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Landry Park #2
Jubilee Manor
The thrilling conclusion to Landry Park is full of love, betrayal, and murder--perfect for fans of Divergent, The Selection, and Pride and Prejudice
In Landry Park, Madeline turned her back on her elite family, friends, and estate to help the Rootless. Now, in Jubilee Manor, she struggles to bring the Gentry and the Rootless together. But when Gentry heirs—Madeline’s old friends—are murdered, even she begins to think a Rootless is behind it, putting her at odds with the boy she loves and the very people she is trying to lead. If she can’t figure out who is killing her friends and bring them to justice, a violent war will erupt and even more will die—and Madeline’s name, her estate, and all the bonds she’s forged won’t make any difference.
This conclusion to Landry Park, which VOYA dubbed "Gone with the Wind meets The Hunger Games,” is a richly satisfying, addictive read.
In Landry Park, Madeline turned her back on her elite family, friends, and estate to help the Rootless. Now, in Jubilee Manor, she struggles to bring the Gentry and the Rootless together. But when Gentry heirs—Madeline’s old friends—are murdered, even she begins to think a Rootless is behind it, putting her at odds with the boy she loves and the very people she is trying to lead. If she can’t figure out who is killing her friends and bring them to justice, a violent war will erupt and even more will die—and Madeline’s name, her estate, and all the bonds she’s forged won’t make any difference.
This conclusion to Landry Park, which VOYA dubbed "Gone with the Wind meets The Hunger Games,” is a richly satisfying, addictive read.
387 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2015
About the author
Bethany Hagen
5 books305 followersBethany Hagen was born and raised in Kansas City. She grew up reading Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, and all things King Arthur, and went on to become a librarian. Landry Park is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
August 15, 2015
I really enjoyed the final book in the Landry Park series, and I'm sad to see it end. Everything wrapped up nicely, and I love the continued character growth and theme of finding yourself amidst expectations and duty. Lovely end to a lovely story.
Read the full review @ A Perfection Called Books
There's something utterly beguiling about this series. It charmed me from page one and enchanted me until the end of the series. Maybe it's the writing or the characterization, perhaps it's the world-building or possibly the romance. Or it could be all of the above.
The East has taken over the US west of the Rockies, and the rest of America needed quick order after their loss in the war. Nuclear power becomes the source of energy, and class divides ensue. The gentry control all the resources and rule through connections and influence. The Rootless, the lowest class, are oppressed and given the worst jobs which subject them to radiation poisoning. As talks of a revolution brew as well as attacks from the East, Madeline Landry must decide where her loyalties lie, with her family and duty or with her heart.
Hagen's plot and storyline are scarily probable sometime in the future. It discusses the very real problem we could run into with nuclear power and abusing it. Hagen managed to flush out the world well, and her world-building was amazing. We really felt like we knew and understood the world. This series has so many twists and complex notions.
This book is pitched as Downton Abbey meets The Selection, but I'd like to throw in some Pride & Prejudice vibes as well. Order, prosperity, and elegance is the slogan of the gentry, and I loved all the scenes at the social events along with the costumes and the decorum. The pure decadence of the gentry lifestyle from the gorgeous estates to the beautiful gowns and the sheer opulence makes this book such an appealing read. Hagen's writing takes on the flair of Jane Austen. Her writing is beautiful, and I was equally stunned by the impeccable word choice. So often in YA novels, I mourn the lack of sophisticated vocabulary. The gorgeous Austen-influenced writing and diction were two elements I deeply enjoyed.
Madeline is such an amazing protagonist. Seeing her growth throughout the series has made her easily one of my favorite protagonists. She stands up for her beliefs and isn't afraid to take charge and set things right. She's not one to dwell on frivolous matters, and she's levelheaded. All the characters are strong and weak in their own ways. I love how none of them are inherently good. They all have good and bad in them, and they must decide which parts of themselves they side with. The warring within themselves perfectly matches the one on the outside among society. I loved the complexity of all the characters. They all had hidden agendas and secret desires. We see so many of the characters in the Landry Park series struggle with tough decisions. Some make the right choices while others falter.
The romance is just as heart-wrenching as that of Elizabeth Bennet's, and I really liked how it progressed. It was the searing looks and the thoughtful notions that set this one ablaze. There's a lot more darkness and a mystery in Jubilee Manor (one that I couldn't figure out!). The conclusion to this wonderful series was well done if a bit rushed. I especially loved the huge significance of Landry Park to Madeline and how it changes her.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this series and am sad to see it go. It's a bit slow in places, so I warn you.... There's not much on the action front, but if you're in the mood for a story with the likes of Pride & Prejudice and has great themes, I urge you to check this one out.
Read the full review @ A Perfection Called Books
There's something utterly beguiling about this series. It charmed me from page one and enchanted me until the end of the series. Maybe it's the writing or the characterization, perhaps it's the world-building or possibly the romance. Or it could be all of the above.
The East has taken over the US west of the Rockies, and the rest of America needed quick order after their loss in the war. Nuclear power becomes the source of energy, and class divides ensue. The gentry control all the resources and rule through connections and influence. The Rootless, the lowest class, are oppressed and given the worst jobs which subject them to radiation poisoning. As talks of a revolution brew as well as attacks from the East, Madeline Landry must decide where her loyalties lie, with her family and duty or with her heart.
Hagen's plot and storyline are scarily probable sometime in the future. It discusses the very real problem we could run into with nuclear power and abusing it. Hagen managed to flush out the world well, and her world-building was amazing. We really felt like we knew and understood the world. This series has so many twists and complex notions.
This book is pitched as Downton Abbey meets The Selection, but I'd like to throw in some Pride & Prejudice vibes as well. Order, prosperity, and elegance is the slogan of the gentry, and I loved all the scenes at the social events along with the costumes and the decorum. The pure decadence of the gentry lifestyle from the gorgeous estates to the beautiful gowns and the sheer opulence makes this book such an appealing read. Hagen's writing takes on the flair of Jane Austen. Her writing is beautiful, and I was equally stunned by the impeccable word choice. So often in YA novels, I mourn the lack of sophisticated vocabulary. The gorgeous Austen-influenced writing and diction were two elements I deeply enjoyed.
Madeline is such an amazing protagonist. Seeing her growth throughout the series has made her easily one of my favorite protagonists. She stands up for her beliefs and isn't afraid to take charge and set things right. She's not one to dwell on frivolous matters, and she's levelheaded. All the characters are strong and weak in their own ways. I love how none of them are inherently good. They all have good and bad in them, and they must decide which parts of themselves they side with. The warring within themselves perfectly matches the one on the outside among society. I loved the complexity of all the characters. They all had hidden agendas and secret desires. We see so many of the characters in the Landry Park series struggle with tough decisions. Some make the right choices while others falter.
The romance is just as heart-wrenching as that of Elizabeth Bennet's, and I really liked how it progressed. It was the searing looks and the thoughtful notions that set this one ablaze. There's a lot more darkness and a mystery in Jubilee Manor (one that I couldn't figure out!). The conclusion to this wonderful series was well done if a bit rushed. I especially loved the huge significance of Landry Park to Madeline and how it changes her.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this series and am sad to see it go. It's a bit slow in places, so I warn you.... There's not much on the action front, but if you're in the mood for a story with the likes of Pride & Prejudice and has great themes, I urge you to check this one out.
August 18, 2015
***Win a copy of Jubilee Manor!***
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Jubilee Manor by Bethany Hagen
Book Two of the Landry Park duology
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: August 11, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Official Summary:
The thrilling conclusion to Landry Park is full of love, betrayal, and murder--perfect for fans of Divergent, The Selection, and Pride and Prejudice.
In Landry Park, Madeline turned her back on her elite family, friends, and estate to help the Rootless. Now, in Jubilee Manor, she struggles to bring the Gentry and the Rootless together. But when Gentry heirs—Madeline’s old friends—are murdered, even she begins to think a Rootless is behind it, putting her at odds with the boy she loves and the very people she is trying to lead. If she can’t figure out who is killing her friends and bring them to justice, a violent war will erupt and even more will die—and Madeline’s name, her estate, and all the bonds she’s forged won’t make any difference.
This conclusion to Landry Park, which VOYA dubbed "Gone with the Wind meets The Hunger Games,” is a richly satisfying, addictive read.
What I Liked:
I think I liked this book even more than I liked Landry Park. I really enjoyed Landry Park! I can definitely see how one would want to compare it to Catherine Fisher's Incarceron (which I LOVED) or Diana Peterfreund's For Darkness Shows the Stars (which I also loved). The setting is unique and full of intrigue, and the protagonist is full of cleverness and strength. So much love!
Madeline is determined to find a way to get the Rootless and the gentry to work together. Both sides are hostile and wary. When the murder of gentry heirs begins, the gentry and Uprisen turns to blame the Rootless, including Madeline (though for good reason). But many don't agree, like Jack and David, and Madeline's relationship with David hangs in the balance. Will war break out, hearts be broken, heirs continue to be killed, before it's too late to stop the storm?
I am a huge fan of Madeline! She is clever and strong like I mentioned above, but there is this innate curiosity, drive, intelligence, and dedication that I absolutely love about her. She puts her duty to finding a solution to the Rootless and gentry's issues first, even going against the opinions and thoughts of the boy she loves, Captain David Dana. She stands on her own two feet, something that she struggled a bit to do in Landry Park (thinking of her and her father).
I love the twists and turns of the plot of this book. It's close to four hundred pages, so it really can't meander too much with boring readers. I was never really bored, which is a plus! I wanted to know what the bigger picture solution would be, with the Rootless and the gentry. But there were so many other issues that were related - the murder of gentry heirs, the complicated DNA discovery that Jamie made at the end of Landry Park, Madeline's relationship with David...
Speaking of... the romance is probably one of my favorite aspects of this duology, if not my favorite. If you thought David and Madeline were swoony in Landry Park... things get even swoonier in this book. And maybe not physically, in terms of intimacy; there's something fundamentally beautiful about their relationship. They fight a lot in this book. They argue and get mad with and at each other, and it's not about things like jealousy over another guy/girl. Their problems lie with how each feels about the Rootless and the gentry, as David and Madeline differ in opinion at times. David and Madeline's relationship has got to be one of the most intense and yet swoony relationships in YA lit! I absolutely adored them, and was cheering them throughout the book.
The setting is amazing! I love how creative and original it seems, even if the general idea of this society is not new. All the glittering society and gorgeous dresses can't hide the exploitation of the Rootless, hence the conflicts. Landry Park is a magical place, even when it is turned into something ugly (metaphorically) by the Rootless.
Many more secrets are uncovered, and the stakes get higher and higher as this book continues. Since this is a conclusion novel, I will be extra careful not to say things about the ending. But I will say that things get crazy and surprising (from start to finish, really). I really liked how things wrapped up, on many different levels, though the author really makes everyone work for it!
What I Did Not Like:
I honestly can't think of anything I didn't quite enjoy about this book. I'm not just saying that because I'm on the blog tour for the book, or because the publisher sent it to me. No, I genuinely liked this book! I've already reread some of my favorite scenes. Love!
Would I Recommend It:
I would so recommend this series in general! And definitely this conclusion novel, it was brilliant. Even better than its predecessor, which is always a nice thing to say. This series is wonderful! Not like the dystopia novels I'm used to reading, which is a great thing. A classic, for the age! I like the "for the fans of Pride and Prejudice" in the synopsis, that actually makes sense!
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars (no real reason, just that it's not quite a five-star read, so I round down). I can't wait to see what Hagen comes up with next! I'll be reading it for sure.
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Jubilee Manor by Bethany Hagen
Book Two of the Landry Park duology
Publisher: Dial Books
Publication Date: August 11, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher
Official Summary:
The thrilling conclusion to Landry Park is full of love, betrayal, and murder--perfect for fans of Divergent, The Selection, and Pride and Prejudice.
In Landry Park, Madeline turned her back on her elite family, friends, and estate to help the Rootless. Now, in Jubilee Manor, she struggles to bring the Gentry and the Rootless together. But when Gentry heirs—Madeline’s old friends—are murdered, even she begins to think a Rootless is behind it, putting her at odds with the boy she loves and the very people she is trying to lead. If she can’t figure out who is killing her friends and bring them to justice, a violent war will erupt and even more will die—and Madeline’s name, her estate, and all the bonds she’s forged won’t make any difference.
This conclusion to Landry Park, which VOYA dubbed "Gone with the Wind meets The Hunger Games,” is a richly satisfying, addictive read.
What I Liked:
I think I liked this book even more than I liked Landry Park. I really enjoyed Landry Park! I can definitely see how one would want to compare it to Catherine Fisher's Incarceron (which I LOVED) or Diana Peterfreund's For Darkness Shows the Stars (which I also loved). The setting is unique and full of intrigue, and the protagonist is full of cleverness and strength. So much love!
Madeline is determined to find a way to get the Rootless and the gentry to work together. Both sides are hostile and wary. When the murder of gentry heirs begins, the gentry and Uprisen turns to blame the Rootless, including Madeline (though for good reason). But many don't agree, like Jack and David, and Madeline's relationship with David hangs in the balance. Will war break out, hearts be broken, heirs continue to be killed, before it's too late to stop the storm?
I am a huge fan of Madeline! She is clever and strong like I mentioned above, but there is this innate curiosity, drive, intelligence, and dedication that I absolutely love about her. She puts her duty to finding a solution to the Rootless and gentry's issues first, even going against the opinions and thoughts of the boy she loves, Captain David Dana. She stands on her own two feet, something that she struggled a bit to do in Landry Park (thinking of her and her father).
I love the twists and turns of the plot of this book. It's close to four hundred pages, so it really can't meander too much with boring readers. I was never really bored, which is a plus! I wanted to know what the bigger picture solution would be, with the Rootless and the gentry. But there were so many other issues that were related - the murder of gentry heirs, the complicated DNA discovery that Jamie made at the end of Landry Park, Madeline's relationship with David...
Speaking of... the romance is probably one of my favorite aspects of this duology, if not my favorite. If you thought David and Madeline were swoony in Landry Park... things get even swoonier in this book. And maybe not physically, in terms of intimacy; there's something fundamentally beautiful about their relationship. They fight a lot in this book. They argue and get mad with and at each other, and it's not about things like jealousy over another guy/girl. Their problems lie with how each feels about the Rootless and the gentry, as David and Madeline differ in opinion at times. David and Madeline's relationship has got to be one of the most intense and yet swoony relationships in YA lit! I absolutely adored them, and was cheering them throughout the book.
The setting is amazing! I love how creative and original it seems, even if the general idea of this society is not new. All the glittering society and gorgeous dresses can't hide the exploitation of the Rootless, hence the conflicts. Landry Park is a magical place, even when it is turned into something ugly (metaphorically) by the Rootless.
Many more secrets are uncovered, and the stakes get higher and higher as this book continues. Since this is a conclusion novel, I will be extra careful not to say things about the ending. But I will say that things get crazy and surprising (from start to finish, really). I really liked how things wrapped up, on many different levels, though the author really makes everyone work for it!
What I Did Not Like:
I honestly can't think of anything I didn't quite enjoy about this book. I'm not just saying that because I'm on the blog tour for the book, or because the publisher sent it to me. No, I genuinely liked this book! I've already reread some of my favorite scenes. Love!
Would I Recommend It:
I would so recommend this series in general! And definitely this conclusion novel, it was brilliant. Even better than its predecessor, which is always a nice thing to say. This series is wonderful! Not like the dystopia novels I'm used to reading, which is a great thing. A classic, for the age! I like the "for the fans of Pride and Prejudice" in the synopsis, that actually makes sense!
Rating:
4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars (no real reason, just that it's not quite a five-star read, so I round down). I can't wait to see what Hagen comes up with next! I'll be reading it for sure.
September 4, 2015
Original Review found at: www.awesomebooknut.com
Wow. What a great conclusion to this story! Plus I love the fact that I don’t have to wait for another book! YAY!
This was a great book, maybe even better than the first. I love a story with balls, gorgeous gowns, manners, society etc. But what makes this even more is the touch of dystopian that was in Landry Park. A high society oppressing a lower society and a girl and boy from each side brought together. *sigh* makes an epic story.
With this book it’s no different. oh, I’ll admit it started of slow but then I couldn’t put it down!
I loved Madeline’s character development here, between the last book and this one she grew up A LOT. Meaning, she REALLY came out of herself. I loved that no matter who it was with she had her priorities straight and she was strong. Not strong physically like we see in some many of the other YA “strong female characters” but strong in the sense of character. She wanted what was right for her and those she loved plus those in both the Gentry and Rootless society.
I really enjoyed the conflict of the story. When Madeline’s old friends are murder she thinks it’s the Rootless behind the murders. Can you blame her? She is still young and makes mistakes, she is human but with some strength. She started something in book one and was determined to see it through with book two, and it was perfect. I loved the political intrigue.
I loved especially the relationship between Madeline and David because it wasn’t a toxic relationship, in many aspects it was a legit real relationship where you argue about real important stuff not just silly teen stuff but stuff that actually mattered and YET through it all they were still able to see and love each other. I love that! It’s realistic and tender and sweet.
Overall these 2 books are so worth reading, I love the whole element of the story.
Wow. What a great conclusion to this story! Plus I love the fact that I don’t have to wait for another book! YAY!
This was a great book, maybe even better than the first. I love a story with balls, gorgeous gowns, manners, society etc. But what makes this even more is the touch of dystopian that was in Landry Park. A high society oppressing a lower society and a girl and boy from each side brought together. *sigh* makes an epic story.
With this book it’s no different. oh, I’ll admit it started of slow but then I couldn’t put it down!
I loved Madeline’s character development here, between the last book and this one she grew up A LOT. Meaning, she REALLY came out of herself. I loved that no matter who it was with she had her priorities straight and she was strong. Not strong physically like we see in some many of the other YA “strong female characters” but strong in the sense of character. She wanted what was right for her and those she loved plus those in both the Gentry and Rootless society.
I really enjoyed the conflict of the story. When Madeline’s old friends are murder she thinks it’s the Rootless behind the murders. Can you blame her? She is still young and makes mistakes, she is human but with some strength. She started something in book one and was determined to see it through with book two, and it was perfect. I loved the political intrigue.
I loved especially the relationship between Madeline and David because it wasn’t a toxic relationship, in many aspects it was a legit real relationship where you argue about real important stuff not just silly teen stuff but stuff that actually mattered and YET through it all they were still able to see and love each other. I love that! It’s realistic and tender and sweet.
Overall these 2 books are so worth reading, I love the whole element of the story.
December 7, 2016
Zeer originele, dystopische toekomstvisie. Tof dat het hoofdpersonage tot de gentry, de hoogste klasse, behoort. De romantiek was helaas wel behoorlijk cliché: waarom kunnen personages in YA nooit eens een relatie hebben zonder drama, zonder ruzie? Hoewel ik de zoektocht naar de moordenaar wat lang vond duren - ik had al lang voorspeld wie de dader was - kan ik niet anders dan 4 sterren geven voor originaliteit, toffe world building en een fijne schrijfstijl. Een aanrader voor fans van The Selection.
Mijn complete recensie vind je op Oog op de Toekomst.
Mijn complete recensie vind je op Oog op de Toekomst.
May 28, 2015
Great sequel! I absolutely loved Landry Park and was excited to continue on with the series and Jubilee Manor didn't disappoint! There were mysteries to be solved (although about half way through I predicted who the killer was), new revelations about the Landry's themselves and a new family member which totally surprised me. I loved the romance between Madeline and David it wasn't rushed or easy and they each had their own demons to deal with. I almost wish this series would have been 3 books because I wasn't ready to say goodbye after this, even though it definitely came to a close.
October 16, 2015
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult, Dystopian
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Jubilee Manor is the second part of a two-part duology called Landry Park. This story picks up right where Landry Park left off. Madeline Landry, along with her Uncle Jack (aka Stephen Landry), have come together in hopes that they can bring an end to the centuries old resentment between the Gentry and Rootless. I beg your patience as I summarize without spoiling anything that happened in the previous novel. Hagen has created a world where 200 years ago, the Eastern Empire lead by the the Chinese, invaded the US and took a large part of the Western US as their own.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 10/16/2015*
http://www.gizmosreviews.blogspot.com...
Published August 11th 2015
*Genre* Young Adult, Dystopian
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Jubilee Manor is the second part of a two-part duology called Landry Park. This story picks up right where Landry Park left off. Madeline Landry, along with her Uncle Jack (aka Stephen Landry), have come together in hopes that they can bring an end to the centuries old resentment between the Gentry and Rootless. I beg your patience as I summarize without spoiling anything that happened in the previous novel. Hagen has created a world where 200 years ago, the Eastern Empire lead by the the Chinese, invaded the US and took a large part of the Western US as their own.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 10/16/2015*
http://www.gizmosreviews.blogspot.com...
Published August 11th 2015
March 26, 2015
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the first book and I was quite eager to get back into this world. This one seemed to drag a bit in the beginning. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I would have done a reread, but I lack the patience for that. With that being said, I struggled to remember some of the things that had happened.
Madeline doesn't seem to be as sure of herself in this book. She's constantly second guessing her decisions and while she still voices her opinion, to me it lacked conviction.
There are lots of swoony parts with David and even with so many, I wanted more. There are a lot of secrets and twists. I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed. The ending was bittersweet, but enjoyable and the epilogue was perfection.
I really enjoyed the first book and I was quite eager to get back into this world. This one seemed to drag a bit in the beginning. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I would have done a reread, but I lack the patience for that. With that being said, I struggled to remember some of the things that had happened.
Madeline doesn't seem to be as sure of herself in this book. She's constantly second guessing her decisions and while she still voices her opinion, to me it lacked conviction.
There are lots of swoony parts with David and even with so many, I wanted more. There are a lot of secrets and twists. I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed. The ending was bittersweet, but enjoyable and the epilogue was perfection.
August 21, 2015
Loved it! And I have to say thanks again to the author who I meet a couple weeks ago and was able to get an actual physical ARC to read! We jumped right back into the story, and learned that even though Madeline's father had been tortured by the Rootless, fed the radioactive material, he was quickly healing, and would soon be pretty close to back to normal. With her uncle, Jack, she is trying to do what she can to get the Gentry and the Rootless to come to an agreement, a way to settle things in order to move on. But when the night of one of the first big gatherings of both groups is ruined by finding the body of one of the heirs, Marianne Wilder, finding her murdered, chances for peace seem to be less and less a possibility. And when another heir is murdered, things look even worse.
Madeline has heard one of the Rootless seeming to plot something horrible, such as killing the heirs, and she noticed his absence during the finding of the first body, she must decide whether to tell what she knows to the police, or keep it to herself until there is actual proof as her uncle asks. Yet everything she does seems to be the opposite of what her boyfriend David wants. So now she must find a way to get the trust built between the Gentry and the Rootless, as well as keep anymore of her friends from being murdered, and figure out if she and David can stay together despite their difference of opinions on the way to do these things. To make matters better, there might be a cure for the radioactive poisoning! And Madeline will welcome a new family member, other than her Uncle Jack's family now living in Landry Park.
I love the story. I got so mad at David throughout the story though. Even knowing what he ended up knowing at the end of the story, the fact that he kept it from Madeline, well, he deserved the things that she did, since she didn't know. In the end though, I was happy with how it all went. Although the Kansas City references weren't quite as many in this second book, I still enjoyed when I read them and recognized them. So excited to read more from this author, and I highly recommend this series to everyone!
Madeline has heard one of the Rootless seeming to plot something horrible, such as killing the heirs, and she noticed his absence during the finding of the first body, she must decide whether to tell what she knows to the police, or keep it to herself until there is actual proof as her uncle asks. Yet everything she does seems to be the opposite of what her boyfriend David wants. So now she must find a way to get the trust built between the Gentry and the Rootless, as well as keep anymore of her friends from being murdered, and figure out if she and David can stay together despite their difference of opinions on the way to do these things. To make matters better, there might be a cure for the radioactive poisoning! And Madeline will welcome a new family member, other than her Uncle Jack's family now living in Landry Park.
I love the story. I got so mad at David throughout the story though. Even knowing what he ended up knowing at the end of the story, the fact that he kept it from Madeline, well, he deserved the things that she did, since she didn't know. In the end though, I was happy with how it all went. Although the Kansas City references weren't quite as many in this second book, I still enjoyed when I read them and recognized them. So excited to read more from this author, and I highly recommend this series to everyone!
June 16, 2015
I'm not sure why I even read this. I mean, I liked the first one okay, but I wasn't shivering with anticipation for the sequel. And there's a reason for that. The Landry Park novels are a pleasant diversion, but not much more. I think there may have been a message buried in here about energy sources or about the 1% versus the 99% or maybe both, but I was too distracted by descriptions of food and clothes and decor to notice. The characters were all sort of "meh" (was I suppose to care when died? I think I was, but it was really just a plot point to me, rather than some sort of emotional whammy.). And why were the gentry so sanguine about the deaths? Everybody got all het up for a little while and wailed and rent garments, but two days later, they're all dry-eyed and bickering with each other and throwing another fabulous ball. In the end, this duology reminds me a lot of the last few seasons of Downton Abbey: Lovely to look at, but afterward you're all "Wait a minute. What the what? What is even?", only the books didn't have the Dowager to keep them snappy and snarky.
October 2, 2015
This is weird to say, but I think this book should have been a regular fiction book rather than a YA- just because of the sheer SCOPE of the events of these two books. Think about it, you have:
-a serial murderer on the loose
-a faction of your people threatening to revolt
-an evil empire ready to strike
-AND your love life to deal with on top of all the family drama... seriously it would have been fun to delve more into some of these other areas and while I LOVE YA, it would be difficult to hold an audience with all that going on, but maybe I'm [and publishers are] not giving enough credit to the readership of YA. {after all there are epics in YA, right? and don't give me Harry Potter- he was written for 9 year old boys...;]}
-a serial murderer on the loose
-a faction of your people threatening to revolt
-an evil empire ready to strike
-AND your love life to deal with on top of all the family drama... seriously it would have been fun to delve more into some of these other areas and while I LOVE YA, it would be difficult to hold an audience with all that going on, but maybe I'm [and publishers are] not giving enough credit to the readership of YA. {after all there are epics in YA, right? and don't give me Harry Potter- he was written for 9 year old boys...;]}
August 4, 2015
I continuously describe Landry Park, the first book in this series, as a Dystopian Jane Austen novel, or a science fiction Gone with the Wind. This installment fits in well with that motif, but it more of a science fiction Agatha Christie. While I think some of the dystopian elements were lost, what was added was an interesting sub plot and a political mystery.
*I received a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
October 4, 2015
Meh, just barely meh. I wasn't too crazy about the first book and this one was even worse. I read it just because I read the first one. If you like hastily throw together endings and grueling he said she said, I'm going to continue suppressing who I know I am and doing what's right than this is perfect for you. The main character is also really unrelatable and unlikeable.
March 17, 2016
This was a great sequel and ending to the story!
May 22, 2019
WELL, pretty much the best thing I can say about this book is that it's better than Landry Park! Not MUCH better, honestly -- hence why it's still getting two stars; there was a chance I was going to round up, but the primary conflict of this book was, uh, bad -- still wildly racist/classist, if a little less predictable and tropey, and a little more engaging and creative and unique. But still not that great. Not at all good, actually.
I like the arc of the plot here; it's good to, rather than ending with the revolution, see what happens after it goes down, and the difficulties in seeing the new world take shape, and I definitely want to give this book credit where credit is due, on that front. I kind of can't believe they brought Madeline's dad back, but I LOVED seeing his perspective, how he and Jack started working together and how his own views began to change, slowly but surely. As I said in my prior review, I definitely saw the Jude reveal coming a mile away, but I liked that and how it unfolded, too. The actual murderer reveal felt very realistic -- frustrating, but very reasonable, under the circumstances! And again, Bethany Hagen's style is quite readable, even if her plot and characters are... questionable at best, ha.
But the actual central conflict... hoo, boy. It is SO HARD to get over the hurdle that Madeline just assumes a Rootless man is responsible for the murders and! never wavers from this!! even a little!!! even as she acknowledges how problematic she's being!!! And she never really responds to how legitimately she's called out on it, and doesn't display nearly enough remorse about it once she's proven wrong?? This is really the biggest issue of the book for me, though I find a lot of other shit frustrating, too -- the staleness of the premise and the intensity of the racism both really shine through here, as they do in the first book, and once again pretty much everything about David is EXTREMELY told rather than shown. And I just can't help being mad that Jamie's being gay is mentioned outright in book one and then teased just a little here, and... no other payoff. Sigh. SIGH. I hate getting the tiniest of scraps like this, especially when I had reason to hope for at least a little bit more!
I will also say that the ending is, overall, pretty decent, but after all the shit that came before, it definitely feels unearned. It feels like it belongs to a different book -- a more subversive, creative, diverse, progressive story. The story I really, really wanted these books to tell, and they very much fell flat on basically every count. I'm very, very glad that Bethany Hagen's storytelling seems to have improved on pretty much every level since she wrote these, but even knowing that, it's hard not to regret picking these books up at all. Sigh.
I like the arc of the plot here; it's good to, rather than ending with the revolution, see what happens after it goes down, and the difficulties in seeing the new world take shape, and I definitely want to give this book credit where credit is due, on that front. I kind of can't believe they brought Madeline's dad back, but I LOVED seeing his perspective, how he and Jack started working together and how his own views began to change, slowly but surely. As I said in my prior review, I definitely saw the Jude reveal coming a mile away, but I liked that and how it unfolded, too. The actual murderer reveal felt very realistic -- frustrating, but very reasonable, under the circumstances! And again, Bethany Hagen's style is quite readable, even if her plot and characters are... questionable at best, ha.
But the actual central conflict... hoo, boy. It is SO HARD to get over the hurdle that Madeline just assumes a Rootless man is responsible for the murders and! never wavers from this!! even a little!!! even as she acknowledges how problematic she's being!!! And she never really responds to how legitimately she's called out on it, and doesn't display nearly enough remorse about it once she's proven wrong?? This is really the biggest issue of the book for me, though I find a lot of other shit frustrating, too -- the staleness of the premise and the intensity of the racism both really shine through here, as they do in the first book, and once again pretty much everything about David is EXTREMELY told rather than shown. And I just can't help being mad that Jamie's being gay is mentioned outright in book one and then teased just a little here, and... no other payoff. Sigh. SIGH. I hate getting the tiniest of scraps like this, especially when I had reason to hope for at least a little bit more!
I will also say that the ending is, overall, pretty decent, but after all the shit that came before, it definitely feels unearned. It feels like it belongs to a different book -- a more subversive, creative, diverse, progressive story. The story I really, really wanted these books to tell, and they very much fell flat on basically every count. I'm very, very glad that Bethany Hagen's storytelling seems to have improved on pretty much every level since she wrote these, but even knowing that, it's hard not to regret picking these books up at all. Sigh.
June 22, 2017
4.5
I really liked it! The only reason why it is not a five is sometimes it was boring/slow, but I did read it in two sittings though so it was really good though. I loved the characters and the plot and the conclusion/ending. The main character was not whiny and was strong which I also liked. The plot was something I had never read before which I enjoyed because many books are similar to one another.
I definitely recommend this book. I wish there was a third book.
I really liked it! The only reason why it is not a five is sometimes it was boring/slow, but I did read it in two sittings though so it was really good though. I loved the characters and the plot and the conclusion/ending. The main character was not whiny and was strong which I also liked. The plot was something I had never read before which I enjoyed because many books are similar to one another.
I definitely recommend this book. I wish there was a third book.
January 21, 2018
I enjoyed this book.
I had many guesses on who the mystery killer was but I ended up being wrong.
I feel like everyone got what they wanted in the end. However
I had many guesses on who the mystery killer was but I ended up being wrong.
I feel like everyone got what they wanted in the end. However
March 23, 2016
*4.25 stars*
Although I thought a second book was not really necessary with the duology, I thoroughly enjoyed the ending and did not feel disappointed in any case.
There was just some instances that annoyed me like when the main character blames herself for the repercussions of her actions. I honestly thought it was not her fault that people were secretive. Moreover, I did not like how her friends kept on doubting her allegiances to helping the Rootless. She was very justifiable in her actions and I understood her circumstances. Furthermore, another thing that bothered me in this book was that some of the large-scale problems like the threats from the Empire were quickly solved at the end of the book and was used as a last resort to solve the main issue which is to unite the Rootless with the Gentry. This ultimatum should not have been the cause for peace to be made.
The romance was swoonworthy at some parts, but exhausting at other times. Trust and opposing views are always main reasons that break our OTPs in books and the couple experienced these problems during their relationship. Overall, their romance was satisfying to read in general and my heart beats for David. (Ahh, you can never get me wrong with well-dressed men who are fiercely loyal to their partners...)
I am also proud of her character growth from a quiet, daddy's girl to a confident and smart woman. The main character can now command a room and think for herself which I admired a lot in her character. Madeline still stayed true to her ambitions even until the end and did not succumb to romance dictating the path to her life which was surprising and refreshing at the same time.
The regal of the gentry, the calculating moves of Madeline and her family, and the love that Madeline harbors for her beloved Landry Park are the elements of this story that I enjoyed the most. All in all, the epilogue and ending events were a great ending to the series and I can't wait for what Hagen has next.
Although I thought a second book was not really necessary with the duology, I thoroughly enjoyed the ending and did not feel disappointed in any case.
There was just some instances that annoyed me like when the main character blames herself for the repercussions of her actions. I honestly thought it was not her fault that people were secretive. Moreover, I did not like how her friends kept on doubting her allegiances to helping the Rootless. She was very justifiable in her actions and I understood her circumstances. Furthermore, another thing that bothered me in this book was that some of the large-scale problems like the threats from the Empire were quickly solved at the end of the book and was used as a last resort to solve the main issue which is to unite the Rootless with the Gentry. This ultimatum should not have been the cause for peace to be made.
The romance was swoonworthy at some parts, but exhausting at other times. Trust and opposing views are always main reasons that break our OTPs in books and the couple experienced these problems during their relationship. Overall, their romance was satisfying to read in general and my heart beats for David. (Ahh, you can never get me wrong with well-dressed men who are fiercely loyal to their partners...)
I am also proud of her character growth from a quiet, daddy's girl to a confident and smart woman. The main character can now command a room and think for herself which I admired a lot in her character. Madeline still stayed true to her ambitions even until the end and did not succumb to romance dictating the path to her life which was surprising and refreshing at the same time.
The regal of the gentry, the calculating moves of Madeline and her family, and the love that Madeline harbors for her beloved Landry Park are the elements of this story that I enjoyed the most. All in all, the epilogue and ending events were a great ending to the series and I can't wait for what Hagen has next.
August 28, 2015
This original appeared at Such a Novel Idea.
I received a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.
This was SUCH an interesting and unique spin on the dystopian genre. I mean, it was like reading a mixture of future and past, historical fiction and dystopian. I was really digging the concept throughout Landry Park. The whole ‘girl wants to go to learn but instead has to be the family heir’ was an interesting spin as well. I think I loved this because it has the reminiscent of The Selection, without the bachelorette-style royalty reality show. It took what I loved about that book and went in a different direction.
Since this is the end of the series, there was a lot to wrap up. I loved that this was a complete series in just two books. It felt like there was enough information in this book to get the story out, but not drag on just to get to that third book. However, I was still a little sad when it was all over.
Jubilee Manor was much more dark, and the murder mystery kept me going (well, wanting to know I was right about my ideas). There are some crazy twists and turns and things just keep getting more and more dire. The book definitely wasn’t afraid to take risks.
And Madeline was a girl after my own heart. She wasn’t caught up in the details, but she was smart, strong, brave, and not afraid to stand up for what was right or those she loved. And get David and Madeline together and the pages light on fire. The swoon is great. I love how one reviewer compared this book to Pride & Prejudice. That is SUCH an excellent comparison and it really affected how I saw the story. But D+M = my heart! They were explosive, in their fights and in their love. And I LOVED that.
If you liked the Selection as an idea, if you love Downton Abbey, and if you love dystopian books but are looking for something different, this duology definitely has your name on it.
I received a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.
This was SUCH an interesting and unique spin on the dystopian genre. I mean, it was like reading a mixture of future and past, historical fiction and dystopian. I was really digging the concept throughout Landry Park. The whole ‘girl wants to go to learn but instead has to be the family heir’ was an interesting spin as well. I think I loved this because it has the reminiscent of The Selection, without the bachelorette-style royalty reality show. It took what I loved about that book and went in a different direction.
Since this is the end of the series, there was a lot to wrap up. I loved that this was a complete series in just two books. It felt like there was enough information in this book to get the story out, but not drag on just to get to that third book. However, I was still a little sad when it was all over.
Jubilee Manor was much more dark, and the murder mystery kept me going (well, wanting to know I was right about my ideas). There are some crazy twists and turns and things just keep getting more and more dire. The book definitely wasn’t afraid to take risks.
And Madeline was a girl after my own heart. She wasn’t caught up in the details, but she was smart, strong, brave, and not afraid to stand up for what was right or those she loved. And get David and Madeline together and the pages light on fire. The swoon is great. I love how one reviewer compared this book to Pride & Prejudice. That is SUCH an excellent comparison and it really affected how I saw the story. But D+M = my heart! They were explosive, in their fights and in their love. And I LOVED that.
If you liked the Selection as an idea, if you love Downton Abbey, and if you love dystopian books but are looking for something different, this duology definitely has your name on it.
October 7, 2015
This may be more “it’s me” than the book, because I only liked the first one moderately. I did think I needed to know what happened next though. (Again, wrong.) I have reasons for not liking it, but boredom was number one. The rest?
Everything just felt anticlimactic and unimportant. Like, I guess some of the twists and such were supposed to cause surprise, but even if I didn’t see them coming, I just didn’t find anything too particularly exciting.
There were so. many. characters. Seriously, who were all those people?! The names… too many names. I couldn’t keep them straight, which led to even more not caring.
I still don’t get the world building. There were these mentions of stuff in the first book that I thought would expand the world building in this book but then all of that just kind of vanished?
When bad things befell characters, no one in the book seemed to care any more than I did. Like, I didn’t care because I was bored, what was everyone else’s excuse?
So yeah, I really wanted to care. I just didn’t. I feel like if you loved the first book, this might be a good fit. If you were on the fence… this probably won’t help matters.
Everything just felt anticlimactic and unimportant. Like, I guess some of the twists and such were supposed to cause surprise, but even if I didn’t see them coming, I just didn’t find anything too particularly exciting.
There were so. many. characters. Seriously, who were all those people?! The names… too many names. I couldn’t keep them straight, which led to even more not caring.
I still don’t get the world building. There were these mentions of stuff in the first book that I thought would expand the world building in this book but then all of that just kind of vanished?
When bad things befell characters, no one in the book seemed to care any more than I did. Like, I didn’t care because I was bored, what was everyone else’s excuse?
So yeah, I really wanted to care. I just didn’t. I feel like if you loved the first book, this might be a good fit. If you were on the fence… this probably won’t help matters.
August 18, 2015
So this will be a brief review as I don't want to spoil this for you!
Following on from Landry Park, Madeline finds herself in an uncomfortable position, torn between her old family, her new family and her new love. She is trying to bring the Gentry and the Rootless together but somebody is determined to get in the way.
She is horrified to find out some of her old Gentry friends have been murdered, she turns sleuth to get to the bottom of it, to find out who is responsible for these terrible hate crimes.
Her sleuthing leads to her doubting people she trusts, whoever is responsible is succeeding in starting to drive Madeline and her family and friends apart. Can she get to the bottom of this before everything she has worked to bring together falls apart?
Sorry for being deliberately vague but you will need to read this gem for yourself, it follows on perfectly from Landry Park. Madeline proves to be a very determined character and in trying to find the killer she puts her own life on the line.
This series was a great addition to my dystopian bookshelf and I have to make a mention for the covers of both books, they have such beautiful dresses, don't you think!?
Following on from Landry Park, Madeline finds herself in an uncomfortable position, torn between her old family, her new family and her new love. She is trying to bring the Gentry and the Rootless together but somebody is determined to get in the way.
She is horrified to find out some of her old Gentry friends have been murdered, she turns sleuth to get to the bottom of it, to find out who is responsible for these terrible hate crimes.
Her sleuthing leads to her doubting people she trusts, whoever is responsible is succeeding in starting to drive Madeline and her family and friends apart. Can she get to the bottom of this before everything she has worked to bring together falls apart?
Sorry for being deliberately vague but you will need to read this gem for yourself, it follows on perfectly from Landry Park. Madeline proves to be a very determined character and in trying to find the killer she puts her own life on the line.
This series was a great addition to my dystopian bookshelf and I have to make a mention for the covers of both books, they have such beautiful dresses, don't you think!?
October 11, 2016
I bought the Kindle version of this book because I wanted to find out how the duology ended and I didn't want to wait for a hold to come in at the library...I probably could have waited. The end was fairly interesting but anticlimactic. I wasn't very happy with the resolution to the romance. Honestly, it would have been more interesting if she'd wound up with her maid Elinor- she was more sympathetic than either of the actual love interests.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2016
messy. everyone is keeping secret from one and other. everything seems to be crumbling down.
i find it hard to keep track whonis killing who and who are keeping secret from.who. And what the heck David so mad about. seems like he is making a mountain out of an mole hill.
it was an okay kind of read.
i find it hard to keep track whonis killing who and who are keeping secret from.who. And what the heck David so mad about. seems like he is making a mountain out of an mole hill.
it was an okay kind of read.
October 31, 2014
I was heartbroken to see this series come to an end. With its luxurious settings and full characters, I could read about them for at least 1 or 2 other books.
I'll post a more detailed review later this year, because I'm still having all the feels.
I'll post a more detailed review later this year, because I'm still having all the feels.
July 3, 2016
This was so good! I liked the first one, but loved part 2. More action, mystery and excitement--less dancing. Well done.
August 20, 2015
review to come
October 2, 2020
As Madeline, her family, and the estate deal with the actions at the end of Landry Park, one of Madeline's fellow gentry heirs is murdered. Madeline suspects a particularly hateful Rootless man, which puts her at odds with her uncle and cousin, as well as with David Dana. A second murder only serves to escalate the threat of violence between the Rootless and the gentry, as Madeline feels caught in the middle, hoping to make a difference, but unsure of who will listen.
This short book series has a difficult-to-define quality to it that gives it a charm and depth that I really enjoyed. Several surprises came up in this book, and though a few threads were still left hanging, overall, it was a nice conclusion to the short series.
Most of the things that bothered me in the first book were gone in this one. The relationship between Madeline and David deepened in a way that did still cause a lot of drama for Madeline, but it was based on a real conflict, rather than the immature-feeling jealousy in the first book. They argued a lot over Madeline's insistence that the murderer was a Rootless man, though, and there were several things about that whole situation that bothered me--probably the biggest detraction in the entire book for me.
The mystery wasn't very deep or intriguing, but it was a good catalyst for the plot. I wouldn't go as far as to put this book into the mystery genre, but I think fans of romance and dystopian worlds, especially those who also like books set in the Victorian or Regency eras should give this 2-book series a try.
This short book series has a difficult-to-define quality to it that gives it a charm and depth that I really enjoyed. Several surprises came up in this book, and though a few threads were still left hanging, overall, it was a nice conclusion to the short series.
Most of the things that bothered me in the first book were gone in this one. The relationship between Madeline and David deepened in a way that did still cause a lot of drama for Madeline, but it was based on a real conflict, rather than the immature-feeling jealousy in the first book. They argued a lot over Madeline's insistence that the murderer was a Rootless man, though, and there were several things about that whole situation that bothered me--probably the biggest detraction in the entire book for me.
The mystery wasn't very deep or intriguing, but it was a good catalyst for the plot. I wouldn't go as far as to put this book into the mystery genre, but I think fans of romance and dystopian worlds, especially those who also like books set in the Victorian or Regency eras should give this 2-book series a try.
December 14, 2017
Some time after writing the above review I read Landry Park's sequel, Jubilee Manor, so I figured I would stick it into the same post. Jubilee Manor finishes up the series well. I still found the writing to be weak but the murder mystery kept me glued to the page in the way Landry Park's mystery failed to do for me in the first book. Various things I guessed to begin with paid off in a fairly believable way. The romance had its annoying bits unfortunately and I am still disappointed a shifty character never turned out to be a double cross, but I think I enjoyed this book more than the first. Bethany Hagen takes more risks in this book and I was very pleased she was daring enough to let a few things burn down (hinthint) in this book.
While some of the ending seemed like a quick fix, it was still satisfying and seemed if not completely realistic, pretty believable. Many things happened that I felt I could have written myself and I was happy with the author for seeing my way. With books like this and The Selection I feel like an author can fall in love with their premise too much to take it seriously. Bethany Hagen manages to escape this fate and I feel satisfied with how this series ended. I may not run out to read more of her work, but I still enjoyed this book even more than I thought I would.
While some of the ending seemed like a quick fix, it was still satisfying and seemed if not completely realistic, pretty believable. Many things happened that I felt I could have written myself and I was happy with the author for seeing my way. With books like this and The Selection I feel like an author can fall in love with their premise too much to take it seriously. Bethany Hagen manages to escape this fate and I feel satisfied with how this series ended. I may not run out to read more of her work, but I still enjoyed this book even more than I thought I would.
September 20, 2017
I really enjoyed Landry Park's sequel, Jubilee Manor. It accompanied its predecessor in great detail, flawlessly. It's been a while since I finished reading a book or series and not had any questions with closure... it was The End. And a great one at that.
Madeline Landry is an admirable character for her age. She's thoughtful, influential, strong... an old soul. Her character was tested and faced with trials and tribulations. It's how she handled them that made her inspirational. She'd make an awesome female president in today's society.
I grew to enjoy questionable characters, was torn between two guys, I made accusations-- a good story makes you do that, and throughout the crisis'-- a pretty damn good love story was thrown in there.
Landry Park series felt realistic, although a crossover historical/futuristic dystopian setting filled with dividing culture. Not dividing as in race or creed, but by financial class, and by anger. Interesting, right? This two book series isn't marketed enough. Total props to the author.
Madeline Landry is an admirable character for her age. She's thoughtful, influential, strong... an old soul. Her character was tested and faced with trials and tribulations. It's how she handled them that made her inspirational. She'd make an awesome female president in today's society.
I grew to enjoy questionable characters, was torn between two guys, I made accusations-- a good story makes you do that, and throughout the crisis'-- a pretty damn good love story was thrown in there.
Landry Park series felt realistic, although a crossover historical/futuristic dystopian setting filled with dividing culture. Not dividing as in race or creed, but by financial class, and by anger. Interesting, right? This two book series isn't marketed enough. Total props to the author.
October 20, 2023
When I say I loved this short series I LOVED IT. I am slowly becoming a huge fan for YA historical fiction and I have to say this was right up my alley. It had plot twist , suspense, romance, just enough sexual tension where it wasn't to overbearing or to under bearing but just right. The first book was amazing but to have the second book be equally as amazing is even a bigger achievement . Not to mention this book takes a slight turn in the more mystery side of things and the author still never fails to keep the romance , details , and juicy plots lined up with the first book. I finished this book in 2 days as well as the first book . Please give this series a chance When I say you'll forget your reading. I mean it
October 21, 2016
I definitely preferred Landry Park in the series, but that doesn't mean this novel doesn't have its merits. It was definitely hard to read this one a year after reading the last, but that's just how it happened.
I liked the new character discoveries and the slight sci-fi genetic mutation, and especially the final resolution. I appreciated that some of the characters weren't just black and white, but had their grey areas, like Alexander Landry. The murderer was and wasn't surprising at the same time, but goodness was it dark and creepy. Both this book and Landry Park had a great message about equality and the dangers of unchecked power. Overall it is obvious that this author is a talented writer.
I liked the new character discoveries and the slight sci-fi genetic mutation, and especially the final resolution. I appreciated that some of the characters weren't just black and white, but had their grey areas, like Alexander Landry. The murderer was and wasn't surprising at the same time, but goodness was it dark and creepy. Both this book and Landry Park had a great message about equality and the dangers of unchecked power. Overall it is obvious that this author is a talented writer.
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