its_kievan's reviews
185 reviews

The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan

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

3.0

I really wish fantasy writers would spend less time coming up with weird names and more time learning how to actually write. Obviously I still enjoyed the book: 3 stars is still 3 stars, Vonvalt was an interesting (if honestly under-utilised) character, and the final battle was legitimately tense. At the same time it’s Swan’s debut novel, and it showed. Not to mention I was disappointed at how little courtroom drama there actually was - there’s only one trial and all the characters leave halfway through. Also can men in fantasy please stop writing female MCs it’s painful.
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The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik

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dark emotional funny tense fast-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

Kicking my feet and giggling and screaming and crying and throwing up
The Nobody People by Bob Proehl

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

3.5

Proehl clearly had a very specific plot in mind, but unfortunately that plot gets in the way of all the good bits. Compelling, well-written characters will make completely nonsensical decisions (Fahima
giving inhibitor collars to the US government
comes to mind), and thoughtful mediations on the trappings of power and prejudice are put on hold in order to play out a specific narrative that just doesn't ring true. The idea of superpowers as an allegory for civil rights is a compelling (and popular) one, but Proehl just doesn't stick the landing.
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

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hopeful informative fast-paced

2.5

Your average pop social sciences book - a fun overview of cults with an interesting thesis, but it never goes below surface level.
A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-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

3.0

One hell of a slog by the end - I couldn’t care less about Meereen, sorry Daenerys - but I did I climbed my Everest I never have to think about dragons again!
A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

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challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-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

Still an engaging story with great characters (a special shout out to  my faves Brienne and Jamie and also queens Genna Lannister and Mya Stone) but this is like the sixth one of these I’ve read and by god is the fatigue setting in.
A Storm of Swords: Blood and Gold by George R.R. Martin

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

4.0

Surprising no-one, the half of A Storm of Swords with all the dramatic resolutions is way more interesting than the half that sets up those resolutions. I think what’s surprised me most about this time reading ASOIAF is how much I love Sansa’s character. Every other character has some sort of agency, but Sansa perfectly encapsulates the sheer helplessness and terror of being powerless in a world dominated by the powerful. Like yeah Martin’s characters are all incredible but I think Sansa is really where he shines.
A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow by George R.R. Martin

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

3.5

Definitely suffers from having been split into two books, and most of the best parts being left for Blood and Gold, but it's still ASOIAF and it still slaps.
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

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dark emotional 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

4.0

These books have rapidly become comfort reads and I’m not sure how I feel about that.
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

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

4.0

Just had to check if this still fucks and can confirm it does. I forgot about Rickon going feral in the Winterfell crypts but I love it so much.