grid's review against another edition
4.0
One central message of this book was: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” There were parts I really did enjoy, and plenty that I did not enjoy. The parts I enjoyed were definitely 5-star book worthy. The stuff I didn’t like... well, I guess I kept reading, so they weren’t that bad.
Mostly, I think, it boils down to not liking when characters are depicted making terrible decisions.
The ending was very nice, but I didn’t feel like much was tied up. That’s an unusual juxtaposition for me to enjoy, but I did.
Mostly, I think, it boils down to not liking when characters are depicted making terrible decisions.
The ending was very nice, but I didn’t feel like much was tied up. That’s an unusual juxtaposition for me to enjoy, but I did.
allinikol's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the strangest books in the best possible way. Kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat. Absolutely loved reading it.
jpraska006's review against another edition
5.0
I've become a fan of Charlie Jane Anders from the ever enjoyable ‘Our Opinions Are Correct’ podcast and having finally dipped her first novel, I have to say she's becoming one of my favorite voices in the world of sci-fi/fantasy. All the Birds in the Sky has a very particular charm and wit that feels completely original. The story is immensely fascinating, continually clever, and just simply fun, all while being told in a very unique - sometimes dream-like manner - that allows for shifting perspectives on the events at hand. I can't say that I knew too much about this book going into it, and I think I'm glad that I didn't. I was continually surprised and impressed with the direction it took and the twists and developments it ultimately presented. All in all, it’s just simply a great and super enjoyable book.
karimorton33's review against another edition
2.0
This book was okay, I didn't really find anything to draw me into it. It's not the usual genre I read, and I found the time line skipping ahead really fast. There wasn't a good flow for me, it felt kind of hurried and jerky, but I don't think I would have enjoyed a longer book either. (Read for Book Riot Live 2016)
michaelwong's review against another edition
2.0
Too bad no Omnipotent AI is going to save us.
Reading this one wonders if Anders had moments of inspiration that she put down and then just stitched them together into a narrative. There were good moments in this book immediately followed by baffling lapses in narrative that had me flipping back and forth to see if I missed a page. And I mostly don't care about plot.
"...he rebelled at the idea of starting to close off possibilities in the world." p. 55
"...and you flap your wings for all sorts fo reasons, like to dry yourself and to lift off the ground and also to express a strong sentiment..." p. 104
"All of our unpaid bills are coming due at once" p. 233
"Color returned to the world, cone time replaced rod time" p. 287
"Then I come to find out that proper magic is all about interacting with people...But the really great magicians can't be around people at all". p. 291
Reading this one wonders if Anders had moments of inspiration that she put down and then just stitched them together into a narrative. There were good moments in this book immediately followed by baffling lapses in narrative that had me flipping back and forth to see if I missed a page. And I mostly don't care about plot.
"...he rebelled at the idea of starting to close off possibilities in the world." p. 55
"...and you flap your wings for all sorts fo reasons, like to dry yourself and to lift off the ground and also to express a strong sentiment..." p. 104
"All of our unpaid bills are coming due at once" p. 233
"Color returned to the world, cone time replaced rod time" p. 287
"Then I come to find out that proper magic is all about interacting with people...But the really great magicians can't be around people at all". p. 291
aaron_j136's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Started of fun but got really confusing and boring at times. I loved Patricia as a character and liked learning about her witchy stuff.
Lots of underdeveloped story lines
- Roberta- would of loved more on her and more on Diantha
- what happened to the cat (will read short story to find out)
- what was the point of the assassin?
Started of fun but got really confusing and boring at times. I loved Patricia as a character and liked learning about her witchy stuff.
Lots of underdeveloped story lines
- Roberta- would of loved more on her and more on Diantha
- what happened to the cat (will read short story to find out)
- what was the point of the assassin?
ferris_mx's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this, but what absolutely clinched it for me is the setting in SF the way I know SF. It made me homesick, in the best possible way. I found the characters well-developed, and am enjoying the spate of magic books that have found there way to my list.
Hi Charlie!
Hi Charlie!
ksells's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
3.25
wanderaven's review against another edition
4.0
This book forced me to go and google the differences between speculative fiction, urban fantasy, apocalyptic, post apocalyptic, dystopian.
I'm reasonably pleased to say that I still don't know with an absolute certainty how to classify All the Birds but if you're clambering for labels, I'll grant you apocalyptic and urban fantasy. Maybe also science fiction?
Not that we have to label nor categorize anything but you may be well served to have an idea of what you're getting into here. Anders posits the old science vs. nature question and embodies those two elements with Patricia and Laurence. As much as it may seem counterproductive that a large portion of the book is dedicated to watching these two grow up, it ultimately feels essential to fully appreciating them. Their friendship and how well drawn all the characters are is the highlight of All the Birds.
Somehow, this wan't quite what I expected which is fairly ridiculous because I'm not entirely sure precisely what I expected. There were a couple of jarring incongruities to me, such as Patricia's parents and sister being cruel - and that's the word that is actually used - in multiple ways when she was a child, but all is easily forgiven when she is an adult. It's true, as I've read in other reviews, that the ending felt like a bit of an... unraveling, but it's also true, as I've read in other reviews, that it kinda sorta mostly doesn't really matter, as the resolution of the larger world is less important than the inner worlds.
Honestly, I would've been torn between three and four stars on goodreads but I also listened to this on audiobook and the narrator, Alyssa Bresnahan, was excellent, making me sidle over to the four. I absolutely recommend the audiobook.
Also, if you've already read this or do and wonder what the deal is with Berkley, Anders has written his story over at Tor. I haven't even read it yet, but it'll be a treat this weekend! Anders will remain on my radar and I will certainly try her again.
I'm reasonably pleased to say that I still don't know with an absolute certainty how to classify All the Birds but if you're clambering for labels, I'll grant you apocalyptic and urban fantasy. Maybe also science fiction?
Not that we have to label nor categorize anything but you may be well served to have an idea of what you're getting into here. Anders posits the old science vs. nature question and embodies those two elements with Patricia and Laurence. As much as it may seem counterproductive that a large portion of the book is dedicated to watching these two grow up, it ultimately feels essential to fully appreciating them. Their friendship and how well drawn all the characters are is the highlight of All the Birds.
Somehow, this wan't quite what I expected which is fairly ridiculous because I'm not entirely sure precisely what I expected. There were a couple of jarring incongruities to me, such as Patricia's parents and sister being cruel - and that's the word that is actually used - in multiple ways when she was a child, but all is easily forgiven when she is an adult. It's true, as I've read in other reviews, that the ending felt like a bit of an... unraveling, but it's also true, as I've read in other reviews, that it kinda sorta mostly doesn't really matter, as the resolution of the larger world is less important than the inner worlds.
Honestly, I would've been torn between three and four stars on goodreads but I also listened to this on audiobook and the narrator, Alyssa Bresnahan, was excellent, making me sidle over to the four. I absolutely recommend the audiobook.
Also, if you've already read this or do and wonder what the deal is with Berkley, Anders has written his story over at Tor. I haven't even read it yet, but it'll be a treat this weekend! Anders will remain on my radar and I will certainly try her again.