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Ashley Wold (5 KP) rated A Court of Wings and Ruin in Books

Jan 31, 2018 (Updated Jan 31, 2018)  
A Court of Wings and Ruin
A Court of Wings and Ruin
Sarah J. Maas | 2017 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
7
8.8 (113 Ratings)
Book Rating
FEELS (2 more)
Action-packed
Court of Dreams banter
Melodramatic/cheesy/repetitive writing (3 more)
Character development overall isn't as satisfying
Feysand smut isn't as interesting, feels excessive
Some of the plot feels forced
I'm conflicted about this book. I definitely liked it better than ACoTaR, but ACoMaF was so incredible that I had high expectations for the third book, and some parts of it just fell flat.

The first bit pacing is a bit slow, but picks up. There were times I felt the writing was a bit cheesy and/or melodramatic, and at times repetitive. For the second book, there was a lot of sexual tension, but in this book it just seems like excessive sexy times since they're already together. A lot of the plot felt forced.

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed reading this book! But it definitely felt more like a "guilty pleasure" read.
  
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Jules Verne, Bill Homewood | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
It's an interesting concept (0 more)
It's written very much like a text book (0 more)
A classic tale that's written from a scientist's point of view
Contains spoilers, click to show
I'm not sure if it's the writing style of Jules Verne, how the book was translated, or just how the book was written (since the main character / narrator is supposed to be a scientist), but this story reads much like a text book to me. I don't mind so much that the story is slow (not much really happens until the half way point or later, and what does happen is fairly tame), but this writing style make it difficult for me to get into. The main characters don't really get to anything of real interest until nearly the end of the story, which they run away from rather than investigating, and then get an "ex machina" return to the surface.
  
The writing is well done, and very easy to understand. The descriptions of the world are good, especially when discussing social aspects. The world is built well, with enough history given, but without overloading with too much information or facts. Although the writing is good, the character development is mediocre. The main character never really learns her lesson until it is much too late, and is hell bent on revenge before anything else. There isn't a lot of opportunity for growth, though she struggles in the beginning, it would be more empowering to see her 'fall' be a little more dramatic as far as her standards she was used to. It's mentioned but I feel that her emotions could've been better explored. For a 'biblical fiction' I enjoyed the story and historical information.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
  
The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House
Shirley Jackson | 2009 | Fiction & Poetry, Horror
8
7.5 (29 Ratings)
Book Rating
Such a great ghost story!
I really can't get over that I've never read this book before I'm such a huge horror fan, I absolutely love ghost stories, and I've seen the movies that are based on this book so many times it's not even funny, I really can't get over I've never read the book. I really enjoyed Shirley Jackson's writing it had a very dreamy quality to it she has a absolutely amazing talent at writing atmosphere most of the time you really felt like you were in Hill House along with the characters who were all really well written even though I do wish we would have got to know some of them a little more. All in all I really enjoyed this book and I'll definitely be reading more of Shirley Jackson's work since I can't get over I've never read anything by her before.
  
Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life
Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life
Terry Brooks | 2003 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Real Life Stories (1 more)
Brooks' Experiences as a Writer
Preachy (0 more)
If you are planning an epic like LOTR or Shannara, you need to read this
I always wanted to be a writer when I grew up, I loved reading. I don't write much now, but when I was, I read lots of 'How to Write' books. Most are crap. This is one that is worthy of a read.
You can not deny that Terry Brooks has nailed the epic fantasy journey, better than Tolkein, it's still going strong. I love his writing and his stories. Although I didn't take as much from this as King's On Writing, I did enjoy reading it and seeing a little into the man behiind the books. This book is not just for wannabe writers, it's for his fans as well, you learn a little more about how Shannara and Landover came about.
  
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Allison Knapp (118 KP) created a post

Jan 18, 2019  
Just a heads up...
I have listed one of my current WIP with the idea that, until I am ready for Beta readers, and eventually get it self published, I would like to share a little bit of my writing experience with you all. I will be sharing a video blog depicting the different experiences which I will be going through as I finish my first draft, go through editing and revisions, seek out Beta readers, and do my best to promote the heck out of my finished project. I will be sharing plenty of behind the scenes information, as well as stories of how this story idea came to be, and my early struggles with the writing process before I came to join Smashbomb. I hope you all enjoy these videos and hopefully you will feel like you have played a special part of my whole creative experience.