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philibin's reviews
832 reviews
The Fourth Consort by Edward Ashton
adventurous
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
(4.9999999999 Stars)
This book was really great! The world building is superb, and the character development is fantastic. I really appreciate #NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
If you like science fiction, you should try this book. It reminds me a lot of John Scalzi, or Adrian Tchaikovsky.
I loved every part of this book except the final two paragraphs, but let me expand on that... I feel that the ending is not how I "wanted it" to end, but was perfectly in-line and appropriate with the characters, and how things would have played out in the world this author created. So the ending "made sense".
This one will stay with me for a while, and I really like this author.
This book was really great! The world building is superb, and the character development is fantastic. I really appreciate #NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
If you like science fiction, you should try this book. It reminds me a lot of John Scalzi, or Adrian Tchaikovsky.
I loved every part of this book except the final two paragraphs, but let me expand on that... I feel that the ending is not how I "wanted it" to end, but was perfectly in-line and appropriate with the characters, and how things would have played out in the world this author created. So the ending "made sense".
This one will stay with me for a while, and I really like this author.
How the Marquis Got His Coat Back - BBC Radio 4 full-cast by Neil Gaiman
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
(3.0 Stars)
This was just ok. Too short to really get into.
This was just ok. Too short to really get into.
Hospital by Han Song
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
(2.25 Stars)
I struggled with rating this book... I was going to rate it a 2, and felt that was actually generous. Then I finished the book and read the translator's notes, and found a slightly better appreciation for it. However, as it is, even a 2.5 would have been too high, so I settled on 2.25. MY suggestion would be to read the translator's notes BEFORE reading the book. Yes, there would be some spoilers, but you'd gain better understanding and relevance about the story.
I've seen this work compared to both Philip K. Dick and Kafka. While I do see it as being Kafkaesque, I'd say it leans more into Palahniuk or Burroughs (William). It was dystopian, absurd, satirical, and more than a little disturbing, but mostly it was weird.
After reading the translator's notes, I can honestly say that much of this story was "lost in the translation". And I really believe that I would have enjoyed it more had I "got the joke".
I struggled with rating this book... I was going to rate it a 2, and felt that was actually generous. Then I finished the book and read the translator's notes, and found a slightly better appreciation for it. However, as it is, even a 2.5 would have been too high, so I settled on 2.25. MY suggestion would be to read the translator's notes BEFORE reading the book. Yes, there would be some spoilers, but you'd gain better understanding and relevance about the story.
I've seen this work compared to both Philip K. Dick and Kafka. While I do see it as being Kafkaesque, I'd say it leans more into Palahniuk or Burroughs (William). It was dystopian, absurd, satirical, and more than a little disturbing, but mostly it was weird.
After reading the translator's notes, I can honestly say that much of this story was "lost in the translation". And I really believe that I would have enjoyed it more had I "got the joke".
Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley
adventurous
dark
medium-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
(5 Stars)
There is a reason this book is a classic. The story is still as good today as when it was written. It explores the themes of classism, sexism, racism... basically "otherism", and the self-hatred that is created by these systems.
But, beyond that...It is a good story, with compelling characters, raw emotion, and discovery.
There is a reason this book is a classic. The story is still as good today as when it was written. It explores the themes of classism, sexism, racism... basically "otherism", and the self-hatred that is created by these systems.
But, beyond that...It is a good story, with compelling characters, raw emotion, and discovery.
Third Eye by Felicia Day
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.0
(3.0 Stars)
I feel like I need to point out that three out of five stars is a really good rating (for me). I also want to say that when it comes to audiobooks... I much prefer unabridged versions over highly produced audio dramas. Don't get me wrong, I love audiobooks using different voices for characters, but really love "book format". Again, it is a personal preference, but I did enjoy it.
Based on the cast alone, this "deserves" five stars. I really like Felicia Day and her works... She is super talented and creative. The rest of the cast is superb. The story itself was good, but probably would have been better as an animated short. Like some odd marriage between Gravity Falls and Hazbin Hotel. The rest of the cast is like a Who's Who of nerdy pop culture.
The story, like I said above, was good. It was a fun little tale that could be enjoyed equally by a YA audience or adults. The characters were vibrant and loveable, and the plot felt familiar.
I would read another book by Felicia Day. Or basically be a consumer of whatever her next project might be.
I feel like I need to point out that three out of five stars is a really good rating (for me). I also want to say that when it comes to audiobooks... I much prefer unabridged versions over highly produced audio dramas. Don't get me wrong, I love audiobooks using different voices for characters, but really love "book format". Again, it is a personal preference, but I did enjoy it.
Based on the cast alone, this "deserves" five stars. I really like Felicia Day and her works... She is super talented and creative. The rest of the cast is superb. The story itself was good, but probably would have been better as an animated short. Like some odd marriage between Gravity Falls and Hazbin Hotel. The rest of the cast is like a Who's Who of nerdy pop culture.
The story, like I said above, was good. It was a fun little tale that could be enjoyed equally by a YA audience or adults. The characters were vibrant and loveable, and the plot felt familiar.
I would read another book by Felicia Day. Or basically be a consumer of whatever her next project might be.
Apathy and Other Small Victories by Paul Neilan
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
(1.0 Stars)
This was, first and foremost... a book.
Have you ever talked so someone who is just telling you lie after lie, and isn't consistent, and nothing really makes any sense? Well, imagine that in book form.
It isn't really very clever, and I think it is trying to be "edgy" but it isn't.
This was, first and foremost... a book.
Have you ever talked so someone who is just telling you lie after lie, and isn't consistent, and nothing really makes any sense? Well, imagine that in book form.
It isn't really very clever, and I think it is trying to be "edgy" but it isn't.
Ice by Anna Kavan
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
(3.0 Stars)
Thank you to #NetGalley for making this audiobook available for review.
I liked this book, but also felt it had a lot of "cringe" to it.
This is a apocalyptic dystopian dysfunctional love story. The premise if great, the writing is very good, and conceptually I really liked it. I also thought the narrator did a decent job building up tense moments and giving voice to the characters.
What I didn't like it was that the characters felt very flat, and were unlikeable. I also had a hard time believing in the possibility of "the ice". There were a lot of parts where I couldn't seem to visualize what was going on, and never really got a true sense of the characters or what motivated them.
The book was written in the late 1960's and feels dated. I mention this not to excuse the book, but because it stands in stark contrast to more modern writing styles and attitudes.
Thank you to #NetGalley for making this audiobook available for review.
I liked this book, but also felt it had a lot of "cringe" to it.
This is a apocalyptic dystopian dysfunctional love story. The premise if great, the writing is very good, and conceptually I really liked it. I also thought the narrator did a decent job building up tense moments and giving voice to the characters.
What I didn't like it was that the characters felt very flat, and were unlikeable. I also had a hard time believing in the possibility of "the ice". There were a lot of parts where I couldn't seem to visualize what was going on, and never really got a true sense of the characters or what motivated them.
The book was written in the late 1960's and feels dated. I mention this not to excuse the book, but because it stands in stark contrast to more modern writing styles and attitudes.
Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age by Eleanor Barraclough
informative
medium-paced
5.0
(5.0 Stars)
Thank you #NetGalley for making this book available to be to read and review.
This book was very informative. It was sectioned in a way that made sense and neatly grouped the information together. It was narrated by the author, which is always a nice touch.
In addition to being informative, it is entertaining. If you have any interest in the Viking Age this is a must read book!
Thank you #NetGalley for making this book available to be to read and review.
This book was very informative. It was sectioned in a way that made sense and neatly grouped the information together. It was narrated by the author, which is always a nice touch.
In addition to being informative, it is entertaining. If you have any interest in the Viking Age this is a must read book!
The Book Censor's Library by Bothayna Al-Essa
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
(4 Stars)
I thought this book was very clever and very good. Most of the book was well thought out and put together, although I think it did fall apart a little at the very end (but just a little).
Imagine all the banned books you've heard of throughout history... and then give them a Wonderland-like fantasy element where they come alive. both literally and literary.
If you do like "the classics" you should like this book. It is also easily accessible for any age, and would be a good way to bring a new reader up to speed by giving them a list of "must read" books if they haven't already done so.
I thought this book was very clever and very good. Most of the book was well thought out and put together, although I think it did fall apart a little at the very end (but just a little).
Imagine all the banned books you've heard of throughout history... and then give them a Wonderland-like fantasy element where they come alive. both literally and literary.
If you do like "the classics" you should like this book. It is also easily accessible for any age, and would be a good way to bring a new reader up to speed by giving them a list of "must read" books if they haven't already done so.
Homeland by Cory Doctorow
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
(3.75 Stars)
This was very good, and I love that it as narrated by Wil Wheaton.
It continues the story started in Little Brother. If you liked that one, you will like this one.
This was very good, and I love that it as narrated by Wil Wheaton.
It continues the story started in Little Brother. If you liked that one, you will like this one.