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oh_renard_lit's reviews
27 reviews
Une fantaisie du docteur Ox by Paul Verne, Jules Verne
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A nice and funny story. Delightful if you enjoy the writing style typical of that time and the absurd humor.
Dark Moon by David Gemmell
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Truly excellent.
The plot is a never ending string of turning points and reveals. Even the plot points you think are obvious all have their own twists.
The characters are all well-rounded and believable and endearing. I rooted for every single one of them.
For a story with so much uncensored violence, the message is surprisingly hopeful, touching and human.
Gemmell shows how good of a storyteller he is with this book and it convinced me to read more of his work.
The plot is a never ending string of turning points and reveals. Even the plot points you think are obvious all have their own twists.
The characters are all well-rounded and believable and endearing. I rooted for every single one of them.
For a story with so much uncensored violence, the message is surprisingly hopeful, touching and human.
Gemmell shows how good of a storyteller he is with this book and it convinced me to read more of his work.
Morningstar by David Gemmell
adventurous
hopeful
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
4.5
Excellent book.
A fast pace that will not allow you to put the book down once you've started it, a very welcome reflection on philosophical questions like Good and Bad and Kindness, a light and funny tone to contrast with the harsh life conditions in this universe...
Mostly faultless if some events weren't happening *too* fast and most importantly, if the characters weren't so surface level. Except for the 2-3 main characters, the others all have more or less the same personality and are more there to take up well-known roles (the first to die, the one that gets kidnapped, the one whose death impacts the hero...) than to be independent characters. A shame, because this would have easily been a 5-star if it weren't for that.
A fast pace that will not allow you to put the book down once you've started it, a very welcome reflection on philosophical questions like Good and Bad and Kindness, a light and funny tone to contrast with the harsh life conditions in this universe...
Mostly faultless if some events weren't happening *too* fast and most importantly, if the characters weren't so surface level. Except for the 2-3 main characters, the others all have more or less the same personality and are more there to take up well-known roles (the first to die, the one that gets kidnapped, the one whose death impacts the hero...) than to be independent characters. A shame, because this would have easily been a 5-star if it weren't for that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Murder, and War
The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The trilogy ends with a seriously good note thanks to a story packed with tense events and deep dives into the way of thinking and future of beloved characters.
Tolkien shows in this book all his talent in terms of lore and character building, in a stronger way thank in the 2 other books of the trilogy.
Still, I had a hard time concentrating on the book and finishing it, which is why this isn't a 5-star.
Tolkien shows in this book all his talent in terms of lore and character building, in a stronger way thank in the 2 other books of the trilogy.
Still, I had a hard time concentrating on the book and finishing it, which is why this isn't a 5-star.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book starts off really strongly thanks to an intrigue immediately tense and a charming romance between two loveable characters with a true alchemy. I genuinely was convinced this was going to be a 5-stars up until the 10th chapter.
However, as you read you realize that the plotline diminishes in terms of logic and quality to leave the room for the romance that unfortunately looses its salt once the characters kiss and thus stop chasing, challenging, playing with one another. The pace also sometimes slows almost to an halt and makes it hard to get back to the story onces it picks up again.
For this reasons, I did not give a 5-stars although I found this a pleasing and entertaining read.
However, as you read you realize that the plotline diminishes in terms of logic and quality to leave the room for the romance that unfortunately looses its salt once the characters kiss and thus stop chasing, challenging, playing with one another. The pace also sometimes slows almost to an halt and makes it hard to get back to the story onces it picks up again.
For this reasons, I did not give a 5-stars although I found this a pleasing and entertaining read.
The Secrets of Blythswood Square by Sara Sheridan
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This story takes time to get to the interesting points of the plot, but once it gets there it becomes really enticing and hard to put down the book.
However, the characters are only afraid of scandal on a surface-level and in reality, don't face noticeable consequences for their controversial behaviors, nor do they care much for the drama they provoke. They make the barest efforts to hide they dubious business and really only get shouted at by an old lady that they all dismiss and laugh at.
The way they are all so ready to go against society and take unusual stands for the period, without any doubts or second thoughts, makes the characters almost look like they are 2024 people magically reincarnated in the 19th century era.
Some parts were a bit long for no reason and some plot points, including the ending, didn't excite me as much as intended.
Despite all that, I still had an overall pleasant experience and I would recommend this book to people that like historical period drama with romance, political statements and photography oriented lore.
However, the characters are only afraid of scandal on a surface-level and in reality, don't face noticeable consequences for their controversial behaviors, nor do they care much for the drama they provoke. They make the barest efforts to hide they dubious business and really only get shouted at by an old lady that they all dismiss and laugh at.
The way they are all so ready to go against society and take unusual stands for the period, without any doubts or second thoughts, makes the characters almost look like they are 2024 people magically reincarnated in the 19th century era.
Some parts were a bit long for no reason and some plot points, including the ending, didn't excite me as much as intended.
Despite all that, I still had an overall pleasant experience and I would recommend this book to people that like historical period drama with romance, political statements and photography oriented lore.
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Although there are things I wish would have been written with more insistence, like the Last March of the Ents or Eowyn's personality, other points were surprisingly more nuanced than what we get in the films, like Saruman's psyche or Pippin's ingenuity.
This second installment surpasses the first book by its characterization and its plot structure. In this, Tolkien's talent in storytelling really unravels.
This second installment surpasses the first book by its characterization and its plot structure. In this, Tolkien's talent in storytelling really unravels.
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Some pleasant reflections on the litterary trad industry and the role of an author, on the misogyny in the litterary world and of course on mourning and the impact of a suicidal act.
However, I have to admit that appart from the moments talking about those interesting themes, I didn't get invested in the novel. The narrative choice of following the main character's trail of thoughts only make the reader get lost or bored.
However, I have to admit that appart from the moments talking about those interesting themes, I didn't get invested in the novel. The narrative choice of following the main character's trail of thoughts only make the reader get lost or bored.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence
Minor: Animal cruelty
Gender Magic: Live Shamelessly, Reclaim Your Joy, and Step Into Your Most Authentic Self by Rae McDaniel
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I thought this book had some cringeworthy moments, but this is totally the personal opinion of someone who doesn't align with the "you are a shining galaxy, you are magic, I love you" and the "put your sex life before everything else and french kiss your friends" discourses.
Still, this self-help book constitutes a *great* source of motivation if you are in a troubled state regarding your gender identity and gives pointers for how to tackle the usual problems faced by most people in the same situation, so I guess the book does its job (hence the 4 stars)!
Still, this self-help book constitutes a *great* source of motivation if you are in a troubled state regarding your gender identity and gives pointers for how to tackle the usual problems faced by most people in the same situation, so I guess the book does its job (hence the 4 stars)!
The Truth About Keeping Secrets by Savannah Brown
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Reading this book is a real chore, between its main character acting like she is the only sad person that exists (and too close for comfort to the "not like other girls" trope), its slow plot not going anywhere and not following the premises of the book, its 1-dimensional cardboard characters and its finale suddenly bringing a plethora of new themes out of the blue...
I listened to the narrated version by the author herself, which I believe is the *worst* way I could have read this book. Her tone only makes the story even more wearing.
Still, I guess there are some nice points made from time to time and the book must be better without the voice narrator.
I listened to the narrated version by the author herself, which I believe is the *worst* way I could have read this book. Her tone only makes the story even more wearing.
Still, I guess there are some nice points made from time to time and the book must be better without the voice narrator.