Review: Lexicon by Max Barry

Name: Lexicon
Author: Max Barry
Pages: 387
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Mulholland Books
ISBN: 978-1-444-76468-0
Rating: 4.5/5

In this novel words are very powerful in the hands of people called "poets." Words are tools that these people use to gain a chemical reaction which is then used to create some form of meaning. There are certain words that can create a reaction that causes a person to be susceptible to suggestion. Though, people have different words that do this based on what "segment" or personality they are sorted into.

I loved the concept of this novel and found it very well executed. The idea of these words being able to control people was made very believable to the point where I was a little concerned. The organisation created that trained people in this art of manipulation was a great idea. Reminded me of Xavier's school in X-Men.

The characters for the most part were great. I loved Emily and thought that her poet name was wonderful. I did fangirl a bit about that. Wil was initially infuriating but halfway through the noel I put two and two together and realised what was going on which made him a little less irritating thought I shan't mention that because of spoilers. Eliot was probably my favourite character, he was amusing and sarcastic with a soft side that he never let anyone see.

The different formats of reports and blog posts were occasionally confusing and I didn't feel like they added a great deal to the novel as a whole. Some parts were also very confusing making it difficult to read.

Overall, I liked it but I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a light hearted easy read.

August Wrap Up

August was an average reading month quantity wise but what I did read I loved, for the most part. I read three novels and two graphic novels.

1. Deadly Class Volume One by Rick Remender and Wes Craig. 4.5/5

I thought this was brilliant. It's like Xavier's school for mutants in X-Men mixed with the mob. Essentially the children of murderers, drug lords and all manner of nefarious doers are educated in the deadly arts. I like Marcus, the main character, he's tough but also shows his compassionate side to others which makes him an odd choice for a deadly assassin but a loveable character. I'm also interested to see where this story goes as some back story is hinted at to do with Marcus' former homes.

2. Ms. Marvel Volume One by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona. 3/5

I'm a massive Marvel fan but I didn't love this as much as I thought I would. I appreciate the diversity created in Ms. Marvel as a result of her Muslim religion and enjoyed learning a few things about it. I just feel like there was something missing from the story and I wasn't overly fond of how Kamala got her powers. It just seemed like a bit of a throwaway decision. I do plan on carrying on with this story as I want to see where it goes and I enjoy the family dynamic.

3. My Swordhand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick. 4/5

One of the most beautifully written books I have ever read, but also one of the most bizarre. It started off very slowly but soon picked up with it being such a short novel. It's set in this dark and cold village called Chust that really reminds me of the setting in The Werewolf by Angel Carter. I found the period the book was set in fascinating and I now want to read more novels based in the 17th Century. The novel it's self is inspired by the original folklore of vampires in Eastern Europe which I like as I find any form of folklore so cool. I loved the characters, Peter the loyal son and Tomas, the father, though he was dreadfully flawed. I do however wish that some of the aspects of the novel were more explained. The people who returned from the dead had to pick up seeds if they were thrown which made no sense to me. I wish certain aspects like that were more explained which is why it doesn't get 5/5.

4. Bone Dragon by Alexia Casale. 4/5

I cried. This is the most adorable book. Evie has had a bad past with her birth family and has only recently divulged the extent of it to her adoptive family. This resulted in a piece of Evie's ribs being removed that had died. The bone was then carved into a dragon that came to life at night and took Evie on adventures to help her regain her happiness and courage. Like with My Swordhand there were aspects that I wish were more explained, things that were mentioned. Evie's reason for getting hurt was never revealed, nor was what happened with the glass at her grandparents house. However, I was happy with how to story ended and I feel like as a reader I got closure.

5. Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff. 5/5

I adored this book and fangirl about it in this post here.

What books did you read this month?

Katie x