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shona_reads_in_devon's reviews
472 reviews
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
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Scythe is a post - mortal world. AI technology has created the perfect utopia and humanity has moved beyond mortality. A select few are called upon to train to become scythes and their purpose is 'glean' the population to control population growth. Rowan and Citra are thrust into the world of scythedom and, through their training, we unearth the politics and corruption still inherent in the system.
Power still corrupts it seems.
I loved the premise of this. Such an interesting concept. And the ideas that are raised by it are treated thoughtfully and reflectively. What are the implications of immortality on art, creativity, ambition, empathy. When humanity is so altered there is little to fear, when the world is so perfect there is nothing to want? What does that do?
It was refreshing to see AI treated as an actual benefit - the Thunderhead has created a utopia and appeared to be a benevolent kind of God - like overseer.
The idea of inevitable corruption of humanity is well explored - that power does corrupt. The scythes live outside of the general human race and are not subject to the same rules that govern the rest of the world - the novel explores both sides of this - the striving for compassion and ethical practices, and the inevitable corruption of the idea and the power plays and god - complexes of such unbridled power.
Where this novel didn't hit the spot for me, sadly, is that I didn't really connect to anyone particularly. Towards the end I was invested and didn't want either Rowan or Citra to die, but I didn't really feel much for either of them. I wanted a bit more world building too - the whole Tonist cult thing was a bit odd and I wanted to understand it more. The world building felt complete only where it served the plot, which I always find troublesome because I just like to be involved in the whole world premise.
I think there are 3 of these novels. I'm not decided if I would read anymore of them.
Solid enough, made me think, but didn't deliver a whole package sadly.
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Scythe is a post - mortal world. AI technology has created the perfect utopia and humanity has moved beyond mortality. A select few are called upon to train to become scythes and their purpose is 'glean' the population to control population growth. Rowan and Citra are thrust into the world of scythedom and, through their training, we unearth the politics and corruption still inherent in the system.
Power still corrupts it seems.
I loved the premise of this. Such an interesting concept. And the ideas that are raised by it are treated thoughtfully and reflectively. What are the implications of immortality on art, creativity, ambition, empathy. When humanity is so altered there is little to fear, when the world is so perfect there is nothing to want? What does that do?
It was refreshing to see AI treated as an actual benefit - the Thunderhead has created a utopia and appeared to be a benevolent kind of God - like overseer.
The idea of inevitable corruption of humanity is well explored - that power does corrupt. The scythes live outside of the general human race and are not subject to the same rules that govern the rest of the world - the novel explores both sides of this - the striving for compassion and ethical practices, and the inevitable corruption of the idea and the power plays and god - complexes of such unbridled power.
Where this novel didn't hit the spot for me, sadly, is that I didn't really connect to anyone particularly. Towards the end I was invested and didn't want either Rowan or Citra to die, but I didn't really feel much for either of them. I wanted a bit more world building too - the whole Tonist cult thing was a bit odd and I wanted to understand it more. The world building felt complete only where it served the plot, which I always find troublesome because I just like to be involved in the whole world premise.
I think there are 3 of these novels. I'm not decided if I would read anymore of them.
Solid enough, made me think, but didn't deliver a whole package sadly.
The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
You know what you're getting with an Agatha Christie. I haven't read lots of them but I sink into the tone and the time easily every time. Christie always feels like she captured a quintessential Britishness that didn't actually exist but is how Britishness at this time was perceived to be.
This is another one that was so-so for me. I'm not likely to remember it, the ending was rather sudden and over in a breath. Of course I didn't guess it, I never do!! I really liked Ariadne Oliver and Ginger. There are often fun female voices in a Christie novel - she does that no nonsense, resilient woman well. But Mark was dull I'm afraid. Osbourne wonderfully cast but I wanted more of him.
All in all, it was a fun offering.
This is another one that was so-so for me. I'm not likely to remember it, the ending was rather sudden and over in a breath. Of course I didn't guess it, I never do!! I really liked Ariadne Oliver and Ginger. There are often fun female voices in a Christie novel - she does that no nonsense, resilient woman well. But Mark was dull I'm afraid. Osbourne wonderfully cast but I wanted more of him.
All in all, it was a fun offering.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
'There once was a girl, clever and good, who tarried in shadow in the depths of the wood. There also was a King - a shepherd by his crook - who reigned over magic and wrote the old book...'
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Elspeth Spindle has spent 11 years hiding her terrible secret. Sequestered away from prying eyes that would see her executed for carrying the infection that blights her community, Elspeth wants a quiet, safe life.
But when her particular set of skills comes to the attention of the very man who would see her life taken away, she is forced out into the open as a means to save her life and release her from the being that prowls beneath her skin.
I've never read anything like the magical system in this book and the combination of a tarot-like card system, with the folkloric nature of the Book of Alders, plus the world building around the tree themed heritage, the mist in the forest and the cloistered and claustrophobic setting of Blunder and you have just the *perfect* gothic set up. The vibes in this book, are second to none, truly. Get a few crows in there and *chefs kiss*.
The plot ambles along early on, and you're finding your feet with the Providence cards, and the setting. But it quickly picks up. The cast of characters is a bit patchy - our FMC is fun and feisty (and the bonus character in her head is my favourite) and the MMC is everything you want out of a broody dark haired potential danger. The supporting cast is less fleshed out and I hope that I get to see a bit more of some of the side characters - Ione for instance - I want to understand her better, she does some important and interesting things and I just don't know why.
But I'm quibbling. This was a joy to read and I am very glad that I already have the next one ready to go.
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Elspeth Spindle has spent 11 years hiding her terrible secret. Sequestered away from prying eyes that would see her executed for carrying the infection that blights her community, Elspeth wants a quiet, safe life.
But when her particular set of skills comes to the attention of the very man who would see her life taken away, she is forced out into the open as a means to save her life and release her from the being that prowls beneath her skin.
I've never read anything like the magical system in this book and the combination of a tarot-like card system, with the folkloric nature of the Book of Alders, plus the world building around the tree themed heritage, the mist in the forest and the cloistered and claustrophobic setting of Blunder and you have just the *perfect* gothic set up. The vibes in this book, are second to none, truly. Get a few crows in there and *chefs kiss*.
The plot ambles along early on, and you're finding your feet with the Providence cards, and the setting. But it quickly picks up. The cast of characters is a bit patchy - our FMC is fun and feisty (and the bonus character in her head is my favourite) and the MMC is everything you want out of a broody dark haired potential danger. The supporting cast is less fleshed out and I hope that I get to see a bit more of some of the side characters - Ione for instance - I want to understand her better, she does some important and interesting things and I just don't know why.
But I'm quibbling. This was a joy to read and I am very glad that I already have the next one ready to go.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am very late to the party with this.
We all know the deal with Fourth Wing I think? Military style academy, dragons, magic, spicy spice, broody broody MMC and the 'fragile' but intelligent and powerful FMC. It's got all the good stuff of a romantasy.
I didn't think I was going to like this at the start. I found some of Violet's internal dialogue a bit annoying and it took me (and Violet's voice) a minute to settle in.
But once it kicked off, I was totally invested. I enjoyed Violet and Xaden's relationship. I'm suitably annoyed with Dain like everyone else! I've become fond of the side characters (at my peril!)
The world building is great - I want more, but I think the nature of the plot is going to bring that out more in the next book.
The dragons? Oh the dragons. Please can I bond to a dragon now?
The balance of battles/fighting/strategy with plot/character development is perfect - I can't get on board with endless fighting and the battle scenes are, at times, quite long - but well staged and really well described so you don't get lost and can picture the action really well.
The main relationship is central to the plot - it's a large part of the focus and it's integral to other plot developments - but it isn't the only facet to the story and it's weaved in nicely with the overarching political bent of the plot. The spice isn't overwhelming which is perfect for me and it develops organically and isn't just shoved in there for the sake of it.
I'm very annoyed that I don't yet own the next one!
We all know the deal with Fourth Wing I think? Military style academy, dragons, magic, spicy spice, broody broody MMC and the 'fragile' but intelligent and powerful FMC. It's got all the good stuff of a romantasy.
I didn't think I was going to like this at the start. I found some of Violet's internal dialogue a bit annoying and it took me (and Violet's voice) a minute to settle in.
But once it kicked off, I was totally invested. I enjoyed Violet and Xaden's relationship. I'm suitably annoyed with Dain like everyone else! I've become fond of the side characters (at my peril!)
The world building is great - I want more, but I think the nature of the plot is going to bring that out more in the next book.
The dragons? Oh the dragons. Please can I bond to a dragon now?
The balance of battles/fighting/strategy with plot/character development is perfect - I can't get on board with endless fighting and the battle scenes are, at times, quite long - but well staged and really well described so you don't get lost and can picture the action really well.
The main relationship is central to the plot - it's a large part of the focus and it's integral to other plot developments - but it isn't the only facet to the story and it's weaved in nicely with the overarching political bent of the plot. The spice isn't overwhelming which is perfect for me and it develops organically and isn't just shoved in there for the sake of it.
I'm very annoyed that I don't yet own the next one!
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a welcome return to Elfhame. Following on about eight years after the Battle of the Serpent, the little queen, Suren is our FMC here, and Oak is a teenager on a quest.
Holly Black does great FMCs. Suren/Wren is every bit as complex and interesting as Jude was before her and it is the FMCs that keep me coming back to these novels. Wren's story is a heartbreaking one of neglect and trauma and reading her navigation of moving through that is, at times, painful. The rules of Faerieland don't lend easily to trusting relationships.
Oak is a fun character - it's easy to see how Wren is drawn in, against her better judgement. Watching Wren and Oak tease out the best and worst of each other was enjoyable to read.
I found the plot slightly slower, and the various machinations harder to keep track of this time - I didn't fall into this one as quickly as The Cruel Prince - Wren is no less compelling as an FMC I don't think, but this one felt immediately darker and heavier than The Cruel Prince.
In true Black fashion though, it's end is spectacular and left me needing to pick up the next one immediately - luckily I have it right here!
Holly Black does great FMCs. Suren/Wren is every bit as complex and interesting as Jude was before her and it is the FMCs that keep me coming back to these novels. Wren's story is a heartbreaking one of neglect and trauma and reading her navigation of moving through that is, at times, painful. The rules of Faerieland don't lend easily to trusting relationships.
Oak is a fun character - it's easy to see how Wren is drawn in, against her better judgement. Watching Wren and Oak tease out the best and worst of each other was enjoyable to read.
I found the plot slightly slower, and the various machinations harder to keep track of this time - I didn't fall into this one as quickly as The Cruel Prince - Wren is no less compelling as an FMC I don't think, but this one felt immediately darker and heavier than The Cruel Prince.
In true Black fashion though, it's end is spectacular and left me needing to pick up the next one immediately - luckily I have it right here!
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've seen a few reviews saying that this sequel isn't as good as the first one but I don't know what people are reading because this was fantastic.
Carrying on almost immediately from the end of the first novel, I was nervous that all the wonderful tension and slow burn of the Kejari was going to be wasted with the reality of Raihn's betrayal of Oraya and her now hatred of him.
But Carissa absolutely managed this balance perfectly, reintroducing the push and pull of their feelings really well. At times it felt pushed a *little* too far but overall it was convincing.
I loved the exploration of Oraya's relationship with her dad, the uncovering of her family history and how this fed into the overall plot.
The politics and machinations of the various houses continued - I'm excited to see if/how this continues in subsequent novels.
I'll be recommending these two books to anyone that will listen.
Carrying on almost immediately from the end of the first novel, I was nervous that all the wonderful tension and slow burn of the Kejari was going to be wasted with the reality of Raihn's betrayal of Oraya and her now hatred of him.
But Carissa absolutely managed this balance perfectly, reintroducing the push and pull of their feelings really well. At times it felt pushed a *little* too far but overall it was convincing.
I loved the exploration of Oraya's relationship with her dad, the uncovering of her family history and how this fed into the overall plot.
The politics and machinations of the various houses continued - I'm excited to see if/how this continues in subsequent novels.
I'll be recommending these two books to anyone that will listen.