I say that because this is definitely not one of those books that panders to a younger audience, or sof...moreWow, this is a book for young adults? AWESOME.
I say that because this is definitely not one of those books that panders to a younger audience, or softens the gory details. Nope. I was really creeped out the entire time I was reading this, and it was very hard to put down as a result. I can't recall the last time I read a book that had such horrific imagery... it's extra horrific because this is all happening to kids. I'm really impressed. If you thought The Hunger Games was violent, this makes that seem like Alice in Wonderland or something.
I've got to read the other books in this series, especially since this one ended on such a cliff (or, rift?) hanger.
Thank you, Alexander Gordon Smith for giving me honest-to-God nightmares last night after I finished the book. You also inspire me to go balls-to-the-wall, so to speak, with my own writing! It's OK to be scary and weird as hell. ;-)(less)
Yes, it sounds a lot like the Hunger Games (people fighting to the death on live TV), but instead of taking place after some apocalypse or devasting w...moreYes, it sounds a lot like the Hunger Games (people fighting to the death on live TV), but instead of taking place after some apocalypse or devasting war, it's a take on how this could happen based on this reality, right now. I'm intrigued, because those are my favorite kinds of speculative fictions stories! Take the world, right now, but tweak it. (less)
It was very good! Although there was one problem: some of the political stuff (figuring out how everyone was connected between the Demonais, the clans...moreIt was very good! Although there was one problem: some of the political stuff (figuring out how everyone was connected between the Demonais, the clans, the wizards, etc... as well as understanding why a war was brewing "with the South") was a little difficult to follow at times. But by the end of the book, I couldn't put it down. Plus, I loved the last three chapters or so. CWC has done it again... secrets are revealed at the end. And yet she ended on a very open note, clearly setting things up for the next book. I think it's going to be cool to see how Raisa and Han both change as they learn their 'new roles' for lack of a better phrase. Well done, Cinda Williams Chima! You've got another strong series and I'm in for the ride.
PREVIOUS REVIEW: So far... I like it, although it took me a few minutes to get used to the fact that this book takes place in a fictional realm, and *not* current day, which was one of the things I really loved about her "Heir" series. Still, it's growing on me the more I read, and I think it's going to be a good one. Also: I notice she still lets her characters use words like, "Hey" and "well, maybe..." One of the critiques on my other book was that I shouldn't have my characters using modern phrasing. Now I feel a little more encouraged that no, it really CAN be OK to do this! If CWC can do it, then so can I! Ha HA!(less)
I thoroughly enjoyed this, because somehow the characters were very real. I loved the alternating POVs, and appreciated that the author didn't just do...moreI thoroughly enjoyed this, because somehow the characters were very real. I loved the alternating POVs, and appreciated that the author didn't just do it by-rote, as in: one chapter is Grace, the next is Sam, the next is Grace, the next is Sam... no, she did it in terms of how it worked best for the story, and I appreciated that.
I love the original twist on a tired and overdone genre.
I love that these werewolves aren't shirtless Jacobs. :-)
I love the close bond between Grace and Sam, and their unique love story. When Grace talks about how hard it is to go back to school and her everyday life now that she has Sam there and she's in love, it seemed so real and relatable. It's cool how passion can do that... change the way the world actually looks and feels. It's depicted perfectly here in this story. How all you want to do is skip school to be with your love... how time feels so precious and everything has a new sense of urgency.
The characters are adorable together. You really can't help but cheer them on as the story progresses, and the tension Sam feels to "stay Sam" was palpable. Great job, Maggie Stiefvater! You described everything so well, made your characters *just* dramatic enough to make the story resonate with the reader, and yet you didn't go overboard and flowery.
In my opinion, this is the best love story I've read this year. Guys, I'm telling you: read this book. It's a nice departure from the other YA books we've all been reading this year. (Loved the Hunger Games, but they were kind of exhausting and sad, too.)
I think I might have to go out and buy "Linger" now. No, I will buy it. I stayed up late to finish reading this last night, and the ending is... oh my God, I loved the ending! It makes you want to pick the other book up right then and there. I can't wait.
Even though I'm reading other things right now, I couldn't resist the creepiness of this book any longer. Fortunately, it is a fast read... and perhap...moreEven though I'm reading other things right now, I couldn't resist the creepiness of this book any longer. Fortunately, it is a fast read... and perhaps unfortunately (?), it actually gives me nightmares. Ooooh. Parts of it remind me of "Hostel" and the rest just makes my stomach clench up from the tension and, in this book, claustrophobia. Needless to say, I can't put it down. ;-) UPDATE: I loved it. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 only because I think I give every book I read these days 5 stars, and I need to think about which books in this series are my favorites. So far, I liked Lockdown a little more... but it's marginal. I have a feeling the next book, "Death Sentence" is going to be a new favorite. It sounds AWFUL! (In that wonderful, horror-story kind of way.) Anyway, I love these books. The end.(less)
**spoiler alert** (Just minor spoilers follow... I don't give away anything important!)
Fascinating! Well, it definitely doesn't remind me of anything...more**spoiler alert** (Just minor spoilers follow... I don't give away anything important!)
Fascinating! Well, it definitely doesn't remind me of anything else I've ever read, that's for sure. I really enjoyed this book so much. Jessica Anthony's writing is fabulously creative and strange, and I love it. I laughed out loud at a couple parts of this book, and cringed during others. The protagonist is very different than most... I *think* I sympathized with him...? Actually, that ambiguity, that "do I really care about *that* thing?" feeling is exactly what you're supposed to feel, I think, because that's what the story is about. The forgotten, unnoticed, different people that we don't always notice or care about.
I doubt I will ever read another story about a small Hungarian mute who sells meat out of a broken down school bus and has a large beetle, Mrs. Klipner, for a friend. Just that basic premise alone is enough to pique my creative interest; but then throw in the history of the Pfliegman clan and the way the truth slowly, slowly, s-l-o-w-l-y is revealed, and it becomes a must-read book. If you appreciate great writing... you have to check it out!
And the ending... WOW. I closed the book and just sat and thought about it for a long, long time. I wish I could say I completely "got" it, but I'm not sure I did. I'm still trying to figure it out. I don't know what the imaginary characters (the Indian, Charles Darwin, Carly Simon) had to do with transformation and Rovar's condition; and I am still trying to figure out the stuff with water/rivers in this book. I know there is some heavy meaning there, and maybe it's clear to everyone else who reads it, but I'd be lying if I said I understood and appreciated all of the subtle metaphors sprinkled through the book. I'm just not that intelligent. :)
But Jessica Anthony is, and I can't wait to read whatever else she writers. She's found a way to tell a story in a completely unconventional manner, with incredible description and a powerful confidence in her voice. It's a beautiful book (not to mention the cover painting is amazing!) and I have to say, it's worth reading just for the Hungarian "history" (?) chapters. Fantastic stuff.
(4 out of 5 stars only because of my own comprehension problems; if I thought I had it all figured out, I'd give it a 5.)(less)
Definitely better than I'd expected... it was really a cool take on the vampire trend, and I loved the lighthearted aspect of the story. Jane is a fan...moreDefinitely better than I'd expected... it was really a cool take on the vampire trend, and I loved the lighthearted aspect of the story. Jane is a fantastic protagonist, with a unique and fun voice and I feel like I know her now. VERY well-done book, and now I really have to read the next book in the series. This week, hopefully! Time to get to the bookstore...(less)
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