You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
samtherat17's reviews
158 reviews
Byomkesh Bakshi by Monimala Dhar, Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
A very meh collection of the stories. I don't know if this is a fault of the translation, but some of the stories were really short and went by really quick (not in a good way). They should have been extended a bit. If you want to read Byomkesh Bakshi, I would recommend any of the other two short story collections: Picture Imperfect or The Menagerie. Definitely not this one.
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
After re-reading The Lightning Thief to prepare for the Disney+ show, I realised just how nostalgic I was for this series and decided to re-read the rest of it. So of course, The Sea of Monsters was next.
I have to say I did enjoy the book for the most part, but it was a bit too fast-paced and felt rushed. The first 100 pages or so are good, but the book would have been better if that part had been trimmed down and the quest part (which was really great) made longer.
Other than that, obviously the Greek mythology, characters (Tyson!), action and humour were all excellent, but that's basically a given for a Percy Jackson book. Also, there are so many iconic moments here: the wedding dress, the guinea pigs -- I can go on and on. And of course, that ending twist-whoa! I mean, I was re-reading the book and I knew what was going to happen, but on a first read it would have been absolutely crazy.
So overall, a pretty good book and sequel, but not a perfect one. It's probably one of my least favourites in the series, but it's not a bad book at all.
I have to say I did enjoy the book for the most part, but it was a bit too fast-paced and felt rushed. The first 100 pages or so are good, but the book would have been better if that part had been trimmed down and the quest part (which was really great) made longer.
Other than that, obviously the Greek mythology, characters (Tyson!), action and humour were all excellent, but that's basically a given for a Percy Jackson book. Also, there are so many iconic moments here: the wedding dress, the guinea pigs -- I can go on and on. And of course, that ending twist-whoa! I mean, I was re-reading the book and I knew what was going to happen, but on a first read it would have been absolutely crazy.
So overall, a pretty good book and sequel, but not a perfect one. It's probably one of my least favourites in the series, but it's not a bad book at all.
Jade War by Fonda Lee
adventurous
dark
tense
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
4.5
This book took everything great about Jade City and expanded upon it. There's more expansive worldbuilding, as the book takes us to other areas instead of just Kekon--it's really fascinating to see the other areas and Fonda Lee is great at making the world feel real. The series continues to be mainly character-focused and the arcs were great, just like the first book. The one thing I did note was that the political/clan intrigue is more prominent in this book, and while I loved it, it might be a detractor for some. While the book is mostly slower-paced, when the action scenes happen, they are absolute page-turners (especially the ending). So yup, an excellent sequel/middle book. If it seems like I don't have much to say in this review, it's because most of the points in my Jade City review also carry over here and I don't want to just repeat the same things over and over.
The part with Anden/Wen/Rohn at the end was so crazy. Especially when Wen "died" and came back to life--my emotions were all over the place!
Jade City by Fonda Lee
adventurous
dark
tense
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
4.5
I never thought I would be reading a fantasy mafia story, but here we are. In all seriousness though, the setting here is really unique and well-realised. Fonda Lee's writing perfectly encapsulates the brutal, but also beautiful world. Almost everyone compares this series with the Godfather and it's not hard to see why. The clan system is really cool and unlike anything in the fantasy genre. The themes of honour, family and loyalty are also really remisnicent of the Godfather.
However the main focus of this book are definitely the characters who are all really well-written and nuanced. The Kaul family and their dynamics are really intriguing. The plot is still a major part of the book, but it really only comes into play in the second half. The first half which focuses more on the characters and the worldbuilding was really excellent. I never thought reading about the day-to-day lives of some characters would be so enthralling—but it was.
The plot really speeds up about halfway into the book, and Fonda Lee writes some great action scenes with a mix of martial arts and magic. The magic system, primarily based on Jade, is actually a more minor element in this book, but in the few moments that it gets to shine, it's really fascinating.
So yeah, a great start to this series with a unique setting and magic system and compelling characters. Can't wait to read the next two books—I've heard that the series only gets better and better!
However the main focus of this book are definitely the characters who are all really well-written and nuanced. The Kaul family and their dynamics are really intriguing. The plot is still a major part of the book, but it really only comes into play in the second half. The first half which focuses more on the characters and the worldbuilding was really excellent. I never thought reading about the day-to-day lives of some characters would be so enthralling—but it was.
The plot really speeds up about halfway into the book, and Fonda Lee writes some great action scenes with a mix of martial arts and magic. The magic system, primarily based on Jade, is actually a more minor element in this book, but in the few moments that it gets to shine, it's really fascinating.
So yeah, a great start to this series with a unique setting and magic system and compelling characters. Can't wait to read the next two books—I've heard that the series only gets better and better!
Last Argument of Kings by Joe Abercrombie
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. What a spectacular ending to this trilogy. I don't think I've ever seen such amazing character work in a series. Glokta, Logen, Jezal, Bayaz...all of these characters are so layered, unique, and memorable. The choice of Abercrombie to make the characters the forefront of the trilogy rather than the plot wouldn't have paid off if they weren't just written so damn well. At the end of the book, when the characters reflected on the events of the trilogy, it made me realize how they had been developed so masterfully by Abercrombie. A lot of them, especially Glokta and Logen, are probably all-time favourites for me.
The book just takes so many twists and turns and most of the revelations, especially at the end of the book really caught me by surprise. Don't get me wrong, I thought the first three quarters of the book were really great, but the last 200 or so pages were what elevated this from being great to being amazing. Abercrombie describes the chaos of a battle really well through multiple PoVs. While the final battle was really great, possibly my favourite part of the book was the part after the climax. Another highlight was the duel in the middle of the book-what an epic scene.
I think possibly the most divisive part of the trilogy is its ending, but I absolutely loved it. While many of the characters' fates are left ambiguous, and there isn't really a happy ending for any of them, it all seems in-character for them, if that makes any sense. You don't see this kind of ending a lot in fantasy, which is perhaps why it still has me marvelling at the genius of it from time to time.
I mean, if you haven't already guessed from this review, I really enjoyed this trilogy, and especially this book. I can't wait to read the other books in this universe!
Logen's ending...just wow. Talk about things coming full circle-it was really sad to see how he couldn't change even though he tried so hard. Glokta also cemented himself as one of my favourite characters with his arc in this book. From getting your life ruined in your prime to becoming the Arch Lector and having a caring wife? What an absolute rollercoaster of a journey. Also, West's ending. 😭😭
The book just takes so many twists and turns and most of the revelations, especially at the end of the book really caught me by surprise. Don't get me wrong, I thought the first three quarters of the book were really great, but the last 200 or so pages were what elevated this from being great to being amazing. Abercrombie describes the chaos of a battle really well through multiple PoVs. While the final battle was really great, possibly my favourite part of the book was the part after the climax. Another highlight was the duel in the middle of the book-what an epic scene.
I think possibly the most divisive part of the trilogy is its ending, but I absolutely loved it. While many of the characters' fates are left ambiguous, and there isn't really a happy ending for any of them, it all seems in-character for them, if that makes any sense. You don't see this kind of ending a lot in fantasy, which is perhaps why it still has me marvelling at the genius of it from time to time.
I mean, if you haven't already guessed from this review, I really enjoyed this trilogy, and especially this book. I can't wait to read the other books in this universe!
Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book built on the foundations laid by the first one really well. This was heavily character-focused, just like the first one, but I think what made this book better was that there was more of the main characters interacting with each other.
All of the PoVs were great. I didn't like Ferro at all in the first book, but she was much better in this book. While the Northern chapters were just ok in the first half of the book, I really liked them in the second half.
The worldbuilding was brilliant as well. What better way is there to explore the world than when your characters are going on a journey to the edge of the world? In all seriousness though, all the locations Abercrombie describes are really unique and vivid, and this world continues to grow more intriguing, especially when some lore tidbits are dropped here and there.
This book was a great sequel and just took everything great about the first book and made it even better. A great example of how to write a penultimate book which doesn't just feel like setup for the conclusion.
Probably my biggest concern would be the lack of a really big overarching plot or threat, especially as the final book is up next, but from what I've read and seen, the third book is generally loved, so I'm not that worried.
All of the PoVs were great. I didn't like Ferro at all in the first book, but she was much better in this book. While the Northern chapters were just ok in the first half of the book, I really liked them in the second half.
The worldbuilding was brilliant as well. What better way is there to explore the world than when your characters are going on a journey to the edge of the world? In all seriousness though, all the locations Abercrombie describes are really unique and vivid, and this world continues to grow more intriguing, especially when some lore tidbits are dropped here and there.
This book was a great sequel and just took everything great about the first book and made it even better. A great example of how to write a penultimate book which doesn't just feel like setup for the conclusion.
Probably my biggest concern would be the lack of a really big overarching plot or threat, especially as the final book is up next, but from what I've read and seen, the third book is generally loved, so I'm not that worried.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What can I say about this book/series which hasn't already been said? It's received praise from almost everywhere and it's for a reason.
This book took me a while to get through, mainly due to its slower pace. However, this was for the book's benefit as it allows the author to give us some worldbuilding. And I have to say that this world is really immersive. Abercrombie develops just enough of this world and it's magic for the reader to be interested in knowing more about it, but doesn't reveal everything.
The characters are probably my favourite part of this book, as they're all special in their own way, which makes every PoV feel unique. Glokta is definitely my favourite, because of his sarcastic humour. I have to say though, I don't like Ferro at all. She's really annoying.
This book for the most part feels like a glimpse into the lives of the characters, and an overarching plot really just comes into play near the end. This really feels like a 'first book', in the sense that it's more of a setup, not in a bad way though.
So yeah, this was a great start to the First Law and I'll definitely be continuing with the series. I was hovering between giving this a 4 or a 4.5 but I decided to go with a 4 for now.
This book took me a while to get through, mainly due to its slower pace. However, this was for the book's benefit as it allows the author to give us some worldbuilding. And I have to say that this world is really immersive. Abercrombie develops just enough of this world and it's magic for the reader to be interested in knowing more about it, but doesn't reveal everything.
The characters are probably my favourite part of this book, as they're all special in their own way, which makes every PoV feel unique. Glokta is definitely my favourite, because of his sarcastic humour. I have to say though, I don't like Ferro at all. She's really annoying.
This book for the most part feels like a glimpse into the lives of the characters, and an overarching plot really just comes into play near the end. This really feels like a 'first book', in the sense that it's more of a setup, not in a bad way though.
So yeah, this was a great start to the First Law and I'll definitely be continuing with the series. I was hovering between giving this a 4 or a 4.5 but I decided to go with a 4 for now.
Defiant by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
tense
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
3.75
This was a pretty good conclusion to the Skyward series. I liked Spensa's character arc, but a few things about it got repetitive in the first half of the book. However, it did come full circle in the end.
The first half of this book was decent (I think it could have been trimmed down a bit), but the second half and the final act of the book was just a nonstop adrenaline ride. I'd probably rate this book higher if I was just rating the second half.
As for some of my problems with the book, I wanted Spensa to be more involved in the final act. She did have her moment in the end, but I wanted her to participate more. Also, I think the ending was rushed a bit and it felt a bit unfinished.
The Skyward series overall was obviously not on par with any of Sanderson's big adult series, but it was a pretty good YA series and this book was a good ending to it.
The first half of this book was decent (I think it could have been trimmed down a bit), but the second half and the final act of the book was just a nonstop adrenaline ride. I'd probably rate this book higher if I was just rating the second half.
As for some of my problems with the book, I wanted Spensa to be more involved in the final act. She did have her moment in the end, but I wanted her to participate more. Also, I think the ending was rushed a bit and it felt a bit unfinished.
The Skyward series overall was obviously not on par with any of Sanderson's big adult series, but it was a pretty good YA series and this book was a good ending to it.
The Lightning Thief (Movie Tie-In Edition) by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I re-read this to have a refresher before watching the show. Obviously this book/series isn't anything with crazy depth or writing as it's primarily for children, but it's still a fun romp with a great concept and characters. This series was one of my childhood favourites and I'm glad to see that it still holds up.
Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I liked how this book depicted Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, however some things got pretty repetitive, for example, Qui-Gon would remark about how he and Obi-Wan were so different almost incessantly and it just became tiring.
The main concept of this book is to show how Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan went from not working the best together, to what we saw in The Phantom Menace. However I think this could have been shown a bit better, as they really only start gelling well together during the last act.In the epilogue it's just told to us that they started becoming better partners after this book's events and it's not really shown that much. I just wish we could have seen more of them working well together.
The plot and the other characters were good, but not anything amazing. I did like Rael's character as he was pretty different from the other Jedi. Also, the plot twist at the end really surprised me. As for the flashbacks, I thought they were pretty good as they added more context to the story and Qui-Gon's arc. The book also had some pretty funny moments, especially the one with Obi-Wan flying at the end. I could not stop laughing the whole time.
I do appreciate this book for being unique as it took place in a time period which hasn't been explored a lot in the Disney canon. Overall though this was a decent novel, but not anything too memorable or special.
The main concept of this book is to show how Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan went from not working the best together, to what we saw in The Phantom Menace. However I think this could have been shown a bit better, as they really only start gelling well together during the last act.
The plot and the other characters were good, but not anything amazing. I did like Rael's character as he was pretty different from the other Jedi. Also, the plot twist at the end really surprised me. As for the flashbacks, I thought they were pretty good as they added more context to the story and Qui-Gon's arc. The book also had some pretty funny moments, especially the one with Obi-Wan flying at the end. I could not stop laughing the whole time.
I do appreciate this book for being unique as it took place in a time period which hasn't been explored a lot in the Disney canon. Overall though this was a decent novel, but not anything too memorable or special.