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karin_goodreads's reviews
116 reviews
Ma olen tänulik. Tänulikkuse elumuutev maagiline jõud by Elen Marunevitš
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
A sweet book about gratefulness!
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
I went into this looking for M. L. Rio's unique style and found something not quite that level. I have read "If We Were Villains" before, and I loved that book. I didn't particularly expect anything from this book, but somehow I'm still left dissatisfied.
The whole story takes place over one night, well, the uncovering part, and we get to meet and learn about these different people who all have a connection (spoiler: it's smoking). We follow them around for the night and see how the story unfurls from their perspective (yes, it's multiple POVs). It's a lot to take in for such a short book: the mystery, the medical and scientific information, and the characters whose personal stories we get glimpses into. All of them were very different, which was great for fast differentiation.
The mystery and tense atmosphere were very nice for a read in the evenings. I liked the suspense and the fact that the reader kind of figures out the story as it unfolds. First it seems like a story of people who are just living their life with all its complicated shades, but then it turns into a one-night hunt after a story to unveil.
The thing is... I don't love anything particular about this book, but there's also nothing to hate about it. What did upset me was the length, more precisely the ending. I felt like I just got cut off, as if some chapters were left unread. It felt like the author was pulling all the strings tight together to tell the story and then randomly let go, and it was just, poof, over. On the other hand, I didn't mind the pacing before that; the multiple perspectives and time flow were good enough.
Maybe that's just what it needed to be. A story of five paths crossing and how (and if) they continue to do so. Either way, I'm going to wipe my hands clean of this story and leave it where it started.
The whole story takes place over one night, well, the uncovering part, and we get to meet and learn about these different people who all have a connection (spoiler: it's smoking). We follow them around for the night and see how the story unfurls from their perspective (yes, it's multiple POVs). It's a lot to take in for such a short book: the mystery, the medical and scientific information, and the characters whose personal stories we get glimpses into. All of them were very different, which was great for fast differentiation.
The mystery and tense atmosphere were very nice for a read in the evenings. I liked the suspense and the fact that the reader kind of figures out the story as it unfolds. First it seems like a story of people who are just living their life with all its complicated shades, but then it turns into a one-night hunt after a story to unveil.
The thing is... I don't love anything particular about this book, but there's also nothing to hate about it. What did upset me was the length, more precisely the ending. I felt like I just got cut off, as if some chapters were left unread. It felt like the author was pulling all the strings tight together to tell the story and then randomly let go, and it was just, poof, over. On the other hand, I didn't mind the pacing before that; the multiple perspectives and time flow were good enough.
Maybe that's just what it needed to be. A story of five paths crossing and how (and if) they continue to do so. Either way, I'm going to wipe my hands clean of this story and leave it where it started.
What happens in the graveyard stays in the graveyard.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Alcohol
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Violence, and Medical content
Minor: Cancer, Drug use, and Cannibalism
human experimentation
EI öelda on okei by Fanny Vella
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Sweet story with a twist that teaches small and big to say "No!" when we really want to.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo is perhaps one of the more complex characters that I've had the pleasure of meeting in recent history. It's been absolutely lovely to get to know her story and the complexities of her life. I love that she doesn't fit in a box in more ways than one; she's a surprise. She is not necessarily "good" or "bad", but rather simply a human with her own motivations and reasons. We got to learn a lot about Hollywood, moral and emotional issues, and sexuality.
I quite enjoyed the sectionalization: how the 'smaller' chapters were paced and the 'bigger' sections had Evelyn's husbands as the titles. That was a smart way to do it, plus it gives you a chance to be more intimate with the other characters. I got to love Harry till the bittersweet end, he had me in his corner pretty early on.
But let's not forget Monique and her story! Even though she was mostly out of the picture, the times she did show up were well-fitted into the story. She didn't get lost or overshadowed by Evelyn (maybe a little, but come on, she's a star). It had a great unbalanced balance, if that makes sense. Most of the characters had a chance to shine in their moments. Nevertheless, strangely, the star of it all shone the most and the least - we got to know Evelyn like no one else, but she's still a total mystery. And that's intricate storytelling for you.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Oh my god, this is one hell of a story! I heard so much good about this book, and I finally got to read it myself. I'm not crazy over it, but I recognize it's a remarkable piece of literature, as word on the street said it was.
Don't ignore half of me so you can fit me into a box. Don't do that.
Evelyn Hugo is perhaps one of the more complex characters that I've had the pleasure of meeting in recent history. It's been absolutely lovely to get to know her story and the complexities of her life. I love that she doesn't fit in a box in more ways than one; she's a surprise. She is not necessarily "good" or "bad", but rather simply a human with her own motivations and reasons. We got to learn a lot about Hollywood, moral and emotional issues, and sexuality.
It’s always been fascinating to me how things can be simultaneously true and false, how people can be good and bad all in one, how someone can love you in a way that is beautifully selfless while serving themselves ruthlessly.
I quite enjoyed the sectionalization: how the 'smaller' chapters were paced and the 'bigger' sections had Evelyn's husbands as the titles. That was a smart way to do it, plus it gives you a chance to be more intimate with the other characters. I got to love Harry till the bittersweet end, he had me in his corner pretty early on.
But let's not forget Monique and her story! Even though she was mostly out of the picture, the times she did show up were well-fitted into the story. She didn't get lost or overshadowed by Evelyn (maybe a little, but come on, she's a star). It had a great unbalanced balance, if that makes sense. Most of the characters had a chance to shine in their moments. Nevertheless, strangely, the star of it all shone the most and the least - we got to know Evelyn like no one else, but she's still a total mystery. And that's intricate storytelling for you.
I’m under absolutely no obligation to make sense to you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Biphobia, Cancer, Death, Homophobia, Sexual content, Suicide, Car accident, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Miscarriage, Abortion, and Pregnancy
Thousand Autumns [千秋] by 梦溪石
This book is longer than The Bible (fun fact!!) and I for some reason thought that it would be a good idea to read through it as fast as possible. In reality I finished it in less than a week, but I sat on it for a long time, since I had plans to reread it. Now I'm waiting for the official English translations, which will be complete by summer 2024 (yay!!) and then I'm good to go. The book translations are in 5 parts, so I'll get to read through five books, which is probably better than the out of this world volume the original one has.
The story itself is a little insane (or very much so). Yan Wushi is such a brazen and striking character that even if he does something unlikable, you might find yourself fine with such happenings, because that man has a way to wiggle himself into your system. I don't know if I love him (I do, he is super interesting) or hate him, but I think that he's so much more than that, he is simply put fucking complex.
While Yan Wushi did not believe in the good nature of humanity, we had his opposite, the epitome of goodness - Shen Qiao. He is better and stronger than I'll ever be, because what the fuck? Man had so many misfortunes and people with bad intentions surrounding him, yet he stayed true to his beliefs - considerate without waiting for anything in return. It felt so great to see him learn about the ways of the world and become wiser. Despite that, he was already so resilient from the beginning, he took everything life gave him and dealt with it (and he had to suffer A LOT, ok).
Yan Wushi's only thought, of course, was to try and break that poor man, to prove that the world is full of evil, because "after thousands of autumns, who could stay eternal?". Truth be told, somehow their duo made sense, it might be the opposites thing, but it was just so good! The book can be a little intimidating, because of it's length, but in reality, it's too fun to feel boring. So many things happen, so many twists and turns, so many emotions. I literally cried when I finished the story. The ending chapters made me want to scream into a pillow. The end truly was crazy, but good crazy :D
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
I should've know that this would happen. The last time I binge-read through a book like this, I was stuck in that rabbit hole for months after (I still am). "Thousand Autumns" wasn't any different. In addition, I watched through the animated series, which still hasn't been finished, even though two years have passed. I would LOVE to get season 2... the series was very fun to watch and very eye-catching.
"But what about the book?" you ask.
This book is longer than The Bible (fun fact!!) and I for some reason thought that it would be a good idea to read through it as fast as possible. In reality I finished it in less than a week, but I sat on it for a long time, since I had plans to reread it. Now I'm waiting for the official English translations, which will be complete by summer 2024 (yay!!) and then I'm good to go. The book translations are in 5 parts, so I'll get to read through five books, which is probably better than the out of this world volume the original one has.
The story itself is a little insane (or very much so). Yan Wushi is such a brazen and striking character that even if he does something unlikable, you might find yourself fine with such happenings, because that man has a way to wiggle himself into your system. I don't know if I love him (I do, he is super interesting) or hate him, but I think that he's so much more than that, he is simply put fucking complex.
Everyone has evil intentions in their minds. The only difference is executing it or not. There's no need to criticize them so harshly.
While Yan Wushi did not believe in the good nature of humanity, we had his opposite, the epitome of goodness - Shen Qiao. He is better and stronger than I'll ever be, because what the fuck? Man had so many misfortunes and people with bad intentions surrounding him, yet he stayed true to his beliefs - considerate without waiting for anything in return. It felt so great to see him learn about the ways of the world and become wiser. Despite that, he was already so resilient from the beginning, he took everything life gave him and dealt with it (and he had to suffer A LOT, ok).
There are many people in this world — some of them are good, and some of them are bad. But there are even more who can't be simply classified as 'good' or 'bad'. They may not think in the same way you think, or walk the same path you walk.
Yan Wushi's only thought, of course, was to try and break that poor man, to prove that the world is full of evil, because "after thousands of autumns, who could stay eternal?". Truth be told, somehow their duo made sense, it might be the opposites thing, but it was just so good! The book can be a little intimidating, because of it's length, but in reality, it's too fun to feel boring. So many things happen, so many twists and turns, so many emotions. I literally cried when I finished the story. The ending chapters made me want to scream into a pillow. The end truly was crazy, but good crazy :D
And yet past dreams sought, people departed, what has passed will never return.
Just like some errors have no way of being remedied, some cracks will forever persist, and death, impossible to wake from.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Blood, Grief, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Mental illness and War
The Cat Who Taught Zen by James Norbury
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This time we don't get to meet with Big Panda & Tiny Dragon (well actually, they're mentioned), but we get to embark on a journey with Cat, who is on a mission to get to the ancient pine tree to unlock infinite wisdom. On his way Cat meets with a bunch of animals and gives them advice, although in the end it's him who learns a lesson from an unlikely companion.
Once again James Norbury is back with another adorable book! This simple, yet profound little story brought comfort and a message when I needed it the most. The visuals are always so charming and fun! I must admit that something was lacking for me.. I can't give it 5 stars. It could've been the fast pace or something else entirely. Despite that, it's still a cute read for a cozy day. The afterword was also very interesting to me, a teeny-tiny insight about the work that went into putting this all together.
Once again James Norbury is back with another adorable book! This simple, yet profound little story brought comfort and a message when I needed it the most. The visuals are always so charming and fun! I must admit that something was lacking for me.. I can't give it 5 stars. It could've been the fast pace or something else entirely. Despite that, it's still a cute read for a cozy day. The afterword was also very interesting to me, a teeny-tiny insight about the work that went into putting this all together.
The secret to a beautiful life is not just in an ancient tree or a star-filled sky.
It is in the leaves and the mud and the rain.
In you and me and in the bustling city I left far behind.
Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells
The annoyance and sarcasm was palpable in this one. It was so fun to see Murderbot from this angle, kind of "fuck it, I'll just do it" energy. Murderbot really transformed into a detective, going on clue hunts with its restricted access (I can't imagine keeping the promise to not hack when needed, but more power to you). Murderbot had to be clever and get information the "right" way... Murderbot did get to to show off ;)
Senior Indah (head of Preservation Station Security) and everyone else was super skeptical and untrusting. I kept alternating between pissed and sad - the way Murderbot was treated was just not it, BUT it did get better by the end. Everyone got me banging my head on a table while Murderbot had to deal with human stupidity. One exception will be Gurathin and Ratthi who became Murderbot's little sidekicks.(Also JollyBaby and the other bots - that one scene was SO good!) I didn't expect that plot-twist tho, it was quite a surprise! Nevertheless, Murderbot is a survivor! Seriously, it almost got squished by a crane and then shot by a human (that it was trying to rescue! yeah.).
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
I got a little messed up chronologically: this book takes place before "Network Effect" (the first full novel that has a continuation), but that didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. This time around we get to meet Detective Murderbot and its struggles with the local Security. Murderbot helps them solve an abnormal murder while having to prove itselves intentions and deal with even more humans than usual.
I know a “fuck off” when I hear one. So I fucked off.
The annoyance and sarcasm was palpable in this one. It was so fun to see Murderbot from this angle, kind of "fuck it, I'll just do it" energy. Murderbot really transformed into a detective, going on clue hunts with its restricted access (I can't imagine keeping the promise to not hack when needed, but more power to you). Murderbot had to be clever and get information the "right" way... Murderbot did get to to show off ;)
Senior Indah (head of Preservation Station Security) and everyone else was super skeptical and untrusting. I kept alternating between pissed and sad - the way Murderbot was treated was just not it, BUT it did get better by the end. Everyone got me banging my head on a table while Murderbot had to deal with human stupidity. One exception will be Gurathin and Ratthi who became Murderbot's little sidekicks.
All I wanted to do was watch media and not exist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, Slavery, Blood, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
Minor: Medical content and Injury/Injury detail
Network Effect by Martha Wells
I am so entangled in this universe that leaving is impossible (not that I'd even want to do that). I feel like someone grabbed me by my shoulders and shook me so hard that my brain got bounced around.
What the fuck? I was NOT prepared for all of these emotions and the raw reality of learning to live. This was more than I could even dreams of - Murderbot, its crew, ART with its crew, space adventures and a fuckton more! (So much happened in here I swear.)
Well, the adventures were overshadowed by the amount of emotional damage that every other page of this book decided to hit me with. I was genuinely worried and crying by the last chapters, it's not even funny (the book is funny tho). Nevertheless, the writing, the characters, the plot and all the dynamics are to die for! I am thrilled to continue the series and get to witness even more of Murderbot's journey! <3
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
The Murderbot Diaries' first full novel! Murderbot needs to deal with its crew getting mixed up in a space kidnapping, taking on a strange planet and its colony, while keeping everyone (mostly) intact and alive. An old friend from the past makes a return with a urgent help request. Murderbot just needs to get through all of it in one piece (mentally, emotionally & physically)... how challenging can it be?
It could be one more weird anomaly in this unending cycle of what the fuck.
I am so entangled in this universe that leaving is impossible (not that I'd even want to do that). I feel like someone grabbed me by my shoulders and shook me so hard that my brain got bounced around.
What the fuck? I was NOT prepared for all of these emotions and the raw reality of learning to live. This was more than I could even dreams of - Murderbot, its crew, ART with its crew, space adventures and a fuckton more! (So much happened in here I swear.)
I hate it when humans and augmented humans ruin things for no reason. Maybe because I was a thing before I was a person and if I’m not careful I could be a thing again.
Well, the adventures were overshadowed by the amount of emotional damage that every other page of this book decided to hit me with. I was genuinely worried and crying by the last chapters, it's not even funny (the book is funny tho). Nevertheless, the writing, the characters, the plot and all the dynamics are to die for! I am thrilled to continue the series and get to witness even more of Murderbot's journey! <3
I don't want to not see you again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, and Grief
Compulsory by Martha Wells
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This is a (super) short story and the prequel to Murderbot Diaries' first book "All Systems Red".
We get to meet Murderbot in its early days of freedom from the governor module and it's wonderful! You can see the personality, the sass and the attitude take root.
The media-loving Murderbot (yes, you bet it was watching "The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon") faces a dilemma: help the humans (ugh) and risk exposing its secret OR follow orders, do nothing and watch media. Murderbot is never given an easy choice huh.
We get to meet Murderbot in its early days of freedom from the governor module and it's wonderful! You can see the personality, the sass and the attitude take root.
The media-loving Murderbot (yes, you bet it was watching "The Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon") faces a dilemma: help the humans (ugh) and risk exposing its secret OR follow orders, do nothing and watch media. Murderbot is never given an easy choice huh.
Since I hacked my governor module, I sometimes do things and I'm not sure entirely why. (Apparently suddenly getting free will after having 93% of your behavior controlled for your entire existence will do weird things to your impulse control.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and Violence
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
It was fascinating to see Murderbot's internal (emotional) struggles and to see it want to win against GrayCris purely out of spite. (In hindsight, that wasn't a very good idea, but it was successful, so... I'll take that.) That did lead us to some very unfortunate circumstances in which Murderbot almost deleted itself out of existence (I blame it on the wonky risk assessment module), which would have had me sobbing at 3 am. (Guaranteed.) Thankfully, things turned out MUCH better, with everyone intact, but perhaps some were changed and some even a little broken.
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It's Murderbot Diaries' fourth book and I'm devouring it (for a reason - the whole series is so good!). Murderbot has adventured far and wide to shed light on its own past and gather evidence of GrayCris Corporation's crimes, but now, it's time to return to those who this began with.
Ohhoo, what an action-packed story it was - reuniting with old friends, complaining about humans, sarcasm, strange emotions, badass fighting and near death situations. Seriously, I have been waiting for this!
We are back to help out the "first" crew (Dr. Mensah, specifically) and Murderbot, who definitely doesn't care, sure does a lot to help these humans. I was so giddy to see the reunion!
Even though Murderbot itself wasn't sure how to refer to them, ART had already planted the seed that PreservationAux was Murderbot's crew, that these were Murderbot's humans. And they are!
Ohhoo, what an action-packed story it was - reuniting with old friends, complaining about humans, sarcasm, strange emotions, badass fighting and near death situations. Seriously, I have been waiting for this!
We are back to help out the "first" crew (Dr. Mensah, specifically) and Murderbot, who definitely doesn't care, sure does a lot to help these humans. I was so giddy to see the reunion!
Even though Murderbot itself wasn't sure how to refer to them, ART had already planted the seed that PreservationAux was Murderbot's crew, that these were Murderbot's humans. And they are!
I was having an emotion, and I hate that.
It was fascinating to see Murderbot's internal (emotional) struggles and to see it want to win against GrayCris purely out of spite. (In hindsight, that wasn't a very good idea, but it was successful, so... I'll take that.) That did lead us to some very unfortunate circumstances in which Murderbot almost deleted itself out of existence (I blame it on the wonky risk assessment module), which would have had me sobbing at 3 am. (Guaranteed.) Thankfully, things turned out MUCH better, with everyone intact, but perhaps some were changed and some even a little broken.
It would have been hilarious if I wasn’t about to die. It was still a little hilarious.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death and Medical content
Minor: Slavery, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail