"It's impolite to ask the victim of violence what they did to be attacked.�
Okay. I read this book much e
“Why were the other angels attacking you?"
"It's impolite to ask the victim of violence what they did to be attacked.�
Okay. I read this book much earlier in the year and I'm only getting around to reviewing it now. This is one of those book I'd seen SO MUCH hype about, and I was so excited to read it. I love angels and mythology stories and dystopians so mixing it all together sounded like a great idea.
Angelfall is about a girl called Penryn, who's trying to survive the end of the world. Angels have descended on Earth, ravaging the population and causing widespread destruction. When the angels kidnap Penryn's sister, she teams up with a rogue angel, Raffe, in order to try and rescue her. It's kind of a hybrid of Supernatural and The Walking Dead, actually[.
Okay. I quite enjoyed this but at the same time I don't feel like I enjoyed it as much as others did ?
POSITIVES: I found the characters to be super enjoyable! I really loved Penryn as a hero. She's smart, resourceful, sassy (but not rude or cold) and realistic. She does what she needs to do to survive and I admire her strength of character and her bravery.
Raffe was a fun character. I enjoyed his dynamic with Penryn, and I especially enjoyed the mystery surrounding him and the other angels. I liked the exploration of angel politics and I liked that his characterisation was based upon biblical depictions of Angels as warriors rather than the popular culture depiction of angels as fluffy and cute.
I REALLY liked all the things about the Angels culture and social structure. I liked the supporting characters, especially Tweedle Dee and Dum.
I really liked how dark this was, and how it was gorey and gritty without being overly horrific. It was both fun and dark which was cool.
NEGATIVES:
I was not the biggest fan of the romance. I found it really awkward and I honestly didn't even see the chemistry. To me, Penryn was WAY too young. (view spoiler)[ I mean, if Raffe is actual Raphael from the Bible then he's at least 2000 years old and in all likelihood much older. Now, if Penryn had been a bit older (like, even in her 20s) maybe I could have gone with it but she's SIXTEEN YEARS OLD and I just fund it a little weird ?? Like I just could not get past this (hide spoiler)]
I found some bits of the story a bit "overdone". I mean, sister needs to save sister - never seen that before in Dystopia amirite. ???? And idk just the whole thing was sort of, been there done that. But it was okay I didn't HATE IT and there was enough originality for me to skim past it.
Anyway, overrall I'd give this a 3.5. At the time, I have it a 4 but looking back this story doesn't excite me, you know? Like I've not been tempted to pick up the nest two books at all. This was a fun for me but I didn't love it so I'm giving it a 3.5 for really liked some bits of it but overrall I liked it and didn't love it ...more
MAN. For some reason I never reread Goblet of Fire because I really hate the movie and for some reason (????) thats put me off the book too. It's ridiMAN. For some reason I never reread Goblet of Fire because I really hate the movie and for some reason (????) thats put me off the book too. It's ridiculous and needs to stop because GOF is honestly one of THE BEST in the series (I say this about them all tho lmao)
But seriously, it's so good.
The characters, for a start. Fleur (my queen), Krum, Cedric, Moody (a great! villian ok), Dumbledore is probably my favourite in this one and ootp, I really like Hagrid in this one, I really like the outside characters like Crouch, Ludo, Dobby & Winky. ALSO !! SIRIUS !! MY BOY SIRIUS !! BEING LOWKEY DAD I LOVE HIM SO MUCH
The plot is SO well written and everything is worked into it so perfectly it's really, really well crafted and I appreicate that alot. The big reveal at the end makes so much sense, but being able to read it knowing what was happening really made me see the smaller details of it all and I think it's one of the cleverer ones plot wise.
I feel like it perfectly hits that mix of dark plots and events with humour and fun that characterises Harry Potter. The scenes at the end with Cedric dying, Harry having to explain what happened are so, so incredibly sad. Much sadder than I appreciated the first time I read them. But Harry has come to mean so much to me and seeing him sad makes me really, really sad. He's such a good lad who's seen too much. Pretty much the whole maze/graveyard scene, the scenes with Crouch and the scenes of terror at the Quidditch World Cup are genuinely frightening and really well written. Also think the whole pensieve scene is well done, and any scene with Dumbledore and Harry interacting.
But on the other side, the side plot of Fred and George trying to get their gold from Ludo, the plots about Rita Skeeter and the news articles, The Yule Ball and the teen relationship angst are so funny and lighthearted and I feel that contrast is what really makes Harry Potter. This book takes on that tone that the later ones follow and I really, really like that.
There's just so much to like here from the epc opening Quidditch game, to the expansive plot, to the loveable and awful characters and the humour and the sadness and the heartbreak.
-- tbh how did I never ship hinny before bc those two are actually so cute ?? -- Dumbledore's funeral is really nice. I love the centuars SOME THOUGHTS
-- tbh how did I never ship hinny before bc those two are actually so cute ?? -- Dumbledore's funeral is really nice. I love the centuars and merpeople coming -- Draco Malfoy is not a villian tbh when will people realise this ( I mean, antagonist? sure. Villian? no) -- Neville and Luna are the best -- I love Fleur Delacour so much. Fleur is amazing and I just ? cry about everyone hating her -- Harry has it so rough and I just? he has such a good heart despite everything. I wish he wasn't the most underrated character in his own story. Like, idk I love Harry so much
tbh .. this is probably my 'least favourite' harry potter book but HONESTLY as my least favourite it's still such an incredible story and I love it so much like it's still such a solid 5* ...more
Harry Potter is just too good. Chamber of Secrets is such a great second instalment. Personally, I love all the setting up it does for the later booksHarry Potter is just too good. Chamber of Secrets is such a great second instalment. Personally, I love all the setting up it does for the later books.
This book the one that scares me the most. I genuinely get freaked out by the giant spiders and snakes and everything else. I also love Gilderoy Lockhart -- even though he's probably the worst teacher they've ever had, he makes me laugh. He's such a loser oh my god.
I also love Draco in this one! Draco's eternal bitterness makes me laugh so much.
The mystery of Chamber of Secrets is one of my favourites. I love how everything comes together o perfectly. Even petrified Hermione continues to keep everyone's shit together.
Anyway, obviously a 5*. This is one I've not read for a long time so I really enjoyed my reread!...more
listen if i was harry james potter i would have literally had my ""“emo episode""� in the first fucking book after being forced to live in an abusive listen if i was harry james potter i would have literally had my ""“emo episode""� in the first fucking book after being forced to live in an abusive home for ten years because the most powerful wizard of all time killed my parents and was out to kill me specifically but instead my teenaged son, harry james, goes through FIVE YEARS of traumatizing experiences and suffers people discrediting and silencing him at every turn before justifiably reaching his breaking point after watching his father figure die and you all have the nerve to call him “whiny�
^^ I've never related to a post more
OH MY GOD. I don't even have words for how much I LOVE this book. It's second in the series, to Deathly Hallows in my favourites list I just love it so much Everything about it makes me so happy.
Why?
Well first of all, there's leaps and bounds in terms of plot development. Things are starting to get dark, they're starting to get serious and it sets the tone for the next two books to come. I love Harry coming to take on his role as "The Chosen One"
Secondly, side characters! Thanks to the DA, we get to see soo much more of the school aside from the golden trio. Neville, Luna, GINNY, Fred and George, Dean, Seamus, Tonks, Sirius, Remus, Cho and soo many other characters who I just adore SHINE and it makes me so happy. I love the side characters as much as the trio and they get so much more screen time (page time?) then in earlier books
SO MANY COOL SCENES: I mean, the Weasley escape, the interview in three broomsticks, every DA meeting, Harry's first date, THE QUIDDITCH PITCH BRAWL, Umbridge being taken by Centaurs, the fight in the ministry, Dumbledore and Voldermorts epic duel ! There are so many scenes to love in this one. Literally iconic scenes like DA and the Weasley's leaving school can be exclusively found in ootp and I love them so much.
I also just think OoTP is SO funny? I mean, the whole school rioting against Umbridge, the twins pranks, the DA meetings, the things said about Harry / that Harry says back. I laugh out loud when I'm reading this book, and I don't usually properly laugh when I'm reading.
I literally just don't understand how anyone can not like ootp. I mean, beside the very sad events at the end, it's perfect. And EVEN that sad event (view spoiler)[RIP SIRIUS ORION BLACK YOU DESERVED BETTER (hide spoiler)] gives us such a beautiful moment between Albus and Harry, that is sad, but also so incredibly human and heartbreaking and such an insight into the humanity and love that drives Harry's character it's amazing.
anyway, tbh it's harry potter I shouldn't have to say much I loved reading this with all my heart, obviously. ...more
Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love
This is my favourite Harry Potter book, I adore it, I lov
Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love
This is my favourite Harry Potter book, I adore it, I love it so much. It's weird because it's not /usual/ Harry Potter. It doesn't have much Hogwarts, there's no quidditch -- but I love it
I don't wanna get gushy about Harry Potter I mean you all feel me on this everyone loves Harry Potter, you get me. I'm just gonna list some reasons I love this book, this series, so much.
- The characters. I just want it to be on the record Harry James Potter is one of my top five favourite characters. He is just SUCH A GOOD PERSON. I admire his bravery, his selflessness and his determination ( and also he's literally the most savage person his roasts are life ) I love so much about him - I love that he's not perfect either. He can be mean, arrogant, literally annoying asf but I LOVE HIM. He makes me so emotional, like he actually breaks my heart.
Thats why this book is actual crack for me. There is so much of it relating to Harry's parents, his past, his childhood. There is so much about him having to do the right thing even though it's hard, even though he's suffering, even though people have literally been fucking with him for years he does the right thing anyway I JUST LOVE HIM ALOT
Other characters, Ron man. Ron. He fucks up bad but he comes back and he redeems himself and urggh I love him. His loyalty is amazing, but he's such a real character. I love how he (quite literally) is able to conquer (stab with a sword) his demons and his character development is amazing and he's just so funny and such a good friend he's my son ?? I love him.
HERMIONE I honestly can't say anything except wife me she's so inspirational and passionate and sticks to her beliefs even when they're unpopular and I honestly just love her and the trio so much ?
Deathly Hallows is just so good like lets recap on some highlights.
--> Opens on Dudley actually accepting Harry and thanking him --> Wild broom chase, crazy sky wand fights and I'm Holey Fred ... get it ? --> Ron fighting his mother about the wedding. Harry and Ginny. Horcrux planning. --> Coffee shop death eater skirmish --> REGULUS ARCTURUS BLACK --> Lily's letter --> KREACHER --> Ministry break-in. Harry sticking it to Umbridge --> Potterwatch --> GRINGOTTS BREAK-IN ?!?! --> The DA resisting in Hogwarts, magical graffiti that says Dumbledore's Army, Still Recruiting! --> Speaking of Dumbledore, just the entirely of his and Aberforths family story --> Godrics Hollow. Harry seeing James & Lily's graves and the house. Heartbreaking but beautiful --> THE BIT WHEN NEVILLE WIPES OUT NAGINI --> Snape's story --> Everything coming together so beautifully at the end aND THE GRAND HALL SCENE --> Harry mending the Phoenix wand --> Teddy Lupin existing --> Harry getting to see his parents/Sirius/Lupin say what he's always wanted to crying bye --> like the whole book tbh ?? I love it ??
I could say alot about the beautiful messages and sybolism. I could say about the beautiful and poignant way Harry's grief and loss about his parents is dealt with, or talk about the perfect symbolism of Voldermort's death - and how it shows that he was not special but just a regular man who was devoid of love and took his quest for power way too far. I could talk about how Voldermort's soul is represented and what Voldermort represents for humanity but I wouldn't be the first and I won't be the last and I would have too much to say anyway (and no way to say it how I wanna)
So instead I'll just say I adore this book, forever and always. I adore this series and everything it gave me. I love that it created such a wonderful and expansive world I wanna live in. I love that it gave me characters who were my friends growing up. I love that it's defined my childhood and become to important to me and I can't believe it came out nearly ten years ago. I love it so much, forever. ...more
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is probably my second favourite Harry Potter book. I always find myself getting ridiculously emotional[image]
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is probably my second favourite Harry Potter book. I always find myself getting ridiculously emotional about the Marauders. (@J.K Rowling that is the story you should reallyy write who even cares about Harry's kids smh)
The thing is, I just care about Harry alot. As if he was me actual son, or my little brother. I just really want Harry to be happy and I feel like he (and kind of his history/backstory) is given so much depth in POA. The connection between Harry and Sirius, and Harry finally finding a father figure in both Lupin and Sirius is really important to me, as well as them providing a framework for him being able to "get to know" his parents.
I find the whole Marauder's story kind of tragic - with Lupin & Sirius losing their best friend (and, due to Peter's betrayal, 13 years worth of time with Harry) and so the huge focus of the marauders in this book just makes it an absolute favourite of mine. The ending of the book where Harry gets his letter from Sirius and reads it "over and over" and is just so happy makes me happy like bb you deserve all the happiness in the world
ANYWAY:psa this book gets MUCH SADDER each time you reread. When you reread it knowing everything about the past and future of these characters it is much, much sadder. Like Lupin saying he "knew" James and Sirius in school.
KNEW HIM !?! SHUT UP THEY WERE YOUR BEST FRIENDS AND YOU LOVED THEM
Or like, Hagrid talking about how Sirius was there when James and Lily died OH GOD AND IT MAKES ME SO SAD because you know he was wrongly arrested hours later arrghhh
I also think that the Quidditch matches in this book are some of the best in the whole series - the one where Gryffindor win the Quidditch Cup is THE BEST of the series, hands down.
On top of that, we also see time travelling Hermione, Hagrid as a teacher, Hermione being a total badass (damn that hit on Malfoy tho) and breaking rules all over the place, HARRY GETTIN HIS FIREBOLT (a pivotal moment in the young kids life ok), Lupin actually being a good DATDA teacher, Harry & the sexual awakening (Cho Chang got him feeling things omfg ) the Boggart scene, Harry learning to cast a partonus !! Buckbeak !!, Hogsmede (and that damn perfect scene where Fudge talk about Sirius), Ron getting Pig, the Marauders Map, -- Fred & George study in this one ??? and an emotional chat between Dumbledore and Harry about his parents and his choices which was such a perfect conclusion to the book honestly.
Also can we talk about how gloriously Harry's sass shows in this one because he was quippin all over the place
I love POA so much, it's probably the only book I literally wish was longer. I honestly ACHE for more of this, I know there is nothing else. But for real, when I get to the last page I still feel like ... where is the rest?
It doesn't NEED more, I just love it so much I wish there was more ...more
I'm too tired to properly review this right now. I'll do that later.
Everyone talks about this book and I know why. It's incredibly beautiful. It's a I'm too tired to properly review this right now. I'll do that later.
Everyone talks about this book and I know why. It's incredibly beautiful. It's a powerful tale about friendship, redemption, war, family and life and I'm so moved by these characters and this story. This book made me cry and I'm cold to the core so that's really something
This is such a beautiful and poignant story, everyone should read this it's just such an amazing and beautiful story I loved it. ...more
"the horror, the horror" yes im horrified a book so purely boring and racist managed to become a classic too
as past me once said: "It would be more fu"the horror, the horror" yes im horrified a book so purely boring and racist managed to become a classic too
as past me once said: "It would be more fun to put a rusty screw in my eye then keep reading this. I get it, it's a metaphor."
the only shoutout I can give this book is that I love it for giving me so much to write about and probably getting me through my exams so thanks HOD...more
I'm sorry there's so much pain in this story. I'm sorry it's in fragments, like a body caught in crossfire or pulled apart by force. But there's
I'm sorry there's so much pain in this story. I'm sorry it's in fragments, like a body caught in crossfire or pulled apart by force. But there's nothing I can do to change it. I've tried to put some good things in as well.
[image]
This is one of the most thought provoking and honestly terrifying books I've ever read. Although the world of Gilead is a world and time which seems so far from our own, it's also one that hits uncomfortably close to home. Although I was reading about some dystopian world, the themes and events seemed so likely. I mean, speculatively (and this is called speculative fiction by Atwood herself) it is something you can see happening in some terrifying, undesirable future.
But only undesirable for me - the terrifying thing about this is that it has eventuated. There are many many countries in our world today where a great many elements of this story are a reality for women everyday and that's awful, that's the really scary thing about this. There are so many reviews of this with people saying "but this is so unrealistic!" and I wonder if they realise it's not unrealistic at all - it's happening. It's happening right now and not that many people are standing up against that.
So much of this was just sickening and awful and .. so uncomfortable to read? It's so disturbing in it's themes and events, in the way that everything that happens is justified with so many of the arguments and rhetoric we hear today. "Boys will be boys!", "girls only do that for men", "men can't control themselves around women". It was a truly well written piece of Dystopian in that, despite it 'exploring' the life of a 'Handmaid' in the Giledean society, it's clear by doing so it's also exploring and exposing attitudes and values toward women within our own society, highlighting where and how our current social systems and structures work to undermine and devalue the "whole" worth from women aside from 'reproduction'.
I was struck, personally, by many of the comments from men in the story saying things like "Don't you see! We've liberated the women. Now they don't have to dress up and wear makeup and do all those other silly, time consuming things they did to impress men" And I think uncomfortably of how many comments I see on girls pictures, of boys saying the same thing "I don't know why girls think they need to wear makeup", or, "I like a girl who doesn't wear makeup"
And no one realises maybe girls weren't doing it for boys in the first place.
This is a cautionary tale, a warning to people of what happens if you allow bureaucracy and government (which is still largely dominated by men in every country) to dictate women - to dictate what they do with their body, to dictate how they express their sexuality.
I find it confusing when people claim the story of Offred doesn't apply to them - this hits remarkably close to the mark very, very often.
Aside from the social commentary - Offred was such an easy character to connect to. Her narrative throughout is so emotional and poignant you're drawn into the story - it's impossible to not feel emotionally attached and to become embroiled in the tribulations of her daily life.
The ending of this book is so controversial, and I am just as frustrated as the next person. I can't help notice though what an interesting choice it was. The use of the Historical Notes presents a situation in which people from the 'future' are able to emotionally detach themselves from Offred (in a way a reader cannot) mimics current systems in which we, as a society, perceive our treatment of minorities/women as much 'superior' to those before us. And yet, the Giledean's (which the professors criticise) thought their tradition was much superior. It's interesting to note what comment this could have on our own society. I also found the fact they focus exclusively on the 'men' of the story, ultimately undermining and erasing the struggle of Offred (who suffers so much) within Handmiad's.
Although the writing is deliberately disjointed, I don't think it made the story overly confusing and I didn't really feel like I was "lost" at any point. I found the actual writing itself easy to write and quite 'poetic' and emotionally charged. The actual writing was really good and I enjoyed the lyrical or poetic feature of alot of the sentences. I very much liked the 'voice' of this.
I found this whole thing so emotionally charged and absorbing. I am unable to detach myself from Offred and from her story because I feel I've been so closely bound to her and the tale. This is easily one of my favourite classics, and dystopian's and although I feel it's needs to be properly analysed rather than read 'casually', I think it's something all people should consider picking up and thinking about
I may need to rewrite this review later. For now, I think I need to sit back and think about it some more. But I am really, really struck by this story and world and these characters. ...more
This was honestly so interesting!! It took me a while to get through, even though it was relatively short but I can't just speed through anACTUAL. 3.5
This was honestly so interesting!! It took me a while to get through, even though it was relatively short but I can't just speed through anything non-fiction. But still, so much of this I found so interesting. (I WAS CONSTANTLY MESSAGING MY FRIENDS WITH DID YOU KNOW FACTS)
Sometimes I felt it was a little convoluted and the ending was a big of a drag (it was basically just a big summary of the whole book and I was like fam I remember flip flip flip) But mostly I really enjoyed it and I honestly didn't even know half this stuff
Definitely recommend it to anyone looking to know a lil more about the effects Global Warming can/will have on our world !...more
This book was such a fun read ! It was exciting and fast paced, and really well paced. There were no moments where I felt this book fell into a slump.This book was such a fun read ! It was exciting and fast paced, and really well paced. There were no moments where I felt this book fell into a slump. I absolutely tore through it, it was action-packed and had fun twists and turns at every page.
Steelheart is about a futuristic world where an event known as "Calamity" has gifted certain people called Epics extraordinary powers. These Epic's, however, do not use their powers for good. They're basically all kind of evil. The protagonist, David, wants revenge on one of the most powerful Epic's, Steelheart, who killed his father. He is the only known person alive who's seen the ( believed to be ) invincible Steelheart bleed, and he's determined to use that knowledge to take Steelheart down.
He joins up with a group known as the 'Reckoners', who fight Epic's and convinces them to help him in his fight against Steelheart.
This book was so fun, but it did have some character issues, I thought. Although I loved the plot, some aspects of David's character were borish, and his obsession with one of the Reckoners, Megan, was annoying. His love for her was based quite heavily on her appearance, and it was a very 'love at first sight' cliche which really bothered me. Beside that he was a good enough character and had some positive characteristics but I found him to be the least interesting character in the book.
Other characters were quite enjoyable, and their complexities are slowly revealed throughout the novel. The twists throughout the book and concerning the characters was probably my favourite thing about this book, and one of them made me actually gasp, honestly.
I really enjoyed this book!! This was one of those books where the ending just comes together so nicely and leaves you wanting for more and wondering how you missed so much. The way all the loose ends and big reveals came together so nicely was great and I love that in a book. I only take off one star for the poor way I think the woman were handled in the book and for the main character being, at times, just annoying.
This story pulls you in right from the start. I was so drawn in by this world and the characters and the quest. It was captiIn a few words, I LOVED IT
This story pulls you in right from the start. I was so drawn in by this world and the characters and the quest. It was captivating. I felt taken along for the journey with Etta and Nicholas, like I was travelling to all these unknown times and worlds myself.
The slow unravelling of the story and the mystery was great, and I loved how you had a little insight into each character that other characters didn't know about. This book makes you care so completely about the characters and worry for their poor little hearts.
Alexandra Bracken's writing draws you so in, you're so enthralled by the story and captured in the moment. Her writing was wonderful and I love her style so much.
I loved both Etta and Nicholas in this (and I admit I kind of pictured them as Daisy Ridley and John Boyega from The Force Awakens??) Both were such captivating and charming and interesting characters. I found I wasn't bored or annoyed by either of them and instead was just really drawn into their story and lives. Etta was such an amazing, passionate young lady I just fell in love with instantly and Nicholas is so charming. Other supporting characters like Sophia and Cryus who were given less time still felt whole and Sophia especially was an interesting character.
The time travel in this is kind of similar to the Back to the Future style which is GREAT (I love Back to the Future) and I love that it left you thinking and a little confused. Like, "ohh so if this has already happened that means future character knows because this happened to her 50 years ago even though it's only happening now in the future. " But, I mean thats one of the best things about time travel stories, to me.
Finally that ending I'm actually so, so excited to see where this goes. I really want Sophia to grow as a character -- the whole time I felt so sorry for her, really she is just a woman trying to find some agency in a time that doesn't give women any and I hope she can get to some place where she's happy or ?? something ?? And I can't wait to see where Etta has ended up. But most of all I'm intrigued by Julian possibly being alive and I really hope he and Sophia get a happy reunion.
I wish I could be a traveller! I love history - this would be the perfect life for me. Far flung places, in far off times.
I just loved this book so much it was such a good book LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT....more
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