I liked this one better than the first one, but it was still a a bit of a struggle for me. I think I had some trouble with the time skip between the tI liked this one better than the first one, but it was still a a bit of a struggle for me. I think I had some trouble with the time skip between the two books and keeping everything straight. Even so, the stories were nice and interesting, there was also a bit more depth added with the lore of the ghost. Overall, I liked it better and will probably continue the series....more
This book was very interesting, the premise was intriguing and unique. I heard many people talk about it and the book had some mixed reviews, which I This book was very interesting, the premise was intriguing and unique. I heard many people talk about it and the book had some mixed reviews, which I get. While the stories were very wholesome and the book had a very nice, calm atmosphere, the stories were kind of odd at times. The stories all ended very similarly and in a very... traditional way. The women in the different situations all learned the lesson that they had to settle down and take care of their families. It all boiled down to the same thing.
I liked the café and its many rules, and I think I'll try the next book, but I'm hoping there will be more variety in the outcomes of the stories and more different types of characters. ...more
I love contemporary romance and I love time travel, so this book seemed perfect for me. And it was a lot of fun! I enjoyed it a lot and felt like a loI love contemporary romance and I love time travel, so this book seemed perfect for me. And it was a lot of fun! I enjoyed it a lot and felt like a lot of it made sense. It was a sweet love story but also a story about grief. At times I felt a little frustrated with the main character, but for the most part I was really rooting for her and the love interest. It was a fun book with some depth to it. ...more
The moment I heard about this book I knew it would be for me, I love time travel stuff and the premise really intrigued me. It didn't disappoint, I abThe moment I heard about this book I knew it would be for me, I love time travel stuff and the premise really intrigued me. It didn't disappoint, I absolutely loved it. The writing was amazing and I loved the different plot twists and turns. It wasn't boring at any point, I listened to half of it in one day because I didn't want to stop.
Great book, would definitely reccommend! Easy 5 stars....more
I saw a lot of hype for this book, but I ultimately didn't really like it that much. There was enough there for a 3 star rating, bA bit disappointing.
I saw a lot of hype for this book, but I ultimately didn't really like it that much. There was enough there for a 3 star rating, but I feel like this book could have been a lot shorter. It was drawn-out and boring at times, and the writing style didn't really appeal to me. I also feel like it's trying a bit too hard to shoehorn into the 'dark academia' hype, putting aesthetics over logic and plot. I also heard a lot about LGBTQ+ rep in this, and it ended up disappointing a bit on that front. It was there, just not very well done (yet?).
I might check out the sequel, I'm not sure yet. ...more
I thought this book would be right up my alley, as I love time travel. But it really wasn't.
The only word I can really use to describe it is: boring. I thought this book would be right up my alley, as I love time travel. But it really wasn't.
The only word I can really use to describe it is: boring. It just didn't feel like any of the stakes really mattered that much. The time travel was something completely in Xanthe's control, she could just come back whenever. The threat of the ghost felt... weak, I didn't really ever feel like Xanthe's mother was in any danger.
It was just... blah. The characters, the romance, the writing. It wasn't for me. ...more
After how much I loved the first book, I'm disappointed to give both sequels 3 stars. I still liked the characters, and in this one, I did enjoy the tAfter how much I loved the first book, I'm disappointed to give both sequels 3 stars. I still liked the characters, and in this one, I did enjoy the time travel stuff in the plot a lot, but there was still something missing to me. I think the group dynamic from the first one was what I missed most, with most of the group split up in this one.
There were bits of it I really liked, but most of it felt a bit mediocre and bland. The pacing was a bit off for me. I also think the ending was a bit too easy, after how much the Ra'haam was built up over the course of the series. I also still didn't really enjoy the character of Saedii, she still felt... a bit overly edgy to me. I still think my comparison to SJM characters from my review of book 2 stands.
All in all, I'm glad I finished this series because there were a lot of things I did like about it. It just started a lot stronger than it ended for me. ...more
I always love time travel books, which is the reason I picked this one up. The premise was very interesting to me and I was really curious about the sI always love time travel books, which is the reason I picked this one up. The premise was very interesting to me and I was really curious about the story.
I liked it, but it didn't blow me away. I think he time travel aspect was actually done really well, but I felt a bit detached from the characters and the emotion for the biggest part of the book. The main character is going through a lot and as the reader I didn't really feel the emotional impact of it until the last bit of the book.
That said, the ending was perfection. I did really like that part. If you're someone who enjoys time travel in books, I'd give this one a shot. ...more
Continuing my reread, and I really loved reading this book again. The third book just has so much nostalgia for me, as it was my favoriReread: 10-4-29
Continuing my reread, and I really loved reading this book again. The third book just has so much nostalgia for me, as it was my favorite Harry Potter book until the final one came out. It's still tied with that one, honestly. The plot is just so good, and I'll never forget how much the twists at the end blew my mind when I read it for the first time.
This one I just don't really know how to review. I can't do anything but give it a 5 star read. Though I've also decided to keep all my ratings during this reread the same as the rating I gave originally....more
This is still a lovely book. I liked it better when I listened to it the first time in audio form, but it was still beautifully writtenReread 6-6-2024
This is still a lovely book. I liked it better when I listened to it the first time in audio form, but it was still beautifully written and enchanting. I enjoyed the time travel tropes in it a lot. ------- I was a bit worried I wouldn't like this, but it somehow worked for me. I understand people who say the language was too flowery, and I also think I probably didn't understand everything completely, but it really managed to capture me. It was a beautiful little story that I listened to in one go. The author did a really good job capturing the fun nuances of time travel, which I really enjoyed.
I think this one is going to stick with me for a while....more
Closer to 3.5, rounded down because of a few things.
This book was different than anything else I have read, and it was definitely intriguing. The storCloser to 3.5, rounded down because of a few things.
This book was different than anything else I have read, and it was definitely intriguing. The story was unique and the characters felt pretty real and interesting, and they had a good dynamic. That said, they did feel a little flat to me. I never truly felt connected to any of them, nor did I really care about them or what happened to them. The mystery wasn't all that interesting to me, and I didn't really like the resolution. What I think will stick with me from this book was how the characters reacted to the groundhog day style looping of time, how they started to spend their days and entertained themselves in different ways. That part interested me a lot, and I think that was my favorite part of the book.
It was certainly unique, and a little weird, but mostly in a good way. I wish I had connected to the characters a bit more, and I really wasn't a big fan of the ending, but all in all, it was a very interesting read....more
It lacked the humor and self awareness of the first book, and the setting and characters left a lot to be desThis book was a bit of a disappointment.
It lacked the humor and self awareness of the first book, and the setting and characters left a lot to be desired. It was still fun enough to catch my attention at times (hence the 3 stars) but it was definitely a step down from Off to Be the Wizard
From the start I didn't like the concept of Atlantis as a safe haven for all magical women, even in the first book. It seemed like a bit of a lazy way to write off all women and keep them out of the main cast. Even now that there was a book set in this area, only two new female characters were fleshed out (though it could be argued one counts as two, which would make it three. But it's a stretch), and one of them was a very flat villain with one of the worst motives I've ever seen.
I honestly found myself skimming the bits set at Atlantis until the conclusion, which was somewhat interesting. What saved this book for me a little was the Jimmy side-plot, it was funny and felt a lot more like the style of the first book. Unfortunately I thought it didn't really go anywhere satisfying in the end, which is a shame.
So meh, mixed feelings. I'll give the third book a go, but I hope it recaptures some of the spirit of the first book. And that it has more female characters. The only ones that have any sort of agency and voice for now are the ones that are love interests for the main characters, which isn't great....more
When I first heard of this book, I was sure I would enjoy it. And thankfully, I was right. Off to Be the Wizard has a very fun concept and is also verWhen I first heard of this book, I was sure I would enjoy it. And thankfully, I was right. Off to Be the Wizard has a very fun concept and is also very funny. I read through it pretty quickly, though it did take me a while to get into it. I do have a few complaints, but I mostly really liked the book.
(view spoiler)[I loved the twist with Gwen, I was going to give this book a lower rating because of how little impact the only female character in it had until I got to that reveal. I still wish there were more female characters, though, instead of them being hand-waved away. (hide spoiler)]
I also found the bad guy's entire plot to be a bit far fetched and it took me out of the story a bit. (view spoiler)[ But I still really enjoyed Jimmy as the bad guy, even if it was a tad obvious. The book itself even points out that it's obvious which makes it more agreeable to me. (hide spoiler)]
I hope it keeps the lighthearted humor in the other books in this series, it's part of what made this book so great....more
I knew this book was very important and dealt with a very heavy subject, but man it packed a punch. Kindred was an experience I won't easily forget, tI knew this book was very important and dealt with a very heavy subject, but man it packed a punch. Kindred was an experience I won't easily forget, the way story went was so sad but also so realistic. I just really loved it, definitely a recommendation but do keep the subject matter in mind. It might be a good idea to look up trigger warnings. ...more
I read Passenger, the first book in this series over 2 years ago. Somehow, I never really felt inspired to pick up the sequel. The first book had undeI read Passenger, the first book in this series over 2 years ago. Somehow, I never really felt inspired to pick up the sequel. The first book had underwhelmed me quite a bit, which is sad because I really like time travel. So when I was looking at my TBR I decided to give the second one a go, though I looked up a summary of the first book first to refresh my mind.
And it... underwhelmed me even more. I don't know what it is about this story but it feels so slow to me. In places I felt bored, which only increased near the end. I didn't feel a connection to the characters and honestly, the plot was confusing. It was hard to keep track of all the different families and time travel rules, especially since time travel barely seems to be the focus of the story. The only way it is used is as a big obstacle, keeping people apart when they want to be together. The different times they find themselves in are treated as barely more than set dressing. A few descriptions of the clothes worn by people around them is all you really get about the different times they travel to. If you asked me now, I couldn't name a single era they went to that left an impression on me.
I suppose this just isn't my kind of book. I like time travel because it makes it possible for many interesting different settings to appear in a single story. I know it has to have confusing rules to exist, but those rules shouldn't be the focus, in my opinion....more
I need some time to sort out my feelings. For the most part they were positive but I really did not like some things in the second part. Sorta wish I I need some time to sort out my feelings. For the most part they were positive but I really did not like some things in the second part. Sorta wish I could rate them separately. I saw a lot of negativity and really wanted to give it a fair chance, but there are some things in this story that just make no sense to me whatsoever. So uh, rating/review to come.
--- 2/8/2016
This is such a hard book to rate. The things I liked about it are many and I really really liked them but then there are two things that I really did not like that almost ruined the ending for me.
I'll focus on the positive first.
What I liked:
(most of) The plot.I know many people that don't like the book are saying that the plot is weak and has plot holes but I really liked it for the most part. I love time travel and this book really played with the differences actions in the past can make. It was a nice way to revisit some of the older scenes without doing flashbacks or anything like that.
Albus. He was such a good character. Back when DH came out I spent a lot of time picturing what their kids would be like, and Albus hit the mark for me exactly. He was almost eerily like how I imagined him and I loved it. He made a lot of sense to me, because having Harry Potter as your dad can't be easy. I really liked the way he interacted with everyone. Especially Scorpius.
Scorpius. Scorpius was such a sweetheart and I really loved him as well. He also has a very interesting relationship with his dad but I mainly really liked his friendship with Albus. It was my favorite part of this whole book.
The old cast I felt like the old characters were mainly written very well and that their interactions were a lot of fun. I did think Ron was used a little too much for jokes, but it still felt alright to me. I felt that there was just enough focus on them to keep the book from being about them while still giving them their time to shine.
The general feel. This book felt like a Harry Potter book in most ways. Of course, the fact that it's a script and not a book changes things but I still really felt the magic. The first part was really, really enjoyable and I also liked large parts of the second part.
Now the negative. This is pretty much all going to be spoilers. (view spoiler)[ The villain. Okay so I saw coming that Delphi wasn't what she seemed, but when she was revealed to be Voldemorts daughter I had to put the book down in disbelief. It completely and utterly took me out of the story and made it all seem very unrealistic and not aligned with canon in the slightest. I can accept a lot of things they added for this play, but the reveal that Bellatrix had a child RIGHT before the battle of Hogwarts makes no sense at all. She is a prominent character in DH, with no mention of any sort of pregnancy. Besides, even if she is Voldemort's daughter, why would that automatically make her evil? It seems to go against everything the books stood for in terms of choices making people who they are, not parentage. I just felt like it was a really really lazy way to create a villain, and it made me a lot less invested in the latter half of the book. She also had no personality or purpose besides being evil, which just reinforced the laziness.
I had some hope that she had been raised to falsely believe she was Voldemort's child, only to find out that she wasn't. But no, she really was and it makes no sense to me.
The romantic subtext that was dismissed During this entire book, Albus and Scorpius have a very close connection and relationship. They literally seem to be a romantic couple in many scenes, to the point where Scorpius is jealous when Albus has a crush on Delphi. I don't know if I expected it to really happen, because HP doesn't have the best track record with LGBT representation, but I also didn't expect it to all be shoved aside in a single sentence at the end because Scorpius suddenly likes Rose. It would have been fine with me if he does like her, if there was any build up whatsoever for it. Now it just felt like they were getting the reader's hopes up only to deflect it at the last minute, making me feel like I imagined the romantic subtext between Albus and Scorpius. I'm not one of those readers that always ships the two boys together no matter what, but in this case I really felt like it had a chance of happening, only to be disappointed. (hide spoiler)]
It might be harsh to rate it 3 stars mainly because I didn't like 1 element of the story, but it was a huge element and it especially took me out of it. Because of it I just couldn't enjoy the second half of it nearly as much as the first. If I had to rate them separately I probably would have given part 1 four stars and part 2 two....more
I had many of the same problems with this book as with the first. The story dragged on for me and it never felt like it was flowing natMore 2.5 stars.
I had many of the same problems with this book as with the first. The story dragged on for me and it never felt like it was flowing naturally. Instead, it really seemed to be written around the photographs the author wanted to use, it felt very forced and I had a hard time getting through it.
None of the characters really changed or were developed much, I wasn't very invested in any of them, not even Jacob. The romance with Emma also still didn't work for me in the slightest.
Despite the things I disliked, I'm still a little curious about where the story goes. But I don't think I'm curious enough to get the third book. I hoped I might like this one more than the first because I now knew what to expect, but unfortunately, it just doesn't seem to be the series for me....more
Out of all 3 books in this series, I think this one was the least well done. That is saying a lot, because I still really enjoyed it.
It was a good enOut of all 3 books in this series, I think this one was the least well done. That is saying a lot, because I still really enjoyed it.
It was a good end to this series, wrapping everything up nicely. I liked seeing more of the different worlds as always, both the new ones and revisiting some old ones. (I think that's what draws me to these books, I just love alternate dimension / timeline stuff a lot)I felt like 'Wicked' was a decent villain, though it is still hard to see her being the same person as Marguerite. (view spoiler)[The alternate world with the clones was a brilliant idea, I loved seeing the different versions of Marguerite interact with each other so much. (hide spoiler)]
There are a few things I thought were weaker. I felt like Paul and his whole romance plot should have been wrapped up in the last book. It felt like the author was dragging it out just for drama. I also felt like some conflicts just ended a little bit easily. (view spoiler)[When 'Wicked' took over Marguerites body in the last book, it was really scary, but it was then solved pretty quickly in this one. (hide spoiler)]
But all in all, I really liked this series. If you're into the idea of alternate universes at all, give it a go....more
While I did enjoy this book, I think it's my least favorite out of the series.
I felt like while the most important things were wrapped up, there were While I did enjoy this book, I think it's my least favorite out of the series.
I felt like while the most important things were wrapped up, there were still a bunch of smaller plot points that were never really resolved. The ending felt a little incomplete because of it. Like (view spoiler)[ I wanted to know why Doctor White lied for Gwyneth's sake and I wanted to see some sort of resolution with the ghost of his son. Also, perhaps there could have been more speculation about the consequences of the two main characters now being immortal, they seemed not that bothered by it. (hide spoiler)]
There were still some good action scenes, humor and unexpected twists that made the book very enjoyable, but I still feel like it could have been a little bit better with some more details. ...more
I keep going through this books at a breakneck speed because I really can't focus on anything else at the moment, I need to know what happens next!
SapI keep going through this books at a breakneck speed because I really can't focus on anything else at the moment, I need to know what happens next!
Sapphire Blue was a little bit weaker than Ruby Red in my opinion because less new things happened and the main character frustrated me a little with some of her decisions. It was still a really great book, though, and I can't wait to see how this series ends. I think this could be one of my favorite series for a long time....more
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