What's the most disappointing book you've read in 2017? I just realized I should have included two more... Jane Eyre (how is that romantic?!) and And Then There Were None (bored..)! PS. I know my auto focus was being a biatch, I'm pretty sure it's due to the cover of "IT"... another reason to hate covers with faces :P
Uprooted (the number 1 worst book I've ever read), The Lions of Al Rassan, A Gathering of Shadow, A Conjuring of Light, Night Circus, Sleeping Giants, Every Heart a Doorway. These are all the books that have so many praises and ended up disappointing me! Come to think of it.. almost all these books are on your list too.. xD great list, Emily! Also that IT scene.. yuck...
caroliinalopes: I have that one on my shelf! We'll see how I feel about it :S Petrik Leo: A few of these I did like but lots in common there! JAsmine Ong: Oh no! Oh come (no spoilers pls!) I'm planning on reading them next year!
BookswithEmilyFox That’s the thing. Sexists usually see their world as people (aka men) who read books + women. And a lot of them are so self-centred that they have no idea what offends women. They probably think that only terms like “saggy balls” are uncomfortable to read for all of “mankind” ;))
@@BookswithEmilyFox most of the women actually on goodreads didn’t have a problem like you, but yet you act like you’re a women advocate and that all women are looking for triggers in books to act offended. You automatically dismiss men’s opinions yet disable commenting on your review. It’s illogical how you think women being self conscious of their body is sexist, especially women who train a lot. There’s a reason King Rhagadul puts down Karris for her too masculine (for his tastes) body on his end while Gavin loves her body and her strength doubly so because of that. Just shows you know nothing about sports and mentality. I trained female kickboxers and they often had the same problems, even when they were extremely competitive and capable. People are self conscious and will always be. Doesn’t take from them being badass. If you think a woman needs to be Mary Sue and extremely confident to be realistic, you live in a YA fantasy world. Maybe Vampire Diaries would be more you style? Like any people who nitpick triggers to make a point, you continently avoid mentioning the “sexist” lore that women live longer, are better drafters and can draft more accurate because they are born with “better” eyes. That doesn’t make you twitch, but mentioning someone’s boobs does. Karris is badass and wonderful for 99%% readers. She is sometimes insufferable, but so is Gavin. She is flawed, he is doubly so. If you actually read the further books you would know why she is still hung up on Gavin (Dazen). To add further injury, you declare the author sexist. Following that logic, I declare you sexist too because if the author was a female there is no doubt in my mind you wouldn’t make that degratory accusation. Seems today it’s enough to be a sensitive reviewer looking for triggers to be found capable, not unlike the film industry I guess.
I’m happy you told about that ending of Stephen King’s “IT” because I only made it halfway through when I decided to DNF it. That scene would probably have traumatised me :-O I might do a video like this as well ;)
I’m so glad someone said that Lila is annoying. She’s always just randomly hating on women and thinks she’s just better than anyone and there is nothing behind her thinking. She doesn’t add anything to the plot besides stealing stuff and playing with peoples feelings ?? W hy do people like her
brave ? WTF ? if she feels like a certain book is sexist, she just voiced her opinion about it in her own channel... its her channel after all.. But thank god that this is not like Grace's movie review channel that she tries to push her politics in to every godamn review...
😂😂 I love you. Your rant on sexism made my day. Sometimes it’s hard for me to read books by men because I just constantly scratch my head at what they think women act like and talk like.
It can be quite frustrating! No matter how many examples and explanations I provide there are always a few people dismissing it too so it doesn't help!
BookswithEmilyFox The patriarchy is too embedded in some people. 😂 It’s easier just to believe people are being really sensitive and ridiculous than to realize that some of your thoughts may be a wrong. 🤷🏻♀️
I'm about 1/4 of the way through The Black Prism and was starting to notice not only the sexism, but also the ugly superiority complex and toxic-masculinity-fueled angst between Gavin and literally everyone else, and was looking for some insight on if it would ever get resolved. I hadn't seen anybody talk about any of these issues in the other reviews i've seen, and it's super disappointing that, knowing how rough the rest of the book is, I'll probably put it down. Thanks!
I'm not sure I want to read The Black Prism now. I feel like the sexism is so childish on the author's part. There are so many other high fantasy books that I need to read and I'm going to prioritize those over The Black Prism
It was childish!! That's why I did the air quotes when I said adult fantasy because I can't imagine the target audience to be anything than young teenage boys! I'm curious to see where the story is going but it's been months and I still haven't picked up the second book because I know I'll have to rant about it too 😂
If it had been a bad book overall I wouldn't have been this mad! It was just so much worse to want to love it and be interested in the story/magic system but having to deal with the rest 😂
I think you should give it a try. I don't disagree with Emily but it was not so bad. I did not feel it as bad taking into consideration the time and set up. There 4 books and they are good....enjoyable read...
Don’t listen to her. Most women on goodreads don’t think even closely the same as her. Read the book and be your own judge. The only people seeing sexism is the sexists themselves. Notice how she doesn’t include how women are better and more capable drafters from the get go just because biology. That suits her agenda.
@@halafinianos absolutely agree. I heard a lot of complaints and the first time I heard someone say anything about sexism is from her. In the era where movie posters are taken down became “sexism”, I’m not even surprised people are seeing sexism/racism in every media they consume on the daily. Can’t imagine living that way.
i also agree with lila being annoying...i can't handle her!!also agree that uprooted is boring probably one of the blandest books i've ever read and came so close to dnf-ing it
Started getting back into books, and hence booktube, after almost a year and damn Emily you've become so much more confident in presenting your opinions! Great to see you're still going strong :)
the most disappointing book i read this year was probably “ready player one” it wasnt bad but i had heard so much about it that my expectations were really high and it just wasnt at all what i had imagined, plus the romance thingy at the end was meh and the story over all wasnt for me
I don't know much about 80's video games, tv showw, ect but I still absolutely loved it! I would say it is my favorite book of the year. I got so caught up in the game!
Haha totally agree about the “manly shoulder”! I personally don’t have masculine shoulders but I do have really broad shoulders which I looove. It’s honestly my favourite thing about my entire physical body.
I really appreciate your points on the sexism. I'm not anti-sexist characters in books, that wouldn't be realistic, those people exist. However your examples prove that it's a problem when it's the author, the writing. And thanks for the heads up on the Sylvain audio book, I hope I remember this! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, good bad ugly and neutral. Thanks for sharing.
No idea! When people try to justify it as a "childhood to adulthood" I always roll my eyes... There are much better ways to do that... ways that don't include "that"
Stephen King is weird. That’s one of the reasons he makes unique, sometimes mind blowing stories. Is it unnecessary? Yes. Is it something only SK would think of? Also yes.
I was so eager to read The Raven Boys and began a couple of days ago without knowing much about it, and it’s not the epic fantasy adventure I was expecting so I guess I’m kind of disappointed but I don’t think it’s bad either
Camila Lecaros I'm currently struggling through the Raven Boys too! I was really looking forward to reading this one but so far I'm not getting the hype. Now that I'm halfway through it's starting to pick up a bit but I still find myself not wanting to read it... I'll finish it but as of now I'm not continuing the series. I've read so many books in a row that I really really liked so I feel like this one is putting me in a reading slump a bit.
I read it last year so it's not 100% clear anymore but does it feel like there are too many ideas being shoved all in one book? Because I remember being confused as to where this whole thing was going...
BookswithEmilyFox I have zero ideas where this book is going! And I have a bad feeling that things won't be even close to being resolved by the end of this book which is frustrating when it took so long to get started. Kind of like that extra long prologue thing you mentioned. I won't know until I actually finish it though which hopefully will be this year because I'm anxious to start something new! What should I read next? The Kiss of Deception or The Winner's Curse? I bet that's a tough one for you lol because they are both your recommendations 😜
Yes!!! It's also a book that felt like a prologue!! Oh my!! Well they're both good but keep in mind they are fantasy-romance... I think the Winner's Curse is more addictive though! 😂 There's more political intrigue and less war compare to Kiss of Deception (although the war stuff is more book 2-3) so it depends on your taste!
So agree with your thoughts on Artemis and The Black Prism. Sad to hear Gemina was disappointing. I just read Illuminae and loved it so I was hoping Gemina would be just as good. Great video. Love your hair!
Emily I’ve been following your beauty channel for YEARS & I’m a voracious reader so I’m so excited to find this channel! I’ll be binging your videos for recommendations. 😊 PS you look so classically stunning in this video. Would you please do a tutorial on this hair on your beauty channel? This would become my gorgeous, professional work hair for 2018!
I could not agree more about Artemis.. I kind of feel like Andy Weir was writing his fantasy girl or his opinion of what he wants a woman to be.. I REALLY didn't like it! I didn't feel like I had any reason to root for her or sympathize with her. She was just a terrible, unlikable character. So disappointing.
Emily,I'm delighted to have found you here! I have been subbed to your beauty channel for a couple years, but my interests have migrated more into art and science :) This video and topic are so relevant and helpful. I so appreciate your thoughts on why these books were disappointing!
Your vid came up on recommended and I subscribed after 2 minutes! How have I not found you until now?! You’re so natural and friendly in front of the camera and instead of just stating the criticism you actually give PROOF from parts of the book to support your argument! I’m loving it ❤️
Thank you for bringing out the issues about The Black Prism! It's really important that people bring up issues like that and I'm definitely going to think twice about picking up the book!
The Night Circus is my favorite book. But I do understand what you said. ♥ Have you tried Stalking Jack The Ripper, Hunting Prince Dracula and Escaping from Houdini?
I love how true to your own taste you are, it makes your recommendations so easy to follow =D It takes balls to admit to not liking The Hobbit, I think a lot of people feel like they HAVE to love it. I personally love the low-action slow-paced Tolkien because I can drown in his descriptions of things and places and feel calm because of it, but I totally understand how it can be horribly boring for some!
I totally agree about The Black Prism. I noticed the same thing about it. It's a bummer because some of it is so great but it's frustrating to see someone being so blatantly sexist in their writing. We should edit it with descriptors of men as having a saggy shaft resembling of a limp potato. Lol.
With A Conjuring of Light, Lila did have character development- her entire life she was running away from things rather than settling down because she was scared but she finally found a home on the sea with Kell and isn't running anymore.
Personally love a good book rant and its just as good to hear the bad as the good! I think you have saved me from some books and I agree with you on conjuring of light. It wasn't to my expectations either!
Some of these are still great but sometimes books get overhyped... I think I'll do a video about it because I feel like some solid series are being mentioned so much that now people are disappointed when they read them because they're good just not... life changing good!
For me it was probably the second and third book in the His Dark Materials series. I absolutely loved the first one, and I feel like he kind of went off on a tangent and didn't really wrap up anything, too tied up in his theology to really have the characters make sense anymore. Then again I just adored the world building of the first book and Lyra's childlike perspektive on it, which both kinda... felt washed out after the first book. Still a good read, I just expected a lot more after the Golden Compass.
I felt the same way about the It scene since it was pretty disturbing, but enjoyed the rest of the book thoroughly. I've read several other of King's books since then and haven't been disappointed the same way since. Thanks for sharing all these, I've seen most of these and nobody ever discusses the flaws in some of these, and I appreciate your honesty.
I was planning on buying black prism, and i'm so glad i checked out review beforehand! I knew i could count on you! I heard so many great reviews, but i would have hated the book because of the exact reasons you mentioned!
I just found your channel yesterday and subscribed your videos are so awesome and I can tell we have similar tastes from all your mini reviews in your videos. And also you said English isn't your first language so where are you from?
Thank you so much for sharing that spoiler from the book “It.” I would have absolutely hated to read something so traumatizing. I can’t believe how popular that book is with a scene like that...
I so agree with you about “It”. That did spoil the book for me....I did however after your review buy, read and loved Sleeping Beauties. I had not picked up a Stephen King book for years before these last two. I know this video was about disappointing books but my favourite I read this year was Lori Lansens “The Mountain Story”. Lori is a fantastic Canadian novelist. I’m a bit biased as I grew up with Lori and several of her books are set in the area of southwestern Ont. where we were from. I have loved this channel Em! I can’t wait to hear your reviews for 2018!
I have just discovered your channel (I was watching Bookish Realms' videos and yours was on the "Up Next" list) and this is the second video I've watched. I have enjoyed them, though I disagree about a couple of the books. I absolutely loved Uprooted and the Wizard of Earthsea. Mostly, though, I wanted to recommend the audio of World War Z. I did like the book better than the movie, but the audio is a different animal altogether. It's abridged and each interview has it's own voice actor, some of whom are quite famous and, I think, bring a lot to the story.
I haven't read most of these books, but I did read two: contrary to what you said, although I didn't really love The Night Circus, I absolutely adored Uprooted! Agreed, the "romance" is cringey as all hell and doesn't really make sense, but the story overall is so, so beautiful! It's a shame you didn't get to finish the book, towards the end it gets really good. I loved the metaphors and how the magic system works. I'm a bit of a nature's child myself, so I guess I was enchanted by Novik's story. :) Maybe you'll give it another go sometime soon.
Thank you for your honest review of the Black Prism! I LOVE adult fantasy (Brandon Sanderson is my favorite author!) and bought the first couple of books in that series to read based on other "glowing" reviews from other RUclipsrs... I wonder if I will feel the same as you. Also agree that Illuminae was much better than Gemina. I read both books as books and not audio. I think you need to read it to "experience" the story better? I plan to read Obsidio when it's released next year. :)
Wow, I loved the audiobooks for Sleeping Giants and Waking Gods. Didn't know Vincent's accent was inaccurate, though, good to know! But I still think the format fitted the books perfectly. Also, agree on the child, lol. My misophonia was driving me crazy. Great video, learned a lot, changed my opinion on some books I've been meaning to read. Thanks!
If you can I would recommend physically reading Gemina because it is a better physical and visual experience rather than the audio book, there are a lot of pictures and things that add to the novel and make it much less boring
Hello! New subscriber here. I had to subscribe after your “of course” reaction. Also, having the same name! That was priceless! Thank you for giving me info about It and the Black Prism. Even though I never planned on reading both of those books, it’s nice to have the knowledge about them now. If the Black Prism was shorter, I might have read it because it had a cool premise. But now I know that I don’t ever want to read that much sexism. I never, ever planned on reading It but now I definitely know to stay far, far, faaaaaaar away from it!! Now to continue with your video. Just wanted to comment with this bit before I forgot what I wanted to say.
This was so interesting to see how many popular books were disappointing, because your points are valid! Just because it's a big-name book doesn't make it automatically wonderful, and I've been coming to realize that lately. I haven't read all of these, but a lot of them are at least on my TBR. I'm rethinking some of them now. :'D Thanks for sharing your honest opinions, I subscribed because of it!
I really like how you are so nice about everything. Like you may not like something but don't bash it because other people may love it. Like I LOVE "Down Among The Sticks and Bones" cause those are the characters and the world I was interested in learning about while i didn't really care at all for "Every Heart A Doorway". I like how you acknowledge that probably some people will love it though. For me personally I wish she would write another book about the Moors!
Hi Emily! I read the Hobbit a couple of years ago and had the same opinion about it as you. Then I started reading Fellowship and couldn't even get into it, it was so slow. Does it get better? Would you recommend it if I didn't like the Hobbit?
Stephen Kings IT is my favorite book that I have ever read. It was the first book I read by him and enjoyed it greatly. I can understand that it is not for everyone though.
hi Emily i was wondering if you could do spoiler reviews of books, just so that after i read a certian book i can see like what you thought of a specific scene or so, the Stephen king thing really bothered me and no one like talked about it, but also there have been some parts in books that have made me smile or cry and I'd like to hear which parts in what books did that for you. oohh and i love your reviews, although we have slightly different taste in books, i have found some of my favorite books from your bad bin, but you describe them so well that regardless of your opinion on it i can tell if I'd like it or not so keep up the good content
The books that actually disappointed me this year until now were The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich, City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare and Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo.
i dont understand how people give books like the black prism such high ratings and completely ignore the sexist parts. i understand the time is not the same as ours today, but there is a limit to how much the author shoves it in our faces. I found your channel just now and seriously preach!!! its so cheap!!! i cant ever read a book with a character who we're supposed to root for, or read about . .. Love the review, and thanks for saving me from continuing on with black prism!!
Emily! I don't think you've mentioned reading them before, but you should try the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik (here in the UK the first book is just called Temeraire, but over there I believe it's called His Majesty's Dragon?). Don't be put off by your experience with Uprooted - Temeraire is such an adorable story with lovable characters and I think you would really enjoy it!
So refreshing to hear what bothered you reading these books. I often find myself in these situations when reading a book and it is so strange when they come highly recommended.
I can understand why people love the books (everyone has different taste!) but when 10 people recommend them and NONE has anything to say about the things I mentioned here... I don't get it!
I love that you are vocal about the sexism in popular books, because it is important to aknowledge that - and it does not mean that the book is bad - it just means that for future books we have to do better. Thank you for this video.
Sorry you didn't like Gemina as much as you thought you would! It's one of my favourite books I read this year and I wish you could've enjoyed it more considering you liked Illuminae. But thanks for making this video. I enjoy watching this type of video and so many booktubers are afraid to make things like this but you're not and I appreciate that a lot!
Sadly a lot of booktubers are scared to damage their relationship with publishers. From what I've heard, some might be very quick to cut a booktuber that says anything negative (I have very little experience with sponsorships on booktube so take this with a grain of salt!). This channel is my second channel. I also have a job so any income I make on here is purely to buy more books so I don't really care if I don't get sponsorships. I would rather be able to rant about the things that annoyed me 😂
THANK YOU!!!!!! I’ve not met one other person (I know I haven’t met you, but.... yea) who hasn’t liked The Hobbit! It was SUPER predictable, and it was always like “of course this happened!” “Oh, some horrid thing happened, but I thought of something cool that will save us no problem!!!” -.- I didn’t like this story at all. Whatsoever! Thank you so much for understanding!!! Also, you’re one of the first BookTubers where I feel like I would find a lot of the same issues in books with. So, for that, and for a ton of other reasons, you’re absolutely awesome!!! Hopefully negativity won’t get you down, and you don’t stop doing videos like this! I know you won’t, but I still wanna type that for you. Thank you so much for giving your honest opinion on these, and all the books you review. I’ve taken a couple of books off of my TBR, because after hearing some things you have to say, I know I won’t like them either. However, other books have been added! Thank you so much!!!
I just found your channel and absolutely LOVED the way you talk about these books. It's incredible how much sexism appears in books and it's good to know it before getting to read it. Thanks so much for this video!
You made some great points in regards to the Black Prism. When I read that book I honestly loved it, I did find those comments annoying but didn’t think of them too much, perhaps because I really wanted to love the book. Now that you mention those scenes I can’t believe they didn’t bother me more. I haven’t picked up the next book in the series, maybe I’m avoiding it subconsciously. I’m currently reading It by Steven King and I’m really enjoying it mostly due to the characters, although I do find the often racist comments irritating. I’m kinda nervous about the ending, I’ve seen the old movie version and thought the ending was absolutely ridiculous, hopefully it’s not too disappointing. Thank you for always being so honest with your reviews. I look forward to next video :)
I haven't seen the movies so I don't know how they would compare but I do love the characters in "it"... the ending and "that scene" ruined the book for me though :(
BookswithEmilyFox I can’t wait to finish it and see if I feel the same. I’m only about half way so I got ways to go, however I’ll let you know once I’m done :)
I've been planning on reading The Night Circus, but I feel like I just got spoiled. Can someone who has read the book tell me if this is a spoiler? Because I feel like reading the book you don't already know that the big battle doesn't end up happening.
I don't consider it a spoiler since I technically there is a battle but not in the "epic battle to the death at the end" I was expecting which is why I was disappointed. It's a book people like for the world and the writing. Not the actual events.
Adding to say I didn't mention how the book actually finishes either. People can agree or disagree with the replies but I'm sticking to. No real spoilers here!
BookswithEmilyFox Okay thanks for letting me know! I had originally taken it as there's supposed to be a big battle, but the battle never actually happened in the book but I see what you're saying now thanks!
Wow, I'm so glad I didn't buy Black Prism like I was going to. Honestly, being a woman in mid-20's, reading from a child's perspective is super hard. Especially if the characters are like 12-16 year old boys. Just, nope.
I've noticed a pattern for sure. Not all of them, for example a few of the YA Contemporary coming of age books I have read this year were perfectly fine, but now I'm realizing the characters were mostly bi or homosexual... I think it mostly has to do with the sexist attitude too often seen as "normal" or "normal for his age". The whole attitude of boys will be boys is just awful.
It's interesting and disappointing. And very rarely do young characters have anyone correcting them or teaching them about how to talk and think about girls their age. It's honestly so rare because most of the time in YA books the young main characters are described as superior to their parents or other adult characters and they are more of a side characters or hindrances for the main protagonist's story line. But then again there are also books where kids seem way older than they actually are and that's not pleasant to read either. For example, the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I don't remember if you've read it. But I so wish I could find more books that tackle these topics differently. D: Although, I do get that as an adult it might just be hard to write from a kid's perspective. But it's super yikes if an author's own sexism and worldviews show in the behavior of their characters. Lol, sorry for the length of this response, I enjoy your channel a lot, by the way! :)
I was so excited for A Conjuring of Light to come out and then when I tried to pick it up I just couldn't get into it. I struggled so hard and so I put it down and haven't picked it back up 😒 I'm not sure if I ever will or not. Which I find so crazy because I loved V.E. Schwab.
I read It for the first time this year and I’m with you. I was so disappointed, angry, and it brought about so many questions. Why did he think that was necessary? Why did he want to write about that? Why didn’t his editors omit it? Ugh. I was happy to not see it in the movie.
SPOILERS FOR NIGHT CIRCUS AND UPROOTED also read the night circus and uprooted this year, loved the night circus, really didn't like uprooted. in the night circus, it was mostly the rich setting that I enjoyed, it was more about enjoying the world and the circus that they built than the final conclusion to me, and I think that what the characters were doing as well.. the 2 main characters were reluctant to fight and that why they languished in the beauty of the circus. they had been raised to do one thing and they chose sacrifice for each other as opposed to continuing the feud between those that raised them. I can understand the disappointment at a less-than climax, but I rlly appreciate how that made this story stand out in comparison and didn't need a huge battle to still be a beautiful story. in uprooted, everything to me fell short... the relationships did not have chemistry, the magic of the woods sort of made sense, but still felt cheap, and believe me it was not worth finishing.. there just ended up being some lady in a tree that was trying to protect the woods or the trees around her but she was tainted and that was why it kept spreading???? seemed like it was just a shortcut to end the plot to me because the connections werent all that believable.
You have a different taste in literary genres to me, but I adore your reviews. I'm not into horror at all however your reviews crack me up a lot and are just plain interesting and entertaining to watch.
BookswithEmilyFox I actually quite enjoyed reading it after I’ve watched the show! There isn’t much deviance from the books. Female lead is strong but yep it’s got a lot of romance lol!! I know you aren’t much into that. I love it though!
whutzat I did enjoy the first one the most, I’ve only reached the middle of the second book, and I really get annoyed at how the story progresses because I’ve caught up with the TV show, but I love characters so much I just can’t get enough. Emily you really should start because it will take you a while to get through them all because I definitely need breaks in between.
Hey Emily. I love your videos. Thanks for telling me about the Brent Weeks books, now that series is going to the bottom of my TBR pile. I'm sorry to say, but I was disappointed by the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman. I was not a fan of the rant that he went on at the end of the first book, for after reading that book, I felt like I had just been physically beaten down. I had no energy to pick up the next book. Right now, I am on part 4 of the first book in the Darker Shade of Magic series and I guess it was the narrator, or it was just the simple set up of the story, but I kept on falling asleep. However, once I got into it some more and I realized that there were a few mysteries to solve, I stopped falling asleep. On a positive note, I am really liking the first book and now the second book in the Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliott. She does a great job of making you think, and I love the adventure that the three main characters are going on. I have not read any of the other books that you have mentioned, but I will steer clear of them for now.
I haven't read that series in... at least 10-15 years so I'll have to see if I still like it! I really like the Shade of Magic trilogy but I think it's being overhyped. It's a very good series but when everyone mentions how they love it people start expecting too much :/ (no one's fault obv!)
It's unfortunate because the magic system and plot have some potential! When I continue I'll be able to reassess if I think the series is worth it even with all the sexism :/
A very useful observation and not one any other reviews that I have seen mention. Sounds like it's too late to clean this up in this series, but perhaps Weeks will improve in that aspect - in most everything else he seems to be very good.
Since you didn’t enjoy The Black Prism (I haven’t read it, FYI), you should try The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop...sounds like it has a similar concept...but Bishop’s has a kickass female lead and awesome world building and magic!
Just a little addition to your comment about The Hobbit: Yea, Tolkien can write really really long and kinda boring scenes, I absolutely get that. But I don't think that The Hobbit was boring because it's a book for children. But I understand your point as well, when I was reading it, I was like "Oh what if that is going to happen" or sth similar. It had some good parts in it, and if those good parts would be more, I don't know, "adult-like" I guess, than it could be great. Tolkien could have written more in depth also, because I think sometimes the book was really shallow. But if you read it with the perspective of a child, than it's actually a really cute and sometimes scary book. :)
One of my favorite videos of yours because I feel like so much more of your personality came out...and I loved it! Many of your thoughts is exactly why we need more female adult fantasy writers!
What's the most disappointing book you've read in 2017?
I just realized I should have included two more... Jane Eyre (how is that romantic?!) and And Then There Were None (bored..)!
PS. I know my auto focus was being a biatch, I'm pretty sure it's due to the cover of "IT"... another reason to hate covers with faces :P
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera had a great average rating, turns out it's the most annoying book I've ever read
Uprooted (the number 1 worst book I've ever read), The Lions of Al Rassan, A Gathering of Shadow, A Conjuring of Light, Night Circus, Sleeping Giants, Every Heart a Doorway. These are all the books that have so many praises and ended up disappointing me! Come to think of it.. almost all these books are on your list too.. xD great list, Emily! Also that IT scene.. yuck...
BookswithEmilyFox ReidIain. “I'm Thinking of Ending Things.”
Lingus by Mariana Zapata. Didn't even finish it.
caroliinalopes: I have that one on my shelf! We'll see how I feel about it :S
Petrik Leo: A few of these I did like but lots in common there!
JAsmine Ong: Oh no! Oh come (no spoilers pls!) I'm planning on reading them next year!
WHAAAAT????? You have a BOOK CHANNEL??? I love your makeup channel, and this just made my day! Makeup and Books are my 2 great loves :)
you are really my favorite booktuber I trust your taste
Mayo Massa I know, so funny!
Saggy balls, lmao. Love you, Emily😂😂😂
I mean what about the women that read his books?! We want to know!!
THINK ABOUT THE FEMAAAALES!!
BookswithEmilyFox That’s the thing. Sexists usually see their world as people (aka men) who read books + women. And a lot of them are so self-centred that they have no idea what offends women. They probably think that only terms like “saggy balls” are uncomfortable to read for all of “mankind” ;))
@@BookswithEmilyFox most of the women actually on goodreads didn’t have a problem like you, but yet you act like you’re a women advocate and that all women are looking for triggers in books to act offended. You automatically dismiss men’s opinions yet disable commenting on your review.
It’s illogical how you think women being self conscious of their body is sexist, especially women who train a lot. There’s a reason King Rhagadul puts down Karris for her too masculine (for his tastes) body on his end while Gavin loves her body and her strength doubly so because of that. Just shows you know nothing about sports and mentality. I trained female kickboxers and they often had the same problems, even when they were extremely competitive and capable. People are self conscious and will always be. Doesn’t take from them being badass. If you think a woman needs to be Mary Sue and extremely confident to be realistic, you live in a YA fantasy world. Maybe Vampire Diaries would be more you style? Like any people who nitpick triggers to make a point, you continently avoid mentioning the “sexist” lore that women live longer, are better drafters and can draft more accurate because they are born with “better” eyes. That doesn’t make you twitch, but mentioning someone’s boobs does. Karris is badass and wonderful for 99%% readers. She is sometimes insufferable, but so is Gavin. She is flawed, he is doubly so. If you actually read the further books you would know why she is still hung up on Gavin (Dazen).
To add further injury, you declare the author sexist. Following that logic, I declare you sexist too because if the author was a female there is no doubt in my mind you wouldn’t make that degratory accusation. Seems today it’s enough to be a sensitive reviewer looking for triggers to be found capable, not unlike the film industry I guess.
I read IT 3 years ago or so and I didn't even remember the gang bang until you mentioned it, I think my mind chose to erase that memory lol
I’m happy you told about that ending of Stephen King’s “IT” because I only made it halfway through when I decided to DNF it. That scene would probably have traumatised me :-O I might do a video like this as well ;)
please do :-)
I’m so glad someone said that Lila is annoying. She’s always just randomly hating on women and thinks she’s just better than anyone and there is nothing behind her thinking. She doesn’t add anything to the plot besides stealing stuff and playing with peoples feelings ?? W hy do people like her
Go Emily! Being unafraid of standing up for women and feminism! Even awesome books have issues but not everyone can be brave enough to tell the truth.
brave ? WTF ? if she feels like a certain book is sexist, she just voiced her opinion about it in her own channel... its her channel after all.. But thank god that this is not like Grace's movie review channel that she tries to push her politics in to every godamn review...
😂😂 I love you. Your rant on sexism made my day. Sometimes it’s hard for me to read books by men because I just constantly scratch my head at what they think women act like and talk like.
It can be quite frustrating! No matter how many examples and explanations I provide there are always a few people dismissing it too so it doesn't help!
BookswithEmilyFox The patriarchy is too embedded in some people. 😂 It’s easier just to believe people are being really sensitive and ridiculous than to realize that some of your thoughts may be a wrong. 🤷🏻♀️
I'm about 1/4 of the way through The Black Prism and was starting to notice not only the sexism, but also the ugly superiority complex and toxic-masculinity-fueled angst between Gavin and literally everyone else, and was looking for some insight on if it would ever get resolved. I hadn't seen anybody talk about any of these issues in the other reviews i've seen, and it's super disappointing that, knowing how rough the rest of the book is, I'll probably put it down. Thanks!
It mostly only gets worse. I didn't mention half the issues I had with the book sadly :/
I'm not sure I want to read The Black Prism now. I feel like the sexism is so childish on the author's part. There are so many other high fantasy books that I need to read and I'm going to prioritize those over The Black Prism
It was childish!! That's why I did the air quotes when I said adult fantasy because I can't imagine the target audience to be anything than young teenage boys!
I'm curious to see where the story is going but it's been months and I still haven't picked up the second book because I know I'll have to rant about it too 😂
If it had been a bad book overall I wouldn't have been this mad! It was just so much worse to want to love it and be interested in the story/magic system but having to deal with the rest 😂
I think you should give it a try. I don't disagree with Emily but it was not so bad. I did not feel it as bad taking into consideration the time and set up. There 4 books and they are good....enjoyable read...
Don’t listen to her. Most women on goodreads don’t think even closely the same as her. Read the book and be your own judge. The only people seeing sexism is the sexists themselves. Notice how she doesn’t include how women are better and more capable drafters from the get go just because biology. That suits her agenda.
@@halafinianos absolutely agree. I heard a lot of complaints and the first time I heard someone say anything about sexism is from her. In the era where movie posters are taken down became “sexism”, I’m not even surprised people are seeing sexism/racism in every media they consume on the daily. Can’t imagine living that way.
Yeah I was confused with that part too, cause what's the point xD right? (referring to IT)
THE WAY YOU BATTED YOUR EYELASHES IN IRRITATION is goals
i also agree with lila being annoying...i can't handle her!!also agree that uprooted is boring probably one of the blandest books i've ever read and came so close to dnf-ing it
Started getting back into books, and hence booktube, after almost a year and damn Emily you've become so much more confident in presenting your opinions! Great to see you're still going strong :)
I would really like a video of Audiobooks you would recommend.
I do want to do a video on them eventually but I need to listen to more before!
the most disappointing book i read this year was probably “ready player one” it wasnt bad but i had heard so much about it that my expectations were really high and it just wasnt at all what i had imagined, plus the romance thingy at the end was meh and the story over all wasnt for me
I'm so sad you didn't like it! I absolutely adored this book!
Yeah I read it last year and I didn't love it. I think you need to know the 80s tv shows, movies and games to enjoy it but... meh
BookswithEmilyFox exactly! i think the added nostalgia mightve been what made some love it
I don't know much about 80's video games, tv showw, ect but I still absolutely loved it! I would say it is my favorite book of the year. I got so caught up in the game!
Haha totally agree about the “manly shoulder”! I personally don’t have masculine shoulders but I do have really broad shoulders which I looove. It’s honestly my favourite thing about my entire physical body.
And every woman is like you. Not. Most women who read the story don’t have a problem with Karris being self conscious. It’s human.
@@alanmatkovic3221 and wow you know most women.
I really appreciate your points on the sexism. I'm not anti-sexist characters in books, that wouldn't be realistic, those people exist. However your examples prove that it's a problem when it's the author, the writing. And thanks for the heads up on the Sylvain audio book, I hope I remember this! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts, good bad ugly and neutral. Thanks for sharing.
I just don’t get why Stephen King would write that shit, that’s just disgusting
No idea! When people try to justify it as a "childhood to adulthood" I always roll my eyes... There are much better ways to do that... ways that don't include "that"
Hes pretty disgusting tbh
Adelina I think that I read somewhere that he was using heavily at the time and he said that he would never include that scene now.
Stephen King is weird. That’s one of the reasons he makes unique, sometimes mind blowing stories. Is it unnecessary? Yes. Is it something only SK would think of? Also yes.
I was so eager to read The Raven Boys and began a couple of days ago without knowing much about it, and it’s not the epic fantasy adventure I was expecting so I guess I’m kind of disappointed but I don’t think it’s bad either
It was very different than what I expected too!
I need to continue the series but I don't get why (or how) people reread it so much... we'll see :/
Camila Lecaros I'm currently struggling through the Raven Boys too! I was really looking forward to reading this one but so far I'm not getting the hype. Now that I'm halfway through it's starting to pick up a bit but I still find myself not wanting to read it... I'll finish it but as of now I'm not continuing the series. I've read so many books in a row that I really really liked so I feel like this one is putting me in a reading slump a bit.
I read it last year so it's not 100% clear anymore but does it feel like there are too many ideas being shoved all in one book? Because I remember being confused as to where this whole thing was going...
BookswithEmilyFox I have zero ideas where this book is going! And I have a bad feeling that things won't be even close to being resolved by the end of this book which is frustrating when it took so long to get started. Kind of like that extra long prologue thing you mentioned. I won't know until I actually finish it though which hopefully will be this year because I'm anxious to start something new! What should I read next? The Kiss of Deception or The Winner's Curse? I bet that's a tough one for you lol because they are both your recommendations 😜
Yes!!! It's also a book that felt like a prologue!!
Oh my!! Well they're both good but keep in mind they are fantasy-romance... I think the Winner's Curse is more addictive though! 😂 There's more political intrigue and less war compare to Kiss of Deception (although the war stuff is more book 2-3) so it depends on your taste!
So agree with your thoughts on Artemis and The Black Prism. Sad to hear Gemina was disappointing. I just read Illuminae and loved it so I was hoping Gemina would be just as good. Great video. Love your hair!
I don't know if it's because of the audiobook but I just didn't feel attached to the characters at all. There were some good elements but... meh :/
Emily I’ve been following your beauty channel for YEARS & I’m a voracious reader so I’m so excited to find this channel! I’ll be binging your videos for recommendations. 😊 PS you look so classically stunning in this video. Would you please do a tutorial on this hair on your beauty channel? This would become my gorgeous, professional work hair for 2018!
Incredible video! ☺️ I’m a young reader starting to get into reading, and I love your videos!
I could not agree more about Artemis.. I kind of feel like Andy Weir was writing his fantasy girl or his opinion of what he wants a woman to be.. I REALLY didn't like it! I didn't feel like I had any reason to root for her or sympathize with her. She was just a terrible, unlikable character. So disappointing.
Emily,I'm delighted to have found you here! I have been subbed to your beauty channel for a couple years, but my interests have migrated more into art and science :)
This video and topic are so relevant and helpful. I so appreciate your thoughts on why these books were disappointing!
I really love this video and your very thorough thoughts and opinions!
I can't wait for the other 2 videos in this series!
Thank you! I decided to add one more so 5 videos total now! :D
Just found your channel today and I've watched three of your videos already. Love how honest and funny you are! :)
Your vid came up on recommended and I subscribed after 2 minutes! How have I not found you until now?! You’re so natural and friendly in front of the camera and instead of just stating the criticism you actually give PROOF from parts of the book to support your argument! I’m loving it ❤️
Thank you!! ❤️
Oh my, that audiobook sounds terrible!!!!😲😲😂😂
It really was.. I don't understand how anyone could think it was a good idea! 😂
BookswithEmilyFox it really sounds like porn 😂
@@marystuart83 And to be honest it sounds like the kids voice is just a man doing a lil girl with an accent wth 🤦🏾♀️🤣🤣
Thank you for bringing out the issues about The Black Prism! It's really important that people bring up issues like that and I'm definitely going to think twice about picking up the book!
I couldn't believe I had heard 0 mentions about all of this! NONE!
Everyone was giving it 4 or 5 stars so I was so excited...
The Night Circus is my favorite book. But I do understand what you said. ♥
Have you tried Stalking Jack The Ripper, Hunting Prince Dracula and Escaping from Houdini?
I love how true to your own taste you are, it makes your recommendations so easy to follow =D
It takes balls to admit to not liking The Hobbit, I think a lot of people feel like they HAVE to love it. I personally love the low-action slow-paced Tolkien because I can drown in his descriptions of things and places and feel calm because of it, but I totally understand how it can be horribly boring for some!
There is definitely pressure to like it... and all the very hyped books!
I wish I did like it! I loved LOTR but I just couldn't do it with this one :(
the way you were imitating the magic descriptions in uprooted😂😂. IM DYING
I totally agree about The Black Prism. I noticed the same thing about it. It's a bummer because some of it is so great but it's frustrating to see someone being so blatantly sexist in their writing. We should edit it with descriptors of men as having a saggy shaft resembling of a limp potato. Lol.
With A Conjuring of Light, Lila did have character development- her entire life she was running away from things rather than settling down because she was scared but she finally found a home on the sea with Kell and isn't running anymore.
Personally love a good book rant and its just as good to hear the bad as the good! I think you have saved me from some books and I agree with you on conjuring of light. It wasn't to my expectations either!
Some of these are still great but sometimes books get overhyped... I think I'll do a video about it because I feel like some solid series are being mentioned so much that now people are disappointed when they read them because they're good just not... life changing good!
Omg i didn’t know you did booktube too!! I love your makeup channel and recently discovered this channel !!
For me it was probably the second and third book in the His Dark Materials series. I absolutely loved the first one, and I feel like he kind of went off on a tangent and didn't really wrap up anything, too tied up in his theology to really have the characters make sense anymore. Then again I just adored the world building of the first book and Lyra's childlike perspektive on it, which both kinda... felt washed out after the first book. Still a good read, I just expected a lot more after the Golden Compass.
I felt the same way about the It scene since it was pretty disturbing, but enjoyed the rest of the book thoroughly. I've read several other of King's books since then and haven't been disappointed the same way since. Thanks for sharing all these, I've seen most of these and nobody ever discusses the flaws in some of these, and I appreciate your honesty.
Lol love the eye roll! Lol
Gotta use my skills :)
Thank you for dragging the Black Prism! 😂 i almost spent my precious Barnes & Noble gift card on it!
I was planning on buying black prism, and i'm so glad i checked out review beforehand! I knew i could count on you! I heard so many great reviews, but i would have hated the book because of the exact reasons you mentioned!
It sucks because there was potential there but.. come on :/
Hook and sinker. Keep swimming little fishie.
I just found your channel yesterday and subscribed your videos are so awesome and I can tell we have similar tastes from all your mini reviews in your videos. And also you said English isn't your first language so where are you from?
Thank you so much for sharing that spoiler from the book “It.” I would have absolutely hated to read something so traumatizing. I can’t believe how popular that book is with a scene like that...
I so agree with you about “It”. That did spoil the book for me....I did however after your review buy, read and loved Sleeping Beauties. I had not picked up a Stephen King book for years before these last two. I know this video was about disappointing books but my favourite I read this year was Lori Lansens “The Mountain Story”. Lori is a fantastic Canadian novelist. I’m a bit biased as I grew up with Lori and several of her books are set in the area of southwestern Ont. where we were from. I have loved this channel Em! I can’t wait to hear your reviews for 2018!
you're so sassy omg i love it hahaahha
It's a whole year of frustration all in one video 😂
Your are my favourite booktuber! Also, this is your best video so far in my opinion.
I have just discovered your channel (I was watching Bookish Realms' videos and yours was on the "Up Next" list) and this is the second video I've watched. I have enjoyed them, though I disagree about a couple of the books. I absolutely loved Uprooted and the Wizard of Earthsea. Mostly, though, I wanted to recommend the audio of World War Z. I did like the book better than the movie, but the audio is a different animal altogether. It's abridged and each interview has it's own voice actor, some of whom are quite famous and, I think, bring a lot to the story.
I haven't read most of these books, but I did read two: contrary to what you said, although I didn't really love The Night Circus, I absolutely adored Uprooted! Agreed, the "romance" is cringey as all hell and doesn't really make sense, but the story overall is so, so beautiful! It's a shame you didn't get to finish the book, towards the end it gets really good. I loved the metaphors and how the magic system works. I'm a bit of a nature's child myself, so I guess I was enchanted by Novik's story. :) Maybe you'll give it another go sometime soon.
Out of curiosity, have you read Neil Gaiman "The Ocean at the End of the Lane"? I feel like the magic system is similar so you might like it too!
Great video!! I planned on reading a few of them and now I know what to expect, more or less. Pretty helpful! 👍
Thank you for your honest review of the Black Prism! I LOVE adult fantasy (Brandon Sanderson is my favorite author!) and bought the first couple of books in that series to read based on other "glowing" reviews from other RUclipsrs... I wonder if I will feel the same as you. Also agree that Illuminae was much better than Gemina. I read both books as books and not audio. I think you need to read it to "experience" the story better? I plan to read Obsidio when it's released next year. :)
Wow, I loved the audiobooks for Sleeping Giants and Waking Gods. Didn't know Vincent's accent was inaccurate, though, good to know! But I still think the format fitted the books perfectly. Also, agree on the child, lol. My misophonia was driving me crazy.
Great video, learned a lot, changed my opinion on some books I've been meaning to read. Thanks!
5:58 I laughed out loud! You are hilarious 😂😂😂 Looking forward to the best, the worst and the most surprising ones!
If you can I would recommend physically reading Gemina because it is a better physical and visual experience rather than the audio book, there are a lot of pictures and things that add to the novel and make it much less boring
Hello! New subscriber here. I had to subscribe after your “of course” reaction. Also, having the same name! That was priceless! Thank you for giving me info about It and the Black Prism. Even though I never planned on reading both of those books, it’s nice to have the knowledge about them now. If the Black Prism was shorter, I might have read it because it had a cool premise. But now I know that I don’t ever want to read that much sexism. I never, ever planned on reading It but now I definitely know to stay far, far, faaaaaaar away from it!! Now to continue with your video. Just wanted to comment with this bit before I forgot what I wanted to say.
This is the first video I watched by this channel, and I will subscribe myself now!
I think you really fun!
This was so interesting to see how many popular books were disappointing, because your points are valid! Just because it's a big-name book doesn't make it automatically wonderful, and I've been coming to realize that lately. I haven't read all of these, but a lot of them are at least on my TBR. I'm rethinking some of them now. :'D Thanks for sharing your honest opinions, I subscribed because of it!
It's hard because there's such a pressure to like the very hyped books! It's important to share all our experiences!
Instantly fell in love with you, this is the first video I'm seeing of yours. Subscribed! :)
❤️
I really like how you are so nice about everything. Like you may not like something but don't bash it because other people may love it. Like I LOVE "Down Among The Sticks and Bones" cause those are the characters and the world I was interested in learning about while i didn't really care at all for "Every Heart A Doorway". I like how you acknowledge that probably some people will love it though. For me personally I wish she would write another book about the Moors!
Love your reviews! And your nail polish! What is the color?
Essie Without a Stich!
Hi Emily! I read the Hobbit a couple of years ago and had the same opinion about it as you. Then I started reading Fellowship and couldn't even get into it, it was so slow. Does it get better? Would you recommend it if I didn't like the Hobbit?
Stephen Kings IT is my favorite book that I have ever read. It was the first book I read by him and enjoyed it greatly. I can understand that it is not for everyone though.
It's one of my top reads as well. It goes deep and has big themes, it's definitely not for everyone.
I love hearing your honest opinions!! I agree with you on The Night Circus. I enjoyed it but I think it’s way overhyped.
hi Emily i was wondering if you could do spoiler reviews of books, just so that after i read a certian book i can see like what you thought of a specific scene or so, the Stephen king thing really bothered me and no one like talked about it, but also there have been some parts in books that have made me smile or cry and I'd like to hear which parts in what books did that for you. oohh and i love your reviews, although we have slightly different taste in books, i have found some of my favorite books from your bad bin, but you describe them so well that regardless of your opinion on it i can tell if I'd like it or not so keep up the good content
The books that actually disappointed me this year until now were The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich, City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare and Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo.
i dont understand how people give books like the black prism such high ratings and completely ignore the sexist parts. i understand the time is not the same as ours today, but there is a limit to how much the author shoves it in our faces. I found your channel just now and seriously preach!!! its so cheap!!! i cant ever read a book with a character who we're supposed to root for, or read about . ..
Love the review, and thanks for saving me from continuing on with black prism!!
I just subscribed! I am currently reading It so thanks for the heads up! Where are you from if I may ask?
Emily! I don't think you've mentioned reading them before, but you should try the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik (here in the UK the first book is just called Temeraire, but over there I believe it's called His Majesty's Dragon?). Don't be put off by your experience with Uprooted - Temeraire is such an adorable story with lovable characters and I think you would really enjoy it!
So refreshing to hear what bothered you reading these books. I often find myself in these situations when reading a book and it is so strange when they come highly recommended.
I can understand why people love the books (everyone has different taste!) but when 10 people recommend them and NONE has anything to say about the things I mentioned here... I don't get it!
I love that you are vocal about the sexism in popular books, because it is important to aknowledge that - and it does not mean that the book is bad - it just means that for future books we have to do better. Thank you for this video.
IT is the only one of those books I have read and when _that_ scene came I swear I wanted to throw away the book.
Sorry you didn't like Gemina as much as you thought you would! It's one of my favourite books I read this year and I wish you could've enjoyed it more considering you liked Illuminae. But thanks for making this video. I enjoy watching this type of video and so many booktubers are afraid to make things like this but you're not and I appreciate that a lot!
Sadly a lot of booktubers are scared to damage their relationship with publishers. From what I've heard, some might be very quick to cut a booktuber that says anything negative (I have very little experience with sponsorships on booktube so take this with a grain of salt!).
This channel is my second channel. I also have a job so any income I make on here is purely to buy more books so I don't really care if I don't get sponsorships. I would rather be able to rant about the things that annoyed me 😂
First video I've watched of yours and I love your energy! Subscribed!
THANK YOU!!!!!! I’ve not met one other person (I know I haven’t met you, but.... yea) who hasn’t liked The Hobbit! It was SUPER predictable, and it was always like “of course this happened!” “Oh, some horrid thing happened, but I thought of something cool that will save us no problem!!!” -.- I didn’t like this story at all. Whatsoever! Thank you so much for understanding!!!
Also, you’re one of the first BookTubers where I feel like I would find a lot of the same issues in books with. So, for that, and for a ton of other reasons, you’re absolutely awesome!!! Hopefully negativity won’t get you down, and you don’t stop doing videos like this! I know you won’t, but I still wanna type that for you.
Thank you so much for giving your honest opinion on these, and all the books you review. I’ve taken a couple of books off of my TBR, because after hearing some things you have to say, I know I won’t like them either. However, other books have been added!
Thank you so much!!!
It's best to enter with very low expectations so you know your right or you could be suprise you like it
I just found your channel and absolutely LOVED the way you talk about these books. It's incredible how much sexism appears in books and it's good to know it before getting to read it. Thanks so much for this video!
You made some great points in regards to the Black Prism. When I read that book I honestly loved it, I did find those comments annoying but didn’t think of them too much, perhaps because I really wanted to love the book. Now that you mention those scenes I can’t believe they didn’t bother me more. I haven’t picked up the next book in the series, maybe I’m avoiding it subconsciously. I’m currently reading It by Steven King and I’m really enjoying it mostly due to the characters, although I do find the often racist comments irritating. I’m kinda nervous about the ending, I’ve seen the old movie version and thought the ending was absolutely ridiculous, hopefully it’s not too disappointing. Thank you for always being so honest with your reviews. I look forward to next video :)
I haven't seen the movies so I don't know how they would compare but I do love the characters in "it"... the ending and "that scene" ruined the book for me though :(
BookswithEmilyFox I can’t wait to finish it and see if I feel the same. I’m only about half way so I got ways to go, however I’ll let you know once I’m done :)
The Night Circus was one off my favorites books of this year, really is a little hard to read, but I loved so much and recomend to everyone ❤
What is that gorgeous book cover on the shelf behind you, one level above Children of Time, with what seems to be a phoenix?? I need to know.
It's "Harry Potter A History of Magic"!
BookswithEmilyFox Thank you so much! It's beautiful, how I did not find it earlier considering it's a major part of Potter lore is beyond me haha
I've been planning on reading The Night Circus, but I feel like I just got spoiled. Can someone who has read the book tell me if this is a spoiler? Because I feel like reading the book you don't already know that the big battle doesn't end up happening.
I don't consider it a spoiler since I technically there is a battle but not in the "epic battle to the death at the end" I was expecting which is why I was disappointed.
It's a book people like for the world and the writing. Not the actual events.
Adding to say I didn't mention how the book actually finishes either. People can agree or disagree with the replies but I'm sticking to.
No real spoilers here!
BookswithEmilyFox Okay thanks for letting me know! I had originally taken it as there's supposed to be a big battle, but the battle never actually happened in the book but I see what you're saying now thanks!
Wow, I'm so glad I didn't buy Black Prism like I was going to. Honestly, being a woman in mid-20's, reading from a child's perspective is super hard. Especially if the characters are like 12-16 year old boys. Just, nope.
I've noticed a pattern for sure. Not all of them, for example a few of the YA Contemporary coming of age books I have read this year were perfectly fine, but now I'm realizing the characters were mostly bi or homosexual... I think it mostly has to do with the sexist attitude too often seen as "normal" or "normal for his age".
The whole attitude of boys will be boys is just awful.
It's interesting and disappointing. And very rarely do young characters have anyone correcting them or teaching them about how to talk and think about girls their age. It's honestly so rare because most of the time in YA books the young main characters are described as superior to their parents or other adult characters and they are more of a side characters or hindrances for the main protagonist's story line. But then again there are also books where kids seem way older than they actually are and that's not pleasant to read either. For example, the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I don't remember if you've read it. But I so wish I could find more books that tackle these topics differently. D: Although, I do get that as an adult it might just be hard to write from a kid's perspective. But it's super yikes if an author's own sexism and worldviews show in the behavior of their characters. Lol, sorry for the length of this response, I enjoy your channel a lot, by the way! :)
"That's okay, because I'm a woman!" //eyerolls off the bed and screams
I was so excited for A Conjuring of Light to come out and then when I tried to pick it up I just couldn't get into it. I struggled so hard and so I put it down and haven't picked it back up 😒 I'm not sure if I ever will or not. Which I find so crazy because I loved V.E. Schwab.
I read It for the first time this year and I’m with you. I was so disappointed, angry, and it brought about so many questions. Why did he think that was necessary? Why did he want to write about that? Why didn’t his editors omit it? Ugh. I was happy to not see it in the movie.
Can you imagine if it had been in the movie? The uproar 😂
SPOILERS FOR NIGHT CIRCUS AND UPROOTED
also read the night circus and uprooted this year, loved the night circus, really didn't like uprooted. in the night circus, it was mostly the rich setting that I enjoyed, it was more about enjoying the world and the circus that they built than the final conclusion to me, and I think that what the characters were doing as well.. the 2 main characters were reluctant to fight and that why they languished in the beauty of the circus. they had been raised to do one thing and they chose sacrifice for each other as opposed to continuing the feud between those that raised them. I can understand the disappointment at a less-than climax, but I rlly appreciate how that made this story stand out in comparison and didn't need a huge battle to still be a beautiful story.
in uprooted, everything to me fell short... the relationships did not have chemistry, the magic of the woods sort of made sense, but still felt cheap, and believe me it was not worth finishing.. there just ended up being some lady in a tree that was trying to protect the woods or the trees around her but she was tainted and that was why it kept spreading???? seemed like it was just a shortcut to end the plot to me because the connections werent all that believable.
You have a different taste in literary genres to me, but I adore your reviews. I'm not into horror at all however your reviews crack me up a lot and are just plain interesting and entertaining to watch.
Please tell me you’ve started the outlander series!!! I’m so curious on your thoughts!!!
I haven't read it yet... I'm afraid of what I'll think lol
BookswithEmilyFox I actually quite enjoyed reading it after I’ve watched the show! There isn’t much deviance from the books. Female lead is strong but yep it’s got a lot of romance lol!! I know you aren’t much into that. I love it though!
whutzat I did enjoy the first one the most, I’ve only reached the middle of the second book, and I really get annoyed at how the story progresses because I’ve caught up with the TV show, but I love characters so much I just can’t get enough. Emily you really should start because it will take you a while to get through them all because I definitely need breaks in between.
Hey Emily. I love your videos. Thanks for telling me about the Brent Weeks books, now that series is going to the bottom of my TBR pile. I'm sorry to say, but I was disappointed by the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman. I was not a fan of the rant that he went on at the end of the first book, for after reading that book, I felt like I had just been physically beaten down. I had no energy to pick up the next book. Right now, I am on part 4 of the first book in the Darker Shade of Magic series and I guess it was the narrator, or it was just the simple set up of the story, but I kept on falling asleep. However, once I got into it some more and I realized that there were a few mysteries to solve, I stopped falling asleep. On a positive note, I am really liking the first book and now the second book in the Crown of Stars series by Kate Elliott. She does a great job of making you think, and I love the adventure that the three main characters are going on. I have not read any of the other books that you have mentioned, but I will steer clear of them for now.
I haven't read that series in... at least 10-15 years so I'll have to see if I still like it!
I really like the Shade of Magic trilogy but I think it's being overhyped. It's a very good series but when everyone mentions how they love it people start expecting too much :/ (no one's fault obv!)
Keep going with Ursula K Le Guin. She’s so good. She gets better with her later books. And I love the Tombs by her.
I waana buy a book by Stephen King, what do you suggest?
Black Prism was on my short-list, but your comments pushed it off. Thanks.
It's unfortunate because the magic system and plot have some potential! When I continue I'll be able to reassess if I think the series is worth it even with all the sexism :/
A very useful observation and not one any other reviews that I have seen mention. Sounds like it's too late to clean this up in this series, but perhaps Weeks will improve in that aspect - in most everything else he seems to be very good.
You didn’t like The Hobbit? I’m so sad! Was one of my favorites of the year. It felt so cozy. Thorin and Bilbo are everything to me.
This is off topic but what lipstick are you wearing? It's gorgeous!
Which serie would you suggest to start with from Brandon Sanderson?
Martine Guitard elantris! :D
roxemary Thank you!!!!
Martine Guitard you're welcome :)
I DNF books often because I get bored as well. I also find that sometimes the audio book will kill a book.
Since you didn’t enjoy The Black Prism (I haven’t read it, FYI), you should try The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop...sounds like it has a similar concept...but Bishop’s has a kickass female lead and awesome world building and magic!
Just a little addition to your comment about The Hobbit: Yea, Tolkien can write really really long and kinda boring scenes, I absolutely get that. But I don't think that The Hobbit was boring because it's a book for children. But I understand your point as well, when I was reading it, I was like "Oh what if that is going to happen" or sth similar. It had some good parts in it, and if those good parts would be more, I don't know, "adult-like" I guess, than it could be great. Tolkien could have written more in depth also, because I think sometimes the book was really shallow. But if you read it with the perspective of a child, than it's actually a really cute and sometimes scary book. :)
I was a bit disappointed by There's Someone In Your House - it just wasn't as gripping as I'd hoped
One of my favorite videos of yours because I feel like so much more of your personality came out...and I loved it! Many of your thoughts is exactly why we need more female adult fantasy writers!
Well, your review left me concerned. I want to know your reviews of other books now!