug unerwartete Wendungen, sodass man trotzdem oft nicht weiß, wo die Geschichte hingeht.
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

As always, chronically readable, entertaining and twists you don't see coming - I love this series. Cozy mystery comfort read ❤
Steinfrucht by Lee Lai

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Das war großartig! Ich bin fasziniert davon, wie Lee Lai mit einfachen Schwarz-Weiß-Illustrationen so eine durchdringend Atmosphäre erzeugt. Die Figuren und Dialoge wirken echt, bewegend und menschlich... Ein unfassbar gelungener Einblick in das Leben dieser Charaktere. Mir fehlte am Ende ein bisschen mehr Weiterentwicklung, aber trotzdem: Große Empfehlung!
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This hit brilliantly hard! I loved the structure of the book so much - each descendant had a different perspective or added more nuance to the overarching themes. Some stories dragged a bit, others glued me to the page. You learn about Ghanaian culture and history along the way - topics that we sadly never covered in school - and I'm inspired to research more about the events and places that are mentioned in the book. I wish there were time stamps on the chapter (or the family tree depiction) though. 

Highly recommend this book! 
Babel by R.F. Kuang

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

5.0

The moment I finished the first chapter, I knew R. F. Kuang would become one of my favourite authors. This book is PHENOMENAL. The themes that are woven within the story, the crazy amount of research and planning this must have taken... my jaw is on the floor. I understand the problems some people seem to have with this book, it's certainly not without flaws (more Victoire, pleeeeaaase!) - but holy shit, it's SO strong. I was sucked in from page one and couldn't put it down. 

Absolutely can't believe that Kuang is just 26 years old - beyond impressive, I couldn'teven write a decent e-mail at that age. Obviously, I now have to read everything she's ever written (and will write in the future). 

Sidenote: I own the German version of this book and I just have to say... the golden foil on the cover is absolutely beautiful, but - the magic metal the whole book is about is SILVER, HOW COULD YOU 😅😅
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I can't believe thrillers with environmental themes aren't a thing - this was so clever! I learned a lot about wolves and their role in the ecosystem in this book. Weirdly though, I didn't really care about the thriller aspect in this story. I loved to read about Inti & her twin sister and the town people, but the mystery... honestly: naah (which was good, because to me the revelation was quite unsatisfying). 

However, the one thing that really bothered me - there is a side plot regarding Inti that comes to a strange peak at the end of the book and... I honestly can't believe this was written by a woman, it seemed so unbelievable and kind of not necessary. I didn't understand why that choice was made. 

But apart from that - quick read, strong overall theme and it sticks with you long after you closed the book.
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