Rated YA-MA discussion
Historical Fiction
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The Diviners by Libba Bray (Group Read January 2016)
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totally agree on the effort that Bray took to be as accurate as possible about the time frame-I really appreciate that in an author!
I am about half way through, and the book has really picked up. Evie as a character annoys me (much like Gatsby) with her selfishness. However I'm very much enjoying the other characters and meeting all the Diviners. Plus, I am totally hooked into this mystery!
Moving this topic back to the historical fiction folder where it will remain open for discussion. We'll know within the next day or two what our group read for February will be.
Melanie wrote: "I am about half way through, and the book has really picked up. Evie as a character annoys me (much like Gatsby) with her selfishness. However I'm very much enjoying the other characters and meetin..."Once I found out WHY she acts the way she does, I could see how she was using alcohol and stupid behaviors as coping mechanisms for some pretty deep grief. It's actually pretty sad.
Brandi wrote: "Once I found out WHY she acts the way she does, I could see how she was using alcohol and stupid behaviors as coping mechanisms for some pretty deep grief. It's actually pretty sad. "After reading Lair of Dreams this becomes super clear! As much as Evie's selfishness became a bit tiresome sometimes, I honestly appreciated having a character that was truly flawed, and that it was a flaw that lead to real consequences. It's pretty rare to find a main character where you want them to succeed, but you know they're going to have to overcome their own personal demons to get there. Evie frustrates me, but it's because I want her to be better.
I finished reading a few days ago, and I have to say that I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. Someone earlier in the post described it as a "slow burn" which I think is a perfect description of how the plot builds. Omniscient POV can be tedious, but the author manages it magnificently. Although it is listed as historical fiction, the 1920s is really just a backdrop to this very exciting adventure. It had all the delightful suspense of a crime, psycho-thriller. As for the ending, it is as it should be. This crime is solved, but more intrigue waits in the wings.... Good reads says there will be a third book in the series, so I think I will wait until the series is finished before I pick up the next book, but I certainly will read what happens next.
Has anybody embarked on
yet? I'm about 50 pages from the end and am ready to discuss! :P
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Lair of Dreams (other topics)The Diviners (other topics)
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This book is definitely a slow burn as far as the plot goes, but it's so necessary. I love that Libba really took the time to set the scene for the roaring twenties, her research is evident, and to properly introduce us to all the characters. This is definitely a more character and ambiance driven book than a plot driven one, but I personally love those kinds of books.
As far as the spooky stuff goes, I'm a sucker for horror so I loved the spooky themes. The occult stuff initially had me kind of nervous, though, since demons and the paranormal are the only things that really freak me out. But I think this book left me a lot less spooked than others. I just really appreciated reading a teen book that wasn't afraid to be scary; there are not enough YA horror books out there.
This is probably going to be one of my new favorite series! I can't wait to finish "Lair of Dreams" and see what's in store for all these characters next!
Also...I'm I the only one that read this wondering why it's not a TV show yet? This would be an amazing TV show!