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alingtori's reviews
240 reviews
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Oh wow, how do I start? I devoured this book in just one day and I didn't even notice that it's 400 pages. Iron Widow is an action-packed book centered around Wu Zetian, an 18-year-old girl who offers herself to become a concubine-pilot but becomes more than that.
The description for this book--"Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers"--is more spot on than I've expected. I'm not the biggest mecha science fiction reader/watcher and I was expecting a lot of technical discussion that might bug me down, but it was surprisingly a very easy read--you don't even have to know Pacific Rim to understand how the piloting mechanics work. There was a good balance of mecha action and plot so I appreciated that very much.
It was, however, Zetian's unhinged energy that captivated me and made me glued to this book. Her rage was so palpable that I, too, felt anger whenever I read all of the injustices women face in this book. I, too, want to lash out whenever women are made to be submissive to men on the basis of their gender. Her ascent to power was so satisfying, but also fearsome. I'm not really complaining, though. It's actually nice to see a female protagonist that is untamed and unabashedly ambitious.
Of course, the poly trio (which was why I started the book in the first place) is also a bonus and I will lose it if they all don't get back together in the next book.
The description for this book--"Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers"--is more spot on than I've expected. I'm not the biggest mecha science fiction reader/watcher and I was expecting a lot of technical discussion that might bug me down, but it was surprisingly a very easy read--you don't even have to know Pacific Rim to understand how the piloting mechanics work. There was a good balance of mecha action and plot so I appreciated that very much.
It was, however, Zetian's unhinged energy that captivated me and made me glued to this book. Her rage was so palpable that I, too, felt anger whenever I read all of the injustices women face in this book. I, too, want to lash out whenever women are made to be submissive to men on the basis of their gender. Her ascent to power was so satisfying, but also fearsome. I'm not really complaining, though. It's actually nice to see a female protagonist that is untamed and unabashedly ambitious.
Of course, the poly trio (which was why I started the book in the first place) is also a bonus and I will lose it if they all don't get back together in the next book.
Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
I'm not going to pretend I would understand everything about this book. But at less than 200 pages, it felt to me like time stopped while I'm reading Snow Country.
Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Surprisingly, I feel lukewarm about this book. Mainly because there wasn't really much chemistry between the two protagonists.
Usually, by the middle of the book, I would've been begging for the pair to please just get together. But here there was nothing. I kept on waiting for something that screams: yes they're meant for each other!!! They're so good together!!! But alas, the most kilig I felt was when Lucien kissed her forehead as she fell asleep. I did enjoy it whenever Lucien and Hattie are able to talk about anything (business, politics, art, etc.) but it wasn't really optimized, aside from Lucien realizing how he enjoys talking to her. That was it.
Anyway, this was still a nice and quick read. Dunmore, as always, didn't shy away from talking about social issues through her characters, which is why I enjoy reading her books anyways.
Usually, by the middle of the book, I would've been begging for the pair to please just get together. But here there was nothing. I kept on waiting for something that screams: yes they're meant for each other!!! They're so good together!!! But alas, the most kilig I felt was when Lucien kissed her forehead as she fell asleep. I did enjoy it whenever Lucien and Hattie are able to talk about anything (business, politics, art, etc.) but it wasn't really optimized, aside from Lucien realizing how he enjoys talking to her. That was it.
Anyway, this was still a nice and quick read. Dunmore, as always, didn't shy away from talking about social issues through her characters, which is why I enjoy reading her books anyways.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
I should've managed my expectations on this one.
Don't get me wrong, I devoured this book because of the simple but tender writing. I love how the author decided to tell the story in the perspective of Patroclus, a minor but very key character in the story.
Character-wise, I do not get why the author decided to reduce Patroclus to being the vanilla lover of Achilles. I was so frustrated because throughout this book—especially when they were in Troy—I feel like Patroclus did not exist beyond Achilles and that he is subordinate to him.
In the Iliad, we do not see much of him but in those instances that we do, he is shown not just as a compassionate person, but also as a brave and confident warrior when the need arises. He had oomph--he mocked his opponents, literally telling Hector that he wouldn't have been able to kill him (Patroclus) if not for the help of the gods. I MEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We've only seen glimpses of that, but never fully explored. Which is a shame because it would've brought more flavor to the story.
Story-wise, I don't think the book contributed something new, despite it being told in the eyes of Patroclus.
For me it was a missed opportunity. I would've loved to explore their relationship in the context of their time and their circumstance. What was it like to love someone as great and powerful as Achilles? What were they doing throughout those years that they're in Troy? What do they think of the prophecy that Achilles will die there? Are they actively fighting against it? Did they make plans aside from not killing Hector? Did they dream of the future? What did the future look like for them? What do their fellow Greeks think about their relationship?
Odysseus hinted that Achilles did not kill Hector throughout those years because Hector's death will also bring Achilles'. I wish Miller leaned into that because think of the consequences! Odysseus going in for Achilles' pride???? Patroclus could've felt guilty, especially when he sees the casualties on their side. So he goes to see Achilles and convinces him to let him fight. And then Achilles relents because he trusts & believes that Patroclus can do it (because he is a warrior in his own right), which inadvertently leads him to his death--which you know, is what happens in the Iliad anyway.
Now that's what I call pain.
Don't get me wrong, I devoured this book because of the simple but tender writing. I love how the author decided to tell the story in the perspective of Patroclus, a minor but very key character in the story.
Character-wise, I do not get why the author decided to reduce Patroclus to being the vanilla lover of Achilles. I was so frustrated because throughout this book—especially when they were in Troy—I feel like Patroclus did not exist beyond Achilles and that he is subordinate to him.
In the Iliad, we do not see much of him but in those instances that we do, he is shown not just as a compassionate person, but also as a brave and confident warrior when the need arises. He had oomph--he mocked his opponents, literally telling Hector that he wouldn't have been able to kill him (Patroclus) if not for the help of the gods. I MEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We've only seen glimpses of that, but never fully explored. Which is a shame because it would've brought more flavor to the story.
Story-wise, I don't think the book contributed something new, despite it being told in the eyes of Patroclus.
For me it was a missed opportunity. I would've loved to explore their relationship in the context of their time and their circumstance. What was it like to love someone as great and powerful as Achilles? What were they doing throughout those years that they're in Troy? What do they think of the prophecy that Achilles will die there? Are they actively fighting against it? Did they make plans aside from not killing Hector? Did they dream of the future? What did the future look like for them? What do their fellow Greeks think about their relationship?
Odysseus hinted that Achilles did not kill Hector throughout those years because Hector's death will also bring Achilles'. I wish Miller leaned into that because think of the consequences! Odysseus going in for Achilles' pride???? Patroclus could've felt guilty, especially when he sees the casualties on their side. So he goes to see Achilles and convinces him to let him fight. And then Achilles relents because he trusts & believes that Patroclus can do it (because he is a warrior in his own right), which inadvertently leads him to his death--which you know, is what happens in the Iliad anyway.
Now that's what I call pain.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
In his afterword, Orland Figes describes War and Peace as "...a triumphant affirmation of human life in all its richness and complexity" and I couldn't agree more.
Set during the latter part of the Napoleonic Wars, one would expect the book to be full of suffering. It is, but it is also full of happiness. Just like real life. The way Tolstoy wrote his characters (even the minor ones) are so realistic that I can't help but relate to them, even if I'm not part of the Russian nobility (or military) in the 19th century. They're all so alive in their kindness, selfishness, hypocrisy, courageousness, sadness, happiness, pettiness, and all other characteristics that make us human. My most favorite is how Tolstoy wrote with such tenderness in some scenes--the one with Nikolay, Natasha, and Petya in their Uncle's house after hunting, Princess Marya asking Prince Andrey (who is not religious) to wear an icon to protect him in battle (which he agreed to), and many more.
There were scenes that bore me a little bit (mostly the military descriptions) but it did not dampen my enjoyment of reading it. In fact, there were more funny moments than I had expected.
People who enjoy contemplating about history would also enjoy this book, as discussions about History as a field are generously interspersed in the story (the epilogue even feels like I'm listening to a lecture on History). But Tolstoy does not end there. He also touches upon--through this characters--social, religious, economical, cultural, and political that are relevant to this day.
Personally, I read this book with the hope to find some sort of direction in life. That's why Prince Andrey and Pierre's journey were very interesting for me. We see both of them reflect on life and their place in it, their desolation and epiphanies. While I didn't get any revelations on what I should be doing with myself, I am comforted by these two lines, uttered by Andrey and Pierre respectively, after experiencing suffering.
"If you want to be happy, you have to believe in the possibility of happiness..." - Prince Andrey Bolkonsky
"Where there is life, there is happiness." - Pierre Bezukhov
Set during the latter part of the Napoleonic Wars, one would expect the book to be full of suffering. It is, but it is also full of happiness. Just like real life. The way Tolstoy wrote his characters (even the minor ones) are so realistic that I can't help but relate to them, even if I'm not part of the Russian nobility (or military) in the 19th century. They're all so alive in their kindness, selfishness, hypocrisy, courageousness, sadness, happiness, pettiness, and all other characteristics that make us human. My most favorite is how Tolstoy wrote with such tenderness in some scenes--the one with Nikolay, Natasha, and Petya in their Uncle's house after hunting, Princess Marya asking Prince Andrey (who is not religious) to wear an icon to protect him in battle (which he agreed to), and many more.
There were scenes that bore me a little bit (mostly the military descriptions) but it did not dampen my enjoyment of reading it. In fact, there were more funny moments than I had expected.
People who enjoy contemplating about history would also enjoy this book, as discussions about History as a field are generously interspersed in the story (the epilogue even feels like I'm listening to a lecture on History). But Tolstoy does not end there. He also touches upon--through this characters--social, religious, economical, cultural, and political that are relevant to this day.
Personally, I read this book with the hope to find some sort of direction in life. That's why Prince Andrey and Pierre's journey were very interesting for me. We see both of them reflect on life and their place in it, their desolation and epiphanies. While I didn't get any revelations on what I should be doing with myself, I am comforted by these two lines, uttered by Andrey and Pierre respectively, after experiencing suffering.
"If you want to be happy, you have to believe in the possibility of happiness..." - Prince Andrey Bolkonsky
"Where there is life, there is happiness." - Pierre Bezukhov
Si Janus Sílang at ang Labanáng Manananggal-Mambabarang by Edgar Calabia Samar
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
You've got to hand it to the Edgar Samar—he knows how to write a climax and a cliffhanger! Istg that last chapter was wild!
The second book of the Janus Silang series introduces us into the world of the bagáni and their own version of history. There's nothing much I can say about this book as I think this is more of a set-up for the next one. New (non-human) characters and another world are introduced but the author did not elaborate on them further. There's more mystery and less action but it's not really a bad thing. This, coupled with that ending just made me want to read the next book immediately because WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?
Also, I finally know why Janus kept on saying dilang-karayom ng manananggal!
The second book of the Janus Silang series introduces us into the world of the bagáni and their own version of history. There's nothing much I can say about this book as I think this is more of a set-up for the next one. New (non-human) characters and another world are introduced but the author did not elaborate on them further. There's more mystery and less action but it's not really a bad thing. This, coupled with that ending just made me want to read the next book immediately because WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?
Also, I finally know why Janus kept on saying dilang-karayom ng manananggal!
Si Janus Sílang at ang Tiyanak ng Tábon by Edgar Calabia Samar
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
I can't believe it took me this long to finally read this book. But I was in the mood for an urban horror/mythology related books (mainly because of the upcoming release of Trese on Netflix) so I decided to pick this up.
Now don't get fooled by the cover--this first book of the Janus Silang series is pretty dark and creepy. We start in medias res, so very early on, the readers are already invested in the story. I really like how the story unfolded as we, together with Janus, slowly try to figure out what happened. There were so many twists and turns, but also I appreciated the tender and sorrowful moments (please don't get me started at that ending!) The story was written so vividly to me that it felt like I was in the story itself--but maybe that's because it's set in the Philippines so I visually connected with it more that if it was from another country/culture.
Admittedly, the writing could need further editing. There were parts that I felt can be cut altogether and didn't really serve the plot. I also wanted to take a shot whenever I see the words umano and dilang-karayom ng mananaggal.
But aside from that, Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon really kept me on my toes. The premise is very interesting and as a fan of Filipino myth and legends, it was a delight seeing them incorporated into the story. Moreso when done in a modern setting.
Now don't get fooled by the cover--this first book of the Janus Silang series is pretty dark and creepy. We start in medias res, so very early on, the readers are already invested in the story. I really like how the story unfolded as we, together with Janus, slowly try to figure out what happened. There were so many twists and turns, but also I appreciated the tender and sorrowful moments (please don't get me started at that ending!) The story was written so vividly to me that it felt like I was in the story itself--but maybe that's because it's set in the Philippines so I visually connected with it more that if it was from another country/culture.
Admittedly, the writing could need further editing. There were parts that I felt can be cut altogether and didn't really serve the plot. I also wanted to take a shot whenever I see the words umano and dilang-karayom ng mananaggal.
But aside from that, Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon really kept me on my toes. The premise is very interesting and as a fan of Filipino myth and legends, it was a delight seeing them incorporated into the story. Moreso when done in a modern setting.
On Writing by Charles Bukowski
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
"Creation can't bear up under restrictions." I think this best sums up Bukowski's philosophy in writing.
Reading his letters felt like I was listening to my drunk, crass, and opinionated tito who makes good points. I wouldn't want to talk with him for long periods of time but it's honestly entertaining to read him talk smack about things i.e., pretentious, snobbish people. It's like watching a reality TV show but with more meat, I guess.
Bukoswki talks about writing as if it's his only way to live. And maybe that's the case. He loves writing. That one is obvious. He repeatedly talks about how without writing, he would've gone insane, or dead ("I don't want to make rules but if there is one it is: the only writers who write well are those who must write in order not to go mad."). Not one for structure or formalities, Bukowski writes from within himself—regardless of how people tell you how and what to write. That's why it's incredibly funny how I bought this book, wanting to get tips on how to write, because I'll just be answered with "Don't try."
Reading his letters felt like I was listening to my drunk, crass, and opinionated tito who makes good points. I wouldn't want to talk with him for long periods of time but it's honestly entertaining to read him talk smack about things i.e., pretentious, snobbish people. It's like watching a reality TV show but with more meat, I guess.
Bukoswki talks about writing as if it's his only way to live. And maybe that's the case. He loves writing. That one is obvious. He repeatedly talks about how without writing, he would've gone insane, or dead ("I don't want to make rules but if there is one it is: the only writers who write well are those who must write in order not to go mad."). Not one for structure or formalities, Bukowski writes from within himself—regardless of how people tell you how and what to write. That's why it's incredibly funny how I bought this book, wanting to get tips on how to write, because I'll just be answered with "Don't try."
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I want to go inside Tamsyn Muir's brain just to see how she thought of this story. There's nothing else quite like this book--this will definitely not be everyone's cup of tea. Just the fact that it's mostly written in second person might've already turned people away. It's confusing story/structure might've turned off the remaining.
But Muir didn't write this way just to be edgy. It can be frustrating but you just have to stick to it until the end to know why. If you're like me who loves the characters in Gideon the Ninth and just needs to know what happened, what is happening, and what will happen, you are in for a treat. I don't think I've ever used my brain this much to try and piece everything together and I'm sure that even with that, I've missed a few things. But not everything is about figuring out what the hell is happening. Harrow the Ninth is also action packed-- described so vividly I feel like I was in the story itself.
Those who have loved reading Gideon the Ninth (like me) should brace themselves because this one is very different. Gideon the Ninth is as straightforward as Gideon Nav, while Harrow the Ninth is as mysterious and elusive and crazy as Harrowhark Nonagesimus.
But Muir didn't write this way just to be edgy. It can be frustrating but you just have to stick to it until the end to know why. If you're like me who loves the characters in Gideon the Ninth and just needs to know what happened, what is happening, and what will happen, you are in for a treat. I don't think I've ever used my brain this much to try and piece everything together and I'm sure that even with that, I've missed a few things. But not everything is about figuring out what the hell is happening. Harrow the Ninth is also action packed-- described so vividly I feel like I was in the story itself.
Those who have loved reading Gideon the Ninth (like me) should brace themselves because this one is very different. Gideon the Ninth is as straightforward as Gideon Nav, while Harrow the Ninth is as mysterious and elusive and crazy as Harrowhark Nonagesimus.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Read Gideon the Ninth if you want to have a good time!!!
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Aaaaand it's a favorite! Oh boy, where do I start?
- The tone - Just by reading the blurb, it was obvious that the tone of this book will be very light. It's crass, it's funny, it's snarky--just like its protagonists. But don't let this fool you, there's also murder and a gore too. But Muir perfectly balances the tone of the book, sprinkling some heart wrenching moments along the way.
- The premise - Lesbian swordfighting necromancers exploring a gothic palace in space. I mean, what an intriguing summary! One would think that it would take a while to get used to how the world works but it's pretty easy to understand and it's not overly complicated.
- The characters - Eight houses, 16 characters, and for some reason it doesn't feel too many. They're all interesting in their own right--some are downright assholes, some are total angels, some are morally grey.
- The plot - If you're a fan of mystery, murder, and escape rooms, you'll probably love this one. The way everything was unfolding keeps you on your toes. I had fun guessing who did what and how, that I didn't feel like I'm reading a 400+ page book. It also helped that I really, really love Gideon and her antics.
Read Gideon the Ninth if you want to have a good time!!!