mayajoelle's reviews
743 reviews

Another great book. I have very little complaints, except that it takes FOREVER for the actual plot to emerge from the mess of characters and histories that we learn about. By the time Vin realized where the Well of Ascension *actually* was, I didn't even care where it was as long as she found it! I also wish we'd spent more time learning about Zane's past. And unfortunately (probably my own fault), I never was able to keep track of all the members of Kelsier's crew and so

Spoiler

when some of them died, I didn't really care

.

Oh, and I loved the kandra! Hoping they're expanded on more in the second series.

first read Dec. 2020

I'm not sure what to rate this book. The writing is good, the story is interesting, and the worldbuilding is... all right (though the fantasy world is very small and underdeveloped). My biggest problem is the abundance of profanity and sexual content, especially when the MC falls in love with two different women at the same time (and doesn't even *think* about the possible repercussions). It was interesting, though, and I will be reading the sequel.

first read 12/01/2020

Did NOT like the switching to Bardon's POV here. Other than that, it's about the same quality as the previous books.

So much better than the movie.

You are protected, in short, by your ability to love!

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reread (3rd?) 4/11/2020

I'm not quite sure what to think of this book.

The poetry is lovely (of course), and the scenes we get with Anne's family, while rather strange, feel homey to me (since the Anne books are home). But... it's just not the same as the others.

Recommended only to superfans who've read all the other books.

This is a good explanation of the Christian elements and allusions in Harry Potter. The author has written numerous other, similar books; this is the only one I recommend, as many of them are simply restatements of the others.

Recommended for anyone who enjoyed the Harry Potter series, or for Christians who are skeptical of the books and want to read more about the possible Christian elements before reading the books.

I don't enjoy this one as much as the preceding and following titles, but I think that's just because it always takes me a while to adjust to the new format. This book is told mainly in letters, and Gilbert is never present on-page (and every. single. time. Anne is about to write how much she loves him, or how she wants to see him again, the author cuts it out! I want the romance, people!).

Anyway, it's still very good. The Pringles are such an interesting clan (once you get over the ridiculousness of their name) and we also meet a great many good characters: little Elizabeth, Jen, Rebecca Dew, Lewis, Hazel, Little Fellow, Katherine, etc.

It's lovely when the dark is your friend, isn't it? When you turn on the light, it makes the dark your enemy... and it glowers in at you resentfully.

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reread 12/11/2017
reread March 2020

So. I have very mixed feelings about this book. I first read it at age 11 and absolutely loved it, but rereading at the (relatively) older age of 17 - and writing this review at 18 - has given me a different perspective.

Good things: This book is hilarious, and Anne's children are very sweet as little kids. The ending page is very Anne-ish and reminds me of some of the earlier books. Susan is lovable.

Bad things: Some characters read like caricatures/cartoons, esp. Aunt Mary Maria. Shirley's relationship with Susan is just... really strange. Some of the children's episodes veer into the unbelievable or ludicrous (rather than just being fun). Anne and Gilbert's relationship - and troubles thereof - feels forced. I wish Anne was writing more.

Overall, this book isn't as good as the others in the series, but that hasn't ruined my abiding love of Anne (and everything LMM). Will reread at some point (and share with my future children).

"This is no common day, Mrs. Dr. dear," she said solemnly.

"Oh, Susan, there is no such thing as a common day. EVERY day has something about it no other day has. Haven't you noticed?"

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reread 12/16/2017
reread 3/2/2020