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ellemnope's Reviews (2.4k)
* Disclaimer:I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *
The writing in The Tower of Blue is very imaginative and intelligent, but the plot left me hanging. It is unclear if this is meant to be a work in a series or if it will be a standalone. If it is part of a series, I think there is quite a bit to be explored and there is a good chance that the follow up could be very intriguing. I enjoyed this read and would have certainly rated it higher if I knew there was more to come. As it is, I liked the world that Locsh created and appreciated the journey (both physical and emotional) that his narrative takes Arnold on. I just needed things fleshed out a bit more. Though I like having to make some of my own conclusions as a reader, this felt like it expected too much to be decided outside of the written pages.
The writing in The Tower of Blue is very imaginative and intelligent, but the plot left me hanging. It is unclear if this is meant to be a work in a series or if it will be a standalone. If it is part of a series, I think there is quite a bit to be explored and there is a good chance that the follow up could be very intriguing. I enjoyed this read and would have certainly rated it higher if I knew there was more to come. As it is, I liked the world that Locsh created and appreciated the journey (both physical and emotional) that his narrative takes Arnold on. I just needed things fleshed out a bit more. Though I like having to make some of my own conclusions as a reader, this felt like it expected too much to be decided outside of the written pages.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
This one held my attention, but didn't leave me riveted. The character of Lark is extremely well-developed and the structure of the book is comfortable. It moves steadily with some minor bumps and moments of discomfort, but overall just feels like a mellow flow.
It didn't really feel like there were any strong developments and even those things that the author likely intended to be huge and impressive moments in the story just felt like they were meant to happen. This isn't meant to be a detraction from the book in any way, it just didn't feel shocking...it felt like the author know her characters well enough to give them lives that made sense to who they were. That is a good thing.
The story encompasses a large portion of Lark's life in almost a diary style read. Robin is a good supporting character, but doesn't really have the level of development I expected for the overall premise of the book. There is certainly a good window into Robin's life, but it is a more distant revelation and doesn't give as much internal insight. This feels much more clearly to be Lark's story.
The ending is always where I get most critical of books. In this case, it was okay. It didn't fade of into nothingness and it didn't leave me on some random cliffhanger, but there wasn't a drawn out wrap up either. It was a comfortable ending where everyone was moving forward with their lives in a way that just seemed like a natural progression of the story.
A very solid 3-star read.
This one held my attention, but didn't leave me riveted. The character of Lark is extremely well-developed and the structure of the book is comfortable. It moves steadily with some minor bumps and moments of discomfort, but overall just feels like a mellow flow.
It didn't really feel like there were any strong developments and even those things that the author likely intended to be huge and impressive moments in the story just felt like they were meant to happen. This isn't meant to be a detraction from the book in any way, it just didn't feel shocking...it felt like the author know her characters well enough to give them lives that made sense to who they were. That is a good thing.
The story encompasses a large portion of Lark's life in almost a diary style read. Robin is a good supporting character, but doesn't really have the level of development I expected for the overall premise of the book. There is certainly a good window into Robin's life, but it is a more distant revelation and doesn't give as much internal insight. This feels much more clearly to be Lark's story.
The ending is always where I get most critical of books. In this case, it was okay. It didn't fade of into nothingness and it didn't leave me on some random cliffhanger, but there wasn't a drawn out wrap up either. It was a comfortable ending where everyone was moving forward with their lives in a way that just seemed like a natural progression of the story.
A very solid 3-star read.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
3 1/2 stars.
I was rather intrigued with this one from the moment I read the premise. Buy or Die is a dystopian novel that came with a bit of a 1984 essence. The novel has been translated from the original Russian, which may have caused it to lose a bit of its lyrical nature and smoothness of prose, but overall the writing is very stylish and highly descriptive. In all honesty, the small speedbump of some "lost in translation" issues may have been the only reason for my downgrade from 4 stars to 3 1/2.
Citizens Z and Y are the main protagonists of the book and they are both such well developed characters, their individual portraits extending well beyond what would be expected in a society which may not value individualism. The general feeling of the environment has quite the creep factor, with a mass of AI robots and advertising in the form of all senses that continuously assaults the public. There is so much packed in to this novel that is amazingly creative and original.
There were some inconsistencies in structure that led to a bit of confusion here and there, losing me for a few pages until I figured out my time, place, and character. There were also many questions that developed for me over the course of the novel (particularly the second half). This may be due to my intense interest in the subject matter and wanting to more deeply probe the imagination of the author, but it did cause me to have some distraction from the story.
Overall, Buy or Die is a great read that is well worth the time. In fact, I wouldn't mind rereading it in the future. It would likely be an even better read in its original language, as it is clear that the author has some wonderful talent and the ability to string words together in a way that creates something somewhat magical. I look forward to keeping an eye out for more from Theodor Ventskevich in the future.
3 1/2 stars.
I was rather intrigued with this one from the moment I read the premise. Buy or Die is a dystopian novel that came with a bit of a 1984 essence. The novel has been translated from the original Russian, which may have caused it to lose a bit of its lyrical nature and smoothness of prose, but overall the writing is very stylish and highly descriptive. In all honesty, the small speedbump of some "lost in translation" issues may have been the only reason for my downgrade from 4 stars to 3 1/2.
Citizens Z and Y are the main protagonists of the book and they are both such well developed characters, their individual portraits extending well beyond what would be expected in a society which may not value individualism. The general feeling of the environment has quite the creep factor, with a mass of AI robots and advertising in the form of all senses that continuously assaults the public. There is so much packed in to this novel that is amazingly creative and original.
There were some inconsistencies in structure that led to a bit of confusion here and there, losing me for a few pages until I figured out my time, place, and character. There were also many questions that developed for me over the course of the novel (particularly the second half). This may be due to my intense interest in the subject matter and wanting to more deeply probe the imagination of the author, but it did cause me to have some distraction from the story.
Overall, Buy or Die is a great read that is well worth the time. In fact, I wouldn't mind rereading it in the future. It would likely be an even better read in its original language, as it is clear that the author has some wonderful talent and the ability to string words together in a way that creates something somewhat magical. I look forward to keeping an eye out for more from Theodor Ventskevich in the future.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Though it is full of very difficult subject matter, After the End is an excellent book and I very much enjoyed reading it.
The utilization of a dual narrative and alternate history approach was incredibly well-conceived and lends itself to a very successful story. The writing felt natural, regardless of the point of view presented at the time. The primary characters of the parents were both very well done. However, the point of view of Leila (the doctor) seemed unnecessary to the story. She was still a well constructed character, but the inclusion of her individual chapters does not necessarily lend as much to the book, she does not feel as fully developed in the plot and instead detracts slightly.
Knowing that this narrative came from an actual life experience on the part of the author makes it even more powerful. The story is heartbreaking from either side and it created a lot of internal conversation with my own point of view on the matter.
See the full review on EPJ
Though it is full of very difficult subject matter, After the End is an excellent book and I very much enjoyed reading it.
The utilization of a dual narrative and alternate history approach was incredibly well-conceived and lends itself to a very successful story. The writing felt natural, regardless of the point of view presented at the time. The primary characters of the parents were both very well done. However, the point of view of Leila (the doctor) seemed unnecessary to the story. She was still a well constructed character, but the inclusion of her individual chapters does not necessarily lend as much to the book, she does not feel as fully developed in the plot and instead detracts slightly.
Knowing that this narrative came from an actual life experience on the part of the author makes it even more powerful. The story is heartbreaking from either side and it created a lot of internal conversation with my own point of view on the matter.
See the full review on EPJ
3.5 stars.
Like most, I was familiar with the Lindbergh's prior to reading this novel, but I did not know very much beyond the fact that he flew solo to Paris and they had lost a child to kidnapping. It was nice to get a bit more of a complete picture, though I will admit a bit of guilt to my interest after reading how much their lives were affected by overzealous fans and the exposure of their lives through the media. Even this novel, ultimately, started to feel like a bit of an intrusion into their privacy...though they have both been deceased for several years.
I liked the writing style of this book for the most part. I felt that it was very intimately told and that I had a good sense of who Anne really was. However, there was a heavy-handed repetition of Charles's character that felt terribly one-sided. Looking into the facts of historical events, it seems that there were some ways in which the author presented a propagandized version of Lindbergh rather than the truth. I suppose a little extra controversy was needed to help make the plot more sensational. There were also a few instances where descriptions felt overly explicit in a way that didn't fit with the remainder of the narrative.
Reading Anne's story was a good exposure to the other side of the coin, so to speak. She was a remarkably extraordinary woman whose accomplishments should have been lauded like her husbands, yet she has somehow slipped from the history books unnoticed. This was a sad realization. So...even though I felt a bit unsettled at knowing I was prying into their lives, it felt somewhat good to know that she was getting some of the acknowledgments she deserves.
Overall, a good read...but one that is truly historical fiction rather than a fully accurate account.
Like most, I was familiar with the Lindbergh's prior to reading this novel, but I did not know very much beyond the fact that he flew solo to Paris and they had lost a child to kidnapping. It was nice to get a bit more of a complete picture, though I will admit a bit of guilt to my interest after reading how much their lives were affected by overzealous fans and the exposure of their lives through the media. Even this novel, ultimately, started to feel like a bit of an intrusion into their privacy...though they have both been deceased for several years.
I liked the writing style of this book for the most part. I felt that it was very intimately told and that I had a good sense of who Anne really was. However, there was a heavy-handed repetition of Charles's character that felt terribly one-sided. Looking into the facts of historical events, it seems that there were some ways in which the author presented a propagandized version of Lindbergh rather than the truth. I suppose a little extra controversy was needed to help make the plot more sensational. There were also a few instances where descriptions felt overly explicit in a way that didn't fit with the remainder of the narrative.
Reading Anne's story was a good exposure to the other side of the coin, so to speak. She was a remarkably extraordinary woman whose accomplishments should have been lauded like her husbands, yet she has somehow slipped from the history books unnoticed. This was a sad realization. So...even though I felt a bit unsettled at knowing I was prying into their lives, it felt somewhat good to know that she was getting some of the acknowledgments she deserves.
Overall, a good read...but one that is truly historical fiction rather than a fully accurate account.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
Gah. I was SO disappointed by this book. Unfortunately, it started off on the wrong foot with me. The first chapter felt choppy and I HATED the way that Rachel kept referring to Zahid as "my professor" instead of just using his name. As the story went on, the writing got better, but the characters just irritated me. ALL of the characters. I just felt like they were all a bit too much and I didn't connect with any of them. There was intellect and imagination behind the writing, but the political bluntness made me turn off a bit. The narrative itself felt weird and unnatural. And the oddball ending didn't help. Dermansky's writing isn't bad, but I couldn't get into this book. This one just flat out wasn't for me.
Gah. I was SO disappointed by this book. Unfortunately, it started off on the wrong foot with me. The first chapter felt choppy and I HATED the way that Rachel kept referring to Zahid as "my professor" instead of just using his name. As the story went on, the writing got better, but the characters just irritated me. ALL of the characters. I just felt like they were all a bit too much and I didn't connect with any of them. There was intellect and imagination behind the writing, but the political bluntness made me turn off a bit. The narrative itself felt weird and unnatural. And the oddball ending didn't help. Dermansky's writing isn't bad, but I couldn't get into this book. This one just flat out wasn't for me.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
4.5 stars.
This was a fun and somewhat oddball YA contemporary with a magical realism feel.
The setting is strange and mysterious and vaguely reminiscent of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. For those who have read that series, I feel that there can be a bit more understanding of the magical realism component.
Billy & Lydia are quintessential teens with some heartbreaking backgrounds. Billy has never really felt loved by anyone, yet he is the unfailing optimist who cares for everyone else while allowing himself to be severely taken for granted. Lydia is a talented girl who doesn't quite feel at home in her own skin, though she makes all outward attempts to appear as though she does. She sports a rough exterior and struggles to accept love from those who truly care about her.
Reed seems to be quite good at creating characters with distinct flaws. They were well-written, dynamic characters who felt believable. The supporting characters were also well thought out, though admittedly not always very likable.
The narrative is moving and somewhat intense, with several concurrent storylines running throughout. I very much enjoyed how it was all wrapped together with a solid, though somewhat quirky ending.
For those who enjoy something different, are fans of YA, and love a bit of magical realism, this is a fantastic read. I look forward to reading more from Amy Reed in the future.
See the full review at EPJ.
4.5 stars.
This was a fun and somewhat oddball YA contemporary with a magical realism feel.
The setting is strange and mysterious and vaguely reminiscent of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. For those who have read that series, I feel that there can be a bit more understanding of the magical realism component.
Billy & Lydia are quintessential teens with some heartbreaking backgrounds. Billy has never really felt loved by anyone, yet he is the unfailing optimist who cares for everyone else while allowing himself to be severely taken for granted. Lydia is a talented girl who doesn't quite feel at home in her own skin, though she makes all outward attempts to appear as though she does. She sports a rough exterior and struggles to accept love from those who truly care about her.
Reed seems to be quite good at creating characters with distinct flaws. They were well-written, dynamic characters who felt believable. The supporting characters were also well thought out, though admittedly not always very likable.
The narrative is moving and somewhat intense, with several concurrent storylines running throughout. I very much enjoyed how it was all wrapped together with a solid, though somewhat quirky ending.
For those who enjoy something different, are fans of YA, and love a bit of magical realism, this is a fantastic read. I look forward to reading more from Amy Reed in the future.
See the full review at EPJ.
3.5 stars.
Another cute installment in the series. This reads very fast and keeps the whimsy of the previous stories. The ending was solid, but seemed a little overly rushed and could have had more development. All the same, I will be continuing with the series as it is a charming collection.
Another cute installment in the series. This reads very fast and keeps the whimsy of the previous stories. The ending was solid, but seemed a little overly rushed and could have had more development. All the same, I will be continuing with the series as it is a charming collection.
This isn't my usual reading fare, but it was a fun little detour. The story is completely over-the-top ridiculous, but it had me laughing out loud at a few spots all the same. I read this using the audiobook, which I think added to the fun...the narrator was great at creating the characters with individual voices, enhancing the character descriptions given by the author. This is a good cozy read or a good book to grab when you are looking for something for a bit of a pick-me-up. Entertaining, colorful, imaginative, and quirky in all the right places. This one was well worth the read.