So many wisdom!! Lots of photos were taken in the process- Optimism forever :)) This perspective of the world is one that will truly open one’s4.5 / 5
So many wisdom!! Lots of photos were taken in the process- Optimism forever :)) This perspective of the world is one that will truly open one’s eyes
This book is so raw. And it’s specified that there has been no editing- This is a unique book that has to be looked at and judged in a unique way. And for me, this book truly aligns with most of what I believe in! :) I am Happy and Lucky to have read this story about HAPPY, and to learn so much about a country that just may be my favorite in the world. (And of course I had to read this in the library, with dried strawberry banana and Milo, and some beanie boos to match! Thank the universe for the National Library - as it is pure paradise!) :D...more
“...a mistake isn’t always a mistake…Sometimes a mistake is actually an opportunity, but we just can’t see it right then and there.”
Front Desk transmi
“...a mistake isn’t always a mistake…Sometimes a mistake is actually an opportunity, but we just can’t see it right then and there.”
Front Desk transmitted me to another life, so shockingly realistic that we truly are changed by the fact that this was pulled from reality. I truly believe that it is books like these that we need in our world—crossing differences, uniting us as it digs into our very souls and sends us a message. This one is about, frankly, how dreams can be created hand in hand. Despite poverty, immigration, uncertainty, deceit, unjust, and the growing doubt of what lies within her, our protagonist chases her dreams and creates change to people’s lives.
“We had to get off the bad rollercoaster and onto the good one.”
Mia Tang may only be ten years old, but she has the courage and kindness many adults lack. After immigrating from China, reality quickly comes to show that America isn’t what they expected at all. In fact, Mia and her family aren’t even able to afford a place to live or two hamburgers. Which explains why, when Mr. Yao offers the Tang family to run a motel with free accommodation they promptly agree. However, what they couldn’t foresee was the cruel treatment they received from their boss. Thankfully, Mia befriends the weeklies who live in the motel, Lupe at school, as well as immigrants her parents begin to hide. Yet Mia finds out the injustice faced constantly around her. But with her love of writing and integrity, Mia learns to navigate the challenges and turn them into a road leading her to her dreams.
“You can’t win if you don’t play.”
This story took me on a wild ride! I was sitting in an assembly one day with this book on my lap and someone told me that “you just can’t stop reading it!” Now, looking back, I wholeheartedly agree with this statement because it’s really that good. Kelly Yang masterfully created twist after turn that kept me stuck to my couch for hours on end. Her characters were captivating and their arc was grappling, the stories were utterly entrancing. This book pulled me from a reading slump, because I was reading all these educational, deep books. But this book was incredible. It was simple, and so fun to read. But it was also informative and thought-provoking. I realized how grateful I was with the resources I have, and thoughts began to take shape.
This book tackles great contemporary themes, and I am glad to have heard Kelly Yang’s voice in this book. That said, I do resonate with multiple themes that I have faced or witnessed. This book particularly caught my eye because of its Chinese American protagonist, and it was so inspiring seeing the culture that polished me to who I am today. There is also a diverse cast of characters, which strengthens the message the author communicates.
And what I love most about Mia? Her creative thinking skills, and passion for writing. All on top of her kindness. I truly felt like I befriended her, and I saw lots of myself in her. There’s a scene where Mia read her piece of writing, which was extremely personal to her. Though she was worried about sharing her struggles, she received applause in return. Her classmates along with her teacher were inspired and touched by her words, which made me smile. She is such a lovable, yet complex character. And she utilized her talent with words with effort, fiercely assisting those in need. Ultimately, her creativity and resilience brought her where she needed to be…
Though many say that the ending was too much of a “happily-ever-after”, I agree with Kelly Yang. Good deeds deserve a reward, and we need that hope represented to empower readers alike. And what’s more, I don’t think it was too unrealistic. In fact, I did not doubt any parts of this novel—I was with Mia journeying all the way, completely lost in her experiences. Mia, with her integrity, and the return from others, at last achieved something she dreamt of. Perhaps they had to indulge in twice the pain, but what was returned was twice the comfort. To have made it all the way, the universe owes Mia and her friends a warm, sweet treat.
“The thing about prejudice is you can’t tell people not to be prejudiced. You’ve got to show them. It’s like writing.”
This book digs into so many important lessons. Yet it feels so pleasurable experiencing this. Because for every bad, there’s a good. And with Mia, you know she’s got it.
If you want to jump into a world where you can open your eyes, and you just love a fast-paced, riveting story, this book is for you :))
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Immediate thoughts (after reading):
If this book had a sparkle of magic in the sky with puddles of sparkling light foreshadowing the connection, this would’ve been a solid five stars. But I don’t think it needs it… So this is probably one of the best - if not the best - realistic fiction books I’ve read.
Life isn’t something that happens to you. It’s something you make yourself, all the time.
And this book, more than others, showed me how to make a memo
Life isn’t something that happens to you. It’s something you make yourself, all the time.
And this book, more than others, showed me how to make a memorable life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐/ 5 Stars
This book is about friendship. About love. About mistakes. About longing. About fear. And about all there is. To life.
This book surpassed my expectations of a simple middle school drama with friends growing apart, and all the clichés. This book was more than that, it tackles more than that. It’s not about middle school, but your life in middle school. No simple friendships and breaking-aparts, but how growing up changes some things, but not all things. And how true friendship, a willingness to sacrifice yourself for the sake of a kindred spirit—something not only Bridge and her friends but with Celeste, with Jamie, and even with Mr. P, have proved time and again—can outweigh any roadblocks.
And romance. This book is more than simply romance. It’s about love. And how that not only limits what we always think. Love could be love between friends, siblings, parents, grandparents, and much more.
This book gives everything a better definition. Even about life. It offers us a perspective, seemingly realized by Stead as she writes the novel. As it progresses. Yet not just a novel, this is a story. It immerses us like the best books. And sometimes I feel that this life is simpler than mine, yet truer. A life of desires and fear but friendship and love, too.
If you read for a theme, a life lesson, you can get that from the book. But it doesn’t just have one, it has many. And they are like little lightbulbs, lighting up as you read. Giving you a new perspective. If you read for plot, for a rollercoaster ride, this book might feel too simplistic. Too real. But that’s life. And life moves slow and steady sometimes, yet sometimes it doesn’t. But in the end, we don’t look at the big picture in this book. This book is about the small moments. And just how magical that can be.
“Bridge wondered if you ever found your dance partner before you heard the music.”
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Post Reading: This book was exquisite. It's a perfect representation of not middle school but life. Life in middle school. And valentine's day. How magical all of it is. Don't be fooled by the synopsis. That's not all of it. There's so much more. I feel like I lived a different life. But it felt more truer than the life I'm living in. Simpler but true. This is not a simple book, though. But it is one about life. Don't you think all realistic fictions should be like this?
P.S. It's perfect for book clubs And valentine's day, of course...more
After thought: This book is such a guilty pleasure but I can’t deny it - I’m in love with this series!!
Review: I'm coming back from a month later. I reaAfter thought: This book is such a guilty pleasure but I can’t deny it - I’m in love with this series!!
Review: I'm coming back from a month later. I really questioned my decision to buy the rest of the series at first, but I did it. And I don't regret it. It was super fun to read although it's probably the ultimate guilty-pleasure book series ever. Each book seemingly had their own personality, was so relatable, and I loved getting to know and spend time with each of the characters :)...more
It’s true, you’ll always have a friend. Just keep on being you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars for a picture book)
In this delightful, empowering, and sweet pictur
It’s true, you’ll always have a friend. Just keep on being you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars for a picture book)
In this delightful, empowering, and sweet picture book and poetry, author Emily Ley weaves ideas and encouragement into simple yet beautiful words. I absolutely loved it, and anyone feeling lonely or unsure about friends should really check this out.
The illustration is also so picturesque and I really relished it. They matched the book so well and are so light hearted and sweet.
And, I couldn't ask for more. The ideas are wonderful, from speaking out, animals and pets, to books.
Some friends pop up in places you never thought to look! You might find brand-new buddies in the pages of a book.
There may be knights and princesses or dragons to discover. You can join in their adventures by reading from cover to cover.
Most importantly, I fully agree with the ideas and encouragements in this book of merely thirty pages. I will reread it again and again, since sometimes we all feel a bit lonely… And we need ideas! But we will always have a friend. And these words will bring our thoughts together. In the end, just keep on being you! Although it may be common sense, this book deserves the stars.
Because sometimes, we all need a reminder.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!...more
This is why graphic novels are underrated. One hour and five minutes passed like seconds! And perhaps my favorite part is the Chinese culture4.5 Stars
This is why graphic novels are underrated. One hour and five minutes passed like seconds! And perhaps my favorite part is the Chinese culture. Especially the classic stories, this book had truly done its job. I have never seen an English book that portrayed it so well and creatively!
It’s really hard rating this book, but it’s going to be remembered forever. It’s also very inspirational, whether the concept or the lesson it teaches. We need more of these books! And I know there’s going to be. It’s definitely going to be a book I will reread time and again! :))...more
“Even in the future, there are damsels in distress.”
What a true emotional rollercoaster that is nerve wracking, jaw dropping yet deliciously satisfyin
“Even in the future, there are damsels in distress.”
What a true emotional rollercoaster that is nerve wracking, jaw dropping yet deliciously satisfying—all at the same time. Again, Marissa Meyer successfully transported us readers to a world of the future full of lunars, cyborgs, all of course, a rebellion team.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 25 / 5
To be honest, I’m not sure where to start. This book was truly outstanding in all of the aspects of a novel. But truly, the characters are all just awesome. Without them, and even if you switch the characters even a bit, this book wouldn’t be the same satisfying and eye boggling book it is!
But before that, I just have to say that this book has all the tropes I adore; found family, evil queens, cliffhangers, and dots coming together in the most awesome way. (I know! So much awesomeness going around here- XD)
Anyways, the characters are all too realistic in many ways. As always, Cinder will always be the number one for me, but seeing all the character development, their relationships, overall just all the crew just makes this book so much better (especially when it merges together. Finally!). Various new things happened in this exciting book; (view spoiler)[Iko finally became an escort-droid, Kai finally boarded the Rampion, (hide spoiler)] and, of course, Cress made her appearance as a main character!
I enjoyed getting to know Cress, though, to be honest, she might be a tiny bit… Exasperating at times, haha. We also got to see more of Thorne and I think his cocky personality was interesting to read. Kai is honestly really frustrated throughout—I really felt bad for him. (view spoiler)[Scarlet was largely absent in this book, and thus Wolf was honestly just standing around sulking for most of the time. (hide spoiler)] There’s Jacin, too. We didn’t get to see much of him, but I’m excited to get to know him better soon. And Queen Levana… She certainly is keeping up with the powerful, manipulative, but also determined evil queen persona. Though we got some scenes from her perspective towards the end; I found it very helpful as a contribution to her goals. It also made me realize that although she is a really menacing queen, she’s honestly just an ordinary person. But, again, with very over-the-top ways that’s extremely unreasonable. Though, like Marissa said, she is the hero of her own story. As for Winter, she was introduced in the end and I’m anticipating her appearance in the next book!
As for the plot, it took so many unexpected yet thrilling turns. And I loved it! It was at the same time really realistic. And in the first half—a bit too realistic? For me, I just felt like I didn’t get to really imagine and daydream about the world as much. It’s really challenging for a book to strike a perfect balance, and I guess I am pretty picky when it comes to this. Still, the second half was pure awesomeness. And for a while very, very nerve-wracking to read- But still, like I mentioned previously, there were multiple plotlines—almost one per character—and seeing it come together felt so magical. In an interview, Marissa also mentioned that this book marked one of the first times she got to experiment with the whole Rampion crew brainstorming together. It was fun to see how they interacted with each other and how Cress got less… Well, socially awkward in the end. This book really felt like the climax of this series but in a way like a beginning too. The plot was executed so naturally and in the best way possible. So much happened and really hooked me and made me anticipate the continuation! And lastly, the major overlapping plot points with the fairytale, Rapunzle, was done perfectly.
(view spoiler)[Although, I really can’t get over the fact that first, Dr. Erland is Cress’s dad—and that he died suddenly of mutated letumorphisis. Perhaps this abrupt end of Dr. Erland will serve for some purpose, perhaps it’s for dramatic purposes only. Perhaps he isn’t truly needed for the next book. But it truly is sad. And a bittersweet goodbye- I was hoping to see him and Cress bond in their father-daughter relationship. Sadly, it’s one we’ll never get. Unless, of course, he comes back alive in some fantastic, out of the world way! ;) (hide spoiler)]
Of course, the writing is as always recognizable. The descriptions and emotions are all written in a way that makes the readers cross the threshold between them and this world and into the character’s minds. And of course, androids included.
This book was really a journey! In it so many things concluded but many have taken root and started to come together, too. We almost have everything together, besides some crew members to collect, and, well, an evil queen to defy. And I have a feeling it will go crazily....more
Three years ago, this was the only book I enjoyed. I reread this three or four times, and finally I stopped rereading...
Is it that good? Probably! I'mThree years ago, this was the only book I enjoyed. I reread this three or four times, and finally I stopped rereading...
Is it that good? Probably! I'm sure this is not a helpful review of any kind, but it definitely deserves the hype (more than it has, if you ask me). I'm hoping that I can reread this sometime soon for a better review, and I know I will. So for my promise...
Have you ever wondered how a single book could contain such wisdom? I definitely did. Have you ever wondered, then, how such a light and easy read canHave you ever wondered how a single book could contain such wisdom? I definitely did. Have you ever wondered, then, how such a light and easy read can be so valuable? This is the book that made me do that. And through very simple ways, this book expressed so much wisdom and encouragement.
One of the best parts about picture books is that they take less time to read, so you can read them time and again. This is the book that deserves rereading. And by that, I mean more than twice.
When you find yourself turning the pages, you realize so much human nature is incorporated in them, and you find answers to problems you’ve faced before. In fact, this is just an answer book for when you seek them. Perhaps an encouragement book when you feel like you need a bit more kindness in your life.
These simple pages reflected and represented so many things. Like when the boy was trying to find home; it, in a way, represented the need for a goal. In the process there were challenges and people the boy meets, just like in reality. It could also represent life. And in the end, you might realize that maybe what you’ve been looking for has been right along with you.
See what I mean now? Either understand the true meaning and adore this book, or don’t and you’ll find this the opposite of meaningful. I hope you do, though, because this is a book everybody needs. If you do—good choice, have fun, and good luck! ;)...more
I have never read a book so realistic, yet depressing at the same time. This is the finish-in-a-sitting kind of book, and although Wow... What a book!
I have never read a book so realistic, yet depressing at the same time. This is the finish-in-a-sitting kind of book, and although you may not be pulled in at first, I promise you will.
This is the kind of book I go out of my way to avoid, and in some ways, this wasn’t my type of book, But what surprised me was how realistic this was; every detail, wording, character. This feels like a whole new genre, An Na’s own genre.
Sure, it was slow-paced at first. There’s some Korean words that might stump readers. You didn’t get why it had meanings until the end, but when you do, a sudden rage of backstories floods over you, with so much emotions combined. This book has so much Korean culture, and after you read this book, I guarantee you will learn a few Korean words, culture, and experience the life of a girl and her family through your own eyes.
It’s very magical how An Na writes the progress of age for Young Ju, and her brother. You seem to be growing with them, and do not realize they had been so young before.
This was the saddest book I have ever read in my life, and I think it “emotionally scarred” me! Don’t worry, I usually stay away from these types of books, but this holds so much wisdom, perspective, human nature, and the whole experience of growing up.
I can see why it is not as famous as some other books, but it definitely should be a lot more known. In other words, this is an underrated book, and you should definitely try this to experience things you will never do, and find yourself living a different life. :)...more
“The more she thought about it, the more she realized both sides had lost an important alternate perspective. And maybe that was what she'd been creat“The more she thought about it, the more she realized both sides had lost an important alternate perspective. And maybe that was what she'd been created for. A girl from both worlds, who'd seen the follies and triumphs of each side. And her job was to shake things up and do something new.”
In this mind-blowing, shocker of a book, you ought to have got something out of it. I think this was definitely a game-changing midpoint for this book, and it made me wonder what would come next.
This book definitely changed a few things up. Shannon introduced many characters (view spoiler)[(and murdered them) (hide spoiler)], while having a list of people come out from disguise, and betray Sophie. But maybe that’s the problem. I think this book was pretty much two words; intense but… underwhelming. Now, even though those two are antonyms, but they pretty much summarized most parts of this book. The start was awesome, everything was fast paced and fun. (view spoiler)[Until the third day at Exillum (hide spoiler)] (which is somewhere a little after the middle of the book), everything suddenly felt normal. It was fast-paced, but not fun anymore. And trust me, the majority of this series is fun, not anything life-changing. I can definitely see why it could be, but entertaining is the only thing we’re craving for in this series, not life-lessons. For this reason, if the book wasn’t as enjoyable for me, and in this case underwhelming, then it could become pretty boring at times, and it wasn’t until the almost end,(view spoiler)[when Tam and Linh joined Sophie’s gang’s quest, (hide spoiler)] did it get better. So all in all, it was fun, underwhelming, then fun again. Rounded up, this book probably deserves a…
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Four, full stars!
Because, as underwhelming as it was, the fun parts always get you on the edge of your seat. The boring parts weren’t drastic either, just more of a mid book, nothing too much. So yup, great series, not the best book, but we can live with it. Curious? Welp, now let’s continue on our spoiler free summary!
Sophie, Dex, Keefe, Biana, and Fitz are all aboard. Now is when the real journey begins. Will they succeed this time in capturing the Black Swan? Stopping them once and for all? Turns out that isn’t the only problem. As the group joins the Black Swan, they find themselves in the middle of war and peace. As time goes by, citizens of the Lost Cities start to drift to the side with trouble. With rebellion. With a plague that has no cure. Whilst it all, Sophie and her friends fall into traps, witness betrayals of their own… But in the end, as always, they find a way to carry on. With new people by their side, and more allies than they could ever imagine, they know it's their destiny to make the best of their world. But how could they do that when they find out the most heartbreaking betrayal of all?
Ta-da! Sounds boring, right? A bit, for sure. But honestly, I continue to find amazement in this series, and surprises time and again and you furiously flip the pages. It’s pretty solid. And I know I’ve only talked about the cons, so let’s dive deeper!
First, let’s cover the plot first. By now, everyone knows that this is a plot-driven series. That’s pretty much clear. New things happen everyday that the world offers, and it’s in none of the main characters' control. After all, they’re only a bunch of kids. They choose to stay with the Black Swan, but that’s probably the only big decision here, the rest is forced. Actually, this is mostly forced too, because with the councilors endlessly chasing you, and the whole world against you, you ought to have made the same decision. Get what I’m trying to say? To summarize, the characters are just there for more drama. Like (view spoiler)[Keefe’s mom’s betrayal (hide spoiler)], Fitz and Biana’s dad’s mind breaking, fights, crushes, stuff like that. In this book, it was just the same KOTLC routine. With endless adventures, so much epic world stuff all up to a few kids. Pretty cliché, pretty normal. Still intense though, but some things just get old. That’s why it’s not a five-star for me, because I personally like new stuff. Not the same types of things over and over again.
Okay. Now, what about the characters? Like I said, it’s no small task for a bunch of kids for a whole species life in your hands, two, actually (considering the alicorns). There is a whole list of things they have to do, and it’s not their choice that they have to save the world instead of eating Mallowmelt, or doing whatever they enjoy, at home like Marella and Jensi. It’s their “fate”, it’s their “destiny”, but still not a wise choice (just think of the many fiction series out there. They’re all like that! Just create something new, authors!) Anyways, they actually developed a lot from the first book, and their development in this book (in my opinion) is the most they’ve developed yet. Not to mention, were introduced to a lot of other new characters (view spoiler)[(and Mr. Forkle finally reveals some of his identity) (hide spoiler)]. I could see the reason behind so much fandom.
And… at last, at last. The writing. First, let’s just say there are definitely a lot of plot holes in this book. And things that don't make sense.(view spoiler)[ Let’s take the cure, for example. Why can’t a gnome just give it to the councilor, so they can recreate it? (hide spoiler)] And for the two Asian characters, I’m pretty sure you call them by their last name, which is their middle and last name combined. Not only one word. And… a lot more. The writing did improve, though, from the first book, but I’d think that this was the third draft or something. It sometimes seems pretty underdeveloped and immature.
But all in all, this didn’t suck. It was just a normal book. Not the best, but crucial for this series!
You’ve come a long way, and this series is worth completing. So don’t give up now! And maybe you’ll find just a little more enjoyment in your life....more
Here we are! Exile! And then you think… Exile? Oops. Sorry, if you’re a predictor, that was a small spoiler, but you probably already know. But why shHere we are! Exile! And then you think… Exile? Oops. Sorry, if you’re a predictor, that was a small spoiler, but you probably already know. But why should you read this? I mean, the first book is definitely enough for some people. Personally, I craved it, and to get you wondering more… A non-spoiler summary is coming up for ya!
Sophie Foster’s life is supposed to be easier. With her newfound home, her best friends, a lifeguard, and a new year at Foxfire as a level three. Once again, what she experiences is nothing she wants, but her adventure brought her closer to so many different people, and even a mysterious alicorn that can reset the timeline of the Lost Cities. As Sophie and her friends develop, Sophie realizes she must make sacrifices for the ones who sacrificed themselves for her, and connects furthermore with everybody she knows.
Well… facts first! But before that…
⭐⭐⭐⭐. 8 5 (Rounded up to five) I did it again! I nitpicked. But trust me, you’ll definitely see why after this review.
First things first, the writing and cliché can definitely be considered as one. Breaking it down, the writing style was pretty much okay. Although there are still clichés, there were not as many as the first book. I have to say, though, for me this was pretty much predictable, but it’s so much fun experiencing it.
Secondly, we have our plot and details. Our life-saver, and game-changer. But the mood in this book wasn’t the best, and I was getting tired of people collapsing for no reason and everyone crying eighty percent of the book. I get it, (view spoiler)[*people’s minds are breaking, people are dying,* (hide spoiler)] You are scared because you are the chosen one and have a million times more adventures than everyone else. However, it was overdramatic, and it made me depressed and uncomfortable reading it. Then again, at the same time it was amazing. It’s such an emotional rollercoaster, and whatever the author is trying to make you feel, I guarantee that you do feel it. Like you’re not reading, but experiencing it altogether. And you feel so pulled in that if anyone distracts you, (view spoiler)[*it’s pretty much like performing a mind break and getting distracted* (hide spoiler)], you basically go crazy. It’s a good book, but not the best at the same time. Congratulations, you are about to read a chaotic book with wild rides after another.
Last not certainly not least, the heart of every book, the characters and the theme. Wise note here, what the characters are struggling with is the theme of a book. In this, Sophie is struggling with too many things, and often I feel pretty tangled. (view spoiler)[*Some of them include searching for a way to save Alden and Prentice to repay them.* (hide spoiler)] If somebody asked me “What’s the theme of this book”, I'd definitely have to think for a while before speaking, because it was not specifically clear. I think mainly it was to help others like they did to you (repay them), and don’t give up and try to keep searching for an answer. The characters developed perhaps most through this book, and I didn’t think they did a lot in the first book. Everybody was trying to accept the truth, trying to trust people, trying to help people, and trying to repay them with respect and empathy. Small themes like do what’s right, stand up for yourself and others, and trust are also common in this book. For me, I think this would be a pretty, or even the most important book of this series, and definitely the best so far. Anyways, without further ado, let’s get straight into the spoilers summary section! Read at your own risk—
(view spoiler)[Sophie Foster can’t help but struggle with devastating nightmares about her kidnappers in black cloak. When she is out with Grady and her new goblin bodyguard, Sandor, trying to catch another animal, Sophie sensed the animal and used brain pushes to fasten her speed. When they finally discover it, Sophie realizes that it is an alicorn-who can reset the extinction timeline to reproduce with the only other alicorn left-and is nervous and lonely. She promises the alicorn that they could be friends with her telepathic skills, and realized when she is brought to Havenfield that the alicorn, Silveny, could not only transmit her name, words, but also images and sensations. Not to mention, Fitz could too. Starting level three, Sophie is “unfortunate” to be an inflictor, who can inflict pain on people with her negative emotions, and the only other inflictor is Bronte, a council member that would do anything to get her Exiled and suspended. He suspects that Sophie is “malfunctioning”, and that it was the reason why Sophie got headaches when light flashes, and why people can communicate and transmit inside her mind. The more Sophie thinks about it, Sophie realizes that to her dismay, Bronte might be correct for the first time. Meanwhile, Alden takes Sophie to Exile and tries to perform a mind break on Fintan, who the councillors suspects set the Everblaze. He needs Sophie to pull him out from the broken mind and get him back to the real world, which he believes is also what the Black Swan meant in a message to Sophie. In the process, Fintan uses his ancient power to block memorization and burn Alden at the same time. Although they learned that he did help set the Everblaze, Alden collapses and hits his head on the ground, opening a deep wound. Sophie finds a warm nook and pulls him back. When they were exiting, Sophie finds Prentice, who Alden is guilty of helping to perform the mind break. He believes that he is innocent and now he is “useless”, his mind broken. Sophie, however, insists and travels into Prentice’s broken mind, while also discovering clues of the Black Swan, from which she believes they might be trying to help after all. However, when they were about to use the staircase to go up from the underground, Sophie mentions Prentice, while he faints again. Little did she know, it was guilt that made him lost his mind, but lost and broken are two different things. Little by little, things got better… Well, that is until during the Foxfire celebration, and after Sophie sees Wylie, Prentice’s son, and points him out, Alden is lost again. However, this time it’s more than just losing his mind, his mind is broken. He can’t do anything but lay on bed and groan. Fitz, Sophie’s friend, starts to blame everything on her malfunctioning brain. Everything is a mess, and Sophie can only sleep with the help of Silveny’s calm sensations she transmits, while the alicorn repeats “Calm”. After clues and clues, Sophie finally decides to repay Alden and Prentice for everything they’ve done to her, and travels with Keefe, her friend and an Empathy who Silveny adores, to the Black Swans cave with clues. She drinks a bottle of Limbium, which Sophie is extremely allergic to because of her malfunction, with a needle stick never tested before to fix her malfunction. Sophie knows the sacrifice is worth everything they did for her, and thankfully wakes up to see Keefe and Silveny, as well as Mr. Forkle, Sophie’s strange “human” neighbor, who rescues her and Dex from the kidnappers. As they exit out, however, a huge net traps them and Silveny. Turns out the kidnappers are back with five of them this time and Sophie suspects that they were only after Silveny. But due to this, Silveny injures her beautiful wings, and will be unable to perform the sixteenth year celebration to cheer the Elvins up after Alden’s announced “death” and DNA tree planting at the Wanderings. Surprisingly again, the Black Swan started to take care of it while they teleported home with Sophie’s newfound ability, another one. At home, Sophie finally returns to Everglen to try and heal the broken Alden but just before she does that, Della and Bianca embrace her while Fitz confesses that he is not mad at her, just blaming her, when he should blame the world instead, the real thing he’s mad about. He makes sure to let her know before Alden’s mind gets fixed, so that she knows that it’s a thank-you for only her help and endless searching and sacrifices. At last, at last, Alden’s mind is repaired due to the perfectly-functioning Sophie now. Silveny is also slowly healing while Sophie connects more with her friends. It’s finally what she’s looking for, and she is more than ready to fight back. (hide spoiler)]
Thank you so much for reading all above, and I hope you find it very helpful. Your time is not wasted, I promise, and I believe you should definitely try this if anything above sounded interesting to you....more
Sisters Grimm was the series that made me fall in love with reading. The Land of Stories was the series that made me find my biggest aspiration. The SSisters Grimm was the series that made me fall in love with reading. The Land of Stories was the series that made me find my biggest aspiration. The School for Good and Evil was the series that made me think and wonder, and learn about different people. And Keeper of the Lost Cities?
Well, because of all those series, I was recommended again and again to read the KOTLC series, and when I checked the reviews, everyone loved it. Now, don’t freak out but… I’ve never read the Harry Potter series. And at first, I was planning on never reading this popular series because, I guess I wanted to read other books that I thought I would like better, less cliché, better writing. But as I caught a fever, and I couldn’t concentrate on reading, this book did. It’s easy, sure, cliché too, and the writing? It wasn’t the best, and I didn’t want to use the same amount of time reading a book that might not interest me. But as you see here, it very much did. So, if you feel the same as me… You should at least try it. ;)
⭐⭐⭐⭐. 5
**Skip if you must. This is just a bonus story! So, I loved it, it was a wild ride, fast to read, all that. But then you check my reading status… Wow. It took me twenty eight days? But hey, it was just a bonus book for when I don’t have my book, or don’t feel like it, or read enough of it for the day. While reading four books at once for almost a month, this wasn’t the top priority, and besides, I paused for thirteen days, but reread the two hundred seventy seven pages after the printed book arrived (before I was reading an Ebook). Then, I started reading it… for real.**
And here comes the non-spoiler summary (although too cliché, the details are much more enjoyable once you actually read it)!
Sophie Foster hit her head when she was five, and that’s how her life changed forever. It was her secret. She could hear everyone’s thoughts around her, she had photographic memory, and she was a twelve year old surviving as a high school senior. She wanted nothing more than a normal life, but little did she know, a normal life meant something else to her entirely. After she meets a blue-eyed boy on her school trip to the museum, he tells her the shocking truth of why she’s so different. Sophie, however, would not believe him. After all, a stranger is telling her that her whole life is a lie. Although she doesn’t want it to be true, Fitz takes her to another place entirely… and he reveals to her that he is not human. And neither is she…
Quote from when I first started reading it:
“Even though I found 7 dashes in one page, very much giggling, and immature writing, the plot hooks me, and I'm curious to see how much I would like it at the end. It's unlikely for me to continue the series, but if I do, it probably means this is a good book.”
Well, I bought the whole series, so it must be beyond good ;)
But to expand, lets first talk about… Yes, the cliché.
- Sophie wants a normal life, but she’s different - She is “human” but has powers - She is the chosen one - Her name is Sophie ;) (view spoiler)[- *She finds out she’s an elf* - *Her parents are not actually her parents* - *She finds a good mentor* - *She has a school bully* - *She has exceptional powers* - *She has new pets* - *She has a new home* - *She gets kidnapped* - *She saves not one, but TWO worlds* - *She almost dies many times but somehow always survives* - *She finds out it’s okay to be different* (hide spoiler)]
Though I have nothing against those, almost every single book has them! I could go on and on with the list, and this book has made it to my (imaginary) top one most cliché book. This is also perhaps why it wasn’t a five. I believe a six star book has at most two clichés. However, like I said, it sounds awful, it really does, and it sometimes makes you… regret the decision, but it’s good, once you look past that. I tried to, and I did, so it definitely works.
Next comes the writing. I think it’s definitely not the biggest problem here, but it was one of the big reasons I didn’t start this soon. It feels like lower middle grade writing, with an upper middle grade plot. I unfortunately don’t feel challenged reading this, so besides the enjoyment, I get almost nothing else from this book (although it can help your reading skills a little by reading, even if it’s easy).
Now, about twenty five percent in the book, I was fully immersed. All thanks to our life-saver, the plot. A plot, and good characters, can change everything. It is the heart of a story, because with plot, comes so many other things. Let’s just say the details enhanced me more than the plot. Not the same thing, but at the same time, similar, so I’m putting it in the same paragraph. Have you ever read a fairytale retelling? The old story you’ve heard again and again is boring, it’s old, it’s cliché. However, if what you read of a fairytale retelling is actually well-written, it’s fun, even with the clichés for the whole. This book is like that. The details, I can’t describe, but when you read it, I promise, you will not just read it. It’s an adventure! You’ll enjoy it so much once you can look past the other things that might not be as favorable.
Finally, let’s say the characters did develop, but not by a huge amount (except some). I fully believe that they will develop a lot throughout the next nine (or more books, if Shannon Messenger decides to continue), and I will be more than satisfied, but for now, it's only a few. For example, Sophie learned to move from her past life, and do what she thinks she will not regret. Bianca and Fitz also did learn to see her as a true friend, but I’m not sure if it counts. Dex, and my favorite character, also continues to try and protect his best friend, Sophie. At the end of the day, the characters are what always made me laugh.
So, this book is pretty solid. But what happens next? This is a spoiler summary, unfortunately, so you have been warned. Save this till you’re done, and read at your own risk!
(view spoiler)[After Sophie Foster’s goodbye to her family, she stays with Grady and Edaline, who lost their daughter in a fire. Sophie attends school at Foxfire, with a mentor for her Telepathic skills. There, she meets Stina, Dex’s enemy, and Marella, who quickly becomes Sophie’s friend. However, things are about to get a lot more complicated… There is a wildfire, the Everblaze, in the Forbidden Cities, or where humans live. The Everblaze must be set by a Pyrokinetics, an ability banned in the Lost Cities. Sophie finds out that she is actually a creation of the Black Swan, a rebel organization, who manipulated her DNA. After tribunals and tribunals with the councilors, Sophie surprisingly did not get Exiled. And after much kidnapping from Fintan, who was a rival to the Black Swan, Sophie and Dex both survived and went back to their family and friends. Together, Sophie is ready to go to her home, when Grady and Edaline finally settle their drama and agree to love another child after their loss. (hide spoiler)]
That’s it, phew! It took me hours to write this, and I hope it’s worth it. If you read this, thank you so much! This is a great book, and I believe it will be a great series as well. If you find any of this interesting, please give it a go! :D...more
The Trials for a Five Star Book (by the Wunderous Dreamer): World Building, Logical Sequence (plot twists, secrets, all that jazz), Characters (develoThe Trials for a Five Star Book (by the Wunderous Dreamer): World Building, Logical Sequence (plot twists, secrets, all that jazz), Characters (developed, memorable), and the final, Resonance (to characters, the world, and heartful tropes).
And this one, my fellow fantasy lovers, serves as an exemplar, won big time, and hit home. World-building: spectacular, captivating, immersive, and truly we shall shed tears from yearning! Logical Sequence: done fairly well, though not perfection, we shan’t compare it to the masterpiece (the School for Good and Evil… I’m sorry to all the authors who’s tired of me comparing it)! Characters: witty, very memorable, full of personality and again I desperately want to befriend them all! And if it’s not clear already, the resonance is splendid…
Why, oh why, do I not live in the Hotel Deucalion in Nevermoor with clever but amicable Morrigan, delightfully humorous and utterly sympathetic Hawthrone, the “madman” and full-of-surprise Jupiter, the grumpy but full of personality big gray Magnificat, sarcastic and playful Jack, witnessing the enchanting Battle of Christmas Eve while throwing snowballs until our hands became frozen and sticky with candy?
Which explains why I read way more than I should, for hours on end, under the umbrella, in the grocery shop, and even in the public library with a cup of hot chocolate in the rain (delightful, but not as much as the book itself!)
This book also blew me off quite a bit, and there’s a thread of mystery laced with magical consequences and a sort of terrifying villain. But it was balanced with the perfect amount of whimsy that can almost bewitch you! And of course, so many great laughs that is pure serendipity.
Morrigan Crow was the quite opposite of me in some areas, but in other areas entirely the same. Her desires and fears were so raw and vulnerable, and I don’t think there’s anyone who wouldn’t relate to her. What I loved most, and Morrigan too (certainly), was the found family.
Family. Belonging. Friendships to last a lifetime. Were Elder Quinn and Jupiter reading from the same brochure? Or had they peered into her heart and read a wish list she’d never known was there?
You and me both, Morrigan! And for I seek these, I venture with you.
Immediate Thoughts: Wow! It seems like it's been truly Ages (wink wink!), but YES. This book is well deserving of a 5 stars! I am bursting out of my skin because there are just so many ideas bubbling inside me about how to write this review... I better think hard now, shouldn't I?
There are a few trials for a 5 star book for me. Very, very surprisingly, it passed all of them. Reminds me of something, huh... ;)
P.S. I NEVER rate any books five stars easily! So trust me with this one... I am instantly a fan.
Whilst Reading (important to note, but I don't essentially think it makes it less. And not I don't very much agree!): I hate to say this, but Nevermoor is just like SGE... Without Sophie. Thus, half of the book's essence and heart. And Nevermoor is like that. But having even half (I'd like to say a pinch more than that) it cannot be below 4 stars for certain.
And my afterthoughts? This book is WUNDEROUS. Simply Wunderous. And though it's not quite the 10 stars book I doubt I'll ever encounter, I loved this book....more