This was a strange read.
Middlegame is a stand alone fantasy stand alone book which involves alchemy and a pair of twins names Roger and Dodger.
In terms of the character I actually enjoy Rodger and Dodger, especially when they first discovered each other and developed that initial connection. The way that their lives differ and the amount of adversity they both had to overcome during adolescence and teen years was interesting to read and did ultimately keep me engaged in the story. They are quite honest with each other and even though they have such a complex and close connection they still make mistakes and hurt each others feelings yet they never fully give up on each other.
Reed and Leigh even though they are quite integral to the overall plot I didn’t really develop any kind of emotional connection to them. I wasn’t really interested in their plot line with the other alchemists and what Reed was ultimately trying to prove. I think with Leigh there was potential for me to like her even though she is this very unlikeable character because ultimately she was just being what she was created to be. I just wish we would of learnt more about her and what she was doing in the lab. Maybe witnessing why she was so frightening to anyone who comes across her, rather than just the reaction people have around her.
I will say the pacing was quite fast and the countdown of the timeframe is what initially kept me invested and eager to read on. I just felt like a lot of the alchemy jargon mixed with the all of the talk about the impossible city just went right over my head. Theres a whole lot of complex language and equations and things that didn’t really make sense to me and I felt like the majority of the book I was just treading water trying to keep up with what was going on.
I think overall it was just a little too repetitive for me as well. We see Roger and Dodger come together and forced apart multiple times throughout the course of the storyline and nothing was really revealed until right at the end. By that time I was just kind of reading to finish the book, I wasn’t all that invested in what what going to happen to them.
⭐️2/5 stars just not my kind of book…
The Black Prism is a multi-perspective epic fantasy novel revolving around this holy figure in this world called the Prism. He just found out that he has fathered a child 15 years ago and now must shield him from those who wish to cause him harm.
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord’s daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life. Against her stern father’s wishes and society’s expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle’s laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine.
Pines I thought was a nice introduction to the characters, the plot and the premise. Even though you really aren’t given a lot of information about what was happening at Wayward Pines and whether or not Ethan was insane, there was just enough twists and turns to keep me engaged! It established the setting very well and there was an overall foreboding sense of confusion that contrasts well with the pristine facade of the town. I thought the plot was very fast paced and the overall premise very original and intriguing! ⭐️3/5 stars
Wayward I think did a good job going more in depth with the backgrounds of the different characters and explored the status quo of the town. We learnt a lot more about how these people ended up in Wayward Pines and how the whole operation came to be. I like that the focus isn’t completely on Ethan and we are given a few different point of views. The murder investigation was a nice plot point utilised as a way for us to learn alongside Ethan who was trying to fight against David’s regime and who was a loyal supporter. I was still highly invested in the book and really eager to pick up the third and see after the abbies are let into the valley how their story was going to conclude! ⭐️3/5 stars
Amy Leigh Reads 