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random_spider's reviews
120 reviews
You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace
Synopsis and/or Premise:
What if it's a crime-mystery, but the main character is the grief-stricken, psychopathic killer?
Claire lost her dad recently. He's the only person who understands her 'unusual' demeanors. She's a killer in heart, and she saw her victims' ghost before committing the hobby. A little mistake on her email led her to kill Lucas, but it seemed like someone caught her. And the moment she probes into this assumption, she immediately started peeking into the lives of others.
The Good and The Bad:
I personally like books that dives into the thought processes π§ of its protagonist. Some examples are Yellowface and Convenience Store Woman. This, despite me rating it much lower, still belonged to those types of books; A novel which personalized its portrayal of the main character. In turn, it's easier for the readers to understand them on a deeper level. And I do understand Claire despite her not thinking like a normal person. She's a twisted manipulator with artistic affinity. Indeed, a great canvass to portray grief from someone who doesn't understand it. I enjoyed her moments of being too observant and internally commenting on every little petty dialogues. A worthy, unlikable main character. Unfortunately, I wished she had some character development.
Speaking of Claire's sardonic comments, this book had some jerking sense of humor. This type of comedy was effective due to how the author placed her in some mundane social settings. Knowing how meticulous and wry Claire's mind work, the flow of conversations shot up to being hilariously self-critical for readers. I also liked how some scenes produced conflicting mixed emotions (at least for me.) There were definitely times where I can't decide whether to laugh or be tensed...so I did both. No idea how's that possible π .
The book tried to include some substance within. There were topics such as abuse, grief, parenthood, authenticity, dementia, paranoia, camaraderie, and conscience. But notice that there's a 'tried', because in my opinion not many of them were handled well. The best, by a sliver, were those from the bereavement group. At least the members were peculiar enough to pique interest. The rest weren't the worst portrayals (that's why this book wasn't a complete waste of time π), but they could be better as they're either shoehorned or superficial.
Now, here were my main problems:
1. Obvious debut qualities πΆ - Of course, being a debut novel means it's far from the most finesse. However, it is still subjected to the same standards as of any novel in general. And yeah....the prose could be improved, the pacing could be finer, and the themes could have been explored deeper. The book could be better.
2. Unbelievable π€ - I'm not saying that the narrative should be realistic (since this is fiction), but what's in should 'feel' real. You get what I mean, right? Things should be presented as believable, and sadly some parts failed to do so. The mother of Claire was too cartoonish, and some murders were uncannily less inconsequential outside of Claire.
3. Not satisfying π«€ - I don't know why the ending was a disappointment, especially for Claire's character. Being unlikeable doesn't mean you should not be compelling. When the mystery was answered, it was done in such abrupt, arbitrary, and in an 'info-dump' way. The middle of the book also suffered from a lack of interesting events. Yes, there were fun parts like Will's birthday and the elevator scene, but those got drowned by the overall monotony that its humor can't even save. It doesn't act like a thriller even though it's being marketed as.
Final Thoughts:
Despite being a debut novel, You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace will not be exempted from criticisms. This is a subtly vicious, dark crime-mystery and contemporary tale within the viewpoint of a psychopathic serial murderer, who due to grief, reactively tangled herself in the lives of her most current victims. The flashback scenes, done in the opposite writing POV, were a delightful divergence from its format. Strangely, the book was almost some sort of a social study; enunciating how no one is invisible in life, and that most people subconsciously repeat themselves and pretend often. The climax/final act, unfortunately, was a tad convoluted for my taste (at least comparatively from the rest of the book.) It might just be me though, since I had little experience with its genres.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I knew I should have not bought something with a Goodreads rating of below 4β.
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 4/10
Characters/POVs: 6/10
Prose/Style: 5/10
Themes/Messages: 5/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 6/10
OVERALL RATING: 5/10 (Mediocre)
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 4/10
Characters/POVs: 6/10
Prose/Style: 5/10
Themes/Messages: 5/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 6/10
OVERALL RATING: 5/10 (Mediocre)
"Is it possible that a person can present an image to the world that is so completely at odds with who they truly are?"
Synopsis and/or Premise:
What if it's a crime-mystery, but the main character is the grief-stricken, psychopathic killer?
Claire lost her dad recently. He's the only person who understands her 'unusual' demeanors. She's a killer in heart, and she saw her victims' ghost before committing the hobby. A little mistake on her email led her to kill Lucas, but it seemed like someone caught her. And the moment she probes into this assumption, she immediately started peeking into the lives of others.
The Good and The Bad:
I personally like books that dives into the thought processes π§ of its protagonist. Some examples are Yellowface and Convenience Store Woman. This, despite me rating it much lower, still belonged to those types of books; A novel which personalized its portrayal of the main character. In turn, it's easier for the readers to understand them on a deeper level. And I do understand Claire despite her not thinking like a normal person. She's a twisted manipulator with artistic affinity. Indeed, a great canvass to portray grief from someone who doesn't understand it. I enjoyed her moments of being too observant and internally commenting on every little petty dialogues. A worthy, unlikable main character. Unfortunately, I wished she had some character development.
Speaking of Claire's sardonic comments, this book had some jerking sense of humor. This type of comedy was effective due to how the author placed her in some mundane social settings. Knowing how meticulous and wry Claire's mind work, the flow of conversations shot up to being hilariously self-critical for readers. I also liked how some scenes produced conflicting mixed emotions (at least for me.) There were definitely times where I can't decide whether to laugh or be tensed...so I did both. No idea how's that possible π .
The book tried to include some substance within. There were topics such as abuse, grief, parenthood, authenticity, dementia, paranoia, camaraderie, and conscience. But notice that there's a 'tried', because in my opinion not many of them were handled well. The best, by a sliver, were those from the bereavement group. At least the members were peculiar enough to pique interest. The rest weren't the worst portrayals (that's why this book wasn't a complete waste of time π), but they could be better as they're either shoehorned or superficial.
Now, here were my main problems:
1. Obvious debut qualities πΆ - Of course, being a debut novel means it's far from the most finesse. However, it is still subjected to the same standards as of any novel in general. And yeah....the prose could be improved, the pacing could be finer, and the themes could have been explored deeper. The book could be better.
2. Unbelievable π€ - I'm not saying that the narrative should be realistic (since this is fiction), but what's in should 'feel' real. You get what I mean, right? Things should be presented as believable, and sadly some parts failed to do so. The mother of Claire was too cartoonish, and some murders were uncannily less inconsequential outside of Claire.
3. Not satisfying π«€ - I don't know why the ending was a disappointment, especially for Claire's character. Being unlikeable doesn't mean you should not be compelling. When the mystery was answered, it was done in such abrupt, arbitrary, and in an 'info-dump' way. The middle of the book also suffered from a lack of interesting events. Yes, there were fun parts like Will's birthday and the elevator scene, but those got drowned by the overall monotony that its humor can't even save. It doesn't act like a thriller even though it's being marketed as.
Final Thoughts:
Despite being a debut novel, You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace will not be exempted from criticisms. This is a subtly vicious, dark crime-mystery and contemporary tale within the viewpoint of a psychopathic serial murderer, who due to grief, reactively tangled herself in the lives of her most current victims. The flashback scenes, done in the opposite writing POV, were a delightful divergence from its format. Strangely, the book was almost some sort of a social study; enunciating how no one is invisible in life, and that most people subconsciously repeat themselves and pretend often. The climax/final act, unfortunately, was a tad convoluted for my taste (at least comparatively from the rest of the book.) It might just be me though, since I had little experience with its genres.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
DUGO SA BUKANG-LIWAWAY/ BLEEDING SUN. by ROGELIO. SICAT
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Born during a thunderstorm, Simon was birthed by his dying mother. With all the responsibilities and grief, Tano isolates himself on the farm to raise his son. Comes next is a family saga about a farmer-son struggle in life under some disadvantageous system.
The Good and The Bad:
Out of the two protagonists, I can't determine who was more compelling than the other. They're both written competently as each contributed to the narrative in their own ways.
A.) Tano was a realistic representation of a farmer during the mid-1900s Philippines. A poor single father stigmatized by his community; he lived a hermit lifestyle to prove everyone (including himself) that he got what it takes to be a parent. He became a restless automated individual, blinded by his own ideology π. It's even more depressing if we factor the merciless societal structure, beating him to bone and dust. He's a flawed, tragic character, further proving how he's almost a tangible person.
B.) Simon's role was to be an observer at first π, witnessing his father being ruined while doing what he can to save his son from the same fate. You could feel his desperate intent to help his father against the inevitable, but was unable to (mostly by his father denying him.) The turning point occurred at halfway, where he was still subjected to the cruel system. Filled with grudge and vengeance, he had some character growth towards the end that solidified him as a heroic person.
Both culminating into a brief yet meaningful tale about the raw life struggles of these individuals.
Another thing that I love about this novella (a short novel at most) was that it acted as a window to the past by combining Historical Fiction with Realism. San Roque, the town in story, was inspired by the author's hometown (San Isidro.) This book served as a social commentary π£οΈ, jabbing on the prevalent feudal system and classism. YES, YOU READ IT RIGHT! Something that existed centuries ago during medieval Europe was still being practiced here in Philippines just until a few decades ago. It revealed to everyone how unfair the system was (especially for poverty-stricken farmers) as it influenced trade, education, justice, politics, etc. This book was an eye-opening critique to the ignorance of the high class.
It wouldn't be fair if I only commend this book, as it's my role to point out any issues with it. Despite being important, it wasn't perfect:
1. Short π€ - I understand if you consider this not a problem. The book itself wasn't lengthy, only 120 pages or so. I don't even know if it's considered as a novella or a short novel. Nothing wrong with that...but because of this, events just happened quickly before proceeding to the next one. There's no time to pause and letting them mature to fullest. The ending even felt awkwardly cut, depriving of a deserved resolution. Even being written for a cause, it should have cared more on its structure.
2. Repetitiveness π - The prose had this tendency to repeat sentences that conveyed already delivered messages. Like, how often do I need to hear 'it's going to rain' at the start of the book, or 'Im getting old' in the middle. It's just inefficient/redundant.
3. Out of the Blue π΅ - Yeah, some events just appeared random. Most recognizable was the inclusion of World War 2 in the narrative. I get that it's historically accurate but the way it was written felt like it belonged to another book (especially considering how Simon wasn't even the focus during the span of those pages.) There were a few minor ones scattered all throughout, but I guess you could interpret them as akin to real life.
Final Thoughts:
Bleeding Sun (Dugo sa Bukang-Liwayway) by Rogelio Sicat (and translated by his daughter, Ma. Aurora Sicat) is a Philippine classic about the plight of a 20th century Filipino farmer. The author was dedicated to writing literature in Filipino language, so I'm surprised how his daughter decided to translate it in English. Trading authenticity for accessibility, I guess? One thing I found odd was how the book glorified education, though it made sense for its time. Anyways, if you're not a fan of trauma and suffering you may put this down fast. It deserved to express them rightfully so.
I only read this translated version. If you're curious why I didn't take on the original before, it's because reading Filipino texts was just a pain in the ass for me π .
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
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
3.5
Bleeding Sun β I mean, epic translated title, right? Should accurately be Bloody Dawn but I guess this still works.
Don't be fooled by my rating. This piece of significant literature is considered as a 20th century Filipino classic that had opened the eyes of many towards the gritty realities of our poor farmers. Now I wonder, why weren't we reading this at highschool?
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 6/10
Characters/POVs: 7/10
Prose/Style: 5/10
Themes/Messages: 9/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 7/10
OVERALL RATING: 7/10 (Good)
Don't be fooled by my rating. This piece of significant literature is considered as a 20th century Filipino classic that had opened the eyes of many towards the gritty realities of our poor farmers. Now I wonder, why weren't we reading this at highschool?
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 6/10
Characters/POVs: 7/10
Prose/Style: 5/10
Themes/Messages: 9/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 7/10
OVERALL RATING: 7/10 (Good)
"Seasons change but the peasants' way of life never improves. We are both children of farmers, Simon. We can never deny our roots."
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Born during a thunderstorm, Simon was birthed by his dying mother. With all the responsibilities and grief, Tano isolates himself on the farm to raise his son. Comes next is a family saga about a farmer-son struggle in life under some disadvantageous system.
The Good and The Bad:
Out of the two protagonists, I can't determine who was more compelling than the other. They're both written competently as each contributed to the narrative in their own ways.
A.) Tano was a realistic representation of a farmer during the mid-1900s Philippines. A poor single father stigmatized by his community; he lived a hermit lifestyle to prove everyone (including himself) that he got what it takes to be a parent. He became a restless automated individual, blinded by his own ideology π. It's even more depressing if we factor the merciless societal structure, beating him to bone and dust. He's a flawed, tragic character, further proving how he's almost a tangible person.
B.) Simon's role was to be an observer at first π, witnessing his father being ruined while doing what he can to save his son from the same fate. You could feel his desperate intent to help his father against the inevitable, but was unable to (mostly by his father denying him.) The turning point occurred at halfway, where he was still subjected to the cruel system. Filled with grudge and vengeance, he had some character growth towards the end that solidified him as a heroic person.
Both culminating into a brief yet meaningful tale about the raw life struggles of these individuals.
Another thing that I love about this novella (a short novel at most) was that it acted as a window to the past by combining Historical Fiction with Realism. San Roque, the town in story, was inspired by the author's hometown (San Isidro.) This book served as a social commentary π£οΈ, jabbing on the prevalent feudal system and classism. YES, YOU READ IT RIGHT! Something that existed centuries ago during medieval Europe was still being practiced here in Philippines just until a few decades ago. It revealed to everyone how unfair the system was (especially for poverty-stricken farmers) as it influenced trade, education, justice, politics, etc. This book was an eye-opening critique to the ignorance of the high class.
It wouldn't be fair if I only commend this book, as it's my role to point out any issues with it. Despite being important, it wasn't perfect:
1. Short π€ - I understand if you consider this not a problem. The book itself wasn't lengthy, only 120 pages or so. I don't even know if it's considered as a novella or a short novel. Nothing wrong with that...but because of this, events just happened quickly before proceeding to the next one. There's no time to pause and letting them mature to fullest. The ending even felt awkwardly cut, depriving of a deserved resolution. Even being written for a cause, it should have cared more on its structure.
2. Repetitiveness π - The prose had this tendency to repeat sentences that conveyed already delivered messages. Like, how often do I need to hear 'it's going to rain' at the start of the book, or 'Im getting old' in the middle. It's just inefficient/redundant.
3. Out of the Blue π΅ - Yeah, some events just appeared random. Most recognizable was the inclusion of World War 2 in the narrative. I get that it's historically accurate but the way it was written felt like it belonged to another book (especially considering how Simon wasn't even the focus during the span of those pages.) There were a few minor ones scattered all throughout, but I guess you could interpret them as akin to real life.
Final Thoughts:
Bleeding Sun (Dugo sa Bukang-Liwayway) by Rogelio Sicat (and translated by his daughter, Ma. Aurora Sicat) is a Philippine classic about the plight of a 20th century Filipino farmer. The author was dedicated to writing literature in Filipino language, so I'm surprised how his daughter decided to translate it in English. Trading authenticity for accessibility, I guess? One thing I found odd was how the book glorified education, though it made sense for its time. Anyways, if you're not a fan of trauma and suffering you may put this down fast. It deserved to express them rightfully so.
I only read this translated version. If you're curious why I didn't take on the original before, it's because reading Filipino texts was just a pain in the ass for me π .
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Misery, a Vampyre who spent her youth with Humans, was betrothed to the alpha of Weres (their enemy), Lowe. On the outside, it appeared as if she was forced into this arrangement by her father. But deep down, she had a personal reason to do so. A personal someone who's dear to her.
The Good and The Bad:
Compliments, huh? I guess the book did utilize its tropes well, but it just saddens me that it relied too much on those tropes as its selling point. It wasn't even subverting anything, to be honest. At least it had solid themes such as Prejudice, Racism, Belongingness, and the Weight of Obligations. A pleasant surprise, for me, was the decision of the author to cut some conversations halfway, allowing readers to fill the blank with their own continuation (occasionally stimulating my bored mind.) From the characters, Lowe by far had the most depth, followed far behind by Misery. Their chemistry was annoying at first, but the relationship became more tolerable as it developed organically (although I became less interested with them after they enjoyed doing the deed far too much and too frequent during the latter half.) Still, I find myself ridiculous saying that the smut was one of the better parts of the novel.
As you could tell already, it left a lot to be desired:
1. Unimpressive prose π - Granted, this was my first (and probably my last) Ali Hazelwood book, so I can't tell whether this level of wordsmith is consistent or not. It was, for lack of a better term, Wattpad-y.
2. Uninteresting characters π₯ - Aside from the protagonists (and Ana, but she doesn't count because she's meant to be adorable), none of the side characters were interesting. They were all flat, and frankly, too much of a clutter. In fact, I have no favorites in this book.
3. Weak overall structure ποΈ - There's so much problems with this book I'm just gonna write the rest of them here. First, the plot...incredibly boring and lifeless. It doesn't help that the mystery was not as gripping as it should be. Ok, a clue here and there, but it didn't have enough or stir competent intrigue for readers to give a damn since it clashed on the pages against the romantic relationship (which the book prioritized.) The mystery was a filler just so the characters have to do something else aside from themselves π. Next, as a consequence of mediocre mystery, the book was forced to do lengthy, tedious, and confusing exposition through the villain's clichΓ© 'motivation speech', bogging any once of attention left within me. Even the twists, although making sense from enough clues, still felt lame in execution. Lastly, I was waiting for some kind of action in the final conflict, like it already had enough tension to explode into chaos, yet I was deprived of that entertainment.
Final Thoughts:
Bride by Ali Hazelwood is a paranormal romance novel about an arranged marriage between a Vampyre and a Were. I initially assumed it was some kind of rural/folklore horror type of supernatural β but no, its just some contemporary, urban mafias with a Halloween plaster. Maybe it's my fault not researching the author and expecting a book more into the fantasy genre. Still, it felt too mainstream (like it's meant for BookTok romance girlies), although I'm happy for the author recognizing her target audience. I have to admit though, despite the smut catering to certain kinks, it kinda missed something. Like a certain 'animalistic' opportunity...though that would be f*cked-up π.
In the end of the day, this wasn't the worst book I've read.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I picked this book from a bookstore shelf, enticed by its cover design and blurb.
I should have returned it to display.
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 4/10
Characters/POVs: 5/10
Prose/Style: 3/10
Themes/Messages: 6/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 5/10
OVERALL RATING: 5/10 (Mediocre)
I should have returned it to display.
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 4/10
Characters/POVs: 5/10
Prose/Style: 3/10
Themes/Messages: 6/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 5/10
OVERALL RATING: 5/10 (Mediocre)
"The Vampyres don't claim you as one of them unless they have something to gain from it. You chose to be among the Humans, but you had to lie about your identity, because you're not one of them. And you're definitely not one of us. You truly belong nowhere, Miss Lark."
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Misery, a Vampyre who spent her youth with Humans, was betrothed to the alpha of Weres (their enemy), Lowe. On the outside, it appeared as if she was forced into this arrangement by her father. But deep down, she had a personal reason to do so. A personal someone who's dear to her.
The Good and The Bad:
Compliments, huh? I guess the book did utilize its tropes well, but it just saddens me that it relied too much on those tropes as its selling point. It wasn't even subverting anything, to be honest. At least it had solid themes such as Prejudice, Racism, Belongingness, and the Weight of Obligations. A pleasant surprise, for me, was the decision of the author to cut some conversations halfway, allowing readers to fill the blank with their own continuation (occasionally stimulating my bored mind.) From the characters, Lowe by far had the most depth, followed far behind by Misery. Their chemistry was annoying at first, but the relationship became more tolerable as it developed organically (although I became less interested with them after they enjoyed doing the deed far too much and too frequent during the latter half.) Still, I find myself ridiculous saying that the smut was one of the better parts of the novel.
As you could tell already, it left a lot to be desired:
1. Unimpressive prose π - Granted, this was my first (and probably my last) Ali Hazelwood book, so I can't tell whether this level of wordsmith is consistent or not. It was, for lack of a better term, Wattpad-y.
2. Uninteresting characters π₯ - Aside from the protagonists (and Ana, but she doesn't count because she's meant to be adorable), none of the side characters were interesting. They were all flat, and frankly, too much of a clutter. In fact, I have no favorites in this book.
3. Weak overall structure ποΈ - There's so much problems with this book I'm just gonna write the rest of them here. First, the plot...incredibly boring and lifeless. It doesn't help that the mystery was not as gripping as it should be. Ok, a clue here and there, but it didn't have enough or stir competent intrigue for readers to give a damn since it clashed on the pages against the romantic relationship (which the book prioritized.) The mystery was a filler just so the characters have to do something else aside from themselves π. Next, as a consequence of mediocre mystery, the book was forced to do lengthy, tedious, and confusing exposition through the villain's clichΓ© 'motivation speech', bogging any once of attention left within me. Even the twists, although making sense from enough clues, still felt lame in execution. Lastly, I was waiting for some kind of action in the final conflict, like it already had enough tension to explode into chaos, yet I was deprived of that entertainment.
Final Thoughts:
Bride by Ali Hazelwood is a paranormal romance novel about an arranged marriage between a Vampyre and a Were. I initially assumed it was some kind of rural/folklore horror type of supernatural β but no, its just some contemporary, urban mafias with a Halloween plaster. Maybe it's my fault not researching the author and expecting a book more into the fantasy genre. Still, it felt too mainstream (like it's meant for BookTok romance girlies), although I'm happy for the author recognizing her target audience. I have to admit though, despite the smut catering to certain kinks, it kinda missed something. Like a certain 'animalistic' opportunity...though that would be f*cked-up π.
In the end of the day, this wasn't the worst book I've read.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
Synopsis and/or Premise:
A luxury yacht has mysteriously sunk, leaving Benji and nine other individuals the only survivors stranded on a lifeboat. A random stranger floated nearby and is pulled into the lifeboat, seemingly unscathed from the disaster. When they asked who he is, the stranger claims he is the Lord.
This story is found within a notebook from the beached, empty lifeboat, being investigated by LaFleur.
The Good and The Bad:
This book was fast-paced π¨. I mean REALLY fast-paced, with all the POV switching and time jumps. This might not be everyone's cup of tea but I couldn't deny how it paired well with the mystery of the narrative. Their equation provided a gripping result: The book won't allow you to put it down whether you liked it or not. Like it pulls you wanting to know what will happen the next page. And because of it, this might be my fastest book to date (I'm not sure though, I don't keep records π .) An amazing feat of less than 5 actual reading hours coming from a relatively casual reader.
This book had solid themes. They weren't as meaningful and impactful as I would like, but their presence still had some merits. The book talks about hubris of the wealthy, guilt, forgiveness, delusion, and faith. The last one, specifically, was the driving topic. The book makes you question whether the characters will stand upon raw, painful truth or give up all the practicalities of survival to foolishly place your life one someone who might be insane. I gotta say, the best parts of the book were the arguments of survivors (about placing faith π, of course) in the middle, and the last few pages at sea, where it transitioned near intellectual/philosophical. It was like one of Matt Haig's books due to its preachiness.
Here were my issues:
1. Contrived/constructed π² - The plot doesn't feel natural and realistic. There were events that was obviously forced just to move the story forward. Yes, this issue exists of both sides of the story (the investigator and the survivors.) Plus, the investigator was made stupid by the plot sometimes. I wished the book was written a lot differently to avoid being mechanical and a bit predictable.
2. Bland π - What a lifeless book. I mean seriously, I couldn't connect to both the plot and characters. I already talked about the plot, but the characters weren't any better. They were all superficial, and none were compelling or even stood out a bit (yup, even the protagonists.) There's no flavor with their personalities or the way they interact. Yes, they exist but I just flowed through them like nothing significant. Actually, nothing significant sums up this book accurately.
3. Weightless πͺΆ - I already went through my problems with the plot and characters. But at least they were 'something' right. Answer: No. They were the definition of bare minimum. Since the plot was contrived, the conclusions and reveals were just...meh (well, at least the twist was good in hindsight.) Yeah, like it's reasonable I guess but it wasn't satisfying. The deaths of characters felt hollow since I barely knew them outside of their background (β οΈ this is sort of a spoiler, but you wouldn't expect them to all survive, right?) Overall, this book didn't have a considerable substance.
Final Thoughts:
The stranger in the lifeboat by Mitch Albom is such a shocker for me. The level of this book's writing compared to The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is astronomical. What a complete DOWNGRADE. I do think it was a little too fast for its own good. Uhh...I guess this is a serviceable mystery/survival novel, but I wouldn't reread probably.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
3.0
WOW...how come this author wrote probably the best novel I'll read this year...to this middle-of-the-road (and likely forgettable) mystery book?
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 5/10
Characters/POVs: 4/10
Prose/Style: 7/10
Themes/Messages: 7/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 6/10
OVERALL RATING: 6/10 (Ok)
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 5/10
Characters/POVs: 4/10
Prose/Style: 7/10
Themes/Messages: 7/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 6/10
OVERALL RATING: 6/10 (Ok)
"I know the tears you shed, Benjamin. When people leave this Earth, their loved ones always weep." She smiled. "But I promise you, those who leave do not."
Synopsis and/or Premise:
A luxury yacht has mysteriously sunk, leaving Benji and nine other individuals the only survivors stranded on a lifeboat. A random stranger floated nearby and is pulled into the lifeboat, seemingly unscathed from the disaster. When they asked who he is, the stranger claims he is the Lord.
This story is found within a notebook from the beached, empty lifeboat, being investigated by LaFleur.
The Good and The Bad:
This book was fast-paced π¨. I mean REALLY fast-paced, with all the POV switching and time jumps. This might not be everyone's cup of tea but I couldn't deny how it paired well with the mystery of the narrative. Their equation provided a gripping result: The book won't allow you to put it down whether you liked it or not. Like it pulls you wanting to know what will happen the next page. And because of it, this might be my fastest book to date (I'm not sure though, I don't keep records π .) An amazing feat of less than 5 actual reading hours coming from a relatively casual reader.
This book had solid themes. They weren't as meaningful and impactful as I would like, but their presence still had some merits. The book talks about hubris of the wealthy, guilt, forgiveness, delusion, and faith. The last one, specifically, was the driving topic. The book makes you question whether the characters will stand upon raw, painful truth or give up all the practicalities of survival to foolishly place your life one someone who might be insane. I gotta say, the best parts of the book were the arguments of survivors (about placing faith π, of course) in the middle, and the last few pages at sea, where it transitioned near intellectual/philosophical. It was like one of Matt Haig's books due to its preachiness.
Here were my issues:
1. Contrived/constructed π² - The plot doesn't feel natural and realistic. There were events that was obviously forced just to move the story forward. Yes, this issue exists of both sides of the story (the investigator and the survivors.) Plus, the investigator was made stupid by the plot sometimes. I wished the book was written a lot differently to avoid being mechanical and a bit predictable.
2. Bland π - What a lifeless book. I mean seriously, I couldn't connect to both the plot and characters. I already talked about the plot, but the characters weren't any better. They were all superficial, and none were compelling or even stood out a bit (yup, even the protagonists.) There's no flavor with their personalities or the way they interact. Yes, they exist but I just flowed through them like nothing significant. Actually, nothing significant sums up this book accurately.
3. Weightless πͺΆ - I already went through my problems with the plot and characters. But at least they were 'something' right. Answer: No. They were the definition of bare minimum. Since the plot was contrived, the conclusions and reveals were just...meh (well, at least the twist was good in hindsight.) Yeah, like it's reasonable I guess but it wasn't satisfying. The deaths of characters felt hollow since I barely knew them outside of their background (β οΈ this is sort of a spoiler, but you wouldn't expect them to all survive, right?) Overall, this book didn't have a considerable substance.
Final Thoughts:
The stranger in the lifeboat by Mitch Albom is such a shocker for me. The level of this book's writing compared to The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is astronomical. What a complete DOWNGRADE. I do think it was a little too fast for its own good. Uhh...I guess this is a serviceable mystery/survival novel, but I wouldn't reread probably.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Painter lived in a world of night. His magenta-and-teal lighted city is shrouded by an everlasting veil of black mist, blocking the sky but a singular star and spawning nightmares that feasts on people. He uses the art of painting to capture these inky abominations.
Yumi is a yoki-hijo, a sacred individual whose purpose is to call the spirits using stone-stacking art. Her people need her lifetime service to survive a baking land of eternal sun, filled with floating flora and erupting geysers.
But one day, with the plead of a lone spirit, their lives will intertwine and they'll be forced to figure out why before their worlds perish.
The Good and The Bad:
The two protagonists, Nikaro (Painter) and Yumi, were one of the strongest aspects of this book. Painter was well established to be this brooding, self-pitying character who lost his artistic spark, yet is still eager to do the right thing for the sake of purpose and validation. His character was an allegory to many underappreciated professional workers. Yumi, on the other hand, had no choice at birth to be revered by her people. She lived a life in chains (the concept of 'Bukot' in my culture.) They're both compelling, believable, and actually had a fun dynamic between one another. A balance of playful shenanigans and poignant moments. Seriously though, their relationship was written so naturally I could easily imagine them doing the exact actions because it fits their character. They're also both had respectable character growth. Despite having drastically different lives, they still find themselves relating to each other's parallel circumstances. The book, at its core, was just them understanding deeply who the other person is. I just love them together, man. SO ENDEARING π₯°.
Judging as a fantasy? Yeah, this was top tier. From the already expected incredible world-building of the author, the subtle complexity of dialogues, weighted themes, and interesting use of tropes. I was wholly enamored by its world. The settings were written in picturesque descriptions πΌοΈ worthy of high-end cinematic adaptations. Some scenes were so marvelous I would pay any amount just to play it in a video game version, like a final boss or cut scene or something. Perhaps finding myself consistently chuckling was the best experience because the writing had excellent comedic knack. And I'm simply thankful it focused on small cast of characters, making the narrative more personal and less convoluted that it could potentially have. I've heard this was Brandon Sanderson branching out into more of a romantic novel, and honestly, it turned out well. No wonder the author is considered a pinnacle contributor to the modern fantasy genre and storytelling. He indeed knows what he's doing.
While reading, I was repeatedly convincing myself that it's the best of what the genre could offer. I was blurting like "This is a 5β, It'll be a 5β, right?...just like the majority would rate it?" β but, hate to say it, no. It might be if we consider what the author had built up, but since this was my first book I had to judge it on its own. It's not bad by any means, but it's not perfect either. Now, this list wouldn't include the infamous grammatical error in chp. 5 (that would be petty of me), but here are my major problems:
1. Narrator π£οΈ - The narrator, Hoid, was a fun character. I loved rolling my eyes whenever he talks about himself. My only problem with him was that sometimes he talks directly to the readers. I know he was probably just telling a story to a character in the Cosmere universe, but still his direct third person interactions sucked out the entrancing high fantasy.
2. Pacing β© - Started a tad slower in the first half, then during the final act were now zooming/rushed? Why the inconsistency? The pace could have been equal all throughout, and I am not a stranger to narratives with accelerating pace, but here it just felt jarring instead of smooth. There were also moments in the middle where the narrative didn't progress. It simply stalled a bit as my eyes just follow the characters going through their typical day.
3. Vocabulary flexing πͺ - Brandon Sanderson...what the heck are you doing? Some of the words used here were strikingly for the purpose of "Hey, loyal readers. Check this out. A random difficult word I KNOW." Bro, stop. You could have used easier words with identical meanings. On hindsight, this might not even be his fault. It might be the editors. Nonetheless, I could have saved a few visits from the dictionary and enjoyed the fantasy immersion more.
Final Thoughts:
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson is the third secret project of him. A NA (are 19-year-olds considered New Adult, or still YA? not sure) Romantasy that is heavily inspired by multiple Japanese media like Final Fantasy X, Hikaru no Go, and the film Kimi no Nawa (Your Name by Makoto Shinkai). No wonder it had this 'anime' feel to it. I immediately recognized the semblance of plot devices between it and said film, but thankfully they differ enough to be their own unique story. There are also some Korean elements (Yumi is the Korean equivalent) since THERE'S K-DRAMAS WITHIN β or its Cosmere universe version π€£. This book would likely impacted me more if I have read the other entries within the Cosmere universe first. Like it was BEGGING for readers to recognize many of its Easter Eggs and references from the other connected series.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This has been regarded by readers as one of the best books of the Brandon Sanderson (might even be the best stand-alone of the Cosmere universe). But as my first book of this critically acclaimed author β I was looking for something that transcends my expectations. It didn't. But I've heard this wasn't his usual entry, in which case I admire the risk and exploration the author took.
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 9/10
Characters/POVs: 10/10
Prose/Style: 8/10
Themes/Messages: 7/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 9/10
OVERALL RATING: 8/10 (Great)
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 9/10
Characters/POVs: 10/10
Prose/Style: 8/10
Themes/Messages: 7/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 9/10
OVERALL RATING: 8/10 (Great)
"We're going," she said anyway. She walk around him to the hallway, then held out her hand. "Come on. Tonight we're not a painter or a yoki-hijo. Tonight we're just people. ..."
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Painter lived in a world of night. His magenta-and-teal lighted city is shrouded by an everlasting veil of black mist, blocking the sky but a singular star and spawning nightmares that feasts on people. He uses the art of painting to capture these inky abominations.
Yumi is a yoki-hijo, a sacred individual whose purpose is to call the spirits using stone-stacking art. Her people need her lifetime service to survive a baking land of eternal sun, filled with floating flora and erupting geysers.
But one day, with the plead of a lone spirit, their lives will intertwine and they'll be forced to figure out why before their worlds perish.
The Good and The Bad:
The two protagonists, Nikaro (Painter) and Yumi, were one of the strongest aspects of this book. Painter was well established to be this brooding, self-pitying character who lost his artistic spark, yet is still eager to do the right thing for the sake of purpose and validation. His character was an allegory to many underappreciated professional workers. Yumi, on the other hand, had no choice at birth to be revered by her people. She lived a life in chains (the concept of 'Bukot' in my culture.) They're both compelling, believable, and actually had a fun dynamic between one another. A balance of playful shenanigans and poignant moments. Seriously though, their relationship was written so naturally I could easily imagine them doing the exact actions because it fits their character. They're also both had respectable character growth. Despite having drastically different lives, they still find themselves relating to each other's parallel circumstances. The book, at its core, was just them understanding deeply who the other person is. I just love them together, man. SO ENDEARING π₯°.
Judging as a fantasy? Yeah, this was top tier. From the already expected incredible world-building of the author, the subtle complexity of dialogues, weighted themes, and interesting use of tropes. I was wholly enamored by its world. The settings were written in picturesque descriptions πΌοΈ worthy of high-end cinematic adaptations. Some scenes were so marvelous I would pay any amount just to play it in a video game version, like a final boss or cut scene or something. Perhaps finding myself consistently chuckling was the best experience because the writing had excellent comedic knack. And I'm simply thankful it focused on small cast of characters, making the narrative more personal and less convoluted that it could potentially have. I've heard this was Brandon Sanderson branching out into more of a romantic novel, and honestly, it turned out well. No wonder the author is considered a pinnacle contributor to the modern fantasy genre and storytelling. He indeed knows what he's doing.
While reading, I was repeatedly convincing myself that it's the best of what the genre could offer. I was blurting like "This is a 5β, It'll be a 5β, right?...just like the majority would rate it?" β but, hate to say it, no. It might be if we consider what the author had built up, but since this was my first book I had to judge it on its own. It's not bad by any means, but it's not perfect either. Now, this list wouldn't include the infamous grammatical error in chp. 5 (that would be petty of me), but here are my major problems:
1. Narrator π£οΈ - The narrator, Hoid, was a fun character. I loved rolling my eyes whenever he talks about himself. My only problem with him was that sometimes he talks directly to the readers. I know he was probably just telling a story to a character in the Cosmere universe, but still his direct third person interactions sucked out the entrancing high fantasy.
2. Pacing β© - Started a tad slower in the first half, then during the final act were now zooming/rushed? Why the inconsistency? The pace could have been equal all throughout, and I am not a stranger to narratives with accelerating pace, but here it just felt jarring instead of smooth. There were also moments in the middle where the narrative didn't progress. It simply stalled a bit as my eyes just follow the characters going through their typical day.
3. Vocabulary flexing πͺ - Brandon Sanderson...what the heck are you doing? Some of the words used here were strikingly for the purpose of "Hey, loyal readers. Check this out. A random difficult word I KNOW." Bro, stop. You could have used easier words with identical meanings. On hindsight, this might not even be his fault. It might be the editors. Nonetheless, I could have saved a few visits from the dictionary and enjoyed the fantasy immersion more.
Final Thoughts:
Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson is the third secret project of him. A NA (are 19-year-olds considered New Adult, or still YA? not sure) Romantasy that is heavily inspired by multiple Japanese media like Final Fantasy X, Hikaru no Go, and the film Kimi no Nawa (Your Name by Makoto Shinkai). No wonder it had this 'anime' feel to it. I immediately recognized the semblance of plot devices between it and said film, but thankfully they differ enough to be their own unique story. There are also some Korean elements (Yumi is the Korean equivalent) since THERE'S K-DRAMAS WITHIN β or its Cosmere universe version π€£. This book would likely impacted me more if I have read the other entries within the Cosmere universe first. Like it was BEGGING for readers to recognize many of its Easter Eggs and references from the other connected series.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
Synopsis and/or Premise:
This is a personal epic of Frankie Presto.
Born out of a burning chapel, he is an orphan music prodigy who tackled all the bitterness and sweetness life could offer. He trained under a blind master, sent off as a lost boy, rose to stardom as a musical legend, and struggled to make peace with his identity.
And as dramatic as he entered this world, he performed a worthy finale of his symphonic life.
The Good and The Bad:
I don't even know if I have enough words to praise this thing. What a masterpiece π
This book was magic β¨ (literally and figuratively). Thereβre no other words that accurately describe it better. Just the prose itself was pure immaculate. Fun fact! This book gave me the most 'feels' reading for them words hit hard. The way the author lay out his sentences, many of which were clues to later events, as well as utilizing stark juxtapositions of some chapters (of book and of protagonist's life, simultaneously) was an impressive display of skills. And how many of those chapters were in an interview format gave a whole new layer of mystery vibes to the plot. The book had some brief romance within, but it is mainly a love story of Frankie between his passion and the people of his life. Regardless, I ate them all up.
This book was about music πΆ. Of course, that's expected from the title. Heck, even the narrator within was this godly entity with an entertaining ego who called himself Music. One can't go wrong with some fantastical elements. I even found myself memorizing exacts moments when the titular strings glowed because of Frankie's ability to change lives. Moving on, I just adore how much research the author did to integrate music historical facts to the story. Lots of string instrument mechanics were present as well, but they were just enough to not bore the readers with technicalities. And the prose was most lyrical. Smooth, rich, and emotionally compelling. This wonderful trio was one of the reasons why I rated it highly.
This tale of Music's disciple had everything, and I know making a list of those topics/themes is excessive and unnecessary...but funny π€£. So here we go:
1. Student-Teacher relationship dynamic
2. Passion
3. Companionship and connections
4. People with Disabilities
5. Stepping up to expectations and responsibilities
6. War occupation
7. Drugs
8. Returning to roots
9. Gifts and curses of fame and ambition
10. Talent vs Industry
11. Troubled past, Inner peace, and Forgiveness
12. Focusing on what matters most
13. Essence of a Career
14. Being an influence
15. Being lost, and etc... (ok I'll stop here lol)
The last part of this section is usually where I write my criticisms and problems. But for some reason, this book had almost none. And for whatever it was, it's justified or simply out of my personal taste. The time jumps and pacing was a bit jarring at first, but it's just the nature of literary fiction and the book's unique method of storytelling. Also, I personally am not a fan of the 'mini' twist reveal in the end, though slowly I understand how it perfectly fits the growth and closure of the protagonist.
Final Thoughts:
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom is SOOOOOOOOO GOOD. Halfway through 2024 and I finally found my first 5β of the year. Definitely gonna try the other works of this author.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Just casually tried a Mitch Albom book since its always on the bookstore. And well, what do you know! It's now my Top 1 book π³, as in RANKED FIRST IN MY WHOLE COLLECTION!!!
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 9/10
Characters/POVs: 10/10
Prose/Style: 10/10
Themes/Messages: 9/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 10/10
OVERALL RATING: 10/10 (Perfect)
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 9/10
Characters/POVs: 10/10
Prose/Style: 10/10
Themes/Messages: 9/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 10/10
OVERALL RATING: 10/10 (Perfect)
And then I asked, "When was the last time you were home?"
And he said, "I don't really have one."
And I said, "Everyone has some place they call home."
He held his guitar.
"All I ever had was this," he said, "and her."
Synopsis and/or Premise:
This is a personal epic of Frankie Presto.
Born out of a burning chapel, he is an orphan music prodigy who tackled all the bitterness and sweetness life could offer. He trained under a blind master, sent off as a lost boy, rose to stardom as a musical legend, and struggled to make peace with his identity.
And as dramatic as he entered this world, he performed a worthy finale of his symphonic life.
The Good and The Bad:
I don't even know if I have enough words to praise this thing. What a masterpiece π
This book was magic β¨ (literally and figuratively). Thereβre no other words that accurately describe it better. Just the prose itself was pure immaculate. Fun fact! This book gave me the most 'feels' reading for them words hit hard. The way the author lay out his sentences, many of which were clues to later events, as well as utilizing stark juxtapositions of some chapters (of book and of protagonist's life, simultaneously) was an impressive display of skills. And how many of those chapters were in an interview format gave a whole new layer of mystery vibes to the plot. The book had some brief romance within, but it is mainly a love story of Frankie between his passion and the people of his life. Regardless, I ate them all up.
This book was about music πΆ. Of course, that's expected from the title. Heck, even the narrator within was this godly entity with an entertaining ego who called himself Music. One can't go wrong with some fantastical elements. I even found myself memorizing exacts moments when the titular strings glowed because of Frankie's ability to change lives. Moving on, I just adore how much research the author did to integrate music historical facts to the story. Lots of string instrument mechanics were present as well, but they were just enough to not bore the readers with technicalities. And the prose was most lyrical. Smooth, rich, and emotionally compelling. This wonderful trio was one of the reasons why I rated it highly.
This tale of Music's disciple had everything, and I know making a list of those topics/themes is excessive and unnecessary...but funny π€£. So here we go:
1. Student-Teacher relationship dynamic
2. Passion
3. Companionship and connections
4. People with Disabilities
5. Stepping up to expectations and responsibilities
6. War occupation
7. Drugs
8. Returning to roots
9. Gifts and curses of fame and ambition
10. Talent vs Industry
11. Troubled past, Inner peace, and Forgiveness
12. Focusing on what matters most
13. Essence of a Career
14. Being an influence
15. Being lost, and etc... (ok I'll stop here lol)
The last part of this section is usually where I write my criticisms and problems. But for some reason, this book had almost none. And for whatever it was, it's justified or simply out of my personal taste. The time jumps and pacing was a bit jarring at first, but it's just the nature of literary fiction and the book's unique method of storytelling. Also, I personally am not a fan of the 'mini' twist reveal in the end, though slowly I understand how it perfectly fits the growth and closure of the protagonist.
Final Thoughts:
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom is SOOOOOOOOO GOOD. Halfway through 2024 and I finally found my first 5β of the year. Definitely gonna try the other works of this author.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Dorian Gray is having his portrait being painted, but he made a wish that his face stayed youthful and perfect while the painting absorbs all the rough consequences of life. What follows is a tale of corruption, abuse, and the weight of one's sins.
The Good and The Bad:
It would be an understatement to say that the titular painting was one of the best parts of the book. Such a multidimensional plot device. Filling the senses with enigma and intrigue (for both characters and readers alike), the painting was beautifully creepy on a perfect amount. I think everybody knows already that it acted sort of a mirror πͺ for the protagonist, but still I can't help but commend how thought provoking the concept was. It represented inner beauty vs. outer beauty and was emblematic of how our actions defines who we are. I can't believe a painting could be this powerful...but then, many real-life examples are alike in effect. And did you know that the eerie piece of art was the reason why I picked this book in the first place?
My unexpected delight from the book was the characters, particularly Dorian Gray π€΅. But let's start first on the other two major characters: Basil and Henry. Basil, my poor guy, being a victim of his own creation. He felt realistic portraying an artist's life after the creation of his/her Magnum Opus. Henry, with all his influence and opinions, is an unassuming villain that gets on my nerves the more he appears. Legit though, he doesn't realize how dangerous/damaging he is (esp. for the protagonist) by using his high societal status to spread cynical critiques on various topics. I wouldn't call him the antagonist though, since at its core the book was all about a man fighting his own demons. Dorian Gray was crafted to be interesting. Starting from a 'blank canvas' he was promptly introduced to the concept of hedonism. And as the plot progressed, the readers had to uneasily endure his fall, mentally and morally. Yes, it's undeniable that he committed some heinous acts, yet I personally cannot help but to feel pity for him. WHAT A TRUE FLAWED PROTAGONIST.
To anyone looking for a worthy classic to read, I think it's safe to recommend this one. Heck, many even rated it 5 β in Goodreads. I think it's because the book dived into timeless topics that were most human in essence. For most of the reading part, I felt indifferent about the book πΆ. It wasn't like a 'WOW' but it wasn't also offensively unreadable. It's basically like other classics β perfectly imperfect literature who stood against the test of time due to their innate significance. After finishing, I finally understood why people loved it, especially after all the parts started to click into one cohesive unit. It's like a rough drink: Tough at first, but the more you savor it the more it reveals the complexity of its substance. Now I'm pretty confident that this book will only get better upon rereads.
This book was almost a 4 β β almost. Now, here are the reasons that kept me from rating it higher. All of these were rooted to the idea that this novel is better than the sum of its parts. A compliment...but I still can't ignore its problematic individual portions.
1. Bit too flowery π - This was more of my taste, but I think the book was overusing its fancy proses. It was like reading a self-indulgent book drowned on its own pompousness. I get some people preferred it, but I rather be moved by a balanced combination of wordsmith, plot, and character.
2. POV inconsistencies π§Ώ - This thing peeved me throughout. For the most part the book utilized a third person omniscient POV. The issue was that it had this tendency to just abandon the 'established' POV to be this another narrator that addresses directly to readers (at least that's what I understood, correct me if I'm wrong.) The switch up confuses me every time, and made the whole plot less gripping.
3. Straying π - I'm gonna be blunt on this one. The plot, occasionally, was unfocused. The story detoured frequently to add some quotes and assessment/insights of various topics during its era. It's just intrusive. Granted, some of them is still relevant, but it's just annoying that this book can't commit to the narrative fully. There was even a point in the middle where the story completely stops for pages on end.
Final Thoughts:
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is an 1890 classic about the corruption of a handsome man, with a splash of fantastical element through the painting itself. This might be strange to say (considering my rating) but this was one of the best classics I've read. It was both a reflection and criticism of the English high-class society during its era. But importantly, the themes tied to its characters will forever be relevant for any type of readers.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Oooooohh...pretty boy isn't so pretty inside π
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 5/10
Characters/POVs: 8/10
Prose/Style: 7/10
Themes/Messages: 9/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 6/10
OVERALL RATING: 7/10 (Good)
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 5/10
Characters/POVs: 8/10
Prose/Style: 7/10
Themes/Messages: 9/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 6/10
OVERALL RATING: 7/10 (Good)
"By the way, Dorian," he said after a pause, "'what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and lose' β how does the quotation run? β 'his own soul'?"
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Dorian Gray is having his portrait being painted, but he made a wish that his face stayed youthful and perfect while the painting absorbs all the rough consequences of life. What follows is a tale of corruption, abuse, and the weight of one's sins.
The Good and The Bad:
It would be an understatement to say that the titular painting was one of the best parts of the book. Such a multidimensional plot device. Filling the senses with enigma and intrigue (for both characters and readers alike), the painting was beautifully creepy on a perfect amount. I think everybody knows already that it acted sort of a mirror πͺ for the protagonist, but still I can't help but commend how thought provoking the concept was. It represented inner beauty vs. outer beauty and was emblematic of how our actions defines who we are. I can't believe a painting could be this powerful...but then, many real-life examples are alike in effect. And did you know that the eerie piece of art was the reason why I picked this book in the first place?
My unexpected delight from the book was the characters, particularly Dorian Gray π€΅. But let's start first on the other two major characters: Basil and Henry. Basil, my poor guy, being a victim of his own creation. He felt realistic portraying an artist's life after the creation of his/her Magnum Opus. Henry, with all his influence and opinions, is an unassuming villain that gets on my nerves the more he appears. Legit though, he doesn't realize how dangerous/damaging he is (esp. for the protagonist) by using his high societal status to spread cynical critiques on various topics. I wouldn't call him the antagonist though, since at its core the book was all about a man fighting his own demons. Dorian Gray was crafted to be interesting. Starting from a 'blank canvas' he was promptly introduced to the concept of hedonism. And as the plot progressed, the readers had to uneasily endure his fall, mentally and morally. Yes, it's undeniable that he committed some heinous acts, yet I personally cannot help but to feel pity for him. WHAT A TRUE FLAWED PROTAGONIST.
To anyone looking for a worthy classic to read, I think it's safe to recommend this one. Heck, many even rated it 5 β in Goodreads. I think it's because the book dived into timeless topics that were most human in essence. For most of the reading part, I felt indifferent about the book πΆ. It wasn't like a 'WOW' but it wasn't also offensively unreadable. It's basically like other classics β perfectly imperfect literature who stood against the test of time due to their innate significance. After finishing, I finally understood why people loved it, especially after all the parts started to click into one cohesive unit. It's like a rough drink: Tough at first, but the more you savor it the more it reveals the complexity of its substance. Now I'm pretty confident that this book will only get better upon rereads.
This book was almost a 4 β β almost. Now, here are the reasons that kept me from rating it higher. All of these were rooted to the idea that this novel is better than the sum of its parts. A compliment...but I still can't ignore its problematic individual portions.
1. Bit too flowery π - This was more of my taste, but I think the book was overusing its fancy proses. It was like reading a self-indulgent book drowned on its own pompousness. I get some people preferred it, but I rather be moved by a balanced combination of wordsmith, plot, and character.
2. POV inconsistencies π§Ώ - This thing peeved me throughout. For the most part the book utilized a third person omniscient POV. The issue was that it had this tendency to just abandon the 'established' POV to be this another narrator that addresses directly to readers (at least that's what I understood, correct me if I'm wrong.) The switch up confuses me every time, and made the whole plot less gripping.
3. Straying π - I'm gonna be blunt on this one. The plot, occasionally, was unfocused. The story detoured frequently to add some quotes and assessment/insights of various topics during its era. It's just intrusive. Granted, some of them is still relevant, but it's just annoying that this book can't commit to the narrative fully. There was even a point in the middle where the story completely stops for pages on end.
Final Thoughts:
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is an 1890 classic about the corruption of a handsome man, with a splash of fantastical element through the painting itself. This might be strange to say (considering my rating) but this was one of the best classics I've read. It was both a reflection and criticism of the English high-class society during its era. But importantly, the themes tied to its characters will forever be relevant for any type of readers.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
Bunny by Mona Awad
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Samantha always prefers the companionship of her imagination than her student peers in Warren University. She even despises her fiction writing cohorts, who call themselves "Bunny". But everything changes when she received an invitation from the Bunnies.
Basically, a schizophrenic woman at school who wants to be a writer.
The Good and The Bad:
Good things about it, what could I say? Hmmm...I liked its dark themes, I guess. Peer pressure, social conformation, bad influence, etc. All of these supported the underlying representation of mental insanity. At the end of the book, I even found myself feeling bad for the protagonist despite how hatable her character is. Speaking of which, the other good thing I wanted to talk about was how Samantha's thought processes work. She had this vile and twisted perspective of her surroundings which made for an angsty and insecure adult. She's not likeable β the writing betrays nothing of this. It was to a point where her thoughts were the actual antagonist of the book. The best part of her, at least for me, was the monologues. They're wicked and raw π, which further amplifies her character.
Ok, now the unpleasant stuff:
1. Confusing confusion π΅βπ« - The confusing parts for the protagonist...was also confusing for the readers? LIKE WHAT? It's trying to make the readers' head spin too hard it unintentionally ruins the whole reading experience. Only Samantha should have schizophrenia, not the readers too. It could have been written differently and still deliver. All things considered it does allow full immersion. But at what cost? Though I'm pretty sure Mona Awad had a blast writing this book.
2. Stating π€· - It's not even the "Telling, Not Showing" part being my biggest problem. It was the fact that the info-dumping didn't amount into something significant. Why should I care about Samantha's parents if it had no role in the story? Why should I give a damn on her writing project if itβs not really a factor to the upcoming events? (Even though THIS BOOK was clearly what she's writing.) I guess her head was simply too far gone.
3. A little too niche π - This was pretty much the flaw/consequence of this book's approach. Many readers wouldn't get it, evident of its poor rating. Hell, I didn't get it in the first place until I searched the net for some overall context. It forced those who read it into a perspective only few could easily relate. I admire the commitment and representation, but the book, in turn, would be difficult to handle for those who aren't prepared for it.
Final Thoughts:
Bunny by Mona Awad is a dark and twisted adult fiction novel about a graduate student with schizophrenia. It's gritty, hallucinogenic, psychological horror filled with disturbing, fantastical imagery. If you still didn't get it yet, this book was meant to be uncomfortable. However, it did lean too hard on that aspect to be enjoyed by your casual reader. Trust me, it only made sense towards the end, but understanding its point doesn't disregard the miserable reading process.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The first thing I saw when I opened it was pages of praise (contrasting its underwhelming Goodreads rating.) After reading, I'd say this would be a terrible mainstream book. But it could work for niche readers. Unfortunately, I'm didn't belong to its target audience.
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 3/10
Characters/POVs: 5/10
Prose/Style: 4/10
Themes/Messages: 6/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 3/10
OVERALL RATING: 5/10 (Mediocre)
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 3/10
Characters/POVs: 5/10
Prose/Style: 4/10
Themes/Messages: 6/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 3/10
OVERALL RATING: 5/10 (Mediocre)
"The real world, lady. It's out there. Do you even know that? You're going to have to get back to it sometime."
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Samantha always prefers the companionship of her imagination than her student peers in Warren University. She even despises her fiction writing cohorts, who call themselves "Bunny". But everything changes when she received an invitation from the Bunnies.
Basically, a schizophrenic woman at school who wants to be a writer.
The Good and The Bad:
Good things about it, what could I say? Hmmm...I liked its dark themes, I guess. Peer pressure, social conformation, bad influence, etc. All of these supported the underlying representation of mental insanity. At the end of the book, I even found myself feeling bad for the protagonist despite how hatable her character is. Speaking of which, the other good thing I wanted to talk about was how Samantha's thought processes work. She had this vile and twisted perspective of her surroundings which made for an angsty and insecure adult. She's not likeable β the writing betrays nothing of this. It was to a point where her thoughts were the actual antagonist of the book. The best part of her, at least for me, was the monologues. They're wicked and raw π, which further amplifies her character.
Ok, now the unpleasant stuff:
1. Confusing confusion π΅βπ« - The confusing parts for the protagonist...was also confusing for the readers? LIKE WHAT? It's trying to make the readers' head spin too hard it unintentionally ruins the whole reading experience. Only Samantha should have schizophrenia, not the readers too. It could have been written differently and still deliver. All things considered it does allow full immersion. But at what cost? Though I'm pretty sure Mona Awad had a blast writing this book.
2. Stating π€· - It's not even the "Telling, Not Showing" part being my biggest problem. It was the fact that the info-dumping didn't amount into something significant. Why should I care about Samantha's parents if it had no role in the story? Why should I give a damn on her writing project if itβs not really a factor to the upcoming events? (Even though THIS BOOK was clearly what she's writing.) I guess her head was simply too far gone.
3. A little too niche π - This was pretty much the flaw/consequence of this book's approach. Many readers wouldn't get it, evident of its poor rating. Hell, I didn't get it in the first place until I searched the net for some overall context. It forced those who read it into a perspective only few could easily relate. I admire the commitment and representation, but the book, in turn, would be difficult to handle for those who aren't prepared for it.
Final Thoughts:
Bunny by Mona Awad is a dark and twisted adult fiction novel about a graduate student with schizophrenia. It's gritty, hallucinogenic, psychological horror filled with disturbing, fantastical imagery. If you still didn't get it yet, this book was meant to be uncomfortable. However, it did lean too hard on that aspect to be enjoyed by your casual reader. Trust me, it only made sense towards the end, but understanding its point doesn't disregard the miserable reading process.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Vianne and Isabelle, sisters who couldn't be more different, found their country (France) surrendering to the Nazis.
Vianne, the lawful older sister, had her husband taken away to be forced as a soldier, leaving her alone to take care of their home and daughter.
Isabelle, the unruly younger sibling, is shooed away by their father...again. She couldn't sit idle during a time of crisis, so she does what she can to put up any petty resistance against their enemy.
The Good and The Bad:
I...I don't know where to start. What a stunning piece of novel. It effortlessly slid within my current Top 5 books. Maybe I'll go talk about the characters first. Vianne and Isabelle? π Undoubtedly Chef's kiss. Both heroines were memorable in action, captivating individuals with believable flaws, and had relationship dynamics (not only between each other) that were full of twists and drama. Though not my personal pick, Vianne went on a considerable character growth. Isabelle, on the other hand, was full of indomitable spirit I couldn't help but be curious as to where her story leads. The side characters were no slack either. Rachel was a tale of tragic, Ari was lovable, Julien was cryptic, Richter was rightfully abhorrent, and Beck β my beautiful Beck, you and your forbidden romance π. They were symbolic yet written so realistically, I wanted them to be actual persons of the past.
Speaking of history, this book managed to ace the criteria of what I considered a good Historical Fiction π. First one is Faithful Retelling: Refugee Bombings of Tours, Jew treatments by the Nazis, the concept of Billeting, the unforgiving seasons as cruel as the war themselves, etc. Next is Unique Perspectives, provided through the protagonists' POV. This also includes how the writing style allows you be an analytical third-person audience since events and character decisions were so absorptive. Lastly is a damn Good Narrative, accomplished through thematic story about survival, love, dilemmas, sacrifices, government, war, and resistance. What a substance, able to showcase what the genre is fully capable of.
I do have minor problems with the book, which is unfortunate since it could have been my first 10/10 (5β) read of the year.
1. Stating the obvious π - Not gonna lie β this peeved me a bit. They were sentences across the book that I believe could have been better written (or not at all.) Some ideas were already established indirectly (which was exquisite)...but then casually get stated a few moments later. This border 'Telling' territory.
2. GaΓ«tan π§- Hear me out. There's nothing inherently wrong about him. But for having such an integral role for the identity of one of the protagonists, he was painfully bland. Not much backstory than your generic poor guy, and no compelling motive that made him distinct from his resistance peers. He's just there to give Isabelle more depth...and not to be his own character. In short, he felt like a plot device.
Final Thoughts:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a Historical Fiction novel that have Dystopian and YA qualities. In retrospect, it also felt like reading a saga. It's packed with engrossing elements, from dialogues, monologues, story, relationships, portrayals, and themes. What I appreciated the most was how this book pays homage to all the unsung heroes of France during WW2. Readers were shown the true power of persistence, hope, and defiance towards oppressors. The book kinda reminds me a lot of All The Light We Cannot See (by Anthony Doerr). Both are impeccable pieces of modern literature with related premises. Maybe I should reread that one, how its prose was still uncontested to this day.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.5
The Nightingale, a small passerine bird known for its beautiful song, symbolizes creativity, virtue, goodness, and the coming of Spring (Hope.) All I could say is...WHAT A PERFECT BOOK TITLE. Best read of 2024, so far.
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 9/10
Characters/POVs: 9/10
Prose/Style: 8/10
Themes/Messages: 10/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 9/10
OVERALL RATING: 9/10 (Amazing)
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 9/10
Characters/POVs: 9/10
Prose/Style: 8/10
Themes/Messages: 10/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 9/10
OVERALL RATING: 9/10 (Amazing)
"Bad things are happening, Madame. Impossible things. I trained to be a soldier, to fight for my country and make my family proud. It was an honorable choice. What will be thought of us upon our return? What will be thought of me?"
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Vianne and Isabelle, sisters who couldn't be more different, found their country (France) surrendering to the Nazis.
Vianne, the lawful older sister, had her husband taken away to be forced as a soldier, leaving her alone to take care of their home and daughter.
Isabelle, the unruly younger sibling, is shooed away by their father...again. She couldn't sit idle during a time of crisis, so she does what she can to put up any petty resistance against their enemy.
The Good and The Bad:
I...I don't know where to start. What a stunning piece of novel. It effortlessly slid within my current Top 5 books. Maybe I'll go talk about the characters first. Vianne and Isabelle? π Undoubtedly Chef's kiss. Both heroines were memorable in action, captivating individuals with believable flaws, and had relationship dynamics (not only between each other) that were full of twists and drama. Though not my personal pick, Vianne went on a considerable character growth. Isabelle, on the other hand, was full of indomitable spirit I couldn't help but be curious as to where her story leads. The side characters were no slack either. Rachel was a tale of tragic, Ari was lovable, Julien was cryptic, Richter was rightfully abhorrent, and Beck β my beautiful Beck, you and your forbidden romance π. They were symbolic yet written so realistically, I wanted them to be actual persons of the past.
Speaking of history, this book managed to ace the criteria of what I considered a good Historical Fiction π. First one is Faithful Retelling: Refugee Bombings of Tours, Jew treatments by the Nazis, the concept of Billeting, the unforgiving seasons as cruel as the war themselves, etc. Next is Unique Perspectives, provided through the protagonists' POV. This also includes how the writing style allows you be an analytical third-person audience since events and character decisions were so absorptive. Lastly is a damn Good Narrative, accomplished through thematic story about survival, love, dilemmas, sacrifices, government, war, and resistance. What a substance, able to showcase what the genre is fully capable of.
I do have minor problems with the book, which is unfortunate since it could have been my first 10/10 (5β) read of the year.
1. Stating the obvious π - Not gonna lie β this peeved me a bit. They were sentences across the book that I believe could have been better written (or not at all.) Some ideas were already established indirectly (which was exquisite)...but then casually get stated a few moments later. This border 'Telling' territory.
2. GaΓ«tan π§- Hear me out. There's nothing inherently wrong about him. But for having such an integral role for the identity of one of the protagonists, he was painfully bland. Not much backstory than your generic poor guy, and no compelling motive that made him distinct from his resistance peers. He's just there to give Isabelle more depth...and not to be his own character. In short, he felt like a plot device.
Final Thoughts:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a Historical Fiction novel that have Dystopian and YA qualities. In retrospect, it also felt like reading a saga. It's packed with engrossing elements, from dialogues, monologues, story, relationships, portrayals, and themes. What I appreciated the most was how this book pays homage to all the unsung heroes of France during WW2. Readers were shown the true power of persistence, hope, and defiance towards oppressors. The book kinda reminds me a lot of All The Light We Cannot See (by Anthony Doerr). Both are impeccable pieces of modern literature with related premises. Maybe I should reread that one, how its prose was still uncontested to this day.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Clay Cooper is being visited by his old comrade, Gabriel (Gabe), wanting to reform their legendary mercenary band (Saga) back together. Clay, knowing they were past their prime due to their age, body, and habits, knew the proposal was next to impossible. Besides, he has his own comfortable life and a loving family. But his ex-bandmate's plea for help made him consider his initial decision, how foolish it may be.
The Good and The Bad:
'FUN' would be the word that best describes this book π. This wasn't a surprise, though, since it sells itself as a funny fantasy-adventure book. From boyish antics to comical dialogues, this book will force anyone to chuckle at least once. It was also engaging, not from the laughs, but with its substance as well. Prominent classic fantasy world-building, action-packed narrative, ubiquitous threats, and the occasional bard-like prose of the author made sure readers would be entertained. Personally, I liked this book more because it vanquished my month-long reading slump (pun intendedπ.)
Present within were your common fantasy narrative and character tropes π‘οΈπ‘οΈ like "The badass female character", "The brute", "Found-Family", "The Arena", etc. But what riveted me most was the theme about Evolving Professional Culture. Within was this phenomenon β how one practice (like a profession, for example...and in the book's case, the art of mercenary) could drastically be altered permanently due to various factors. It might be the shifting interests/demands of people, a massive physical transformation in the environment, a social change that defines current perspectives, or something else. The point is EVERYTHING CHANGES. The 'game' is now different for returning veterans. Such a timeless and relatable topic for this book to cover.
For its rating score, I actually have more than average to complain about:
1. There's a lot of telling disguised as 'showing'.
2. The book tend to repeat itself several times, especially with the amateurish humor.
3. Speaking of its comedy, several timings werenβt perfect, robbing the reader of emotional immersion.
4. Many of its emotional moments were also contrived/inorganic in execution.
5. PLOT ARMOR.
I know a lot of these flaws stemmed from the fact that it was a debut novel. With much experience, most of these will be avoided π.
Final Thoughts:
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames is a debut fantasy novel full of laughs and 'DnD' elements. Inspired by the author's love for rockstar bands, it shed light towards those past prime yet still eager to relive their glory days. It was more lore-heavy than I expected, yet surprisingly the characters werenβt compelling enough for its tropes. It had a sequel, which I'm fine reading but won't actively search. Alas, the first half was better than its latter...at least for me.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph
adventurous
challenging
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is a safe recommendation to those looking for a comedic fantasy. More likely to give you a good read-through, but I do have problems with it.
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 7/10
Characters/POVs: 7/10
Prose/Style: 6/10
Themes/Messages: 7/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 8/10
OVERALL RATING: 7/10 (Good)
------Stat Score------
Plot/Content: 7/10
Characters/POVs: 7/10
Prose/Style: 6/10
Themes/Messages: 7/10
Enjoyability/Impact: 8/10
OVERALL RATING: 7/10 (Good)
"We were giants once, remember? Kings of the Wyld."
Synopsis and/or Premise:
Clay Cooper is being visited by his old comrade, Gabriel (Gabe), wanting to reform their legendary mercenary band (Saga) back together. Clay, knowing they were past their prime due to their age, body, and habits, knew the proposal was next to impossible. Besides, he has his own comfortable life and a loving family. But his ex-bandmate's plea for help made him consider his initial decision, how foolish it may be.
The Good and The Bad:
'FUN' would be the word that best describes this book π. This wasn't a surprise, though, since it sells itself as a funny fantasy-adventure book. From boyish antics to comical dialogues, this book will force anyone to chuckle at least once. It was also engaging, not from the laughs, but with its substance as well. Prominent classic fantasy world-building, action-packed narrative, ubiquitous threats, and the occasional bard-like prose of the author made sure readers would be entertained. Personally, I liked this book more because it vanquished my month-long reading slump (pun intendedπ.)
Present within were your common fantasy narrative and character tropes π‘οΈπ‘οΈ like "The badass female character", "The brute", "Found-Family", "The Arena", etc. But what riveted me most was the theme about Evolving Professional Culture. Within was this phenomenon β how one practice (like a profession, for example...and in the book's case, the art of mercenary) could drastically be altered permanently due to various factors. It might be the shifting interests/demands of people, a massive physical transformation in the environment, a social change that defines current perspectives, or something else. The point is EVERYTHING CHANGES. The 'game' is now different for returning veterans. Such a timeless and relatable topic for this book to cover.
For its rating score, I actually have more than average to complain about:
1. There's a lot of telling disguised as 'showing'.
2. The book tend to repeat itself several times, especially with the amateurish humor.
3. Speaking of its comedy, several timings werenβt perfect, robbing the reader of emotional immersion.
4. Many of its emotional moments were also contrived/inorganic in execution.
5. PLOT ARMOR.
I know a lot of these flaws stemmed from the fact that it was a debut novel. With much experience, most of these will be avoided π.
Final Thoughts:
Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames is a debut fantasy novel full of laughs and 'DnD' elements. Inspired by the author's love for rockstar bands, it shed light towards those past prime yet still eager to relive their glory days. It was more lore-heavy than I expected, yet surprisingly the characters werenβt compelling enough for its tropes. It had a sequel, which I'm fine reading but won't actively search. Alas, the first half was better than its latter...at least for me.
--------------------
Links to my ratings and reviews:
Goodreads reviews
The StoryGraph