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thereader222's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, it was just such a fun time!
I thought the characters felt real, how they put up a front but have so much more inside. How they push each other out of their shells and grow. I like how they aren't always good people and have to work through their issues. How when it really mattered, they were willing to fight for what's important.
A negative I saw a lot of people mention is how slow the book is, or how things drag, maybe how the start was slow. I guess I didn't notice. I enjoy flowery language and quieter moments. I think what might have dragged for others felt more like insight into the characters for me.
I loved how we go through different versions of the afterlife, how Claire and Co. had to go searching and meet people to figure out what was happening. It was cool seeing the challenges each place brought.
I also saw some mention that reveals or twists were predictable, which I feel like isn't a bad thing. I'm gonna try and give a vague example, one character's actions weren't surprising, but it helped raise stakes and bring some clarity to why everything was happening. To me, certain things were in character or made sense as it added depth and stakes to situations. It felt realistic to have motivations and planning, how multiple parties get involved but things don't turn out as expected or wanted.
I liked how things were messy, because people are messy. They aren't just straightforward or good all the time. They have their own motivations and journeys, things to uncover, and stories to tell. It was a fun read that got me thinking so it's a 4.5/5 for me.
I thought the characters felt real, how they put up a front but have so much more inside. How they push each other out of their shells and grow. I like how they aren't always good people and have to work through their issues. How when it really mattered, they were willing to fight for what's important.
A negative I saw a lot of people mention is how slow the book is, or how things drag, maybe how the start was slow. I guess I didn't notice. I enjoy flowery language and quieter moments. I think what might have dragged for others felt more like insight into the characters for me.
I loved how we go through different versions of the afterlife, how Claire and Co. had to go searching and meet people to figure out what was happening. It was cool seeing the challenges each place brought.
I also saw some mention that reveals or twists were predictable, which I feel like isn't a bad thing. I'm gonna try and give a vague example, one character's actions weren't surprising, but it helped raise stakes and bring some clarity to why everything was happening. To me, certain things were in character or made sense as it added depth and stakes to situations. It felt realistic to have motivations and planning, how multiple parties get involved but things don't turn out as expected or wanted.
I liked how things were messy, because people are messy. They aren't just straightforward or good all the time. They have their own motivations and journeys, things to uncover, and stories to tell. It was a fun read that got me thinking so it's a 4.5/5 for me.
cluttered_mind's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
loiseigenraam's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I really liked the premise of this book and I was super excited to start reading, but omg it was such a drag. Nothing happens the first 75% and the last 10% were also extremely boring and tough to get through.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
k0besha's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
chaosbooked's review against another edition
5.0
Love what A.J. Hackwith created here. The realms, the characters the ideas felt fresh and familiar at the same time. If you want some excitement in a library Hell's Library will have it. The whole concept classes Hell up a bit. And Afterlife worlds is a great setting. Valhalla? Sold. Honestly did not know it was part of a trilogy, the book is complete in its own but I will definitely be looking into the following books.
lis94's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lightningstruckboy's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
timinbc's review against another edition
4.0
There are SO many fantasy-magic books set in libraries that an author has to go a ways to be unique. Hackwith has done it. The basic premise is a real stretch, and occasionally it nags at the reader, but we just have to use the "I know, but what if anyway?" approach.
The plot is your basic problem-requires-quest-then-returns-for-showdown, but that's a solid plot so why not? We've also seen quite a few variations of "supreme being is missing and I am in charge" but I'll let it go.
The characters are all flawed and thereby interesting. And they cover a wider range than usual. For all their flaws, each has something they are true to. Except maybe %#$@ Andras.
Andras and "pup" - grrr. This is the same trope that usually has older characters calling everyone "child." For me, it's the same as "he said condescendingly." I hated and distrusted this character from the start. AND he wouldn't stop doing it when asked! Hope he isn't in the sequel.
There's a good tone to the writing. The characters had a bit of snark and humour, but not so much as to distract.
Didn't care for the whole concept of the codex, any fragment of which seems to be immensely powerful. That sort of thing has allowed many other authors to write themselves into a corner.
Claire's actions in the showdown required something that the author had set up many pages ago and then never mentioned again. Good.
The plot is your basic problem-requires-quest-then-returns-for-showdown, but that's a solid plot so why not? We've also seen quite a few variations of "supreme being is missing and I am in charge" but I'll let it go.
The characters are all flawed and thereby interesting. And they cover a wider range than usual. For all their flaws, each has something they are true to. Except maybe %#$@ Andras.
Andras and "pup" - grrr. This is the same trope that usually has older characters calling everyone "child." For me, it's the same as "he said condescendingly." I hated and distrusted this character from the start. AND he wouldn't stop doing it when asked! Hope he isn't in the sequel.
There's a good tone to the writing. The characters had a bit of snark and humour, but not so much as to distract.
Didn't care for the whole concept of the codex, any fragment of which seems to be immensely powerful. That sort of thing has allowed many other authors to write themselves into a corner.
Claire's actions in the showdown required something that the author had set up many pages ago and then never mentioned again. Good.
mada7badescu's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0