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sambam_42's Reviews (311)
adventurous
sad
fast-paced
As much as I like the series, I am growing a bit weary at the circular nature of events. Especially in regards to the queens and how they're treated like vipers in the king's ears. This has nothing to do whatsoever with the author, just the nature of the subject matter. Inevitably the men in the story (and likely in real life as well) blamed all their issues on the influence over the queens on their husbands. The shock and surprise at Elizabeth and her control over the court after marrying Henry just goes to show that the men thought that women should be controlled and had no place in the ruling of a country.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A decent second book in the series. I felt a small amount of empathy for Richard, Duke of York. Iggulden portrays him as someone who really does have England's best wishes at heart (as is evidenced of his ability to "rule" while Henry is incapacitated). However, his belief that he should rule because he deems Henry unfit and being mislead by his wife and other close nobles is just an incomprehendible amount of hubris. As he mentions in the the Author's Note at the end, Iggulden does posit that neither side really wanted the War of the Roses but things basically got out of control. At any rate, still a fantastic historical fiction series.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I found the book to be too disjointed and choppy. The writing evoked very strong imagery. I was cco fused how the witches burnt prior made any connection other than as a family tie to the main characters.
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This is very heavy with what I call "Psych Speak" - meaning there are a lot of words and phrases one typically only uses when in therapy (either in a session or trying to process or deal with whatever brought you to therapy in the first place). It's a very hard, stark look about what it means to sustain a pleasurable sex life when you're in a long-term committed relationship. Dr. Nagoski talks about her own experiences and uses those of a few couples for examples. This book is *hard*. It's going to take a lot of effort and commitment to put into practice what she's saying needs to happen. But I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.
adventurous
dark
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
No one does spicy like Ali Hazelwood. This one has a darker edge than her previous ones (with the exception of Bride) and it is so satisfying. I love the more possessive, controlling male character. He's dominating but caring and that's a powerful combo. The science stuff was a bit less prominent in this book but still there.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a pretty typical rom-com. The main character deals with some pretty heavy (and hugely unresolved) mental health issues stemming from her childhood. This type of book usually isn't my type of read simply because they can be to saccharine for my tastes. However, Jimenez does a good job at making it seem more realistic than your normal meet-cute type scenario.
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
To me, this one wasn't as good as the first. Being set on a ship going from America to Britain did create a sense of urgency, but it felt forced in a way that didn't lend well to the story.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A good-ish conclusion to "Gilded". Personally I felt the story wrapped up far too quickly at the end. I was left going, "Wait, that's it? That's what happens to them?" It was a bit disappointing. There were times I almost felt sympathetic for the Erlking but for what? There was no real redemption arc for him to follow so that part felt just a bit flat for me. Overall, though, a good read with a decent pace to keep you interested. What happened to the Erlking at the end? He just stopped being there? It was so unsatisfactory for him and Perchta to just go away like that. They need more . . . something.