bengriffin's reviews
2676 reviews

I received my copy from Bookhugger's Real Readers programme and the first thing to note is that the cover is absolutely stunning. The second thing is that the opening paragraph is one of the most enticing I have ever read. Unfortunately, after such a promising first impression, it falls a little flat.

It's definitely an adventure novel, but this creates some odd strengths and weaknesses. I would disagree with the negative reviews which found it difficult to read. It's written in quite a compelling fashion and I never felt the urge to stop reading and pick something else up instead. It's very easy to get through and quite a quick read for its size. Where the problem arises, however, is that it's very much a case of "this happens, then this happens, then this happens" which leaves very little chance to satifyingly develop the characters.

A lot of reviews praise the emotion and depth of the novel whereas I found the characters to be quite thin and often struggled, or just didn't care, who was who on the ship. Names and actions often blurred or seemed inconsequential and the major characters seemed rather dull, with the exception of the strong, willful, Ishbel, who unfortunately is absent for most of the book, and Jamrach himself, of whom we learn very little. The others seem mostly like creations for events to happen to rather than complex, functioning human beings.

Where the book does shine though is in its descriptions of places. London especially feels very much alive and encapsulates the filth and magic of the city. The islands and ocean feel fresh, alien, and full of wonder. Jamrach's yard feels both fantastic and tragic. Arguably the places become the characters the people fail to be, with lives and mystery beyond the words on the page.

Despite my criticisms, there's something very endearing about this novel. Yes, it's quite dull; yes, the characters are underdeveloped, but I feel really bad for not liking the book more than I did. There's something there, whether it's the author's underlying skill, the appeal of adventure, or how close it comes to being good. It's a shame it didn't quite fulfill its potential, but there's enjoyment to be had here and I'd definitely consider reading more by Carol Birch in the future.

A true celebration of reading.

Not being a superhero comic guy I'm sure there's a lot I missed in this. I found it interesting that it was the first time I remotely cared about Captain America and I appreciated the downbeat ending but it did seem to all build towards the big flashy colourful fight. I suppose that's what most people who read these are in it for but it was nice that they added layers of politics and moral grey areas too. It didn't hook me enough to make me run out and read the other hundred or so issues in the series [and I still haven't several months later] but I can see why it was such a big deal for fans and is probably a decent place to start for people wanting to try the Marvel Universe.

My prior knowledge of X-men is entirely based on the 90's cartoon so it was good to read a different take on the original source material. The writing does really well at portraying the characters as actual teenagers and makes them flawed and human. McKelvie's art helps support that youthful quality and is as clean and sharp and fresh as ever. That said, I'm writing this months after reading it and can barely remember anything that happened in it, other than I loved the art, and the characterisation was strong. Take that how you will.

I liked Fiona Staples art on this, I liked some of the character ideas and designs, and remember it being a fun quick read and having potential if it continued, but I also remember it being a bit cheesy and don't remember much about the plot. Probably worth your time if you come across it but not worth seeking out in a hurry.

I really like American McGee's twisted versions of fairytales and there's some impressive pieces within here. I found it particularly interesting how the game was made in a culture without all the preconceived ideas of Victorian London and Alice itself so it was fascinating to see their interpretations and the freshness and difficulties that creates. I would have liked more of that stuff but still a lovely art book regardless.

I picked this up on the strength of East of West and the promising idea of messing around with well known scientists in an alternate history, but I really struggled to get into it. I really love the clean design of the covers but find the messy, scratchy art inside ugly and looking at it makes me feel really uncomfortable. Whilst it was a difficult slog at first, by the time I'd got to the end of the first volume it had picked up a bit and triggered enough interest that I will try to read more of it, eventually.