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philibin's reviews
815 reviews
Spiderlight by Adrian Tchaikovsky
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
(3.5 Stars)
Normally I really like it when the author reads the audiobook... With that being said, I think the narration was just "okay". I think he did the male voices really good, and gave some of the more major characters their own unique accents, cadence, and tone. For the female voices, I think he was lacking a little. He does have a deep voice so it was probably difficult to perform female voices. He didn't do a bad job, it just wasn't as good as I hoped it would be. If there was something that could be improved, it would be to make sure vocal volume a little more even, some parts were spoken very softly.
As far as the book, I thought the concept was great, the character development was excellent, and the visualization of the world was well done. This was a fantasy adventure, or quest. The story was good, and I found myself thinking of several sub-plots I'd like to see expanded on. However, for me, I thought the ending was anti-climactic. Well, the "idea" of the ending was really good, but actual ending just felt a little flat. I can't say much more without giving away key story elements.
This author is really good, and has several books that I rate very highly. I would read more if this were a series, and I will definitely read more by this author.
Normally I really like it when the author reads the audiobook... With that being said, I think the narration was just "okay". I think he did the male voices really good, and gave some of the more major characters their own unique accents, cadence, and tone. For the female voices, I think he was lacking a little. He does have a deep voice so it was probably difficult to perform female voices. He didn't do a bad job, it just wasn't as good as I hoped it would be. If there was something that could be improved, it would be to make sure vocal volume a little more even, some parts were spoken very softly.
As far as the book, I thought the concept was great, the character development was excellent, and the visualization of the world was well done. This was a fantasy adventure, or quest. The story was good, and I found myself thinking of several sub-plots I'd like to see expanded on. However, for me, I thought the ending was anti-climactic. Well, the "idea" of the ending was really good, but actual ending just felt a little flat. I can't say much more without giving away key story elements.
This author is really good, and has several books that I rate very highly. I would read more if this were a series, and I will definitely read more by this author.
Shock Induction by Chuck Palahniuk
dark
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
3.5
(3.5 Stars)
This book was somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me, so I split the difference.
I could tell you about the satirical look at pop culture, or the random little factoids randomly inserted here and there throughout the book.
Or I could tell you that this didn't have the relatable characters I'm used to from a Palahniuk book. Or that repetitive ear-worm like cadence I've come to expect from Chuck's books.
But instead, I'll just say this: Avocado avocado avocado avocado. Avocado, avocado -- avocado. avocado avocado avocado. Avocado...avocado avocado avocado avocado avocado.
This book was somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me, so I split the difference.
I could tell you about the satirical look at pop culture, or the random little factoids randomly inserted here and there throughout the book.
Or I could tell you that this didn't have the relatable characters I'm used to from a Palahniuk book. Or that repetitive ear-worm like cadence I've come to expect from Chuck's books.
But instead, I'll just say this: Avocado avocado avocado avocado. Avocado, avocado -- avocado. avocado avocado avocado. Avocado...avocado avocado avocado avocado avocado.
Dogs of War by Adrian Tchaikovsky
dark
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? Yes
5.0
(5.0 Stars)
This book was everything I hoped it would be... and more!
The Character growth is amazing, and the world building is so well done, you'd think it was taken straight from an alternate history.
I read the audiobook version and it is split between three narrators, all do an excellent job. If you like military techno thrillers this should be on your TBR list. It is basically The Isle of Doctor Moreau mixed with some anime mecha fantasy, with a little District 9 (without the aliens) thrown in for good measure.
This book was everything I hoped it would be... and more!
The Character growth is amazing, and the world building is so well done, you'd think it was taken straight from an alternate history.
I read the audiobook version and it is split between three narrators, all do an excellent job. If you like military techno thrillers this should be on your TBR list. It is basically The Isle of Doctor Moreau mixed with some anime mecha fantasy, with a little District 9 (without the aliens) thrown in for good measure.
A Decade of Death and Decisions by Drew Hayes
adventurous
lighthearted
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
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
There are a few things that can be said about Drew Hayes. He is a great story teller. He is a very good writer. He has a lot of fans of his writing. And he gives his fans what they want.
This book is a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book, ten years in the making... But instead of just turning to page ##, the fans decide the direction of the book by way of "polls" and popular consensus.
The result is a wonderfully written tale with relatable characters, richly detailed environments, and a successful expirimental novel almost guaranteed to be enjoyable.
So, if you like Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, or even just Halloween... this book is for you!
There are a few things that can be said about Drew Hayes. He is a great story teller. He is a very good writer. He has a lot of fans of his writing. And he gives his fans what they want.
This book is a "Choose Your Own Adventure" book, ten years in the making... But instead of just turning to page ##, the fans decide the direction of the book by way of "polls" and popular consensus.
The result is a wonderfully written tale with relatable characters, richly detailed environments, and a successful expirimental novel almost guaranteed to be enjoyable.
So, if you like Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, or even just Halloween... this book is for you!
Mickey7 by Edward Ashton
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.75
(4.75 Stars)
I really liked this book... It was everything that I hoped it would be. If you liked the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, you should give this a shot. The characters are vibrant and relatable, the world building is superb, and the story is interesting.
The narration was good, and the pace was nearly perfect. I simply cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
I really liked this book... It was everything that I hoped it would be. If you liked the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, you should give this a shot. The characters are vibrant and relatable, the world building is superb, and the story is interesting.
The narration was good, and the pace was nearly perfect. I simply cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
This was everything I like about Fantasy stories. It was strange, but not in a bad way. It was unfamiliar to me, but that kept me interested. The Magic System is unique and a big part of how the story unfolds.
The world building is my least favorite part... not because it wasn't consistent, but because I had a hard time visualizing it. Some of the environmental elements just didn't come together in my mind, but it was really a minor criticism.
The characters are vivid and distinct. The pace was good, and the length was perfect.
This book would be good for anyone who likes magic-based fantasy with strong female characters, engaging storytelling, and quests that start and complete in the same book.The Narration of the audiobook is very good too.
This is a Fantasy, not a Romantasy. And while it isn't YA, it could be enjoyed by a younger audience as well.
This was everything I like about Fantasy stories. It was strange, but not in a bad way. It was unfamiliar to me, but that kept me interested. The Magic System is unique and a big part of how the story unfolds.
The world building is my least favorite part... not because it wasn't consistent, but because I had a hard time visualizing it. Some of the environmental elements just didn't come together in my mind, but it was really a minor criticism.
The characters are vivid and distinct. The pace was good, and the length was perfect.
This book would be good for anyone who likes magic-based fantasy with strong female characters, engaging storytelling, and quests that start and complete in the same book.The Narration of the audiobook is very good too.
This is a Fantasy, not a Romantasy. And while it isn't YA, it could be enjoyed by a younger audience as well.
Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
(4.5 Stars)
I have a bit of a rough history with this book. I started reading it over a decade ago, and I really struggled with the physical copy. I was equal parts impressed with the experimental way the book was written, with my inability to "get past" the lack of proper spelling and grammar (it was a "me" problem). But I loved the concept. I just couldn't finish it, but it never completely left my mind.
A few years ago I tried reading it again, this time the ebook version. I was able to get slightly farther, but not by much. Eventually I gave up. Then I had an idea... maybe an audiobook would work for me?
I searched for a service that would have an audiobook version, and looked at several libraries. Finally after years, I was able to obtain a copy of the audio recording!
The long wait did not disappoint. This book was very well written, a future dystopian "history" steeped in mythology, lore, music, rhymes, and a richly created culture. The world is both familiar and alien, the characters are real and impossible. This book is gritty, but beautiful.
I have a bit of a rough history with this book. I started reading it over a decade ago, and I really struggled with the physical copy. I was equal parts impressed with the experimental way the book was written, with my inability to "get past" the lack of proper spelling and grammar (it was a "me" problem). But I loved the concept. I just couldn't finish it, but it never completely left my mind.
A few years ago I tried reading it again, this time the ebook version. I was able to get slightly farther, but not by much. Eventually I gave up. Then I had an idea... maybe an audiobook would work for me?
I searched for a service that would have an audiobook version, and looked at several libraries. Finally after years, I was able to obtain a copy of the audio recording!
The long wait did not disappoint. This book was very well written, a future dystopian "history" steeped in mythology, lore, music, rhymes, and a richly created culture. The world is both familiar and alien, the characters are real and impossible. This book is gritty, but beautiful.
Grim Death and Bill the Electrocuted Criminal by Mike Mignola, Thomas E. Sniegoski
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
(2.0 Stars)
I really thought I'd rate this much higher. I've been a big fan of Mignola for years, but for me, this book just didn't work. I get that it was trying to be set in the backdrop of a pulp style noir, but I felt more like it was a badly done Batman clone. From the very first page, I felt like I was missing some crucial starting point. Like maybe this was based on something previous that I was not aware of. But I don't think that is it. The book does provide "background", but it is done through a series of "flashbacks" that were clunky and unhelpful when they were eventually presented.
The dialog is unclever, and the situations are unrealistic... even within the fantasy of the story. The book tells you what is going on, but never gives a good reason why I should care. Near the end of the book, you are given a lot more information about the protagonist's reasoning/motivation... but by that point it was "too little, too late". None of the story progression, character growth, or world building was organic or smooth. It was spoon-fed, seemingly as an after-thought.
The narrator did have a gritty deadpan voice, but never really gave the characters any "life". Maybe he never got a good feel for the characters either? He kept a nice pace and was clear and easily understandable.
I really thought I'd rate this much higher. I've been a big fan of Mignola for years, but for me, this book just didn't work. I get that it was trying to be set in the backdrop of a pulp style noir, but I felt more like it was a badly done Batman clone. From the very first page, I felt like I was missing some crucial starting point. Like maybe this was based on something previous that I was not aware of. But I don't think that is it. The book does provide "background", but it is done through a series of "flashbacks" that were clunky and unhelpful when they were eventually presented.
The dialog is unclever, and the situations are unrealistic... even within the fantasy of the story. The book tells you what is going on, but never gives a good reason why I should care. Near the end of the book, you are given a lot more information about the protagonist's reasoning/motivation... but by that point it was "too little, too late". None of the story progression, character growth, or world building was organic or smooth. It was spoon-fed, seemingly as an after-thought.
The narrator did have a gritty deadpan voice, but never really gave the characters any "life". Maybe he never got a good feel for the characters either? He kept a nice pace and was clear and easily understandable.
Two Necromancers, a Dragon, and a Vampire by L. G. Estrella
adventurous
lighthearted
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
3.25
(3.25 Stars)
I liked this book, and I like this series. It is enjoyable, full of loveable characters, campy quips, and good storytelling. If I wanted to compare it to anything, I'd have to say that it is a lot like the Saturday morning cartoons from my youth. Similar in vein to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Dungeons & Dragons, Even the original Space Ghost or even Scooby-Doo. It is very formulaic, predictable, and uncomplicated... but that doesn't make it bad, it makes it enjoyable and easily digestible.
The narration is good, the world-setting is familiar, and the pace is good.
This book is basically two complete stories, and I kind of wish it would have been two books. I do like them, but feel this type of book lends itself better to shorter works, rather than one long book. There are more books in the series, but they are even longer than this one and I do plan on reading them... but I might have to break them up and read other books at the same time.
This is just a personal preference, so your mileage may vary.
I liked this book, and I like this series. It is enjoyable, full of loveable characters, campy quips, and good storytelling. If I wanted to compare it to anything, I'd have to say that it is a lot like the Saturday morning cartoons from my youth. Similar in vein to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Dungeons & Dragons, Even the original Space Ghost or even Scooby-Doo. It is very formulaic, predictable, and uncomplicated... but that doesn't make it bad, it makes it enjoyable and easily digestible.
The narration is good, the world-setting is familiar, and the pace is good.
This book is basically two complete stories, and I kind of wish it would have been two books. I do like them, but feel this type of book lends itself better to shorter works, rather than one long book. There are more books in the series, but they are even longer than this one and I do plan on reading them... but I might have to break them up and read other books at the same time.
This is just a personal preference, so your mileage may vary.
Cult Classic by Stephen Blackmoore
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
(5.0 Stars)
This rating is not only for this book, but for the entire series. I've had mixed reviews for the books in this series, but this last one really tied them all together nicely.
This was the best book of the series, but also closed a lot of the holes left open in the previous books. The narrator was good, and for my own preference, I liked the unabridged audiobooks much better than the graphic audio books.
So, if you are stuck in the middle of this series, stick with it... it gets better with every book!
I hope to read more by this author.
This rating is not only for this book, but for the entire series. I've had mixed reviews for the books in this series, but this last one really tied them all together nicely.
This was the best book of the series, but also closed a lot of the holes left open in the previous books. The narrator was good, and for my own preference, I liked the unabridged audiobooks much better than the graphic audio books.
So, if you are stuck in the middle of this series, stick with it... it gets better with every book!
I hope to read more by this author.