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mndyreads's reviews
422 reviews
Babel by R.F. Kuang
5.0
I am going back and forth whether or not to rate this 4.5 or 5. I’ve landed on 5 for now.
The first ~100 pages or so are really slow and it took me a while to get into the book.
I did love the easy fantasy world building for my lazy brain. All the translation / silver talk really made my brain hurt. I can’t even imagine how much research went into a book like this. The whole concept is so fascinating! Translation is fascinating!
Also fuck the British empire lol
I do not recommend starting this book while also starting war and peace. That is not for the weak hearted.
Griffin was such a frustrating character but more because I wanted to know more about him and see a relationship with robin (but understand why the relationships had to stay where they were).
The trip to Canton was so sad.
I also have issue with this author and her comments around the 2024 US election. Her writing says one thing and then her actions say something else…. Disappointing!
I’m not sure I can read Poppy War and will wait to hear reviews on Kalabasas before I pick it up
The first ~100 pages or so are really slow and it took me a while to get into the book.
I did love the easy fantasy world building for my lazy brain. All the translation / silver talk really made my brain hurt. I can’t even imagine how much research went into a book like this. The whole concept is so fascinating! Translation is fascinating!
Also fuck the British empire lol
I do not recommend starting this book while also starting war and peace. That is not for the weak hearted.
Griffin was such a frustrating character but more because I wanted to know more about him and see a relationship with robin (but understand why the relationships had to stay where they were).
The trip to Canton was so sad.
I also have issue with this author and her comments around the 2024 US election. Her writing says one thing and then her actions say something else…. Disappointing!
I’m not sure I can read Poppy War and will wait to hear reviews on Kalabasas before I pick it up
Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho
3.0
Mmmmmmmm don’t think I’d recommend this to anyone. Liked the writing wasn’t a big fan of characters / plot / ending
I think my main issue was that I liked Eric? Hahaha which just says a lot about me. Actually. Not really. That man loved her and respected her. The other man had a girlfriend!!!! I don’t really enjoy the storyline of a man with a bad gf falling for another girl
Christmas Is All Around by Martha Waters
3.25
I think I’m not a Christmas romance girlie. But I would read Martha’s grocery list, so wouldn’t say no if she wrote a second! Was interesting seeing her writing style outside of the historical romance genre!
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
I’m glad Gab told me that the flashbacks were just informative of their life and not a big reveal, it made me able to enjoy the “before” chapters quite a lot
Rainbow has a special way of pulling the heart strings and this was no different. So beautiful!
Me and Shiloh are one of the same re views about the navy / army. Unlike S, I have not changed my mind since her high school opinions and I very much think that the army is an awful evil corporation
However. In the context of this book, I can see how it is a way out for so many people in a really tricky spot and the financial and security benefits are hard to argue.
I love how rainbow paints a picture of what I think is a particular part of America. Lower working class. She does it so well.
I loved Cary and Mickey and Shiloh. I hated Ryan. I love a book where I can like all the main characters and hate the villains !!!
Reading this made me excited to read it again for the second time because I’m sure there is lots I missed at the beginning
I think it probably needed a bit more of a warning that it was an adult book, given her work in YA and that maybe a parent would accidentally buy it for their very young teenager. Not that any part was shocking for kids, it’s just a thought
I wish someone spoiled the ending for me, that it was definitely going to be a happy ending. Them getting together in the third part of the book made me terrified he was going to die so I couldn’t enjoy the last part of the book!!! I was on edge !! And that’s why I marked it down lol
4.25
I’m glad Gab told me that the flashbacks were just informative of their life and not a big reveal, it made me able to enjoy the “before” chapters quite a lot
Rainbow has a special way of pulling the heart strings and this was no different. So beautiful!
Me and Shiloh are one of the same re views about the navy / army. Unlike S, I have not changed my mind since her high school opinions and I very much think that the army is an awful evil corporation
However. In the context of this book, I can see how it is a way out for so many people in a really tricky spot and the financial and security benefits are hard to argue.
I love how rainbow paints a picture of what I think is a particular part of America. Lower working class. She does it so well.
I loved Cary and Mickey and Shiloh. I hated Ryan. I love a book where I can like all the main characters and hate the villains !!!
Reading this made me excited to read it again for the second time because I’m sure there is lots I missed at the beginning
I think it probably needed a bit more of a warning that it was an adult book, given her work in YA and that maybe a parent would accidentally buy it for their very young teenager. Not that any part was shocking for kids, it’s just a thought
I wish someone spoiled the ending for me, that it was definitely going to be a happy ending. Them getting together in the third part of the book made me terrified he was going to die so I couldn’t enjoy the last part of the book!!! I was on edge !! And that’s why I marked it down lol
Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas
4.0
Ohhhhhhhhhhh we love a man with no feelings (fictionally not irl). Love Cassandra ! Definitely up there as my fav in the series. Chefs kiss.
Not sure if I will read the last of the series as it doesn’t really seem like it involves anyone I’m invested in
Not sure if I will read the last of the series as it doesn’t really seem like it involves anyone I’m invested in
Devil's Daughter by Lisa Kleypas
4.0
A tortured second brother?! Yes please! Learnt a lot about farming too lol