Anna Hudak
Finally, a book that shines a light on a topic that no one wants to touch: the online man-o-sphere, it's dangerous and misogynistic rhetoric that leads to real world violence. Laura breaks down each of the groups and examines their core beliefs and what makes each one different and how each one leads to the same end place: irrational hatred of women. She also has provided many examples of killings, including mass killings that were caused by this rhetoric showing that this isn't merely “boys being boys” and that these groups and the violence that comes out of it are why we need to stop holding onto such rigid gender roles and allow boys to be, you know, human, not emotionless machines who must be “manly men” all the time who aren't allowed to have problems. A genuine must-read in my opinion. This is an issue that is way too overlooked.
Finally, a book that shines a light on a topic that no one wants to touch: the online man-o-sphere, it's dangerous and misogynistic rhetoric that leads to real world violence. Laura breaks down each of the groups and examines their core beliefs and what makes each one different and how each one leads to the same end place: irrational hatred of women. She also has provided many examples of killings, including mass killings that were caused by this rhetoric showing that this isn't merely “boys being boys” and that these groups and the violence that comes out of it are why we need to stop holding onto such rigid gender roles and allow boys to be, you know, human, not emotionless machines who must be “manly men” all the time who aren't allowed to have problems. A genuine must-read in my opinion. This is an issue that is way too overlooked.
The book is ok, I guess, if you are a really big Halo fan. Seriously, don't read unless you are a big Halo fan because it's not going to be even remotely interesting unless you are. The book constantly uses terms it doesn't define and require a knowledge of Halo lore to understand (though you will eventually start figuring out what is what, most likely). The book is mostly slow and meandering, it feels as if there isn't much a purpose much of the time and I often found myself wondering “where is this book going?” Not because it was gripping, but because it genuinely felt that the book was going nowhere at times. Eventually everything fell into place at the very end at breakneck speed. Honestly, this felt like the prologue to a duo-ology instead of the first book of a trilogy.
The book is ok, I guess, if you are a really big Halo fan. Seriously, don't read unless you are a big Halo fan because it's not going to be even remotely interesting unless you are. The book constantly uses terms it doesn't define and require a knowledge of Halo lore to understand (though you will eventually start figuring out what is what, most likely). The book is mostly slow and meandering, it feels as if there isn't much a purpose much of the time and I often found myself wondering “where is this book going?” Not because it was gripping, but because it genuinely felt that the book was going nowhere at times. Eventually everything fell into place at the very end at breakneck speed. Honestly, this felt like the prologue to a duo-ology instead of the first book of a trilogy.
Definitely better than the first book which felt like a prologue drawn out too long. That said, this sequel once again feels pointless and meandering at points, but at least Greg made it a lot more interesting this time around. Once again, the story doesn't move until near the end, and then once it does get moving it gets really confusing and complicated, but overall, it was a fun read assuming you're a Halo lore nerd. Otherwise, stay away.
Definitely better than the first book which felt like a prologue drawn out too long. That said, this sequel once again feels pointless and meandering at points, but at least Greg made it a lot more interesting this time around. Once again, the story doesn't move until near the end, and then once it does get moving it gets really confusing and complicated, but overall, it was a fun read assuming you're a Halo lore nerd. Otherwise, stay away.
I first discovered this series in 2014, through my younger sisters, during my freshmen year of high school. I never have been much of a fiction reader, but I fell in love with this book, and series, but mostly this book instantly. The world set up for us is so wonderous and beautiful and exciting to learn about. Sure, it has problems, such as the main character Sophie Foster being a Mary Sue and everyone constantly telling her how great she is, but honestly, the world building is good enough and a lot of the characters, especially Dex are interesting enough that to be honest, I really don't care too much.
I first discovered this series in 2014, through my younger sisters, during my freshmen year of high school. I never have been much of a fiction reader, but I fell in love with this book, and series, but mostly this book instantly. The world set up for us is so wonderous and beautiful and exciting to learn about. Sure, it has problems, such as the main character Sophie Foster being a Mary Sue and everyone constantly telling her how great she is, but honestly, the world building is good enough and a lot of the characters, especially Dex are interesting enough that to be honest, I really don't care too much.
Is it ridiculous that everyone is entrusting a teenage girl with so many important things, including something like a memory break? Absolutely. Not going to deny it. If you can get past the ridiculous set up of a teenage girl having to save the whole world, you will have a good time. This book serves to flesh out the world more, add new interesting characters and creatures (such as Silveny who is one of the more endearing and relatable characters in the series despite being an Alicorn) and does a great job pushing the plot forward in figuring out what Sophie is and what everyone is fighting for. Pretty solid entry.
Is it ridiculous that everyone is entrusting a teenage girl with so many important things, including something like a memory break? Absolutely. Not going to deny it. If you can get past the ridiculous set up of a teenage girl having to save the whole world, you will have a good time. This book serves to flesh out the world more, add new interesting characters and creatures (such as Silveny who is one of the more endearing and relatable characters in the series despite being an Alicorn) and does a great job pushing the plot forward in figuring out what Sophie is and what everyone is fighting for. Pretty solid entry.
A fantastic follow-up to one of my favorite books from the 2020s. As someone who appreciates good world-building, I really appreciated this sequel as it was, admittedly, more focused on building up the world than it was the characters, but, building up the characters was what the first book was for. The characters stories progressed in a way that felt natural to them and rather satisfying, honestly. I cannot wait to see where they get taken in the next book, because the groundwork has been set for what should be an absolute thrill-ride. The only thing keeping me from rating this as highly as the first book is admittedly, there are no replacements for some of the characters who were lost in the first book, and those particular characters were some of the biggest reasons why the first book was so great. But, the remaining cast is still quite good, but a hole is felt, for me. But, not much of one. I still enjoyed this quite a bit.
A fantastic follow-up to one of my favorite books from the 2020s. As someone who appreciates good world-building, I really appreciated this sequel as it was, admittedly, more focused on building up the world than it was the characters, but, building up the characters was what the first book was for. The characters stories progressed in a way that felt natural to them and rather satisfying, honestly. I cannot wait to see where they get taken in the next book, because the groundwork has been set for what should be an absolute thrill-ride. The only thing keeping me from rating this as highly as the first book is admittedly, there are no replacements for some of the characters who were lost in the first book, and those particular characters were some of the biggest reasons why the first book was so great. But, the remaining cast is still quite good, but a hole is felt, for me. But, not much of one. I still enjoyed this quite a bit.
Admittedly, I'm a newbie to urban fantasy and generally don't enjoy crime stories, so I was simultaneously worried and not sure what to expect going into this. But, I read it anyway (mostly because the cover of the book caught my interest). Honestly, I'm glad I did. While I did predict Lesley was the host, it still a thrill ride and has got me interested in the world created by Aaronovitch. It's an interesting take on fantasy, and one I find myself drawn to, which is helped along by how solid the characters are. While character development is far from the focus of this book, caring more about furthering the plot and setting up this interesting world, I still enjoyed the characters, especially Peter Grant, of course. I'm definitely excited to read the next book and see where the series leads.
4/5 = Good
Admittedly, I'm a newbie to urban fantasy and generally don't enjoy crime stories, so I was simultaneously worried and not sure what to expect going into this. But, I read it anyway (mostly because the cover of the book caught my interest). Honestly, I'm glad I did. While I did predict Lesley was the host, it still a thrill ride and has got me interested in the world created by Aaronovitch. It's an interesting take on fantasy, and one I find myself drawn to, which is helped along by how solid the characters are. While character development is far from the focus of this book, caring more about furthering the plot and setting up this interesting world, I still enjoyed the characters, especially Peter Grant, of course. I'm definitely excited to read the next book and see where the series leads.
4/5 = Good
While it may not have been quite the whirlwind thrill-ride of the first book that deeply explores a fantasy London, I think it was for the best. I don't know how you could top how, well, magical, the first book was and the thrill of discovering an urban fiction take on so many fantasy tropes made for this world by Aaronovitch. It feels more mature, more focused, and I enjoyed that. The basics of the world have been laid for us, and this book narrows its focus to dive deeper into magician societies and vampires. It really begins to explore those and allows us to understand those aspects of the world more. It doesn't try to up the excitement or ante from the first book, and I respect that. Too many authors, or directors, or any creator of any type of medium, fall into the trap of “bigger is better” and continually try to one-up themselves. Aaronovitch doesn't, and instead focuses on making a good story. I'm grateful for that.
While it may not have been quite the whirlwind thrill-ride of the first book that deeply explores a fantasy London, I think it was for the best. I don't know how you could top how, well, magical, the first book was and the thrill of discovering an urban fiction take on so many fantasy tropes made for this world by Aaronovitch. It feels more mature, more focused, and I enjoyed that. The basics of the world have been laid for us, and this book narrows its focus to dive deeper into magician societies and vampires. It really begins to explore those and allows us to understand those aspects of the world more. It doesn't try to up the excitement or ante from the first book, and I respect that. Too many authors, or directors, or any creator of any type of medium, fall into the trap of “bigger is better” and continually try to one-up themselves. Aaronovitch doesn't, and instead focuses on making a good story. I'm grateful for that.
