Although I don't read a lot of historical novels, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Aside from the fantastic premise, I loved that friendships between wo...moreAlthough I don't read a lot of historical novels, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Aside from the fantastic premise, I loved that friendships between women played a key part in the book's plot and themes. The romance is fun, too, don't get me wrong -- but it did not overwhelm the far more fascinating story at this book's core. A truly unique debut novel that will surely find many fans, including me.(less)
Beautiful coming-of-age story about a quiet girl who moves to the Big City and slowly begins to come out of her shell. I loved this one! Highly recomm...moreBeautiful coming-of-age story about a quiet girl who moves to the Big City and slowly begins to come out of her shell. I loved this one! Highly recommended, especially for fans of SMILE by Raina Telgemeier.(less)
Fantastic. Five stars for sure. A rich, detailed alternate world similar to historic Brittany, but with magic and old gods and mysterious cults. Many...moreFantastic. Five stars for sure. A rich, detailed alternate world similar to historic Brittany, but with magic and old gods and mysterious cults. Many likable characters -- including our heroine Ismae -- and a romantic subplot without any of the dangerous gender politics I see in so many other YA books. An engrossing read that makes me itch for the next book in the series.
Fans of GRACELING and THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS will definitely want to read this!
Note: I read this via NetGalley, but will be buying the hardcover as soon as it comes out. The cover is amazing-- a strong girl dressed appropriately for the narrative and carrying a weapon. SOLD.(less)
Wow, what a wonderfully surprising book! The writing is strong, the characters interesting, and the mystery just kept unfolding in surprising ways lea...moreWow, what a wonderfully surprising book! The writing is strong, the characters interesting, and the mystery just kept unfolding in surprising ways leading to a truly epic finale. At the beginning, I had no idea how the story would tie everything together: a post-collapse Earth of the future, an isolated facility for teens run by a sadistic headmistress, and a main character whose reality is filled with visions of the ocean. But amazingly, the author did it, and in a wholly satisfying way.
The setting and premise make this book unique among all the other recent YAs I've read. I will remember this story, and these characters, for a long, long time.(less)
I really enjoyed the brisk pace and strong voice of this story about young Victor Frankenstein. When Victor's twin brother falls ill, Victor embarks o...moreI really enjoyed the brisk pace and strong voice of this story about young Victor Frankenstein. When Victor's twin brother falls ill, Victor embarks on a quest to find a cure. The journey takes him down the dark road of alchemy, an art forbidden by his very own father and which has disturbing costs.
Note: the Nook version of this book comes with a copy of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I thought I was only halfway through the book, but I had actually finished it. Surprise!(less)
A fast-paced comedy with a wickedly dark undertone, a snarky heroine with a dangerous power, and a town full of secrets. Fans of DEAD LIKE ME will rea...moreA fast-paced comedy with a wickedly dark undertone, a snarky heroine with a dangerous power, and a town full of secrets. Fans of DEAD LIKE ME will really enjoy this one.(less)
[Audiobook review] Oh, wow. Even better than book one, and even darker, too. I listened to this on a 6.5-hour roadtrip and almost stayed in the car af...more[Audiobook review] Oh, wow. Even better than book one, and even darker, too. I listened to this on a 6.5-hour roadtrip and almost stayed in the car after I got home to hear the last hour. Started book 3 immediately. The actor who reads Viola's PoV sections is amazing. Highly recommended.(less)
This book blew me away. Sabriel is a fantastic character, strong and brave and so very human. The setting is so vivid and unique -- especially the mag...moreThis book blew me away. Sabriel is a fantastic character, strong and brave and so very human. The setting is so vivid and unique -- especially the magic system. I found myself gulping pages faster and faster, unable to stop. I will remember this book for a long time and possibly for the rest of my life. I only wish I'd read it at 14, so it could have helped to shape me.(less)
Wholly unique YA adventure with an authentic male protagonist: two thumbs up!
The story unfolds layer after layer like a great mystery. Ephraim is inc...moreWholly unique YA adventure with an authentic male protagonist: two thumbs up!
The story unfolds layer after layer like a great mystery. Ephraim is incredibly likable (despite some questionable choices) and I was rooting for him the whole time. Myers handles his characters -- and the story's speculative elements -- deftly and with obvious passion. (Geeks like myself will love the many fantasy and science fiction references!)
I want to say much more, but there are so many great twists and turns in the plot that I'm afraid of giving something away. It's so refreshing to have a male protagonist that is not a cookie-cutter boy, and to have a story with a genuinely unique premise that's executed so well. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!(less)
Extremely funny. I listened to this on audio and was thoroughly entertained. The alternating voice actors threw me off a bit, but I got used to it eve...moreExtremely funny. I listened to this on audio and was thoroughly entertained. The alternating voice actors threw me off a bit, but I got used to it eventually.(less)
This one had a slow start for me, but at the first major plot twist I was completely hooked. I loved the world-building and the incredibly rich backst...moreThis one had a slow start for me, but at the first major plot twist I was completely hooked. I loved the world-building and the incredibly rich backstory. I particularly loved the themes of displacement and exile, so relevant in today's world. Despite the horrific violence against women -- which mirrors the violence against women in many parts of the world today -- the female characters were amazing...strong, complex, and very human.
This was not an easy read, but I found it deeply rewarding and profoundly moving.(less)
I don't read a lot of murder/mystery type stories, but I really enjoyed this one. When a young girl dies, Vee's ability to slip inside other people's...moreI don't read a lot of murder/mystery type stories, but I really enjoyed this one. When a young girl dies, Vee's ability to slip inside other people's minds means she's got the best chance of figuring out what's going on. In this town, absolutely everyone has a secret -- and a potential motive. I'm normally very good about figuring out the endings of books somewhere near the beginning, but this story kept me guessing the whole time.
In addition to the riveting plot, I really enjoyed Vee's relationship with her sister and father. (less)
Wow, what a fabulous debut! The characters, dialogue, and situations felt authentic -- sometimes painfully so. Mia's parents in particular were so wel...moreWow, what a fabulous debut! The characters, dialogue, and situations felt authentic -- sometimes painfully so. Mia's parents in particular were so well-drawn that I could picture them as if they were my own. I cried several times while reading the book and even sobbed once, but found it overall a very life-affirming experience. And just for the record, I read almost the whole book on Friday the 13th -- so fitting!!
In my opinion, Schmidt is particularly talented at writing kissing scenes. I've read entire YA romances that did less for me than the few extremely potent instances of teen lust/romance in this book. I can't wait to read whatever Schmidt writes next!(less)
I loved this book. It's refreshingly smart and handles some seriously complicated feminist issues without being preachy and without providing easy sol...moreI loved this book. It's refreshingly smart and handles some seriously complicated feminist issues without being preachy and without providing easy solutions. Frankie is a wonderful, memorable character. I wish every girl heading into high school would read this.(less)
Loved this so much!!! The art style really appeals to me -- clean and emotive and stylish. I have a weakness for origin stories, and this is one of th...moreLoved this so much!!! The art style really appeals to me -- clean and emotive and stylish. I have a weakness for origin stories, and this is one of the best. The pace was great as well -- it moved along quickly, but found time for small character moments. A fantastic marriage of words and pictures. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.(less)
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