UNPOPULAR OPINION: BookTube Darlings I Didn't Love as Much as Seemingly Everyone Else

Mike takes a look at his unpopular opinions on some of the biggest BookTube darlings out there.
ℙ𝕦𝕣𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕤𝕖 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤 𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠:
Children of Time amzn.to/3NkTnXH
Soulsmith amzn.to/4buIWer
Jade Legacy amzn.to/3SMr7QG
Kings of Ash amzn.to/4bwKDrK
All Systems Red amzn.to/3uwPEQn
The Will of the Many amzn.to/3CdSVVb
The Bands of Mourning amzn.to/3loBozJ
Red Sister amzn.to/41pUv22
The Name of the Wind amzn.to/3PawbfX
The Dragon Republic amzn.to/3SyBF4y
Lies of Locke Lamora amzn.to/496EIZ1
ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕝𝕤 𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕖𝕡𝕚𝕤𝕠𝕕𝕖:
‪@FunFantasyBooks‬
𝕎𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕕 𝕄𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘? 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕕𝕠 𝕤𝕠 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕒𝕕𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕤:
Mike K.
15201 Mason Rd
Suite 169
Cypress, TX 77433
Support Mike on Patreon: / mikesbookreviews
Join Mike's server on Discord / discord
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Microphone used in these videos: amzn.to/3IpFSAX
Camera used in these videos: amzn.to/3IqqdBv
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0:00 Introduction and Prerequisites
1:31 Books I Liked, But...
3:37 I Quit After Book 1
10:13 Lost Me Along The Way
16:18 Final Thoughts
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Theme music provided by Infraction
/ @infraction
Music used: Epic (No Copyright Music)
infractionroyaltyfreemusic.ba...
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0(CC BY 3.0)
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#MikesBookReviews #unpopularopinions #unpopularopinion

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hey bookworms! For those who don't believe me, I told my wife I would read the first Throne of Glass book with her when/if she decides to. I'm not scared! I read Leigh Bardugo, ffs.

[@bigaldoesbooktube1097]

Happy wife, happy life 🤙

[@mariannkomlos8513]

Sarah J Maas and Leigh Bardugo are two veeeeery different things, believe me ;)

[@angelabassett7984]

“I’m not scared” 😂 Good, it’s just a book.

[@philippburnett6045]

First three books are good, after that main heroine is annoying selfish brat

[@totallysick88able]

lol TOG is everything you hate about YA.

[@neondemon5137]

Daniel Green and Mike both woke up today and chose violence.

[@currangill430]

They woke up feeling dangerous

[@texaspipeman8973]

Can we get a Mike vs Daniel debating Dark Matter

[@missmysterious5769]

​@@texaspipeman8973And Merphy being like, 'I enjoyed it'

[@rosssims7224]

Right. Except Daniel Greene is just wrong. Dark Matter is incredible!

[@texaspipeman8973]

@@rosssims7224I’m very hit or miss on his videos but as much as I loved Dark Matter his rant was pretty funny

[@connorjames8807]

😂 I thought by "Booktube darlings" that Mike was about to roast his least favorite Booktubers....that definitely would have pissed people off LOL

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh no, never. You will never see me criticizing another fellow content creator on KZbin. Way too much heart and soul is poured into this process for me to drag anyone else publicly.

[@bripost]

That'd be super entertaining though! He'd get views and comments for sure- algorithm heaven!

[@bripost]

@@AndrewFrancisIlyrian How so? Respect is pathetic now?

[@lukeskywalker6809]

Valid constructive criticism is essential for every true creator.

[@richosburn]

LOL

[@arabellawillow9248]

We NEED critical reviewers. Il always value your opinions on books. 🤙🏼loved this, thanks!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks so much!

[@emilielemay1647]

What makes you my favourite booktuber is the fact that even when you hate a book, you can talk about it, explain your opinion and stay respectful about the author and their works! Loved the video! Currently finishing shadows of self and going into bands of mourning next, im a bit scared to be let down now 😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

Wow thanks so much 😍

[@arabellawillow9248]

I just finished Bands of Mourning today! If you like the Cosmere and how it's progressing I think you'll find some things to enjoy .. Wax and Wayne definitely doesn't live up to Sandersons other works though!

[@emilielemay1647]

⁠@@arabellawillow9248im reading the last metal right now, and you’re right! I like how we see the cosmere being introduced (i have only read mistborn and elantris so far) I loooove wayne ! I think it really got better for me when i started the 4th book

[@nyxian_grid]

There were two reasons why I started following your channel: Your love of Dune, and your dislike for The Name of the Wind 🤣

[@stevendick1562]

The Name of the Wind was one of my rare DNFs. Wasn't impressed enough with The Lies of Locke Lamora to continue with the series.

[@user-vu8bz3ur3l]

Agreed😂!!

[@andrewp319]

Yes! The Name of Wind. So many people loved it, and I wondered if I was the only one that didn't haha. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but it felt pretentious and corny at the same time.

[@tanjamcfadyen209]

Kvothe was just creepy as hell@@andrewp319

[@BuddhaMelffyQueen]

I like The Name of the Wind. But I'm to frustrated with Rothfuss never putting out the final book to even give the second book or any of the little novellas a chance.

[@Knighthawk92]

Enjoyed your honesty and authenticity in sharing your opinions, while encouraging viewers to form their own. Thanks. I actually enjoyed Lies of Locke Lamora and the structure of the book worked for me. However, I would not consider it one of the best fantasy books I read. Just a good, fun book.

[@michelleizoco]

Oh nooooo, I ADORE Murderbot, but I can also understand how it's only funny to some people. I'm on book four and loving each page. I'm also currently reading Will of the Many and it's heavy but I'm really liking it so far. I have Lies of Locke Lamora on my TBR for this year, so I wonder if I'll feel the same way about the time jumps. I will say THANK YOU - I'm a big fan of not forcing reading - life is short and there are too many amazing books out there to force ourselves to read ones we don't enjoy.

[@helenasf1782]

Great video! It was strangely satisfying that the camera placement was perfectly aligned so the funkopops were just left of the book cover 👌 hehe.

[@thecaffeinatedbookwyrm3051]

I loved All Systems Red. I identified strongly with the snarky, sarcastic, anti-social Sec Unit. I loved the series so very much.

[@triciahon8043]

Agreed. I adore Murderbot! She really grows throughout the books too.

[@jeffreybeasley8448]

I couldn’t even finish the first book, even though they are short it was so boring IMO. Maybe I’ll give it another shot because I bought the first 4 in a bundle.

[@acopytopy]

@@jeffreybeasley8448 I've read the whole series and lowkey think the first books are a bit boring too lol. They're pretty short and have good ideas though. Book 5 (network effect) is by far the best in the entire series, so if you get to book 4, don't stop there!

[@LuvLuke954]

I love that you said exactly what I can’t stand in too many newly written protagonists. The pride in disrespecting their leaders - while serving in the same organization. It’s the antithesis of service. I totally get rebellion when the authority is the enemy but - maybe it’s my age or something- no one gets respect by throwing tantrums which is how I see certain authors writing the heroes(?). Thank you for this review. I especially appreciate you saving my time and energy. 😂 We NEED more critical thinkers in our lives!!! Especially in an overpopulated YT genre. Thanks Mike. You’re a doll. 🫶🏻

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Loved this vid-it’s important to be true to ourselves and also to let people know when things don’t work for us to help others calibrate their tastes to ours. I was right with you on Red Sister, just couldn’t connect to the writing at all. Interestingly I also really disliked Locke Lamora, but loved Red Seas Under Red Skies (it does much less of the flashback thing). You made a great decision not finishing out the Poppy War, I thought bk 3 was an outright disaster that doesn’t change the storytelling style from bk 2 in any noticeable way. And I def had a different experience with Jade Legacy, with the time skips not bothering me at all and actually enjoying spending more time with the adolescent kids and middle aged protags. On the internet I guess we’re supposed to lash out if someone has a different opinion, but wonder of wonders, I respect and welcome your opinion since it’s all about our very personal experiences of a story. Keep doing you Mike!

[@Morfeusm]

Everyone loves different things 🤷‍♂️ why it’s such a big thing don’t liking books others liked? Happens all the time! Sometimes what matters is when you read the book. Sometimes I even change my mind on the book after some time. For example I wish I read Dune much earlier maybe I would love it too. Now I just appreciate it.

[@heretic124]

I thought you read Three-Body Problem already. Thought it would be mentioned right next to Children of Time as it struggles with the same issues (no characterization).

[@mikesbookreviews]

I feel like 3BP is divisive among BookTubers (at least in the States). This was more focused on the books/series that get universal praise from almost every other BookTuber.

[@sublime053]

3bp was so underwhelming to me

[@douglasdea637]

My unpopular opinions: 1. I agree about Name of the Wind. It's good, but Qvothe is just too much of a Marty Stu character. In everything. A 15 year old kid but he's got hundreds of plays memorized. Okay. He learns to play a musical instrument and wins his first contest, even with the instrument breaking part way through. Okay. He takes more college classes than anyone else, completes all the course work half way through the semester and then teaches his teachers. Nope, that broke me. I've been through a lot of college, that just ain't happening. (And he did that while playing his instrument and creating better magical equipment than the college had, and being a sociable person. Sigh.) I haven't read the second book but I heard that at age 16 he becomes a sex god, the best lover anywhere. Double sigh. 2. Book of the New Sun. I've ranted about this before, I've read the four main books. I get that's it's in the future and there are aliens and robots around. It's still just poor writing all-around. I don't see why it gets so, so much love. There are a lot of mysteries and very little is explained. 3. Xanth books by Piers Anthony. No one talks about them today but back in the 80s they were huge, at least in my school they were. I read five of them. They're good, not great. The humor is alright but not hilarious. Why everyone seemed to think they were the funniest, best fantasy of the time I just don't get. Frankly I preferred Asprin's Myth Adventures books.

[@MrPleers]

And then there is part two where besides a first class musician and first class magician also becomes a first class lover as well after spending time with some kind of sexelf in the woods. And learns how to fight well from some assassins. I agree with you. It's a bit much.

[@bookmarkswithjason9445]

I have the same sentiments about murderbot. 4 books in, and it’s like the same rinse and repeat story. My other unpopular opinion is that I enjoyed Elantris far more than Mistborn era 1.

[@dpeady78]

Malazan - WTF is this ? 5 books in and bored out of my skull

[@Furniture121]

Four re-reads in and I can't get enough... Tastes vary.

[@esmayrosalyne]

Love you for making this video, this is exactly why I trust you so much as a reviewer! And even better, I agree with you on the majority of these (at least the ones I've read), so I can just trust your recommendations blindly at this point haha. Great video!

[@ellesreptiles]

I absolutely love critical videos of books that I personally love. Reading is so subjective, and it's so cool to see that. Loved this video 👏🏽

[@ghjong001]

Everybody's got different preferences. I personally hate hate hate the Wheel of Time, and only *wish* I quit after book 1 instead of slogging through book 5 or 6 and waiting for it to get good.

[@TheInvisibleMan229]

I didn't think I had an unpopular opinion, but I forgot about the Wheel of Time. That was my experience as well (except I quit much sooner). Like Mike, I don't DNF books or series often... Wheel of Time and Harry Potter 😲are two of the exceptions (talk about an unpopular opinion).

[@hickoryhollowwoodworks]

I know I'm late to the party, but I'm so glad to hear someone feels the same way as I do about Name of the Wind. It's been a couple years since I read it but I remember getting to the end and being so completely underwhelmed. I still don't know what would compel anyone to read further, especially since it seems the series will never be finished

[@acidunicorn1225]

Love your channel. I enjoy murderbot as a pallet cleanser, they are short enough where it hardly counts as time "wasted" lol.

[@ptannous27]

I read some Sara J Maas as a proposal to my wife to get her to read ASOIF. I took one for the team.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Show your scars, amigo.

[@QueenoftheBlackCoast]

I admire your courage.🐉

[@QueenoftheBlackCoast]

I admire your courage.🐉

[@ptannous27]

@@QueenoftheBlackCoastNot all heroes wear capes.

[@gamesaregood9904]

I'm so glad to hear someone talking about Poppy War and voicing the same feelings i have about it

[@Popsiclestand86]

I ended up dnf’ing the following this past year: Poppy War, Red Sister, Lies of LL, Jade City, The Fifth Season, Name of the Wind.

[@rosssims7224]

Jade City?! Oh interesting! Was it the pacing?

[@Popsiclestand86]

Yes, i’m not a fast reader so i struggle with books that take longer for me to get into. I found myself putting it down for something else or honestly, falling asleep. As there are so many books out there I probably dnf faster than i should but again, slow reader so it’s a lot of time invested into something I don’t really like.

[@sublime053]

Also dnf'd fifth season. It was so bad

[@Degrad21]

the thing with licanius trilogy for me was very weird: everybody said the writing quality will be better for each book. each book will be better than the one before. and I totally felt the other way. shadow of what was lost was close to 5 stars for me, and then the next two were each time half a star less. Also I did a 1month break after 150 pages of book 3 because every piece of excitement was lost for me after the plot twist at the end of book 2. Especially because it never got any tension again and the ending of book 3 missed the mark for me. the "twist" was no twist at all. I know what it was supposed to mean to me emotionally, but it did not connect with me that much Still a great series, loved the worldbuilding, great characters. hyped to start will of the many soon. But I am really scared that booktube/bookstagram got my expectations to high

[@tanja9364]

Ahhhh you voiced my feelings so well! I am heartily sick of seeing the same books over and over again being waved in front of the camera, being told ‘this is the greatest thing since sliced bread’! (If I see that bloody book Fourth Wing again, I will scream - I am NOT interested in it - why do I want to know about dragons (or anything for that matter) having sex? I won’t be reading it! “Does it have spice?” Grrrrrrrrr Does everyone read the same books and never venture into pastures new? Trying to suggest books is met with such hostility that I have given up. When I first started reading fantasy, I was desperate for recommendations and, may I say, without them I would not have read Joe Abercrombie and others! Imagine that!!!! Part of the problem is the arrogance of youth! I may be old, but I know a bit about fantasy books, just listen to me and digest some of what you hear! When you’ve read so many books and series, you do bring something to the table! ❤

[@mikesbookreviews]

😂

[@njlear6783]

I watch your channel because you read and discuss the books my parents read and would talk about. It reminds me of the debates they would have about Dune and Shanara and Sphere. Dad read more horror and classics, so we discussed H. G. Wells and he loved I Am Legend. We both loved Timeline. Mom loved Stephen King and Anne Rice. We all three read different genres and discussed them. Good times. Not everyone likes the same things.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Era 2 books 2&3 I slogged through. I enjoyed book 4

[@giants8585]

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the series. Must’ve caught me at the right time.

[@kingofhearts642]

I really enjoyed Will of the Many (not going to call it the best book in the last several years or anything like that but had a ton of fun with it), but have been putting off starting Licanius due to hearing some mixed reactions. Very interested to hear you liked it more, might have to start it a bit sooner.

[@Trish.Norman]

I know nothing of BookTube. I was looking for something great to read and found your videos. I read The First Law series because of you. I subscribed then. I liked your honest reviews and rankings. I’m not into fluff and hype channels. I also think our tastes are the same except for the horror. I don’t enjoy being scared.

[@christophermcmahon3069]

For me it’s any book that get super hyped. Including First Law. I should go into books blind more often

[@terrelljohnson5811]

Yea I didn't care for First Law like others it was ok but not the best to me but that is my opinion

[@michelleizoco]

I know practically nothing about a ton of the most popular books on purpose. It's so much better and I highly recommend it.

[@itscatoclock]

No need to listen to other people's thoughts. Just don't let the hype and praise affect you. Keep your expectations muted. Imo, hype is good for getting others to try a book, and that's it.

[@michelleizoco]

@@itscatoclock I get what you're saying but it's not just hype or praise - I also just don't like knowing much about a book. 1-2 sentences is all I need to know if I'm interested and then I get to be surprised by a ton. I know it's not the way most people like to do it but it really works for me. :)

[@itscatoclock]

@@michelleizoco I'm not disagreeing with you. I do the exact same thing. By "hype" I just mean lots of people recommending it.

[@zhazhagab0r]

Thank you! I just can't get through Lies of Locke Lamora because of all the jumping around. Felt kinda crazy there for a bit.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll never understand the universal praise.

[@reflectiverambling1148]

Have you tried Tchaikovsky's fantasy works? I haven't tried the more popular one, but I found Echoes of the Fall quite charming in its own right.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Poppy war is the WORST

[@OooItsBlue]

I read the first one after seeing everyone recommend it last year and have had like.. no desire to continue. Especially knowing I'm going to end up hating Rin even more than I already do 😪

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

@@OooItsBlue I read the first chapter of book 2 and instantly DNF

[@fithfath3615]

Hi Mike, there's nothing quite like having a bit of a moan, it's good to get things out of your system. I've just finished reading Childhood's End and for me it started off well then went quickly down the tubes. Nonsensical leap in evolution with no apparent catalyst, just the removal of most things that would make people strive to achieve anything and provide them with values and morals. So basically people 'just do nothing' and you will evolve to a higher state of being, wow what a great message.

[@nick_a_93]

As someone that read all of era 2 i fully support your decision to drop it lol it fell so flat for me. Can't wait for more stormlight and hopefully era 3 gets me back to loving mistborn

[@suvash11]

Love the video! I know everybody else seems to love it, but The Faithful and the Fallen Series by John Gwynne did not click for me. While I enjoyed the plot, I could not get emotionally invested in any of the characters. It felt like all the characters were written in the same way and had the same personality. Corban for example seems to be written and have the same personality as all the other adult characters. Completely took me out of the story. Having said that, I did read the The Faithful and the Fallen after I read all nine Joe Abercrombie book. Maybe First Law just spoiled me.

[@stephanieneal5942]

Same here! I read all 4 books, and I kept waiting for the amazing story everyone was raving about. It was fine, I made it through the whole series, but I found it so forgettable.

[@suvash11]

@@stephanieneal5942 I'm glad I'm not the only one! I always felt I was the only one who didn't like it. I personally stopped midway through the second book. I couldn't bring myself to read all four books.

[@michaelkibble740]

Hey Mike I have to a question ❓ for you will read anymore of the AISA saga .

[@mikesbookreviews]

Most likely

[@readinsteadbyjake]

I completely agree with you about Jade Legacy. I liked Jade City the best, and Jade Legacy the least. If I remember correctly, Daniel Green gave Legacy his book of the year pick, and it seemed like everyone followed suit after that..

[@SteveTalksBooks]

I agree 100% with your take on Murderbot, but you not enjoying Kings of Ash hurts my heart 😆

[@khod3337]

Yes murderbot was very average especially the further into the series you read. I still to read ash and sand from your recommendation!

[@andreasmorin2633]

I agree except with Children of Time, but then I like hard SF; as you said everybody shall see forvthemselves what the like or not..all the best.

[@Tom-sd9jb]

I'm so glad I'm not the only person who does not enjoy what I get suggested from Reddit. I thought it was me who was broken but I always feel like there is an ulterior motive behind Reddit suggestions. One series I think is massively overrated in Malazan. I tried sooooo many times to acquire the taste but have never managed to get more than half way through book 1.

[@Federico1685]

Hi Mike. I grew up reading literary fiction and some hard sci fi, and always felt a mild contempt for other genres, especially fantasy. It all seemed a bit childish to me. But then I watched the first season of GoT and had some sort of revelation. I watched it twice in a row and lauched myself into the books. It was an amazing experience. When I finished them, I decided to read more fantasy and, following the raving reviews, I picked up Name of the Wind. However, after a while I started thinking: 'What am I missing here? Why is this so underwhelming when compared to GoT? Isn't this considered juvenile fiction?' Do you find this a common experience, Mike?

[@PepsiPepe]

Thank you omfg 😭😭 I feel like I was in an echo chamber of will wight enthusiasts. I read book 1 twice and book 2 and I struggled so much. Respect to those who get enjoyment for it but the pacing and scope was just so off to me

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha I'm glad there is an audience for it, I'm just not it

[@PepsiPepe]

@@mikesbookreviews yes! Props to Will Wight for being able to gather an audience

[@edsheeran1243]

Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne for me. Every single character has one defining trait to their personality and absolutely no depth beyond that

[@julien4327]

Totally agree. And a lot of the same ideas gets recycled throughout the book. it feels very repetitive...

[@logangoodner9559]

I agree but I don't think that is a bad thing. I saw the book as more of a popcorn read and I think it fills that role very well.

[@edsheeran1243]

@@logangoodner9559 a fun light popcorn read and nothing more

[@Selitos676]

I felt that way too. I was so bored throughout the whole thing and couldn’t connect to any characters.

[@jameswitts3793]

I thought it was just me 🤣

[@ericneff9908]

You know Mike, sometimes I agree with you and sometimes I don't, and that's to be expected. But I do have to express some relief that at least one booktuber sees Name of the Wind the way I do. I thought it was pretty good. But the cataclysmic kudos? I've just never understood it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Right?! That's how it started. I thought the book was fine. I do not understand the universal acclaim.

[@naenae5005]

I’m so glad someone else didn’t love The Lies of Locke Lamora. I tried really hard to like it… just never connected

[@mikesbookreviews]

I didn't dislike it, I just...don't get the adoration.

[@justinschaub2861]

Love the video. The Jade series was good to ok for me, but agreed with the skipping around in 3. Felt more disjointed, but disagree (since it was just ok series for me) that it should have gone 5 long. Agree completely with Red Sister, dropped after one there as well, Muderbot I'm in the same boat with as well, though since they're so short, I am still going to continue to see if it grows on me. Gentleman's Bastards are my all time favorite with 1 being the best of the best, so I disagree there lol. Also Name of the Wind is top 10 all time for me too, so another disagreement. Cradle series I'm enjoying currently, though agree with your criticisms. I think the fast paced nature and the easy read and constant "levelups" are keeping me going for now (in book4 right now) so we'll see if it ends up falling off. Brandon Sanderson is my favorite author and yet I completely agree on Era 2. I read them all to keep up with Cosmere lore with a buddy, but book 1 was great and the rest pretty lackluster with disappointing characters all around (Wayne just kept getting more and more annoying for me). Poppy wars I completely agree with too. So all in all we agree on 5/8. Cheers. PS, I finally subbed!

[@dinocollins720]

Another fantastic video! thank you

[@wjamimah7772]

I was sooooo baffled by Babel which I was hugely looking forward to. I haven’t read Poppy War but after reading Kuangs what seems to be even more loved book than Poppy War I’m like 😬

[@lauren_s9037]

Loved this video, Mike! Couldn't agree more with your comments about Sanderson and Rothfuss too? Sometimes I read these hyped books and have a complete WTF moment, like am I reading the same books...? lol Some books are just completely overrated and also there seems to be hardly any nuance these days, people either LOVE something or they want to set fire to it.

[@wreckingballmedia]

Agree with you on Sanderson, never clicked with me.

[@epiphoney]

I wonder how you would react to Pandora's Star. It's long like a fantasy novel with many plot threads, but has some sciency parts here and there. Plus the best part is at 66%, "MLM". Old Man's War is short and accesible. Is Clockwork Angels by Rush drummer Neil Peart progressive fantasy?

[@christopherbradford3778]

For me it was Malazan. Book 1 was so hard for me to get in to, I just gave up. I spent the whole time being confused, reading wikis trying to figure out what was going on.

[@Maximus0623]

I’m with you. I read Gardens of the Moon and maybe 100 pages of Deadhouse Gates then stopped. People love it so much and I wanted to be a part of that, but I eventually realized I’m just not enjoying this much. Reading it felt too much like work, having to constantly try to figure out what was going on. Also, it bothered me when I was confused because I was unsure if I’m supposed to be confused right now or if I’m confused because I missed something. Those books just aren’t for me.

[@ataridc]

I had a slightly different experience with Malazan. Id always heard the first 2 books are a bit of a slog but book 3 is amazing. I actually enjoyed book 1 and 2 to an extent so I was hyped for book 3 since it was supposed to throw the series into full gear, but instead just felt like more the same which killed all of my momentum and hype.

[@GaHeezyy]

Need someone to talk me into finishing Empire of Silence, moving real slow

[@hamsandwich123]

You’re not alone on Jade Legacy. I actually ended up DNFing it for the same reason you mentioned. I hated the narrative choice of making time jumps. I found by 60% of the way through I no longer cared and figured life is too short to spend reading books I don’t like. Granted, I was always lukewarm on the series anyway (I’d give the first two a 7/10 each) so it was probably less of a big deal for me to DNF.

[@WarMaker160]

Mike, you forgot the Witcher! Thanks for the new video!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I feel like Witcher is divisive among BookTubers (at least in the States). This was more focused on the books/series that get universal praise from almost every other BookTuber.

[@Dejarik11]

I'm on book 2 of Red Rising right now and I'm like 😌😅🤨 I have to get to book 3 right? Book 4 maybe?

[@Bloomalloo]

Yo mike when we finishing the dark tower together?

[@johnw1585]

I recently got back into reading fantasy, and the name that kept popping up was Brandon Sanderson. I read Mistborn, which Ive only heard great things about, and found Mistborn just to be really boring. Good plot, I don't think it's a bad book by any means, but just thought it was really dull. I really hope I don't feel the same about his other books, because he has so many I was looking forward to reading them.

[@Zeppelin180]

The ‘grinding for XP’ bit got me 😂

[@billellis2507]

Mike you might want to read lost metal before the next stormlight comes out cuz there’s bound to be connections for how cosmere aware lost metal is

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

“It is bad when one thing becomes two. One should not look for anything else in the Way of the Samurai. It is the same for anything that is called a Way. Therefore, it is inconsistent to hear something of the Way of Confucius or the Way of the Buddha, and say that this is the Way of the Samurai. If one understands things in this manner, he should be able to hear about all Ways and be more and more in accord with his own.” ― Yamamoto Tsunetomo, Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai

[@chrismarshall4955]

For sci-fi, you might like the Hybrid Helix series by JCM Berne. It combines superheroes, monsters, and outer space. And the characterization is good too!

[@perritohiker]

After the opening statement, I was expecting to hear, "... but it's better to be pissed off than pissed on." Another good video, thanx.

[@finalverdict2957]

Love the shirt!

[@jozephusmusic]

Fun video Mike! I appreciate your reasonable approach to criticizing books. My unpopular opinions are: Jade City: Did not care about the Kaul family at all. Not interested. Berro was the character I wanted to know about, and he's hardly in it! Poppy War: Same exact opinion as you. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn: Tad Williams writing is not for me. It certainly has beauty but was also very distracting for me. Too many similes every other sentence. And the story is the slowest I've ever read and this is coming from someone who doesn't mind the slog in the Wheel of Time. I really thought I would love Tad Williams. The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World is one of my favorite books in the series. I like it more than The Shadow Rising.

[@douglasdea637]

Good to know about Shadow Rising. I will get to it soon, probably a couple months. I too have heard it is the best of the series.

[@itsagoddam.pandamic]

Omg, I'm totally here for a Sarah J Maas reading vlog!

[@fjuran1]

Great video. While several I disagree with you, others you are right on the money. Tchaikovsky, in reading 5-6 of his books now, there are only 1-2 that I thought was a 4 star, he is so popular, maybe it's me? Richard Nell, I felt exactly the same, was so disappointed with the direction of book two, while book one was great. Mistborn Era 2 to me, was just a different story in and of itself, and not as good as Era 1.

[@Ulmo90]

Same thoughts on Jade Legacy. I think you might enjoy Lost Metal a bit more than the other Era 2. I'm not sure what my unpopular opinion would be, maybe that I'm not completely in love with the Bound and the Broken after the Fall and Of Blood and Fire? Let's see now with Of Light and Darkness

[@fireandshodow]

People act as if when you dislike something they like, you dislike them :) I don't like Sanderson and dnfed Wise man's fear and Empire of Silence was such a bore and a complete chore to read I think I finished it by stubbornness alone. It's a big, wide world and there is a lot for everyone to love, we can't have it all! :)

[@52andtuck]

Yes jessssus thank u. I just got into this book sht and 1 thing I've noticed is you can like a booktuber and TOTALLY disagree with their favorites. And vice versa. There some booktubers I can't STAND their videos but I'm interested in their opinion on a book.

[@parkercrystal1]

I'm with you on Will of the Many. It was good, but I don't need to read the next.

[@ComradeNerd]

This is Mike's 1996 Bash at the Beach moment.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

My unpopular opinion would be: I don’t get the hype about Mistborn. I felt the writing was shallow and juvenile. The characters were extremely one dimensional. And everything seemed to be told instead of revealed naturally.

[@s.p.8508]

Btw, I really do think you will enjoy (or at least tolerate) The Lost Metal, at least in terms of the Cosmere connections. It’s the most Cosmere aware book he’s written by far. I also wasn’t the biggest fan of era 2, didn’t really care for Wax or Marasi; however, I still think he ended era 2 really well and sets up a lot for future books. It’s not very long, you could probably finish it in a day or 2.

[@1994abh]

Completely agree with your take on The Lies of Locke Lamora (not only did I hate the time jumping, I don't like the whole story telling us how amazing and smart Locke is and then never really showing it) and The Name of the Wind. Your take on Mistborn era 2 - I am disgusted

[@kflott]

Still holding out hope that you try Grey Sister one day. You won't, but hey I can dream haha😅

[@mikesbookreviews]

Let me shake the Magic 8 Ball...OUTLOOK NOT SO GOOD

[@Chris-tt7mt]

Dune was one book i never got around to finishing.. sorry Mike! I love you and what you do... You introduced me to a lot of good books but sadly Dune was not 1 of them at least in my opinion!

[@Giggra]

The Lost Metal almost made up for Sanderson ending Era 1. I despise steampunk, so I struggled through Era 2 books 1-3. However I wanted to absorb the entire Cosmere. The Lost Metal made it worth it. I'm looking forward to seeing how he handles switching over to sci-fi.

[@Lokiboy1717]

I'm right there with you regarding Mark Lawrence. He's a good writer, but his books don't really do anything for me, and I've read three trilogies (Broken Empire, Red Queen's War and Book of the Ancestor)! Mostly because of all the praise and I used to have the mentality that I need to finish once I've started. Thankfully I've kicked that habit. 😊

[@hillbillynate]

That shirt is so sweet!

[@hillbillynate]

Too sweet if you will...

[@captsploof]

Hey, people hyped up Midnight on Beacon Street....and I do not at all like that book, but to each there own. Someone will like it! Recently, I got someone who had a stroke who felt it was impossible for him to read to try audio. After telling him audiobooks are reading I had him start from a movie he loved with jurassic park.... and it hooked him with audiobooks he could read. However, I then had him try hitchhikers guide and he hated it lmao..... no book is for everyone

[@guitearist]

I'm with the booktubers on The Will of the Many. Loved it.

[@Brownie5540]

Some of mine: Tide Child Trilogy, Poppy War, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Broken Earth Triology, Mistborn Era 2. Haven't really loved anything I've read by Crichton or Crouch, so I think technothriller just isn't my genre. Stopped Wheel of Time after a book and a half, has been the only series I've DNF'd.

[@maxsinclair787]

the poppy war didn't do it for me either, I finished the first book only because it was an audio book I won't be reading the other two. I like Stephen kings adaptations but when I've tried to read his work a few times and with a few different books but there are too many sentences that just don't work for me. I'm dyslexic and I think not stupid (nervous laughter) but very often when I try to read king I have to stop and reread sentences because they didn't make sense to me the first time round. I am a fan of most of the adaptations I've seen of his work despite not being a fan of the horror genre as a whole. another unpopular opinion is that despite writing genuinely superb characters not a fan of the first law I finished it hoping that he would finish it in a way that was satisfying and was left disappointed, but the characters were great. just wish they were in a better story. oh also i was luke warm on muderbot, it was readable but its a good thing it was a novella.

[@savannahpfeiffer5983]

I feel the same about Jade legacy. Didn’t really feel connected. It was good - but definitely liked the other two better.

[@christopherdaley5617]

My big one is Sanderson. I like some of his books, but often his writing and plotting leave me frustrated. I finally completely bailed after Oathbringer which I felt was a lot of pages to barely go anywhere. I began to fear it was going to turn into another Wheel of Time experience (another unpopular opinion). On the Wheel of Time I felt like each book after the first one began to show diminishing returns. By the time I got to six, I didn't care anymore. I hate read 7 and quit.

[@zhazhagab0r]

Interesting- I really like Stormilght Archive and really hate Wheel of time. I wonder if it's the characters keeping me in Stormlight.

[@fishingfitness]

Took me 6 months to get through the first 3 books of cradle and I didn't really like it at all, but man... it got way better and I loved it after that

[@Olphas]

I expected The Will of the Many to not wow me as much as it did many other people apparently. I always wonder about these booktube darlings and the way these just explode because everybody wants to jump on the boat that is the most talked about at the moment. But ... I loved the book and it ended up being my favorite book of the year. Sometimes the buzz seems justified (tbf it was not the buzz but Petrik's review that made me want to read it). I am listening to All Systems Red at the moment and ... after about a third of the book I am with you. It does nothing for me. I will finish it but probably not continue with the series.

[@Morfeusm]

The Will of the many had so many interesting things meshed together, read really quickly. Got me invested so hard! Diago was such infuriating character to follow in a good way!

[@markb3534]

Willing to say it! Well done, Mike!

[@bhatfield1417]

Same as others here. Jade legacy was amazing to me. I also at first didn't like the jumping, but by halfway through totally think she pulled off what she was trying to do. Plus its not like your abandoning the OGs. Part of me appreciates the generational story that was told and how it was concise and not overly long.

[@patriciakeagan9410]

Not everyone had to like the same book. I like listening to both sides of the coin. Just because one likes a book, and some don't. It is no big deal. That is how it is in the reading game. Have a great weekend Mike. Thanks for sharing.

[@NoelleD.]

My unpopular opinions: There’s only one person I’ve seen on KZbin that felt the same way about mistborn that my husband and I did and it was Fantasy Nuttwork 😂. I hadn’t finished it but even 75 pages in I was like wow….this book is extremely repetitive. The way vin’s internal monologue kept repeating I was like…we know…we get it.. with that said I will read it eventually. Also I love love love the Lies of Locke Lamora. The second book in the series is a little hard to get into for me for some reason. I am about half way thru Elantris and I love it. But people are always saying it’s not a good work to start with Brandon Sanderson. There are some things that are confusing like his different made up words sometimes don’t make sense/are confusing at first but that’s ok lol.

[@s.p.8508]

Mike: “I’m bout to piss people off.” Me: “nothing he says will make me angry, he’s allowed to have an opinion.” Mike: “first up, The Will of the Many…” Me: “LET ME AT HIM!!!!”

[@mikesbookreviews]

HA HA!

[@fcsolis]

I think I'll buy The Name of the Wind and read it anyway. Thank you.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Please do! I always encourage others to read it and make up their own mind.

[@nazimelmardi]

Another fun video after the Goblin’s? As the Deadpool would say: it’s beginning to feel Xmas!😂 Sarah J Maas mentioned? Read 4th Wing and Iron Flame right now for some rant vid material. 😂 SJM is a picnic to that. 😁 Anddd yes, Poppy War is true. The base idea is good, writing good, but the execution is what you just said. The main character is.. well… dumb. That’s not how she should behave. She is very close to a Sarah J Maas character now that you mentioned.

[@shineswillinsteve2350]

Yeah I definitely liked “Children of Time” enough that ill probably check out the other two in the series at some point, but I wasn’t as blown away by it as all the reviews led me to believe I would be…

[@NatsTown]

That shirt is TOO SWEET