I can’t help but wonder why I didn’t read this series 10 years ago. It’s a compelling dystopian tale with likable characters and an engaging plot.
ThatI can’t help but wonder why I didn’t read this series 10 years ago. It’s a compelling dystopian tale with likable characters and an engaging plot.
That said, I wasn’t the biggest fan of some characters who had their perspectives featured in the third book, particularly Argent and Starkey. It took me a few days to push through the opening chapters because I knew their narratives were coming, and sure enough, they did. My dislike for these characters remained, but I could still appreciate their role in the story at the end though I wish they had less "screen time."
Once I got past the first 15%, I was completely hooked and finished the book in one sitting. At one point, I even threw my Kindle (toward the end of Part 4) because I couldn’t stand some of the directions the story was taking. However, I should have trusted the process. I was deeply invested in the characters and found myself constantly worried about their fates.
The ending was ultimately satisfying and fitting. One of my concerns when reading dystopian novels is the risk of a lackluster finale, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case here. In fact, I thought it was better than the conclusion of the Arc of a Scythe trilogy. The story tied up its threads well and some of the reveals while unexpected, made sense. It’s rare for a series finale to strike such a perfect balance between closure and emotional impact, but Undivided managed to do just that.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and even teared up during a couple of scenes. I highly recommend this series to fans of dystopian fiction, I'm glad to say it hasn't aged badly....more
This is my least favourite book in this series so far. I honestly expected better but it felt like there was little action going on.
I believe ShusterThis is my least favourite book in this series so far. I honestly expected better but it felt like there was little action going on.
I believe Shusterman isn't the best at writing "villains" because in this book, I really disliked reading Argent and the pirate (forgot his name)'s perspectives. They felt like cockroaches that I had to read about and I just skimmed through them. Luckily, we didn't have them in the second half of the book. I am also not a fan whatsoever of Starkey but at least, most of the events surrounding him later on took place form other perspectives. There are some villains you just love to hate or are interesting. For me, the ones I previously mentioned were more annoying than anything else.
This is probably my main issue with this series, especially since it has multiple perspectives whereas I usually prefer a limited number of PoVs especially when certain parts can be covered through one of the main characters' narratives. I still rated it 3 starts because I like Connor, Risa, Cam, and now Grace too much to rate it any less....more
I read that this instalment doesn't compare to the first two and it truly didn't. It's one of those novels where you know it's not the mistake of the I read that this instalment doesn't compare to the first two and it truly didn't. It's one of those novels where you know it's not the mistake of the characters but the author's for writing this book this way.
I highly enjoyed the first two books and I couldn't put them down. I liked our main leads, Cedra and Rowan and enjoyed reading their adventures. However, this book felt more like a filler, shoving liberal and political principles at the reader. Does it matter if there's no need for it? No, it doesn't. I'm not sure if it's the editor's idea of Shusterman to integrate political opinions on our lives in a dystopian novel (kinda too late for that, no?).
My main issue however was with little spotlight our leads received. Not even Greyson's arc was that interesting. We had a range of new characters who occupied most of the pages and I honestly couldn't care less about them. I really wished Cedra and Rowan had more spotlight (and I just remember, what happened to the mosaic guy from book #2? I don't recall reading ANYTHING about him).
I am not fan of multiple perspectives and increasing them in the last instalment without a justifiable excuse? No, thank you. I really don't care what all those characters are thinking especially since some would pop up for a passage/chapter or two then be ignored (thankfully). It felt like Shusterman was writing with no clear direction because no, the events didn't align from book 1. I really like endings that make you feel like everything fell into place in such books and The Toll lacked that. The conclusion was "meh".
The book was also 200 pages too long. The many added perspectives only served to extend the book and we have many chapters were nothing was happening and I was just waiting for some action to unfold.
I am honestly fond of the characters to rate this book below 3 stars and I would still be recommending this trilogy if anyone was looking for a fast paced/fun dystopian....more
Beautiful!! I grew to care and love the characters in this series considerably. Froi is definitely my favorite and glad we saw him a lot in this book.Beautiful!! I grew to care and love the characters in this series considerably. Froi is definitely my favorite and glad we saw him a lot in this book. However, and like many have already mentioned, for a book called "Quintana of Charyn" I definitely expected Quintana to have more spotlight. Instead, her role wasn't as a main as the rest.
This installment at the end was about tying the loose ends with the action part of the story ending around 80ish%. I didn't mind that at all honestly because I wanted more of the characters anyway. However, there was one thing that was supposed to be comical but it was honestly ridiculous (view spoiler)[Jasmina, for example, taking and hiding the letters. Yes because I am to believe that important correspondence for royals will be taken by a child left roaming around. And if that's the case, it's very irresponsible of the parents. Letters are mostly the only way of communication with other kingdoms. (hide spoiler)]
Anyhow, I felt a lot of emotions reading this book because of I am very fond of the characters now. I am glad I finally got to read the trilogy. I've always wanted to read it but it was never available in my book store. Even if I wanted to order, the covers are simply not pretty whatsoever, especially those of the second edition. I couldn't find the first edition anywhere.
Many young adults don't age well. This book is still as amazing as it was on its release in 2012. I would still highly recommend this trilogy to young-adult (and losing this term very loosely here) fantasy fans. It's definitely more complex than your usual YA....more
This was a fun short read, I hope to see Celie in the last installment. I honestly didn't remember anything about her in the previous two books. RecomThis was a fun short read, I hope to see Celie in the last installment. I honestly didn't remember anything about her in the previous two books. Recommended if you are reading the Lumatere Chronicles....more
I randomly picked up the audiobook because it had no holds on Libby. The cover looked familiar but I didn’t know much about this book. Thanks to quickI randomly picked up the audiobook because it had no holds on Libby. The cover looked familiar but I didn’t know much about this book. Thanks to quick GR search, it sounded interesting enough. And it was.
I learned a lot through it about natives in the US and especially in Michigan as well as the local tribes and their customs and beliefs. The portrayal of the the discrimination against these communities (and especially women) was well portrayed.
However, the first half of the book had lots of info dump. The second part got better but I had the feeling that the author was trying to handle too many issues all at once and all in the second half. A lot of things were repeated such as Daunis’ mother character (very one dimensional, we only got to see more of her later on and it wasn’t for many pages), our main character scientific approach and logic (seriously too many times), the “golden boy” hype, not trusting this Jamie or maybee trusting him? I can go on and on. the mystery part also felt overdone.
I might write more later but in sum, no regrets reading this book, there is room for improvement but nonetheless, solid debut that tackles some important topics....more
This book was soo good!! I honestly liked it better than the first. The Quintana of Charyn is the first sequel I’m looking forward to reading4.5 stars
This book was soo good!! I honestly liked it better than the first. The Quintana of Charyn is the first sequel I’m looking forward to reading in a long time. ...more
I don't know what I expected when I started The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea but this isn't it. It read like a fairytale I might have enjoyed when I I don't know what I expected when I started The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea but this isn't it. It read like a fairytale I might have enjoyed when I was a child but reading it now? I didn't enjoy it and found myself forced to read and make some progress. RTC. ...more
This book was a let down. I should’ve trusted the reviews.
I accidentally came across Tokyo Ever After> and when I read a bit about it, I decided to giThis book was a let down. I should’ve trusted the reviews.
I accidentally came across Tokyo Ever After> and when I read a bit about it, I decided to give it a shot. What drew me in was discovering Japan from the eyes of someone new to the culture. Unfortunately, it was instead a boring love story (as many reviews already mentioned) and I couldn't relate to Izumi at all. She's very mediocre for a main character. I might be too harsh but at the same time, I couldn't relate her (nor the teen me) in any way. She was true to herself, at least. I give her that....more
Having finished this book, I am honestly not sure what to think.
I read Six of Crows four years ago and I remember enjoying it. Sure, I wasn't crazy abHaving finished this book, I am honestly not sure what to think.
I read Six of Crows four years ago and I remember enjoying it. Sure, I wasn't crazy about it like most but I got it. I understood why it was such a hit. However, this book wasn't as good in my opinion. It was a direct continuation to SoC in a way that could've squeezed into the first book. Add 100 pages tops and wrap it up. It would've been a great standalone. This book honestly felt repetitive plot-wise. I expected a lot more. Still, I enjoyed it for the most part. It was an okay book.
I read several reviews of this book written by friends who shared my rating and I agree with a lot of their points. I do not have anything new to add so I'll keep it brief. Also, mild spoilers.
Pros - I honestly liked Inej more in this book. Nina continued to be my favorite character but I definitely grew to care more about Inej in this one. - I am not usually fan of matchmaking in books where every character needs to have a lover but I am glad that Kaz and Inej's relationship is slowly developing. Both have been through a lot and it wouldn't make sense for them to get intimate rapidly. - I bought the special edition and it's so pretty. Reading it definitely added to my experience because I was tempted to give the book 4 stars just for that. - Wylan's PoV wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. I grew to like him more and more as the story progressed. - It's fun to read and fast-paced.
Cons - OKAY I NEED TO SAY IT. I am all for characters dying. I really don't mind it. WHEN IT IS NECESSARY. I mean people pulling crazy plots and then surviving all unscratched, what are the chances? But. I need the death to be necessary and done well. It wasn't here. It felt like a safe choice because there's only one character that is safe (and disposable enough) to kill off. - Kaz's crazy schemes. So basically they're forced more and more into the corner yet Kaz pull off a new plan that somehow works out. Come on. - Speaking of Kaz... He was so bland? First, how can he fight so much with a bad leg?! I am glad that Bardugo didn't heal it given the chance but how can he be so powerful and fight so many with a cane and a bad leg??? - I honestly forgot how YA books can be so dramatic. And cringe-y. I really rolled my eyes at some dialogue phrases, I wish I marked them. - There was no clear mission in this book but revenge. It grew repetitive. Plan, fail, plan, fail, plan, etc. It became boring even though the story was fast-paced. I wanted more. - Pekka at the end? Is he for real? Not believable at all. -Jesper was cool in the first book but here he felt like a shell of himself (so did Kaz). For example, I think Bardugo got carried away with his addiction to gambling. I mean they're about to die, everything he has is at stake and he wants to go gamble? I mean I understand it's an addiction and all that but I didn't buy it, maybe if it was portrayed in a different way... He also didn't feel very "useful". - Another thing is that while I liked that Wylan is unable to read no matter how much he tries, having a perfect memory that allows him to recite something hearing it once... I mean come on, this is a very rare skill.. he didn't need to have it. I am sure most people with this difficulty, in fact, can't memorize by heart anything they hear. They do have better memory since they have to rely on their hearing more than those who can easily read but you get the idea.
Anyhow, as you can see, I enjoyed this book but it still had a lot of flaws in my opinion. SoC was a better book but I am still willing to give Bardugo's other books a chance. I am not sure yet if I want to read King of Scars but at least now I am considering it (I wasn't interested in reading it before).
Addicting and vicious, The Last Graduate proved to be much more than just another magical school story. It can be a hit or miss because of the writingAddicting and vicious, The Last Graduate proved to be much more than just another magical school story. It can be a hit or miss because of the writing style, which is different from the usual YA. I would say this book is in between YA and NA territories. I also enjoyed every minute reading it.
The Last Graduate picks up from the same second Deadly Education had ended. The story continues with no time passing in between, after all, school starts right after induction. There are no breaks in the Schoolomance. The stakes in this book are much higher and what starts as alliance planning for graduation, evolves to be well, suffice to say on a much grander scale than that. I've been having a problem lately. I'm not in a slump but also books that make me avoid doing anything else, even scrolling through that cancerous Instagram explore, are rare. I didn't want anyone to talk to me while I was reading this book nor any distractions whatsoever, it was that gripping.
Let's start by addressing the pink elephant in the room. We all know the backlash Novik got from the Last Graduate. Many tried defending her and saying there was no racism or unfair remarks but I digress.. There were lots of stereotypes and unacceptable comments. Novik acknowledged her error and I believe in second chances. While it wasn't enough for me to change my rating of the first book, I also wanted to give this book a second chance. Naomi Novik made most of it.
Instead of focusing on the differences between cultures and traditions, she tackled a very important and prevalent subject in all societies: privilege. If you've read the first book, you already know that enclave kids always have considerably higher chances of surviving and graduating first and later on in life. They have their future guaranteed after school just because they were born into the right family. They are better prepared as freshmen and always get better supplies from the seniors. They stick together. Were they from the New York enclave, Shanghai, London, or any other enclave across the world, they all help each other within their respective enclaves. Most students would do anything to secure a seat after graduating in an enclave especially the top ones. But the losers, the nobodies, have to secure alliances and work harder in everything, was it at studying or simply gathering mana. This book focused a lot more on this theme and I believe Novik did a good job exploring the relationships between enclave kids and everyone else, how they are so used to get it's difficult for them to give but also, that doesn't mean they all are bad. Not at all.
I don't pretend to understand how every spell worked because I was too busy turning the page to know what happens next. The book was a page-turner and could be easily read in one or two sittings. Sure, we didn't have a lot happening all the time but the way Naomi wrote this book makes it fast-paced. They were few dull moments and instead, I wanted to know what plan they'll come with and how that will turn out.
I also liked El in this book, her character witnessed a considerable development since book 1. She had built a thick shell around being a loner all those years but now finally, she's trying to let people in. Or at least accept their friendships. As for the romance, I honestly didn't see it coming in book 1. I had no idea Orion was the love interest until late into the book. I loved their relationship in the Last Graduate and how it progressed. They make a good couple and Orion (I just wish he had a different name) is such a sweet and selfless person. We discover more about him as a person in this book because Novik is evil, let me leave it at that. Do we have sexual content? This isn't a spoiler for the book but only for this point (view spoiler)[we had a somewhat explicit sex scene, not naming of body parts and such but it was definitely more explicit than the usual ones in YA. I personally didn't mind it at all, I found it well done but PG13. (hide spoiler)]
I'll end by saying that this trilogy is proving to be highly entertaining. This book was definitely the best YA release I've read in a while and that was published after 2018. Magic schools aren't the most innovative plotlines but I love them anyway. In this case, Novik took it and made it her own. It's pretty different from your average book in this genre and totally worth a read.
Why isn't this series getting more spotlight? It's been released years ago, yet I rarely see it around. It's high-quality entertainment. I wouldn't saWhy isn't this series getting more spotlight? It's been released years ago, yet I rarely see it around. It's high-quality entertainment. I wouldn't say it's an all-time favorite but it did manage to get 4 stars for every book so far. It also got better with each.
This will be a spoiler-free review.
This one started slow especially since we had a lot of traveling in the beginning but worry not, soon someone gets stabbed and then I couldn't put the book down. What's surprising about this book is that there was no climax scene. I was waiting for something big to happen (you know the typical 10-20% of any book but nothing shocking did). I honestly didn't mind that because it's not like there was a build-up for something that never happened. No, events were unfolding throughout the book and always new things came up.
As for the characters, you can't help but like them. Han and Raisa are smart and hardworking. They're brave and aren't like your usual YA fantasy teens. They have the maturity teenagers can display and are willing to work hard to get do what's needed. Another thing I love about this book is that the side characters have personalities! In most cases, they are just names that help the plot move along but in this series, I can't help caring about them and their plot arc. I'm also very interested in Micah's role in the last book. I wish we had more Han chapters but I also understand, in this particular book, Raise needed more. I really need to stress how sassy, charming, and just plain awesome he was in this book. He truly shone with his cunning mind.
The world-building was also very well done in this book and Chima spent just the write time on the seven realm politics, can't wait to see how they'll all play out in Crimson Crown! The writing was also smooth with just the right amount of description (I don't like lengthy descriptions). I'd say it's a YA high fantasy because of all the political intrigue but also magic and well-developed world-building. On the other hand, it's still YA because it's not that complex and the main actors are teens + you know, has the YA vibes.
Overall, this is a very fun series with solid plot, great world-building, and characters you can't help but root for. I'm very much looking forward to reading the last installment, which I have no doubt, will be epic. Also, if you're looking for good YA fantasy, you need to read this one. You'll have a great time spending time with those characters and reading their story. Keep in mind, it won't be WOW but sometimes, all we need is to be entertained. And the Seven Realms excelled at that.
This book took me months to read. It was first ok but then I was immensely bored reading it. I considered dropping it several times and I wish I did bThis book took me months to read. It was first ok but then I was immensely bored reading it. I considered dropping it several times and I wish I did because I was forcing myself to read whilst I could've been reading something I enjoy. Its target is a very young audience but at the same time, the writing style is old school so I would say this book did not age well....more
The idea behind this book is interesting. However, the story became over the top dramatic towards the end with the plot twist used to reach the final The idea behind this book is interesting. However, the story became over the top dramatic towards the end with the plot twist used to reach the final resolution was only cheap. Overall the book was “nice” but it could’ve been much better....more
This book was fun to read and I couldn’t put it down. I don’t know if it’s a standalone but the last chapter wrapped up the story. There’s st2.5 stars
This book was fun to read and I couldn’t put it down. I don’t know if it’s a standalone but the last chapter wrapped up the story. There’s still much to explore in the world Rueckert created. I can easily imagine another story told from a different character’s pov. Rounded up my rating to 3 stars because this seems to be a debut. Needs lots of work but not the worst start.
After her sister was murdered, princess Jiara decides to do anything to catch her killer. Because you see, ghosts who don’t get a closure, walk earth and haunt their loved ones until they do what’s necessary for their souls to rest. In this case, it’s catching Scilla’s killer. Except Scilla was engaged to the king, Raffar, of a foreign land and spent her life preparing for that role. Now Jiara is forced to fill her role and marry the king who speaks a language she doesn’t understand. But you see, the evidence leads to an assassin from the country she’s destined to be their queen. What follows is Jiara trying to solve the murder of her sister while trying to learn a new language, be a queen for her new people, and uncovering hidden schemes along the way.
Also, ghosts here are really vengeful, it’s not just some superstitions.
The characters were easy to like. The book is old from Jiara’s point of view, first-person. What I liked the most that this book features a dyslexic character. They didn’t know what’s dyslexia in her days and Jiara knew she wasn’t stupid. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she never could study or read like her sister. Another interesting aspect was the language barrier. I have only read a couple of books where the language was a real barrier between love interests from different countries.
The book was also fast-paced and entertaining. The world-building was developed well enough for such a book and the author can easily write a sequel but maybe about someone from a different country. The story is pretty much wrapped for our characters here.
Now to the cons, while the secondary characters were okay, Raffar had as much personality as a leaf. He wasn’t interesting, he was nice if anything. But not being able to communicate with Jiara worked against them. I saw the chemistry at first but I quickly lost interest in him. His perspective wasn’t needed but maybe he would’ve had more character development? He was overly simplistic. Again, language didn't help here. Also I wish Jiara had some hobby because she wasn't much developed herself either. What did she spend her days doing at the palace in her homeland? Sure, she loved nature but she was also meh. Also, since both are ruling families, we didn't know much about the people's situation in their country.
Another thing I didn’t particularly appreciate is that this book featured something I don’t like. I don’t think it counts as a spoiler but I’ll refrain to mention it until the book is out. Let’s say it played an important part in this book and had some significance. It wasn’t used as a mere plot device but had its meaning and role in the story. Which is very rare. Still, I’m no fan especially since it happened more than once.(view spoiler)[ I like the dead to stay.. dead. No reincarnation. And while in this book it was an essential part of the plot, it’s still a huge pet peeve of mine regardless how’s it’s usex. (hide spoiler)]
Briefly said, I recommend this book if you’re looking for a light YA fantasy read without intending to make new commitments to any series. The story is fun but nothing extraordinary. It can be easily read in one sitting. I found it overly simplistic sometimes (especially the events leading towards the end) and not very surprising. The plot was predictable but I wish the characters were better developed. It wasn't a book that left anything with me and nothing memorable in this genre.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review....more