Jason
UPDATE:
For a full podcast discussion and review, listen to the episode here.
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Read for the next episode of the Shit We've Read: After Dark podcast. Rating to come after I've discussed and processed with my co-hosts.
UPDATE:
3.75 stars. For my full review, listen to the full podcast discussion here.
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Read for the next episode of the Shit We've Read: After Dark podcast. Withholding my rating until after February 12th, when the episode goes live.
3.5 stars
While I did quite enjoy and appreciate the difference in format to keep the series from getting stale, I found myself missing more of the interplay between Hawthorne & Horowitz, especially after the last book, and thought the plot was just a bit too complicated to rate it any higher. Still quite enjoyable and I'm bummed I'll have to wait for further books.
On the one hand, the writing is top notch. It's witty, punchy, and, at times, downright funny. On the other hand, I found all the main characters to be entirely unworthy of sympathy, which made it difficult for me to care about their outcomes. I understand Koch's desire to portray them as violent creatures under a facade of decency, but if I don't care about them, what's it all for? Eh, maybe it's because they were Dutch.
I knew going in that this wouldn't be my kind of book. Unless there's an engaging sci-fi or fantasy twist, historical fiction rarely holds my interest—especially a novel of manners. So, predictably, getting through this was a chore and a half.
That's not to say the writing is bad—clearly, it's not. This book is a classic for a reason, and despite my struggles, I found moments where the prose truly shined, especially right toward the end.
Anyway, I can finally say I've read Pride & Prejudice. Just don't expect me to say, “The book was better” next time I rewatch the 2005 adaptation.
UPDATE:
For more of my thoughts, listen to my interview with author S.T. Gibson on the Shit We've Read podcast here.
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This was incredible! I love this trio of MCs, but Moira? MOIRA?? Ugh, I'm so in love with her! Moira, Rhys, and David will live in my heart for a long time. Easily at least 4.5 stars. Final rating TBD. Get this when it come out in May.
Thank you Angry Robot for the gorgeous ARC.
4.5 stars
This is the epitome of what I remember the Goosebumps books to be like when I was a kid. A simple spooky setup with an almost Twilight Zone surprise ending.
