Emily > Recent Status Updates

This book is, at least thus far, a copy-paste of any number of British colonial adventure novels, especially those set on the Northwest Frontier, and particularly those regarding the abortive British attempt to conquer Afghanistan in the 1830s/1840s…plus magic. I fully respect novels that borrow from historical events as a starting point, but this takes “inspiration” right to its limit.

It’s a long time since I last read this book, and I only appreciate Tamora Pierce’s writing more now. She builds a rich, vibrant world without the process encumbering the narrative flow. She uses language brilliantly in this book to explore class, its boundaries, and its enforcement.

Stephen Fry has such a playful, joyous dexterity with language. He achieves a masterful of balance of storytelling and narration.

Beautifully lyrical and compellingly written. Unfortunately, the copy editor really dropped the ball.

I want to be Mary Beard when I grow up. She has an unparalleled instinct for explaining why the past is relevant and making it accessibly, timelessly human.

I made the classic mistake of judging a book by its cover (and also title), so my expectations going into this were quite low. But I've been pleasantly surprised by the writing and characters. It's pretty well researched (even if I don't always agree with the author's interpretations/chosen version of historical events).

Normally, writing an update 17 pages in would be ludicrous. But only 17 pages in, I'm not sure I've ever read anything about writing that makes more sense or is more relatable. It's genuinely exciting to read. If you write at all, read this book.

Such spectacular prose. White folds in history and myth so creatively and effortlessly!

The start was so promising, but it hasn't quite lived up to it. It's gritty, but too often in the wrong way.