The Handbuilt Home: 34 Simple Stylish and Budget-Friendly Woodworking Projects for Every Room

by Ana White
The Handbuilt Home: 34 Simple Stylish and Budget-Friendly Woodworking Projects for Every Room cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Technical
  • ID: 5256
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
abebooks.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-23
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer finds the book's rejection of traditional fantasy elements disappointing, as it lacks the wonder, ideals, and heroism typically found in the genre. They criticize the author's attempt to be different for the sake of being different, rather than offering a meaningful alternative.

The reviewer expresses disappointment with the book's departure from traditional fantasy tropes. They argue that while the author aims to be different, this difference is not meaningful or creative. The reviewer criticizes the book for lacking the wonder, ideals, and heroism that are typically found in the genre. They also mention that the book does not offer a compelling alternative to these elements. Overall, the reviewer finds the book's attempt to be different unconvincing and unfulfilling.

Quick quotes

    There are plenty of fantasy authors who claim to be doing something different with the genre.

    Ironically, they often write the most predictable books of all.

    Perhaps it was this abundance of cliche romances that drove Martin to aim for something different.

    Unfortunately, you can't just choose to be different, any more than you can choose to be creative.

ebay.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-23
brilliant 5.00

The reviewer found A Game of Thrones to be an exceptional start to a fantasy series, praising its complex characters and intricate plot. They highlight the book's ability to balance grand scale with personal moments, making it a must-read for fantasy fans and beyond.

The reviewer was thoroughly impressed with A Game of Thrones, calling it the best opening book to a fantasy series. They appreciated the book's ability to weave together grand wars, deep histories, and personal moments, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The characters were particularly praised for their depth and complexity, with Tyrion Lannister being a standout favorite. The reviewer also noted that the book's plot is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Overall, they believe the book is a must-read for any fantasy fan and even those who don't typically enjoy the genre.

Quick quotes

    The book series has been turned into arguably the biggest television series ever made

    It has become a sensation for a reason — the TV series is brilliant, yes. But the first book is probably better.

    It’s an epic in every sense of the word and is, without a doubt, an absolute must for any fantasy fan and even those who don’t think fantasy is their bag.

logfurniture.com · Unknown · 2012-12-31
intriguing 3.50

The reviewer initially found the book's cover and early content clichéd and irritating, but they were quickly hooked by the story. They appreciate Martin's talent for character perspective but find some characters one-dimensional and morally simplistic.

The reviewer started reading A Game of Thrones with some skepticism, finding the cover and initial content clichéd and irritating. The hideous cover with embossed letters and a horsey-looking dragon, along with the perennial fantasy clichés like named swords and silly castle names, initially put them off. The story's early pages included irritating elements like a wandering minstrel and overly dramatic language. However, they were quickly hooked by the story. They appreciate Martin's talent for placing the reader inside the heads of his characters, which provides an intimate and interesting perspective on the world. The character-per-chapter format is engaging, but the reviewer finds some characters one-dimensional and dull. The moral plane of the characters is simplistic, with good guys being insufferably good and bad guys being camp pantomime villains. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer was drawn into the story and found themselves hooked.

Quick quotes

    Within the story proper there is plenty more of that kind of thing. By the second page of the story proper, a sword is given a name (Ice, unexcitingly). There's an intensely irritating wandering minstrel (although Martin has at least given his the hilarious name Marillion). There's a silly castle called the Eyrie high up "steps carved into a mountain" and a path "too steep even for mules

    Martin has a great talent when it comes to placing his reader inside the heads of his characters, and his character-per-chapter format gives an intimate and interesting perspective on his world.

    The good guys are generally insufferably good: their nobility comes attached to pomposity, preachiness and predictability.

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