This is the most amazing thing I've read about pain, lately. Bad description I made, I know. I like this book more than the first as you can see. I fiThis is the most amazing thing I've read about pain, lately. Bad description I made, I know. I like this book more than the first as you can see. I finally saw the big difference between Mia and Adam: their passion. I am not saying Mia is not passionate about her music, but it was such a big difference. The writing style is amazing and makes the story so easy to follow. Another thing that I like about this duology is the way the flashbacks make it through out the story. You might think that they interfere in the story and make it hard to follow, but actually they start from a point in present and end in the same way, making also a common front with the present. I do recommend this book, this duology actually. It is a beautiful story about pain, how to be strong and stay alive even if everything seems to fall apart. ...more
I will start off by saying I really enjoy dual points of view, especially if they are thousand of years apart. Although at some point I did manage to I will start off by saying I really enjoy dual points of view, especially if they are thousand of years apart. Although at some point I did manage to figure out what the catch was.
I enjoyed Rielle's pov more than Eliana's. I can see what the author was trying to do to keep the suspense of the two queens. However, at one point, it becomes visible on what the trajectory is with both of them.
Trying to portray one as traumatised to appeal to the empathic side, while the other was rather annoying than "bad".
Like I said, mostly I really liked the back and forth on the pov's, and I also enjoyed the world - although some parts of it still need some explaining.
I can say that I am really curious of Rielle's story, although we kind of know the ending there. But at this point, Eliana is still a little bit annoying.
I also like the writing style. For me, it did seem that the dual povs had different voices. So I look forward to see how the voices will change in the next book, considering the outcomes....more
This has a great setting and cast of characters. Loved the relationships and the plot twists. Also, the ending had a lot of ups and downs that were reThis has a great setting and cast of characters. Loved the relationships and the plot twists. Also, the ending had a lot of ups and downs that were really unexpected.
Really love the writing style and will definitely read more books/series from this author....more
Look vampires are dramatic. I don't know if this applies to all, but the ones in here - holy shit take it easy with the drama would you? [image] I am diLook vampires are dramatic. I don't know if this applies to all, but the ones in here - holy shit take it easy with the drama would you? [image] I am disappointed and sad and frustrated, because this series went downhill for me. I kept reading this thinking now we will get over our dramatic and be mature. Well, never mind. I will name two things I loved about this book and for which you see the the above 2 starts: 1. The writing style - I really liked the writing style, especially in the action bits. I kept thinking that would look nice in a movie. Really descriptive in a good way. 2. Side characters - Jackal and a little bit Kanin, but mostly Jackal. If this book did not have Jackal I would have DNF-ed the hell out of it. But I stuck with the him through out 393 pages of drama, because he deserve it. And I say Kanin a bit, because dude the fuck with that ending - (view spoiler)[the dude is so dramatic he kills himself, for the greater good, before they fucking end the shit.What was that, somebody help me. (hide spoiler)]. Jackal save this book, he really did. [image] Now onto what I screamed at for 393 pages 1. Main characters - Allison and a certain someone that won't be named due to spoilers My dudes I want you to know at the end of book 2 all I wanted was a generic happy ending. By the middle of book 3 all I wanted was for the main character to die. How the hell did I ended up there? Allison in book 1 was amazing, badass and just overall had potential. Allison in book 2 was whiny, but again had potential. Allison in book 3 fucked me over and all her potential. We spend half of the book in self pity and hating ourselves because she is a monster. Girl we know, we get it, stop shoving it down our throats. [image] I get now all the humanity discussion in book 2, but my soul and brain could care less about that when you find the most stupid place to have romantic discussions. I will rant about something in spoilers now, all I can say without spoilers is that I would have much preferred if this book was in Jackal's point of view. Really. (view spoiler)[Would you believe me if I told you that at the end of book 2 I wanted Zeke to be a vampire. And by the half mark of this book I wanted him dead. He whined about every mother fucking thing. He is a monster, he must be killed, he can't be like this, he is not human anymore - good boy if I was there I would have done it by the second line of dialogue. And this goes on for all the book, all of it, done either by him or Allison. And I never wanted two main characters to just not exist on the page anymore. (hide spoiler)] [image] 2. The fucking ending There were so many things that pissed me off and I had to put the book down a couple of times until I finished it. Somewhere along the way stupid decisions were made and I could not for the life of me understand the pacing or the plot or solutions. [image] 3. Romance plot - fuck it. The hell with the romance plot do you hear me, it can burn. [image] Yeah, so this trilogy really went downhill for me. But I will try my luck with the new series of the author, the fantasy one, because here it was mostly a character problem for me....more
I was surprised by this book, because it managed some pretty interesting plot twists and also kept the discussions that were initially started in the I was surprised by this book, because it managed some pretty interesting plot twists and also kept the discussions that were initially started in the gray area. For about a third of the book the plot from book one was continued in this one and then suddenly revelations were thrown at the reader and well things shifted. I was shocked. What stood out the most in this book are the relationships, from family relationships, to friendships and even romantic ones. And each aspect was developed through a character, not necessary though Emika. I had a strange relationship with Hideo, because I was super confused at the end of book one, for me he was almost the villain of the story. I really liked his arc through book two and I am glad the character decision were not only done for shock value. He really was a gray area character, which I did not expect. Also, the technological aspect in this one is even more mind blowing than in the first. (view spoiler)[We find at the end of book one that Hideo's brother Sasuke is Zero, what we find out in book two is that Sasuke is no longer human, but AI - which made me cry. (hide spoiler)]. It is sufficient to say that the stakes from Warcross were raised higher. I was really happy with the end. Because it seems like an open ending, but at the same time wraps all the things. Highly recommend this duology for science fiction fans and Marie Lu fans....more
Unfortunately this was too long for me. And I didn't even liked the romance - which was what intrigued me in the first place about this series. MostlyUnfortunately this was too long for me. And I didn't even liked the romance - which was what intrigued me in the first place about this series. Mostly it was saved by the last 20 pages. [image] I think book two was a mess, because it was too long and it did not know where to focus. I think it wanted to be more politically driven, but help me it was so damn boring, I would not know what to tell you of the political plot. As for the magic system - there is no magic system? We have this wraith creature from book one - which is there only to mess with the plot. We never find more about it or how it functions - which made me sad. His connection to Wil brings such an interesting grey area to follow. Because and spoilers (view spoiler)[the boy is connected to her emotionally, all he does is fulfill Wil's wishes, however radical - even by killing Meredith - the fiance of the king and our love interest. Which concluded in no consequences for Wil, even when the boy stated that he did what he did so that the prince could be hers now. Like, really, nada? (hide spoiler)]. [image] The romance was a mess, I could not keep up with either they liked each other or not. And all that he is not who I fell in love with thing. Please just - he is the same. And don't get me started on the mask thing - they all wear their mask: now he is smiling like a prince, now like a thief. It felt so inconsistent I didn't even know when they actually started to like each other. Character wise it felt there was more tell and not show in this book - we really know how great Wil is at being a thief, because we are told constantly. But maybe if we had less of that and more of moving the plot forward, the book would have been shorter. Also again so many inconsistency in her thought process - she likes him, she does not, she want to be queen, but does she really know what that means? Like I get the struggle, but I hope since now she was out in the open with her identity, that things would be more consistent in her development. I couldn't tell you how she got to be more resilient or more thoughtful towards her people. [image] The human villains were only a pain in the ass, that kept messing with the plot - (view spoiler)[ I could not for the life of me figure out why Patrick was the way he was, like I get it he had a different view of how to get back the kingdom, but fuck he was really screwed in the head if he thought that doing this will get him any favours or a better life. Like she said no dude. What the fuck? (hide spoiler)] The magic villain was just there always looming close, but we did not find anything at all about it. Like why did Wil's parents never did anything to stop it. Were they that stupid? If that is the case that's unfortunate for their kingdom and subjects. [image] The only word I can think to summaries this book is - a mess. Nothing was consistent - things happened to fill in the plot, but nothing came out of that action. And there are so many things that could have been developed further if shown in the book earlier. There were such interesting things to be discussed with the magic system and relationships, but all major points were rushed over. So, I don't know how much I would recommend this duology, because I liked the first book, but this one does not seem like a satisfying conclusion. [image]...more
This is a short and interesting read, from a format point of view. Even if the book is big due to the drawings it is easily read. I liked the format aThis is a short and interesting read, from a format point of view. Even if the book is big due to the drawings it is easily read. I liked the format and the way by the end things connected. It deals with grief and loss of a parent. Also, family situations, more than once. I love Hugo, he is a smart and stubborn boy - who just needed the guidance. I think I saw the movie a while back, but I need to rewatch it. ...more
Here we go. This did not seem as big as it is. But it took me this long due to other stuff. So many things happened here and our characters did not haHere we go. This did not seem as big as it is. But it took me this long due to other stuff. So many things happened here and our characters did not had a easy revolution. And Levana was a bitch until the very end. I really loved Winter - even seeing her briefly in the other books, she captures the page. I love how she is written - way too good for her own good, but also with a charm. I loved the development of the relationship in this one - mostly Cress and Thorne. And I love Kai - he has gone through so much shit since the beginning of the series it is crazy. And he was the closest to Levena - again poor soul. Really interesting how the character development of some characters are introduced. Not so radical, but through small gestures. Even Jacin was there for the team, mostly. Highly recommend this series, it blends science fiction and fairy tales - in here is so cleverly done, like we have the coffin glass - that is crazy. Highly highly recommend. I hope to get my hands on Stars Above soon, because I am not really good with audiobooks - unfortunately. ...more
I love Rapunzel - more the movie than the fairytale honestly. I love the dynamics between Cress and Thorne - it really resemblances the Rapunzel movieI love Rapunzel - more the movie than the fairytale honestly. I love the dynamics between Cress and Thorne - it really resemblances the Rapunzel movie dynamic. And what is really nice is that the characters don't stuck to their relationships only. We have so many interactions and friendships developed in these 3 books - Cinder and Thorne, Cinder and Wolf, Kai and Thorne - so to say. And also by the end of this book I've realised, these poor souls have been separated so much through 3 books is crazy. I really love these characters and their interactions and like I said with Scarlet, I think no matter the action or plot these characters make the books. I will repeat myself, but highly recommend this series. ...more
So, I guess is no surprise that I love this series. --------------------------------------- What I loved about this series, even up to book two is how tSo, I guess is no surprise that I love this series. --------------------------------------- What I loved about this series, even up to book two is how the characters are introduced. Like, I think I was not expecting the characters to come together so fast, but I liked it very much. Thinking about it I think for this series it would not matter what happened, but that these characters are there. I think the only series were the characters stand out this much is ACOTAR, but even so I think this crew is even awesome. I love the writing style, so much. I flew through this series so fast, mostly because of the plot and action and constant sarcastic and funny remarks of the characters. And another awesome thing is how the fairytale details are introduced - here the wolf and the grandmother, I really really enjoyed seeing those bits. Highly recommend this series. ...more
I think this could have delve more into the dark side of things. The stakes were high, but I don't think we ever felt the panic. I really like the maiI think this could have delve more into the dark side of things. The stakes were high, but I don't think we ever felt the panic. I really like the main character Maia - she strives for her country and for the people around her. And fights back what the events in book one have caused her. But that it is she is so consumed by what might happen to the people around her and her country (here it did remind me a little bit of Mulan) and she does not get to be selfish at all. And because of her nature we never really dive into the dark side of things. The romance was there, I can say it did something for me - I had more feelings in book one. But it was cute and I am okay with it. The addition of Lady Sarnai was interesting, but kinda rushed. I did not have time to process the relationships or any that happened after war broke out. And her character was the interesting one out of the bunch. Even her romantic relationships were interesting and that was basically thrown into the water. The ending bothers me because it was really cookie cutter. Which I cannot say I did not expect, but at the same time I wanted more. And it does not seem that all that happened will be accepted quite that easily, but oh well. All in all, I enjoyed this duology and I am curious about the other books the authors has out, because I really like the writing style. ...more
DNF @ 92 pages. I tried. But this is not what I expected. The funny thing is from 3 character perspectives, I liked none. 1. Mari - she was your averagDNF @ 92 pages. I tried. But this is not what I expected. The funny thing is from 3 character perspectives, I liked none. 1. Mari - she was your average my mom sucks, I will do better. But I will do what my mom says, because shit I have no plan of my own. 2. Taro - he is your average I don't want to be emperor, I want to invent and escape my ruthless father. Why fight the system from within when I can whine about it and just leave. 3. Akira - he is your average nobody loves me, but I will find my way. Also, hello pursuing love that you know does not reciprocates your feelings. The concept of the world is really interesting, the characters not so much. And since to like the story I would have to be interested in at least one character, well shit's not working. [image]...more
Review to come...hopefully today. [image] Even though it was not that day. It is today. This book is definitely more politically driven than the other tReview to come...hopefully today. [image] Even though it was not that day. It is today. This book is definitely more politically driven than the other two. Here we expand a little bit the world of Renthia. I remain to my favourite character Daleina. It is just that the other characters do not have her determination. And even though she has a little bit of hero complex, she knows her strength. [image] This book plays a lot on the concept of power. And budges a lot of character relationships, from the first chapters, most of them towards revenge. I think here we do not have a villain, mostly a person who treads the grey area. (view spoiler)[Which is really funny, because at the end of the day all Mercot had to do was talk. (hide spoiler)] Now that I think about it, you could say the ending was a little bit anticlimactic, compared to the first two books. But it also felt different - because here the main plot got transformed into something else. Which was quite the surprise. I will knock a start out, because compared to the first book, this one did not have the same feeling. I still highly recommend the series and I can't wait to read the standalone novel. ...more
4 starts for the kids, I am sorry. I will rethink the decision if I think it is necessary. Nope, still 4 starts. Even though I really like the contras4 starts for the kids, I am sorry. I will rethink the decision if I think it is necessary. Nope, still 4 starts. Even though I really like the contrast to the first book. [image] I like the tension in this book and the sub plots added and how easily everything got out of control. Daleina is still my favourite character. Because although I understood Naelin, she had more of a chance of pissing me off - due to certain side characters always around her. We know Daleina always had the determination and so it is a nice contrast with Naelin, who seems to have it only in certain situations. The plot is always intertwined with either family relationships, or relationships in general. I really like the action, even though I feel it was more focused on characters and differences between them. Also, the romance in this novels is so well done. There is no drama and it is so good. Highly recommend this series. It has an awesome concept and great characters. ...more
Contemporary is not my genre. I used to love reading short contemporary between fantasy or science fiction books, but not so much anymore - this explaContemporary is not my genre. I used to love reading short contemporary between fantasy or science fiction books, but not so much anymore - this explains partially my rating. I really like John Green style of writing and I've read all of his contemporaries and I have a ranging of ratings, for them - from two to five starts. This one mostly fits in the middle. I like the fact that the story was mostly character drive, as most of his novels are. And honestly at time it was, indeed, very difficult to read from Aza's perspective - due to everything that she was going through. However, from the synopsys I expected a little bit more of a plot and adventure. All in all, this was a very eye opening novel and I really enjoyed the Aza's character. I would recommend this if you enjoy drive character contemporaries. ...more
Welcome to the 10th Hunger Games, shit is brutal and not so fancy. Not a lot of people were happy that this was about Snow's beginnings, but oh well: [Welcome to the 10th Hunger Games, shit is brutal and not so fancy. Not a lot of people were happy that this was about Snow's beginnings, but oh well: [image]
This book covered a lot: from the origins of the Hunger Games to the forming of president Snow and how he always had a mind for the games. He basically build them up, with more intention that was required. I did find the pacing weird at time, since we were in the Games for so little, however the story portrayed the view of the Capitol. What I found interesting is that many people did not want to make a human out of Snow, taking into consideration what we know from the original trilogy. But you do know that writing a book about the villain does not mean we are justifying what they do. Just because Snow was poor at some point does not make me feel sorry for him creating the Hunger Games. [image]
I liked how the characters were structured, because you can tell some are put in Snow's path to challenge him, however let's say he is not interested in other points of view. What is seen so much through out this novel is how aware he is of himself and his position is society. What was his saying: Snow lands on top - I think I read to much into it, because I kept thinking that yes, usually snows falls on top of something. Don't know if just got to far. [image]
I liked certain characters, Lucy Gray for instance she was interesting and also the Capitol kid-which was from District 2 actually, but I am blanking on his name. They put Snow under difficult situations, to which you might expect other outcome. But well a little bit of anti thesis is all we need. After all, we are seeing the journey of the villain - which is brutal in many ways. Mostly because you see his ambition to do better for his family, but in the end it is his personal gain that he wants the most. So, I like exploring this part of his character - because by the end you could see it very clearly. [image]
I enjoyed the feeling at reading something by Suzanne Collins again, she just has a way of transposing you into the world she creates in seconds. I love the easter eggs to the original trilogy and I love the writing style. I hope next year to try and read her middle grade series as well. Also cannot wait for the movie. Bring it on. [image]...more
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