Scan barcode
alibrareads's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
I think this is an “it’s not you, it’s me” situation. I can see how people who like very descriptive and dramatic writing could love this… I am not one of them. I saw another reader describe it as “over metaphor-ed and overworked”, and that is 100% accurate. This was a complete SLOG to get through, and I very nearly DNF’d it a third of the way through.
The concept is cool: the idea that math and language together are driving forces of the world and that controlling them will give you godlike powers. The way it is presented in the book is very esoteric and loose (not my favorite). Roger and Dodger are interesting characters and I appreciate that the book is so strongly focused on sibling love and bonds rather than romantic ones. This book is mostly watching these siblings grow up and struggle to find their place in the world, with some alchemical magic and time travel thrown in that all comes together at the end (not because it “makes sense”, but because the author just makes things happen; it’s not meant to be a hard magic system).
And it was SLOW and LONG and the author just goes on and on and on and on beating her own writing to death. I don’t think I connect very well to Seanan McGuire’s writing. I wouldn’t say this was a bad book, but it was SO not my speed or style. It was at least 200 pages too long.
YouTube review: https://youtu.be/51WOlK8jIxk
The concept is cool: the idea that math and language together are driving forces of the world and that controlling them will give you godlike powers. The way it is presented in the book is very esoteric and loose (not my favorite). Roger and Dodger are interesting characters and I appreciate that the book is so strongly focused on sibling love and bonds rather than romantic ones. This book is mostly watching these siblings grow up and struggle to find their place in the world, with some alchemical magic and time travel thrown in that all comes together at the end (not because it “makes sense”, but because the author just makes things happen; it’s not meant to be a hard magic system).
And it was SLOW and LONG and the author just goes on and on and on and on beating her own writing to death. I don’t think I connect very well to Seanan McGuire’s writing. I wouldn’t say this was a bad book, but it was SO not my speed or style. It was at least 200 pages too long.
YouTube review: https://youtu.be/51WOlK8jIxk
thisjaelynn's review
5.0
Seanan McGuire's books have a way of sinking under your skin and sticking with you, and Middlegame definitely carved out a place in my brain to settle and stay. It's been a couple of years since I read it, and I still think about this story, the characters, and the world often.
I will admit that this book was STRANGE, which is both its strongest and weakest elements. It had a unique story and vibe that was very fascinating to me, each new revelation of the story adding a new level of understanding as to what is happening, and a new set of questions. I loved the sense of intrigue and suspense, although it can be challenging to follow the plot and understand what's happening. I also really enjoyed the blending of magic and science in the world building.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes complex plots and intriguing worlds!
I will admit that this book was STRANGE, which is both its strongest and weakest elements. It had a unique story and vibe that was very fascinating to me, each new revelation of the story adding a new level of understanding as to what is happening, and a new set of questions. I loved the sense of intrigue and suspense, although it can be challenging to follow the plot and understand what's happening. I also really enjoyed the blending of magic and science in the world building.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes complex plots and intriguing worlds!
lottie1803's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thetbrstack's review against another edition
5.0
At the start of this strange and wonderful book, Roger Middleton, then a young boy who already is a language expert, refers to the word play in a novel as a "meet-a-for." He explains to his new friend, "It's using a thing that's not true to talk about things that are."
electricnath's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
morganthefey's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0