lukutoukka90's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
isabellarobinson7's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 4 stars
It starts off as if Wax and Wayne go into the Matrix to catch Jack the Ripper. Then it ties your brain in knots. And pulls tight.
It starts off as if Wax and Wayne go into the Matrix to catch Jack the Ripper. Then it ties your brain in knots. And pulls tight.
readivine's review against another edition
4.0
WOW. OHMYGLOB. I. OHMY. WTF?
I didn't do my architectural platework just to read this, and take note it's due tomorrow! HAHAAHAH AND BOY AM I STILL GRATEFUL TO DO SO. This is Brandon Sanderson's second book that I've read, the first one was The Emperor's Soul. (and I fcking loved that one to pieces) The reason why I read this was mainly because I just stumbled upon a Brandon Sanderson Reading Guide in booktube. Thankkkyouuuuu so much Bec!!!! (even if we're not friends here in GR heheheh)
Now for a mere 120 paged novella, this delivers a sucker punch and honestly I wouldn't mind getting beat up for a couple pages more. The concept of Snapshots, which are advanced computer generated simulations of the past days, used for solving crimes and whatnot is something I've just only heard of. While I may have read a couple of detective stories, this is actually that first one that delved with an almost sci-fi vibe. Brandon Sanderson explains in the postscript that he considers this as more of a fantasy one;
I'm excited to start Elantris soon! I'll be following that reading guide religiously AHAHHAHA.
I didn't do my architectural platework just to read this, and take note it's due tomorrow! HAHAAHAH AND BOY AM I STILL GRATEFUL TO DO SO. This is Brandon Sanderson's second book that I've read, the first one was The Emperor's Soul. (and I fcking loved that one to pieces) The reason why I read this was mainly because I just stumbled upon a Brandon Sanderson Reading Guide in booktube. Thankkkyouuuuu so much Bec!!!! (even if we're not friends here in GR heheheh)
Now for a mere 120 paged novella, this delivers a sucker punch and honestly I wouldn't mind getting beat up for a couple pages more. The concept of Snapshots, which are advanced computer generated simulations of the past days, used for solving crimes and whatnot is something I've just only heard of. While I may have read a couple of detective stories, this is actually that first one that delved with an almost sci-fi vibe. Brandon Sanderson explains in the postscript that he considers this as more of a fantasy one;
"This is the sort of thing I talk about when I explain to readers the difference between what I perceive as a science fiction writer (someone who tries to realistically extrapolate the future) and a fantasy writer (someone who comes up with an interesting effect to explore, then justifies it with worldbuilding)."Not only that but the characterization for the two main cast were well drawn out and the dialogues were smooth! This was very easy to read and honestly, I thought that because Sanderson was such a big hit as a high fantasy writer, I thought I would fail to understand this. (The Emperor's Soul was also written well and was surprisingly easy to read) The system of Snapshot was also defined appropriately, just the right amount of vagueness and detail. HAHAHA. But what did made this a 4 star was the last 2 chapters. Sanderson is well known for his plot twists, and the conclusion was indeed a pay off. That last line though was a genius and if that's the only motivation for another reader to actually read this then I highly recommend that you do!
I'm excited to start Elantris soon! I'll be following that reading guide religiously AHAHHAHA.
ashleykwbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This blew my mind! A great read! It’s short but it still has world building and a great storyline! Sanderson is truly an amazing writer to have you grow so fond of characters in such a short time. I feel like I knew them and their world and cared about what happened!
lissajean7's review against another edition
2.0
I'm a big fan of Brandon Sanderson's, but apparently still not a fan of police procedurals. I didn't really enjoy this one. I think it's just a personal preference thing. If you're into cop shows or whatnot, you'd probably like it.
arathenerd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Is kind of embarrassing how long it took me to finish it, but alas. Busy life, and all that.
This was surprisingly good, in the sense that I actually felt bad about Davis. The ending and the twist actually hurt besides the shock of it. I feel sad, which I was not expecting.
Besides that, the idea of the Snapshot is so interesting. The entire concept is genius, and the way Sanderson uses it to tell the story. Is also kind of horrifying, to tell the truth.
A really good novella, overall.
This was surprisingly good, in the sense that I actually felt bad about Davis. The ending and the twist actually hurt besides the shock of it. I feel sad, which I was not expecting.
Besides that, the idea of the Snapshot is so interesting. The entire concept is genius, and the way Sanderson uses it to tell the story. Is also kind of horrifying, to tell the truth.
A really good novella, overall.
phrogonalilypad's review against another edition
challenging
dark
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
3.75
Idk, how Sanderson always manages to surprise me at the end. Like I'll predict a few things right but in the end there'll always be something that catches me quite off guard in an excellent kind of way. It feels intentional and I always really enjoy it
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
This might be the worst thing by Brandon Sanderson that I have ever read. (Since I almost always rate his books with 5 starts, that doesn't mean much though).
Snapshot is a detective novella with mild sf elements and intriguing idea and couple of overlapping mysteries. I suspected about one, didn't have a clue who did the second one and the third one flew right over my head and I wasn't aware anything was happening until it was all done.
Fun, but lacked depth and humor I usually expect from Sanderson's work.
Snapshot is a detective novella with mild sf elements and intriguing idea and couple of overlapping mysteries. I suspected about one, didn't have a clue who did the second one and the third one flew right over my head and I wasn't aware anything was happening until it was all done.
Fun, but lacked depth and humor I usually expect from Sanderson's work.
marklpotter's review against another edition
4.0
As usual Sanderson nails. The premise of being able to enter a snapshot of a previous day and gather evidence is interesting and has a lot of promise that's only briefly commented on due to the novella format. I was interested in that aspect initially, the societal impact side of things, however that's not what is delivered here, save in brief mentions. What is delivered is a well written mystery with a couple of really amazing twists. Read this one slowly because it's worth savoring. Don't skip Brandon's post script at the end either, it's rather enlightening.