mchesse's reviews
6 reviews

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline

adventurous challenging mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious sad 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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Suicide, Terminal illness, Dementia, and Grief

Moderate: Gun violence and Murder

Minor: Homophobia

We Are Legion by Dennis E. Taylor

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-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? No

4.75

Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"The Killing Joke" reigns supreme in the world of comic books for a darn good reason. It's savage, raw, and manages to make you feel sorry for The Joker, of all people.

I keep coming back to this comic over and over because it's just so darn well-written and illustrated. Every time I read it, I'm left feeling uneasy yet totally blown away.

The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding

challenging tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.75

Alright, buckle up because I've got some thoughts now ive finished The Ember Blade. Honestly, I'm scratching my head at the glowing 5-star reviews online.

Let's talk length first. This thing is a beast, clocking in at a hefty 800 pages. But did it really need to be that long? Nope. There were tons of unnecessary descriptions and side stories that could've been trimmed down without losing any punch.

Now, let's chat about the main character, Aren. Dude's only 15, which felt a bit off to me. Some of his actions didn't quite match up with his age, you know? And his sudden change of heart from zero patriotism to full-on Osia supporter? Not buying it. And don't get me started on his friendship with Cade—it felt forced and unnatural, unlike the genuine bond between Gerric and Keel.

And hey, let's be real, this book isn't exactly breaking new ground. It's riddled with cliches and tropes that you can spot from a mile away. The whole "champion from Vika's dream" reveal? Predictable AF.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Grub's character arc? Loved it. Gerric and Vika's backstories? Fascinating stuff. And that twist with Aren's father's past? Unexpected and juicy.

Hands down, the best part for me was the journey through Skavengard. Gripping stuff.

Overall, this book could've used a serious trim, especially for a series starter. And sorry, but Aren just didn't do it for me.