The more I read of Robin the more I think of her as a grown up Hermione. They are both clever, brave and extremely kind. And the Robin actress's name is Granger, coincidentally!
The mere fact that JK Rowling has not only the ability but the disposition, of using her amazing writing talent to offer people the opportunity of creating critical thinking, as opposed to incite mindless hatred talks about the quality of a person and an artist that she is. That definitely cannot be said about her "critics" that are anything but actual critics...
I actually loved the Ink Black Heart! I thought it was brilliant how all the characters and moderators acted online vs how they were in real life. I liked reading the threads, and the mystery of it. But The Running Grave was another level of brilliance! I was holding my breath at the end!! Now I am not sure what to do with myself until the next book comes out! I also am really inspired by JK Rowling, her books and her personal story. 😊
Thank you for being brave enough to rave about JK. She saved my life too and her writing has the ability to bring me joy and solace in a way that no other series or author can. I don’t ever want to invalidate anyone’s feelings against her, but I also don’t want people constantly invalidating my love for her. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. But I just love it. I love the CB Strike series. I love rereading them. I love the audiobooks too. I don’t love the TV series but I do enjoy it. CB Strike is tied with Harry Potter for me in some ways which constantly shocks me lol
I feel you! I know it can be controversial but I’ll always be true to what makes sense to me, honestly and transparently. I adore Jo Rowling for everything she’s done through her work and for me, and even though she has some writing flaws, I can’t help but love her storytelling. Just love her ❤️
I noted that the description of Chapman farm sounded like a creepy, muggle version of Hogwarts. Did anyone else have the same impression? The dining hall with the long tables and the leaders sitting at the end reminded me of Hogwarts dining hall; the woods nearby where the murders occurred resembled “the forbidden forest”; the temple with its mythical-shaped statues are a nod to the castle’s gargoyles and architecture; both facilities have plenty of secret rooms ; the private clinic of slimy Dr.Zhou reminded me of Harry Potter’s uncomfortable visits to Snape’s dungeon; and many more. I think Rowling got some inspiration from her more famous previous work, and added them as sort of Easter eggs, but with dark, creepy take.
I just finished this book and I’m amazed that JK can still deliver such a masterful story, characters, and build a brand new world all over again. JK built the perfect tension, the fear of the church even before Robin went it (and things get SO much worse as she progresses in the church), the new characters. She added one layer after the other slowly and patiently. I agree with you that she could have cut 70-100 pages, but I think it might be the best of the series. By the way, the audiobook is also excellent. I hated #6. It was a mess and frustrated me so much. Also, I agree with almost everything you say! (And I also grew up in a very religious home) you’re very eloquent and charming 😘
You have to listen to the audiobook by narrated by Robert Glenister. Listening to him do the voices and narration, you don't want the book to end. It's that good.
I recently finished IBH and since I couldn't wait for the translation, I bought TRG for the first time in English. I have to say two things: one, I definitely don't regret it, and two, I'm really gonna kill Rowling for that ending. Now how am I supposed to wait so long for the continuation? Almost worse than being locked in a box. Otherwise, again...one of the best works. I feel like every case gets better and better. The unsettling feeling one got from the cult when Robin was inside (very light spoiler): and especially how that same feeling lingered after her escape. Well, I felt the same nervousness and paranoia that she did. This is absolutely masterful storytelling.
Hi. I'm pleased you liked this book, so did I! I love Strike and Robin's relationship. I've literally just put it down, after 3 intense days (I also listened along on audio which is read by Robert Glenister which is around 34 hours long. However, what I was looking for was a breakdown of how it all came together in the end and why. Also a chat about who was who. In the serach bar I'd typed "Spoilers review" Ah well...
Hi Juan, great videos and I totally agree, I stopped reading her at Lethal White. My question: I've read the first three books, can I skip Books 5 & 6 and go straight to The Running Grave? I know I will miss some elements on new characters introduced and the relationship developing between Robin and Cormoron but I can back fill this in later.
Well, the romantic plot would probably be better read in order, but otherwise...you can basically. It doesn't affect the case itself at all and there's nothing there that you won't understand because of the jump.
The romance storyline certainly follows a sequence… however, this book (7) is so damn good I would say you could read it as a stand-alone, as long as you’ve read the first book already, which establishes the premise of the series and the chatacter dynamics.
