A retelling of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None (which I haven't read in a long time so I can't tell you how this compares other than Christ...moreA retelling of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None (which I haven't read in a long time so I can't tell you how this compares other than Christie was obviously much more clever), it reads more like teen horror movie. The writing wasn't the best, though it wasn't awful, and most readers will probably figure things out pretty quickly, it is still a fun, creepy story you don't want to read at night during a storm (or maybe you do). A welcome addition to the almost non-existent teen horror genre (or non-existent since R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike lost popularity). (less)
I don't like short stories and I loved this. They pretty much all sucked me in and I had hopes that many may morph into longer stories and novels. And...moreI don't like short stories and I loved this. They pretty much all sucked me in and I had hopes that many may morph into longer stories and novels. And I learned that Brenna Yovanoff can write some pretty twisted stuff. Enjoyed this immensely.(less)
This title had threads of Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, Starcrossed by Elizabeth Bunce, and even a bit of Graceling by Kristin Cashore, which is pr...moreThis title had threads of Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, Starcrossed by Elizabeth Bunce, and even a bit of Graceling by Kristin Cashore, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. I have to say I was surprised to read all of the negative reviews. While the writing may not be to the same level as the books I mentioned above, I did not think it was horrid. In fact, I enjoyed the writing. When I first started the book I was afraid that I was going to hate the main character. She is vain and self-centered but I do believe she has a good heart and she's been through a lot so I conceded her her vanity. In fact, it added a layer to her character different from the other tough-girl heroines who are somehow oblivious to their blinding beauty. Celaena knew she was beautiful and knew how to use it to her advantage. About the love triangle - as a general rule, I hate them but this one didn't bug me much. The person she chose to be with during the book was someone to whom she was attracted at a physical level and someone with whom she could converse with her about books and someone whom amused her. I didn't see much depth to that relationship and Celaena proved that to me in the end. I would have been happier with the other choice but with the glimpses of her history I am not surprised she chose the easier, more surface option. While maybe the mystery of the bad guy was not so easily hidden, so many questions still remain and there are so many more layers to unfold. I want to know more specifics about Celaena's heritage. I want to know whether the king is truly evil or if he is a pawn for someone even more evil. I want to know what Celaena, Dorian, Chaol, and Nehemia are going to do about it.(less)
Spot-on mom anecdotes and some actual good tips for management, plus lots of other real life observations delivered with wit. Perfect road trip audiob...moreSpot-on mom anecdotes and some actual good tips for management, plus lots of other real life observations delivered with wit. Perfect road trip audiobook.(less)
I would have really liked this book had it been written by someone else, like Dessen or Ockler. The overall story was great and had so much potential....moreI would have really liked this book had it been written by someone else, like Dessen or Ockler. The overall story was great and had so much potential. I didn't even have much issue with the story arc and resolution. It was the execution that killed it for me. The characters lacked depth and consistency. The writing felt juvenile. The main character just graduated high school, the love interest is 19 and on his own, this had the potential to be an amazing New Adult book if it was edgier and deeper, if it actually delved into the conflicts, but it didn't and I would have guessed Em was 13 not 17/18. There was a lot of telling instead of showing or showing but then telling like the author didn't think her readers were smart enough to figure out what was going on. There also seemed to be a lot of filler writing, like a and b happened and then I went home and went to sleep and then I woke up and thought about everything that happened which was a and b and then I went and cooked because that's when I think the best and I thought about a and b. The conflict fell flat when it actually happened. The argument felt forced then was over as soon as it happened because Em was just like, it's all good I see why you did what you did so I'm over it. I'm sorry but you don't just deal with something like that in 24 hours. Also, I had a really hard time believing that her family at home reacted in the way they did. Finally, the last sentence is, "He was right; I am amazing." Self-centered much? Em is far from perfect but somehow because everything has miraculously and easily fallen neatly into place she is amazing for bringing it all together. Honestly the book would have been better without the epilogue and I'm usually one for sappy epilogues.
In its favor, I did finish the book which I don't often do when I have this many issues. It was still interesting enough to keep me reading on my lunch break but not interesting enough to make me want to read it when I got home from work at night. Except for maybe one reference to underage drinking (in which Em would NEVER take part) and some heated kisses, this book would be perfect for younger teens who want to read about older teens but who aren't quite ready for those books (or whose parents don't want them to read those books).(less)
Totally lived up to the hype. Somehow this book was able to be incredibly emotional and realistic regarding sexual assault and rape while at the same...moreTotally lived up to the hype. Somehow this book was able to be incredibly emotional and realistic regarding sexual assault and rape while at the same time being extremely romantic and swoon-worthy. Having had a friend who was assaulted in college, so many of the characters' reactions and the portrayal of rape on a college campus rang true. For that issue alone I would highly recommend this book but Lucas is the icing on the cake. I've got a new favorite for 2012.(less)
Not enough beautiful and plenty of disaster. I like a little crazy but these two took it to the next level. The ending...come on! Plus, the book was i...moreNot enough beautiful and plenty of disaster. I like a little crazy but these two took it to the next level. The ending...come on! Plus, the book was in serious need of some editing. (less)
I received this as one of the rare and random freebies I get in the mail as a leftover from my blogging days. It was just the book I needed right now....moreI received this as one of the rare and random freebies I get in the mail as a leftover from my blogging days. It was just the book I needed right now. Thank you Simon and Schuster.
Finally, a good blend of humor and angst. Every time it seemed to be going the direction of taking itself too seriously, someone cracked a joke. My main complaint would be that I think this would have been a bit better and a bit more believable if the characters had been about 4 years older -- just about to graduate college not just about to graduate high school. Overall, completely and utterly enjoyable.(less)
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