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A review by bakeybeans
The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
I found this hard to put down. The writing is lovely and really creates a world to live in while you’re reading, it drew me into the story.
Immediately after finishing the book I feel it’s 5*.
The plot is steady and things are revealed at a good pace to keep it engaging but nothing is revealed too soon. The way the characters search and find answers feels natural. I didn’t really experience a lull in the story. There were parts that felt like context for the characters but later in the story you realise it was foreshadowing or helps answer a question.
The pace definitely speeds up through the story, but reflects the story and as the urgency the characters face in the story increases the pace matches.
I liked the use of common phrases throughout the book which felt out of place at first but as you learn more I felt it fed into the theme of history repeating and civilisations rising and falling, leaving lasting memories despite the source being unknown.
The switching narratives helps develop the theme of history and knowledge twisting throughout history. I found the narratives blended well, with one sometimes offering answers to the other. The narratives also felt distinct to me, I felt the self-assuredness in Livira . With the pace of her opening chapters being slower but speeding up as her thirst for answers and knowledge increased. Opposed to the more cautious and careful approach from Evar.
It feels like a story written by someone who loves books, stories and libraries. The plot follows the characters but there is an underlying thread of this running throughout.
It made me think about how much I love books and how important they are.
Not only as we read them but what they will teach the people who come long after us. It made me appreciate books/libraries as portals to the past and possible futures. It created a feeling that books are special and the words within them hold a universe within the story.
Is it a perfect book, no. No one book ever could be. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and ordered the sequel when I realised how close I was to the end as I’m not ready to let the story finish.
Immediately after finishing the book I feel it’s 5*.
The plot is steady and things are revealed at a good pace to keep it engaging but nothing is revealed too soon. The way the characters search and find answers feels natural. I didn’t really experience a lull in the story. There were parts that felt like context for the characters but later in the story you realise it was foreshadowing or helps answer a question.
The pace definitely speeds up through the story, but reflects the story and as the urgency the characters face in the story increases the pace matches.
I liked the use of common phrases throughout the book which felt out of place at first but as you learn more I felt it fed into the theme of history repeating and civilisations rising and falling, leaving lasting memories despite the source being unknown.
The switching narratives helps develop the theme of history and knowledge twisting throughout history. I found the narratives blended well, with one sometimes offering answers to the other. The narratives also felt distinct to me, I felt the self-assuredness in Livira . With the pace of her opening chapters being slower but speeding up as her thirst for answers and knowledge increased. Opposed to the more cautious and careful approach from Evar.
It feels like a story written by someone who loves books, stories and libraries. The plot follows the characters but there is an underlying thread of this running throughout.
It made me think about how much I love books and how important they are.
Not only as we read them but what they will teach the people who come long after us. It made me appreciate books/libraries as portals to the past and possible futures. It created a feeling that books are special and the words within them hold a universe within the story.
Is it a perfect book, no. No one book ever could be. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and ordered the sequel when I realised how close I was to the end as I’m not ready to let the story finish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Injury/Injury detail