rlobel's reviews
83 reviews

The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous challenging tense slow-paced

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

3.5

So I hate to say this but The Well of Ascension sadly suffers from second-book-syndrom. It has little to no action for the majority of the book, at some places it can get dense, and even dry. That being said I really did enjoy parts of the book, I really loved the political aspect of it all. I loved how it showed the real struggles that the empire now has to face after being ruled in tyranny for so long. I loved the realistic aspect of these kings now fighting for the power the lord ruler once had. I will say even though the majority of the book had rarely an action sequences, and was kind of lacking in suspense, the ending had some really awesome and thrilling action. The ending had an incredible, major plot twist. And even though it was a long slow read getting to that action and plot twist, I will say I am heavily excited to read the third book in the Mistborn trilogy.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

How do I put to words what A Little Life made me feel. In simpler terms I'd have to say Heartbreaking, gut wrenching, and all of the betweens. This book is only character driven, with barely a plot. So if you do need a sustainable plot this book is NOT for you.

Another thing about A Little Life is that it goes into extensive detail of the trauma that certain characters have endured, if you are thinking about reading this, it is a must that you prepare yourself by looking up trigger warnings. One thing that drives this book is the horrific past of one character, jude, and the way his past effects his adult life. Anything that you believe couldn't possibly happen, will. Again it will go into graphic detail, on practically every trigger in the book, so please be prepared.

I do not recommend this book for the faint of heart, and that's totally fine. I totally understand the controversy surrounding the book, which is why I say this book is not for everyone. I personally loved it, I loved the characters, and I loved diving into the understanding how our past effects our future, how it effects our individuality, and mindset. I don't recommend this to everyone. But if youre an analytical person like me, and can endure a tough read, then i recommend A little Life to you. I also know, some don't see it the way I do, but this book is beautiful in the most treacherous way.

Content Warnings

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.

This has to be one of the worst books I have ever read. Listen, I really tried to get through this, but it was so insufferable.

Let's start with the first two books. A court of thorns and roses was boring as heck, I mean, in that book, they had done nothing for 10 chapters. But kept reading because people have said that it would get better.

The second book was better, definitely more on the romance side, but that was to be expected. I was a little effy with Rhysand, considering that in the first book, he literally drugged and assaulted feyre, but whatever; the show must go on, right? And I never liked tamlin to begin with so him locking feyre up didn't faze me.

But now we're on book three, and ever since feyre has found out that rhysand was her beloved mate that is all she can call him by. I mean the sheer amount of times sjm had mentioned the word "mate" is insurmountable. Like as if we're going to forget some how.

Second, why does she have to describe every person's fucking eye color, outfit, and hair. Like if it's not relevant it really doesn't have to be there. Like who's this lady's editor?

I will be honest I was actually really excited to read this book because we would go into more depth of the world, it politics, and its warfare. But let's just talk about the world building, which is mediocre at best, but the magic system, is one of the worst. I honestly have no idea how these books became so popular.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-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

4.5

I finished six of crows and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. It had a strong plot, strong world building I really liked how leigh bardugo based each country per say, off of different European countries and cultures, such as ravka being Russia, fjeirda being Germany, and ketterdam being a mic of France and England. She had great characters, with strong character development, the only problem I had with the characters is that they're not written to be 16-17 but rather older at least in their 20s. One problem with the magic system was when she revealed jesper was a fabrikator it felt like a cover up for a problem/plot hole. If she had revealed it earlier wouldn't have felt that way. It was bad timing because it just felt like a magical fix to problem, and that can often come across as bad writing. But other then that it was really good. Leigh really showed well what propaganda is and how it effects and how its ingrained into warfare. Great read highly recommend!! I give this book a 4.5⭐️

The 100 by Kass Morgan

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.

The show was way better. I wouldn't have known what the hell was going on if I didn't watch the show. But like this was bad.

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced