Katie

I can't decide if I like this series...

Reviewed: 08-09-19

I have listened to all the books in this series so far and so I feel invested in it, but I'm not sure if I actually like the books all that much. No doubt that the author is creative and the world is so intriguing, but at the end of the day all of the blatant sexism is kind of off-putting. The three main female characters are all about sacrificing themselves and their careers for love, and their husbands..... This book in particular kind of ruined the strongest female character that he has.

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I like the idea behind it more than the story

Reviewed: 02-06-19

I generally love everything written by Sanderson, but I've found myself consistently struggling with the Legion books. I absolutely LOVE the characters and I find the protagonist to be fascinating, but when it comes to the story there is just something lacking. I can't put my finger on it- there are some great vivid and memorable scenes- maybe it's the pacing that's off? The book moves really slow at some places and waaaay too fast at others. Maybe if it were longer? Also, I find myself wanting to know more about the aspects and Steven's life than the actual story/adventure (which I know is probably kind of the point). Lastly, for this story in particular, as a biologist it was really hard to get into the plot. I mean, viral delivery is super standard stuff that a lot of people use. Just saying, haha (not that important Ii guess but it did hurt the illusion of it for me). Anyway the ideas are great but the execution is very un-Sanderson-like.

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So sad it's over!

Reviewed: 05-26-18

This was a very satisfying end to an exciting and imaginative series. The series as a whole was unlike anything I've ever read, and this book was no different! There were some cheesey parts sure but over all it was everything I would hope for as an end to a series. I'm excited too because it seems like the story will continue since he's set up a second series so well! I can't wait!

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Sanderson does it again

Reviewed: 07-31-17

Aamazing as usual!!! Sanderson + Kramer + Reading = perfection. I loved all of the stories, some more than others but still, it's just as magical and awesome as ever :)

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Not what I was expecting, but a good story overall

Reviewed: 04-26-16

I had heard so much about this book through third hand accounts of how it changed my transgender friends' lives so I expected it to be a deep, emotional, and powerful argument for the fluidity of gender and sex. And even though what I found in the novel was COMPLETELY unexpected, I still found that I really enjoyed it.

While there was plenty of mention of the intersex movement, it really wasn't (from my opinion) the center of the book. Actually I would say that Middlesex was really the story of multiple generations of a Greek immigrant family and the trials they faced over the course of 50 years. While there was a lot of humor and vivid scenes and imagery, I feel that the main character of the book was actually more the grandmother. I barely felt connected to Cal/Callie, and most of the book basically led up to her change and told very little of her life after and what kind of adjustment and discrimination he felt. Don't get me wrong, I think that's a unique and fascinating way to look at things, I just found myself hoping I could understand more of what a person like Cal might have to go through.

I also felt that there was very little resolution of some main plot points. Again, this is me wishing there was more focus on Cal, rather than the book being much more focused on his parents and grandparents. I did certainly enjoy the story imensely but with a few alterations, I think this story could have been much, much better.

What I'm trying to say is keep an open mind and you'll love it.

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Dense but thought-provoking

Reviewed: 08-07-14

I liked the way this book made it easy to follow the reasoning behind the development of the theories of current day cosmologists. He did an excellent job of tying in examples, history, metaphors, and literature into making the complexities of string theory etc much more relatable. Even though some might view it as "preachy", the end really delves into the question and possible answers of why we exist and is there a god, and I thought it was quite a beautiful tie in. Lastly, his ability to display multiple views and competing theories while leaving his own personal bias out was impressive. It made me really think, well which one is right?! Despite the fact that some parts went a bit over my head, I really enjoyed the book. My recommendation though- this is a book for savoring slowly. My usual marathon-ing way of listening to audiobooks dampened the impact this book could have had on me I think.

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I haven't finished it yet but...

Reviewed: 08-01-14

Things happen way too quickly. The phrase "well that escalated quickly" comes to mind. The story has great potential but so far, I don't like the way it was written.

Also, at the start of the book I got the impression that Khan was in his 40s or something and the girl in her teens? Perhaps I got this wrong but I this fact threw me off a little, and now their relationship feels...weird.

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An OK folowup to the previous story

Reviewed: 07-08-14

I have mixed feelings about this sequel, but it was fun to see the worlds of the other factions, as well as the progression and fall-out that continues from the first book. I recommend it if you loved Divergent.

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Too much like hunger games trilogy

Reviewed: 07-08-14

Eh. I'm in science and love genetics and all that but...this is just a silly ending for a story. Not to mention the annoying dark brooding between Tobias and Tris. I think this series might have been better as a stand alone novel. Maybe.

The very end of the book was surprising though, so that redeemed it.

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An exciting introduction to a possible future

Reviewed: 07-08-14

Divergent was absolutely entrancing. Roth has introduced an interesting society that could reasonably occur in the far future, that is intriguing and captivating. I couldn't stop listening, I just wanted to know what would happen next! Even the teenage love story was far from typical and exciting. The characters were really fun and you could watch them grow. And it introduced some fun thought experiments such as "what would your fears be?" So far it's tied for my favorite dystopian future novel.

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