Read The Will of the Many Found it repetitive and redundant Reading this one....it is so much better I should have started with this series
All right, aRead The Will of the Many Found it repetitive and redundant Reading this one....it is so much better I should have started with this series
All right, all done and just WOW!! I have enjoyed this book so much more than Brandon's Mistborn or Islington's own The Will of the Many.
If you want to read a book that focuses solely on true fantasy with an intricate, well-developed magic system and characters that are relatable, then this book is definitely what you are looking for.
The only thing that jarred me was the continuous introduction of new characters and events. Everytime I felt I settled and now I can get a hold of what is happening, someone new pops out with a side-plot
That Ending Destroyed All the Build up of this Trilogy [image]
To tell you that book 1, the Fifth Season, is my ultimate favorite cultural fantasy and mThat Ending Destroyed All the Build up of this Trilogy [image]
To tell you that book 1, the Fifth Season, is my ultimate favorite cultural fantasy and my obsession is an understatement I have never read anything like it, and probably won't The writing style is superb but that is not what drew me in it's how the story takes you in reverse
usually, dystopian books start with the catastrophe and then show you how the people are coping. The Broken Earth started with people already coped and worked itself back to the cause.
The third book started strong, giving backstory reasons and "happened long ago" retelling. You can sense that everyone is angry and everyone is wrong and everyone did something terrible
So you are preparing yourself for this Grand Finale, especially when Essun meets her daughter Nessun, whom she has been looking for for two years!!!
So what was that ending???????? and Hoa! I was intrigued by him throughout the series especially since I discovered that he is Essun's narrator. He is always there to guide and protect her, but (view spoiler)[suddenly lets her die that easily?? (hide spoiler)]
Somehow, I felt that this should have had a fourth book. So many things were added in this book that created more questions
What I gathered mostly is "Anger". Everyone is Angry The author is angry at the world so she wrote that ending Father Earth was angry at the loss of the moon Essun was angry because...well, she was always angry and Nessun??? I was angry at a 12 year old!!! how did this book manage that????
just disappointed.
I postponed reading this for so long because I did not want to be finished with this masterpiece series But It is Time Doing it as audio this time
Ah! The End is the Beginning and the Beginni g is the End...more
I am always drawn to the morally grey characters especially - Female ones (or one that was born female) - who comWhat a beginning!!! Review coming soon
I am always drawn to the morally grey characters especially - Female ones (or one that was born female) - who come to the realization that life is not rainbows and roses. That if you want to achieve your fate, your hands will be marked with blood and your path will be paved by Deception.
In the heart of 1345 China, Zhu, a young girl born in an extremely patriarchal world that values masculinity and physical power, finds herself disguised as her brother in order to survive.
Throughout the years, she embraces this identity until She becomes He..
I was engrossed in the historical and political foundation of this book I would not call it fantasy though there is a very tiny element of fantasy, but it can do without. It is neither a Romance though there are romantic implications
This is simply a book for those who wish to read C-Drama
It dragged a little in the middle But other than that, listening to this book has been a journey and I will be reading book 2...more
"We all Float downhere the most scariest 4 words of all King's books [image]
This review is going to discuss the psychological aspect of the book and"We all Float downhere the most scariest 4 words of all King's books [image]
This review is going to discuss the psychological aspect of the book and will contain major SPOILERS
In the realm of horror, one name casts a long, eerie shadow over all others: Stephen King. His books are the equivalent of a midnight stroll through a haunted graveyard. This man has made it his mission to creep the shit out of us with the most natural things and beings like vintage cars and cell phones to a Saint Bernard and a reincarnated cat and even a bloody clown.
However, he is not just a master of horror but also an astute observer of the human psyche. His stories transcend mere scares, delving into the depths of fear, addiction, and the fragility of sanity, revealing the terrors that lurk in the everyday.
What I love and still make me come back to read IT over and over is King's narrative that, even though woven with supernatural threads, presents the struggle between good and evil, and the very real consequences of human actions. His storytelling has a profound understanding of what frightens us with both the monsters under our beds and the demons within ourselves. Even when he is scaring the crap out of you, his vivid imagination invites us to confront our darkest fears while offering a glimmer of hope: the assurance that even the most ordinary person can overcome extraordinary trials.
Every couple of years, I do a reread of this extraordinary book, and every time I do that, I am enlightened with new revelations.
⚜First, IT aka Pennywise has very little page time considering it's a 1376-page book!!! Huh! Naturally, the book is not about him/her but something else.
⚜Second, the turtle, Maturin, was excluded from both the series and the Movie adaptations!! strange! Considering that IT and Maturin are the two opposing forces and the subject of our review! [image]
⚜Third, King's Golden Triangle of Childhood, Adulthood, and Memory is abundantly present in the book. It is through remembering the experiences we harbored when we were kids, our happiness, sadness, friendship, and especially our trauma that shape how we become
⚜Fourth, the sex scene at the end of the book, some would say an O*gy?! I don't see it that way, is always discussed as offensive and is taken out from every adaptation. THAT SCENE IS SO IMPORTANT, specifically to Beverly
⚜The chapters between childhood and adulthood are interlocked and not separated like the series or movies shown in part 1, part 2. This is extremely important because it emphasizes the effect of experience and the importance of memory.
There is a very wise saying that goes: Maturity is not measured by age, it's an attitude built by experience It is not just a physical transition from childhood to adulthood but the HOW you get there, what you pertain, and what you leave behind.
Stephen King's "IT" is a profound exploration of the transition from childhood to adulthood, capturing the essence of both stages of life through the experiences of the characters. The Losers' Club, a group of children in the small town of Derry, confronts IT, a manifestation of their deepest fears and the malevolence lurking beneath the town's surface. This battle against evil, which they initially engage in as children, is revisited in their adulthood, symbolizing the enduring impact of childhood experiences and traumas on adult life.
- Bill Denbrough: His fear was manifested as his dead younger brother" the loss of a loved one", Georgie. He fought it by confronting and overcoming his guilt over Georgie's death.
- Eddie Kaspbrak: His fear took the form of a leper, exploiting his hypochondria. Eddie battled this fear by facing the reality of his mother's overprotectiveness and his own health anxieties. "RIP Eddie"
- Ben Hanscom: He was haunted by a mummy holding balloons, symbolizing his feelings of insecurity and rejection due to his weight. Ben's bravery and acceptance of himself helped him overcome this fear.
- Richie Tozier: A werewolf represented his fear, reflecting his use of humor as a defense mechanism. Richie fought it by embracing his identity and the strength found in his friendships.
- Stan Uris: His fear of the unorderly was embodied by two drowned boys in the local standpipe, playing on his logical nature. Stan combated his fear by relying on his knowledge and believing in the real.
- Beverly Marsh: She was terrorized by a fountain of blood from her bathroom sink, a metaphor for her womanhood. Deep down, Bevv knew that her father was waiting for her to become a woman to take what he thinks its his. Beverly's fear was fought by her growing independence and solidarity with the Loser's Club.
- Mike Hanlon: He encountered IT in the form of a flesh-eating bird that no one has ever seen in Derry, targeting his status as an outsider. Mike overcame his fear through the collective strength and history of the Loser's Club. His extensive knowledge of the town's history and his role as the group's source of information are crucial in their ultimate victory.
The Loser's Club ultimately realized that by sticking together, they could find safety in numbers and draw strength from one another to confront and defeat their personal demons, and in turn, Pennywise.
However, it was not over for the Young Losers. Although they weakened Pennywise, they did not defeat him/her simply because they were what they were "kids". They were not ready. And in the sewers of Derry, they almost got lost and IT was still pursuing. So they had to find a quick way to truly MATURE and what is the quickest way? sex of course. The sex scenes between Bev and the boys may be disturbing for some readers because, well, they are 11/12 yr old kids!!!! But two things must be kept in mind
1- as I said, they had to find a quick way to become adults in every sense to keep Pennywyse away. The sexual act solidified their connection because it was given freely with love
2- which takes me to the next part. IT WAS BEVERLY'S CHOICE. Her body, her choice. She knew that her father was up to no good, that he would take what didn't belong to him. So she took control and put the choice in her hands. This was her way to fight back
"roughly six months of being twenty-eight years from the day in 1957 (May 28th) when George Denbrough had..." died, The Loser's Club has reunited again because Pennywise resurfaced.
The theme of coming of age is central to the narrative, as the members of the Losers' Club navigate the trials of growing up, their bonds forged in the fires of shared adversity. King delves into the power of memory and how it shapes identity, with the characters' recollections of their childhood encounters with IT influencing their adult lives. The novel also addresses the loss of innocence, as the children face the reality of evil and discover their inner strength, a rite of passage that steers them into maturity.
"IT" examines the societal pressures and personal demons that the characters confront as adults, reflecting on how the traumas of childhood echo into adulthood. The characters' return to Derry is not just a physical journey but a psychological one, as they must reconcile their past with their present selves. King's portrayal of the characters' struggles with their personal lives, relationships, and the reawakening of IT underscores the theme that the fears and challenges of childhood do not simply vanish with age; they transform and manifest in different ways.
and that is why the Turtle is not present when they are grownups.
In Stephen King's novel "IT," the turtle and Pennywise are symbolic figures that represent opposing forces in the universe. The turtle, known as Maturin, is a guardian of one of the beams that support the universe and is a symbol of creation, protection, and life. Maturin is associated with Indigenous cultures' (Mike) reverence for the turtle, embodying longevity (Bill), healing (Eddie), transformation (Ben and Bevv), and respect (Stan) for the environment. This character is a force of kindness and compassion, often seen as carrying the world on its shell, a motif found in many Indigenous stories, such as the tale of Turtle Island. Maturin's existence predates the universe, and in a cosmic accident, it vomited out the mainstream universe, establishing itself as a central figure in creation.
Pennywise, on the other hand, is the embodiment of chaos, evil, and fear. An ancient gender-fluid alien (Satan maybe) creature, Pennywise preys on the fears of humans, particularly children, as their simple and powerful fears make them more appetizing. This entity hails from a void outside the Macroverse and is a malevolent force that considers itself eternal. Pennywise's true form is incomprehensible to the human mind, often perceived as a giant spider, which is merely the closest approximation a human can conceive.
The dichotomy between the turtle and Pennywise illustrates the balance between good and evil, creation and destruction. The turtle's advice to Bill, to use a speech to control his stutter, symbolizes the power of personal strength, knowledge and resilience against evil. The turtle's indifference to the struggles of mortals against evil suggests a universe that is vast and uncaring, a place where individuals must find the strength within themselves to combat darkness. While it lent a helping hand in the form of advice when Bill was a kid, the Turtle disappeared completely as grownups stating that its role had ended and it was up to them now to finish IT since they are ready now.
I can go on and on about the symbolism in this book, but the review would never end. So I will conclude that every symbol, woven throughout the tapestry of "IT," serves to enhance the reader's understanding of the complex themes King grapples with in the novel. They are not mere literary devices but integral components that give depth to the narrative, inviting readers to delve deeper into the underlying messages about fear, growth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of darkness....more
the thing about T.M Frazier (and I have read all of her King and Lawless series) is sheplease be good please be good
It was good, could have been better
the thing about T.M Frazier (and I have read all of her King and Lawless series) is she goes from 0 to 180 in just a second that you do not know what happened!
Her books start out amazing and End phenomenally but in the middle, you are like HUH!! what just happened???? [image]
I absolutely loved the premise of the book A girl that has some sort of Alexithymia, a mental disorder where she is left emotionless and has indifferent towards others. Not only that, she has tendencies toward murder which makes her on the spectrum of being a psychopath. She is sent to watch/kill Nolan but they fall for each other faster than a speeding bullet I don't understand how this happened I feel like 100 pages could have been added to the book so many things were suddenly going on that your head spins but I still liked the book
⚜Genre: Dark Romance ⚜Theme: obsession/ MC romance ⚜Targeted audience: Adults ⚜Characters: Rage, Nolan, Smoke ⚜Representation: mental disorder ⚜Pace: fast (bullet train fast) ⚜TW: violence- child rape - SA-forced sex - mutilating ⚜ tropes: fast-burn, hidden identity, touch him and die ⚜ POV: double first person ⚜ spice ...more
This is a perfect example of the "2nd book syndrom" it felt like going round and round in circles with new things just dropping only to find out that tThis is a perfect example of the "2nd book syndrom" it felt like going round and round in circles with new things just dropping only to find out that they are meaningless in the end [image]
every question that Book 1 raised was not answered here. On the contrary, more questions surfaced.
The only thing that I may have understood here is probably this was an attack on Monotheism!??
A king who is possessed by a god, wants to get rid of all the gods so he tries to destroy every knowledge of them to proclaim himself the one true god!!!!
as if this is sooooooo original and never been done before! [image]
anyway this was not enjoyable in any way shape or form not going to be continuing this series it ends with a Cliffhanger btw, thank you for the not-heads up....more
Dear God! Thank you for the blessings you gave me, but most importantly, thank you that this book is done
This is a 763-page book all you have to do, ifDear God! Thank you for the blessings you gave me, but most importantly, thank you that this book is done
This is a 763-page book all you have to do, if you don't want to read it all is "read from chapter 46 which is p:562" so about 200 pages, and you will get the whole book
You are welcome
and those last 200 pages get two stars because everything before them is nonsense and boring.
Just like with Mistborn, this book was void of emotion you feel like a robot reciting the dialogues. I don't understand how so many found that enjoyable????
I was tandem reading and listening to the audio because I thought this will make it better experience than reading Mistborn just physical. There is a page with 13 "said" in it do you have any idea how annoying that was listening to "he said" , "she said" over and over and over.
The plot moves with the grace and speed of a snail... on tranquilizers... in slow motion. I bet Sanderson wrote three books while writing this boring one
The characters were as stale as a 2 week old bread. Vin stopped being the main character and resided to be a side one. Thank God for that cause she has the personality of a plant. I don't know how anyone fell in love with her oh yea! because and this is from the book not like other women he met. well of course she isn't she is a natural-born killer a self-loathing one never the less one flinch from Elend and she is back to "poor me, no one loves me, everyone leaves me"
The only interesting characters in this book are the villains and that knadra, OreSeur, who turned out to be a two-face double-crosser.
I had to remind myself that this was published in 2009, the time where White Male authors dominated, big books were desired, and boring events dominated most of fantasy plot.
The only thing I like about the first 600 pages is showing you that it is not enough to just kill a tyrant. Nothing resovles Once they are dead! the country is still suffering and in chaos. Someone fierce but good has to step up. Elend was good, but he was not fierce His father was fierce but he was not good so, chaos continued
New characters kept popping up and dying like flies I was furious that Sanderson killed Zane. He was the only interesting character I read every chapter and line he was in. In fact, I was rooting for Vin to end up with him but our passive recluse had to stay with the goody two shoes
The book is called The Well of Ascension guess when this well shows up? Yep! in the last 100 pages. only to have a special-guest appearance and that's it
I have read four books now by Brandon Sanderson because everyone and their mothers were saying how great a writer he is. Do you want to know why he pops up so many books like bunnies? and why he popular mostly with guys/males? cause he writes with no emotion his characters have no arc and no depth he is more interested in the sequence of events and the action
Mistborn was better because it introduced the best magical system I've read in a long time but reading TWOA, all the images in my head were of mistborns swallowing coins like candy to use them for their allomancy.
[image]
and you cannot convince me Sanderson did not have some sort of a connection with a religious cult they way women are described here is atrocious! even if the bad guys are talking a woman in her late twenties is described as if she is old with wrinkles and saggy breasts!!!! another one was used as a breeder and gave birth to 20 children!!!!!! and to be able to marry a couple just by being a witness???
I wont be reading the Hero of All ages I will give The Way of Kings a shot but if it turns out to be another Mistborn that will be the end with Brandon Sanderson...more
I wonder what George Orwell would say and feel if he saw how his beloved Democratic world had become his biggest fear!!
While I personally think that tI wonder what George Orwell would say and feel if he saw how his beloved Democratic world had become his biggest fear!!
While I personally think that the writing style is not for everyone's taste because it is more "tell than show", I do believe that everyone ought to read this book at least once.
George Orwell's "1984" is a profound political treatise encased in the trappings of dystopian literature. It presents a chilling depiction of a world where totalitarianism has extinguished the flames of individuality and freedom. “Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows”
The narrative follows Winston Smith, a cog in the Party's machine, as he navigates a society suffocated by surveillance and propaganda. Orwell masterfully crafts a lexicon that has seeped into modern discourse, with terms like "Big Brother," "doublethink," and "thoughtcrime" becoming synonymous with oppressive regimes. The book's prescience is uncanny, as it explores themes of privacy, truth, and state control—issues that resonate deeply in today's digital age.
I loved how Orwell did not hide anything in his book. He did not write in clues for others to interpret however they wanted. He just slaps you with what he wants to say “A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves and traitors are not victims, but accomplices.”
While the novel can be stark and despairing, its enduring power lies in its warning: a reminder of the fragility of liberties we often take for granted. "1984" is not just a book; it's a cautionary tale that remains as relevant now as it was the day it was written.
- Surveillance and Privacy: Just like the omnipresent telescreens in "1984", today's society grapples with the issues of surveillance through various forms of technology, raising concerns about privacy and the extent to which personal data is monitored and used.
- Disinformation and Truth: The concept of "doublethink" and the manipulation of historical records by the Ministry of Truth in Orwell's work mirrors current discussions about fake news, media bias, and the shaping of public perception through controlled information, especially in light of what is happening today in the Middle East. “What is needed is the right to print what one believes to be true, without having to fear bullying or blackmail from any side.”
“A world in which it is wrong to murder an individual civilian and right to drop a thousand tons of high explosive on a residential area sometimes make me wonder whether this earth of ours is not a loony bin made use of by some other planet.”
- Authoritarianism and Freedom: The novel's depiction of a totalitarian regime exercising absolute power over its citizens reflects fears about the erosion of democratic institutions and individual freedoms in the face of authoritarian governance structures. Unfortunately, those who claim to be the beacon of democracy are the ones adopting the role of BIG BROTHER. “You are free to be a drunkard, an idler, a coward, a backbiter, a fornicator; but you are not free to think for yourself.”
- Technology and Control: "1984" foresaw the role of technology not just as a tool for progress but also as a means of controlling and manipulating populations, a concern that remains highly relevant with today's advancements in technology. Even social media platforms that were created for entertainment are now used maliciously.
- Resistance and Resilience: The spirit of rebellion and the quest for truth by the protagonist, Winston Smith, inspires ongoing discussions about the importance of critical thinking, individual agency, and the resilience of the human spirit in challenging oppressive systems. Because, for those in power, our lives do not matter. “Looking at the whole world as a whole, the drift for many decades has been not towards anarchy but towards the reimposition of slavery.”
- The Freedom to love are we really free to love whomever we want? are we seeking love or the comfort of being seen and heard? “Perhaps one did not want to be loved so much as to be understood.”
Audible has the Dolby experience with the voices of Andrew Garfield and Tom Hardy.
If Bill Nye the Science Guy became a book, he would be this one
Imagine waking up with no memory, next to a couple of dead guys, and realizing you're tIf Bill Nye the Science Guy became a book, he would be this one
Imagine waking up with no memory, next to a couple of dead guys, and realizing you're the galaxy's only hope! Ryland Grace, our amnesiac hero, might not remember his name, but he sure knows how to crack a joke while saving humanity. With a sidekick that looks like a rock and communicates like a jazz musician, this dynamic duo turns a space disaster into a cosmic buddy comedy.
This book is a wild ride from start to finish, with more twists than a pretzel in zero gravity. And who knew science could be so hilarious? Weir has a knack for making you laugh out loud while secretly teaching you astrophysics. I wish I could post a video of me laughing my ass out while searching the web to refresh my memory on centrifuge and Space-Time.
I am quite sure many other reviews have talked extensively about this book, but what I would like to add is the JUXTAPOSITION element
Juxtaposition is when placing two elements close together or side by side in order to compare/contrast the two, to show similarities or differences. Usually, these chosen two are opposite to each other or they usually do not get along in real life.
let's begin with the Main protagonist Dr. Ryland Grace
- he is a schoolteacher turned astronaut, embodying the everyday person in an extraordinary situation. - His bubbly personality that deals with the Stoic and calculating one of Dr. Stratt -His journey from amnesia to heroism is a compelling narrative that highlights human resilience and the power of memory and identity. Grace's transformation throughout the novel mirrors humanity's own potential for change and adaptation in the face of dire challenges. - His interactions with Rocky, the alien life form, and the scientific discoveries they made along the way underscore the novel's celebration of cross-species communication and the universal language of science.
The book name and theme
- the fact that a bunch of atheist Scientists - or at least non-religious- decided to name their mission Hail Mary. - the fact that microscopic particles could bring the demise of the SUN and the fact it needed other microscopic particles to defeat them
-Scientific Ingenuity vs. Isolation: The protagonist's inventive problem-solving contrasts sharply with his solitary confinement in space, highlighting human resilience. -Past vs. Present: Flashbacks to Earth juxtapose against the current dire situation in space, providing a rich backstory while propelling the narrative forward. -Desperation vs. Discovery: The urgency of saving humanity is set against the wonder of discovering new life forms, creating a tension between survival and scientific curiosity. -Memory vs. Reality: The protagonist's struggle with amnesia serves as a stark contrast to the very real and immediate challenges he faces aboard the Hail Mary. -Humanity vs. Alien Life: The interaction between humans and extraterrestrial life forms explores the themes of communication and cooperation across species barriers. Andy Weir proves once again that space is not just the final frontier, but also the perfect setting for the ultimate 'lost in translation' moment. Imagine teaching an alien the concept of a high-five, but with more existential dread.
Project Hail Mary the movie will hopefully hit the theaters in 2026 with Ryan Gosling as Dr. Grace However if you want a close experience, I highly recommend listening to the audio the narrator was absolutely "out of this Earth"
"A murder has been committed. Certain actions have to be performed. That is all there is to it"
There is no doubt that Agatha was a master of the whodu"A murder has been committed. Certain actions have to be performed. That is all there is to it"
There is no doubt that Agatha was a master of the whodunit mystery: a murder in which the identity of the murderer is not revealed until the end. It focuses on the efforts of the detective. It is characterized by the clues of the crime being there in plain sight
Let us dismiss the fact that, even though this book is timeless, it would be criticized if it were published in our times. Murder on the Oriend Express began in Syria then Turkey, yet none of the characters in the train are, in fact, oriental. They are from all over the world but the Middle East.
But still, it was such a delight to reread it again - well, listen. So, to put it in terms the "white audience" this book targets would understand, this book is for those who enjoy a good mystery with their afternoon tea, which would be the literary equivalent of a perfectly steeped Earl Grey – classic, comforting, and with just the right amount of bite.
as for the audiobook, I was absolutely confused and thrilled to find that it was somewhat different than the physical book. Liberties have been taken, characters were given a voice, and certain incidents were removed or changed. However, it did not take from the story but rather elevated it especailly since the cast of the narrators delivered perfectly. I can even go on to say that this audio was even better than the movie. The narrator who did Hercule Poirot was amazing in the accent and intonation.
This book is divided into parts the past and four years later ALL SAID FROM THE FL - ABBY- PERSPECTIVE with the prologue and epilogue from Jake's POV
****This book is divided into parts the past and four years later ALL SAID FROM THE FL - ABBY- PERSPECTIVE with the prologue and epilogue from Jake's POV
****Spoilers ahead****
⚜Genre: Dark Romance ⚜Theme: Second-Chance/ dark romance ⚜Targeted audience: Adult ⚜Characters: Abby, Jake, Owen ⚜Representation: none ⚜TW: a lot! A whole fucking lot! violence- child rape - domestic abuse - drug abuse - rape ⚜ tropes: insta-love, touch her and you're dead, hurt ⚜ POV: one-sided first person ⚜ spice ...more
Third time rereading through audio and it is even more chilling
There is no doubt that Stephen King is the master of Horror and it is not because of hiThird time rereading through audio and it is even more chilling
There is no doubt that Stephen King is the master of Horror and it is not because of his graphic descriptions or gruesome stories but because of his unnerving understanding of the human psyche he knows the mind of the psychopath of the serial killer of the schizophrenic narcissistic maniac His characters could be walking talking living among us [image]...more
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