Montgomery Webster
Not a good book by any means. Hamilton's writing is weak and a bit unpleasant to read. Compound that with a boring story and not much value can be found. Nevertheless, setting the story only a few decades in the future was interesting, if only the comment on England's role in the European Union was not so clearly forced.
I really have to be more careful about reading such erotic books while traveling...
8/10
Truly a fascinating book. The structure is reminiscent of more autobiographical work, which has never worked for me in the past. However, somehow I was captivated by the direction-less flow of the events. It works in the same way that Leviathan succeeds (the only other Auster book I have read). The ending does a brilliant job of wrapping up all the random details and hints at a powerful twist.
My first vampire book and it was compelling. I wonder if this genre is generally as romantic as this (obviously in a less Lolita / Nabakov way), but hopefully it is just as suicidal. Rice's writing is strong, poetic prose and every page is a pleasure. The story is good, adventurous, though the final part of the ending does “suck”.
As for the larger implications of between character narrative stories, I think they are entirely worthless. It does not detract from this story, but does not seem capable of ending well or conclusively.
Will definitely move on to the sequel...
Thoroughly enjoyed these three books. Not sure about the whole trilogy concept though. Most Auster's books have the same story: an author follows a few strange paths and ends up on some wild adventure. Not only did all 3 books in the trilogy have this same plot structure, Leviathan and The Brooklyn Follies did too.
Still, there is something unique and charmingly about the prose and journeys. Definitely one of my favourite authors.
Mixed feelings: The book was fun and romantic. However, the writing was only satisfactory and the story really never went anywhere. Very similar structure to Harry Potter 1. I will not continue the series, but am looking forward to the final film. Will consider reading other Stephanie Meyers books too.
On a side note, I probably should not read romance novels anymore. Especially since I have to be single at least another 4 months and it will not make it any easier.
Interesting book: The plot sucks outright, but the prose and stories are quite good. Essentially, the book is a collection of short stories, most of which are sequential, but all of which are strung together by an interview. Then it ends.
So, no, I will not be reading the rest of the series. Note: I did read the final book “Robots of Dawn” because I found it in the house. It was much worse.
Story: 3 / 10
Characters: 5
Setting: 6
Prose: 2
Tags: Overpopulation, drugs, Afram, religion, colonialism
Truly a remarkable read. Although the science is not as comprehensive as more modern books, it detracts nothing from the first part of this series. In fact, Burroughs description of the bond between Carter and his pet brought me to tears and is probably unparalleled in interspecie relationship descriptions.
Am continuing the rest of the series straightaway. Sadly, Amazon kindle free only has the first 5 books, so hopefully my library membership will come before that.
Another good book with an especially intriguing romance. I wonder if I am that dense?
Another fantastic read, though even more action than the second.
Not sure how much I really need to recall these individual books in the series. Just remember that this was the mad chase for love in the Yellow North.
An interesting culture in Manator for sure.
Will see if anyone is actually playing Martian chess (Jetan).
Please be aware that this book doesn't have an ending.
Story: 7.5 / 10
Characters: 8
Setting: 8.5
Prose: 8
Absolutely fantastic book, except for the lack of an ending. Technically, all the open questions were answered, but it feels so unsatisfying that story couldn't be completed. Though I am a huge fan of the Ender's Saga and Shadow Series, I cannot trust an author who won't give me an ending. As a result, I am not interested in continuing what is very likely one of the best fantasy series available.
I'll stick with Card's science-fiction instead.
Tags: Colonialism, magic, religion, light fantasy, makers, torches, elements, numerology, apprenticeships
A fantastic, fact-based fictional drama of a foreigner integrating into historic Japan. In the end, it is mostly a love story. Nevertheless, the book is filled with deep cultural insights.
Quite a long read, so mostly recommended for people interested in other cultures.