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chapter_adventure's Reviews (801)
I know a lot of people are gushing about this book, but what is there to gush about? Yes, it kept me reading, but only because I was completely confused by what the point of the story was and wanted to see what the author was trying to accomplish. I also don't really see the point in making Mara and Noah love interests and why that aspect had to take complete precedence over what was really happening in the book. Not only did the author not explain one thing in the entire book, she then ended it with a to be continued. Ugh. So you have to read the next one just to get some answers and a little bit of closure. That just comes off as an annoying marketing ploy.
Alright, let's just get this right out there. I'm a bit disappointed. Divergent had me hooked so I was expecting a bit more from Insurgent. I can't really get into it all without spoiling it for those who haven't read it but here's the jest: the I hate you today/I love you today, back and forth ridiculousness that was going on between Four/Tobias and Tris was just annoying. I get that that can be a pretty common issue in 16 yr old relationships but keeping so many secrets from each other was just taking it to far. I kept asking myself, "are these two really an item or what?" I expected them to 'take over the world' together in this book. It's like they spent almost the entire book defying and avoiding each other. Ugh.
Also, the book was a bit all over the place. First they were here, then they were there, then they ran over to this faction, etc, etc. Seemed like there was a lot of action, but not much was actually happening. Also, there is no recap at the beginning of the book. I found myself having to go back and pull out Divergent to remind myself of things and characters. Oh, the characters! Too many to keep track of. I had to make out a chart in my notebook to remind myself of who was with who, what faction they came from, why Tris hates them or likes them, and what faction they are a part of now. It was exhausting. Lastly, why in the hell did Tris ally with Marcus?!!! I'm sorry but that just blows my mind and ticks me off.
The ending did surprise me slightly and re-interest me in reading the third book. I really enjoyed Divergent so I'm truly hoping that the third book will sort all these issues out and pull things together for me. I'd like to finish this series liking it rather than feeling frustrated and annoyed.
Also, the book was a bit all over the place. First they were here, then they were there, then they ran over to this faction, etc, etc. Seemed like there was a lot of action, but not much was actually happening. Also, there is no recap at the beginning of the book. I found myself having to go back and pull out Divergent to remind myself of things and characters. Oh, the characters! Too many to keep track of. I had to make out a chart in my notebook to remind myself of who was with who, what faction they came from, why Tris hates them or likes them, and what faction they are a part of now. It was exhausting. Lastly, why in the hell did Tris ally with Marcus?!!! I'm sorry but that just blows my mind and ticks me off.
The ending did surprise me slightly and re-interest me in reading the third book. I really enjoyed Divergent so I'm truly hoping that the third book will sort all these issues out and pull things together for me. I'd like to finish this series liking it rather than feeling frustrated and annoyed.
This is a compelling book. I was very much hooked from start to finish. The beginning of the book discusses the sisters experiences during Japans invasion of China in the early 20th century. There are some extremely harsh scenes which made me a bit queasy at times. But being that it was historical, I found it fascinating. The story is a constant reminder of how strong a person can really be and how much we can handle in our lifetimes and still come out on top.
I only have one complaint about this book. The story covers about 20 years from start to finish. A lot happens in that time, including a lot of tragedy and growth within the characters themselves. At times I felt the story line was a bit rushed. Other than that, I loved this story. I've heard that takes on an even stronger meaning when you go on to read Dreams of Joy, which I plan to do in the near future.
I only have one complaint about this book. The story covers about 20 years from start to finish. A lot happens in that time, including a lot of tragedy and growth within the characters themselves. At times I felt the story line was a bit rushed. Other than that, I loved this story. I've heard that takes on an even stronger meaning when you go on to read Dreams of Joy, which I plan to do in the near future.
Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love...
I'm totally fine with the lovey, dovey, stuff in books as long as the characters and the plot surrounding the charactersis action packed and exciting. This book did not disappoint. In fact, I read it in one sitting.
Hubby: "Wow, that book must be good. You don't seem to want to put it down."
Um. Yeah. That pretty much sums it up.
It took me a while to get to this book as my to-be-read pile is about ten million miles high, but I'm so glad I finally decided to dive into it this weekend.
Karou: blue-haired, tatooed, teeth collector for a wishmonger, talented artist, and not quite what you expect. She falls in love with an angel with the most magnificent wings- who also tries to kill her but fails. The two find themselves at the center of a war between chimaera and angels in a world linked by portals on earth. She's sassy and feisty and everything I love in a lead character- but she's also incredibly genuine, sweet, a good friend, and a sucker for the romantics.
Oh goodness, I feel head first into her world from the first page and couldn't quite climb out again until I reached the last page- which is also not the end of the story. Book 2 comes out soon and now I'm really glad I waited to read Book 1. What if I had read it when it first came out and then had to wait all these months for the second book? I probably would have shriveled up and died! Not really, but close.
If you like vivid worlds and exciting characters portrayed through excellent writing, you'll want to check out, not only this book, but the rest of Laini Taylors works.
I'm totally fine with the lovey, dovey, stuff in books as long as the characters and the plot surrounding the charactersis action packed and exciting. This book did not disappoint. In fact, I read it in one sitting.
Hubby: "Wow, that book must be good. You don't seem to want to put it down."
Um. Yeah. That pretty much sums it up.
It took me a while to get to this book as my to-be-read pile is about ten million miles high, but I'm so glad I finally decided to dive into it this weekend.
Karou: blue-haired, tatooed, teeth collector for a wishmonger, talented artist, and not quite what you expect. She falls in love with an angel with the most magnificent wings- who also tries to kill her but fails. The two find themselves at the center of a war between chimaera and angels in a world linked by portals on earth. She's sassy and feisty and everything I love in a lead character- but she's also incredibly genuine, sweet, a good friend, and a sucker for the romantics.
Oh goodness, I feel head first into her world from the first page and couldn't quite climb out again until I reached the last page- which is also not the end of the story. Book 2 comes out soon and now I'm really glad I waited to read Book 1. What if I had read it when it first came out and then had to wait all these months for the second book? I probably would have shriveled up and died! Not really, but close.
If you like vivid worlds and exciting characters portrayed through excellent writing, you'll want to check out, not only this book, but the rest of Laini Taylors works.
I love the premise for the story. Very creative and I haven't read anything like it (not that it's the only one of it's kind, but it was new to me.) I love characters that I can root for and I love books that leave me wanting more. Graceling did not disappoint. Since Fire and Bitterblue are already out (and sitting on my shelf) I can keep reading!
This is a beautifully written story. The plot switches back and forth from Emma's story to Beattie's and throughout the book we begin to understand how Beattie's story will help Emma find herself again. This book is full of many emotions, a lot of them being sadness and heartbreak. But there is hope and an understanding that things don't always work out the way we plan.
I enjoyed the chosen settings in the book- Glasgow, London, and Tasmania. The women led such very different lives in every place, but each existence helped to shape who they were at the conclusion of the book. I enjoyed Beattie's story more than Emma's and found her to be a more likeable character. Beattie was not one to let life's mistakes pull her down and she worked hard to make a name for herself and in the end was very successful. Emma was whiney and self centered, which I think is exactly how Freeman wanted her to be. She does discover how self absorbed she is throughout the book and works to overcome that.
The quote that propels the book: "According to Cora, there are two types of people in the world - those who do things and those who have things done to them." I was a little saddened by the ending but not disappointed. All in all this was a wonderful book and I'd recommend it to just about anyone.
I enjoyed the chosen settings in the book- Glasgow, London, and Tasmania. The women led such very different lives in every place, but each existence helped to shape who they were at the conclusion of the book. I enjoyed Beattie's story more than Emma's and found her to be a more likeable character. Beattie was not one to let life's mistakes pull her down and she worked hard to make a name for herself and in the end was very successful. Emma was whiney and self centered, which I think is exactly how Freeman wanted her to be. She does discover how self absorbed she is throughout the book and works to overcome that.
The quote that propels the book: "According to Cora, there are two types of people in the world - those who do things and those who have things done to them." I was a little saddened by the ending but not disappointed. All in all this was a wonderful book and I'd recommend it to just about anyone.
Oh my goodness. I love it when a book moves me beyond words? This was one of those wonderful books that after I finished the last sentence, I just sat... and thought....and cried a little....and smiled a lot. I cannot gush enough about this book. The writing is vivid and spectacular. I fell in love with the characters- even Rosa Huberman.
A few things:
-If you are sensitive to harsh language (even in another language) or the cruelties of WWII, this book is not for you.
-If you are sensitive to death and heartache, this book is most definitely not for you.
-If you want your heart to break and then swell all in the same paragraph, this book is for you.
-If you want a story that is real-no fluff- just very, very real and straight from the hearts of the characters, this book is for you.
The book is narrated by Death which gives it a very intriguing feeling. Death tells you the story of Leisel Meminger coming of age during WWII in Germany. I did not find this gimmicky at all- I found Death to be very human and a refreshing point of view. Death is just as curious about the human race as we all are. He has a job to do but he gets connected to people too. I love that this book addresses the magic of words and how they can transform a person, because that is exactly what the words of this book did to me. A wonderful read and one that I would recommend many times over again.
A few things:
-If you are sensitive to harsh language (even in another language) or the cruelties of WWII, this book is not for you.
-If you are sensitive to death and heartache, this book is most definitely not for you.
-If you want your heart to break and then swell all in the same paragraph, this book is for you.
-If you want a story that is real-no fluff- just very, very real and straight from the hearts of the characters, this book is for you.
The book is narrated by Death which gives it a very intriguing feeling. Death tells you the story of Leisel Meminger coming of age during WWII in Germany. I did not find this gimmicky at all- I found Death to be very human and a refreshing point of view. Death is just as curious about the human race as we all are. He has a job to do but he gets connected to people too. I love that this book addresses the magic of words and how they can transform a person, because that is exactly what the words of this book did to me. A wonderful read and one that I would recommend many times over again.
