rgoth's reviews
365 reviews

I genuinely wanted to immerse myself in this book, but I found it challenging to connect with the story. There were moments when I considered putting it down for good; however, I persevered and managed to finish it.

One aspect I appreciated was the exploration of the themes woven throughout the narrative, particularly those related to the history of Yale and its iconic buildings. The rich context offered fascinating insights into the university's past, which I found intriguing. Unfortunately, the plot felt overwhelming at times, with an excessive number of characters introduced. 

Despite the potential for depth in their individual stories, I felt detached from them, lacking any emotional investment. As a result, I found it difficult to care about the characters and their fates. 

This book turned out to be quite different from what I initially expected, and I have to admit that I came away feeling somewhat disappointed. The first half reads more like a travel blog filled with anecdotes about the experiences of uncultured British tourists on work placements abroad, rather than the compelling narrative I had hoped for.

Although I have never visited Japan, it has always been high on my bucket list, and I was eager to immerse myself in the unique cultural landscape through the pages of this book. While some of the descriptions of the setting offered glimpses of the country’s charm, the overall execution felt disjointed and awkward. The narrative lacked the fluidity and depth that typically draws readers into a foreign experience.

Moving into the second half of the book, which is intended to heighten the tension and accelerate the story's rhythm, I found myself increasingly frustrated. The protagonist frequently expresses his distrust of his companions and emphasizes the imminent dangers they face during their journey. However, it seemed implausible that he would claim there was no way out when multiple opportunities to fly home were presented. It would have felt more authentic for him to acknowledge his choices driven by adventure and a desire for glory rather than to cling to a seemingly illogical situation.

Furthermore, the supporting characters felt rather one-dimensional, lacking the necessary depth to evoke empathy or understanding from the reader. Their motivations remained unclear, making it difficult to invest emotionally in their fates. The most frustrating aspect, however, was the unresolved cliffhanger regarding the murder mystery that unfolded throughout the plot. Instead of providing a satisfying resolution, it left me feeling more confused and let down, particularly since I had formed some theories about what might have happened.

Another element that soured my reading experience was the portrayal of animal cruelty. It felt unnecessary and gratuitous, offering nothing of substance to the storyline. This inclusion was jarring and almost caused me to abandon the book entirely. I pushed through to the end, but by the time I finished, I couldn't shake the disappointment. Though I completed the journey, I doubt I would be eager to revisit this story in the future. 

I found this second instalment to be quite enjoyable, although it didn’t quite reach the heights of the first book. Signa continues to be a character I deeply admire; I was genuinely rooting for her throughout the narrative. Her journey was compelling, and I appreciated her development. However, I struggled with Blythe's point of view. Instead of generating sympathy, her character often came off as an ungrateful brat, which made it difficult for me to engage with her struggles. That said, I was pleased to see her redeem herself by the conclusion of the story.

As for the plot twists, some were fairly predictable, which took away a bit of the suspense for me. However, there was one twist towards the end that completely caught me off guard, and I’m still processing my feelings about it; it left a lasting impression. 

The dynamic between Death and Signa, which was one of the most captivating aspects of the first book, felt less engaging this time around. Death seemed to have a diminished presence, which affected the overall tension and allure of their relationship. I missed the intensity that characterized their interactions previously.

Overall, this isn’t a bad book—far from it! The writing is solid, and it’s definitely addictive, keeping me wanting to read more. However, I think my high expectations, built from the first book’s brilliance, contributed to my feeling that this instalment didn’t quite live up to that standard. Additionally, it feels like this book serves as a buildup for what’s to come in the next instalment, which I’m eagerly anticipating. I’m curious to see how the story unfolds from here and what new challenges Signa will face.

What an unexpectedly exquisite book this turned out to be! Prior to picking it up, I hadn't heard much buzz around the series, but the captivating cover truly piqued my interest and drew me in.

I found myself enchanted by the story's subtle gothic vibes, which created an atmospheric reading experience. Intriguingly, I was also swept up by the romantic elements woven throughout the narrative—something that doesn’t usually grip me at all. 

The protagonist, Signa, is a richly developed character who grapples with the challenges of trying to fit into a world that consistently seeks to diminish her spirit and ambitions. What makes her journey even more poignant is the presence of a singular ally: death himself, who stands as a figure urging her to embrace her true potential and "open her wings to fly." 

The author’s vivid descriptions of the afterlife are nothing short of mesmerizing, painting a picture of a realm both haunting and beautiful. Alongside these ethereal depictions, the mystery that forms the backbone of the plot kept me thoroughly engaged and eager to turn each page. I truly loved every moment of it!

I had high hopes for this book and set aside time when I could truly immerse myself in the story. Unfortunately, my excitement waned as I delved deeper into the narrative.

Some elements caught my attention, particularly the well-crafted old realms that the author painted vividly. The introduction of new characters also piqued my interest, offering a glimmer of potential for the plot. However, I found myself struggling to fully engage with the overall experience.

The book is exceedingly descriptive, which can often enhance a story, but in this case, it often detracts from the plot's progression. There were entire chapters where very little plot development occurred, consisting instead of long passages filled with detailed scenery and character descriptions. While I appreciate rich imagery in literature, the sheer volume of it here made the reading feel stunted and slow. As a result, it struck me that the style and language were better suited for a younger audience; I would categorise it more as children's literature rather than young adult fiction.

Another significant point for me was the characterisation of Sally. She is presented as an intriguing character, yet her development throughout the story feels shallow. I was eager to explore the depths of her trauma and the complexities of her personality. While I appreciated the backstory the author crafted for her, I found Sally to be quite lacking in agency for much of the narrative. It wasn't until the final third of the book that she finally began to exhibit the strength and resilience I had hoped for from her character.

Despite my criticisms, I’m glad I took the time to read this book; the potential for a captivating story between Jack and Sally intrigued me. However, I don't think I'll return to it in the future.

3.5 ⭐ rounded up


There are many aspects of this book that I found particularly enjoyable and thought-provoking. 

First and foremost, the narrative offered a refreshing and insightful exploration of the complexities surrounding sexuality and relationships from the perspective of a British Muslim woman. The author vividly portrays her inner conflict between the deep desire for a romantic relationship and the fear of how such a relationship might affect her standing within her community. This tension between personal happiness and cultural expectations is a relatable struggle that many readers can identify with, making her story all the more engaging.

Additionally, I appreciated the author's candid discussion about her experiences navigating the comedy scene. It was enlightening to learn about the dynamics of support within that environment, particularly how she encountered a more positive reception from some white male peers compared to certain women of colour. This aspect of her narrative sheds light on the often unspoken biases that exist within various social circles, emphasizing the need for solidarity among all women.

One of the more surprising revelations for me was the recognition that the feminist movement is not always inclusive of women from diverse cultural backgrounds. This notion, while somewhat disheartening, also highlighted the complexities of intersectionality within feminism. I find myself in partial disagreement with the perspective that women who choose more traditional roles within their families are somehow diminished or judged negatively. I believe that feminism should advocate for the freedom of choice for all individuals, allowing both women and men to navigate their careers and family lives as they see fit, as long as those choices are genuine and freely made. However, I do agree that the intricate interplay of community values and religious teachings must be taken into account when discussing women's roles within the framework of feminism.

While I expected the book to be filled with humour, given that it was authored by a comedian, I found it to be less funny than anticipated. I had hoped for a greater number of laugh-out-loud moments, but while there were certainly some humorous sections, they were not as frequent or intense as I had expected. Having read other memoirs that strike a balance between humour and seriousness, I believe that a well-placed joke can often make the more sombre themes resonate even deeper.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book as a worthwhile read, but I think potential readers should be prepared that it may not align with their initial expectations based on the title. The narrative provides a rich tapestry of experiences and insights that go beyond mere humour, delving into the heart of identity, community, and personal choice.

A product of its time. It's not bad, it's just not my cup of tea. 

This instalment in the series fell short of my expectations, especially in comparison to the captivating earlier books. I found the narrative to be somewhat repetitive, lacking the freshness and excitement that originally drew me in. Additionally, the introduction of numerous new characters detracted from my engagement with the main storyline, making it difficult to connect with the plot on a deeper level.

One of the most significant drawbacks for me was the lack of DS Harbinder Kaur. Although she was mentioned intermittently throughout the story, her absence was felt keenly, and I couldn't help but miss her strong character and the dynamic she brought to previous instalments. 

Despite these shortcomings, I still believe the book is worth a read. While it may not reach the addictive heights of its predecessors, it isn't bad in any sense. It has its own merits and moments that fans of the series may appreciate, just not with the same level of enthusiasm I had for earlier entries.

This book left me grappling with some deeply disturbing themes, particularly the unsettling normalisation of cannibalism and the haunting reality of existing in a world without animals. At first glance, the premise seemed utterly fantastical, almost absurd, but as I delved deeper, I couldn't help but reflect on how believable it felt in the context of our current society.

The narrative unfolds at a measured pace, gradually enveloping the reader in a bleak and oppressive atmosphere. Rather than relying on overt gore or shock tactics, the author masterfully constructs a sense of dread and hopelessness, making it clear that the moral fabric of humanity is unravelling. There were moments when I found myself hoping that certain characters would reveal redeeming qualities, only for the plot to take a sharp turn at the climax, subverting my expectations most compellingly.

Overall, I found myself thoroughly captivated by this dark and bizarre tale. Its unique blend of horror and introspection lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page, forcing me to consider the implications of its unsettling themes.