third_bookworm's reviews
110 reviews

Babel by R.F. Kuang

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dark emotional 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

5.0

I was initially skeptical of this book because I did not like The Poppy War, but it was very good. Scratched a particular itch for pseudohistorical fantasy in line with Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, and the central reflection on language and colonization was really interesting and enjoyable. Also, I loved the main characters, and their arc was absolutely heartbreaking. Would definitely reread.
The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

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

2.0

Interesting worldbuilding concept, but the main characters were annoying, the plot was formulaic, and the writing was mediocre. Would have been much improved by a better editor, there were multiple typos and several irritating stylistic choices.
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The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous emotional 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

4.5

Re: the ending: ouch.
Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie

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adventurous reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

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

5.0

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

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adventurous dark reflective 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

4.5

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

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adventurous dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

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adventurous dark emotional 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? Yes

4.5

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The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

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

5.0

Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin

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

4.5