Obviously, the whole vision-that-will-happen bit gave the book an unputdownable factor that was just too much....moreSo, this was awesome. I will list why:
Obviously, the whole vision-that-will-happen bit gave the book an unputdownable factor that was just too much. I've used "unputdownable" with several books, but like, sneaking in a few reading minutes during the Walking Dead season finale? That will tell you just how "unputdownable" this was... For me, that is. Takes place in the outskirts of Chicago, in a family-owned pizza place where Jules works/lives/lives for, basically. Family dynamics were brilliant. Such an awesomely fresh and spot-on voice! I've loved many of Lisa's books but none have quite made me fall in love with the literary voice as much as this one. My favorite character was Jules. She rocks. The unashamed crush Jules has from page 1 (almost) was utterly realistic yet I dont think many books portray it just as cheesy/idiotic as it is when you're a teen. Lisa did. It was super cool. The simple zero-drama-about-it way that homosexuality is portrayed. It's just taken for granted, never mentioned. Like it's just the most normal thing in the world. As it should be. Bravo! Trey, Trey, Trey. Sawyer, Sawyer. Meatball-topped food-truck? ROFL. The fact that poor Jules couldn't make a joke. Again, just so realistic! Most awesome siblings relationships ever. Finally a book where no one just magically believes the paranormal factor.
Overall, this is a must read in my book. There's just no way that you wont enjoy it. (less)
This was SO awesome. Nun assassins who kill people when the God of death says so. Oh, yeah, definitely my kind of book. "Why be the sheep, when you ca...moreThis was SO awesome. Nun assassins who kill people when the God of death says so. Oh, yeah, definitely my kind of book. "Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?" plus it's historical fiction plus THAT cover? This was screaming my name!
I was sucked in from the start, though it has a little slow hole after the second chapter, but as soon as Duval appears, this became mouth-dropping. You know that perfect kind of stubborn romance that's prone to fight and push and pull before actually realizing they're head over heels? Isn't that the best kind to read about? Ah, I think so.
Beyond gorgeous writing, steady plot filled with conflict and kick-ass female action way back in gown times (1400-Brittany), makes this one of this year's favorites. Sparkled with sprinkles of magic, history comes alive in a plot that shares all the amazing elements I love about high fantasy. Technically historical fantasy, this book will appeal to all readers, even those who don't normally read anything history-related.
I loved the array of characters, Ismae is just hands down one of the coolest heroine in a historical book and Duval was maybe too good, but still pretty yummily flawed at times. I loved the schemes and back-stabs going on, and how close the author managed to come to real events. It was addicting and smart and brilliant. The second installment cannot come fast enough for me!
Quotes:
“When one consorts with assassins, one must expect to dance along the edge of a knife once or twice.”
“Surely He does not give us hearts so we may spend our lives ignoring them.” (less)
He nudges my ankle with his toe. "Thank you." "For what?" "For arranging this." He gestures to the boat. "My pleasure. Thank you for arranging this."...moreHe nudges my ankle with his toe. "Thank you." "For what?" "For arranging this." He gestures to the boat. "My pleasure. Thank you for arranging this." I point above us, to where Paris is no doubt going about its business. "Any time." He looks around. "It's nice, this. The canal." He looks at me. "You." "I'll bet you say that to all the canals." But I flush in the musty, rich darkness. -Quoted from an advance reader's copy
Like a cup of sweet hot cocoa... So warm. So rich. So incredibly delicious.
And I felt the exact feeling you get when you reach for more cocoa, only to find the cup empty. You already drank it all. The thick, velvety flavor still lingers in your mouth, but there's no more, and it's not enough! Well, expect that and worse. This book will suck you in and envelop you in the story and leave you begging for more.
Forman is a true artist. She paints vivid pictures with her words. She takes you in an, oh so real, journey of emotions, of discovery, of profound happiness, and makes you wallow in the frustration right along with Allyson. Allyson has such a fine voice. A very realistic character that changes and grows in each page.
I will admit I almost threw a tantrum--five year old style, with stomping and everything-- about one third into the book, but after you accept what's happened, you enjoy the ride. Of course, I cannot wait for the next book and I trust the wait will be richly rewarded.
This was a journey and a romance that will remain one of the most memorable stories I have ever read.(less)
There are just some books that impact you deeply and I never know how to quite highlight those books more than the ones I s...moreHOLY CRAP. HOLY... AWESOME.
There are just some books that impact you deeply and I never know how to quite highlight those books more than the ones I simply love. There should definitely be a sixth star reserved for that. Beware, you are entering raving territory.
I loved it so, so, so, SO MUCH. Hannah, to me, has a unique, urgent, intense and perfect writing style that separates her from the rest of the mere great writers. Her words can touch, reach, punch and stab in a way I've rarely seen in my reading life. Her dryness of storytelling makes each sentence more powerful. And I can say honestly, this is my favorite of Hannah's books so far.
I'll admit that as much as I was dying to read it, I was also hesitant. The weird sounding plot and Hannah's nick name for it "Magic Gay Fish" (she tweeted about it even before she actually had a deal) made me raise an eyebrow more than once. And I will admit that YES, it is very unusual and that's part of its awesomeness. She created a perfect magical realism that with a meaning so powerful that it will resound for generations. It's very metaphorical, every 'magical' aspect can be translated into a 'real world' message.
I loved the world, I loved the characters, I loved the tension, I loved the emotionally-charged simplicity of the story, and OMG I loved Teeth (he's the magic gay fish)! I am sure it will be a book that will not appeal to everyone, but the utter brilliance of it will never be denied. With this book, Hannah Moskiwitz has been placed firmly in my author pedestal joining Courtney Summers, David Levithan and Melina Marchetta.
This novel is joining my small list of all-time favorites, so that makes it a MUST READ for YOU. (less)
I've been waiting to finally post this review for so long! This was my initial reaction upon finishing it: " omgomgomg! LOVE LOVE LOVE! *happy, happy...moreI've been waiting to finally post this review for so long! This was my initial reaction upon finishing it: " omgomgomg! LOVE LOVE LOVE! *happy, happy me*" That was my very insightful review on Goodreads until now.
This book captured my heart and made me fall in love with YA for the millionth time, again. Astounding in its characterization, brilliantly developed in its plot, and gorgeously poetic in its writing, Graffiti Moon is the first 2012 book to make it to my all-time favorites (And only two 2011 book managed that). I've been telling everyone I can to read it, because it portrays exactly what I love the most about well done contemporary, with a great I-hate-you-but-I'm-attracted-to-you romance, and breathtaking writing, that apparently one gets from being born in Australia because I can only compare it to Melina Marchetta.
The story is told from alternating point of views from Lucy and Ed. It allows us to know more than they do about what's really going on and it makes the story even more gripping. You're desperately waiting for *the moment* when they'll both know everything we know. It was just perfect.
The other aspect that I particularly enjoyed in way that no book has ever allowed me to enjoy, was the setting. It made this book more than special for me. I know it's set in Australia and I've never been, but it must look exactly like my city (Caracas, Venezuela) because I felt at home. You can tell it's nothing like America. It was quite unbelievable for me to finally find a book that resembled my teen experience a little. Therefore, the setting was extremely rich and vivid and also very 'artsy' another aspect I adored.
If you love contemporary, if you enjoyed Stephanie Perkins, if you want to peek at how YA should always be written, or all the above... YOU NEED TO READ THIS. <3(less)
The story is so mundane and relatable that it's hard to pull away from. David is a master of words and it was exhilarating to...more<3 <3 <3 <3
The story is so mundane and relatable that it's hard to pull away from. David is a master of words and it was exhilarating to read a bit of his wisdom. I just want to have this as a manual of life, of relationships and my reminder that love is everywhere :)(less)
The books that leave the reader blatantly puzzled as to how on earth anyone could have imagined such a plot are arguably the best ones. And those that...moreThe books that leave the reader blatantly puzzled as to how on earth anyone could have imagined such a plot are arguably the best ones. And those that leave the bittersweet taste of a terrible, unimaginable, catastrophically awful story told in such a vivid and tangible way, even more so. The voice in this story, Eva's voice, is so powerful that I had to wonder at several points if I was really reading a work of fiction. Sweet mother of books, what an intense and awe-striking story! Put on your big boy pants, hold your heart real tight and be prepared to ask yourself questions that, before this book, you hadn't even remotely considered. Unfathomable.
Yes, I'll admit that the fluffy I-swallowed-a-dictionary writing grew tiresome at times, even if I must admit that it was deeply well written, but at some point, I just gave in and stopped looking up fancy words and I let the story just flow overlooking many of her sophisticated terms. I was helpless, from the moment I started, Eva was nagging me at all times, to keep reading.
I can't even begin to understand the absolute perfection of character development or the magnificent effortless flow of the plot, so I won't attempt to analyze it for you. I'll just say that if anyone does not like this book, it will always have to do with either the subject or the dizzying array of words but never, ever because of its quality of literature. It is a profusely disturbing, haunting, terrifyingly hard story to read, even nauseating at times. I LOVED it and it's probably one of the BEST books I have EVER read. I do not throw that lightly, btw.
Whoa. whoa. I LOVE DAY! Haven't had a crush in a dystopian book-boy in a while. But... Oh, Day!
Wonderful pacing, great plot, dizzying sexiness, heart-...moreWhoa. whoa. I LOVE DAY! Haven't had a crush in a dystopian book-boy in a while. But... Oh, Day!
Wonderful pacing, great plot, dizzying sexiness, heart-pumping action, and one of the yummiest heroes this year! Plus, the messed-up futuristic factor, and all the mystery around what is really going on, left me thirsty, craving more!
This book was like, EXACTLY everything I enjoy. First of all, dystopia. Set in a future America where California is part of the 'Republic' and they are in war against the 'Colonies'. We are not given much details of how the politics work yet, but the world building was fantastic. You can feel the chaos of the setting flowing out of the pages.
Second, tough-as-steel characters. Day and June and virtually the same person in opposite sex and opposite worlds. I love a strong heroine that can practically match up to the yummy hero. Which takes me to the third point.
Day, Day, Day. I love Day. Day reminds me a lot of Han from Cinda William's Chima's Seven Realms. So, he reminds me of one of my biggest literary crushes so it's safe to say he is now one of my biggest literary crushes as well. And Day is even more special because it's hard not to connect and fall for the male character a bit more when the story is told in his pov. And by this I mean that Marie Lu rocked the alternating povs! Even though the characters are so similar, the voices were uniquely different. And whereas June's had the vulnerability and softness of a girl (I don't mean this as a sexist comment but it's true), Day's was dry and acid, just like he is. Not that he's not vulnerable, because he is, but he just doesn't show it the same way.
The action was non-stop, the twists were full of surprises, and the romance was sexy and thrilling and perfect. Definitely one of the sexiest and most heart-pumping romances I've read in a dystopian book. The next book cannot come fast enough! I need MORE now!
Rich, sexy, layered, enchanting, riveting and enthralling. I don't know how much more I can say about this series that wont be repetitive from my firs...moreRich, sexy, layered, enchanting, riveting and enthralling. I don't know how much more I can say about this series that wont be repetitive from my first two reviews. What I can say for sure is that rarely has any author achieved such excellence in high fantasy for young adults. Actually YA high fantasy is rare, and rich fantabulous world-building with three-dimentional fully-developed characters is even more rare. So this book and the rest of the series are truly a gem in their kind.
Cinda Chima is one heck of an author. She just makes this story better with surprises and twists everywhere. The writing always blows my mind and the fact that she manages to have astonishing writing, magical storytelling and a gripping plot in every single book is beyond amazing. Every character is unique. I love Han like a crazy person. Every scene is so powerful, so full of images, that it's hard to remember you are not there with them.
I stated when I first read this back in March that feel unqualified to write this review, because I feel so stubbornly biased. My passionate yearning for this book and my bleeding love for the story has made it so I cannot possibly find any wrongs in it. And that is true and will be true for the last book as well. So instead of raving some more I will tell you that if you want excellence you should read this. If you like Game of Thrones or books (or Tv shows) of the kind, you should read this. If you enjoy romances and royalty, you should read this. And if you don't read this, man, you'll be missing SO MUCH. (less)
This was heart-stopping. And heart-racing. And breathtaking. And so freaking intense. And SO THRILLING. And absolutely awesome!
Best dystopia I've read since The Hunger Games. Not kidding.
When I closed the book, I felt I could breathe again. It has the perfect mix of adventure, thrill and sexiness. I'm craving more now!
It's a story about finding who you are, challenging yourself to commit and facing your worst fears. Identity, survival and resistance. Set in a structured and complex dystopian society where you must chose a path for yourself and commit to it at sixteen. The factions were an incredibly thought-provoking concept. I love a brave and fierce heroine so I loved Tris, and her vulnerability and hesitation makes her even more real. Three-dimensional characters with depth and a plot so incredibly well-done that this might actually be one of the best books this year. Which is a lot to say since there is an outpouring of YA futuristic titles this year. Not that I'm complaining.
A brilliant debut that dystopian fans will devour it in no time. It's fast paced, adrenaline bursting from the pages, and it is absolutely unputdownable! If this is her debut, I will definitely be reading enything Veronica Roth writes.
All I can say is... read it. But be careful, you might catch my obsession because it's contagious...(less)
I recently read the first 3 books of this series and fell head over heels for the story and Ruby. I loved Ruby and her debacles and her over-analyzing...moreI recently read the first 3 books of this series and fell head over heels for the story and Ruby. I loved Ruby and her debacles and her over-analyzing personality and her friendless state of Nonboyfriend. She's seriously hilarious and witty and amazing. I've loved all her books and I knew this was going to be no exception. Except, it was. It's my favorite of all the books. It was too awesome! So much in fact, that it made My 2010 Top 10 books! Everything I loved from the first three plus... Oh, right no spoilers. Is this the last book? I hope not. But I think it is.
One of my favorite part of the series is Ruby's parents. E. Lockhart does such a great job with the crazy family situation and her relationship with her parents. It makes me wish I had her parents, craziness included.
This is a kick-ass series with a fresh unique voice that just enhances my love for YA. So original, real and fun. If you haven't read it yet, fix that. Believe me, you want to.(less)
My GOD! Best book of all times! I want to read it again and again and want to own like a thousand copies of it! And this never, ever happens to me. In...moreMy GOD! Best book of all times! I want to read it again and again and want to own like a thousand copies of it! And this never, ever happens to me. In all my years of reading, one of the genres that has been constant for me is contemporary. Yet it's hard that a contemporary read stands out to me when it's not dark. Good dark contemporary has been my preference in realistic reads. Sarah Dessen-type reads are good yet just not rave-about good. I love them and love to read them but I don't normally obsess about them. Anna and the French Kiss makes everything I just said complete BS. This is a raving, obsessing, daydreaming, one-of-a-kind read that I wish I could live in, and the single book I would take on a deserted island. I could read it over and over and then just read it again.
Stephanie Perkins is my hero. If I have ever idolized an author like no other, it would be her. It is absolutely unbelievable that this is her debut novel. I would and will read anything she ever writes. Her characterization is impeccable. I'm fairly sure all the characters are real. Her witty, fun and perfect writing makes all my dreams about finding the perfect book, come true. She captured teenage romance, teenage insecurities, and teenage friendship like no one else does.
The setting is also a high point in this book. Not only is it boarding school, but it's in Paris! You wont be able to say you've never been to Paris after reading this. My mental picture of Paris is incredibly clear. I felt I was walking the streets of Paris with Anna. I felt I could smell every scent she smelled. This book is a marvelous atmospheric journey that takes the reader to their teen years and to Paris and back. I will never run out of praise for this book because as Lisa Schroeder said, "this is perfection on the page".
I was seriously blown away by this book. I never, ever imagined it would be this good. I want to live in it, I want to be Belly and be friends with th...moreI was seriously blown away by this book. I never, ever imagined it would be this good. I want to live in it, I want to be Belly and be friends with the boys and spend my summers with Susannah. It's one of the most epic summer reads I've ever read. Belly's strong voice was real and honest and so unbelievably normal. The magnificently developed characters, the wonderful and addictive writing made me fall in love with the story right away. One of the few books that actually pulls you out of your world and envelopes you so that you almost forget where you're standing. A sincere and beautiful story about friendship and love and support and growing up that made me daydream on the few moments I was not reading.
The writing was excellent. It's the first book I've red by this author and I already want more! The story keeps you hooked and guessing. I could actually relate to the story, some memories felt like my own. I felt happy for her, anxious, excited, sad, impotent... everything Belly felt, I felt. I could almost smell the salt water in the air. And I want, no I yearn for Conrad too. Poor Cam. All the characters were superb. I cant even pick one, even though I'd love to pick Jeremiah. I wish this book was longer and just kept going, letting me travel with Belly through all her summers.
If you're like me and love to sigh and dream while reading, this is the perfect read for you.(less)
I was expecting this to be good, obviously. But, wow, I was not expecting it to be THIS good. I have this weird obsession with a pair of movies that n...moreI was expecting this to be good, obviously. But, wow, I was not expecting it to be THIS good. I have this weird obsession with a pair of movies that none of my friends like and I find fascinating. Before Sunrise and Before Sunset marked me in a way few movies have. Because I believe we've all been there, at least I have. In magical days of just hanging out with someone and being right where you want to be. One day that changes things. When lives come together and blur the lines between the past and the present. When truths inevitably come out stirring lives. Conversations and moments, silences and looks, just being next to someone and being... happy. And this book made it all come back, in book form, which made it feel even more perfect.
After being separated for three years, Adam and Mia have taken completely different paths. But seeing each other again and being together for one day, changes that. The story is told from Adam's pov, and turns out that Gayle Forman managed to do Adam's voice so amazingly well done, that I sort of forgot all my former empathy for Mia, and dove into Adam's mind, feeling his hurt and his attempts to hide them as if they were my own. It never felt forced, he never seemed weak or unlike himself. Her writing became to me so clearly Adam, that I still crave another book with his voice. He is an amazing narrator, plus he still kept his yummy hotness and multiplies it.
The writing, the plot, the events, the setting; everything worked perfectly to create one of the most beautifully romantic and utterly real books I've ever read. The emotions bloomed out of the pages. Depth is the word that describes it. The depth of the characters, the depth of the story, the depth of the feelings and interactions. Everything stirred up more feelings, more words than the ones that were written. I felt a whirlwind inside of me. And darn, that is something very hard to achieve in an avid reader. This book with its all-over depth and gut-wrenching emotional baggage, completely surpassed my love for If I Stay. This story ruined all other love stories for me. And ruined me.
These feelings, this book, this story... they will always haunt me. These feelings linger just like our own feelings. The tension was so palpable and the story was so memorable that I doubt I will ever read such a majestic book again. I have my hopes, though.
Given the fact that no matter what I say, it will never be enough nor will it ever do the book justice, I think YOU should read this. (less)
OMG! This was just TOO EFFING AWESOME!!! I need book 3 NOWWWW!
I don't quite know how to even begin to review this book without me going all fangirly...moreOMG! This was just TOO EFFING AWESOME!!! I need book 3 NOWWWW!
I don't quite know how to even begin to review this book without me going all fangirly over it. It's been quite some time since I've fallen head over heels for a series, specially for a high fantasy one. This book was magnificent... epic... glorious... monumental! I thought I loved the first one until I read this one, and gee, am I desperate to read book 3.
I am seriously awestruck by the greatness of the world Cinda created. Even though this one was in a different scenery because they traveled south, and I did miss some of the previous scenarios, it was as unbelievably atmospheric as the first. Her alternate world of fantastical greatness that left me longing to live in it once again. The characters bloomed, just like any teenager, they've been growing up and unexpectedly growing together. Every single character was fantastic and well developed.
The writing is magical and sucks you in right away. It's the kind of writing that makes me sigh, wishing every book was written half as good as this one. Cinda has quickly become one of my favorite authors. She must seriously have some kind of enchantment spell in her words. Also, the cover blew me away. You know from The Demon King what the cover represents, and it looks gorgeous. I cant wait to see the next cover.
"The Characters, the brilliantly woven plot, the magic in the storytelling, the atmospheric vividness of this wonderful world, and everything within these pages is pure perfection."- from The Demon King review.
This is one of those series that will someday become a classic. It has everything you wish for in a book and so much more. So believe me when I say: YOU NEED TO READ THIS. It is the best high fantasy book I've ever read!
NOTE: It was previously scheduled as a trilogy, but now there will be 4 books! (Squeee!) (less)
This book is heart-tearing awesomeness. A dark, harsh, raw and powerful story of abuse told from a impeccably done male pov. I barely have words for h...moreThis book is heart-tearing awesomeness. A dark, harsh, raw and powerful story of abuse told from a impeccably done male pov. I barely have words for how much I loved this book. Because it's disturbing and vivid, and almost palpable. Every scene had so much more involved, so much emotion, so many back-conflicts. It's a story about what happens when you survive an abusive home. Very few books deal with the after. After the problem. After it all fell apart. After you got out. It was so hard to read while consciously trying NOT to put myself in Jace's shoes. (Yes, I had an abusive father.) It was very hard to see things through his perspective. Because you can perfectly understand everything that he does, even if you don't want to or don't agree with it.
I've always loved dark realistic fiction, and specially love blunt authors who don't sugarcoat hard issues. This is a dark learning experience that has the potential to stir up feelings you can't even place. The writing was absolutely wonderful and matched the depth and brilliance of the story and characters perfectly. Every single character felt unique and wonderfully multidimensional in an utterly realistic way.
Overall it's an outstanding piece of literature so graphic and well-done, so perfectly thought and developed, and with such a great story to tell that it needs to be widely read. (less)
Warning: I am about to enter in a profound raving mode, which will be peaked in my Exiled Queen review. My love for this series cannot be expressed in...moreWarning: I am about to enter in a profound raving mode, which will be peaked in my Exiled Queen review. My love for this series cannot be expressed in words, yet I will do my best. Please note that words like awesome, amazing and love my be uncontrollably repeated withing the review of this trilogy.
The Demon King starts this epic story. As happens with any good high-fantasy book, the reader will be a little lost up until you get used to the terms and words and until you feel at ease in this new world. I assure you that when that happens, you will be enthralled beyond belief. The writing was mind-blowing! I would give my soul to that who promises me I could someday write like Cinda Williams Chima. I'm serious.
The Characters, the brilliantly woven plot, the magic in the storytelling, the atmospheric vividness of this wonderful world, and everything within these pages is pure perfection. The cover is also gorgeous and represents the amulet so important in the series. I have to say, I want to live inside this book. It's an amazing read, bound to make realistic fans fall in love with fantasy, and fantasy fans eager and craving for more. I believe it to be a MUST read for every YA lover. An instant classic.
I wish I had written the review for The Demon King before I read Exiled Queen, but I didn't. So, I remember it was a 5-star book, I had added it to my very exclusive list of favorites yet I admit I did not feel this jumpy, daydreaming/fan-girl excitement until I read book 2. Thus, I can't go back to writing a normal review because Exiled Queen was the best high fantasy book I've ever read. (less)
Whoa!! I was not expecting this, specially in such a short read. This is probably the most torn I've been since I finished Ballads of Suburbia. This b...moreWhoa!! I was not expecting this, specially in such a short read. This is probably the most torn I've been since I finished Ballads of Suburbia. This book is so harsh. And raw. And wrong. And cruel. And depressing. And sick. Oh, and I loved, loved, loved it. Even though my stomach sometimes didn't. I had physical ache while reading, that's how amazing it was. Seriously, I believe every person alive should read it. If you dare to read something so heart-wrenching that will most likely stick with you. It leaves a great message.
The world is a freaking messed up place, no need to hide that. This may be a hard read, but only because it's so real that it hurts. The characters in the book were magnificent. The guy, Santana, I've never been so in love with a realistic-fiction character before. I wanted to tear him out of the book and keep him. He will steal your heart and keep it. The writing was good, felt awkward at times, but worked perfectly.
If you think you have the guts to read about bullying and suicide (Bullycide) you must go pick this up right now. If you read Hate List (Jennifer Brown) and liked it, I think you will find this one really interesting too.(less)
How can I even begin to review this book? How could I get you to trust me and read it, for it is one of the best book I've ever read? I can think of o...moreHow can I even begin to review this book? How could I get you to trust me and read it, for it is one of the best book I've ever read? I can think of only one way: Must Read. I speak as I read. I'm happy. I'm sad. I'm scared. I'm relieved. I'm shocked. I'm waiting. Yes, all this while reading. Fiction, action, romance, friendship, fantasy, love, coping, dealing, Kings, Queens, evil, kindness, villain, killing... What else can you ask for in a book?
The writing was excellent, astonishing. The plot was full of magic and emotions. The characters, oh, the characters; they were unforgettable and brilliant. I can not even pick a character a loved the most. They all were above marvelous. I love Po and Katsa obviously, but the rest were equally amazing. I do love Po! Did I say that already?
I could not have imagined a better cover either, I loved the color, the effects and the eyes! The beginning, the ending and the story were all amazing. How she came up with all this, I have no idea. Needless to say, that what ever your reading preferences are, you have to read this book. I highly recommend it. (less)
Generally, one can't write high fantasy unless you are an exceptionally talented writer. It needs too much precision of language and plot development....moreGenerally, one can't write high fantasy unless you are an exceptionally talented writer. It needs too much precision of language and plot development. It needs a smooth and layered world-building. It needs surprises and shocking plot twists. Melina Marchetta is one in a million. She can write high fantasy as good as she can write realistic fiction, and that is VERY high praise since Jellicoe Road is probably my favorite book in the world.
High fantasy is like my weak point. It's where my rules and preferences change. Pace can be slower if you shower me with beautifully written words. Descriptions can be long and detailed if I need to visualize the world. And so on. Finnikin of the Rock was one of those books you want to crawl into. Those that draw you in and blur the real world. The characters were deep and complex, the plot was intricate and passionate, and the magical factor was originally engaging. The conflicts of their world will resonate and be painfully thought-provoking.
If you've read Jellicoe you know that one of Melina's greatest gifts is making little things count. Small details or connections between characters that make you sigh. Also, her spot-on romances. No mushy-wooshy cheesiness. Just heart-pounding romance. The best kind.
The search for identity, the need to belong somewhere, the longing for a lost home, the struggle to understand human nature are all themes that intertwine with the adventure and battles and faith struggles that are the spine of this novel. As rich in its prose as it is rich in everything else, this book will please fantasy readers of all ages.
Fans of Kristin Cashore and Cinda Williams Chima will absolutely love this one. Since I read it first and then listened to it, I can assure you that the audiobook is just as magical as the written form.
Favorite lines:
"Be prepared for the worst, my love, for it lives next door to the best."
“Because without our language, we have lost ourselves. Who are we without our words?” (less)
First of all... *sigh*. Second... Talk about guilty pleasure! And third... Well, if you thought you liked Sam, wait til you meet Cole... um, yeah, Sam...moreFirst of all... *sigh*. Second... Talk about guilty pleasure! And third... Well, if you thought you liked Sam, wait til you meet Cole... um, yeah, Sam who?
I wish I could come up with enough praise to complement her writing. But I'm not Maggie, so if you want to find out how fantastically inspiring she writes you're gonna have to read her books. Look, seriously, she could write about aliens who become vampires but in fact are fallen angels, and I would loyally read without hesitation. And the fact that she writes about Cole just makes it all the better.
If you read Shiver (which you should because this one cannot stand alone) you might be wondering what else could happen in Sam and Grace's dramatic existence. They meet Cole. Cole St. Clair is the hottest, most famous teen rock-star of the decade (drugs included) and was just bitten by Beck.
This time the story alternates between four points of view: Sam, Grace, Isabel and Cole, which was a little confusing but really enjoyable. It allows the reader to get to know these new characters thus becoming main parts of the story. While Grace and Sam are somewhat plain and boring characters (I love them, but they are), Isabel and Cole are the spark or the malice that was necessary for this book to be interesting. While I did love Shiver I knew that if she wanted to keep her slow poetic pace she needed someone like Isabel to step up and inject some fun into it. It totally worked, and even though the story lacked action and the pace was slow, the character development and again, the writing, kept me involved the whole time. I highly recommend this series.
Overall, a wonderful sequel to a wonderful book. I cannot wait for the next one! (less)
This is hardcore. It tried to suck life out of me. Read it if you dare. This is the dark reality every teenage kid fears or faces. We all know drugs,...moreThis is hardcore. It tried to suck life out of me. Read it if you dare. This is the dark reality every teenage kid fears or faces. We all know drugs, but we see it as the enemy. It's hard to see it from the eyes of an insider. I'm glad this book is out there for teens to read, but be warned its not pretty or pink. Specially if you have had experiences with this.
With that said... dude! this woman is a genius! OMG! What an amazing book. The 'ballad' concept is mind-blowing. What a great theory. I believe it has changed the way I see the world. The way she writes it, as a song, is brilliant. The whole book, to me, is a work of art. Powerful is an understatement. It goes beyond limits and plays with your view of the world.
I liked the cover, definitely fitting. Even if the book is fiction, the characters are real people, who probably Stephanie never met, but I bet each of those stories are out there, exactly like she wrote it. And the writing and plot are the way they should be, as if Kara wrote it. This is one of those books that leaves a mark so I do recommend reading it, specially if you love music and books as much as I do.(less)
I'm so glad I read this! I absolutely adored it. I guess its my type of book. Its so amazing the way she writes, she doesn't tell you everything just...moreI'm so glad I read this! I absolutely adored it. I guess its my type of book. Its so amazing the way she writes, she doesn't tell you everything just enough. I did feel a little bit confused with dates, I kept going back, to see what day it was. But its so refreshing and original the way she writes you just keep turning pages non stop.
The story is amazing, I've always felt intrigued by dreams, I think people don't really know the power they have. So reading -fiction- about the subject was delightful. The characters are simply marvelous. This is one of the best debuts I've read, a mesmerizing plot that will stay in my mind for long. And the cover is one of my favorite, I'm somehow discovering I'm definitely a fan of black covers. If you like dream mystery and troubled romance you will most likely fall in love with this book just as I did. I highly recommend it!(less)
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