Very short but good story from the “Broken Empire” series. It wasn’t as good as the first book but it gave us a new glimpse into the very unique world that the author has constructed and also confirmed that the thing in the “Prince of Thorns” really happened (it was so short there, I had doubts).
Now I’m excited to see more ways in which this may be woven into the plot. The most interesting thing was the worshippers of the arch and how that came to be a thing (implied, you can kind of know when you get what the arch really is) showing a, not so new but well done in this case, perspective of religion.
Next please.
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Wow, this was a pleasant surprise! For some reason I was afraid I will hate this book. I didn’t really have a reason, I just did. Fortunately I was wrong, it’s a very good book. It´s a fantasy story with a twist, not that there is a plot twist, the fantasy part has the twist (which by the way surprised me so much I was yelling WTF for like a minute, because there is no indication beforehand that it will happen and it does in the latter part of the book and it’s not mention again. I’m assuming it will be relevant in the next books).
The characters are all scumbags, or at least 99% of them. I would also like give you some trigger warning, as in this book there is a lot talk about rape (nothing happens on page but there are a lot mentions), some of done by the very underage main character, no remorse for it and in some part it’s made into a joke. Also there are scenes of extreme violence and that IS on page. So as I mention, most of the characters are scumbags, which makes you not like them very much, but that doesn’t mean they have been written badly, at contrary, all of them have distinct personalities and Prince Jorge is one of the sassiest characters I have read about.
In general I really enjoyed this and read it in record time. I’m excited and kind of scared of the sequels (so many things can go wrong).
Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?
Nick and Charlie are characters from my debut novel, Solitaire. Heartstopper updates three times a month, on the 1st, 11th, and 21st.
I really appreciate reblogs and shares - please help me spread word about this comic! I’m so excited for people to read it!
An Unkindness of Magicians by Kat Howard
This book had everything, on paper, to be a great read. I love the cover, the title and the synopsis was very interesting. Unfortunately it didn’t deliver. Don’t get me wrong it not a bad book, in fact I really like the story, it was still interesting and the magic system was very original and it was a fresh look at it. The title is almost literal, as the plot is centred on the human tendency on being cruel and uncaring if it would make their life easier.
The problem starts with the execution of it. I think that the pacing is not the best, way too fast. Different events doesn’t flow, in between them are big jumps which makes you feel that there is a lot of the story that you lose. It also make the character development non-existing. In general, it’s not like the characters doesn’t have personalities, but it feels like it because you don’t have time to learn them. The bad guys are very clearly established since the beginning and there are no twists. It also felt that the ending was rushed. Suddenly one of the characters was so strong the was no fight left in the others. In general the duels were a little disappointing. The author didn’t also make sure to explore what consequences, for a good person to kill another human being, especially if that person is a family member (even if they are evil), would have. It’s not realistic and it feels as lazy writing. I kind of feels (god, I used this word a lot in this review) as first novel of the author, which I know is not. I don’t know if I would want to read anything else from her. Time will tell.
1984 by George Orwell
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book, keeping in mind my track record with books that are considered classics. Also the heard that, because of the events that happen in the book that it is somehow hard to read. And that wasn’t the case. I haven’t had any difficulty in reading it, the story was very interesting and the world building very good, and because of the similarities to the present situation, a little terrifying. I’m assuming that that was the point.
The lead character, as well as the others, isn’t too likeable but is refreshing that he doesn’t have a perfect appearance or is a little morally grey. He is more human that way.
Also I actually really liked the explanation of the NewSpeak and of the Party’s plan. It helped get through the message.
Professor Moriarty: The Hound of the D'Urbervilles by Kim Newman
If you want to read a fun Sherlock Holmes retelling, but with barely Sherlock Holmes and from perspective of the bad guys? Then this book is for you. For me the idea of seeing the villains part of a story is very interesting and this version of Sebastian Moran is a great character. He is a misogynistic, homophobic murderer and a low life in general but a great character. Since I didn’t have many expectations about the historical accuracy so I wasn’t disappointed. The overall plot is not the greatest but as an easy read, this book is perfect.
It’s surprisingly funny (a part of the above mentioned misogyny and homophobia, that I assume were intentional since is from evil person perspective) and makes you really enjoy the adventures of the protagonist.
There’s a lot to unpack here.
+the flexibility to get in that pose
+the balance to stay on the skateboard
+the strength to pull back a bowstring with your toes
+the dexterity to hit a target while moving
+the coordination… not hand-eye, but foot-eye
…I don’t know what to do with these things now that I’ve unpacked them…
This is shovel girl
…training for revenge
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
I actually pretty surprised how much I didn’t disliked this book. I’m definitely not the target audience for it, specially considering that the target audience is a prince in 1513 . Also I didn’t appreciate the sexist remarks at the end of one of the chapters and I don’t really agree with some things Machiavelli said in this book.
But he did have some good ideas that would helpful applied now a days. And the rest of it you can forgive him, because he lived in the 15th century.
Ci co mają skrzydła, niech lecą spełniać swe marzenia⭐Those who have wings, fly fulfil your dreams⭐Los que tengan alas, vayan a hacer realidad sus sueños
