cinnamonmarti's reviews
66 reviews
Lore Olympus: Volume One by Rachel Smythe
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
I've loved this webtoon ever since I discovered it, and I'm so glad it reached enough of an audience to become an actual printed volume! The art style is simple but vibrant and whimsical, and if you're into mythology you must read this.
I wish they'd gone for bigger panels for some scenes, but ultimately the essence of the author's style still comes through.
I wish they'd gone for bigger panels for some scenes, but ultimately the essence of the author's style still comes through.
The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
This was a peculiar and thought-provoking read. I think the author found a great way to meld together dystopian elements with intersectional feminism and magic. At times the social commentary was very blatantly spelled out, but I didn't mind that much, maybe because I found a lot of my own thoughts and worries in there.
I really loved the prose, the idea of magic as a powerful driving force for creativity, community and self-growth, the harsh choice between running away to a safe haven or facing the evils of a rotten society. The whole underlying question that torments Jo , 'how can I know I truly love someone and want to follow this path if it's the only way to get a modicum of freedom?' -- ouch. That hurt so much.
I really loved the prose, the idea of magic as a powerful driving force for creativity, community and self-growth, the harsh choice between running away to a safe haven or facing the evils of a rotten society. The whole underlying question that torments Jo , 'how can I know I truly love someone and want to follow this path if it's the only way to get a modicum of freedom?' -- ouch. That hurt so much.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Reading this felt like witnessing a gruesome accident and getting a hole drilled in your skull at the same time -- which is to say, stressful, scary and infuriating.
Alas, it's the first time that Kuang doesn't quite hit the mark for me. Don't get me wrong, I tore through this book in a day and a half, but by the end I was left wanting more in terms of plot and character study. The social commentary is undoubtedly compelling and exhilarating, in that 'oh no, I can't believe she just DID THAT' way. However June and Athena feel nearly two-dimensional, almost as if the individual dimension was sacrificed to make room for the bigger picture. I have a few gripes with the style too: I don't mind the scathing inner monologue quality of it all, but the language itself felt too bare and simplistic, not at all what I'm used to when it comes to this author. The ending was a nice mix of deranged horror and cold reality check.
If you're the sort of person who isn't into social media, Twitter drama and pop culture, this might not be your cup of tea. On the other hand, if you're Chronically Online like me, you'll be right in your element when reading this. And possibly end up trusting even fewer people :D
Alas, it's the first time that Kuang doesn't quite hit the mark for me. Don't get me wrong, I tore through this book in a day and a half, but by the end I was left wanting more in terms of plot and character study. The social commentary is undoubtedly compelling and exhilarating, in that 'oh no, I can't believe she just DID THAT' way. However June and Athena feel nearly two-dimensional, almost as if the individual dimension was sacrificed to make room for the bigger picture. I have a few gripes with the style too: I don't mind the scathing inner monologue quality of it all, but the language itself felt too bare and simplistic, not at all what I'm used to when it comes to this author. The ending was a nice mix of deranged horror and cold reality check.
If you're the sort of person who isn't into social media, Twitter drama and pop culture, this might not be your cup of tea. On the other hand, if you're Chronically Online like me, you'll be right in your element when reading this. And possibly end up trusting even fewer people :D
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
I'm so conflicted about this one.
I've had to Google 'haunting of hill house explained' immediately after finishing it, because I was internal y debating whether the book was too complex or I was too inexperienced for this type of horror read. I'm still not sure which is it.
I'll say that Shirley Jackson's talent shines through the pages without a doubt: the dialogues are brilliant in their eerie, tortuous progression and the haunted house atmosphere is fully believable. I also found it super interesting how almost the whole first half felt like a masterful satire of the gothic horror tropes! With that being said, I found myself thinking "so – that's it?" after the last chapter. I guess I wanted to feel thoroughly spooked and creeped out by this novel and it didn't happen. The ending is ambiguous to the point of being frustrating and we never find out if there is a reason and a logic to the haunting itself.
Overall this may be my not-keen-on-horror self speaking and I'm sure other readers will feel differently about it, but I was quite disappointed.
I've had to Google 'haunting of hill house explained' immediately after finishing it, because I was internal y debating whether the book was too complex or I was too inexperienced for this type of horror read. I'm still not sure which is it.
I'll say that Shirley Jackson's talent shines through the pages without a doubt: the dialogues are brilliant in their eerie, tortuous progression and the haunted house atmosphere is fully believable. I also found it super interesting how almost the whole first half felt like a masterful satire of the gothic horror tropes! With that being said, I found myself thinking "so – that's it?" after the last chapter. I guess I wanted to feel thoroughly spooked and creeped out by this novel and it didn't happen. The ending is ambiguous to the point of being frustrating and we never find out if there is a reason and a logic to the haunting itself.
Overall this may be my not-keen-on-horror self speaking and I'm sure other readers will feel differently about it, but I was quite disappointed.
The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book's core concept is "Jurassic Park, but make it a sitcom" and I respect the hell out of it. This was a quick, light and entertaining read. On the other hand, it lacked depth and there were zero emotional stakes, which is not ideal for me -- as a reader, I really crave that literary angst. The characters were quite flat and every single one of them was constantly sassy, witty, snappy, geeky, yada yada yada. It's fun at first, but it gets repetitive fast.
Overall this is intentionally trope-y and indulgent, but I can definitely understand why the author wrote it this way, and I'd still recommend it. Just strap in, enjoy the bumpy ride and don't expect anything too serious or realistic!
Overall this is intentionally trope-y and indulgent, but I can definitely understand why the author wrote it this way, and I'd still recommend it. Just strap in, enjoy the bumpy ride and don't expect anything too serious or realistic!
Specchio delle mie brame: La prigione della bellezza by Maura Gancitano
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Non leggo spesso saggistica e non ho criteri precisi per giudicare questi tipi di lettura, ma posso senza dubbio dire, da donna e lettrice, che mi è sembrato un libro assolutamente valido e 'necessario'. Molto appropriata e dolorosa la metafora della bellezza come mito irraggiungibile, divinità al cui altare vengono offerti sacrifici sempre insufficienti.
Credo che ognuna potrebbe trovare in questo titolo molteplici spunti di riflessione e momenti di autocoscienza. Seguo sempre con molto piacere l'autrice sui social ed è una delle poche voci contemporanee nella divulgazione che davvero definirei intellettuali ed empatiche allo stesso tempo.
L'argomento della bellezza è ovviamente legato a doppio filo al femminismo e alle meccaniche patriarcali della società; fa davvero impressione riflettere su come cambino canoni, norme sociali e modi di veicolare il messaggio, ma resti ancora inamovibile il pilastro della bellezza come metro di paragone dell'esistenza femminile.
Credo che ognuna potrebbe trovare in questo titolo molteplici spunti di riflessione e momenti di autocoscienza. Seguo sempre con molto piacere l'autrice sui social ed è una delle poche voci contemporanee nella divulgazione che davvero definirei intellettuali ed empatiche allo stesso tempo.
L'argomento della bellezza è ovviamente legato a doppio filo al femminismo e alle meccaniche patriarcali della società; fa davvero impressione riflettere su come cambino canoni, norme sociali e modi di veicolare il messaggio, ma resti ancora inamovibile il pilastro della bellezza come metro di paragone dell'esistenza femminile.
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I picked up this book as a last minute read for a book club whose theme was 'dreams & nightmares'. I found it a bit complex and too reflective at times, but ultimately quite enjoyable!
Le Guin is the sci-fi author you should turn to if you want moral dilemmas, philosophical digressions and compelling depictions of society's mechanisms, human or alien alike. You won't find a lot of action here, and there's a certain predictability to this story, but it's by no means boring or trivial. I personally empathised a lot with George, our Average Guy protagonist, because I too would panic if my dreams had the ability to reatroactively rewrite history.
Le Guin is the sci-fi author you should turn to if you want moral dilemmas, philosophical digressions and compelling depictions of society's mechanisms, human or alien alike. You won't find a lot of action here, and there's a certain predictability to this story, but it's by no means boring or trivial. I personally empathised a lot with George, our Average Guy protagonist, because I too would panic if my dreams had the ability to reatroactively rewrite history.
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
I read this series as a young teen and I have great memories of it, though I'll admit teenager-me was baffled by a lot of the theological and metaphysical elements. So when I found a copy of Northern Lights at a secondhand bookshop, I jumped at the chance to read it again, this time in its original language!
And I must say it's still a great read, full of vibrant descriptions and powerful emotions. Lyra is a formidable main character: she's a clever little renegade and I often found myself chuckling at her brash lies and smiling at the courage and love she showed throughout the book.
This is a particular brand of fantasy, one that I suspect is not everybody's cup of tea when it comes to book 2 and 3, but I believe Philip Pullman has the ability to charm adults and precocious children alike.
And I must say it's still a great read, full of vibrant descriptions and powerful emotions. Lyra is a formidable main character: she's a clever little renegade and I often found myself chuckling at her brash lies and smiling at the courage and love she showed throughout the book.
This is a particular brand of fantasy, one that I suspect is not everybody's cup of tea when it comes to book 2 and 3, but I believe Philip Pullman has the ability to charm adults and precocious children alike.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
Divine Rivals has an entertaining plot, lovable main & side characters and an interesting setting to boot. The 'magical penpals' gimmick was the selling point for me and it fully delivered, the letters were so heartfelt and a genuine pleasure to read.
However my main gripe with this book -- and the reason the rating isn't higher -- is that certain elements are just not explained or developed as they should be, resulting in a world building that isn't fully convincing. Also, I thought the ending was frustratingly rushed, which made me go ugh!! because such a poignant moment deserved a bit more.
However my main gripe with this book -- and the reason the rating isn't higher -- is that certain elements are just not explained or developed as they should be, resulting in a world building that isn't fully convincing. Also, I thought the ending was frustratingly rushed, which made me go ugh!! because such a poignant moment deserved a bit more.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
You've got to be kidding me. There's no way you're all hailing this book as a contemporary masterpiece when it's some of the most uninspired, bland writing I've seen lately.
Granted, the idea and themes at its core are very good, but the execution doesn't match them at hall imho. The pace felt clunky and difficult to get through for a good 60% of the book. Also, not sure if it's a case of "lost in translation" or what, but I didn't find it nearly as funny as I'm sure the intention was.
This played into my fear of becoming old and alone, but it was done in such a sterile and generic way I couldn't even empathise with the main character! Overall it was just a repetitive an exhausting experience to be in Ove's head, maybe because I don't really dig in the 'grumpy, emotionally unavailable man is actually the best person you'll ever meet' trope outside of fantasy.
Granted, the idea and themes at its core are very good, but the execution doesn't match them at hall imho. The pace felt clunky and difficult to get through for a good 60% of the book. Also, not sure if it's a case of "lost in translation" or what, but I didn't find it nearly as funny as I'm sure the intention was.
This played into my fear of becoming old and alone, but it was done in such a sterile and generic way I couldn't even empathise with the main character! Overall it was just a repetitive an exhausting experience to be in Ove's head, maybe because I don't really dig in the 'grumpy, emotionally unavailable man is actually the best person you'll ever meet' trope outside of fantasy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts