laedyred's reviews
280 reviews

Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky

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adventurous dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The concept of the world is certainly unique and many of the ideas introduced are really cool. The problem is nothing is delved into past the surface. I even forgot what Artyom's mission was for a while. The different factions, rumors of the metro, and even most of the characters drift in and out of the story serving as not much more than dumps of exposition. The world building is lacking. Artyom is moderately fleshed out as a character, but doesn't elicit a bond with the reader. Too much deus ex machina, relying on the explanation of "fate." The author takes a stab at philosophical/social commentary that could have been powerful - humans losing dominion over the earth, senseless violence, the point of humanity. The problem is, it remained superficial. The ending came out of nowhere and was disappointing. I'm tempted to read the second book to see if these problems are remedied, but I think I'll read something else first.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

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informative fast-paced

1.0

1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don't take anything personally. 
3. Don't make assumptions. 
4. Always do your best.

Everything worth being said could have been summed up in about two paragraphs. On many occasions the same sentence shows up multiple times in a chapter. This reads like the author expects people to flip a switch and suddenly be happy. There is no nuance, it's wishful without acknowledging the complexity of real life. Some statements are downright untrue and offensive - like saying if you believe you'll get cancer, you'll get cancer. Like you could prevent disease by thinking positively. Come on. If you've spent even a year in therapy, nothing in this text is new. 
The Secret History by Donna Tartt

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

3.5

Every character is unlikable, which I assume is the point. But you can have unlikable characters that are also interesting. These people are not those characters. I was intrigued by the alternative idea of studying what happens after a crime instead of leading up to it, but I cannot seem to find a conclusion anywhere. What is this about? Why did it take 560 pages to get to a nothing ending? I didn't hate it, but I certainly don't understand the hype. I have mixed feelings that are not helped by the overtone of hyperintellectualism. There is plenty of misogyny to go with it. Credit where it's due: the symbolism, themes, and connections to other texts is well, well done. The writing is superb and detailed almost to a fault. 
Tales from Moominvalley by Tove Jansson

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

4.0

I see why the Moomins are so loved. These short stories are charming in a way I haven't seen before. They're philosophical but aren't forceful; they're tales of cute characters, not a vehicle for shoving lessons down your throat. There are some surprisingly dark moments and language, which makes me like it even more. 
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 This is a great retelling of some of the Norse myths I had never heard before. Gaiman takes a no-frills approach to his storytelling, not wasting space with unneeded fluffy details. The entertainment comes from the shenanigans the gods get themselves into, which Gaiman is able to tell flatly with an underlying humor. The downside: the book is quite short, leaving the saga feel emptier than I had hoped. 
Vita Nostra by Sergey Dyachenko, Marina Dyachenko

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adventurous mysterious reflective 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

5.0

This messed with my head. The ending comes out of nowhere, but will certainly give you something to ponder. Such a unique concept for a novel.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Obviously this isn't peak literary genius. But for what it is - a cheesy, smutty, rom com - it's perfect. Gave me some emotional moments and reflections to my own life. 

Quotations:

How can two people who belong together belong in two different places?

I wonder if I've been living at half volume too.

Maybe it's possible to have more than one home. Maybe it's possible to belong in a hundred different ways to a hundred different people and places.

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

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

5.0

This book made me empathize utterly and completely. Having gone through similar trauma to the main character, I don't know that I would be able to read this book again. However, I was not able to put this book down; I needed to see how she would heal. I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced heartbreak and trauma. It helped me find a bit of solace, even with a fictitious character.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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inspiring lighthearted 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? No

3.0

Gives some good reminders about keeping your inner child alive and appreciating your friends. 
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • 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

I honestly don't know if I liked this book. The characters are flat and all stereotypes so the plot is the only thing holding it together. And the plot is...unsatisfying at times. The twist caught me by surprise but the logic the author uses to get there is kind of a stretch. There are some inconsistencies and I can't really say I like any of the characters. The writing itself is fine, but is definitely low complexity even for YA. I haven't decided if I'll pick up the next one.