Another Faust, by Daniel & Dina Nayeri - Restarting April 12th 2018

[Betwixt the]

One night, in cities all across Europe, five children vanish - only to appear, years later, at an exclusive New York party with a strange and
elegant governess. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust teenagers to the city’s most prestigious high school, where they soar to suspicious heights with the help of their benefactor’s extraordinary “gifts.”

But as the students claw their way up - reading minds, erasing scenes, stopping time, stealing power, seducing with artificial beauty - the side-effects of their own addictions. And as they make further deals with the devil, they uncover secrets more shocking than their most
unforgivable sins.

At once chilling and wickedly satirical, this contemporary reimagining of the Faustian bargain is a compelling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption.

Lindsey and I will be reading this; anyone else is welcome to join us!

[[deleted user]]

I will be starting soon

[Betwixt the]

Awesome. I plan to read once i get home from work

[Betwixt the]

Page 20--

(view spoiler)[Okay, so...what happened with Belle and Bice's parents? Who is the weird lady they all seem to have been in contact with? Where are they now? And why? I'm just a smidge confused at this point. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Elizabeth wrote: "Page 20--

[spoilers removed]"

Page 20

(view spoiler)[ it would see me like the lady is gathering kids who are unhappy in some way - Victoria was jealous of her younger brother, Christian I'm assuming was/is poor or they don't have a lot of money, belle is jealous of her twin who knows more than her, and Valentin is mad at his mom. I think that's why they were targeted.

As for Belle's parents I believe they are still around just that the lady made Bice forget them and all she knows and now Bice just thinks she was adopted with her sister and does not know any of the languages or her parents.

As for why or where I hope that comes out soon. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Page 22 (view spoiler)[ Page 22little game. That sounds interesting but wrong.

Page 24 - so she is a governess of these five children? And just made everyone forget about the children once they were gone? (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Page 39--

(view spoiler)[Okay...so Christian and Bice are with the rest at this party, but...I thought the lady decided they weren't GOING to be part of the game? Or was the game something that happened in the before that we haven't gotten to read about yet?

It would appear Bice is still a genius with languages (she now speaks 23!). Christian apparently "steals" from people (i.e. their energy, etc.); Valentin can turn back time or "redo" moments; Victoria can read people's minds. And Belle...well, we're not sure yet WHAT Belle can do.

I'm curious, though, to know when/where these children were "gifted" such powers...and what the end game for Miss Vileroy is. (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Lindsey--

(view spoiler)[Yes, it actually goes on a little later to say that Miss Vileroy selected them for their flaws/faults; abstract things, to be honest, but an interesting twist on "collection." Because that's what they are--a collection. Like trophies...except with dents and cracks.

I'm not sure I buy that "their parents are still around" thing, though--the way it was written makes it seem as if Belle did something to them or witnessed something happening to them that she wanted Bice to forget about.(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Lindsey wrote: (view spoiler)["Page 22 Page 22little game. That sounds interesting but wrong.

Page 24 - so she is a governess of these five children? And just made everyone forget about the children once they were gone? " (hide spoiler)]

LOL apparently? It's like she cast the obliviate charm from Harry Potter...except on the entire world. XD she must be miiiiighty powerful to do that!

[[deleted user]]

Elizabeth wrote: "Page 39--

(view spoiler)[ I think it's been a few years and they have gotten into the game. Now they are part of the game.

And it seems that their talents have gotten better and more intense.

I think those gifts have developed and Miss Vileroy has created these super talented children. Wonder why.

It could be. Maybe something went wrong and something happened to their parents when Miss Vileroy took them. (hide spoiler)]

Just stopped on page 40. The little girl I watch, she is 4, arrived. Going to watch her for a few hours than pick the book up after she leaves.

[[deleted user]]

I was thinking it was like the obliviate charm from Harry Potter too.

[Betwixt the]

Page 58--

(view spoiler)[OH. Okay. So Bice and Christian AREN'T part of the game--it seems everybody else made some sort of pact with the devil (the Lady, I assume) for certain things (Belle's new looks, for instance)...whereas Bice and Christian were left out of it.

But that makes me wonder...if Christian wasn't "gifted" with anything like the rest, where does his talent for stealing things come from? (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Lindsey wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "Page 39--

I think it's been a few years and they have gotten into the game. Now they are part of the game.

And it seems that their talents have gotten better and more intense...."

Sounds good--I'm going to keep reading, but I'll keep leaving things in spoiler tags so you don't have to read them until you're ready! :)

[Betwixt the]

Page 133--

(view spoiler)[It seems to me there's a bit of...dissension in the ranks right now. Christian and Bice, in particular, seem to be getting tugged in different directions than Miss Vileroy (also, I JUST noticed that part of her name is VILE, which...is oddly fitting) wants them to be. Instead of doing the things SHE wants them to/desires of them, those two especially--the two who aren't part of the game, the two without the mark--are forging their own paths.

I like that part of Belle's "gift" is also a curse--the whole "you're beautiful, the dream girl come to life...but you're also pretty repugnant" is just so... I love how almost true to form this is. NOBODY is perfect, after all. All gifts have a price--there must always be a balance. I'm not sure how having this NEW side to her gift--the ability to control it (with, of course, a definite amount of physical pain as compensation) will effect her/the coming events, but it's bound to be interesting.

So far, I think I like Valentin the most of the characters. Call me a fool...but anyone who puts THAT much effort into finding the "perfect" moment can't be all bad, right? And he's sort of sweet...in his own weird way. It's obvious, despite what he wants others to think, he cares SOMEHOW for Christian. (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Page 191--

(view spoiler)["Just give them a little power, and watch a human burn down the world."

I feel like Miss Vileroy...sort of lives on drama/angst/things going wrong? It just seems like she's always pushing the kids against one another/manipulating them into doing the WRONG thing, and for no apparent reason other than because she likes it, but I wonder if maybe it's more than that. Does she survive from the agonies of humans? Particularly those she's "molded" into her lap dogs? I think...I think maybe she (and all the others like her) are responsible for all those moments when the world tilts off its axis and terrible things come falling down around people's heads.

Also, side note, I'm seeing more and more displays of individuality/UNcooperation from almost all the kids now. All except Victoria, who remains, as ever, stubborn and set in her ways. (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Page 232--

(view spoiler)["He would have a good ten years of momentum before he ever got caught. How many people do you think that would affect? Ripples, my dear Belle. That's what I like. That's what I look for. Never make the mistake of counting all lives as equal."

This is a great quote. Really lets you see into the heart of Miss Vileroy (answers an earlier question of mine, as well.) Creepy, though. (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Page 242--

(view spoiler)[Drama! Dissension! Everybody is starting to fall apart! And thus, the madness begins. (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Page 270--

(view spoiler)[And the first of them has figured out how to UNDO Miss Vileroy's power over them! Because when you reach the point where you don't recognize YOURSELF anymore...what else have you got to lose? What's even the point? (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Page 305--

(view spoiler)[AHA! I'd been wondering where Faust would come into play here; HELLO, MEPHISTOPHELES! You wily devil, you--I should have known that was the real name of Miss Vileroy/those like her. How silly of me to overlook something so vital as that. XD (hide spoiler)]

[Betwixt the]

Finished! My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This isn't my FAVORITE retelling, but I really enjoyed this read overall! Definitely some very note-worthy quotes....and a HUGE epiphany to ponder and chew-on.

[[deleted user]]

The little girl I watch just left. Going to get dinner and coffee and than finish it!

[Betwixt the]

Lindsey wrote: "The little girl I watch just left. Going to get dinner and coffee and than finish it!"

Awesome--can't wait to hear your thoughts on this! :)

[[deleted user]]

Page 60

(view spoiler)[ if Bice and Christian are not part of the game we keep the, around ? Like the others said there must be a bigger plan for them, cause Madame Vileroy could have gotten rid of them than mad them forget? So what is she up to (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Page 100 (view spoiler)[ so both Bice and Christian are in ways fighting what is happening and not letting it affect them like it has affected the others. I wonder how long this will last and if the pressure on the others will break them soon. They seem to fight a little more. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Page 130 (view spoiler)[ one thing I think is great is that the gifts all come with a downside. So it shows that great powers also come with a cost and not all is perfect and fun and games. For Victoria she gets the raging migraines and Belle has to endure the pysical pain to take the smell away. So try as they might to be amazing with their gifts it always comes with a price.

Out of the characters with the gifts I would say Valentin is also my favorite but I have a soft spot for Bice and Christian. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Elizabeth wrote: "Page 191--

"Just give them a little power, and watch a human burn down the world."

I feel like Miss Vileroy...sort of lives on drama/angst/things going wrong? It just seems like she's always pus..."

Page 200
(view spoiler)[ I agree! I feel like she is putting the kids against each other and wanting them to be mad and angry At each other. She is messed up and deeply troubled.

However I see it too that most of the kids are starting to act on their one person. At times they see what is happening and others they don't.

(hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Miss Vileroy Is one creepy person.

[[deleted user]]

(view spoiler)[ starting to pick up in places. More is happening which helps move the story along.

It was a interesting conversation between Belle and Thomas about the parents and all the children being adopted and the same age. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Overall a very interesting read.

review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sarah Elizabeth]

********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Date Changed. Restarting April 12th 2018. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Maddie]

Will be starting this one in 2 days :)

[Maddie]

Starting now.

[Maddie]

9% (view spoiler)[This one's weird so far. I can feel myself getting very confused.

Isn't Belle and Bice identical twins? How come Belle has blonde hair and Bice has black then? (hide spoiler)] I'm pleased it has their descriptions on the cover.

[Maddie]

17% (view spoiler)[Ah alright so Belle made a deal with Vileroy to make herself prettier, but now she makes people sick and smells really bad?

I wonder what Bice and Christian aren't in on...

I hate Victoria. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

25% (view spoiler)[Victoria has 2 'gifts'? The animal thing, tracking time or something? and the mind reading.
Christian has telekinesis?
Valentin can rewind time?
Belle's just beautiful but smells bad.
Bice can stop time, and speak to book characters, or something? (hide spoiler)] I really wish you were reading it now too XD I need answers I'm confused. Wondering what the purpose of this book is. It's really strange.

[Maddie]

32% Just even more confused now with these powers and gifts and stuff. It's not making much sense at all. I won't be continuing the series, and will be unhauling this book XD Glad I read it so I can get it off the shelf.

[Maddie]

55% (view spoiler)[So basically it's all about who can do the worst shit? I'm done with this book. (hide spoiler)]
I'm DNFing it. I know it's been a waste of a few hours, but I don't care enough. It's so confusing, there's no point, and it's just weird.

[Amanda]

1-4 22% (view spoiler)[ okay this book is so different. Like they each are giving in to the dark side of them. I don't fully understand what Madam Vileroy is, maybe a demon? I find myself enjoying this though. I hate perfect characters and these characters are certainly flawed. It is intriguing and has an air of mystery about it. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Yeah they're definitely messed up characters, which I liked, just the whole thing was weird.

[Amanda]

4-8 38% (view spoiler)[so I like how they're each manipulative in their own ways. But I don't really see where this is going. I was confused on the book character thing too. I would like to be able to stop time. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

End of 13 (view spoiler)[ i feel bad for Bicé. Valentin acts like how I would expect a teenager with the ability to alter time to act. Victoria is absolutely ruthless. The way she acted during the election was crazy. Belle is a romantic and the lengths she goes through kinda make me feel like she's so desperate to be liked. Connor is the one who I feel the least connected to so far, but it looks like this next chapter might be about him. I am actually really enjoying this one.. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

End of 18 (view spoiler)[ All of that just to win a debate? Bicé and Christian (not connor, oops) are like the good guys because they don't remember. And I was right, Madame Vileroy is like the devil.. The plot is kinda non existent honestly. Hoping it all comes together, but so far this feels like it was written without a plot in mind. I mean it's a cool idea and a cool story, but the point, the plot... just seems to be absent. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

End of 22 (view spoiler)[ wow this is getting crazy. Really making me think about the cost of ambition. Is it worth it to achieve everything you've ever wanted if you lose yourself in the process? (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

I still don't feel bad for stopping XD It's too complex and strange for me. Here I was thinking I'd like it but it just got too confusing.

[Amanda]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Done. 4 stars