When does the next book come out again? Because I needed it yesterday (well, technically this morning, considering I stayed up until 4 am finishing th...moreWhen does the next book come out again? Because I needed it yesterday (well, technically this morning, considering I stayed up until 4 am finishing this book. I am so tired.).(less)
I'm not sure what to think of this book. I liked it, but it's also quite strange and different. Probably not the book for everyone. I'm going to move...moreI'm not sure what to think of this book. I liked it, but it's also quite strange and different. Probably not the book for everyone. I'm going to move onto the next book in the series, though, and see how that goes. (less)
Oh, book, why did you have to feature the dreaded love triangle within your pages? Don't you know that's the surest way to make me want to throw you a...moreOh, book, why did you have to feature the dreaded love triangle within your pages? Don't you know that's the surest way to make me want to throw you across the room? (less)
Normally I can't read books with a male protagonist on the young side of the YA spectrum, because, let's face it, these guys tend to do embarrassing t...moreNormally I can't read books with a male protagonist on the young side of the YA spectrum, because, let's face it, these guys tend to do embarrassing things and are kind of perverted in their thoughts.
Winger was different, though. While Ryan Dean is a youngin' and he does some things that make you want to say "Oh, Ryan Dean, you idiot," and he does do some thinking with his other brain, so to speak, there was just something about him that was captivating. It's rare to find someone his age who exhibits this level of confidence and is so comfortable in his own skin without becoming annoyingly arrogant. In a word, Ryan Dean was adorable (as all the ladies liked to call him).
Bonus Features:
Boarding school. You can't go wrong with a boarding school novel and this is no exception.
Rugby: I never thought I'd say this, as I lack the proper coordination to be athletic, but I enjoyed learning about this sport. Good on Smith for featuring a sport besides basketball or football (even though they wear reeeeally short shorts).
Gay character who falls outside the stereotypes: Not every gay character is going to be a sassy gay friend, if you know what I mean. Joey, captain of the rugby team and all-around tough guy, is proof positive of that. It was also great to see Ryan Dean just be friends with the Joey, regardless of whether or not other guys question his sexuality.
Humor: Yes, some of it is the inner-twelve-year-old boy variety, but this book is hilarious. We're talking tears streaming down the face humor, which offsets the more serious aspects of the book nicely. (less)
Word to the wise: this is not the type of book you read whilst alone late at night in your creaky apartment. For one thing, this is an intense read an...moreWord to the wise: this is not the type of book you read whilst alone late at night in your creaky apartment. For one thing, this is an intense read and your probably going to yell at the characters a bit when they make poor choices (and they do make some doozies, let me tell you)and your neighbors might not appreciate hearing that when they are trying to sleep. Secondly, SERIAL KILLERS! Every little noise you hear will have you imagining a creeper with a knife coming up your stairs to disembowel you. Lastly, that. ending. This is why it's a good idea to wait until all the books have been released before you read a trilogy. How am I supposed to wait a year or more to find out what happens to everyone? (less)
Just when you start to think the high school drama parts of this book's plot are starting to resemble something out of one of those awesome teen movie...moreJust when you start to think the high school drama parts of this book's plot are starting to resemble something out of one of those awesome teen movies from the nineties, *bam* we find out that our intrepid loner girl heroine is actually a human-alien hybrid who has escaped a nefarious genetics laboratory intent on turning her into an assassin for the government.
Just roll with this seemingly far-fetched plot, because otherwise you'll miss out on the awesomeness that is Ariane. And Zane. Mustn't forget Zane.
I stayed up until 2am to finish this one. My cat can attest to the fact that I uttered a few "awww, how precious are they?" and offered up a couple of fist pumps when Ariane was being particularly great. I might also have fanned myself a couple of times from the swoon and shed a tear or two when reading passages covering Ariane's time in the lab (that poor girl!). Needless to say, this book ran me through a gamut of emotions.
Did you ever read a book that you liked but didn't love, but could see that the books to come have the potential to be great reads? That's The Obsidia...moreDid you ever read a book that you liked but didn't love, but could see that the books to come have the potential to be great reads? That's The Obsidian Mirror to a T. (less)
It's good to be back among my old friends Vicky, John and the ever adorable Schmidt (who is particularly awesome in this book). If you are looking for...moreIt's good to be back among my old friends Vicky, John and the ever adorable Schmidt (who is particularly awesome in this book). If you are looking for a mystery series that is just plain fun, do give Peters' Vicky Bliss series a go.(less)
This book was excellent. The premise was unique and a little unusual, with plenty of humor to chase away the grimness of the plot. It reminded me of J...moreThis book was excellent. The premise was unique and a little unusual, with plenty of humor to chase away the grimness of the plot. It reminded me of Jasper Fforde's Shades of Grey in that respect.
I loved that Elliot and Madeleine, while both extremely likable, were also flawed individuals and they sometimes messed up big time, which made it that much easier for me to relate to them. I also liked that while both characters had a core group of friends to support them, which is typical YA fare, they also had a wonderful group of adults who cared for them and looked after them, which is not always the case. Yes, I know Elliot and Madeleine also suffered from the oft-used absentee parent trope, but for both of them it was an important part of the plot, not just a device to allow the characters have the freedom to go out and do so many crazy things without anyone being around to tell them no way, Jose.
Oh, and let's talk about they mystery that I did not even know was a mystery until the very end. Okay, let's not, because I don't want to ruin anything, but there were so many seemingly insignificant details that came together at the end and made my jaw fairly drop.
Very excited to see what Moriarty does with the next book. (less)
This book has a little bit of everything: Irish mythology brought to life in modern times; evil, homicidal Sidhe, difficult life choices, humor, and t...moreThis book has a little bit of everything: Irish mythology brought to life in modern times; evil, homicidal Sidhe, difficult life choices, humor, and the blossoming of wuv, twu wuv. It's a breezy sort of story and a highly enjoyable read. (less)
You know what I like about these books? They are the perfect blend of "ahhh, oh my gosh!" action, "I want to quote ALL the things" and "that was not a...moreYou know what I like about these books? They are the perfect blend of "ahhh, oh my gosh!" action, "I want to quote ALL the things" and "that was not a tear, there was something in my eye." I can't describe them any better than that. (less)
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