Best adaptation/translation of the Iliad I've ever read; a work of genius; pure literary art; made me swear aloud repeatedly; may have wiped away a teBest adaptation/translation of the Iliad I've ever read; a work of genius; pure literary art; made me swear aloud repeatedly; may have wiped away a tear or two; etc. etc. etc....more
Oh boy, I can't believe I decided to delay reading War & Peace for a novel that is even longer. Even though my eyes hate me right now, it was definiteOh boy, I can't believe I decided to delay reading War & Peace for a novel that is even longer. Even though my eyes hate me right now, it was definitely worth it. I'm also very intrigued at the newer "edited" version - it's more than 3/4s shorter than this one, so I wonder how much of the original story remains unchanged.
This was epic; beautifully researched. Extraordinary in its details, even.
I'll have to give it another go as soon as I have the time, to fully appreciThis was epic; beautifully researched. Extraordinary in its details, even.
I'll have to give it another go as soon as I have the time, to fully appreciate the nuances and sheer depth - and breadth! of three generations' worth of family history, American pop culture, the dazzling descriptions of religions and cities, allusions to Classical theory and literature- honestly, I could go on and on.
Some part of me feels more intelligent. Joking aside, I think there's everything in Middlesex that a reader would want - and perhaps after reading, come to realize it fulfills wishes you didn't know you had in the first place.
I urge you to give it a go when you have the time....more
Frankly, it has been one of - if not the - oddest novels I've read. There is an intelligible plot that was interesting (and some parts too compu? ?? ???
Frankly, it has been one of - if not the - oddest novels I've read. There is an intelligible plot that was interesting (and some parts too computer-y technical for a mere teenage girl to understand) enough to read; Mordred and the cast of characters were likeable. Then, roughly 75% in, everything dissolves into a hyper-surrealist collection of words strung together to make sentences. Think Inception dreamscape, but with supernatural elements and a good deal of textual LSD. No really, I'm not half surprised if the author was high when he wrote it.
The prose itself I have no complaints about; it is beautiful. Here's one of my most favourite paragraphs from the book.
Then, as you said, there are the cups and swords and crowns, “made out of fallen stars in the forges of Gods�. It’s a primitive way of saying “a really long time”—meteorites gather strangeness to themselves in their eternal ellipses through the black. Mountains have names.
To be honest, not quite sure how to rate this book....more
Some brilliant quotes for you to read as I plan my review; currently it's just me spluttering "Oh my god" over and over again with a high dose of profSome brilliant quotes for you to read as I plan my review; currently it's just me spluttering "Oh my god" over and over again with a high dose of profanity. Also, as a warning: would most likely break your heart, and only once if you're lucky.
Annia felt queer and cold, triumphant and sick, and her face was blank as stone. “You look like the sack of Troy,� her father said mildly as she came to his dining couch in the triclinium.
“A virtuous man cannot be tempted to an evil act.� Marcus sounded thoughtful, but very certain. “Therefore, the sight of your ankles or your anything else makes no difference.�
Hadrian’s voice was low, his mouth pressed against Antinous’s curls as he crushed my son against him. “I’d die in a lion’s mouth for you,� he murmured. “I’d die in its teeth and let the Empire burn after me, if it meant you lived.�
“I have to give him up,� my son said bleakly. “It will break his heart, and it will break mine because I would rather be dead than be without him. But he’s my world. And I will not be the thing that brings him to ruin.�
“I don’t know,� he whispered, and I bled for him. That’s what you do, when your children grow up and you can no longer slay their demons for them.�
But if men are the makers and breakers of empires, then women are the makers and breakers of men.
Then the dark was gone and the stars were rushing at him, reflected in the Nile. So beautiful, Antinous had time to think. And then he was falling among the stars.
Chorus, she thought. That’s what we are—the chorus to a Greek tragedy, and the last act is upon us and all we can do is react.
It was in a grove of lemon trees just outside Athens, after the Mysteries. Gods know what excuse I made, to get you away and him alone. He wore a blue tunic, and he looked at me with such clear eyes, and the sight of him made me tremble like a boy.
This is definitely one of the best books I've read all year!
Finished the book in one sitting, and am completely in awe of the meticulous plotting the This is definitely one of the best books I've read all year!
Finished the book in one sitting, and am completely in awe of the meticulous plotting the author must have done to tie the numerous surprises together. I'm not quite sure how the stakes can get any higher in the third book, so I definitely can't wait to read it when it comes out. It's truly wonderful when a thriller lives up to its promise. (I was so captivated that I literally sat down and read the entire thing without moving at all, and am pretty dehydrated right now, but gosh it was worth it)
Upon reflection, this book was one that touched on the beauty of what makes one human. Rather poignant at parts, yet surprisingly well writte4.5 stars
Upon reflection, this book was one that touched on the beauty of what makes one human. Rather poignant at parts, yet surprisingly well written. The concept of an genetically altered race of super-humans is certainly not unique in the Sci-Fi genre. However, Gemsigns cleverly subverts the common (revolutions and uprisings) for a thoughtful exploration of morality.
I came in with low (actually zero) expectations and was blew away by it - in fact read it all in one go, because this b*SCREAMS INCOHERENTLY OUT LOUD*
I came in with low (actually zero) expectations and was blew away by it - in fact read it all in one go, because this book deserved to be devoured as quickly as possible. Points to the court intrigue, tension and fantastic pacing.
Also: I like to think that the attraction is there between Laurent and Damian but the slow burn is a good burn so I'm not complaining!
Sticker warning: Do read this with an open mind, because there are quite a lot of themes that one does not casually encounter when reading a book. Also, have fun :P...more
Peter Green has the marvelous ability to turn a chronicle of history facts into a work of art that sings. There are historians and then there is PeterPeter Green has the marvelous ability to turn a chronicle of history facts into a work of art that sings. There are historians and then there is Peter Green. ...more
Damn. Far, far better than the original Grisha trilogy, and The Young Elites has nothing compared to this book. Imagine group!Locke Lamora 2.0 and youDamn. Far, far better than the original Grisha trilogy, and The Young Elites has nothing compared to this book. Imagine group!Locke Lamora 2.0 and you've sorta got it.
A list of brilliant things:
- The plot twists! There were so many of them being thrown at you page after page that I'm rather shocked. - The banter, and how well the group dynamics were. - No (tangible) romances of any kind? I mean, it's there, and Bardugo pairs the six of them into three pairs but oh god it makes you ship them and sigh and want to know more BECAUSE NO LOVE DECLARATIONS FUCK YEAH. - Diverse characters in both sexual orientation and race - At first I was a bit leery in having to read from six different POVS but they're thankfully all very unique and so it makes it a breeze. - Super-kick ass and competent characters! I hate how some YA heroes pull off dismantling a government or starting a revolution through sheer dumb luck (looking at you, Mare bloody Barrow) but everybody are competent and skilled as fuck with their own strengths that make the heist work. - The characters' morals all lie in a wide spectrum which influences their actions and makes it so interesting to read. Also, there's plenty of backstory sorta thing for all which makes you start to care for them and understand why and how they've fallen into such a situation. - The book touches on some seriously sensitive topics (actually, touch is a too delicate word; I think smash is more suitable) such as prostitution, slavery, torture, scientific experimentation, genocide etc. and it's all dealt with brilliantly. - It takes a while for some characters to grow on you (especially Kaz... and well, Kaz). They're like a really annoying tuff of hair that persistently sticks the other way, but eventually you grow fond of it and secretly think it makes you look kinda cool. - Everything? Like everything in the novel is splendid so please go read it ASAP? :-)
tl;dr: FIVE STARS. NOW GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK. ...more
Honestly, I'm not quite sure how to review this book. I sympathised with our heroine, but she was so unmemorable that I have already forg3 to 4 stars.
Honestly, I'm not quite sure how to review this book. I sympathised with our heroine, but she was so unmemorable that I have already forgotten her name. The romance was cute, however it happened so quickly it was unbelievable. Our villain Celia seemed to me like any other cardboard cutout evil leader! types that are frequently found in dystopian YA. Honestly, nothing really stood out special to me, aside from Eleanor of Aquitaine, who had remarkable characterisation and was the most fun to read.
The book is out in 6 months so to prevent any accidental spoilers I'll review it further at a closer date.
4.5 stars really, but definitely one of the best YA novels I've read in quite a while. Review up in a bit! What I have to say right now is that I love4.5 stars really, but definitely one of the best YA novels I've read in quite a while. Review up in a bit! What I have to say right now is that I love everything about it� the plucky badass heroine with a hell lot of determination and character, a slow slow slow moving romance, and fantastic plot twists. And look at the gorgeous cover! Sets the atmosphere perfectly, much like the world building in the novel.
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Tbh after rereading the above I find myself at a loss to add anything without potentially spoiling the amazingness that is this novel; so, I'm just going to leave this here:
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