This book was insaaaaane. But so so good.Dark Places was my first Gillian Flynn book (though I have seen the Gone Girl movie) but I fully plan on picThis book was insaaaaane. But so so good.Dark Places was my first Gillian Flynn book (though I have seen the Gone Girl movie) but I fully plan on picking up her other books now.
It’s the kind of novel that makes you question what on earth we humans can come up with. I kept wondering what was going on in Gyllian Flynn’s head. How does she think of these things?
Dark Places is vile, macabre and gruesome. The author doesn’t hold back, instead she seemingly bombards you with everything ugly that is out there. Vivid descriptions of bloody crime scenes, physical and psychological horrors, the most unlikable characters you can imagine. She gives us a glimpse into the mind-set of some truly twisted and messed up people who all carry around their own little dirty secrets.
The truly frightening flaw in humanity is our capacity for cruelty - we all have it.
But with the book’s superb writing style and strong narrative, it all somehow works. The story kept me engaged all the way through and I found myself constantly thinking of the book when I wasn’t reading, wondering who the culprit was.
The story is told from three different POVs: From Libby Day in the present and from Ben and Patty Day in 1985. It was a day in the year of 1985 when Ben – Libby’s older brother – allegedly murdered three members of his own family – including his mother, Patty, and two of his younger sisters – in cold blood. Only Libby somehow escaped the massacre. Libby’s testimony against Ben condemns him to a lifelong imprisonment. Now, after having lived off donations her entire life, Libby’s finances run out and she has to find a new way to earn enough money to survive. In an attempt to get the money without having to work, Libby makes an appearance at the “Kill Club”, a secret society obsessed with solving crimes. She soon realizes however, that everyone in the club believes Ben innocent and her testimony to be false. At first, she dismisses these theories as fanatical talk, but as more and more information is presented to her, Libby realizes that maybe things aren’t simple as she thought them to be.
Dark Places is not a book I would necessarily call “enjoyable”. At times it is frightening and difficult to read: the author drags you into the story with the intrigue of the killings while simultaneously pushing you away with her deeply flawed characters. While reading I actually developed some scarily aggressive thoughts towards certain (most) characters. At times I got so angry I wanted to jump into the book and strangle them with my bare hands. Punch them in the face. Scratch out their eyes. I am NOT a violent person but look at what this book has done to me *shudders*. But as negative as these feelings were, I kind of loved it. I felt passionate about this book, which is something I’ve been missing from my last couple of reads.
Let’s take a closer look at our protagonist, Libby Day. She is the epitome of a flawed character. Not quite an anti-hero, but definitely not a hero either, Libby is selfish, violent, lazy and anti-social, yet you somehow remain on her side and root for her.
I have a meanness inside me, real as an organ. Slit me at my belly and it might slide out, meaty and dark, drop on the floor so you could stomp on it.
You want her to succeed, despite the fact that she does some horrendous things. Do you forgive her for it? Not really, but it didn’t matter. I didn’t like Libby, but I understood her and that was enough.
I was not a lovable child, and I'd grown into a deeply unlovable adult. Draw a picture of my soul, and it'd be a scribble with fangs.
Without a character like Libby that makes you care about the outcome of the story and gets you involved on an emotional level, the story wouldn’t be what it is now. The mystery alone – though well-paced and suspenseful – wasn’t enough for me to keep reading. It was the characters that made me want to keep going. The “who did it” part of the novel is only half as interesting as the “how did it come to that”. In some ways, everyone is a little bit guilty and realizing that and seeing Libby come to terms with it was fascinating.
Then we have our other main character, Ben Day. Seeing how his thoughts turned darker and darker as the story went along was a little scary. It makes the reader constantly question if he could truly be the murderer.
Sometimes he felt like he'd been gone his whole life--in exile, away from the place he was supposed to be, and that, soldier-like, he was pining to be returned. Homesick for a place he'd never been.
Plot and writing wise this book was also excellent. Gillian Flynn has some serious talent when it comes to writing unpredictable mysteries. She constantly kept me on my toes, giving me just enough information to keep me guessing and then be mislead. The alternating points of view were perhaps the biggest factor in making this story smooth and exciting throughout. The author certainly knows how to switch focus just in time to create the strongest sense of anticipation.
My main criticism of the novel is that at times I felt the story was a little too dragged out and would have been even better if it was slightly shorter. I also questioned the necessity of having certain elements in the story. However, I obviously still greatly enjoyed the story.
This is not a book for everyone; you need a certain taste for the dark and despicable to enjoy this story. Graphic descriptions violence, underage sex and molestation are all present. But if these things don’t bother you, then you should most definitely give this book a try. ...more
Just thinking about this incredible book I finished a few days ago brings back alYou can also find this review here!
“People look, they don't see.”
Just thinking about this incredible book I finished a few days ago brings back all the emotions I felt while reading. Bone Gap is honestly a masterpiece and I don’t say that lightly. It is however, also a very difficult book to review.
What kind of book is Bone Gap? The answer is: I don’t know. It's not really magical realism or fantasy, not contemporary, not a thriller or mystery. I have no idea how I would categorize it. It is book that is totally different from anything I’ve read; it bends genre conventions and throws tropes and clichés out the window.
The novel reads a lot like a fairy tale and yet I didn’t feel any of the detachment I usually do with these kinds of stories. The book is so compelling and poignant that I couldn’t help but be completely invested. It’s about a lot more than just the plot. Without a doubt, Bone Gap is a character and theme driven story.
The story follows two brothers, Sean and Finn O’Sullivan, who live together with a beautiful girl, Roza, in a strange little town called Bone Gap until, one day, Roza mysteriously disappears and the entire town believes it was with her consent. Only Finn knows the truth: Roza didn’t leave, she was kidnapped. Kidnapped by a man whose face Finn cannot remember. And nobody in Bone Gap believes him, not even his own brother.
Told through alternating POV’s of Finn and Roza, as well as some of the other inhabitants of Bone Gap, the story slowly unfurls in front of the reader. Occasional flashbacks give the book an unexpected depth. Laura Ruby weaves in fairy tale and mythological elements and the result is a novel that is both a mythological retelling and something else entirely. The references are very subtle; nothing in this book is overt.
The characters are phenomenal. I loved every single one; they were all well-drawn and complex, lovable in their own ways.
We have Finn, eighteen and the prettiest boy in town. Yet, people don’t know what to make of him. They find him strange. They call him names – Sidetrack, Spaceman, Moonface – because he doesn’t look people in the eye.
“What have you got against people?" Finn hated crowds. Thousands of people bumping and churning. "Too many opinions.”
Everyone believes Finn is in love with Roza, when in reality he loves Petey. But of course, nobody in Bone Gap can believe that because Petey is considered ugly. What would such a pretty boy want with such an ugly girl? Surely he only pities her. Petey believes that too.
Roza’s character could have easily been the victim of stereotyping and maybe, in the hands of a less talented author, she would have been. Instead, she turned out to be a wonderful character. Headstrong and independent, but also scarred. She is so beautiful that every person she meets comments on it, men all want a piece of her. They say they are in love with her without actually getting to know her. Roza hates it; she has long realized being beautiful is not who she is. She wants people to see beyond the surface but that seems impossible. Her character gives us a glimpse of the negative consequences beauty can bring and the author handled it brilliantly. Roza was never annoying or arrogant and she wasn’t a damsel in distress that needed someone to come save her; she could take her of herself.
Abruptly, she let go of his wrists and allowed him to push her to her knees. She looked up, waited for his smile.
And then she punched him in the nuts.
And then we have Petey who I could personally identify with the most. She isn’t beautiful or even pretty and the people in town make that clear on every occasion they get. They say she looks like a giant bee; a bit of an inside joke seeing Petey is a beekeeper. She is so insecure that she can’t believe that Finn could actually find her beautiful. It doesn’t matter that she is smart, independent and competent; the people only see what is on the outside. Maybe worst of all is the fact that Petey used to like the way she looked when she was a little girl, but the harsh words of others have taken all her self-worth.
Bone Gap is a book about beauty, about perspective, about the way we view those around us and the way we see ourselves. The story is masterfully crafted and truly shows how our perception of things can impact others. Beauty is not depicted as the source of all evil; rather, the problem is how much value we put on beauty and how we treat people differently according to how much we believe they have. This book has so many layers that I could go on forever. But I’d rather let you discover the rest on your own.
Last but not least, this novel is also beautifully written. Some of the metaphors and similes used were perfection.
The twitch of her nerves was like the beating of a billion tiny wings, as if messages passed from his breath and his hands through her skin and back again, the way bees stroke one another’s antennae, feeding one another by touch.
If you are reader who always needs to know what is going on and doesn’t like to be confused, then this book might not be for you. It is a strange novel that will make you question reality. Otherwise though, I recommend this book to absolutely everyone. It is unique, it is touching and it is empowering. ...more
What a phenomenal book this was. So unique, so different, so suspenseful. This is my first book by Nova Ren Suma but it won’t be by last. I gained so What a phenomenal book this was. So unique, so different, so suspenseful. This is my first book by Nova Ren Suma but it won’t be by last. I gained so much respect for this author and I’m hoping she’ll be a new favorite.
This novel is frightening in every sense: both because of outer events and the inner thoughts of the characters. It’s a spooky novel that tells a twisted tale, but is also highly psychological. I loved it. Every second.
We were alive. I remember it that way. We were still alive, and we couldn't see how close we were to the end.
The Walls Around Us is the most perfect title for this book: It’s about walls, about what it means to be trapped; not only physically but also trapped inside your own head. Living every day with terrible thoughts swirling around your mind, your own guilty conscience making your life hell. To me, this is the scariest thing of all because I am my own biggest critic. I am the one person I can never get away from.
This book contains so many things: jealousy, madness, friendships and rivalries, ambition, guilt, self-preservation. Nova Ren Suma managed to take all these elements and create something eerie and dark that was amazingly addictive. I read this book in two days because I just couldn’t put it down. I needed to know, I needed to understand.
The story is told in two voices – Amber and Violet – the former locked up in the Aurora Hills juvenile detention center for a crime she may or may not have committed, the latter an aspiring ballet dancer who is about to have all her dreams come true. These two girls are seemingly unconnected, except for one thing: They both know the girl named Orianna. Orianna – a girl locked up for having murdered two innocent girls.
The Walls Around Us was utterly captivating, but also very strange. It’s part psychological thriller, part paranormal mystery and for most of the time you aren’t actually sure what is real, what is someone’s unreliable narration and what is simply supernatural. It’s one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read and I mean that in the best possible way. Not even because of the plot – of which this book has very little – but because of the way the characters think, their seemingly emotionless state.
We were gasoline rushing for a lit match. We bared our teeth. Balled fists.
I will admit that I may be slightly biased when it comes to Violet’s and Orianna’s passion. They train to be professional ballet dancers. I think that most readers will probably prefer Amber’s perspective to Violet’s because of the intimate look it gives into a correctional facility. The group dynamic inside the walls of Aurora Hills is portrayed brilliantly. As much as I loved Amber’s voice however, I couldn’t help but be drawn to Violet. As awful and horrible as it sounds (and if you’ve read the book you know what I mean), I could identify with Violet. She’s mean, self-absorbed and incredibly jealous (all things I hope I am not) but when she described the way she felt dancing next to Ori and being on stage, I understood her. I got where she was coming from. That scene where Violet goes to cry in another room after the dance teacher told Ori she could start dancing en pointe but Violet wasn’t ready yet… I nearly started crying too because I know that feeling so well (and I’ve never even wanted to be a professional!). I don’t know if others can understand this, but the constant comparisons, the look in the mirror, the desire to be perfect and knowing you’re never good enough…it does change the way you think about certain things.
The writing is absolutely stunning. It is beautiful and haunting and Nova Ren Suma establishes an atmosphere that sucks you in and compels you to read on. The prose gets under your skin.
When a dancer finds herself onstage, before an audience, and comes upon that dreaded moment that can happen even to the best of us, when her mind empties of her choreography in a flood of panic, there are three different reactions she can have. In each one, she’s like a wild animal in the headlights, but the question is, which animal will she be tonight?
The ending is very odd and might not answer all of the reader’s questions, but is ultimately satisfying.
As much as I loved it, I know this book isn’t for everyone. In fact, I don’t even know to whom I would recommend it. So I’ll say this: If this review has made you even remotely interested, then please give this book a try. Even if you don’t love it, it will give you a reading experience quite unlike anything else. It messes with your mind, takes hold of you and doesn’t let you go until the end.
The Walls Around Us is highly atmospheric and creepy, beautifully written, intimate and tragic and filled with intriguing characters. I adored it!...more
Uprooted is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year and probably one of my favourite fantasy novels of all time. It has everything I coul [image]
Uprooted is one of my favourite books I’ve read this year and probably one of my favourite fantasy novels of all time. It has everything I could ever want in a book and is just so perfectly balanced.
Having said that, it was surprisingly difficult to write a review for this novel. The thing I loved most about Uprooted was the feeling it gave me. How do you describe that? Uprooted was both unlike anything I’ve read before and yet oddly familiar. Throughout the book I kept wondering why, why I knew this feeling and then I realized it was the same emotion I get when I watch a Studio Ghibli movie. If you haven’t seen my bio then let me tell you: I ADORE Studio Ghibli. Hayao Miyazaki films are my childhood. So if I say Uprooted felt like watching one of those movies then that means A LOT. The movies have this perfect balance of whimsical fairy tale, crazy imagination and creativity that makes you go “who on earth would ever think of that?”, paired with flawed, human characters that keep the story grounded. And Uprooted is exactly like that too.
In fact, the book was reminiscent of Howl’s Moving Castle and had elements (or rather one big element, the Wood) of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Winds but still felt completely original.
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The book managed to be simultaneously charming, creepy, suspenseful and romantic.
The story opens in a village where 17-year-old Agnieszka has been living with her family all her life. Things can be difficult however, because there is a dangerous Wood nearby that corrupts people if they come into contact with it. In order to keep the Wood at bay, the villagers rely on the help of the Dragon, a powerful wizard. As compensation for his efforts, the Dragon demands a tribute: every ten years he picks a girl and takes her to his castle where she will serve him for the following ten years.
The other major thing I loved about Uprooted was how much I’ve been waiting for a book like this. If you would have asked me to write a list of all my bookish pet peeves, then given that list to a great author and asked them to write my perfect book, Uprooted would have been the result.
The characters:
Agnieszka is our protagonist and she is wonderful. She isn’t your typical fantasy heroine; instead she is physically plain (a fact which is stated numerous times throughout the novel), clumsy and always a mess. She constantly gets herself into trouble. But she is also kind and heroic and I found myself rooting for her from page one.
Then we have the Dragon. Aloof and ambitious, meticulous and uptight. The perfect counter-balance to Agnieszka. Having those two together in one room screams conflict. And conflicts they had. It was great. It was hilarious.
And let us not forget Kasia, Agnieszka’s best friend. Yes, you read correctly, the best friend is actually important. The relationship between these two was so heart-warming. Kasia is beautiful, graceful and brave, everyone loves her and yet, Nieshka doesn’t feel bitter. She loves Kasia and wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice herself to save her and vice versa. Their relationship was beautiful but also realistic; I loved it.
World-building and writing:
The world-building in this book was fantastic. Firstly, there is no learning curve, the story starts small and expands slowly and subtly, we are never bombarded with information. This is great for people who aren’t used to reading a lot of adult fantasy novels. Secondly, this novel creates incredible atmosphere that makes the story even more captivating. Naomi Novik based the world on Polish culture and folklore, which added another layer of originality and authenticity to the whole. The world was dark and whimsical and coupled with Novik’s beautiful writing this book is a bit of a masterpiece.
The magic:
I loved the way magic was portrayed in this book. It was very fairy tale like but it worked. Other books wouldn’t have been able to pull off this kind of magic system. It can be argued that there weren’t enough limits, that there wasn’t enough of a price to pay, but I was fine with that because a) there was no deus ex machina and b) the villain was so freaking powerful that we still got all that delicious suspense and “OMG, WHAT IS HAPPENING?” feeling. Which brings me to my next point.
The villain:
I am honestly so sick and tired of reading fantasy novels with the same villains over and over again. There is always an evil king or queen who wants to rule the world and has no conscience etc. But here we have something completely new to the fantasy genre: A villain that isn’t even human but A WOOD. It was creepy, it was dark, it was unexpected. It can get into people’s heads, you never know where you’re at, who to trust. What is scarier than that?
Overall:
Uprooted was a fantastic book. I can’t recommend it enough. If you like fantasy, please give this one a try. ...more
It’s always a great experience when you go into a book with no expectations and it turns out you really enjoy it. That’s what happened to me with ZeroIt’s always a great experience when you go into a book with no expectations and it turns out you really enjoy it. That’s what happened to me with Zeroes . I hadn’t read a single review beforehand, hadn’t read anything by Scott Westerfeld (though I think I will remedy that now) and have never even heard of the other two authors.
The reason I picked up this book was the premise. I read the summary on Goodreads and was immediately intrigued. I read the tagline and I was even more convinced. If there was ever an ultimate tagline to get me hooked “Every Power Has A Price” comes pretty close to it.
But we all know the problem with great premises: they easily disappoint. The book sounds better than it actually is. Fortunately, Zeroes doesn’t fall into that category. If you read the summary and are intrigued, if you think it sounds exactly like something you’d love (the way I did), I suggest you pick it up because the story actually delivers on its promise.
The story follows six American teenagers who all have some kind of superpower. The powers are all different from one another and so are the kids that have them but for one common attribute: they were all born in the year 2000. These teens have formed a team and call themselves Zeroes (a sarcastic spin on the word “heroes”) and attempt missions to learn more about their powers. The novel begins with the group having split up after they had a falling out the summer before. I’ll let you discover the rest on your own.
The problem with superhero stories is that they get old. Kids with superpowers? That has been done countless times before. But Zeroes manages to take an old, worn-out concept and make it into something new, something that I feel like I’ve never read before. The characters in Zeroes are in no sense heroes, they don’t even come close. They’re just a bunch of kids that have been given something they don’t understand and have no idea how to use. This isn’t another coming-of-age story about teens learning to control their power to make the world better. Instead, the novel is very realistic and honest in its portrayal of teenage feelings, desires and morals. None of them are evil but that doesn’t mean they always do the right thing. Quite the opposite actually.
What I loved most about this novel is that the authors actually focused on the downsides of having powers instead of the benefits. Here the powers only seem to make the characters’ lives harder, getting them into trouble at every turn, causing fights. All of these powers are incredibly cool and very powerful, yet I realized I wouldn’t really want any of them because the price was just too high. For someone like me who loves magic systems with clear rules and limits this take on the concept was fantastic. I honestly thought authors had already used up all the superpowers there was to draw from but this book proved me wrong. Sure, we’ve all seen the power of persuasion, the power over electronics and the power of invisibility. But trust me, you haven’t seen it done like this. On top of that, the powers were also very consistent and logical which I really appreciated.
The novel features a large cast of characters and I found myself really caring about all of them. They were all flawed, had multiple layers to them and complex relationships with one another. I loved that this book had such a heavy emphasis on friendship; I often feel like romantic relationships seem to take over all others in YA. Though the characters weren’t all as fully fleshed out as I would have liked, I can completely understand this since it’s difficult to establish six different characters in one book while still maintaining an engaging plot.
I really enjoyed the other elements of the story as well. The novel was very fast-paced and well-written, action-packed as well as humorous. After finishing the book I went on Goodreads and was shocked to find that this novel was 560 pages long. It felt like a much shorter book and didn’t ever drag.
There were a few things that could have been better, but nothing that truly lessened my enjoyment of the book. Sometimes the plot felt a little over the top, a little too badass, too dramatic, so that I had some trouble suspending my disbelief. The main problem here is that for some readers this book will feel too juvenile. The insta-love between two certain characters was kind of unnecessary as well and should have been left out, but it took so little page-time that it really didn’t bother me all that much.
Overall, I thought this book was excellent. It isn’t my favourite superhero novel (that honour still goes to Vicious) but it is certainly up there. If the premise sounds like something you’d enjoy I highly recommend you pick this one up when it comes out on September 29th.
Also, dear bookgods, is there any way that this could be made into a TV show? That would make me very, very happy.
*thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book* ...more
“I think sometimes we’re presented with the truth but we don’t want to believe it. We see things the way we want to see them. Sometimes, we choose to
“I think sometimes we’re presented with the truth but we don’t want to believe it. We see things the way we want to see them. Sometimes, we choose to live in denial.”
4.5 stars
Puddle Jumping took me completely by surprise. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it, but I certainly didn’t think I would love it as much as I did.
Puddle Jumping is probably my number one most underhyped book ever. I genuinely think so many people would enjoy this novel if they were just exposed to it. It isn’t a perfect book, of course, but it attempts do something and the way I see it, it full-heartedly achieves that goal. In the prologue, Lily makes us a promise and the novella delivers it.
Basically, this is a 130-page book told from the point of view of a girl writing about her experiences falling in love with a boy who has Asperger syndrome. That’s it. There is nothing more, and yet, there is so much more.
I’m going to be honest and say that the book’s length worried me; I wasn’t sure if Amber L. Johnson would really be able to deliver a fully fleshed out story with character development in such a small space. Fortunately, I was proven wrong. It might not be a long novel but it doesn’t have to be. It expresses everything that has to be expressed and leaves you completely satisfied. The way the story is told seems effortless and you will find yourself flying through the pages and reading it in a single sitting.
I loved the characters, all of them. Lilly was very real and relatable, but what I loved most was that she told the story from a close future, meaning we heard the voice of someone who had already matured a great deal and was probably wise beyond her years. This way, I never got frustrated or annoyed when she did something silly, instead, I fully appreciated said silliness because it’s just part of being a teenager (or a human being, for that matter). The loyalty and open-mindedness she shows throughout the novella was wonderful and all I wanted was for her to get the happy ending she deserved.
“Maybe if we stopped trying to achieve movie standards of greatness, we'd be happy with what we have.”
Colton was great. The author managed to make him very realistic yet still lovable. His passion for art and total honesty made him alive and I could understand why Lilly felt the way she did.
I think what I loved most about the story though, was the lack of drama. Amber L. Johnson took one issue – Asperger syndrome – and focused on that instead of adding in hundreds of other issues and dramatic events to make the book more interesting (as so many contemporary authors seem to do nowadays). This resulted in a novella that was very respectful in every regard and made me completely comfortable reading it.
Also, there is no slut-shaming, the female friendship in this novel was great and actually important and parents were supportive. This book proves how easy it can be to avoid my pet peeves if you just don’t try too hard to create unnecessary drama.
The writing was also beautiful. Very conversational in tone but there were so many great quotes that I had a hard time choosing which ones to use in my review.
I highly recommend this novella; I think everyone will find something to appreciate in it. ...more
These books are so much fun! I liked this one even more than the first installment, mainly because of Mac. If you read Darkfever and found yo4.5 stars
These books are so much fun! I liked this one even more than the first installment, mainly because of Mac. If you read Darkfever and found yourself kind of hating her (as I did) I might still suggest you give the second one a go. She goes through a lot character development and annoyed me a lot less than in the first one.
This series is incredibly addictive and the perfect read for when you find yourself in a reading slump....more
I expected to like this book, I really did. But I didn't expect to be blown away by it the way I was. I don't unBuddy read with my lovely friend Vane.
I expected to like this book, I really did. But I didn't expect to be blown away by it the way I was. I don't understand why more people aren't talking about it.
Minnow was such a strong, feisty character who made mistakes and sometimes said the wrong thing but she was so relatable! And the female friendship was just fantastic. Angel was one of my favourite characters.
I also really loved the romance element of this novel. I loved it because it was actually realistic and not well...romanticized (I know that makes no sense but you'll understand if you read the book).
Stephanie Oakes dealt with religion brilliantly and she tackled a difficult topic with a lot of heart and sensitivity.
I highly recommend this book to absolutely anyone. At times it was difficult to read because of the horrors that were going on, but the well-developed and unpredictable mystery kept me on my toes and constantly made me want to pick up the book.
Full review to come! (I'm really sorry if it will take a while)...more
Barrons laughed again. "And there, my dear Fio, you make one of Womankind's greatest mistakes: Falling in love with a man's potential. We so rarely sh
Barrons laughed again. "And there, my dear Fio, you make one of Womankind's greatest mistakes: Falling in love with a man's potential. We so rarely share the same view of it, and even more rarely care to achieve it. Stop pining for the man you think I could be -- and take a good, long, hard look at the one I am."
Reading this book wasn’t a read. It was an experience.
You know, when I rate and review books I look at many different elements: the characters, the world building and setting, the story concept and its execution, the writing style, the plot, my overall enjoyment.
But in some rare cases, this doesn’t really work out. Does Darkfever deserve five stars if I was to analyze all these different elements? No, probably not. But here’s the thing: this book doesn’t have to. It was like a drug, like being high (in a manner of speaking, I don’t actually know what being high feels like) and I could and did not want to put it down until the last page was turned. I loved Mac (our protagonist) one instant, the next I wanted to pull out her hair. I swooned and swooned over Jericho Barrons and yet I wanted to kick him for being such a patronizing bastard. Basically, this book made me feel everything.
So I apologize that this isn’t a well-explained, analytical review. I’ll return at a later date and write a proper one, but right now I can’t be bothered to sort out all my feelings. I just want to gush and be happy that a book has made me feel this way.
“What I mean to say is, the more you remember, the more you’ve lost."
Confession: I went into this book not really expecting to like it. It
“What I mean to say is, the more you remember, the more you’ve lost."
Confession: I went into this book not really expecting to like it. It’s very hyped and has gotten many raving reviews, and yet I didn’t think I would enjoy it. Why? Because this book can – I believe – be classified as literary fiction and for some reason, I still see myself as not being capable of grasping these kinds of novels. I have the preconceived notion that as someone who reads primarily YA, I cannot appreciate these types of books (which I realize is actually kind of offensive towards YA readers). I thought I would be bored and confused. Fortunately though, it turns out I was wrong. Station Eleven didn’t confuse me in the slightest and I really enjoyed it.
I have a hard time telling you what this novel is actually about, because ultimately, it’s a book about people. The story is told from multiple perspectives in the third person and skips between different timelines. We get snapshots from people’s lives that are seemingly unconnected but eventually run together creating a wonderfully interlinked story.
In the center of all this is the apocalypse. A flu pandemic has killed off 99.9% of the human population and the remaining people have to try to survive in a world that is completely altered from what they knew. The apocalypse is the focal point of the novel, yet isn’t at the same time. Station Eleven is unique in the way that it revolves around the apocalypse but isn’t actually about the apocalypse. It’s a novel about memories, human resilience and the struggle to remain hopeful in times of crisis. The apocalypse is merely a set-up, a way of asking a question: What would or should you, as an ordinary person, do in such a situation? How far can you go until you’re actions become unacceptable? What should you do when everyone you’ve ever known is dead? You have to decide for yourself what it means to be human.
Station Eleven’s perhaps greatest strength is how utterly uncontrived the story feels. There is something effortless in the way it is written; the novel isn’t attempting to be something it is not. It lacks any sort of melodrama and isn’t full of big philosophical statements that stifle the reader’s ability to comprehend what is going on.
The characters were interesting in the sense that they weren’t particularly likable and I wasn’t really attached to any of them. Yet they impressed by their sheer humanity, they seemed so real and normal like any person you could meet on the street. Which is, I’m guessing, exactly what Emily St. John Mandel intended.
My favorite part was probably the whole aspect of religion in the new world. I always love books that comment on religion in one way or another and I enjoyed seeing people’s motivations for joining a cult or even believing themselves to be prophets.
This book is also beautifully written. Quite simple, not overly flowery or descriptive, but poetic in its own way. And the way the author interwove all the different storylines so seamlessly shows how well-crafted this book really is.
If you, like me, have sworn off dystopians because you’re sick and tired of reading about the same recycled storyline, don’t worry: This book is nothing like any other dystopian novel I’ve read. In fact, despite the fact that it’s post-apocalyptic, it doesn’t even feel like a dystopian.
If however, you are searching for an action-packed, plot-driven and edge-of-your-seat novel, this certainly isn’t it. It’s very quiet and there isn’t that much that actually happens, but I still found myself to be completely engrossed.
This book might not have blown me away like it did so many others, but I still really liked it. There is a lot to be appreciated and I think it’s the kind of novel that will stay with me for a long time.
A beautifully written and thought-provoking read. Highly recommended!
"The darkness is calling. A little danger, a little risk. Feel your heart race. Listen to it. That’s the sound of being alive. It’s your time,
"The darkness is calling. A little danger, a little risk. Feel your heart race. Listen to it. That’s the sound of being alive. It’s your time, Nick. Your one chance to have fun before it’s all stolen by them, the adults, with their cruelty and endless rules, their can’t-do-this, and can’t-do-that’s, their have-tos, and better-dos, their little boxes and cages all designed to break your spirit, to kill your magic".
I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. I seriously struggled writing this review because every time I think of this book I become a gushing, ineloquent mess. This book reminded me of what it means to be a total fangirl.
I know that no book is ever perfect. But in my opinion, The Child Thief comes pretty close. Brom hasn’t just written a novel, he has created a masterpiece.
You know that feeling when you read a book and you feel like it was written just for you? Tailor-made? That was how I felt while reading this Peter Pan retelling.
Why, you ask? Well, this book has… - An antihero. In case you don’t know, there is NOTHING I love quite as much as a realistic, consistent antihero. - A kick-ass female character. Brom’s version of Tiger Lily, loved her. - A complex, well-developed fantasy world. - An infusion of all kinds of different mythology, folklore and fairy tales. From Celtic mythology and Arthurian legend all the way to pagan myths. Is there anything better? - An eclectic cast of characters who are flawed and complex. All intriguing in their own right.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s try to break this down (even though my words will never be able to make this book justice).
Peter Pan is one of my favorite classics and there is so much potential for Peter Pan retellings to be incredible because they offer so much room for originality, creativity and imagination. Still I was hesitant, having read Tiger Lily earlier this year, I wasn’t sure if any retelling could ever compare. And really, the two don’t compare. They couldn’t be more different from one another.
This book is so strange and peculiar yet manages to instill in the reader a sense of realism that is awe-inspiring. I believed everything. Nothing felt constructed or contrived, the whole story made so much sense once I could see the whole picture. The plot development felt organic. It was tragic and heartbreaking but also filled with action and suspense.
In this version of the Peter Pan story, Peter is portrayed as a seducer: he preys on the abused, mistreated, enslaved. He seeks out children who fit these categories – the children who themselves believe they have nothing left to lose – and essentially promises them a better life, a life in Avalon, a mysterious magical island where faeries and monsters are routine. Fourteen-year-old Nick is one of those boys and he follows Peter through the Mist. Nick quickly realizes however, that things aren’t the way he hoped them to be.
The Child Thief is a very dark book. From the first couple of sentences you can gather that this is not a book for children, or even a young adults. It is often disturbing and violent, the writing is gory and the whole novel screams sadness, pain, fury, loss and guilt. It contains many heavy issues such as child abuse, rape and torture and although it’s not about those things, they play a significant role in the story. Generally, I feel pretty neutral about books that are excessively gory and violent; it doesn’t bother me but I also won’t seek them out actively. More often than not, I found that authors use these descriptions to replace plot and worldbuilding, which makes me feel like they are only trying to appall or disgust me instead of telling me a story. This isn’t the case here: Brom uses bloody and horrifying passages where they serve the story, where they enhance, where they add realism. Never did the descriptions overpower the plot.
The writing itself is hauntingly beautiful. Poetic where it needed to be, simple where it should have been. Easy to read yet reminiscent of the original Peter Pan. Perfectly suited to the story being told.
Then there is the issue of pacing. The Child Thief is quite a lengthy novel and yet I wasn’t bored a single second. This book did not drag. Ever. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time and sometimes I even had to put the book down because I was getting so excited I actually had trouble breathing, something that barely ever happens. After finishing it I felt drained and physically exhausted, as if I’d been the one to go through all these events.
The worldbuilding was amazing. Avalon was a fascinating and well-constructed place but what I loved even more was the relation between Avalon and the “real” world. It was so interesting to see how the magic worked and how different people reacted to it; the internal logic was fantastic.
Best of all were the characters. Brom managed the elusive feat of creating a cast of characters that were simultaneously unlikable and endearing. There is no hero and no villain. The characters are just people, real and genuine, and it worked perfectly. I loved almost all of them, and those I couldn’t love because they are just too despicable, I understood.
Peter himself was such a deliciously ambiguous character. Part hero, part monster, he is self-centered and delusional, sadistic and foolhardy. In fact, he borders on being a sociopath; stealing away children for his own gain and satisfaction without thought to what is might do to them. He doesn’t hesitate to use their own weaknesses against them.
Everything comes with a price. Everything. Some things just cost more than others.
And despite all his flaws, I couldn’t help but love him. Maybe it’s because I have a soft spot for antiheroes, but I found Peter to be an amazing character. The way Brom slowly presents his backstory to the reader greatly humanizes him and I felt so much empathy for this traumatized, lonely boy who was just trying to live the best life he knew how. A truly complex and layered character who will doubtlessly leave the reader intrigued.
We also have Nick, the second main character besides Peter. I was so fond of him. I admit, when Nick was first introduced I was a little worried because I was scared he’d fall prey to special snowflake syndrome. BUT Brom completely turned it around, making Nick into an incredibly realistic character I could totally root for. His bravery was admirable.
All the Devils were great. They were distinct and fleshed-out. None of them stupid; they made mistakes but not the kind that were just put in to help move the story along. These were real mistakes, understandable mistakes. It might be frustrating, but never annoying.
There were characters like Leroy, Ulfger and the Reverend that I despised with a fiery passion and yet…I could understand where they were coming from. This book seriously messed with my mind and made me question everyone.
When I come to rule I will put an end to their debauchery. Faerie shall become a force to be feared. Ulfger, a name spoken in frightful whispers. We will make men-kind remember their place and will hide behind the Lady’s Mist no longer.
So much complexity.
And then there are the themes. This book is just teeming with interesting philosophical questions about morality, life and death, and what it means to do the right thing. Brom comments on religious fanaticism and its consequences, colonialism, war and sacrifice. If there was ever a book that perfectly portrays the meaning behind “there are two sides to every story” The Child Thief is it.
Both sides so blinded by their fear and hate of each other that they couldn't see they were all fighting for the same thing.
It’s also a book about loneliness and what neglect can do us. I found it to be both extremely compelling and very meaningful.
When I thought the book couldn’t get any better, there were sentences like this:
I’m…I am a god!
Oh Brom, you were just trying to make my mouth water, weren’t you?
To sum up, I cannot praise this book highly enough. For obvious reasons it isn’t a book for everyone, but if you can handle darker topics, I suggest you pick this one up. A novel that is horrifying and enchanting, beautifully written and different from anything I’ve read.
A serious contender for my favorite book of the year.
P.S. I recommend getting the physical copy if you can. There are GORGEOUS illustrations by Brom himself that you don’t want to miss out on. ...more
You by Caroline Kepnes might be the most unsettling book I have ever read. And I loved every second of it. It messes with your mind and makes4.5 stars
You by Caroline Kepnes might be the most unsettling book I have ever read. And I loved every second of it. It messes with your mind and makes you think about your surroundings in a whole new light.
You is told from the point of view of Joe who is in his mid-twenties and works as a book seller in a small independent bookstore in New York City. One day, a young woman who goes by the name of Beck walks into the bookstore and Joe is immediately taken, obsessed even. Right away, Joe proceeds to stalk her: he goes online and finds out a huge amount of information about her from Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites, hacks her email and takes many other extreme measures in order to get close to her. Bit by bit he plants himself into Beck’s life.
Joe is unreliable narration at its best. It really shows how much great writing can change the way we view things. We see all of Joe's horrific actions and yet we cannot help but sympathize with him and laugh at his jokes. Being inside Joe’s head was simultaneously horrifying and fascinating. Often he seemed so normal: charming, humorous, intelligent but then he would do something crazy and it was like I was being jolted awake and realized again how twisted he really was. Joe truly believes that he and Beck are made for each other and the way he narrates the story, the reader cannot help but believe it too.
We are a dream couple, we are what happens after Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks finally kiss, after cancer-free Joe Gordon-Levitt and sweet shrink-in-training Anna Kendrick eat their pizza in 50/50. We are Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke after U2 finishes singing 'All I Want Is You'.
What makes Joe an even more interesting character is his social commentary on the world we live in. I found myself nodding along, agreeing and laughing with him despite the fact that he acted in such revolting ways.
“I own every book Stephen King has ever written." "That's great. That's something to be proud of." But did you read them, fuckface?
The things he says sometimes just hit the nail on the head and brought humour to a book that shouldn’t have been funny at all.
Work in a bookstore and learn that most people in this world feel guilty about being who they are.
There were other times when reading from Joe’s perspective was terrifying. His thoughts would switch between elation and despair seamlessly; one moment he would be in love with everything, the next he’d want to kill everyone around him.
The storyline of a man becoming obsessed with a girl and stalking her is not a new one, but this is a unique take on the subject. From what I’ve seen, the girl who is stalked is usually very naïve and sweet and innocent but Beck was none of those things. She is narcissistic, selfish and craves attention and I found myself hating her with a passion. I couldn’t understand her motives or her way of thinking but that was part of what made this book so intriguing. We don’t truly get to know Beck, we only see her the way Joe perceives her, and he is – by definition – unreliable.
The writing was spot on. It was witty, clever and funny and the second person present tense worked so, so well. If you’re not usually a fan of second person don’t worry, in this case it was the perfect choice.
This book also really makes you think about our use of social media. Beck tweets incessantly and it’s a big part of why Joe is able to infiltrate her life so easily. So much information about us is out there on the web and this book makes you aware of how vulnerable this can make us.
There aren't a lot of Guinevere Becks in the world – just the one. The first thing I had to find was your home and the Internet was designed with love in mind. It gave me so much of you, Beck.
If I’d have to name one criticism, it would be the book’s length. I think that if the book had been trimmed down a little it would have been even better. Otherwise though, this book was honestly flawless.
Overall, You was an excellent read, extremely captivating and unique. It is very graphic and vulgar at times so if that’s not your thing maybe don’t pick it up, but if that doesn’t bother you I highly recommend it.
P.S. I recommend checking out the audio version, listening to this elevated my experience even more :) ...more
I cannot bring myself to give this any less than 5 stars because THE FEELS ARE REAL.
Props to Jandy Nelson for creating a story about truly complex anI cannot bring myself to give this any less than 5 stars because THE FEELS ARE REAL.
Props to Jandy Nelson for creating a story about truly complex and flawed characters that make lots of mistakes and bad decisions but you nevertheless cannot help but love.
This the best contemporary I've read since We Were Liars. Highly recommended!
I’m unsure of how you did it. Whatever magic you used to pry open my brain and look inside, I'd like to have it as well. Because this Dear Ms. Ahdieh,
I’m unsure of how you did it. Whatever magic you used to pry open my brain and look inside, I'd like to have it as well. Because this book was written for me, it is, in many ways, my dream book and encompasses everything I want in a novel. So, I would really like to know how you did it.
You may have other people fooled but this is not a debut novel. This CAN’T be a debut novel because, well, THE WRITING IS PERFECT.
Again, I ask you to give me some of your witchcraft. I promise not to abuse it.
(Also, thank you for writing such an amazing book.)
Sincerely, Chantal
The The Wrath and the Dawn was one of my most anticipated releases of 2015. Just reading the premise made me want to put everything else down and just READ THE BOOK ALREADY. I love A Thousand and One Nights. I love Middle Eastern culture. I love YA Fantasy. As mentioned above, this sounded like my dream book.
But here’s the thing about hype (both the one in your head and the one outside of it): You tend to get disappointed. BUT I’m happy to say that this novel truly deserves and lives up to all the hype it gets. FINALLY. This book has restored my faith.
The Wrath and the Dawn is not without its flaws. I would easily be able to criticize some of the elements in the story, e.g. underdeveloped magic system, a certain predictability, a hint of insta-love etc. But I don’t want to because I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK. Can you tell I liked it yet?
Alright, so let us get into the actual review. I’m going to discuss the different elements separately because it’s the only way I’ll manage to gather my thoughts.
Setting & Writing:
Undoubtedly, the setting is one of the best parts about this book. For one thing, it’s quite unique simply because there aren’t many YA novels out there that have this element of Middle Eastern culture. However, it’s also wonderful because it’s real. You aren’t reading about taking a stroll through a souk, you actually are walking through one. The author’s ability to bring the culture to life with her vivid descriptions of architecture, clothes, people and food is astounding. Everything felt tangible and the imagery was some of the best I’ve ever read. In addition, we have Renee Ahdieh’s gorgeous writing style that is so lush and emotive yet very easy to read and get into. It’s the kind of book that makes it difficult to take quotes from it because every single sentence could be used as one. The dialogue is fantastic as well.
Characters:
Kestrel and Eliza, I love you, but please move aside. I have a new favorite female protagonist. Enter Shazi. Seriously, Shazi is amazing. Fierce and feisty, clever and determined, but yet caring and compassionate. She made me smile throughout the novel and I was rooting for her the whole way. She is both a realistic and an admirable character and her slight arrogance only added another layer to her.
“Shahrzad al-Khayzuran!” The muscles in his jaw constricted. “You are not weak. You are not indecisive. You are strong. Fierce. Capable beyond measure.”
I also loved Khalid. He really won me over over the course of the book. Broken and guarded, Shazi struggles to find out what truly lies beneath Khalid’s aloof exterior. He was a complex character and his self-hatred was heartbreaking yet understandable. He’s confronted with choices that are pretty much impossible to make and his internal turmoil was depicted beautifully. The side characters were also amazing. Of course, I adored Despina, Shazi’s handmaiden who becomes her friend throughout the story. In many ways, she is just as fierce as Shazi and I thought that the two women complimented each other wonderfully. It was great to see such a friendship in a novel that is primarily a romance. Jalal was great too; he provided the needed comic relief while still being kick-ass in his own right. Seeing his interactions with the King was fantastic. And Tariq…oh Tariq. I kind of hated him yet understood where he was coming from.
Plot:
What can I say? It’s a retelling of A Thousand and One Nights, obviously I’m going to love it. Sure, some parts were slightly predictable, but honestly, I didn’t care one bit. The novel was perfectly paced and had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. The story felt mysterious and intriguing and I didn’t know how it was going to end.
Romance:
I have very mixed feelings towards novels that are primarily about romance. I love them if they are done well, but more often than not, they leave me cold. Not this one. The chemistry between the two main characters was incredible. What I loved most about it, was how equal the two of them were. In a way, Shazi is completely at her king’s mercy and yet her strong will and character caused her to not be inferior to him in any way. With exchanges like this
“Get up, Shahrzad al-Khayzuran. You kneel before no one. Least of all me.”
And this
“My soul sees its equal in you.”
How can you not love them together? Did I feel conflicted at times? Sure! But that’s the beauty of it. The romance is sexy and angsty and I loved it all the more for it.
Bottom Line:
Basically, read it. Seriously, everyone should read this book. It will melt your heart. Also, I need book 2. Like, right now....more
Okay... so I'm still reeling from that ending, did so not see that coming.
Of course it was great, I expected nothing less. One of my favorite series oOkay... so I'm still reeling from that ending, did so not see that coming.
Of course it was great, I expected nothing less. One of my favorite series of all time.
The series isn't flawless but it enflamed my imagination in ways that no other books ever could. There is something magical about Laini Taylor's books. They transport you somewhere else, to a different time and place, they make me feel...liberated. That is the best way I can describe it even if sound really weird.
Also, Zuzana and Mic are the bomb. Just had to put that out there.
If you haven't yet picked up Daughter of Smoke and Bone please give it a try. It may not be for everyone but I cannot recommend it enough. Please read it!
I know a lot of people werent't satisfied with how the trilogy ended, but honestly to me Leigh Bardugo ended it the best possible way. Anythi4.5 stars
I know a lot of people werent't satisfied with how the trilogy ended, but honestly to me Leigh Bardugo ended it the best possible way. Anything else would have seemed forced.
On the whole, I LOVED this trilogy. If you are looking for something that is fast-paced and you wont't be able to put down, this is your series. Definitely good for reading slumps!...more
The fool strikes. The wise man smiles, and watches, and learns. Then strikes.
Half a King is what I would call a very traditional fantasy.
The fool strikes. The wise man smiles, and watches, and learns. Then strikes.
Half a King is what I would call a very traditional fantasy. It’s about kings and queens, princes and the fight for the throne, wars and conspiracies. It is set in a world that resembles medieval Europe/the Viking era and in many ways it isn’t a very original story.
BUT
It is utterly fantastic. This book really demonstrates what a great writer Joe Abercrombie is, that he was able to take something so traditional and make into something special. This novel is so well crafted and honestly brilliant.
Plot:
Prince Yarvi is the second son of the King of Gettland and is studying to become a Minister. But when his father and older brother are unexpectedly killed, Yarvi suddenly finds himself to be the rightful heir of the Black Chair – a position he doesn’t actually want. Born with only one good hand, Yarvi has to face the bitter skepticism of his people and family who don’t believe a cripple can be a real king.
Knowing anything more would be a spoiler so I’ll stop here!
Although it may sound like it, Half a King is not just another fantasy book. You think you know where the story is going and what’s going to happen next and then, BANG, PLOT TWIST! I didn’t see any of the twists coming and by the end my mind was blown. When I finished (at 1am) I just sat on my bed for a few moments staring at the wall, digesting all that had happened. It was so awesome!
The entire novel is very fast-paced and action-packed. I actually read the second half in one sitting (which is basically unheard of for me) because I was so addicted and couldn’t put it down. I adore a good underdog story and this is one of the best I have ever come across. The story goes places you wouldn’t have expected and it turns out to be so much more than you thought possible in the beginning.
There was only the tiniest hint of a romance in this book, which was great because anything more would have been unnecessary to the story.
Also, the ending was freaking phenomenal! Throughout the book I kept wondering how on earth Joe Abercrombie would be able to wrap this book up because it seemed like there was no good solution. I was wrong. Having finished, I am left feeling completely satisfied while still highly anticipating the next installment.
Characters:
Personally, I thought the characters were the novel’s strongest aspect. Yarvi has to be one of my favorite male leads of all time. He is very weak in the physical sense but makes more than up for it with his clever and cunning mind. He is a wonderfully complex and realistic character who makes many mistakes yet always remains likeable and root-worthy. Some of his actions are quite despicable but the reader is able to empathize with him and all his choices were understandable. Maybe best of all, was how Yarvi faced impossible odds but refused to give up. He decides to fight, no matter what it takes. Additionally, the character development he went through was amazing. Seeing him transform from a boy with no self-worth to what he became in the end was wonderful. Plus, he has tons of amazing lines:
When you're in hell, only a devil can point the way out.
And
You may need two hands to fight someone, but only one to stab them in the back.
Then there are the side characters, which were just as fantastic. I loved all of them. They were well developed and interesting and I constantly wanted to find out more about them. We have Jaud and Rulf who impressed me with their kind hearts and fierce loyalty; Ankran, who turned out to be so much more than I originally expected; Sumael, just an overall badass female character. And then we have Nothing, who I can pretty much guarantee you are going to love. He’s kind of crazy and made me laugh many times even in the most serious of situations.
I also want to applaud the author for creating such strong and fierce female characters. I loved how everybody had multiple layers to them including the villains. Nobody in this story was black and white; they all have their own private agendas which makes the novel that much more interesting.
"If life has taught me one thing, it's that there are no villains. Only people, doing their best."
I adored the character dynamic and the underlying theme of friendship and loyalty this brought to the table.
Worldbuilding:
There wasn’t a lot of worldbuilding in this first novel but what was there had me very intrigued. The author provides enough details to make the setting come to life without ever dumping us with unnecessary information. You can see that the world is quite expansive and that there is still a lot to discover. I desperately want to find out more about Yarvi’s world, particularly the gods and the function of the Ministry. So much to learn!
Writing and atmosphere:
Half a King is compellingly written, poetic while not being overly flowery. Joe Abercrombie really knows how to create atmosphere: This book was so gritty and dark, yet never seemed bleak. I was completely sucked into the story and the violent setting made me truly frightened for the characters.
The author is also a master of dialogue. The banter between the characters was witty and realistic and just great overall. So much dark humor!
Overall:
I highly recommend this novel if you like fantasy. It is full of intriguing characters, great dialogue and has twists and turns around every corner. As for me, I can’t wait to pick up the next book by Joe Abercrombie!
What a devastating and horrifying little novel this was. It’s a story that pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let you go until the end, even if you What a devastating and horrifying little novel this was. It’s a story that pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let you go until the end, even if you wish you could just look away.
Little Peach is my first fictional encounter with the topic of child prostitution (or prostitution in general) and I don’t think it could have been any better. The novel portrays Michelle’s journey with incredible rawness and honesty, yet it never feels like the author is trying to pull at your heartstrings. Everything is stated simply and Michelle’s voice seems very aloof and detached, which makes the entire book that much more powerful. Little Peach didn’t make me sad exactly; it made me outraged. Outraged that these things still happen and that we are pretty much powerless to do something against it. Outraged that we are either unaware of the issue or decide to look the other way.
The story follows Michelle who – at fourteen – runs away from home to get away from her drug-addicted mother and the groping hands of her mother’s boyfriend. She takes the first bus to New York where she hopes to find an old friend. Instead, she finds Devon – or rather, he finds her – a kind man who treats Michelle like his own daughter, giving her food, clothes and a new home. It seems Devon is the only thing keeping Michelle alive and healthy and she is eternally grateful to him. But things aren’t what they seem at first glance and Michelle finds herself caught up in the world of child prostitution where you are only worth as much as people are willing to pay for you. Michelle also meets Devon’s other girls called Kat and Baby and develops a sort of familial bond with them. Throughout the story Michelle still holds on to the dream of a better life after Devon has made enough money; a dream the reader knows will never come true.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a very dark and disturbing novel, as well as extremely realistic. There are no embellishments: Peggy Kern only includes what is absolutely essential and doesn’t try to make the story into anything more than an honest account of these girls’ lives. And that is more than enough.
What makes this novel even better, is the fact that Michelle, Kat and Baby aren’t just portrayed as victims. They are real people. They are all fully developed characters with their own desires and flaws. I really sympathized with all of them, could feel their desperation and fear.
So, why only four stars? In many ways, this is a five star book. It takes a heavy and difficult subject matter and handles it brilliantly. However, despite my appreciation for it, I didn’t love this novel. Maybe it was the style of the narration that hindered me at being fully immersed in the story. However, don’t let this dissuade you from picking it up: It is excellent and 100% worth the read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. Just be aware that it is a very dark subject matter and at times difficult to read.
“Ain’t nobody comin’ to save you, girl. You wanna survive? You better start thinking for yourself.”
This book was a very positive surprise indeed. Despite all the glowing reviews I had my doubts. The synopsis didn’t really sound like something I’d enThis book was a very positive surprise indeed. Despite all the glowing reviews I had my doubts. The synopsis didn’t really sound like something I’d enjoy, I usually don’t gravitate towards hard sci-fi, and the descriptions that I read beforehand didn’t sound so promising to me. Fortunately, I was wrong. I really enjoyed The Martian and pretty much read it in one sitting.
Here are the two things that worried me most going into the novel: 1) Everyone kept saying how much science talk there was. Now, science is great and all but I don’t really love lengthy scientific descriptions in my fiction. I like it when I can see a book is well researched but I also get easily bored. Plus, I was sure I would be totally lost and feel ignorant. 2) I always heard that this book was so funny. That Mark Watney has a great sense of humour and constantly makes jokes. Now, I don’t know about you guys, but if I would be stranded on Mars with no backup supplies and no help anywhere in sight I would not be making jokes. In fact, I would probably give up right then and there. So I was worried that the whole book would be very unrealistic, that Mark Watney wouldn’t feel like a real character.
My first worry proved partially true and is the reason I took away one star. There is a lot of science, a lot of heavy descriptions and at times it just went over my head and I lost track of what exactly was going on. Would I have enjoyed the book more without it? Maybe. But the science is part of what makes it so special so I really can't complain too much. However, it was by far not as bad as I imagined. Mark actually broke down most of what was going on and made it better understandable and more interesting. Surprisingly, the book never made me feel stupid. A little clueless maybe, but never stupid.
My second worry luckily proved to be false. The book felt very realistic and I loved, loved, loved Mark as a character. If there is one guy who deserves to live it’s him. I admired him and rooted for him from the start. He is incredibly smart and resourceful, charming and – I know I’m repeating what everyone else has already said – so hilarious. There are so many funny quotes in this book that made me grin and even laugh out loud. (Seriously, there is no point in me writing a long list. Go to the Goodreads page and look at the quotes there. It will be enough to convince you.)
Another thing that I was very happy about was that we didn’t only get Mark’s point of view, but also saw the reactions from the people on earth and in the spaceship. This made the entire novel even more dynamic and exciting. The panicking, news coverage and problem solving that was going on added drama and made the story more convincing; I felt like this could actually happen in real life.
I also thought this book was very powerful in terms of its message. It really gives you such faith in humanity: in what we can achieve but also how far we would go to help another. Really beautiful!
I will say that there could have been a little more sense of peril for Mark. I would have liked to see him truly break down just once, to have a little more insight into what was going on inside his head behind all the snarky remarks.
Overall, I thought this book was great. Very well written and extremely engaging. I listened to the audiobook and I think that really helped me get through the long descriptive passages. I highly recommend this novel if it sounds like something that would interest you! ...more
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