Just completed re-reading this entire series. I’ve always felt an appreciation for Greek mythology and this series manages to translate it into a digestible form. The concept of prophecies and the Oracle of Delphi also spices up each book. No complaints, but definitely isn’t anything groundbreaking. Finishing these actually made me feel like I need to start reading something with vocabulary above a third grade level; not sure if that’s a positive or a negative.
Like an acrobat shuffling across a high wire, Bukowski’s language is captivating, unsettling, but ultimately reflective. How different am I from Bukowski? And if I am different, what makes me different?
“If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start. If you’re going to try, go all the way. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives, jobs, and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench. It could mean jail. It could mean derision, mockery, isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And, you’ll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine.If you’re going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. DO IT. DO IT. DO IT. All the way. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. IT’S THE ONLY GOOD FIGHT THERE IS.” - Charles Bukowski, Factotum
My brother recommended this book as a throwaway science fiction fantasy book I’d like. I didn’t expect it to become one of my favorite series of all time. The first book is a combination of Ender’s Game, Hunger Games, and Percy Jackson. It’s honestly a little stunted, but still a fun read. Where this series truly excels is in the next two books. It keeps up it’s somewhat kitchy action, but blows the world up into something truly enjoyable. Game of Thrones-esque intrigue amongst various factions drives the plot. Even more, side characters have complex motivations and you rarely can predict what comes next. The first book is by far the worst one and it only gets better from there.
I’d highly recommend Pierce Brown to anyone with an appreciation for fiction and genuinely solid characters and dialogue. It’s actually become a little difficult pivoting to other series after this just because I enjoyed it so much.
PAX AU TELAMANUS!
A close friend of mine recommended this book to me and I have been enraptured. It’s an absolute gem of a novel. Totally unique and absolutely captivating, I would highly recommend this book. I recently spent some free time on a Sunday morning reading half the book in a diner.
After a day at the museum with my significant other, I had the chance to swing by a bookshop on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I browsed through a few different books before this one caught my eye. I read The Martian a few years ago and loved it. A few years later, my sister met Andy Weir in person and got me a signed copy of Artemis. I’ve even posted The Egg on this website. All in all, I think Andy Weir is one of my favorite authors. This book is no exception. It’s not exactly introspective or compelling literature, but rather a novel which forces you to work your brain muscles. Moving between fundamental physics theories, to geometry, to quantum particles, this book takes you on a trip. What Andy Weir truly excels at is his ability to write scientifically believable and intriguing fiction. A depiction of space exploration and extraterrestrial life that feels believable and an absolute joy to read. I’d highly recommend this one, but may not be for everyone.