peppypenguin's reviews
222 reviews

More Than This by Patrick Ness

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5.0

This book kept me on the edge and guessing nearly the entire time.
The story was told magnificently, it as well-written, the characters were well thought-out, the theme and philosophy was woven in perfectly, and I enjoyed how self-aware it was as a novel.
It dragged a touch but not in a a way that was unenjoyable. I think it cut itself off at just the right moments. The author did an amazing job at setting the scene, building up suspense, and delivering startling developments that did not come without some foreshadowing. I enjoyed the philosophy and how it was delivered through the characters, and felt the ending was satisfying.
I strongly recommend this book.
Would You Kill the Fat Man?: The Trolley Problem and What Your Answer Tells Us about Right and Wrong by David Edmonds

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4.0

This book is really great because it takes a rather complicated topic of discussion in philosophy and renders it completely understandable for the average person, who can then join the debate themselves. It provided history and good, relevant examples, even if they're a little old. I think it did a fairly good job of remaining unbiased: some will likely consider it as going around in circles but I think it's a good thing that it never settled. If you're interested in ethics and philosophy, I really recommend this one.
Church Of Marvels by Leslie Parry

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4.0

Like reading a beautiful nightmare. It's not for the faint of heart that's for sure. However, it's extremely well-written, and though I won't spoil how, the author is very good at revealing shocking twists and turns. Very much worth the read.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

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5.0

I absolutely fell in love with this book. There is nothing I did not love about it.

The characters are so real and interesting, the plot is exquisitely simple to follow yet very intricate, and the writing style is immensely enjoyable because it's written in a way where there is a surprise at every turn. It is simple to read but also does not treat the reader like they don't have a mind of their own; the story is laced with bigger themes and philosophical musing to leave the reader contemplating even afterward.

This book really is a masterpiece; I can't rave about it enough. True it is rather long and very detailed, but reaching the end I couldn't help but really feel I'd been along for a true ride, and it really is very, very, very, satisfying.
Magic Knight Rayearth: Omnibus by CLAMP

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5.0

Nostalgia!!!!!!!
I actually watched the anime before reading this manga years ago.
I think the anime goes into more depth and detail and that in some ways it's better than the manga.
But the art in the manga is so fantastic, and though the story is more simple I still have a huge soft spot for it. The simplicity is even endearing in its own way. And this is the original story, and I still am absolutely in love with the whole idea, no matter how cheesy and old it may be.
Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight

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4.0

I like that this book is more than just about the mystery of the baby. It's an intense look at motherhood, at familial and community relationships, about love. The plot was definitely intense, very well-weaved, and certainly well-written. It rounded together nicely at the end. Along the way there were some twists and turns I didn't expect, but at the same time there were some things I did. Overall I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it, not necessarily because of the mystery and wonderful twists and turns, but because of its characters and look at very human flaws
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire

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5.0

God this book was so intriguing! I'll never look at the Wizard of Oz in the same way again.

First of all, it's extremely well written. Everything just flows and sometimes it's almost like poetry.
The characters are very interesting and well developed. I wouldn't say there's character growth: this isn't a typical fantasy story where everyone turns for the better in the end. But they are certainly realistic, even in a setting so different from our own.
Elphaba's story is beautiful and tragic. Her strong will is so admirable and despite her shortcomings I think the author does a very good job of making the reader feel for her. The summary on the back says the book makes you question the nature of good and evil. Not only is this concept represented in the character herself and the events surrounding her, but there are actually philosophical musings on the subject that the author writes out as being present in Elphaba's thoughts. This my bother some people depending on the reader. Personally I found it added more depth and interest to the story. And it certainly gave more meaning to the end of the Witch's tale.
I think the end went by a little fast. One things kept happening right after the other in a ridiculous frenzy. But I think maybe this is done to represent the Witch's state of mind at the time, to make things chaotic.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I would strongly recommend it to anyone.
I'm almost tempted to read the original Wizard of Oz just to compare it to the original story. And I look forward to seeing the musical and what lighthearted twist they take on the story.
The Death Cure by James Dashner

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4.0

WHAT A THRILL! Literally read to in one sitting because I couldn't put it down! A little predictable, maybe a little less in depth than it could have been, and I wish Teresa's character had been explored some more, but the conclusion to the trilogy is satisfying enough, and the journey there was fantastic! It's a great fast paced read, as I've said before, and I look forward to reading more from the author.
The Quick by Lauren Owen

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4.0

I really did enjoy this book in the end. At first I had my misgivings, mainly because I wasn't sure I liked where the book was heading. It was fairly slow to start, and it introduced character back stories I weren't sure we're absolutely necessary. However, by the end, it all came together nicely, and those I thought weren't important added an interesting element to the story.

I do have to admit that even at the very end, I didn't care too much for the characters. I liked them, all of them, but I didn't necessarily care how their stories ended. Usually my heart is racing as I finish a book, and I'm just dying to see if the fictional people I've fallen in love with survive. Not with this one. I cared, but not as much as I usually do.

Overall the book was masterfully put together. I don't think it's easy to blend different points of view together, but I think the choice in voices and the way they were pieced together was excellent.

I would definitely recommend this book. It's slow to start but it certainly picks up and grabs you by the end.
Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff

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4.0

One of my friends recently got me into strong female character comics. If that's your cup of tea, them you'll definitely love this book. The characters are charming, and there's a... Quaintness I suppose, to the entire thing. Overall it's action packed, fun, and there's a lot of character growth for the lieutenant. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope to read more very soon!