I pre-ordered this book years ago when it first released but didn't get to read it until now. I think it was a combination of nervousness I wouldn't eI pre-ordered this book years ago when it first released but didn't get to read it until now. I think it was a combination of nervousness I wouldn't enjoy it (thanks, hype) and "Big Book Fear", but I've finally read it and can say I realllly enjoyed it! I ended up buying it on Kindle halfway through for ease of reading, so now I own two copies. XD
Brielle was a fantastic heroine. I loved seeing her rise above all the pettiness and sexism and all her fears to become who she was created to be. I fell in love with her prince and Ọlọrọ Ilé along with her, and I was so happy with the needed feminist message that honored *partnership* between men and women.
The faith content was, as always for this author, amazing! And I enjoyed the best friend, Iris, so I'm looking forward to reading her story. ;)
I definitely recommend this unique, beautiful story. <3...more
My social media exploded with the news: new editions of the Wingfeather Saga, hardback with more illustrations. <3 Eeeek!!! After the cover reveals, IMy social media exploded with the news: new editions of the Wingfeather Saga, hardback with more illustrations. <3 Eeeek!!! After the cover reveals, I got even more excited and ordered my own copies of the first two with slow shipping to extend the anticipation. :D
They are GORGEOUS. The illustrations are truly beautiful and convey the world so well. <3 Just the inspiration I needed to re-read. ;)
I loved the family dynamic and how protective Nia and Podo are (and encouraging Janner to be). The worldbuilding was hilarious and perfect. (Don’t let the fun but somewhat info-heavy intros scare you off.) I was especially astounded by the realism of people carving out a life under oppression and doing their best to hope and to love. It may be a delightfully silly fantasy world with goofy names for things but the people and the emotions ring truer than true.
Janner will forever be my favorite. His heart and quest to really know his father = <3. He and Tink are a dangerous duo. XD :P Oskar, Leeli, Nugget, really everyone except the smelly Fangs, were wonderful. And Armulyn the Bard… may we all be as bold and carefree in the Maker.
Last time I read this, I was so focused on the hilarity, the heart pounding adventure, and Janner’s character arc, I missed Peet the Sockman. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen more, failed more, something, but I connected with his character more than ever before. <3
Best quotes: "But other than the cruel fangs and the constant threat of death and torture, there wasn't much to fear in Skree."
"There's just something about the way he sings. It makes me think of when it snows outside, and the fire is warm, and Podo is telling us a story while you're cooking, and there's no place I'd rather be--but for some reason I still feel... homesick."
Just a note, there’s some gross humor, children in extreme danger, and violence that is mostly non-graphic.
Altogether, this book was even more fantastic the second time around, and I’m so glad I decided to venture back into these books. On to book two! <3...more
There’s just something wonderful about British children’s books. A grave sagacity and a droll humor mixed with a mild anxiety, rainy days, and quite aThere’s just something wonderful about British children’s books. A grave sagacity and a droll humor mixed with a mild anxiety, rainy days, and quite a lot of bookishness. I loved every moment of the writing style and the references to some of the loveliest (and strangest) books ever written.
Tilly was a relatable main character. I loved how it put it that she wasn’t quite sure what “Tillyness” meant. I feel that sometimes too. The lovely dedication (how many book dedications have made you tear up?) led me to hope that the answer lay in reading her mum’s books and getting to know her mum and herself through them. Also, the struggle to make friends = yes.
The Bookshop was so atmospheric. <3 I want to be a crazy-wonderful-baker like Jack when I grow up. Tilly’s grandparents, Oliver, and even the characters that came alive from books (Sherlock Holmes, anyone?) felt so real and were delightful. I loved the visit to Avonlea, and I especially loved how bookwandering was attributed to imagination and not some sort of magic.
Unfortunately, some very heavy exposition in the middle of the book weighed down the story and a huge revelation made things less relatable and enjoyable for me in the second half. I did love seeing where Tilly had got her mottos from, and the family themes were lovely, but the book did not end up being quite what I had hoped or expected. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I was hoping for a more ordinary situation I could glean from and love for my own life. Just a personal thing. ;)
Best quote: Tilly sometimes felt like there had been a lesson where friendship had been explained, but she’d been out sick and had never quite been able to catch up.
Altogether, I loved the concept and the fictional lore it used, but this book was a miss for me. ;)...more
When I finished the original trilogy just six months ago, I had my doubts about reading this one. Why read another book when that ending was sooooo saWhen I finished the original trilogy just six months ago, I had my doubts about reading this one. Why read another book when that ending was sooooo satisfactory? Well, here I am, and I’m very happy to have read it. :D
(I got to buddy read this book with my friend Mikayla. 10/10 would recommend.)
When it first started out, I’ll admit that it didn’t feel like I was expecting. The first chapter was more action-packed and explanation-packed than these books usually start out with--which I’m sure was a welcome opening for readers new to the series or in need of a refresher. ;) Fortunately, it settled into the happy rhythm of cleverness, heartwarming friendship, and profound thoughts mixed together into an adventure like I’ve grown to love.
The blessed wordplays are back and better than ever! And so many callbacks to the first book. <3 Also, Milligan will never cease to be a legend. XD
I love the old gang so much, and I loved seeing them be themselves and even more so. Kate was… WOW. The moment with the stairs, anyone? Sticky is darling, and the more I think about it, I relate to him a little more than I ever have before. And Constance!!! The green-plaid-suit-wearing teenager with scarlet hair (maybe a bit like her sister’s <3 ). She was sleepy and grumpy again in this one, yes, but her struggles with feeling left out (as the only one officially still a young kid), her beautiful if grumpy love for her friends and family, and some of the gobsmacking things she did = happy sigh. Also, while I recognize that she shouldn’t be rude, I also recognize that certain things are always going to be harder for her, but after that ending I’ve got some hope. ;) Also, Tai is my baby. <3 I liked his role in the story, and yes, of course I saw a metaphorical meaning for it. XD
And Reynie. He’s always been my favorite character, and I love his big, beautiful heart. The painful growth he had to go through in this one was a little hard to read about at times, but I loved it in the end. He’s so awesome. <3
Honestly, all the ponderings about growing up and growing apart and respecting each other were amazing. My friend Mikayla and I agreed that it meant a lot to us since we were a similar age to the characters for the first time. (And those topics have been on my mind a ton lately.)
I loved the adventure in this one, and while I had a *tiny* guess of what was going on, the full scope of it just blew. my. mind. O.o. I love it so much. I did find some of the logistics confusing at times and the ending was a little slow, but I didn’t mind those so much. ;) Everything else was so perfect. <3
(And Reynie daring Kate to keep her hairstyle in was The Most Adorable Thing Ever.)
Just a note, there were a couple instances of threats against children and some peril. Also, as it says on the tin, telepathy is a factor.
Best quotes: “Poetic license,” Constance said with a shrug. Tai was fascinated. “There’s a license for poetry?”
More than once he’d come close to knocking on Mr. Benedict’s study door, only to change his mind and creep away. Now it occurred to him that Mr. Benedict had been aware of those almost-knocks. In fact, Mr. Benedict’s decision to “have an extra cup of tea” had likely been meant to make it easier for Reynie to approach him. No need for knocking. Mr. Benedict had removed the door.
Altogether, this was a great read, and with the nods to the prequel, I’m thinking I’ll need to read that one too. ;)...more
Meta, meta, meta--to the MAX! This book was so, sooo cliche from the very first pages, and I chortled to myself when the characters themselves began tMeta, meta, meta--to the MAX! This book was so, sooo cliche from the very first pages, and I chortled to myself when the characters themselves began to realize that. (Sorry, Ava. I feel ya on getting to be the “emotional support pony” supportive best friend. XD ) Like seriously, the protagonist Annabelle doesn’t know how beautiful she is and the love interest was ridiculously perfect and soooo obvious. XD
It got even better as author and characters went to battle. I really loved the mystery aspect of the story--unexpected and really fun. Annabelle (with the help of Ava) was so clever to notice continuity errors and figure out how to play the system. I was rooting for her to win. ;) I also loved how she wasn’t the only one discontent to stay in her written role and how other characters had been subtly influencing the story for a while. ;) (Elliott, you loyal side character! I’ve seen your kind before.) Also, the message about being willing to live life even if the results aren't guaranteed to be perfect was amazing.
Because this book is about a fictional character literally being controlled by her author, there are some rebellious messages I think it would be a mistake to apply to real life. Also, this book, while being a very meta, fantastic surprise, is still a tropey romance, so there were some scattered innuendos, some “desperate” kissing, and two somewhat suggestive “midnight swim” type of scenes I skimmed. :( (Would have been five stars without that. ;) ) Also, some scattered “a” and “d” swear words, underage drinking, and upper male nudity.
Best quotes: “You’re so much more than a sidekick to me.” “I know,” she says, turning around and wrapping an arm around my waist. “But you are a killer emotional support pony,” I say quietly, and she gives me a playful shove.
(view spoiler)[Then the realization hits: Lucy Keating doesn’t want Elliot to be close to me. “I could kill her,” I mutter. “Kill who?” Elliot asks. “I need a minute,” I say, my world spinning, and I carefully make my way out of the room, and up the stairs. I need to think, and there’s only one place to do it. (hide spoiler)]
Altogether, this was a delightful meta treat that had me loving and laughing at cliches. ;)
Okay, guys, this new edition is GORGEOUS! I wasn’t prepared for how beautiful it was going to be. The coloring was awesome, and I found I could better understand some frames (particularly action) so that was an added bonus. ;)
AND the humor. I forgot how hilarious this was (I was giggling like a kid), and I’m pretty sure I spied some new references/jokes. ;) (The copyright was fantastic. XD )
But this wasn’t just a quirky story with some great illustrations (or frames?), it also had a big heart. The family relationships really shone, especially the brotherhood between Martin and Marco. They have a properly complicated but cute dynamic. XD I’m looking forward to seeing if/when their adventures converge and experiencing the character arcs along the way. (And from now on, I’m referring to Marco as my Hobbit-baby because he looks like a mesh of Martin Freeman’s Bilbo and one of my nephews. XD)
My favorite parts were the “eleven years later” page (and the one before it, but spoilers, sweetie), any time Marco and his horse interacted, and details of the last page are so awesome and freaky…
Just a note, there are mentions of magical curses and a totem/talisman.
Altogether, this was such a fun, uplifting read! I can’t wait for the next. ;)
(Also, I shared this with my nephew who loves graphic novels, and he was just the cutest poring over it. <3)...more
Jo Shanks is my favorite character, not gonna lie. <3 I liked how clever he (well, everyone else too) was with tactics in this book, and I always findJo Shanks is my favorite character, not gonna lie. <3 I liked how clever he (well, everyone else too) was with tactics in this book, and I always find him, Emma, and Heyward to be a fantastic team.
This story did, unfortunately, feel a little short or unsatisfactory, but that was likely due to my confusion about where it falls in the timeline (and how long it’s been since I’ve read book two). ;) It’s definitely fun as a supplement to the main books, though! :D
Best quote: “He’s fine,” Helmer said, brushing off a leaf caught in Jo’s fur. “There.”
Just a note, the peril/violence levels are similar to the rest of the series.
Altogether, I love Jo, so any book with him is automatically fun. ;)...more
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened this book. The C.S. Lewis quote was definitely a good sign. Follow that up with a fantastic blend of SherloI wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened this book. The C.S. Lewis quote was definitely a good sign. Follow that up with a fantastic blend of Sherlock Holmes and fairytales, Doctor Who-esque rash decisions (that somehow half worked out), and downright perfect humor, and it was a winner. (Please don’t let me comparing it to many other things fool you--this book is really unlike anything else.)
I loved the setting, and Nick’s general outlook/personality. He and Crispin were hilarious, and I laughed aloud at their brotherly arguments. (Also, I pictured him as a monster to be a lot like Kitty from Monsters, Inc. I knew he was supposed to be scarier than that, but still…) Cordelia was delightfully unpredictable as well, and the three of them made for a delightful adventure.
I didn’t prefer the scenes with the wraith or the techniques of the charmbloods, but I appreciated the portrayal of magical things being double-edged and dangerous.
Just a note, there was one used of “blasted” and some descriptions of blood.
Best quotes: I crossed my arms and gave him a disapproving look. “Remember the stern discussion you and I had yesterday?” He gave me a puzzled frown. “Which one? We have so many.” I pointed to his patent-leather shoes. “Feet. Desk. Off. Forever.”
“Thanks, but I’ve already been shot once today. It didn’t take.”
Altogether, I’d take another one of these in a heartbeat. So much fun. XD
Also, who else SCREAMED internally at the epilogue??...more
(Star rating because of content concerns. Read the whole review for my thoughts.)
*stands and claps* THAT COVER.
Okay, I didn’t pick up this book just b(Star rating because of content concerns. Read the whole review for my thoughts.)
*stands and claps* THAT COVER.
Okay, I didn’t pick up this book just because of the cover (though it obviously was a huge factor); I was interested in the time loop concept too.
Jake was a fantastic point-of-view character. I empathized with his regrets/opinion of himself, and I really liked the way he described/mused about things. Exhibit A: “I pick my fork back up, spear some brussels sprouts. Why are brussels sprouts the universal vegetable for tension? Every time there is unease over dinner, brussels sprouts are likely on the table. What a thankless gig. Everyone hates you because 1) no one prepares you properly, or because 2) you remind them of some awful dinner where they received terrible news. Poor brussels sprouts. I’m actually a fan, myself. Because normally Mom nails them. But tonight they don’t taste the same.”
Jillian and Franny, along with Jake’s parents (hilariously, embarrassingly in love), were a great supporting cast. Kate was a cool character--definitely more than the “manic pixie dream girl” I was expecting her to be. I’ll never look at cereal the same way, and I cracked up pretty badly at some of their emails and that one time they passed out cereal to the entire dorm. #happystarvingcollegestudents I’ve heard of sickle cell anemia before, but to see a person’s (albeit, a fictional person) entire life being affected and threatened by it made things really real.
The time loop ended up being just as cool and compelling as I’d expected. There were a couple of times I considered DNFing, but I read on just to see what happened with these characters. Seriously, do-over stories are super fascinating.
I also really loved this book’s theme of loving everyone in your life instead of just focusing on your romantic interest and ultimately yourself. Watching Jake learn this by trial and error was pretty interesting and sometimes cringey. ;)
And the author did an amazing job writing a diverse cast without screaming “Look I Did the Diversity Thing”. It felt really, really natural, and even smashed some subtle stereotypes. Hats off to him!
Unfortunately, due to a lot of foul language, some jokes about casual sex (though Jake always shot that down--yay!), underage drinking, kissing (some detailed), and cheating, I can’t recommend this book. When I started reading it, there was a PG-13 amount of language, mostly the “a” word with some scattered “h” and “d” that I was able to ignore/skim over, but as things got more stressful and a new character was brought into the spotlight, it got heavier and ruder including the F-bomb directed at people. There was also a scene at the end that was possibly implied sex, though it, fortunately, was hard to tell. Also, people who are sensitive to hospital settings, be warned, there are a significant number of scenes set in the hospital. ;)
Altogether, this book had some fantastic characterizations and a fascinating premise, but it’s not something I will re-read or recommend. ;)...more
I love this book for its intriguing cover and review by Rebecca Stead.
Its truth about family and sisters and sorrow, and its truth about family and siI love this book for its intriguing cover and review by Rebecca Stead.
Its truth about family and sisters and sorrow, and its truth about family and sisters growing apart because of sorrow. (Dad’s sighs were particularly accurate.)
Its portrayal of an easy world perfect for a fresh start.
Baking and blueberries and ice cream and s’mores and faded freckles and a rose but that would not be tamed.
A slow reveal of what the tragedy was and how the eerily idyllic Eventown worked.
(view spoiler)[The stories of our lives--good, bad, and ugly--overlapping and smashing together and being vital to who were are. (hide spoiler)]
Just a note, there was one blasphemy and mentions of hard things including (view spoiler)[divorce, suicide, and racism. (hide spoiler)] Also, one side character has lesbian parents who figure highly into the last quarter of the book.
Altogether, this was a surprisingly profound read.
If you need me, I’ll be out in the rain eating olive-oil jasmine cake with white chocolate pear frosting. <3...more
A dystopian pirate-y story? With this cover--yet another beauty that holds more meaning than meets the eye? And a Goodreads friend liked it and said iA dystopian pirate-y story? With this cover--yet another beauty that holds more meaning than meets the eye? And a Goodreads friend liked it and said it’s slightly connected to Matched? Sign me up. :D
Ally Condie has proven time and again to be a fantastic author, so you can imagine my excitement when this arrived at the library. :D
I ate up the worldbuilding. The raiders had AMAZING and beautiful technology, and I liked how the Outpost had a mix of and new, i.e. solar panels and cogs and gears. It was really easy to picture everything, and I found this world a little more developed than some other dystopians I’ve read, probably because of the travel. ;)
The characters--even down to the villain--were fantasticly dimensional and complicated. Which was especially cool since this had a very Agatha Christie-like mystery going on and it was nearly impossible to figure out who the traitor was. Even when the mystery was “solved”, there was a whole nuther layer. Tam (cinnamon roll), Porter (wow), and Brig (hmmm) were my favorite side characters for sure, even if they weren’t exactly on the right side of things.
And then there’s Poe. I honestly expected her to be my least favorite thing about the book. (I’m frankly quite tired of assassin/pirate/tush-kicking girls whose entire personalities consist of anger, anger, and more anger with toughness just for the sake of it. Like, that’s not even a character.) Poe was not one of those. (Trust this author to do dimensional.) I found her to be the very definition of “stuck between a rock and a hard place”. A believable survivor who had done things, some hard and some very wrong, to stay alive. And while she had a lot of vengeance in her heart, I loved watching her grow in empathy, adjust with each piece of new information as the mystery unraveled, and work to save others even if she was really clumsy at it sometimes. And while it could have been stronger, the message of forgiveness and learning to heal was definitely there. ;)
Other cool things included super cool nautical stuff and a very understated, highly respectful and mostly non-physically-focused romance. Happy sigh. <3 (*cries at the sweetness of the ruler scene*) Also, THAT connection to Matched. :D
Just a note, this book was a bit more violent than some others by this author. A lot was implied or “offscreen”, but there were some detailed descriptions of (view spoiler)[a nasty burn, how the dredge armor works (*grimaces*), and a couple up close and personal deaths from gunshot wounds. (hide spoiler)] Also, there were a couple of teenage kisses and six uses of the “d” word and a couple of “h” throughout.
Best quote: It’s easier to kill than to save. It’s easier to imagine a new world than to take care of the one you’ve got.
Altogether, this was a satisfying read. I just might need to get myself a copy. ;)...more
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Hello, my FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Hello, my name is Kate, and I’m sometimes more empathetic than I know what to do with. Which is probably why this is now one of my favorite books.
Kynet was really relatable in her desire to help others no matter the cost to herself. The personal effects, both physical and emotional, on her when she healed were allegorically beautiful and so, so accurate. This tension and the themes winding throughout the book were so good and gave me a lot to think about. ;) (Like, when you try to heal someone emotionally? Mind blown.)
I really enjoyed the fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian mash-up setting. The backdrop of a fledgling revolution made things especially interesting. (And had me worried for a certain Gavroche-like character.) Nayn (the hothead!) and Daven were interesting side characters. And Lael was as amazing and as eccentric as he should be. Don’t even get me started on what made him coolest, though. Spoilers, sweetie, but aaaaahhhh! Let’s just say, all the themes tied together--PERFECTLY.
Just a note, because the main character was a healer, there were descriptions of wounds and death as well as some traumatized memories. Also, one of the side effects of special abilities in this world is a voice in the bearer’s head called a “rift shadow”. I’m not sure what I think of this yet, so I’ll withhold comment until it’s explained further maybe in another book. ;)
Best quotes: “There’s got to be a way to pass on healing,” she choked. It wasn’t natural, any of it. And if one had been given something, surely they could give it to another.
“Working on it.” He peered around a corner. “I have four and a half plans, depending on where we find him and how.”
Altogether, this just might be my new favorite book by this author. (Though Song of the Sword is still pretty high up there. ;) ) Yes, I preordered it in paperback. No, I’m not impatient for it to come. *whistles innocently* ...more
So, I got this book for a younger sister for Christmas, and then she loaned it to me when she was done reading. Win-win. ;)
This book was a little hardSo, I got this book for a younger sister for Christmas, and then she loaned it to me when she was done reading. Win-win. ;)
This book was a little hard for me to get into at first because my mind was blanking on character’s names (it’s been a long time since I’ve read the book before this) and nautical terms always throw me for a loop. Even if there’s a guide, which there was. ;)
I ended up liking it a lot though! I thought rabbits with swords were cool, but rabbits with ships might be even cooler. :D Sailing sounded really fun... and really dangerous. I enjoyed Queen Lillie in this one. She was brilliant, supportive of Whitson, and very brave. Lander was also really sweet but kinda sad too. Definitely a child of his war-torn time.
The whole climax was very brilliant! I was a little astonished by how they worked everything out. Trick upon clever trick. O.o. (Not to mention a surprise character!)
Just a note, there are some moments that may be scary for younger readers, especially with the addition of a new, very evil enemy of the rabbits.
Best quote: “I’ll not drop you, Your Highness!” Jake cried. “And they’ll not drop me,” he added, glancing back at his shipmates deliberately.
Altogether, I love this storyworld and each new addition to it is a delight....more
This sequel to The Giver has much the same heart, and I’m glad I decided to re-read it.
First off, Kira was an inspiring character. I loved how she leThis sequel to The Giver has much the same heart, and I’m glad I decided to re-read it.
First off, Kira was an inspiring character. I loved how she let the pain of her disability feed her strength instead of making her bitter. Her times working with Annabella among the plants or mending the robe were beautiful to read about. (Makes me want to take up embroidering, though I think my natural talents most likely lie elsewhere.) Between this book and its prequel, I’ve noticed an unusual value placed on the experience and knowledge of the elderly, and I think that’s something very special we need more of in books. Kira’s motherly friendship with Matt was sweet and hilarious, and I liked how she and Thomas got along.
I really liked the unique way of describing talents--something a bit mysterious that grows with age and does things on its own without the artist quite knowing how it happened. Some of the ideas (the arts being chained, instruction squelching creativity) were a little classic agenda-ish, but there were many others I loved. A specific piece of art special to its creator, art made for yourself and others, and the power of art to change lives and maybe even the world. The ending was a bit open, but I liked how it highlighted Kira’s hard choice between safety and comfort and using her gifts to brighten the world. Such a real choice.
The main thing that took stars off for me was the setting/culture. I found it revolting from the very first page with its lack of morality, no familial attachments, dishonoring burial methods, and just a general atmosphere of scrabbling and squabbling. It wasn’t fun to read about, but it did lend even more importance to Kira’s art.
Oh, wow, there were things I had forgotten! I started to remember throughout the book who was lying, but that plot twist had me gawking. O.o. :D
All the references to dear Jonas and his village were just amazing. <3
Just a note, in addition to the harsh culture, there were some poisonings, (view spoiler)[one of a child by its mother (hide spoiler)], and some descriptions of violence including a mention of a suicide. A rude word is used in the proper context of human excrement used for making dyes. Also, there is a cross in the story, and its symbolism has been lost, so the people of the village worship it instead of the One who died on it and rose again.
Altogether, I enjoyed another jaunt into this storyworld and was inspired by the main character. ;) ...more
First off, she alllwwwwaaayys scores the most beautiful book covers. Second, whoever decided the inside flaps shoThis is my fifth book by Ally Condie.
First off, she alllwwwwaaayys scores the most beautiful book covers. Second, whoever decided the inside flaps should be that exact shade of green has my undying respect and a pan of brownies.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book. I’d heard a rumor that it was exactly like Matched except bland, and since I loved Matched, I wasn’t too thrilled about that idea.
I looooved the worldbuilding. The gondolas, the trees, the market… It was properly dystopian--sterile with a quirky vibrancy that people always bring to a culture. It was also really interesting to piece together just exactly what was going on…
Y’all, this was not a romance. NOT A ROMANCE. Which was really cool. Instead, I’d call it more of a “star-crossed sisters” story, if there even is such a thing. There was much to be found in this story about family and giving of yourself for what you love.
Rio was a cool heroine. While I wasn’t a fan of her selfishness and inherent suspicion (though I was with her on Maire!), her determination and fierce love for her family were awesomely admirable. Oceana and Bay were great as well. Something I really appreciated was that this book was able to have plenty of strong female characters (and I mean more than just physical strength) without turning all male characters into doormats like in some books I’ve read. *tries not to think about Princess Academy 3* *fails* True was a great character with so much loyalty and strength in his heart and that super awesome skill of his… I might like him. Just a little bit. :D <3 He and Rio were a good team. ;)
My worry about it being a bland Matched remix was definitely laid to rest. I was iffy on the siren’s manipulative powers, but it was presented as exactly as dangerous and tempting as it really would be. And I liked where Rio ended up with it. ;) The other thing I was uncomfortable with was the false religion, though it was sometimes pointed out as being invented which was cool.
Just a note, there were mentions of murders, mass drownings, and a mass shooting though none were described in detail. Also, there was some very sweet teenage kissing.
Best quotes: They sang peace to us. They reminded us what laughter sounded like. They were beautiful and joyful.
I have eyes for him, and so I see.
Altogether, this was a great, unique read. :D...more
Since my Goodreads friends are such big fans of Jennifer Nielsen, I decided it was high time I tried one of her books. I chose this standalone becauseSince my Goodreads friends are such big fans of Jennifer Nielsen, I decided it was high time I tried one of her books. I chose this standalone because 1) the cover and interior formatting <3 and 2) the concept looked interesting. ;)
It was good. :D
I always love me a good medieval setting, and this book had it all. Dungeons, trees, primitive medicine, hardy rural folk…
Speaking of hardy rural folk, while Ani wasn’t my favorite character ever, this was one thing I liked about her. She could have tended to be the classic belligerent “strong female character” who saw things no else did, started a revolution, etc., but instead--while she definitely had some of those classic things going on--I got the idea that she was mostly a product of her culture. (Though she was definitely a troublemaker even at home.) The more I heard about the River People, the more they reminded me of people I knew back when I lived in the country. ;)
Okay, so this book made me feel what the characters were feeling. Which is huge. I was honestly blown away by how real Ani’s fear of the Scourge was. I really felt it. The same with how hungry--starving practically--the characters were at times. Masterful.
Plotwise, this book was like a way better version of a short story I once wrote and a cool-looking but no good dystopian book I DNFed earlier this year. That said, I called 93% of it, but the super surprising 7% was awesome. Plus banter. *is still blown away* *like an autumn leaf*
Speaking of BANTER, my weakness, by the way… Boy, was it in this book! I wish I could type some in here for you, but I’m afraid this review would get waaaay too long. ;) Broken needles, Ani’s singing, Weevil’s unique greetings to her… And let’s not forget that clever argument about who was the worse friend that suddenly turned too real and cruel and heartbreaking. *cries* Ani and Weevil’s friendship was one of my favorites I’ve read about in a long time. Balancing each other, working together, loyalty, occasionally arguing, hard truths, sweet moments. Let’s just say Ani’s lock picking metaphor was perfect. When I read the author’s note and found out how she’d based their friendship on the song “500 Miles”, I just about squealed. <3 <3
I also liked some of the side characters, and the personal challenge Della posed to Ani was quite interesting.
Just a note, rebellious attitudes and stealing are redefined (i.e. “stealing” as “borrowing”, though someone called that out for what it was once). There were also some medical details, but fortunately, these were not described very much. Also, one very sweet kiss between teenagers. Altogether, this was an enjoyable read! I look forward to trying more from this author. ;)
(And I might grab you all a couple quotes later. ;) )...more
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