en-US Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:22:21 -0800 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 5907 Written for J.R.R. Tolkien’s own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when it was first published in 1937. Now recognized as a timeless classic, this introduction to the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, the wizard Gandalf, Gollum, and the spectacular world of Middle-earth recounts of the adventures of a reluctant hero, a powerful and dangerous ring, and the cruel dragon Smaug the Magnificent. The text in this 372-page paperback edition is based on that first published in Great Britain by Collins Modern Classics (1998), and includes a note on the text by Douglas A. Anderson (2001).]]> 366 J.R.R. Tolkien Isabelle 5
- unique races, world building and cast of characters. classic read

Strong points:

- the message behind the adventure

Weak points:

- wordy. difficult to follow at times.]]> 4.29 1937
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: Isabelle
average rating: 4.29
book published: 1937
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/12/05
shelves: fantasy, favorites, classics, books-i-purchased-for-my-shelf, books-i-ve-really-enjoyed
review:
Unique selling points:

- unique races, world building and cast of characters. classic read

Strong points:

- the message behind the adventure

Weak points:

- wordy. difficult to follow at times.
]]> 7624 182 William Golding 0140283331 Isabelle 5
- story about the origin of evil and the nature of humanity

Strong points:

- the cast of characters, the symbolism, the themes

Weak points:

- sometimes the plot was a little bit on the nose and the writing style felt preachy]]> 3.70 1954
author: William Golding
name: Isabelle
average rating: 3.70
book published: 1954
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/12/05
shelves: books-i-purchased-for-my-shelf, books-i-ve-really-enjoyed
review:
Unique selling points:

- story about the origin of evil and the nature of humanity

Strong points:

- the cast of characters, the symbolism, the themes

Weak points:

- sometimes the plot was a little bit on the nose and the writing style felt preachy
]]> 36186264
From the bestselling author of the "Vivian Amberville" saga, comes the humorous science fiction novel that will have you question your own humanity.

Set in a world where humans are long extinct, 4 unlikely robots will embark on a journey to answer: Why have the humans created us? An original post-apocalyptic story with an all-robot-cast, where the very meaning of "life" and "existence" is put to question.

Written in the light & humorous - yet no less meaningful - satirical style of George Orwell's "Animal Farm", "God is a Robot" explores themes such as "creation", "free will" and "purpose" in a crumbling world devoid of humanity, as we know it.

GENRE: science fiction, dystopian fiction;
CATEGORY: young adult, humorous satire;
SETTING: futuristic dystopia, post-apocalyptic humanless world;
SUBJECTS: moral decay, lack of faith, robot adventure;
THEMES: humanity, creation, friendship, free will;
]]> Louise Blackwick Isabelle 5
Unique selling points for “God is a Robot”:

- The novel is humorous and reads like a classic Pixar film
- Incredible humanization of the all-robot cast of characters
- One of the robot characters is robo-religious and yet to become self-aware. I found his lines the most hilarious.

Strong spots in the story:

- The four main characters, which are all robots
- World-building feels grand and very Wall-e-esque but not derivative
- Again, the themes and symbolism of the work. This is something the author is exceptionally good at.

Weak spots in the story:

- Unlike other works from Blackwick, this is the only one that feels a little bit lighter and not so dark/pessimistic. This makes “God is a Robot” the odd book out, so depending on your expectations, the story can read more like a pixar movie than your average Blackwick novel (dark, deep, intensely philosophical)
- One of the robot characters felt a bit “preachy” at times. Not necessarily a fault, but I thought I’d add it in.]]> 4.71
author: Louise Blackwick
name: Isabelle
average rating: 4.71
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/01/01
date added: 2022/12/05
shelves: should-win-an-award, like-a-pixar-movie, authors-on-my-watchlist, humorous, stories-about-robots, books-i-ve-really-enjoyed, favorites, wholesome-science-fiction, science-fiction, robots, meaning-of-life, philosophical
review:
(Received an advanced copy from the author. I was not asked to post a review, but I really enjoyed the story and felt like spreading the word.)

Unique selling points for “God is a Robot”:

- The novel is humorous and reads like a classic Pixar film
- Incredible humanization of the all-robot cast of characters
- One of the robot characters is robo-religious and yet to become self-aware. I found his lines the most hilarious.

Strong spots in the story:

- The four main characters, which are all robots
- World-building feels grand and very Wall-e-esque but not derivative
- Again, the themes and symbolism of the work. This is something the author is exceptionally good at.

Weak spots in the story:

- Unlike other works from Blackwick, this is the only one that feels a little bit lighter and not so dark/pessimistic. This makes “God is a Robot” the odd book out, so depending on your expectations, the story can read more like a pixar movie than your average Blackwick novel (dark, deep, intensely philosophical)
- One of the robot characters felt a bit “preachy” at times. Not necessarily a fault, but I thought I’d add it in.
]]> 36492785 WARNING LABEL: ANXIETY-INDUCING IMAGERY | POLARIZED MAIN CHARACTER | HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT

From the bestselling author of the "Vivian Amberville" saga, comes the unnerving horror short-story of an innocent man who gets buried alive over the festering remains of his late wife, Kassandra.

During his premature entombment, forty long nails are struck into Chase Chaperone's casket, plunging him deeper into Hell. This grim ritual is a dark operetta written in rhyming prose - an homage to Dante's Inferno - from which naught but the most vile of souls can escape.

The man is subsequently set free from the coffin by the grotesque dwarf Eldritch, who in a fit of revenge, climbs onto his back and refuses to climb down. Chase is thus doomed to carry the parasitic dwarf atop his back for the rest of his days, while searching for absolution.

This Halloween special explores themes such as "death and decay", "justice" and "morality", in a forlorn world set outside the reach of modern civilisation. Written in the grim and melodious style of Edgar Allan Poe, "Jump into the Abyss!" follows Chase Chaperone's descent into the far-reaching Abyss of his soul in a masterfully-written allegorical tale.

GENRE: horror fiction, surreal thriller;
CATEGORY: surreal short-story, allegorical horror;
SETTING: edge of civilisation; a coffin;
SUBJECTS: death as a process, descent into hell, karmic law;
THEMES: absolution, death and decay, injustice;
]]> 17 Louise Blackwick Isabelle 5
- Written in rhyming prose, in a way that makes the words rhyme in your head even if you’re reading it as a text
- It reads like a classic horror short-story, with Poe-esque imagery and operetta-like style reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno
- Very high literary value, themes-wise. This type of story, though contemporary, should be studied by literature majors.

Strong spots in the story:

- Unique writing style, imagery, allegory and metaphors
- Very dark and disturbing images, mostly related to decay and putrefaction, but everything is written very tastefully and artistically.
- Despite its short length, the story is surprisingly deep and layered.

Weak spots in the story:

- Very short, sitting at only some 7500 words. I enjoyed it so much I would have loved to be more in the world of the story.
- The subject is taboo, and the characters can feel mildly controversial. Some more sensitive readers may feel offended by some actions.
]]> 4.77
author: Louise Blackwick
name: Isabelle
average rating: 4.77
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/12/05
shelves: books-about-being-buried-alive, psychological-thrillers, horror, rhyming-prose, authors-on-my-watchlist, should-win-an-award, disturbing-imagery, like-edgar-allan-poe, books-i-ve-really-enjoyed
review:
Unique selling points for “Jump into the Abyss!”:

- Written in rhyming prose, in a way that makes the words rhyme in your head even if you’re reading it as a text
- It reads like a classic horror short-story, with Poe-esque imagery and operetta-like style reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno
- Very high literary value, themes-wise. This type of story, though contemporary, should be studied by literature majors.

Strong spots in the story:

- Unique writing style, imagery, allegory and metaphors
- Very dark and disturbing images, mostly related to decay and putrefaction, but everything is written very tastefully and artistically.
- Despite its short length, the story is surprisingly deep and layered.

Weak spots in the story:

- Very short, sitting at only some 7500 words. I enjoyed it so much I would have loved to be more in the world of the story.
- The subject is taboo, and the characters can feel mildly controversial. Some more sensitive readers may feel offended by some actions.

]]> 43705034 "Follow the Dark and where it's leading you..."

Vivian Amberville® is a bestselling philosophical fantasy book series about a girl whose imagination can reshape reality.

This year, the universe that spanned millions of fans worldwide and captured readers imagination all around the world invites you on an epic journey beyond the fabric of reality.

Return to a world where reality can be altered and history can be rewritten, and discover what it really takes to reshape your destiny.

ABOUT THE BOOK

There is a hard limit to human imagination. This story will take you far beyond that limit, beyond the fabric of reality itself.

"Vivian Amberville - The Book of Chaos" is the second instalment in the Vivian Amberville fantasy series by international author, Louise Blackwick. It centers on Vivian’s attendance at the “Alarian School of Thought”, a place where students learn the noble and dangerous art of “Weaving subtle Threads of influence into the fabric of reality”. Joined by friends and challenged by foes, Vivian will have to master her ability to manipulate odds and circumstances, in a world now complicated by war, disease and political strife.

SHORT SYNOPSIS

Every crevice hides a shadow. Every shadow, a shape. And there are Darkthings sleeping beneath the folds of reality…

A book that won’t open. A grey and shadowless place. A mysterious Black Door, with a countdown from eight. And Things without Eyes that await in the Dark.

Vivian Amberville is about to unravel it all. Now that she is a student of Weavership at the “Alarian School of Thought”, she is to learn how to twist the fabric of reality to her will.

There are answers to be found in Subexistence, the hidden pocket dimension of discarded choices and paths not followed.

But the Abyss is a dark and dangerous place, built like a labyrinth. Can she find her way out?

THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH.

With the help of a mysterious diary from her past, Vivian must uncover the secret behind her Chaos-Weaving abilities, and learn the truth about her dark and terrible destiny.

LONG SYNOPSIS

Vivian’s powers over reality have taken a dark turn.

Believed to be a Chaos Weaver – a Weaver’s dark twin – Vivian’s powers must be brought under control, lest they consume the substance of creation.

Under the looming threat of a mysterious dark presence, Vivian will once again travel beyond the fabric of reality and attend the “Alarian School of Thought”, a place where Weavers are made and Chaos Weavers are notoriously unmade.

When the war on Chaos Weavers becomes a war for her soul, Vivian must seek the Abyss to confront the origin of her powers. Aided by a mysterious book from her past, she must learn to navigate Subexistence, a place where history can be rewritten, and Time is both instant and infinite.

Is Vivian Amberville’s life a figure-8 loop? Is there such thing as free will?

The Dweller on the Threshold is bound to answer her questions. And what of the Dark Horror that sleeps in the Abyss of Reality?

Her choice is between Heart and Death. On one side, is herself; on the other, reality.

Will she make the right choice?



GENRE: epic dark fantasy;
CATEGORY: new adult, coming of age, adventure, Jungian allegory;
SETTING: double-dystopia: futuristic dystopia and fantasy world;
SUBJECTS: time travel, complex time loops, parallel universes, mind over matter, matter manipulation;
THEMES: free will vs. determinism, order vs. chaos, freedom and responsibility, embracing your shadow, family, friendship, sacrifice;
TAGS: post-apocalyptic, time loops, inter-dimensional travel, journey within;
]]> 633 Louise Blackwick Isabelle 5
- Completely original and unbelievably unique soft magic system(s). Just to give an example, people called Chaos Weavers can manipulate “abstract concepts” such as shadows, pain, and even reality itself. There is a Shadowstealer, a Realityshifter, a Darkbinder, a Painpusher, a Conceptbreaker, an Oddsweaver and so much more. There are also people who can weave threads of influence into the fabric of reality (Weavers), people who can rewrite history in a special type of ink and who can write people into stories (Scribes), people who can put words into your mind and watch them take over your mind (Reframers), people who can remove the thread tethering you to reality (Unwirer), etc.

- The part when the main character cuts reality into 2 subrealities, Chaos and Order - and the author shows that by cutting the page into two texts, detailing that transformation – should win an award.

- If you enjoyed Harry Potter, you’re going to LOVE this fantasy series. More mature and complex themes than the first book in the series. You can tell the author has grown artistically.

Strong spots in the story:

- The entire novel is an epic, psychedelic trip cranked up to 1000. It’s written like a woven tapestry, with its many storylines combining into a great grand picture. This is very appropriate, considering the novel’s subject-matter.
- The previous cast of main characters are given strong, fulfilling arcs. Lots of things that were set up in the previous novel are now given fulfilling payoffs.

- Be aware, there are some unusual and oddball characters at work here. The There is a girl with 4 split personality, a man who is depressed and one who is into cutting, a conjoined twin with lots of verbal and physical ticks, one with autism who is non-verbal, and the main character herself has generalized anxiety disorder. It sounds like a freak-show, but their “mental illnesses” actually play into their unique powers. For instance, the character who is into cutting is a Painpusher, and can “move” the pain created in his body into somebody else, which is an awesome power to have.

- Amazing world-building that feels immersive and comes together organically. The wow-effect is huge in this fantasy world.
- Every aspect of storytelling is so much better than the first novel in the series, The Weaver of Odds, especially the plot, the world-building, the pacing and the magic systems
- The story felt incredibly immersive and fast-paced. I felt engaged through and through. There were scenes I was even in awe at what I was reading.

Weak spots in the story:

- I honestly can’t think of anything. The only thing I can say is a weak point is that the novel is LONG, about twice as long as the previous novel. Despite this, it didn’t feel long at all, and I felt very empty when it ended.
- If you’ve got a short attention span, this book isn’t for you. It’s got a lot of details, which all end up being important in the story.
]]> 4.80
author: Louise Blackwick
name: Isabelle
average rating: 4.80
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/12/05
date added: 2022/12/05
shelves: authors-on-my-watchlist, best-fantasy-novel, books-i-purchased-for-my-shelf, books-i-ve-really-enjoyed, dark-young-adult, epic-fantasy, epic-fantasy-like-harry-potter, fantasy, fantasy-authors-to-watch, fantasy-novels-with-a-unique-magic, favorites, should-win-an-award, mindfuck-fantasy-novels, original-magic-systems
review:
Unique selling points for “The Book of Chaos”:

- Completely original and unbelievably unique soft magic system(s). Just to give an example, people called Chaos Weavers can manipulate “abstract concepts” such as shadows, pain, and even reality itself. There is a Shadowstealer, a Realityshifter, a Darkbinder, a Painpusher, a Conceptbreaker, an Oddsweaver and so much more. There are also people who can weave threads of influence into the fabric of reality (Weavers), people who can rewrite history in a special type of ink and who can write people into stories (Scribes), people who can put words into your mind and watch them take over your mind (Reframers), people who can remove the thread tethering you to reality (Unwirer), etc.

- The part when the main character cuts reality into 2 subrealities, Chaos and Order - and the author shows that by cutting the page into two texts, detailing that transformation – should win an award.

- If you enjoyed Harry Potter, you’re going to LOVE this fantasy series. More mature and complex themes than the first book in the series. You can tell the author has grown artistically.

Strong spots in the story:

- The entire novel is an epic, psychedelic trip cranked up to 1000. It’s written like a woven tapestry, with its many storylines combining into a great grand picture. This is very appropriate, considering the novel’s subject-matter.
- The previous cast of main characters are given strong, fulfilling arcs. Lots of things that were set up in the previous novel are now given fulfilling payoffs.

- Be aware, there are some unusual and oddball characters at work here. The There is a girl with 4 split personality, a man who is depressed and one who is into cutting, a conjoined twin with lots of verbal and physical ticks, one with autism who is non-verbal, and the main character herself has generalized anxiety disorder. It sounds like a freak-show, but their “mental illnesses” actually play into their unique powers. For instance, the character who is into cutting is a Painpusher, and can “move” the pain created in his body into somebody else, which is an awesome power to have.

- Amazing world-building that feels immersive and comes together organically. The wow-effect is huge in this fantasy world.
- Every aspect of storytelling is so much better than the first novel in the series, The Weaver of Odds, especially the plot, the world-building, the pacing and the magic systems
- The story felt incredibly immersive and fast-paced. I felt engaged through and through. There were scenes I was even in awe at what I was reading.

Weak spots in the story:

- I honestly can’t think of anything. The only thing I can say is a weak point is that the novel is LONG, about twice as long as the previous novel. Despite this, it didn’t feel long at all, and I felt very empty when it ended.
- If you’ve got a short attention span, this book isn’t for you. It’s got a lot of details, which all end up being important in the story.

]]> 34209372 "As the Weaver, so is the Thread"

Vivian Amberville® is a bestselling philosophical fantasy book series about a girl whose imagination can reshape reality.

THE BOOK

First in the Vivian Amberville fantasy series, "The Weaver of Odds" introduces 13-year old Vivian to her unique if hazardous power of altering odds, outcomes and the very substance of reality.

The main protagonist, Vivian is an orphaned child who uncovers her imagination can influence certain events, and even twist reality into impossible shapes - a mind-over-matter ability called “Weaving”

But Vivian’s powers prove hazardous to keeping the universal balance. Beyond the fabric of reality, she finds herself in the custody of the original Weavers, thrown head-first into the most dangerous competition the multiverse has ever known: The Weaver Trials.

The universe that spanned millions of fans worldwide and captured readers imagination all around the world invites you to journey alongside unforgettable heroes you would want to take home. Fantasy like never told before: a mythical fiction of friendship and acceptance; of fate and free will; of destiny and despair; of extraordinary ordinary heroes and their reality-changing journeys.

SYNOPSIS

Vivian lives in a cage, in Ala Spuria's Shelter for Strays and has never tasted real food. When one of the other orphans gives Vivian hope, she discovers a hidden power to reshape her circumstances completely.

From the English town of Milton Keynes, Vivian discovers a neighbouring universe, where Alarian Weavers - an ancient race of powerful beings - have perfected a way of altering reality. By weaving Threads into the fabric of the cosmos, the Weavers strive to imprison freewill, banish Chaos and bring balance to cosmic reality.

Faced with a sudden hole in the Pattern of Threads that threatens to consume the substance of everything, it is up to 13-year-old Vivian Amberville to repair the damage. Believed to be a formidable weaver of odds and circumstances, Vivian must now attend the Weaver Trials and master the mysterious art of "Weaving into reality" in hope of preventing the impending apocalypse.

Together with her friends, Patricia Kate, Lucian Blossom and Acciper Sparrowhawk, Vivian stumbles upon terrible insights into her identity as she explores what lies beyond the fabric of reality.


GENRE: epic philosophical fantasy, Jungian allegory;
CATEGORY: young adult, coming of age, adventure voyage, social satire;
SETTING: double-dystopia: futuristic dystopia and fantasy world;
SUBJECTS: responsibility over the act of Creation, time travel, parallel universes, mind over matter, matter manipulation;
THEMES: free will vs. determinism, freedom and responsibility, the burden of being, death, friendship and sacrifice;
TAGS: post-apocalyptic, multiple realities, inter-dimensional travel, journey within;
]]> 296 Louise Blackwick 9492064073 Isabelle 5
- A grand and epic fantasy I found remarkably good and immersive
- Cool stuff, such as competing against alternate versions of yourself from parallel realities.
- The main character has a pretty unique ability, to control odds and circumstances
- The magic system was based on imagination
- There were elements in this novel that truly and utterly wowed me

Strong spots in the story:

- Huge open world and lovely, enchanting characters
- Good use of themes and story beats
- The main cast of characters were well-rounded and jumped off the page
- A very quotable story, with lots of little snippets of “philosophy”
- Lots of darkness but also lots of wholesomeness

Weak spots in the story:

- I could tell this was the author’s first full length novel. There were a few small details that felt superfluous.
- Some scenes felt a bit too dark and brutal for what you can expect from a Young Adult novel. Could be a strength, depending on what you’re looking for
- Pacing can be a bit off in the first half of the novel. It really gets going fast in the second half.
- The illiterate Martha Burlington, the lady running the orphanage/ Children Shelter/ Ala Spuria shelter for strays, was a bit of a one-dimensional character. I understand this is a dystopian world, destroyed by water, but sometimes she was cruel and sadistic to kids for no real reason.]]> 4.37 2017
author: Louise Blackwick
name: Isabelle
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/12/05
shelves: fantasy-authors-to-watch, favorites, should-win-an-award, fantasy-novels-with-a-unique-magic, dark-young-adult, epic-fantasy-like-harry-potter, authors-on-my-watchlist, books-i-ve-really-enjoyed, books-i-purchased-for-my-shelf, epic-fantasy, fantasy, best-fantasy-novel
review:
Unique selling points for “The Weaver of Odds”:

- A grand and epic fantasy I found remarkably good and immersive
- Cool stuff, such as competing against alternate versions of yourself from parallel realities.
- The main character has a pretty unique ability, to control odds and circumstances
- The magic system was based on imagination
- There were elements in this novel that truly and utterly wowed me

Strong spots in the story:

- Huge open world and lovely, enchanting characters
- Good use of themes and story beats
- The main cast of characters were well-rounded and jumped off the page
- A very quotable story, with lots of little snippets of “philosophy”
- Lots of darkness but also lots of wholesomeness

Weak spots in the story:

- I could tell this was the author’s first full length novel. There were a few small details that felt superfluous.
- Some scenes felt a bit too dark and brutal for what you can expect from a Young Adult novel. Could be a strength, depending on what you’re looking for
- Pacing can be a bit off in the first half of the novel. It really gets going fast in the second half.
- The illiterate Martha Burlington, the lady running the orphanage/ Children Shelter/ Ala Spuria shelter for strays, was a bit of a one-dimensional character. I understand this is a dystopian world, destroyed by water, but sometimes she was cruel and sadistic to kids for no real reason.
]]>