Comments on: Unreview: Twelve by Jasper Kent (Bantam Press)

By: Round-Up: The Reads 2009 – NextRead

Round-Up: The Reads 2009 – NextRead — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:01:50 +0000

[...] Twelve by Jasper Kent [...]

By: NextRead » Comment: Year in Review – Half Way

NextRead » Comment: Year in Review – Half Way — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:13:20 +0000

[...] Twelve by Jasper Kent (Bantam Press) There is nothing wrong with the descriptions or the writing itself, but for me it just lacks that x-factor that draws me into a story. But if you do like historical novels with a twist you might want to read a few chapters first to see if it pulls you in. [...]

By: Liz

Liz — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:34:39 +0000

Hi Gav

You know what – this is still a good review. And you are being fair and honest, which is the only thing an author and publisher can ask for.

I also strongly believe that sometimes, you have to be in a "mood" for a book. The first time I tried reading The Historian I wanted to claw my eyes out, I thought it was that dull. I then left it on my shelf and re-read it a few months later and was utterly smitten by it.

So, kudos to you for being honest. Who knows, in a few months down the line, you may pick it up and like it!

By: nextread

nextread — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:52:25 +0000

I'm happy to hear your thoughts after you've read Twelve… these are just mine. They are what they are.

By: Stone of Galvestone

Stone of Galvestone — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:25:54 +0000

So you're telling us that Twelve, which you haven't read, strikes you as being rather similar to Sharpe, which you also haven't read. That's very insightful.

By: nextread

nextread — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:22:02 +0000

That's something that I missed in other reviews. It is very Sharpe like – well I've never watched or read Sharpe but it just leaves that military impression.

By: nextread

nextread — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:21:02 +0000

As you know I'm now a member of good reads just to find out your personal thoughts!

By: wend

wend — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:54:59 +0000

Thanks for this unreview Gav.

As I suspected, it relies heavily on both war and historical links … so, I don't think this is my cup of tea. I've read some good reviews but had an inkling the historical side, if overdone, would mean a dud buy for this reader.

Thanks for helping me make up my mind on this one and saving some poundage to go toward something I'd enjoy more )

By: ediFanob

ediFanob — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:31:57 +0000

Gav, don't get me wrong. As I told you I don't cancel my preorder. I understood that this was your personal comment. I just wanted to express that I made similar experience with other books. I read James' review and liked it. We are all human beings with different likes and dislikes.
And again I appreciate to read personal thoughts about books. I tried to write reviews and failed. I'm a member of GOODREADS and normally write my impression of every book I read. And that's all personal.
Just an example. I read THE SECRET HISTORY OF MOSCOW by Ekaterina Sedia. There have been a lot of positive reviews. But I personally was disappointed. The book didn't work for me. On the other hand I read THE ALCHEMY OF STONES by Ekaterina Sedia. The reviews have been muted but for me the book worked fine.
So I would like to read from time to time your personal comments.

I hope everything is clear now.

By: nextread

nextread — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 12:25:41 +0000

Oh god, don't let me put you off! Everything is personal. But as I said. I just didn't care enough to carry on.