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Bad Bloods #2
November Snow
When Daniel and Serena unite, their accidental relationship becomes the catalyst for a twelve-year war to continue. Exposing the twisted past of a corrupt city, Daniel, Serena, and everyone they know will come together to fight. But Serena has another battle.
After a political rumor threatens their lives, Serena must leave her family and join the political front against her will. To survive apart, Daniel has to separate his love from his hatred and join forces with his worst memory to secure Vendona’s war. But very few of them will survive to see the last day. Bad blood or human, a city will burn, snow will fall, and all will be united by catastrophic secrets and irrevocable tragedy.
After a political rumor threatens their lives, Serena must leave her family and join the political front against her will. To survive apart, Daniel has to separate his love from his hatred and join forces with his worst memory to secure Vendona’s war. But very few of them will survive to see the last day. Bad blood or human, a city will burn, snow will fall, and all will be united by catastrophic secrets and irrevocable tragedy.
275 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2016
About the author
Shannon A. Thompson
16 books317 followersShannon A. Thompson is a children's author, librarian, and habitual chatterbox. She is represented by Marietta Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency.
As a novelist, poet, and blogger, Thompson is the best-selling author of the Timely Death trilogy and the Bad Bloods series. When she is not writing, she is climbing rooftops, baking cookies, or watching KDramas in the middle of the night, often done with her cats by her side. Between writing and befriending cats, Thompson graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing, and her work has appeared in numerous poetry collections and anthologies.
Visit her blog for writers and readers at www.ShannonAThompson.com.
As a novelist, poet, and blogger, Thompson is the best-selling author of the Timely Death trilogy and the Bad Bloods series. When she is not writing, she is climbing rooftops, baking cookies, or watching KDramas in the middle of the night, often done with her cats by her side. Between writing and befriending cats, Thompson graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing, and her work has appeared in numerous poetry collections and anthologies.
Visit her blog for writers and readers at www.ShannonAThompson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 14, 2016
https://chicnerdreads.wordpress.com/2...
Before getting into the review I wanted to thank the author for sending me this right after I finished November Rain (which I have a review for here). And I want to apologize for taking so long to write this review because so much stuff was going on in the month of July. November Rain and November Snow are one book split into two because they’re both chunky. They definitely are meant to be read together because after experiencing the ending of November Rain and how we jump into November Snow, it all makes sense.
This review will be short because I don’t want to spoil anything since it’s Book Two. In November Snow we continue with Daniel and Serena’s POV which I really liked! (There’s a specific reason why I liked this but I can’t get into detail, because again, spoilers).
The writing is simple and straight to the point which I enjoyed. The only reason why I knocked off a star was because I found the first 50% of the book to be really slow and I felt like it took a while to get into the action. But the other half of the book definitely made up for it. I also wished that we got more of the ending because it felt rushed.
THE AUTHOR GAME OF THRONED ME AND I WAS IN MY FEELINGS OKAY?!?!?!? I was really emotional with all these characters because they’re my children. You just feel really close to them and you want to care for them. There are tons of kids/early teens with all these amazing powers, so innocent and their stories are touching. I look forward to reading more of their individual stories on Wattpad. Thanks Shannon!!
I liked that we got to see more character dynamic in this book. We also finally get to know what the fuss is about between two important characters because I was left wondering after the 1st what was the history.
This book definitely had more action and was also more political based than the first one. I like that the author wrote a realistic approach to the politics. *applause to her*
The ending was really good. I was left wondering about some of the characters. However, this book could be left off as open ended or the author can write another book and I would still enjoy it all the same.
Before getting into the review I wanted to thank the author for sending me this right after I finished November Rain (which I have a review for here). And I want to apologize for taking so long to write this review because so much stuff was going on in the month of July. November Rain and November Snow are one book split into two because they’re both chunky. They definitely are meant to be read together because after experiencing the ending of November Rain and how we jump into November Snow, it all makes sense.
This review will be short because I don’t want to spoil anything since it’s Book Two. In November Snow we continue with Daniel and Serena’s POV which I really liked! (There’s a specific reason why I liked this but I can’t get into detail, because again, spoilers).
The writing is simple and straight to the point which I enjoyed. The only reason why I knocked off a star was because I found the first 50% of the book to be really slow and I felt like it took a while to get into the action. But the other half of the book definitely made up for it. I also wished that we got more of the ending because it felt rushed.
THE AUTHOR GAME OF THRONED ME AND I WAS IN MY FEELINGS OKAY?!?!?!? I was really emotional with all these characters because they’re my children. You just feel really close to them and you want to care for them. There are tons of kids/early teens with all these amazing powers, so innocent and their stories are touching. I look forward to reading more of their individual stories on Wattpad. Thanks Shannon!!
I liked that we got to see more character dynamic in this book. We also finally get to know what the fuss is about between two important characters because I was left wondering after the 1st what was the history.
This book definitely had more action and was also more political based than the first one. I like that the author wrote a realistic approach to the politics. *applause to her*
The ending was really good. I was left wondering about some of the characters. However, this book could be left off as open ended or the author can write another book and I would still enjoy it all the same.
June 13, 2016
Review Posted Also on Crazy Beautiful Reads
~ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review~
Shannon, you have rendered me speechless with this one! And that's a fact!
I'm still in awe by what I read. Review coming up real soon.
All you need to know is that, this duology is the best one I've ever read - and I'm not just saying that cause the author is a friend, but because it is the truth. I truly recommend her books !
UPDATE !!!!
Action packed.Fast Paced.Heartbreaking
November Snow takes off from where the first part - November Rain - has ended. And what an end that was ! A total cliffhanger, of course, because I wouldn't call a book, a book unless it had something to "hang you" on !
This second part is extremely fast paced and it doesn't give you time to adjust to something cause it already jumps into the heart of it grabbing you and holding you on the very edge of your seat. It is pretty merciless with you and your poor heart. In this one, we find out more and more secrets, and things are taking a 180 degrees turn. With every page you get a taste of everything that left you with questions in the first part. Take note of the fact that it contains some horrifying images that won't go away that easily or that fast ! And there is something pretty awesome awaiting you after the first half of the book. We are also shown how much the characters have grown - even stronger than before - since the first book and it revolves around what matters the most in our everyday lives : unity, love and peace.
This is the second book of miss Thompson that breaks me into a million pieces, crushes my soul like it is some kind of bug and makes my heart skip a lot of beats ! But all in all it is a great read and I LOVED IT !!!!
The ending had brought me to tears and made my heart melt !
Congratulations Shannon A. Thompson for writing such amazing books !!!
~ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review~
Shannon, you have rendered me speechless with this one! And that's a fact!
I'm still in awe by what I read. Review coming up real soon.
All you need to know is that, this duology is the best one I've ever read - and I'm not just saying that cause the author is a friend, but because it is the truth. I truly recommend her books !
UPDATE !!!!
Action packed.Fast Paced.Heartbreaking
November Snow takes off from where the first part - November Rain - has ended. And what an end that was ! A total cliffhanger, of course, because I wouldn't call a book, a book unless it had something to "hang you" on !
This second part is extremely fast paced and it doesn't give you time to adjust to something cause it already jumps into the heart of it grabbing you and holding you on the very edge of your seat. It is pretty merciless with you and your poor heart. In this one, we find out more and more secrets, and things are taking a 180 degrees turn. With every page you get a taste of everything that left you with questions in the first part. Take note of the fact that it contains some horrifying images that won't go away that easily or that fast ! And there is something pretty awesome awaiting you after the first half of the book. We are also shown how much the characters have grown - even stronger than before - since the first book and it revolves around what matters the most in our everyday lives : unity, love and peace.
This is the second book of miss Thompson that breaks me into a million pieces, crushes my soul like it is some kind of bug and makes my heart skip a lot of beats ! But all in all it is a great read and I LOVED IT !!!!
The ending had brought me to tears and made my heart melt !
Congratulations Shannon A. Thompson for writing such amazing books !!!
June 1, 2017
first and foremost, I want to thank the author Shannon Thompson for allowing me an ARC to read and review.
I am in love with this series! I thought the first book was great, and how could another one be even better?.... This second book, November Snow was one of the most thrilling books I've read lately. I cried, I cussed and screamed at the characters, and I smiled. There was times I had to put the book down because I was afraid of what might happen next... but I couldn't leave it down for long! It's a book that begs to be read and enjoyed by readers young and old! I'd recommend this series to anyone and I'll definitely reread them in the future.
I am in love with this series! I thought the first book was great, and how could another one be even better?.... This second book, November Snow was one of the most thrilling books I've read lately. I cried, I cussed and screamed at the characters, and I smiled. There was times I had to put the book down because I was afraid of what might happen next... but I couldn't leave it down for long! It's a book that begs to be read and enjoyed by readers young and old! I'd recommend this series to anyone and I'll definitely reread them in the future.
January 3, 2018
My first book finished in 2018! Guys, I love this series. So much. The characters make me feel many, many things, mostly adoration. I'll do a proper review soonish.
That being said, I don't know if I'll read book 3 because while it's in the same series, it follows different characters and takes on a different story. I think Bad Bloods could be described as a collection of duologies, so books 1 and 2 need to be read together but are then pretty much complete. Maybe I will pick up 3 and 4 eventually, but for now, I'm moving on to other books because I have TOO MUCH to read this month. #overcommitted
That being said, I don't know if I'll read book 3 because while it's in the same series, it follows different characters and takes on a different story. I think Bad Bloods could be described as a collection of duologies, so books 1 and 2 need to be read together but are then pretty much complete. Maybe I will pick up 3 and 4 eventually, but for now, I'm moving on to other books because I have TOO MUCH to read this month. #overcommitted
June 12, 2017
After reading book one, I just had to finish the story! This book finished explaining everything left open in book one. I felt so connected to the characters that I felt what each character did.
This story, though fictional, could relate so much to today's world. The meaning behind the words is powerful for those that can see it.
I highly recommend this book as well as book one to everyone!
This story, though fictional, could relate so much to today's world. The meaning behind the words is powerful for those that can see it.
I highly recommend this book as well as book one to everyone!
May 26, 2017
I received this as an ARC for my honest review and much like the first one I loved this one. I can't wait to read the others. I find that I can relate to Serena a little bit. I could definitely feel the emotions the characters felt while I was reading it
July 25, 2016
Reviewed at my blog: Babbling Books
Wow, just…wow. Miss Thompson, you were absolutely right that I would enjoy this second part more than the first. Almost immediately heading into this second half I was completely sucked in.
The world was built up and explained to a fuller degree and I was able to understand everything much better so that it was easier to just settle into the story and enjoy everything that was happening. It was nice to get to see other places like The Highlands and to understand exactly how these places came about as well as the power structure and that the book is revolving more around a science fiction / evolutionary concept. This helped move along the plot well and opened up the narrative for more explanation about Vendona as a whole, which was a nice addition.
I was so excited that the pace picked up considerably and didn’t really slow down except for small beats here and there. The action was much more pronounced and you finally get a real sense of the danger and peril that these kids are facing. Of course, I was almost sobbing during some of the chapters, and don’t think I’ll ever get over some of the deaths that happen. Yes, some of the characters do die, so just prepare yourself with tissues and a cuddly stuffed animal.
Speaking of stuffed animal, Blake and Daniel (and teddy bear), that dynamic was the sweetest thing on the planet. I almost wanted Blake, Michele and Daniel to just run away together and be cute bad blood family forever, seriously so cute. Don’t underestimate your need for tissues here people, don’t do it.
The best part of this book though had to be the underlying secrets that Daniel, Robert and Serena had been keeping since the start of the narrative. I was so drawn in by the inner lives of these characters and what their possible secret backstories could be that I felt my head was going to explode with the possibilities. Even though I knew a big reveal was coming, I never knew what it was or how it was going to tie everything together and that’s what kept me so interested. Truly, Thompson has done an incredible job here of story weaving. Just wonderful.
The romance between Daniel and Serena became much more fleshed out in this second book as well and it was wonderfully played out. I loved the subtly of it, the sweetness with the bracelet and how much the characters grew to understand one another. This quote is just the sweetest thing EVER
Also In the end I felt like he was the real loser of it all *cries forever*.
Overall this was such a wonderful duology. The characters developed beautifully and even though I wished I could’ve known more about their endings I am happy I got to spend the time in their world that I did.
Everyone please go head over to Miss Thompson’s blog and take a look at the Bad Blood Duology and at her other works as well. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading the others yet but she is such a kind and sweet person and I’m so happy to have gotten the opportunity to read and review these for her.
"He told her about her soul, and she told him about her dreams and stories. And everything began to unravel from there."Just a heads up that this review contains spoilers, marked with *spoilers*.
Wow, just…wow. Miss Thompson, you were absolutely right that I would enjoy this second part more than the first. Almost immediately heading into this second half I was completely sucked in.
The world was built up and explained to a fuller degree and I was able to understand everything much better so that it was easier to just settle into the story and enjoy everything that was happening. It was nice to get to see other places like The Highlands and to understand exactly how these places came about as well as the power structure and that the book is revolving more around a science fiction / evolutionary concept. This helped move along the plot well and opened up the narrative for more explanation about Vendona as a whole, which was a nice addition.
I was so excited that the pace picked up considerably and didn’t really slow down except for small beats here and there. The action was much more pronounced and you finally get a real sense of the danger and peril that these kids are facing. Of course, I was almost sobbing during some of the chapters, and don’t think I’ll ever get over some of the deaths that happen. Yes, some of the characters do die, so just prepare yourself with tissues and a cuddly stuffed animal.
Speaking of stuffed animal, Blake and Daniel (and teddy bear), that dynamic was the sweetest thing on the planet. I almost wanted Blake, Michele and Daniel to just run away together and be cute bad blood family forever, seriously so cute. Don’t underestimate your need for tissues here people, don’t do it.
The best part of this book though had to be the underlying secrets that Daniel, Robert and Serena had been keeping since the start of the narrative. I was so drawn in by the inner lives of these characters and what their possible secret backstories could be that I felt my head was going to explode with the possibilities. Even though I knew a big reveal was coming, I never knew what it was or how it was going to tie everything together and that’s what kept me so interested. Truly, Thompson has done an incredible job here of story weaving. Just wonderful.
The romance between Daniel and Serena became much more fleshed out in this second book as well and it was wonderfully played out. I loved the subtly of it, the sweetness with the bracelet and how much the characters grew to understand one another. This quote is just the sweetest thing EVER
“I grabbed Serena’s hand as if I had the right to hold onto it forever, and she held mine as though she wished that were true.”The only reason I didn’t give this book 5 stars, even though I really really liked it was simply because there were still a few things I felt a little nit picky about. While I liked Serena’s character as a whole, it was still hard to relate to her at times. Daniel, I loved. But Serena sometimes did things that didn’t make sense, like it didn’t quite compute why she had to go to The Highlands and play dress-up when in the end it was really Daniel’s story that made more of a difference. Plus, And to be honest I found it really hard to believe that Daniel would forgive her so quickly for all of that given just how much her one decision affected his entire life. But, love is about forgiveness and learning to move past the past, right?
Also In the end I felt like he was the real loser of it all *cries forever*.
Overall this was such a wonderful duology. The characters developed beautifully and even though I wished I could’ve known more about their endings I am happy I got to spend the time in their world that I did.
Everyone please go head over to Miss Thompson’s blog and take a look at the Bad Blood Duology and at her other works as well. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading the others yet but she is such a kind and sweet person and I’m so happy to have gotten the opportunity to read and review these for her.
December 19, 2016
When Daniel and Serena unite, their accidental relationship becomes the catalyst for a twelve-year war to continue. Exposing the twisted past of a corrupt city, Daniel, Serena, and everyone they know will come together to fight. But Serena has another battle.
After a political rumor threatens their lives, Serena must leave her family and join the political front against her will. To survive apart, Daniel has to separate his love from his hatred and join forces with his worst memory to secure Vendona’s war. But very few of them will survive to see the last day. Bad blood or human, a city will burn, snow will fall, and all will be united by catastrophic secrets and irrevocable tragedy.
Rating: 4.25/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: strong characters; fast-paced, heart-stopping action; the ending resolution seemed very quick; lots of societal and moral lessons; I found myself racing through the pages; suspenseful, thought-provoking, and heart-wrenching; I'm only sad so many characters were lost
Huge thanks to Shannon A. Thompson and Clean Teen Publishing for sending me a copy of this title free in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read of or opinions on this book.
"You think you steal our souls against our will. I think we willingly hand ours over, so our stories--our abilities and our lives--can make it to the future too."
I finished this sequel last night and just... Oh, my penguins, guys. I think if my heart continues cracking, I will be starting the new year with a bunch of pieces and shards. These characters leaped off the page in book one....but stole my heart away in this second half. Every character is individualized, unique, and given their own quirks and voices. Shannon A. Thompson put a lot of time and effort into making this cast of personalities--and their reactions to the world around them--wholly realistic and believable.
The plot is fast-paced and full of action. We start off right in the thick of things, and aren't allowed to relax until the very end. Shannon A. Thompson knows how to write a heart-stopping scene--and she proves it, with several of the most intense action scenes I've read in recent months. I found myself holding my breath, clenching my fists, and hoping for things to just work out for the characters--even though I knew at least a few of them would be inevitably lost.
It was then I realized why he reminded me of Daniel, why Daniel was so familiar when I met him. They were like me--already dead--and we had nothing left to do but die again. So I did what I always did.
I ran like death waited with open arms.
I was a bit surprised at how quickly the resolution came, though. It seemed like a very large portion of this series was spent focusing on fighting back, taking a stand, and showing the world how wrong it was. For things to just magically, within a couple of pages, be "better" seemed a bit unbelievable for me as a reader. Sure, most of the people were probably hoping for just this resolution...but the resolution seemed TOO quick, TOO easy, for a book that was full of so much division and struggle.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, heart-wrenching, climactic read! The characters are realistic and believable in their actions/reactions, the plot is quick and full of action, and the ending is just a little bit on the "unbelievable" end for me personally. I definitely recommend this to lovers of dystopian fiction, strong characters, and a world filled with chaos and divisive thinking. I was swept right into the middle of this world--you should dive in, too!
October 4, 2018
Personal response
*Spoiler alert*
This book was not as good as the first one but was still pretty good. I couldn’t put it down because I never knew what was going to happen next. It was sad at parts, and some parts made me really mad at some characters, but in the end I was happy.
Plot Summary
In the beginning Serena was running out of the northern flocks house when Daniel stopped her and they argued for a while. Eventually Daniel and Serena walk back to her flocks house and Daniel goes back to his flock. With the election so close making tensions high Robert doesn’t want Serena or anyone else leaving the house except when he needs them to leave. Daniel needs Serena to follow his plan to help him with the fight. Daniel tells Serena he needs to meet her so Serena sneaks out and goes to meet Daniel. Serena agrees to his plan for her to leave for the highlands and pretend to be Henderson's daughter so he can win the election. When she gets back, Robert yells at her and they get into a fight and Serena ends up running out into the cold. Robert finds her under a bridge and they make up. Robert and Daniel meet and decide to combine the two flocks. Serena goes to the Highlands for a while and while she’s gone Robert leaves and the flock gets ambushed. When they made it out eleven kids died and fourteen lived. They went to Daniel’s father’s house and healed. Serena came back and they found out that Henderson won the election. They went out and they built memorials for the eleven kids who died and Serena went back to her family.
Recommendations
I recommend this book to people who read the first book to continue the series. I also recommend this book to people who like fantasy and fiction books. People who like intense and fast paced books would like this book as well.
*Spoiler alert*
This book was not as good as the first one but was still pretty good. I couldn’t put it down because I never knew what was going to happen next. It was sad at parts, and some parts made me really mad at some characters, but in the end I was happy.
Plot Summary
In the beginning Serena was running out of the northern flocks house when Daniel stopped her and they argued for a while. Eventually Daniel and Serena walk back to her flocks house and Daniel goes back to his flock. With the election so close making tensions high Robert doesn’t want Serena or anyone else leaving the house except when he needs them to leave. Daniel needs Serena to follow his plan to help him with the fight. Daniel tells Serena he needs to meet her so Serena sneaks out and goes to meet Daniel. Serena agrees to his plan for her to leave for the highlands and pretend to be Henderson's daughter so he can win the election. When she gets back, Robert yells at her and they get into a fight and Serena ends up running out into the cold. Robert finds her under a bridge and they make up. Robert and Daniel meet and decide to combine the two flocks. Serena goes to the Highlands for a while and while she’s gone Robert leaves and the flock gets ambushed. When they made it out eleven kids died and fourteen lived. They went to Daniel’s father’s house and healed. Serena came back and they found out that Henderson won the election. They went out and they built memorials for the eleven kids who died and Serena went back to her family.
Recommendations
I recommend this book to people who read the first book to continue the series. I also recommend this book to people who like fantasy and fiction books. People who like intense and fast paced books would like this book as well.
July 17, 2016
Originally posted on Daydreaming Books.
*I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was an emotional roller-coaster! So much happened in this book, I couldn't entirely believe my eyes. I ended up loving this book more than I thought I would. Oh and you can read my review of November Rain, i.e. book 1, here.
After Serena gives a chance to Daniel to explain everything, she agrees to play a certain role that might end up saving all the Bad Bloods. But playing that part means leaving everyone behind, she only agrees to it for one condition but that ultimately leads to more chaos. When the entire flock of Bad Bloods are suddenly ambushed once again, old truths resurfaces. But will they even live to go past that?
I loved this book more than the first one. Although the first part of this book was a bit slow but it picked its pace soon enough. This book was filled with political intrigue which made it an even more interesting read. I loved knowing the history of the two flocks which was a mystery in the first book but I did guess a little and it ended up being true but there was another plot twist I didn't see coming which tore my heart to pieces! I almost cried! I couldn't believe that actually happened. But I'm not telling you guys, you have to read it to know what happens!
I liked the characters even more in this book, Serena was a great protagonist and I loved Daniel from the start. All the other characters were pretty amazing as well. Everything was executed so well. So many secrets were revealed and I really enjoyed it! Although this book ended in a positive note but as there are going to be other books in this series as well, I am hoping we'll get to know more about Robert because he still remained a kind of mystery to me although his past was revealed but I need to know his part of the story. Nonetheless even if it's not his story I'm excited to continue reading this series!
Overall, November Snow was a great read! I enjoyed the plot and the characters kept me interested throughout the book. This book was pretty low on romance but I liked Serena and Daniel's relationship. The writing was great and easy to read. I'm definitely interested to read more books by this author in the future!
Recommend it?
Yes!
*I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was an emotional roller-coaster! So much happened in this book, I couldn't entirely believe my eyes. I ended up loving this book more than I thought I would. Oh and you can read my review of November Rain, i.e. book 1, here.
After Serena gives a chance to Daniel to explain everything, she agrees to play a certain role that might end up saving all the Bad Bloods. But playing that part means leaving everyone behind, she only agrees to it for one condition but that ultimately leads to more chaos. When the entire flock of Bad Bloods are suddenly ambushed once again, old truths resurfaces. But will they even live to go past that?
I loved this book more than the first one. Although the first part of this book was a bit slow but it picked its pace soon enough. This book was filled with political intrigue which made it an even more interesting read. I loved knowing the history of the two flocks which was a mystery in the first book but I did guess a little and it ended up being true but there was another plot twist I didn't see coming which tore my heart to pieces! I almost cried! I couldn't believe that actually happened. But I'm not telling you guys, you have to read it to know what happens!
I liked the characters even more in this book, Serena was a great protagonist and I loved Daniel from the start. All the other characters were pretty amazing as well. Everything was executed so well. So many secrets were revealed and I really enjoyed it! Although this book ended in a positive note but as there are going to be other books in this series as well, I am hoping we'll get to know more about Robert because he still remained a kind of mystery to me although his past was revealed but I need to know his part of the story. Nonetheless even if it's not his story I'm excited to continue reading this series!
Overall, November Snow was a great read! I enjoyed the plot and the characters kept me interested throughout the book. This book was pretty low on romance but I liked Serena and Daniel's relationship. The writing was great and easy to read. I'm definitely interested to read more books by this author in the future!
Recommend it?
Yes!
February 20, 2017
4/5 Stars
I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review
A solid 4 stars to the second part of the Bad Bloods duology!
Bad Bloods: November Snow was a great end to the duology featuring Danial and Serena. I really enjoyed the story and it definitely improved over the first book. It was a great, fast-paced novel and I didn't want to put it down. Compared to the first novel, there was a lot more description and it was easier to get caught up in the book. I enjoyed reading about certain parts of the world that Shannon Thompson created and how the two main characters interacted. I think she did an amazing job with the finish and there were some moments where I without a doubt got choked up because of the book.
I definitely recommend this book to others and am excited for the next duology in this world to come this year.
Check out my full review of the Bad Bloods duology at midwesternbooknerd.wordpress.com!
I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review
A solid 4 stars to the second part of the Bad Bloods duology!
Bad Bloods: November Snow was a great end to the duology featuring Danial and Serena. I really enjoyed the story and it definitely improved over the first book. It was a great, fast-paced novel and I didn't want to put it down. Compared to the first novel, there was a lot more description and it was easier to get caught up in the book. I enjoyed reading about certain parts of the world that Shannon Thompson created and how the two main characters interacted. I think she did an amazing job with the finish and there were some moments where I without a doubt got choked up because of the book.
I definitely recommend this book to others and am excited for the next duology in this world to come this year.
Check out my full review of the Bad Bloods duology at midwesternbooknerd.wordpress.com!
July 5, 2016
Short yet an amazing journey
First of all a huge thanks to the author for providing me with the copy of the book and introducing me to such a fantastic series.
I had aptly mentioned that the first book was a great preview to what was coming ahead in the series and true to my words, the second book was not only where you get to see and learn more about the story but sadly it Is also where you would have to part with the series as the second book is the finale for the series.
The second book has a lot more action, twists and turns making it an amazing finale but at the same time makes you wonder why so soon and sudden. Just as with the first book, you get to see more of these characters and fortunately they stay true to themselves and doesn't undergo drastic changes by the time you pick up the sequel.
The language is satin smooth and the narration quality is what makes the author's book to die for. The authors' books are a pleasure to read with focus on narrating the story in its purest and simplest form and because of which the book is a fantastic read.
I loved the series and if I hate anything then it's the fact that the author ended this series in two books and that to me felt a little early and too soon otherwise it's a fabulous series
First of all a huge thanks to the author for providing me with the copy of the book and introducing me to such a fantastic series.
I had aptly mentioned that the first book was a great preview to what was coming ahead in the series and true to my words, the second book was not only where you get to see and learn more about the story but sadly it Is also where you would have to part with the series as the second book is the finale for the series.
The second book has a lot more action, twists and turns making it an amazing finale but at the same time makes you wonder why so soon and sudden. Just as with the first book, you get to see more of these characters and fortunately they stay true to themselves and doesn't undergo drastic changes by the time you pick up the sequel.
The language is satin smooth and the narration quality is what makes the author's book to die for. The authors' books are a pleasure to read with focus on narrating the story in its purest and simplest form and because of which the book is a fantastic read.
I loved the series and if I hate anything then it's the fact that the author ended this series in two books and that to me felt a little early and too soon otherwise it's a fabulous series
November 1, 2016
This book is the sequel to November Rain. It starts immediately where the first book ended. I enjoyed the first book for the character development but was left with lots of questions. Most of those questions get answered in this book as we learn more about the characters and what brought them to this point.
Like the first book, it alternates between Daniel's and Serena's point of view so we get a good picture of what is going on. They both have heavy secrets that they are keeping. I enjoyed the connection Daniel and Serena shared and getting to know them better. This is a world that can be dark at times and they deal with tragedy along the way. I was glad that there were lighter times as well to keep a good balance.
I loved the pace of this book and had a hard time putting it down once I started! I didn't know what to expect or where each character would end up. There were some great twists and turns along the way to an enjoyable ending!
I received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not affect my review in any way.
Mel's Shelves
Like the first book, it alternates between Daniel's and Serena's point of view so we get a good picture of what is going on. They both have heavy secrets that they are keeping. I enjoyed the connection Daniel and Serena shared and getting to know them better. This is a world that can be dark at times and they deal with tragedy along the way. I was glad that there were lighter times as well to keep a good balance.
I loved the pace of this book and had a hard time putting it down once I started! I didn't know what to expect or where each character would end up. There were some great twists and turns along the way to an enjoyable ending!
I received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not affect my review in any way.
Mel's Shelves
February 5, 2017
I really enjoyed the vulnerability, friendships, and love that happen throughout this book. I love when the stereotype of men not being able to cry is broken. Anyone can cry; people are human. I really liked the vulnerable side you saw to some characters...
Read more here!
https://pointextaken.wordpress.com/20...
Aubrey Joy
Read more here!
https://pointextaken.wordpress.com/20...
Aubrey Joy
July 11, 2018
This review was originally posted on my review blog Deanna Reads Books
November Snow is the sequel to November Rain, and I have to admit I liked the first book enough, but I didn't think it was amazing. I came out of reading this book with similar thoughts, but I also felt like there was an overall improvement in the story. Both in the narration and in the exposition explaining what the heck happened to the world to get to this point.
One of my complaints in the first novel was not that Johns is a bad narrator, I totally think he is great, but that I had a hard time distinguishing between when it was Daniel's or Serena 's perspective. I'm also curious if this somewhat had to do with the writing, and if how they think was just too similar. I did feel that the narrator did make an effort to change up his voice so we would know the difference. There were definitely times that I was thinking, "oh,wait...this is Serena, not Daniel." I do feel like there were more characters in this one and I think it gave him a chance to show off his range of new voices and characters. That part of this audiobook really sold it to me on his talents as a narrator.
I was kind of lukewarm on the romance between Daniel and Serena. It just felt kind of insta-love to me, and I didn't really buy it. The book tries to explain it away because of the high risk of dying Bad Bloods fall in love easily. I was just screaming in my head, "YOU JUST MET!" It just didn't work for me.
I found myself confused for much of the first novel wondering where this book was supposed to be set and why the world had turned this way. That does get explained a little more, and you understand that really it's not so much a normal people vs. bad bloods struggle but a socioeconomic class struggle. The 1% lives up in the Highlands and they basically don't really care about what is going down where everyone else is living. That was an interesting turn for the novel, because I felt like it made it more believable to me. I could totally see that happening down the line. I think this is what made the novel so interesting to me. It felt really grounded in true in that moment.
A lot of crazy stuff happens at the end of the novel, that I was totally unprepared for, but it made listening to this audiobook all the more interesting. The author definitely threw me for a loop at the tail-end of this novel. Was not expecting what happened there.
I liked that this series was a duology, and I like that it ends with the reader making assumptions about what will happen next. I don't feel like I need a third book to really explain it, but I like that it was left a little open-ended.
*I received a copy of this audiobook via the narrator in exchange for my honest review
November Snow is the sequel to November Rain, and I have to admit I liked the first book enough, but I didn't think it was amazing. I came out of reading this book with similar thoughts, but I also felt like there was an overall improvement in the story. Both in the narration and in the exposition explaining what the heck happened to the world to get to this point.
One of my complaints in the first novel was not that Johns is a bad narrator, I totally think he is great, but that I had a hard time distinguishing between when it was Daniel's or Serena 's perspective. I'm also curious if this somewhat had to do with the writing, and if how they think was just too similar. I did feel that the narrator did make an effort to change up his voice so we would know the difference. There were definitely times that I was thinking, "oh,wait...this is Serena, not Daniel." I do feel like there were more characters in this one and I think it gave him a chance to show off his range of new voices and characters. That part of this audiobook really sold it to me on his talents as a narrator.
I was kind of lukewarm on the romance between Daniel and Serena. It just felt kind of insta-love to me, and I didn't really buy it. The book tries to explain it away because of the high risk of dying Bad Bloods fall in love easily. I was just screaming in my head, "YOU JUST MET!" It just didn't work for me.
I found myself confused for much of the first novel wondering where this book was supposed to be set and why the world had turned this way. That does get explained a little more, and you understand that really it's not so much a normal people vs. bad bloods struggle but a socioeconomic class struggle. The 1% lives up in the Highlands and they basically don't really care about what is going down where everyone else is living. That was an interesting turn for the novel, because I felt like it made it more believable to me. I could totally see that happening down the line. I think this is what made the novel so interesting to me. It felt really grounded in true in that moment.
A lot of crazy stuff happens at the end of the novel, that I was totally unprepared for, but it made listening to this audiobook all the more interesting. The author definitely threw me for a loop at the tail-end of this novel. Was not expecting what happened there.
I liked that this series was a duology, and I like that it ends with the reader making assumptions about what will happen next. I don't feel like I need a third book to really explain it, but I like that it was left a little open-ended.
*I received a copy of this audiobook via the narrator in exchange for my honest review
March 2, 2017
I was immediately attracted by the coverage of the first and second volume, I loved reading this book, very good writing style, endearing characters, I immediately liked the character of Serena. This second volume begins directly after the end of the first, always in a chronological cycle calendar here in November. There are Serena trying to survive as bad blood has Vendona, they do not have the right to have a relationship between them because too much emotion can the demolished. She is very close to Daniel. She'll have to deal with a lot of situations because the war between normal people and bad blood is declared. Can't wait to read the third book.
J'ai de suite été attiré par la couverture du premier et deuxième tome, j'ai adoré lire ce livre, très bon style d'écriture, personnages attachants, j'ai de suite aimé le personnage de Serena. Ce deuxième tome commence directement après la fin du premier, toujours dans un cycle chronologique calendaire ici en novembre. On y retrouve Serena qui tente de survivre comme bad blood a Vendona, ils n'ont pas le droit à avoir une relation entre eux car trop d'émotions peuvent les détruires. Elle est très proche de Daniel. Elle va devoir faire face à pas mal de situations car la guerre entre personnes normales et bad blood est déclarée. Trop hâte de lire le troisième tome.
J'ai de suite été attiré par la couverture du premier et deuxième tome, j'ai adoré lire ce livre, très bon style d'écriture, personnages attachants, j'ai de suite aimé le personnage de Serena. Ce deuxième tome commence directement après la fin du premier, toujours dans un cycle chronologique calendaire ici en novembre. On y retrouve Serena qui tente de survivre comme bad blood a Vendona, ils n'ont pas le droit à avoir une relation entre eux car trop d'émotions peuvent les détruires. Elle est très proche de Daniel. Elle va devoir faire face à pas mal de situations car la guerre entre personnes normales et bad blood est déclarée. Trop hâte de lire le troisième tome.
June 5, 2017
** I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This in NO WAY affected my opinion of the book or my review. **
Shannon A. Thompson puts you right back in the middle of where the last book ended. And it is non stop from there.
Vendona is in the middle of a political battle and Serena seems to be the key to it all. Daniel just needs to make her see it. Daniel and the Northern Flock are ready to take a stand and fight for the Bad Bloods to have rights, and they need Serena. But Serena would have to leave the Southern flock, Robert, Daniel and everyone she loves and cares about. Serena seems to be the glue to everyone. Can she do what is right for her people?
Shannon A. Thompson wrote a fast paced book, readers will learn SOO much! So many details about the characters come out. And there are quite a few plot twists. Some are quite surprising let me tell you. But they also explain why things are the way they are. Some moments seriously pulled at my heart strings and I cried (not going to lie). Shannon A.Thomson just has that way with words and the way the story unfolds will leave readers on the edge of their seats. But seriously, if you want to know what happens, you need to read this amazing book!
Shannon A. Thompson puts you right back in the middle of where the last book ended. And it is non stop from there.
Vendona is in the middle of a political battle and Serena seems to be the key to it all. Daniel just needs to make her see it. Daniel and the Northern Flock are ready to take a stand and fight for the Bad Bloods to have rights, and they need Serena. But Serena would have to leave the Southern flock, Robert, Daniel and everyone she loves and cares about. Serena seems to be the glue to everyone. Can she do what is right for her people?
Shannon A. Thompson wrote a fast paced book, readers will learn SOO much! So many details about the characters come out. And there are quite a few plot twists. Some are quite surprising let me tell you. But they also explain why things are the way they are. Some moments seriously pulled at my heart strings and I cried (not going to lie). Shannon A.Thomson just has that way with words and the way the story unfolds will leave readers on the edge of their seats. But seriously, if you want to know what happens, you need to read this amazing book!
June 30, 2017
I could not put this book down. I seriously had to know what happened next! I love a book that grabs you by the shirt pulls you in and doesn't let go until the end. This book is filled with twists turns and surprises and I loved it. Your pulled back into a world of the Bad Bloods with Daniel, Serena, and Robert, where politics play a bigger part than the first book, seeing that their survival depends even more than ever on the results. With plots to plant Serena in with presidential candidate Henderson as his long lost daughter, the whole world gets flipped upside down even more than it already was. We see the two flocks join to become one and the struggles it results in. This story has so much to offer other than the twists, turns, and surprises. We are also given young love, old love, old bonds, new bonds, forgiveness, and even heart break. So much in the pages of this book. The only thing that I felt off about the book was the end. It felt a little rushed and pushed together quickly to just end it. But for me that did not ruin it for me and I got to read an amazing story to boot!
***** I received a copy of this book for my honest review all words and feelings on this book are my own thank you for the chance to read it!*******
***** I received a copy of this book for my honest review all words and feelings on this book are my own thank you for the chance to read it!*******
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2017
I received this book in exchange for my honest review!
November Snow continues to follow our Bad Blood flocks and the election that will dictate their survival.
Let me just start by saying that I adored the first Bad Blood novel. However, this one? Blew me away even more. The character development was phenomenal, it was one of the things I noted that I wanted to see progress from the first novel and I was not disappointed!
The plot was nonstop action. Whether it was just on the flocks's side of things or the political, it was high tension nearly throughout the entire novel. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat hoping for the best for our Bad Bloods.
If you read the first novel and were unsure whether to read the second, just do it. This sequel was beautiful and exactly what I wanted out of the series.
November Snow continues to follow our Bad Blood flocks and the election that will dictate their survival.
Let me just start by saying that I adored the first Bad Blood novel. However, this one? Blew me away even more. The character development was phenomenal, it was one of the things I noted that I wanted to see progress from the first novel and I was not disappointed!
The plot was nonstop action. Whether it was just on the flocks's side of things or the political, it was high tension nearly throughout the entire novel. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat hoping for the best for our Bad Bloods.
If you read the first novel and were unsure whether to read the second, just do it. This sequel was beautiful and exactly what I wanted out of the series.
August 17, 2018
First Thoughts
I was so excited to read this book because I enjoyed the last book so much. When I started this book I was automatically hooked (mostly because I had to finish it in 2 days) It picked up right where it left off, it didn't have you wondering what happened. So here's my honest review of this book.
Review
So first of, you need to know that this book is an emotional roller coaster. Shannon has you laughing, crying, swooning, and trying to fight the reality of something. Now I did have to finish this book in 2 days, so I was quite rushed but I tried to soak up everything I could. And I have to say it was just an all-around great read.
Read my full review on my blog! https://allbookedupteen.blogspot.com/
I was so excited to read this book because I enjoyed the last book so much. When I started this book I was automatically hooked (mostly because I had to finish it in 2 days) It picked up right where it left off, it didn't have you wondering what happened. So here's my honest review of this book.
Review
So first of, you need to know that this book is an emotional roller coaster. Shannon has you laughing, crying, swooning, and trying to fight the reality of something. Now I did have to finish this book in 2 days, so I was quite rushed but I tried to soak up everything I could. And I have to say it was just an all-around great read.
Read my full review on my blog! https://allbookedupteen.blogspot.com/
July 7, 2019
Okay, I gotta admit, some stuff that happened in this book didn't make a whole lot of sense (won't say why... spoilers) or it just wasn't explained or thought-out well enough to make sense to me. Despite that, I was in tears and glued to the (digital) pages of this book well into the early morning hours because I couldn't put it down. And while I never quite figured out the logic behind the plot movement (because I still don't think there was any), I still found this to be a pretty powerful and enchanting story.
June 10, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
I am not sure how I feel about this book. I loved it but I hated it. I think I have to compare this to Catching Fire. It had a way of breaking your heart but healing it just enough by the end of the book. I'm not entirely happy with the ending but it didn't leave me with too many questions either so it's not entirely bad. It still left me with an urge to continue reading so hopefully I enjoy the next books.
I am not sure how I feel about this book. I loved it but I hated it. I think I have to compare this to Catching Fire. It had a way of breaking your heart but healing it just enough by the end of the book. I'm not entirely happy with the ending but it didn't leave me with too many questions either so it's not entirely bad. It still left me with an urge to continue reading so hopefully I enjoy the next books.
July 14, 2017
Ok - here is all the action! We met the characters and were introduced to their abilities in the first one and now .... BAM! So much going on and so many feels! The romance is very slight. It is mainly about the bad bloods and the election. A couple twists I didn't see coming too. And dang you Shannon for making me cry and have to take a break before I could pick it up again! Great series and can't wait to read Vi's story. I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2017
I received a copy from the author.
I loved this book. It was very intense and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved all the twists that happened. Everything was so good.
I loved how the characters developed. It was great to see how they changed and grew. It was wonderful. I thought the ending was nice and sweet.
I loved this book. It was very intense and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved all the twists that happened. Everything was so good.
I loved how the characters developed. It was great to see how they changed and grew. It was wonderful. I thought the ending was nice and sweet.
July 9, 2017
Hope
Well that was sad. It really reflects what's going on or had gone on in the world. You will always have haters and people that don't understand but we always have hope for the future.
Well that was sad. It really reflects what's going on or had gone on in the world. You will always have haters and people that don't understand but we always have hope for the future.
June 20, 2018
Loved it
This was a great story, I loved the characters and the world you created I’ll definitely be buying the rest of the series later on.
This was a great story, I loved the characters and the world you created I’ll definitely be buying the rest of the series later on.
June 29, 2018
3.5 Stars. Audio book review coming soon!
November 14, 2016
I had a hard time deciding what to say about November Rain and I think that's going to be the same thing for November Snow as well. Let's recap though. In November Rain we find out that bad bloods are people with supernatural abilities. As far as the characters we meet no one has the same ability. And in Vendona, bad bloods are hunted and killed because people are scared of them. Serena escapes from a blood camp and runs into Daniel who helps her by providing a temporary place for her to recover. But Daniel and Serena* come from different flocks (groups of bad blood kids that have found each other and created their own families helping each other to survive). Daniel is the leader of the Northern flock and Serena is essentially second of the Southern flock. And we don't know why, but Daniel and Robert (the leader of the Southern flock) hate each other. There's history there, but we don't know what. Daniel and Serena begin to develop feelings for each other, and of course that doesn't sit well with Robert. On top of that, there's an election coming up that will determine whether bad bloods will continue to be hunted down or if society will begin to accept them.
It's hard for me to remember the exact point when November Rain ended and November Snow began because once I finished November Rain I started reading November Snow immediately. The break in the stories felt off to me because they didn't feel like complete separate books. Usually even if a book ends in a cliffhanger, the book itself still feels like a complete work. But that wasn't really the case for these two, and I discuss that in my review of November Rain because that was more of an issue with that book since this one did essentially complete the story.
I also mentioned in my review of November Rain that while I blew through it quickly, I got stalled in reading November Snow at about the 60% mark and put it down for about a month and a half before picking it up to finally finish it. Funnily enough, I finished the last 35ish% in a single night...even staying up late to finish it. The reason I stalled was because I'd essentially read a book and a half and felt like there was still so much going on that I didn't know about. But answers finally started rolling in. Even though I still felt like there was an unpolished feel to all of the events. I can't really discuss the details of what I mean without spoilers though. I can say that I think from a writing standpoint there was a little too much "telling" and not enough "showing." What I mean is that the description was just too much at times. I mean there was an entire paragraph at one point describing where each character was sitting at a table (and there were 24ish characters to describe). It was just too much at times.
The political aspects of Bad Bloods revolved around whether or not the bad bloods would be accepted within society based upon which leader was elected president of Vendona. Considering we in America just had our own very controversial presidential election, some of this resonated. But also considering the way that our nation seems to evenly split down the middle right now and one half of which is protesting...the pretty bow that was put upon Vendona's election felt unrealistic. Of course, the protesting that we're having here is unprecedented and not the norm.
Favorite quotes:
Ultimately, November Snow had some flaws. There was a bit too much description for my tastes. The number of side characters, their unique skills, and backstories was overwhelming. I couldn't keep them all straight no matter how hard I tried. The events and plot didn't always seem to make complete sense to me like why Selena went to the highlands and what she was trying to accomplish. But I read the first 30% fairly quickly, the next 30% was a bit slow. I ultimately stalled and November Snow down for a month and a half. But I read the last 30% in a night. I didn't hate it, but I felt like November Snow and the Bad Bloods series could use a bit more polishing. November Snow gets 3 Stars from me. Have you read November Snow? What did you think? Let me know!
*Also, I just finished watching Gossip Girl on Netflix where two of the main characters' names are Daniel and Serena.
It's hard for me to remember the exact point when November Rain ended and November Snow began because once I finished November Rain I started reading November Snow immediately. The break in the stories felt off to me because they didn't feel like complete separate books. Usually even if a book ends in a cliffhanger, the book itself still feels like a complete work. But that wasn't really the case for these two, and I discuss that in my review of November Rain because that was more of an issue with that book since this one did essentially complete the story.
I also mentioned in my review of November Rain that while I blew through it quickly, I got stalled in reading November Snow at about the 60% mark and put it down for about a month and a half before picking it up to finally finish it. Funnily enough, I finished the last 35ish% in a single night...even staying up late to finish it. The reason I stalled was because I'd essentially read a book and a half and felt like there was still so much going on that I didn't know about. But answers finally started rolling in. Even though I still felt like there was an unpolished feel to all of the events. I can't really discuss the details of what I mean without spoilers though. I can say that I think from a writing standpoint there was a little too much "telling" and not enough "showing." What I mean is that the description was just too much at times. I mean there was an entire paragraph at one point describing where each character was sitting at a table (and there were 24ish characters to describe). It was just too much at times.
The political aspects of Bad Bloods revolved around whether or not the bad bloods would be accepted within society based upon which leader was elected president of Vendona. Considering we in America just had our own very controversial presidential election, some of this resonated. But also considering the way that our nation seems to evenly split down the middle right now and one half of which is protesting...the pretty bow that was put upon Vendona's election felt unrealistic. Of course, the protesting that we're having here is unprecedented and not the norm.
Favorite quotes:
-"Don't count your faults more than your strengths"...
-"Love doesn't always require you to know someone for long, especially during difficult times"...
Ultimately, November Snow had some flaws. There was a bit too much description for my tastes. The number of side characters, their unique skills, and backstories was overwhelming. I couldn't keep them all straight no matter how hard I tried. The events and plot didn't always seem to make complete sense to me like why Selena went to the highlands and what she was trying to accomplish. But I read the first 30% fairly quickly, the next 30% was a bit slow. I ultimately stalled and November Snow down for a month and a half. But I read the last 30% in a night. I didn't hate it, but I felt like November Snow and the Bad Bloods series could use a bit more polishing. November Snow gets 3 Stars from me. Have you read November Snow? What did you think? Let me know!
*Also, I just finished watching Gossip Girl on Netflix where two of the main characters' names are Daniel and Serena.
May 21, 2017
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I definitely liked this one better than the first one. There was a lot more action in this one and I loved how we picked up right after the ending of the first one. I also thought that having 2 different POVS was really good as we got to see both Serena's and Daniel's side to the events that occurred in the story. I felt that i could relate to each character and I liked most of them. I found that I was able to predict a few scenes but there were also a lot of twists to the story that i never expected to happen. Overall, I really enjoyed this book as there was a lot more action in it and there were also some scenes that I had not expected to happen. i would definitely recommend this one.
I definitely liked this one better than the first one. There was a lot more action in this one and I loved how we picked up right after the ending of the first one. I also thought that having 2 different POVS was really good as we got to see both Serena's and Daniel's side to the events that occurred in the story. I felt that i could relate to each character and I liked most of them. I found that I was able to predict a few scenes but there were also a lot of twists to the story that i never expected to happen. Overall, I really enjoyed this book as there was a lot more action in it and there were also some scenes that I had not expected to happen. i would definitely recommend this one.
July 11, 2016
Originally Posted http://thebookforums.blogspot.com/201...
I must begin by thanking Shannon Thompson for giving me a copy of this book to review. Both November Rain and November Snow were amazing and came together to make a compelling story complete with characters that you felt for and a world that felt real. They are both must reads for everyone!
If you’ve read a few of my reviews you must know by now that I am a sucker for great character development! (If you didn’t know that, now you do!) I believe that characters that feel real make the story feel real and, in turn, make the reader more invested in the characters’ fate. November Snow picks up where November Rain left off and fleshes out some amazing and intriguing characters. This especially becomes evident when, towards the end of the book, characters are speaking about their past and you learn everyone has a few skeletons in their closet. The way Thompson crafts these characters—making the reader understand where they come from and why they are the way they are— makes things even more heart breaking when things go wrong and all you want is for them to be happy.
The end of November Snow leaves some questions and things up for interpretation concerning a specific character but it works because it can spark discussions and conversations about that character. I personally would love to talk about that character so if anyone has read November Snow, feel free to comment and we can discuss. Then, of course, the good news is that Thompson could do a sequel or continue the story in some way. I think it would be great if she could show the characters’ lives a year or so after the ending of November Snow and how things have changed in Vendona (sort of like Alexandra Bracken’s novella Beyond the Night did for The Darkest Minds Series).
While I can say that I loved the pacing of both Bad Bloods novels I can see where some people would have an issue with it. It is as if the two books are written as two parts to one whole story rather than both having complete stories within each book. This leads November Rain to have a slow, very lacking climax, and November Snow to have no set up. With that said, I was never bored in November Rain due to the strong characters, and I loved the nonstop action towards the end of November Snow. In the end, I believe the weird pacing worked to the series’ advantage, allowing Thompson to have more time for character development in November Rain and a better climax in November Snow. But, was it necessary having Bad Bloods being two books? No. This could’ve been one book with the exact same story and I would’ve been perfectly happy. When you pick up these books just know that the two books are more two halves of the story (put together to make the entire thing), than two whole different stories.
Overall, November Snow was a satisfying conclusion to the story and characters that November Rain introduced. It answered enough while leaving other questions up to interpretation and discussion. There are certain elements I’m very excited to see people’s thoughts on and discuss with them. The pacing might not work for all, but if you read the books one after another, you should be fine. End the end, Bad Bloods: November Snow is an amazing read that I recommend to everyone.
I must begin by thanking Shannon Thompson for giving me a copy of this book to review. Both November Rain and November Snow were amazing and came together to make a compelling story complete with characters that you felt for and a world that felt real. They are both must reads for everyone!
If you’ve read a few of my reviews you must know by now that I am a sucker for great character development! (If you didn’t know that, now you do!) I believe that characters that feel real make the story feel real and, in turn, make the reader more invested in the characters’ fate. November Snow picks up where November Rain left off and fleshes out some amazing and intriguing characters. This especially becomes evident when, towards the end of the book, characters are speaking about their past and you learn everyone has a few skeletons in their closet. The way Thompson crafts these characters—making the reader understand where they come from and why they are the way they are— makes things even more heart breaking when things go wrong and all you want is for them to be happy.
The end of November Snow leaves some questions and things up for interpretation concerning a specific character but it works because it can spark discussions and conversations about that character. I personally would love to talk about that character so if anyone has read November Snow, feel free to comment and we can discuss. Then, of course, the good news is that Thompson could do a sequel or continue the story in some way. I think it would be great if she could show the characters’ lives a year or so after the ending of November Snow and how things have changed in Vendona (sort of like Alexandra Bracken’s novella Beyond the Night did for The Darkest Minds Series).
While I can say that I loved the pacing of both Bad Bloods novels I can see where some people would have an issue with it. It is as if the two books are written as two parts to one whole story rather than both having complete stories within each book. This leads November Rain to have a slow, very lacking climax, and November Snow to have no set up. With that said, I was never bored in November Rain due to the strong characters, and I loved the nonstop action towards the end of November Snow. In the end, I believe the weird pacing worked to the series’ advantage, allowing Thompson to have more time for character development in November Rain and a better climax in November Snow. But, was it necessary having Bad Bloods being two books? No. This could’ve been one book with the exact same story and I would’ve been perfectly happy. When you pick up these books just know that the two books are more two halves of the story (put together to make the entire thing), than two whole different stories.
Overall, November Snow was a satisfying conclusion to the story and characters that November Rain introduced. It answered enough while leaving other questions up to interpretation and discussion. There are certain elements I’m very excited to see people’s thoughts on and discuss with them. The pacing might not work for all, but if you read the books one after another, you should be fine. End the end, Bad Bloods: November Snow is an amazing read that I recommend to everyone.
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