Johansen, Erika--The Invasion of the Tearling informal buddy read starts May 21, 2018

[Suzanne]

I felt the same way about the backstory Kate. I wasn't happy when I first saw we'd have another viewpoint, but it became pretty compelling.

[Kate S]

The viewpoint conversation intrigues me. I found it disconcerting in the first book; the POV would switch multiple times in the same chapter. Moving from first-person narration to third-person took some getting used to for me. I am glad to see that, for the most part, Lily gets her own chapters. In a story like this, I prefer to see multiple viewpoints to bring the world more fully into focus.

[Annalisa]

The multiple POV does take a bit of getting used to. I do think it made the story more interesting though. We see a lot more of the world as a result of the different POVs.

[Kate S]

Annalisa wrote: "The multiple POV does take a bit of getting used to. I do think it made the story more interesting though. We see a lot more of the world as a result of the different POVs."

Exactly!

[Kate S]

Annalisa wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "About that alternate point of view:
Spoilers through chapter 5 with vague spoilers through chapter 7.
[spoilers removed]"

Suzanne I remember thinking the first book was Young Adul..."

I, too thought the first book could easily fit into the Young Adult demographic, but felt this one had much more of an adult style and theme.

Perhaps it is the age of Kelsea that makes it feel like it should be directed toward Young Adults?

I have now finished the book. I am going to read through some of the spoilers and digest a little of the story. Will post some additional thoughts soon.

[Kate S]

Annalisa wrote: "I finally finished the book last night. I didn't see the end coming but at the same time I really liked it. I'd like to read the next book in the next couple of months. That way I won't forget ever..."

I also enjoyed the ride this book offered. I thought the ending of the book was very fitting for a second book in a series (trilogy?). I have borrowed a copy of the third book and will try to join in on that conversation.

(view spoiler)[The connections between the past and the present have made this story more interesting to me. I hope the third book shares more of what Lily and William find and do. (hide spoiler)]

[Kate S]

Overall

(view spoiler)[I remember reading (or hearing) somewhere that many dystopian books are a commentary on the current sociopolitical situation of the author's world. So, maybe I read this genre a little different than intended. Some of the themes that stuck out to me were the evils of technology and the long-running debate of science vs faith. I think I would like to hear more of William's story and his view of utopia. (hide spoiler)]