It is SO good to know what Valek said, to that insane last line, of the previous book.
I really enjoyed this b*ARC provided by Mira Ink, via netgalley*
It is SO good to know what Valek said, to that insane last line, of the previous book.
I really enjoyed this book. I kept thinking about it, and wanting to pick it up. Although there were quite a few things I didn't find great, which I will go into, in my full review. (Hopefully up soon)...more
I read a quote from this book in Wonder by R. J. Palacio. And I loved it so much that I needed to read the book it came from: “And now hActually 3.5/5
I read a quote from this book in Wonder by R. J. Palacio. And I loved it so much that I needed to read the book it came from: “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
I think my expectations were a bit too high going into this. I was expecting this magical, whimsical story, that would make me cry, and teach me an invaluable lesson about life.
It was definitely magical and whimsical; but in a sort of strange and unstructured way. The world didn't follow any real rules, and the direction of things was a bit hazy.
It also did teach me a lesson about life, which was beautifully illustrated, and really interesting to think about while I was reading. However it wasn't as emotional as I was expecting, and at times I felt a bit detached from the story.
I do think this is worth the read, and I really liked the watercolour illustrations.
This didn't add any new information, but it was was still enjoyable. I really like A, and it was interesting to get snapshots of them growing up. I liThis didn't add any new information, but it was was still enjoyable. I really like A, and it was interesting to get snapshots of them growing up. I liked all 6 stories, and the writing was quite beautiful....more
*ARC provided by Penguin Books Australia, via netgalley*
This book was cotton candy, with a delicious Oreo center. It was fluffy, it was Actually 4.5/5
*ARC provided by Penguin Books Australia, via netgalley*
This book was cotton candy, with a delicious Oreo center. It was fluffy, it was adorable. The romance was so much fun, and I couldn't even handle how cute it was sometimes. But it was also more than that, mostly because of Simon.
Simon's narration was authentic and added a realness to the story. He is growing up, and trying to decide who he is, and what he wants to share with others. The relationships and decisions get more complicated, and his flaws become visible, as well as the ways he can grow.
Simon's personality and voice are really distinct. He is masculine, but also sensitive. Sex is discussed and thought about in the book, but never in a crude way. The author also manages to capture these moments of adolescence so well. Simple things, that when you read them, just tug on your nostalgia, and remind you of past experiences.
Sexuality and other issues play a big part in this book, but its definitely more about Simons personal growth, and also about the romance. Which can I just say, was so freaking cute! One of the most adorable romances I've ever read.
Other characters like Abby and Leah also added a lot to the story. They are so different from each other, but both such amazing friends. I loved the diversity of their characters, and the conflicts that happened between them, and Simon.
However, other than Simon, Abby and Leah. The other characters weren't as well developed, and could have been explored more. Also everything in the book ends a little too perfectly. Every thing falls into place, in a sort of fairytale kind of way.
Even so, I finished this book with a smile on my face. It was such a fun reading experience, and I definitely recommend it. ...more
Positives +Really cool concept/premise, that was well executed, and completely captivating. +Complex and and interesting characters, with Actually 4.5/5
Positives +Really cool concept/premise, that was well executed, and completely captivating. +Complex and and interesting characters, with awesome interaction and dialogue between them. +Rhy and Kell!!! +Such a unique and amazing world or worlds. And a really interesting magic system. I cant wait to find out more about both in the next book. +Schwab's writing style, is sort of effortless. She created such a complex world, with really fascinating characters. And she made me believe it, and allow myself to step into it. I am definitely going to be reading more of her books.
Negatives -The main protagonists were ok, but not great. I liked how talented and interesting Kell was. But his personality kinda fell flat for me. He was really much better, when he had someone to banter with. Also Lila, the other protagonist. Is a seeker of danger, and likes to jump into things unprepared, not caring about the consequences. So it took a while for her to grow on me. -I wish there was more back story, and even more world building. The structure of things is really well done. And what we did get was awesome. But I wish I got more of a feel of things, especially of Red London. I would have loved to get flashbacks, or just see Red London as more of a home for Kell. But that's definitely something that can (and hopefully will) be expanded in the next book. -It was too short. There was a lot of action in this book which was great. But I would have loved more Rhy + Kell time, and generally just more of Kell in Red London. I think it would have really helped to improve the world building, and also allow me to connect to him more....more
*ARC provided by Bloomsbury Publishing, via netgalley*
I had a very conflicting experience with this book...
THE FIRST HALF OF THE BOOK Things started of*ARC provided by Bloomsbury Publishing, via netgalley*
I had a very conflicting experience with this book...
THE FIRST HALF OF THE BOOK Things started off with me being slightly confused. Mostly because everyone was acting in a weird and unbelievable way.
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The world had the potential to be really amazing. But I just wasn't having it. I couldn't connect to the story, the characters and most of all the narrator.
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Eventually though, I started to get more engrossed in the story. And that's when the forced romance VERY VERY SLOWLY started to appear. Honestly I have never wanted insta-love to hurry up and go already, as much as I did with this.
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There was some waiting, some slight plot developments.
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And then finally it happened!!! The romance moved forward!!
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Let me just say, it was slightly worth it.
THE SECOND HALF After the steamy romance finally started to happen. The rest of the book, just fell into place and got AMAZING! I couldn't stop reading. Everything was so intense, and just YES! This is what I was waiting for!
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So that was my strange experience with this book. I went from not liking it, to pretty much loving it.
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Also can I just add, one of the characters is described as moving their head in an animalistic way? What does that look like? Every time I read that description, all I thought of was this...
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...more
This book was a completely different experience for me. Ive never read anything like it before.
It started as a quirky contemporary storyActually 4.5/5
This book was a completely different experience for me. Ive never read anything like it before.
It started as a quirky contemporary story, about a boy named Austin and his strange, sexually confused life. But then it changed into a story about history, relationships, sex, and also giant praying mantises.
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I was reading about Austin, in this small town, and then something would happen, and just...
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I kept on reading, and it still continued to surprise me.
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And in between all the weird things, would be these nuggets of wisdom, that just blew me away.
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I finished this book feeling strange, yes. But also filled with energy, and happiness at the amazing story I had just read. A story that is so many things all together, wrapped up in a bright green book. You know what I mean.
Favourite things: -Austins perspective and narration of his life. He is hilarious, and weird, and thinks about sex constantly. Which you would think, would be annoying and overly crude. But it was actually one of the aspects that I loved about this book. -Also his struggle with his sexuality. Damn I loved that, it was amazing! Ive never ever read a book that deals with someone who is confused about who they are attracted to, and it was such a breath of fresh air. Like wow! -The writing style was layered with different stories, that were all so interesting, and added so much to the main plot line. Also there is repetition, that I would normally find annoying. But somehow in this book its kinda perfect. -Ingrid, Austins dog! -I know Ive probably said it way too many times. But this book is so strange and unique. In both the actual storyline, and characters. But also just in the execution, and style that it is written. I am now definitely a fan of Andrew Smith, and look forward to reading all the rest of his books.
Things I didn't like: -Austin was pretty much the only well developed character in this book. I felt like the two other main characters, Robby and Shann, werent explored enough. Especially since they were there most of the time.
Although I didn't have a problem with it at all. If you don't like crude humour, lots of swearing, and talk about sex. Then this probably isn't the book for you. Also the writing style is very unique, and some people might not like it. So definitely read a sample, or the first few pages to get a feel for things....more
*thanks to Orion publishing for sending me this book, via netgalley*
So lets set the scene. There is a world separated by blood. (probablActually 2.5/5
*thanks to Orion publishing for sending me this book, via netgalley*
So lets set the scene. There is a world separated by blood. (probably just North America) If you have silver blood you are the elite, and maybe even have special abilities (imagine x-men). If your blood is red, then you are a commoner/controlled by the government a.k.a people with silver blood.
Enter the main character Mare Barrow, a 17 year old girl with red blood. When you first meet her, she is ordinary and no different to other red bloods. But then you get to know her better and you realise she's special. You could even say she has 'blood orange' blood.
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Ok fine, not actually. The point is that the main character of the story is special. (collapses in shock) Lets talk about 4 ways her snowflake status annoys me.
1. Every guy 'loves' her Every male character, that might love Mare. Ends up 'loving' her, to some degree or another. I say love very loosely here, because there wasn't really a romance in this book. There was no chemistry or heat, because there was barely any romantic interaction.
2. Every girl 'hates' her Most of the female characters, and also 'villians', hated Mare. Now there are obvious reasons for this hate. What I had a problem with though, was that these reasons were as basic as you could imagine. I wanted more explanation, and more depth to the antagonists.
3. Complains like its a sport I know that she's in a difficult situation. And that people are dying, and suffering. But somehow Mare is able to make me not care about all of that. At certain points it felt like all she would do was judge, and complain, and then judge some more. Most of the time, she was completely right. But when it feels like its happening every 2 pages, I can only care so much.
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4. Can't seem to see the obvious Like many main characters, Mare was blind to what is seemingly obvious. But I will forgive her for that. What really annoyed me, was that the plot as a whole was completely predictable. There wasn't a twist, or surprise, that I didn't see coming. All I had to do, was imagine what the most obvious route was, and that's where the story would go.
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Although the writing wasn't the best. It did draw me in, especially during action scenes. So I did end up enjoying at least part of my reading experience. The world was definitely my favourite thing about this book. The special abilities are so awesome, and I'm sure there are even more talented people in the next books. Also there is so much potential for where this story can go, and where Mare as a character can explore and grow. However I don't think I'll be reading book two.
A mini adventure through Valek's point of view. It was enjoyable to read, but the plot didn't add anything new. I also don't feel like I know Valek beA mini adventure through Valek's point of view. It was enjoyable to read, but the plot didn't add anything new. I also don't feel like I know Valek better either. It is only 15 pages though....more
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