Vilandra
First off, this book is beautiful. It's a joy to turn the pages and see what's on the next page. Second, there are so many books mentioned that if you can't find at least one you want to read, then you don't want to read. There are also other cute things interspersed in, like quizzes, trivia and bits about bookstores and libraries around the globe. This is definitely a book I will refer back to.
Another great book in the series. There are some really great characters here, and the dialogue can be so funny and witty. The beginning was slower than I would have liked, but it picked up. Lots of things going on and stakes being raised.
The story is okay, though it's a thinly veiled female Robin Hood story. The writing needed to be stronger to pull this off though - it's a bit too simplistic. I don't think I would read the second book in the series, though I do think the story might really get going there.
It took me some time to get into this one, and I felt like Poirot didn't stick out as much as usual.
Finally the answer as to whether Tris and Caleb are twins...and the story of Four getting his name.
It was a good idea but dragged in parts...the end doesn't leave you satisfied or pleasantly guessing. I'm not sorry I read it, but I wouldn't read it a second time.
An amazing book! Great characters, great story, long but not slow. Beautifully written. Incredibly intelligent.
This book is mental. Sometimes it annoyed me, and sometimes I thought it was wonderful. Ugh. I don’t even know what to say. It’s just mental.
Another beautifully written book, mixing the depressing and uplifting. It's long but doesn't feel it - it's like being on a roller coaster, and you find you have such anxiety for the main character and what's going to happen. A story about the “catastrophe” that life is, and redemption.
I liked this better than the first book in the series. The main characters are still not that great though - I wouldn't have wanted a third book about Reuben & Laura. What shines in this book are the descriptions of the house and Christmas party, but I didn't really find myself interested in the werewolf parts of the story.
Such a complex narrative. I am still amazed by the richness of Sapkowski's world building. We got to see more of these characters and the deep feeling that drives them. There's so much hope in it but also so much loss - it really is a roller coaster. I can't imagine where the story goes from here.
I liked the characters and it's well written, but it's just so obviously the set up for future books that I didn't enjoy it as much as earlier Reverte work. I think I would rather they had combined this with the next book, so there weren't as many allusions to future events with no payoff.
I enjoyed this much more than We Have Always Lived in the Castle. I was surprised at how much of it is not about a Haunted House. There is a lot about setting off on your own for the first time and beautiful descriptions of idyllic scenes. It's much more psychological than horror.
Even for people who are not religious, this is an amazing and inspiring tale, from someone who doesn't think himself inspiring.
The first half plus of this book I would say is 5 stars. I gave it 4 because it becomes a bit Twilight-esque towards the end.
The first Miss Marple book. I was surprised that Miss Marple is so unlikable and unliked by the other characters for most of the book. The story was enjoyable to read and I did not guess the ending.
Very Agatha Christie-esque mystery. What you would expect from JK Rowling - someone we know can write - but adult. I was invested in the story and characters, and I didn't think the particulars were blatantly obvious. I would definitely read the next book.
I liked this - it had funny dialogue. The characters are also distinct. There is something about it that I didn't like as much but I can't put my finger on it. The story was interesting and I feel like this one probably sets up the next one quite well.
I thought this was slow starting but then got me back into the world. I liked the new characters and how in the end everyone overcame their differences and changed for the better. It was nice to read something uplifting for a change.
I didn't like that there was nothing to guess at leading up to the reveal - and there don't really seem to be clues along the way. It feels like they came up with a twist and then just added it to the last 20 pages.
