emilyburdick's Reviews (389)

I read the first two books in this trilogy a few years ago, tried to read the final book and could not for the life of me get through it. I picked it back up this year for the sole purpose of finishing the series and it was a hard time. Especially because I didn't remember a lot of the story line from the other books (though I also only moderately enjoyed them too). I don't really have much to say about this book/series. It was okay, but there are definitely better fantasy series out there that feel more coheiseve and rounded out. The Seeker series felt like fantasy crossed with sci-fi and a bunch of other random elements; it didn't work for me. It felt like the author was trying to do too much and couldn't just pick one genre to stick with. Also can't get behind the third cousins romance...when I read the three year time jump at the end I physically cringed.  

I think I want to give this only three stars but my love for the first book is too strong. I don't do well with underlying meanings and metaphorical stories. And I honestly don't think the first book, even the second book, focused so strongly on the underlying message behind the entire story and that's why I liked them. The message was there, but it wasn't smashing you in the face like it was in Monsters of Men. I really struggled with the whole "the land", "the sky", "the burden" metaphors, and I still only vaguely feel like I know what that was all about. I also totally did not get the ending. I mean, I got it, but I didn't 'get' it. Also, the entire motivation for Prentiss' actions seems weak, and there are so many more questions I have. Like why did he have this special connection to the world/noise, and how did he get the connection/the ability to control people? Maybe I completely missed it. I think this story was dragged out and about 100 pages too long (possibly feel this way because war/fight scenes are some of my least favorite scenes in media and this entire book was literally a war). All that said, Todd and Viola are still some of my favorite characters in a book series and I really enjoyed Todd's internal struggle of right vs. wrong, trusting the mayor vs. not, seeing the good in people. I've always been a fan of the animals noise and it comes through so well in the audiobooks. Speaking of animals, I have one final question, why does Patrick Ness hate them?!

(R.I.P Acorn)

I've seen some pretty vicious reviews of this novella, and while I usually dislike novella's (I just want to be told what I need to know when reading the actual books in a series), I found this one cute and a refreshing break from the seriousness of the first trilogy. It was nice to get some chapters from character POV's that we haven't seen, and I loved getting a sneak peak at what's to come in Silver Flames. I think the reviews bashing this book are taking it too seriously. I get that it doesn't have the intensity of the last two books, and maybe lacked some of the eloquence SJM usually has, but the characters and world are still the same ones I fell in love with and I love any sneak peak into their "normal" lives. 

For being a random series I came across on kindle, this one came together nicely. I love love love the dystopian genre so I'm game to try any series that touches it. Did I feel like this trilogy could have been a duolgy? Yes, but I feel that a lot. However, I still have some questions that were left unanswered and I felt like the ending rushed itself because maybe the authors didn't have those answers. The final showdown was leading up to something badass and intense but then...fell short. Everything was just pulled off too easily and there were no crazy plot twists. There were no main or side character deaths to shock me or any conflict between the twins and Dallas after they returned to Texas. Everything was just peachy keen. I thought the time jump for the sisters last two chapters was nice to see the long term results of their winning the war, but I would have loved to see some of the initial repercussions. 

 Oh my gosh! I loved Anna K. This book had such gossip girl vibes it was amazing. I loved this style of writing, and how Jenny Lee blended so many different story lines and point of views. I will say, a lot of times I felt like Kimmie was the main character, as I feel like over half the story focused on her healing from heartbreak and going away to therapy. I didn't mind this, because I love Kimmie's character but the book is titled Anna K so I just assumed it would focus 75% on Anna. However, I haven't read Anna Karenina, so the way Anna K played out may be true to its inspiration. I was in shock during pretty much the entire part three, and I did feel it was sort of rushed compared to the long winded parts 1 and 2. I wish there had been some kind of conversation or repercussions between Anna and the person who released the video of her, but I understand why that didn't happen due to the events of the last few chapters. Overall, really enjoyed this story and I can't wait to see what happens to Anna in the second book.

Mostly just read this because it’s been on my TBR for forever. I’m a huge fan of Kiera Cass’ Selection Series but this did not live up to it in the slightest for me. Very flat in plot, characters and romance. The most fleshed out part of this story was the relationship between the sisters. I loved their commitment to each other and how they supported one another.

Maybe if I had read this book closer to the other two (and when I was younger) I would have enjoyed it. For me, this had nothing to offer as far as plot, and it was just another instance of will Lara Jean and Peter make it or not. I feel like the ending was too comfortable and perfect, and I think it would have shown a lot of growth had they not stayed together and decided to part ways on friendly terms. I also feel like all of Lara Jean’s personal growth came right at the end very conveniently. She has such a childish persona through every book and even when she’s trying to plan the wedding for her dad, she makes it more about what she wants than what her dad wants and what would be comfortable for everyone. All in all, this feels like a filler book rather than the ending to a very popular trilogy. To All the Boys would have benefitted more from being a duology in my opinion. 

Not my favorite in the series so far. This book was just so-so and I feel like nothing crazy happened (with the exception of the ending). Reading about Georgia’s antics is all in good fun though, and I don’t take it very seriously. I’m always excited to see what she gets into next and these are just fun books to read when I need something short.

I’m a huge fan of the dystopian genre and when I randomly came across this series on my kindle I got really excited by the premise. The second book didn’t hold up completely to its predecessor, but I am definitely still invested in seeing how this story plays out in the final book. I met my favorite characters in this book and I’m eager to see how things play out for them. My heart also broke at the end of this book and I have a terrible prediction for the way the overall story will end. I feel like it’s the best way to play out shock value. However, I desperately hope the authors found a different way. Maybe it will all just be happy at the end. 

I don’t know what I expected, but this wasn’t it. I was worried after the second book because it dragged a little at first, but I felt like The Scorch Trials had a strong ending. The Death Cure came in and wiped that to smithereens. I mean, seriously, none of my questions are answered. This trilogy is one of those that I read and I have no idea why I read it or what was supposed to be happening. I read a review that someone said reading the two prequels will answer questions more than the original trilogy but that just irks me. Even though I have plans to read them at some point, I don’t think Dashner should be reliant on people reading those to get their answers. The Maze Runner is such a strong start to this trilogy, and I hate how it declined so quickly in the next two books.