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samtherat17's reviews
158 reviews
Skyward Flight by Brandon Sanderson, Janci Patterson
adventurous
tense
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
3.0
Sunreach: The most "YA" book in the series. The stuff with the taynix was pretty good but the rest was not anything special. The main reason why I liked FM in the first book was that she had a different point of view and was not afraid to criticise the DDF. However, we got very little of that here and the majority of the novel focused on her romance with Rig, which was not anything I was super engaged in.
ReDawn: I liked the exploration and worldbuilding but this could have been way shorter. Alanik wasn't really a great POV character and she came across a little cold emotionally. Also, a couple of things were a bit hard to visualise. Like at one point, someone flies INSIDE a tree which was just confusing as a whole.
Evershore: I liked this one. Jorgen's character arc with his emotional turmoil and exploring his cytonic abilities was great.However, Jorgen getting promoted to admiral THAT fast was kinda unrealistic. The human-kitsen dynamics were also pretty fun.
Overall, an okay set of novellas. I was mainly interested in the important things in the plot instead of the character arcs as they were not anything special. I would recommend reading this if you really want to read about the Skyward Flight characters again, but other than that, I don't think these are necessary to read.
ReDawn: I liked the exploration and worldbuilding but this could have been way shorter. Alanik wasn't really a great POV character and she came across a little cold emotionally. Also, a couple of things were a bit hard to visualise. Like at one point, someone flies INSIDE a tree which was just confusing as a whole.
Evershore: I liked this one. Jorgen's character arc with his emotional turmoil and exploring his cytonic abilities was great.
Overall, an okay set of novellas. I was mainly interested in the important things in the plot instead of the character arcs as they were not anything special. I would recommend reading this if you really want to read about the Skyward Flight characters again, but other than that, I don't think these are necessary to read.
Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Cytonic was a pretty good penultimate book for this series.
I did like the adventure aspect of the book, although it could feel a bit unfocused sometimes. I loved the stuff with the pirates and Surehold-it was fun and showed another aspect of the Superiority. I also liked Chet and his journey with Spensa throughout the book.
I've seen this book get flak for not including the Skyward Flight characters and instead setting up a new cast, but that wasn't that much of a problem for me, perhaps because I had read the first 2 Skyward Flight novellas before this and I had already read about what was going on with them, so I wasn't noticing their absence THAT much.
In any of my Sanderson reviews, I have to talk about the final act because he is just so good at writing it. This book had an absolute banger of a Sanderlanche.
As for criticism, I feel like at some moments Spensa sounded a bit too mature, if that makes any sense? Also, as I mentioned earlier, some of the adventuring was a bit unfocused and maybe could have been trimmed down. Overall though, this was a solid book. I don't understand why this receives so much criticism-I personally enjoyed it.
Edit/Addition: I've just realised there was not a lot of important stuff that happened in this book, and while most of the book might come across as filler to some, I think I was invested enough in the character arcs for that to not be a problem for me.
I did like the adventure aspect of the book, although it could feel a bit unfocused sometimes. I loved the stuff with the pirates and Surehold-it was fun and showed another aspect of the Superiority. I also liked Chet and his journey with Spensa throughout the book.
I've seen this book get flak for not including the Skyward Flight characters and instead setting up a new cast, but that wasn't that much of a problem for me, perhaps because I had read the first 2 Skyward Flight novellas before this and I had already read about what was going on with them, so I wasn't noticing their absence THAT much.
In any of my Sanderson reviews, I have to talk about the final act because he is just so good at writing it. This book had an absolute banger of a Sanderlanche.
As for criticism, I feel like at some moments Spensa sounded a bit too mature, if that makes any sense? Also, as I mentioned earlier, some of the adventuring was a bit unfocused and maybe could have been trimmed down. Overall though, this was a solid book. I don't understand why this receives so much criticism-I personally enjoyed it.
Edit/Addition: I've just realised there was not a lot of important stuff that happened in this book, and while most of the book might come across as filler to some, I think I was invested enough in the character arcs for that to not be a problem for me.
The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.5
The final book in Mistborn Era 2 was a rollercoaster.
The character development was excellent with a special mention for Wayne's arc and his banter with the other characters. Also, it felt like Marasi really shined in this book.
One of the best elements of Era 2 is how Sanderson fuses fantasy with the mystery genre, and it was on full display in this book, with fast-paced detective work and action/chase scenes being one of my favourite things about the book.
The Cosmere tie-ins were done perfectly, being a part of the story but not overshadowing it, and being really rewarding for those who have read the other Cosmere books.
And of course, the ending. It was heartwrenching but so glorious at the same time.Wayne😭😭. Such an awesome way for a character to go out.
The only things I can complain about are small nitpicks. The epilogues dragged on a little too long andthe butt-grabbing was a bit cringe.
Overall, This book was an amazing ending to Era 2. It was a fulfilling and emotional conclusion to this arc of Mistborn and leaves me eager to read the future eras, especially after reading a certain epilogue in this book. (Although I don't think Era 3 is coming anytime soon.😅)
Overall for Era 2, it was not as amazing as Era 1, but Era 1 is basically perfect, and Era 2 was still great.
I think The Bands of Mourning might be a bit better than this book, but this was still fantastic.
The character development was excellent with a special mention for Wayne's arc and his banter with the other characters. Also, it felt like Marasi really shined in this book.
One of the best elements of Era 2 is how Sanderson fuses fantasy with the mystery genre, and it was on full display in this book, with fast-paced detective work and action/chase scenes being one of my favourite things about the book.
The Cosmere tie-ins were done perfectly, being a part of the story but not overshadowing it, and being really rewarding for those who have read the other Cosmere books.
And of course, the ending. It was heartwrenching but so glorious at the same time.
The only things I can complain about are small nitpicks. The epilogues dragged on a little too long and
Overall, This book was an amazing ending to Era 2. It was a fulfilling and emotional conclusion to this arc of Mistborn and leaves me eager to read the future eras, especially after reading a certain epilogue in this book. (Although I don't think Era 3 is coming anytime soon.😅)
Overall for Era 2, it was not as amazing as Era 1, but Era 1 is basically perfect, and Era 2 was still great.
I think The Bands of Mourning might be a bit better than this book, but this was still fantastic.
The Complete Chronicles of Narnia 50th Anniversary Edition by C.S. Lewis
Did not finish book. Stopped at 71%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 71%.
Have shelved the last two books to read later. Narnia is fun, and this edition is beautiful, but I have many other books higher up than this in my reading priority list.
Ratings: (so far)
The Magician's Nephew: 3.5⭐️
The Horse and the Boy: 3.0⭐️
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe: 4.0⭐️
Prince Caspian: 3.75⭐️
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: 4.0⭐️
Ratings: (so far)
The Magician's Nephew: 3.5⭐️
The Horse and the Boy: 3.0⭐️
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe: 4.0⭐️
Prince Caspian: 3.75⭐️
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: 4.0⭐️
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved the concept and the plot of the book, along with the amazing character study and prose, however it would have been much better if it was shorter and took less unnecessary detours from the main story. I did like it overall though, and it definitely deserves its classic status.
Starsight by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
3.75
Starsight was a bit of a mixed bag. While the start and the last couple parts of the book were great, the pace was just too slow during the middle for me. I liked how the Superiority was developed and explored, however I think this book could have been better if some of these parts would have been shorter. Also, the ending felt abrupt. I get what Sanderson was trying to set-up, but it felt like the ending just came out of the blue. This isn't to say that the book was bad - In fact, I liked many elements of it, such as the worldbuilding, the new characters, and the classic, crazy Sanderlanche. However, it could have been better and it did feel like a bit of a disappointment after Skyward.
Edit: After some time letting the book marinate in my mind, I think that I was a bit harsh in this review. While I still stand with my point about the pacing, I've mostly overcome my feelings about the ending. This book wasn't a disappointment, it just wasn't on the same level as Skyward for me.
Edit: After some time letting the book marinate in my mind, I think that I was a bit harsh in this review. While I still stand with my point about the pacing, I've mostly overcome my feelings about the ending. This book wasn't a disappointment, it just wasn't on the same level as Skyward for me.
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.5
Skyward was a pleasant surprise. It had some great characters and worldbuilding. It hit the emotional notes when it needed to and had an amazing coming-of-age journey for Spensa. It didn't feel like the writing was too simple and considering that this is a YA book, that is a great accomplishment. The ending of this book was also absolutely insane. I could not put the book down near the end.
There were a few things I didn't like. Some of the YA tropes felt a bit annoying and the story could be predictable at times. Also, it sometimes felt that some of the leaders/administration in this book were a bit dumb.
Other than that, Skyward was surprisingly great YA sci-fi book from Brandon Sanderson. The ending did a great job of concluding this arc and setting up the next one for Starsight.
There were a few things I didn't like. Some of the YA tropes felt a bit annoying and the story could be predictable at times. Also, it sometimes felt that some of the leaders/administration in this book were a bit dumb.
Other than that, Skyward was surprisingly great YA sci-fi book from Brandon Sanderson. The ending did a great job of concluding this arc and setting up the next one for Starsight.
God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
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
3.75
I have conflicting feelings about God Emperor of Dune. Taking place 3500 years after Children of Dune, a transformed Arrakis is ruled by Leto II, who continues on in his Golden Path. The majority of the book revolves around him and the struggles which come with his unique body and mind.
Seeing how Leto's Golden Path has changed Arrakis and its society is very interesting, however what really makes this book is the character study of Leto. The struggles of being a one-of-a-kind human/sandworm God Emperor are the focal point of this book and really make Leto a very intriguing and layered character.
While the philosophy and the themes in this book are fascinating, I feel that it comes at the cost of the story/plot being sidelined. Leto II and his journey is very throught-provoking but after finishing this book I realised that not a lot happens in it. And while yes, I appreciate what Frank Herbert is trying to convey, I think the book could have had a better balance of Leto's long philosophical musings and the plot. Another problem is the pacing. I think this book really drags in the middle and could have been shorter. Also, this book contains some problematic depictions of sexuality and a few truly cringe-worthy scenes relating to it.
God Emperor of Dune has its fair share of pros and cons, however I do think it accomplishes what it set out to do. I just think it could have been executed better. The main problem in the Dune series is that in my opinion, none of the sequels have been able to live up to the first book, at least till here. Personally, I would recommend reading them, but I think you should not expect them to be as good as the first novel.
Edit: Increased Rating from 3.5 to 3.75. I think I underrated the book a little bit in this review, but it still has its flaws.
Seeing how Leto's Golden Path has changed Arrakis and its society is very interesting, however what really makes this book is the character study of Leto. The struggles of being a one-of-a-kind human/sandworm God Emperor are the focal point of this book and really make Leto a very intriguing and layered character.
While the philosophy and the themes in this book are fascinating, I feel that it comes at the cost of the story/plot being sidelined. Leto II and his journey is very throught-provoking but after finishing this book I realised that not a lot happens in it. And while yes, I appreciate what Frank Herbert is trying to convey, I think the book could have had a better balance of Leto's long philosophical musings and the plot. Another problem is the pacing. I think this book really drags in the middle and could have been shorter. Also, this book contains some problematic depictions of sexuality and a few truly cringe-worthy scenes relating to it.
God Emperor of Dune has its fair share of pros and cons, however I do think it accomplishes what it set out to do. I just think it could have been executed better. The main problem in the Dune series is that in my opinion, none of the sequels have been able to live up to the first book, at least till here. Personally, I would recommend reading them, but I think you should not expect them to be as good as the first novel.
Edit: Increased Rating from 3.5 to 3.75. I think I underrated the book a little bit in this review, but it still has its flaws.
Light Bringer by Pierce Brown
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Wow. What a book. I don't think I have the words to properly describe it, but here goes.
The characters and their relationships were shown in such an amazing way. You've been through hell with these characters and this book does a great job showing how that has affected them and how it has shaped them to be the way they are.
The action and the dialogue were top-tier as always which is to be expected from a Red Rising book. A certain thing I want to highlight is that how Pierce Brown writes inner monologues. If you've read the series till here, you know how good he is at it, but one inner monologue he wrote in this one was just so good.
Darrow and his party were the main focus in this book, and this was definitely the right decision considering his path in in the previous two books. Him and his group's journey was riveting and made me feel nostalgic for the original trilogy, even though I read it just a few months ago 😅. This isn't to say that the other POV's were bad, but Darrow definitely took the centerstage and the book was all the better for it.
This book also had many heartwarming and heartwrenching moments which hit so hard. And the ending...heartbreaking. Pierce Brown got everything right with this one. A great story which takes Red Rising back to its roots and sets up Red God to be an absolute banger.
This is my new favourite in the Red Rising saga and probably one of the best books I've ever read. While I didn't have to wait for this book after Dark Age, I'm sure whoever did will be left satisfied (and emotionally wrecked) after reading it. It's just that good.
What an arc Cassius had. The scene when Darrow calls him his brother almost brought me to tears. I was in denial about his death for a long time. I still can't believe he died. Fuck Lysander.
The characters and their relationships were shown in such an amazing way. You've been through hell with these characters and this book does a great job showing how that has affected them and how it has shaped them to be the way they are.
The action and the dialogue were top-tier as always which is to be expected from a Red Rising book. A certain thing I want to highlight is that how Pierce Brown writes inner monologues. If you've read the series till here, you know how good he is at it, but one inner monologue he wrote in this one was just so good.
Darrow and his party were the main focus in this book, and this was definitely the right decision considering his path in in the previous two books. Him and his group's journey was riveting and made me feel nostalgic for the original trilogy, even though I read it just a few months ago 😅. This isn't to say that the other POV's were bad, but Darrow definitely took the centerstage and the book was all the better for it.
This book also had many heartwarming and heartwrenching moments which hit so hard. And the ending...heartbreaking. Pierce Brown got everything right with this one. A great story which takes Red Rising back to its roots and sets up Red God to be an absolute banger.
This is my new favourite in the Red Rising saga and probably one of the best books I've ever read. While I didn't have to wait for this book after Dark Age, I'm sure whoever did will be left satisfied (and emotionally wrecked) after reading it. It's just that good.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-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
4.5
This was a great read. The first person narrative was executed pretty well along with the flashbacks interspersed throughout. The concept of the book was very intriguing and while a lot of the science went over my head, I think the author did a great job of keeping a balance between the science and the general story. The characters and the humour was also great (Rocky is the best) Top it off with a heartwarming ending, what's not to like? Apart from a few pacing issues, Project Hail Mary was a pretty enjoyable, fun, and heartfelt science-fiction book.