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siglerbooknook's reviews
174 reviews
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
It's hard to start the year with a book like this...because finding something I love as much will be nearly impossible. This is my new favorite book, bar none.
The entire story is sassy, sarcastic, and chock full of rabbit trails told with the perfect spin to make it endearing on every level. Each character is beautifully created and unique. I laughed so often my husband thought I was going mad.
I've never read a more entertaining narrator. The foreshadowing was so wrapped up in nonsense I didn't stand a chance at solving the mysteries, and I didn't care because I was too busy smiling over a completely random and irrelevant comparison.
The subtle nods to Sanderson's other works were always entertaining. Useless questions carried a unique kind of charm. And maybe most enjoyably, real questions and tidbits of wisdom were woven into the tale cover to cover.
I can't sing enough praises for this story, so instead I will leave you with 3 of my favorite quotes to help you understand the singular qualities of Tress's book.
-There had been a tree on the property once, but it had done the sensible thing and died a few years earlier.
-Do you know how many wars could have been prevented if just one person in charge had stopped to think, "you know, maybe we should double-check; perhaps blinking twice isn't an insult in their culture
-I'm drowning in bravery, cleverness, and heroism. Instead, kindly give me a little common sense.
The entire story is sassy, sarcastic, and chock full of rabbit trails told with the perfect spin to make it endearing on every level. Each character is beautifully created and unique. I laughed so often my husband thought I was going mad.
I've never read a more entertaining narrator. The foreshadowing was so wrapped up in nonsense I didn't stand a chance at solving the mysteries, and I didn't care because I was too busy smiling over a completely random and irrelevant comparison.
The subtle nods to Sanderson's other works were always entertaining. Useless questions carried a unique kind of charm. And maybe most enjoyably, real questions and tidbits of wisdom were woven into the tale cover to cover.
I can't sing enough praises for this story, so instead I will leave you with 3 of my favorite quotes to help you understand the singular qualities of Tress's book.
-There had been a tree on the property once, but it had done the sensible thing and died a few years earlier.
-Do you know how many wars could have been prevented if just one person in charge had stopped to think, "you know, maybe we should double-check; perhaps blinking twice isn't an insult in their culture
-I'm drowning in bravery, cleverness, and heroism. Instead, kindly give me a little common sense.
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I went into this book with high expectations, having adored every book I've read by Bardugo. While it's definitely good, I didn't find it as gripping as the previous stories.
I will caveat that Zoya and Nina were respectively my least favorite characters in their stories. If you loved them you definitely will like this book.
There are a multitude of things happening in this book, each intriguing, but I found it a bit overwhelming. Especially since we're jumping between 3 sets of characters all with multiple plot points. That said, the plots were all well written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I did find the saints incredibly confusing.
My biggest gripe is I hate undefeatable villains in stories and we're running dangerously close to that territory with this book.
Nikolai is an amazing character who made me laugh often. I absolutely love Bardugo's witty dialogue that she gives him.
This book is anything but predictable, maybe because I spent so much of it confused. I found my favorite characters were the sunshine and funny ones. For as serious as her books are, no one writes a happy character as loveable as Bardugo.
Definitely not sad I read it, and looking forward to Rule of Wolves.
I will caveat that Zoya and Nina were respectively my least favorite characters in their stories. If you loved them you definitely will like this book.
There are a multitude of things happening in this book, each intriguing, but I found it a bit overwhelming. Especially since we're jumping between 3 sets of characters all with multiple plot points. That said, the plots were all well written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I did find the saints incredibly confusing.
My biggest gripe is I hate undefeatable villains in stories and we're running dangerously close to that territory with this book.
Nikolai is an amazing character who made me laugh often. I absolutely love Bardugo's witty dialogue that she gives him.
This book is anything but predictable, maybe because I spent so much of it confused. I found my favorite characters were the sunshine and funny ones. For as serious as her books are, no one writes a happy character as loveable as Bardugo.
Definitely not sad I read it, and looking forward to Rule of Wolves.
Valorous by Tamara Leigh
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
The author chose to write this book in a poetic style meant to feel like old English. Unfortunately, the wording she chose is so repetitive I had to struggle to understand what I was reading, often reading the same sentence 3 or 4 times.
Almost every paragraph started with "As already" or "as expected". Instead of using names or he/she the author repeats "the one who..." over and over while referring to different people.
Example:
“My Lord,” ventured the one who claimed to be the boy’s cousin and gave the name Sévère, “here not only further proof Mace is Wulfrith kin but descended from Saxon royalty.” Hector considered the slender hand that once more offered a parchment drawn from the cask, next that one’s face framed by a woolen cap, then the boy of seven or eight years. Though there was no silver in that...
I think I would have really liked this story if ut was a little more polished and easier to read.
Almost every paragraph started with "As already" or "as expected". Instead of using names or he/she the author repeats "the one who..." over and over while referring to different people.
Example:
“My Lord,” ventured the one who claimed to be the boy’s cousin and gave the name Sévère, “here not only further proof Mace is Wulfrith kin but descended from Saxon royalty.” Hector considered the slender hand that once more offered a parchment drawn from the cask, next that one’s face framed by a woolen cap, then the boy of seven or eight years. Though there was no silver in that...
I think I would have really liked this story if ut was a little more polished and easier to read.
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was a cute story, and very unique. I enjoyed the premise and the mystery. I wish the characters had been a little more developed. The ending also felt a bit rushed after the setup took so long. The final twists were predictable, but the ending itself was sweet. Overall I'm glad I read it
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of my favorite novels, one I've read at least 4 times.
The questions posed in the story of morality, right and wrong, justice, and duty are left for the reader to think about. What makes a monster and what makes a man? What is the cost of vengeance?
Some classics deserve to be timeless and this is one of them.
The questions posed in the story of morality, right and wrong, justice, and duty are left for the reader to think about. What makes a monster and what makes a man? What is the cost of vengeance?
Some classics deserve to be timeless and this is one of them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Murder
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was an interesting story/commentary on the Christian faith. I love the way C. S. Lewis makes the reader think by telling the story from the point of view of the enemy. I feel like I realized how often I let my internal monologue detract from actually living and this book helped me recognize it quicker so that I can truly live life to the fullest. I definitely think this is worth reading at least once in your life.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Every once in a while you need a short comfort read. This is one of my favorites.
I have fond memories of my mother reading this book to me as a child, doing all the voices and everything. Maybe that colors my opinion, but every time I read any of the Narnia books I always find myself smiling and happier than I was before.
I have fond memories of my mother reading this book to me as a child, doing all the voices and everything. Maybe that colors my opinion, but every time I read any of the Narnia books I always find myself smiling and happier than I was before.
House of Roots and Ruin by Erin A. Craig
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
This book was every bit as entertaining, chilling, twisted, and enjoyable as the first.
I was surprised when this story focused so much on the romance. Then it surprised me again by being sweet, gentle, and almost like a daydream.
I spent half the book on the edge of my seat sure things were about to go terribly wrong.
And BOY did they. Once the chilling secrets started to show up they felt like a waterfall sweeping me along at a mad rush along with Verity. Every twist was a jarring mix of anticipation, hope, uncertainty, and fear. Every answer made perfect sense yet offered 3 more questions.
The plot is a wonderfully example of the dangers of ego and "playing god".
The ending made me want to throw the book across the room in the best possible way, and I can't explain why without major spoilers. It's the kind of ending that makes me speechless and shaking my head because "that can't be right!" You'll have to read it for yourself to truly understand what I mean...
I was surprised when this story focused so much on the romance. Then it surprised me again by being sweet, gentle, and almost like a daydream.
I spent half the book on the edge of my seat sure things were about to go terribly wrong.
And BOY did they. Once the chilling secrets started to show up they felt like a waterfall sweeping me along at a mad rush along with Verity. Every twist was a jarring mix of anticipation, hope, uncertainty, and fear. Every answer made perfect sense yet offered 3 more questions.
The plot is a wonderfully example of the dangers of ego and "playing god".
The ending made me want to throw the book across the room in the best possible way, and I can't explain why without major spoilers. It's the kind of ending that makes me speechless and shaking my head because "that can't be right!" You'll have to read it for yourself to truly understand what I mean...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body horror, Child death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
While I was truly enjoying the story of Jean Valjean and Cosette, there is SO much extra detail and explanation about locations, politics, the era, types of people, and characters that are important for all of a chapter that I could keep myself interested. The rabbit trails are too numerous between each small piece of the actual story. I'm glad it was written because the movie is one of my favorites, but this is not one of my favorite classics to read.
Thorn by Intisar Khanani
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-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
This book was not at all what I expected. Going in I thought it would be just another romantic fantasy with magic and cliche tropes. It was so much more.
The romance in the book is minimal, the focus instead being on friendship. Real friendship, and what it can cost.
Yet even that theme is secondary to a realistic exploration of justice, the effort it takes to achieve it, and the harsh reality of it.
There is no neat and tidy ending, which I think is perfect for this story. It isn't a book meant to be read, enjoyed, and forgotten, and Khanani does an amazing job ending the book in a way that makes you truly think about what justice is.
Thorn is a loveable and refreshing main character. I enjoyed seeing a softer female lead and watching her learn how to be strong in a way that didn't involve becoming a master fighter.
It is easy to tell how much thought, passion, and conviction went into this book. It may not be my favorite story I've ever read, but I will never forget it or the questions this book makes you ask.
The romance in the book is minimal, the focus instead being on friendship. Real friendship, and what it can cost.
Yet even that theme is secondary to a realistic exploration of justice, the effort it takes to achieve it, and the harsh reality of it.
There is no neat and tidy ending, which I think is perfect for this story. It isn't a book meant to be read, enjoyed, and forgotten, and Khanani does an amazing job ending the book in a way that makes you truly think about what justice is.
Thorn is a loveable and refreshing main character. I enjoyed seeing a softer female lead and watching her learn how to be strong in a way that didn't involve becoming a master fighter.
It is easy to tell how much thought, passion, and conviction went into this book. It may not be my favorite story I've ever read, but I will never forget it or the questions this book makes you ask.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, and Sexual harassment