User Profile

jwentz

jwentz@bookwyrm.social

Joined 5 months, 2 weeks ago

My rating scale is:

5 Stars - It was amazing 4 Stars- Really liked it 3 Stars - Liked it 2 Stars - Disliked it 1 Star - Hated it

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jwentz's books

Currently Reading

2025 Reading Goal

16% complete! jwentz has read 2 of 12 books.

reviewed Homeland by R. A. Salvatore (The Dark Elf Trilogy, Part 1 (Forgotten Realms: The Legend of Drizzt, Book I))

R. A. Salvatore: Homeland (Hardcover, 2004, Wizards of the Coast) 4 stars

Homeland is a fantasy novel by American writer by R. A. Salvatore, the first book …

Review of Homeland

4 stars

Homeland walks us through the formative years of Drizzt, from just before his birth to ultimately setting off on the rest of his journey. Salvatore builds upon brutal Drow society, establishing politics, lore, and its home Menzoberranzan in the Underdark. Drizzt is a predictable but enjoyable character to follow, and his thoughts and flaws are well established. I enjoyed it, can see where the trilogy is going, and am quickly starting book 2 next!

reviewed Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert (Chronicles of Dune, #2)

Frank Herbert: Dune Messiah (Paperback, 1987, Ace) 4 stars

Dune Messiah Review: Good Continuation, Similar Narrative Style

3 stars

Much like the first book, I found myself completely absorbed and unable to put it down at the end. The story coalesces much like Paul's prescience, intricately fitting the pieces together to complete the final grand picture. Paul undergoes significant character development between books and during this one; despite this story being perceived as a "bridge" I found his contrast and perspectives intriguing for the overarching narrative.

That said, it's slow to start, and being shorter there was less action/movement than the first. It's riddled with the deep political intrigue we expect, but most of the story is told through dialogue instead of action. It was impossible to put down when in the mood for something deep, but more reprieve would help.

Overall a very worthwhile read... just a bit slow!

reviewed Dune by Frank Herbert (Dune, #1)

Frank Herbert: Dune (Paperback, 2006, Hodder) 4 stars

Dune is a 1965 science-fiction novel by American author Frank Herbert, originally published as two …

Dune Review

5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed my first read-through of Dune. The blend of sci-fi and religion set the stage for a large-scale space opera unlike any I've experienced before, and the power struggle between the large political entities unfolds in countless increasingly surprising ways. I watched the first two (reboot) movies, and there was still plenty here to enjoy!

At times (especially at the outset) it can be a bit slow, but I found Dune rewarding, and the world building a great stage for both this book and the series!