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forevermorepages's Reviews (811)
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-Book Hugger
check out my blog until I can get my crap together long enough to write a review! http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
-Book Hugger
check out my blog until I can get my crap together long enough to write a review! http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Um. What did I just finish? WHY DO BOOKS WITH HAPPY TITLES HAVE REALLY SAD PLOTS???
But it was amazing nonetheless. I can see why my friend disliked it, especially since she is Muslim, but it see the better side of it and I truly, truly loved this book.
-Book Hugger
But it was amazing nonetheless. I can see why my friend disliked it, especially since she is Muslim, but it see the better side of it and I truly, truly loved this book.
-Book Hugger
It took me more than a year to read this novel. I'm not actually sure why it took that long. Especially considering I loved this book. Sure, it had its faults, and by technicalities probably deserves a four star rating, but I also flew through it, loved the plot, and found nearly everything about it fantastic. It's getting a five star rating because I'm weak and this book was too emotionally captivating for me to rate it otherwise.
The character development here is fantastic, though incomplete right now. I'm wholly expecting Lyra and Gemma to grow more, especially with the weight of what they know now bearing heavily on their shoulders. I preferred Gemma's personality, but found Lyra's struggle with being human versus being a replica more interesting. I've always been fascinated with the concept of humanity. What really makes someone human? Is it their ability to feel? Is it their ability to bleed? In that sense, would a clone be just as human as someone born?
Gemma's character didn't have to struggle with being human (though, with the events toward the end, we might see some change in Ringer), but she did struggle with her confidence. I can't say much for whether the body type representation is good. Gemma talks a lot about her weight; her defining characteristic is being "fat" in her head. While some people might find this tedious and annoying, I found it realistic. She's a teenager, and being one myself, I resonate with someone who lets her insecurities define her rather than her good qualities. She becomes a much stronger and independent character throughout the novel, and I can't wait to see that furthered as the series goes on.
I especially loved the exploration of cloning, which I haven't seen done in a YA book yet, so it proved to be a unique plot. I loved the fast pace, which kept me interested. This book didn't spend much time in my backpack at school, and instead, I carried it in my arms so I could keep reading whenever I had spare time.
I also loved the split perspective, with half the book in Lyra's perspective and the other half in Gemma's. The scenes didn't overlay too much either (only for a little part in the middle), which made it even better. I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much if the scenes were the same in both parts, just narrated by different characters. Instead, Lyra and Gemma take different paths in the story, the plot joining and then separating, only for them to find each other again.
One of my main qualms here is the romance, which bordered insta-love in Lyra's part. Though, Gemma's romantic storyline was much better, and I felt myself very engaged in their relationship. I would much love to have a Pete. Even if his nickname is "Pervy Pete". As well, there were some inconsistencies in the beginning that I think could have been brushed up in another round of edits. I was a little confused when Lyra said she had never seen a boy and then casually mentioned seeing them later.
I also found Replica to be a tad predictable. I saw most of the plot-twists coming (except for one). This took away the element of surprise. I would have much preferred to not see the plot twists coming, but hopefully Ringer will have some surprises in it. Speaking of which, I am very glad Ringer is published, and I'm not waiting ten years for it to come out.
Anyway, I definitely recommend Replica. Lauren Oliver is becoming one of my favorite authors, especially considering I've read most of her books and the only one I dislike is Vanishing Girls.
-Book Hugger
reviews: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
The character development here is fantastic, though incomplete right now. I'm wholly expecting Lyra and Gemma to grow more, especially with the weight of what they know now bearing heavily on their shoulders. I preferred Gemma's personality, but found Lyra's struggle with being human versus being a replica more interesting. I've always been fascinated with the concept of humanity. What really makes someone human? Is it their ability to feel? Is it their ability to bleed? In that sense, would a clone be just as human as someone born?
Gemma's character didn't have to struggle with being human (though, with the events toward the end, we might see some change in Ringer), but she did struggle with her confidence. I can't say much for whether the body type representation is good. Gemma talks a lot about her weight; her defining characteristic is being "fat" in her head. While some people might find this tedious and annoying, I found it realistic. She's a teenager, and being one myself, I resonate with someone who lets her insecurities define her rather than her good qualities. She becomes a much stronger and independent character throughout the novel, and I can't wait to see that furthered as the series goes on.
I especially loved the exploration of cloning, which I haven't seen done in a YA book yet, so it proved to be a unique plot. I loved the fast pace, which kept me interested. This book didn't spend much time in my backpack at school, and instead, I carried it in my arms so I could keep reading whenever I had spare time.
I also loved the split perspective, with half the book in Lyra's perspective and the other half in Gemma's. The scenes didn't overlay too much either (only for a little part in the middle), which made it even better. I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much if the scenes were the same in both parts, just narrated by different characters. Instead, Lyra and Gemma take different paths in the story, the plot joining and then separating, only for them to find each other again.
One of my main qualms here is the romance, which bordered insta-love in Lyra's part. Though, Gemma's romantic storyline was much better, and I felt myself very engaged in their relationship. I would much love to have a Pete. Even if his nickname is "Pervy Pete". As well, there were some inconsistencies in the beginning that I think could have been brushed up in another round of edits. I was a little confused when Lyra said she had never seen a boy and then casually mentioned seeing them later.
I also found Replica to be a tad predictable. I saw most of the plot-twists coming (except for one). This took away the element of surprise. I would have much preferred to not see the plot twists coming, but hopefully Ringer will have some surprises in it. Speaking of which, I am very glad Ringer is published, and I'm not waiting ten years for it to come out.
Anyway, I definitely recommend Replica. Lauren Oliver is becoming one of my favorite authors, especially considering I've read most of her books and the only one I dislike is Vanishing Girls.
-Book Hugger
reviews: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Rating: ***** (for both) Suggested Age: 14
Oh my gosh, this series was quite the roller coaster. I can't believe it's taken this long for me to get a review out, but I've been so swamped with work...I'm sorry, guys. I promise I'll take more time to post these reviews. Anyway...on with it, shall we?
I will never get over how amazing Leigh Bardugo writes. She has some of the best lines and best characters. Every single character in this series was so well-planned and laid-out. My favorite is Wylan because he is so sweet and adorable. Also, he plays music and I can't quite get over that; I'm a fellow music lover. The only two characters I wasn't overly fond of were Nina and Matthias. The rest, though, oh my god--they're perfect. Kaz is fantastic and hilarious in a sadistic sort-of way. Then there's Inej who stands her ground, fights for what she believes in, and actually believes in herself; Inej is amazing. Also, Jesper has to be one of the most hilarious characters I have ever read and he's the biggest flirt in Ketterdam. Along with these main traits, they all have backstories and side plots that tie it all together. This is a lot of babbling and nonsense, but I hope it makes sense. I just really, really loved these characters.
"The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true."-Inej, page 135 of Six of Crows
Now the plot, which was so interesting and entertaining. I was on the edge of my seat and I seriously could not put this series down. I wasn't finished with the first book when I bought Crooked Kingdom, but I knew I would need it when I finished Six of Crows. I was right--I needed it. I picked it up right away and then when I finished it...well, let's just say that I really wish this was a trilogy BECAUSE I WANT MORE. THIS CAN'T BE ALL. Ugh. All the best things must come to an end some day. I just never wanted to say goodbye to these characters.
"Better terrible truths than kind lies."-Inej, page 308 of Six of Crows
I highly suggest you pick up this series, even if you cannot make sense of my complete nonsense above. I loved it so much, just please, give it a try. Even if you disliked Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy, you might like this. I do suggest, though, that you read The Grisha Trilogy first because there are slight crossovers that would make more sense with some background.
-Book Hugger
Oh my gosh, this series was quite the roller coaster. I can't believe it's taken this long for me to get a review out, but I've been so swamped with work...I'm sorry, guys. I promise I'll take more time to post these reviews. Anyway...on with it, shall we?
I will never get over how amazing Leigh Bardugo writes. She has some of the best lines and best characters. Every single character in this series was so well-planned and laid-out. My favorite is Wylan because he is so sweet and adorable. Also, he plays music and I can't quite get over that; I'm a fellow music lover. The only two characters I wasn't overly fond of were Nina and Matthias. The rest, though, oh my god--they're perfect. Kaz is fantastic and hilarious in a sadistic sort-of way. Then there's Inej who stands her ground, fights for what she believes in, and actually believes in herself; Inej is amazing. Also, Jesper has to be one of the most hilarious characters I have ever read and he's the biggest flirt in Ketterdam. Along with these main traits, they all have backstories and side plots that tie it all together. This is a lot of babbling and nonsense, but I hope it makes sense. I just really, really loved these characters.
"The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true."-Inej, page 135 of Six of Crows
Now the plot, which was so interesting and entertaining. I was on the edge of my seat and I seriously could not put this series down. I wasn't finished with the first book when I bought Crooked Kingdom, but I knew I would need it when I finished Six of Crows. I was right--I needed it. I picked it up right away and then when I finished it...well, let's just say that I really wish this was a trilogy BECAUSE I WANT MORE. THIS CAN'T BE ALL. Ugh. All the best things must come to an end some day. I just never wanted to say goodbye to these characters.
"Better terrible truths than kind lies."-Inej, page 308 of Six of Crows
I highly suggest you pick up this series, even if you cannot make sense of my complete nonsense above. I loved it so much, just please, give it a try. Even if you disliked Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy, you might like this. I do suggest, though, that you read The Grisha Trilogy first because there are slight crossovers that would make more sense with some background.
-Book Hugger
This was so close to five stars, and I really wanted to give it that much, but it had one, main issue: unnecessary romantic drama. There. I said it. I hate unnecessary romantic drama. Like, seriously, if you guys just talked, you wouldn't have these issues. Romantic drama only serves to stall the plot...there's so many better ways to do that (and also...shouldn't we be moving the plot forward?).
My favorite thing about When the Moon Was Ours was the writing. Marie-Anne McLemore writes in such a beautiful, unique way. Everything feels timeless and fragile in her worlds and I devour them. She writes both Sam and Miel's stories beautifully. While Miel's issues are no where near the magnitude of Sam's, this book at its core deals with self-acceptance. This novel is about learning to love yourself for everything you are. Miel needs to accept her gift of having roses grow from her skin and Sam needs to accept that he really is transgender, not just male to fill the spot in his family. This story is so beautiful. Usually stories of these nature revolve around gaining acceptance from family or friends, but that isn't the case here. No one cares that Sam is transgender, except maybe some bullies, and no one cares that Miel's wrists grow flowers, except for bullies as well. But the people that matter in their loves don't think these parts of them are bad. They love them anyway. This story is really important, something I probably needed to read too. We all could use a dose of self-acceptance, no matter what we're accepting about ourselves.
I found it interesting that these inner conflicts are juxtaposed against Aracely's (Miel's guardian) healing powers. For payment, she can make anyone's love for someone else go away, anyone's pain disappear. One woman comes back again and again after making the same mistakes again and again and Aracely heals her. She is never permanently healed. This was such a beautiful background to have, that we really cannot be healed by anyone but ourselves. Aracely makes her business doing this, perhaps to distract from her own need for inner-healing. I loved Aracely, even if she wasn't perfect and even if she lied to Miel. While I hate lying, I can understand Aracely's perspective. Sometimes we need time to come to terms with our truths before we tell them to other people.
While the lying and relationship drama dragged parts of this book along, I still found the story at its heart beautiful and necessary and wonderful. And I also think the author's note is one of the most heartfelt I have ever read; it's about her relationship with a transgender man who is now her husband and how he inspired Sam's story.
I urge anyone who has ever hated themselves to read this book, anyone who has ever struggled to accept themselves. Honestly, though, I really just think everyone should read this beautiful story.
-Book Hugger
bookhuggerreviews.com for many full reviews
My favorite thing about When the Moon Was Ours was the writing. Marie-Anne McLemore writes in such a beautiful, unique way. Everything feels timeless and fragile in her worlds and I devour them. She writes both Sam and Miel's stories beautifully. While Miel's issues are no where near the magnitude of Sam's, this book at its core deals with self-acceptance. This novel is about learning to love yourself for everything you are. Miel needs to accept her gift of having roses grow from her skin and Sam needs to accept that he really is transgender, not just male to fill the spot in his family. This story is so beautiful. Usually stories of these nature revolve around gaining acceptance from family or friends, but that isn't the case here. No one cares that Sam is transgender, except maybe some bullies, and no one cares that Miel's wrists grow flowers, except for bullies as well. But the people that matter in their loves don't think these parts of them are bad. They love them anyway. This story is really important, something I probably needed to read too. We all could use a dose of self-acceptance, no matter what we're accepting about ourselves.
I found it interesting that these inner conflicts are juxtaposed against Aracely's (Miel's guardian) healing powers. For payment, she can make anyone's love for someone else go away, anyone's pain disappear. One woman comes back again and again after making the same mistakes again and again and Aracely heals her. She is never permanently healed. This was such a beautiful background to have, that we really cannot be healed by anyone but ourselves. Aracely makes her business doing this, perhaps to distract from her own need for inner-healing. I loved Aracely, even if she wasn't perfect and even if she lied to Miel. While I hate lying, I can understand Aracely's perspective. Sometimes we need time to come to terms with our truths before we tell them to other people.
While the lying and relationship drama dragged parts of this book along, I still found the story at its heart beautiful and necessary and wonderful. And I also think the author's note is one of the most heartfelt I have ever read; it's about her relationship with a transgender man who is now her husband and how he inspired Sam's story.
I urge anyone who has ever hated themselves to read this book, anyone who has ever struggled to accept themselves. Honestly, though, I really just think everyone should read this beautiful story.
-Book Hugger
bookhuggerreviews.com for many full reviews
I don't know how to survive having finished this. I feel like I could cry. It was everything I wanted and more, even if it wasn't what I expected.
I'll review it, I promise. But this college gal also has to study study study.
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We have a title. We have a cover. We have a release date. This is going to be my favorite book of 2019. No doubt about it. I love it already.
(Also this made my week.)
I'll review it, I promise. But this college gal also has to study study study.
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We have a title. We have a cover. We have a release date. This is going to be my favorite book of 2019. No doubt about it. I love it already.
(Also this made my week.)
A little too cheesy and cliché, especially for someone who doesn't believe in love at first sight. True love, that I can handle, but love at first sight is a little too coincidental.
I loved the writing though, so there's a chance that I'll pick up another Jennifer E. Smith book in the future. There's this lyrical quality to it that I really liked.
-Book Hugger
For my longer, less "it's getting late, gotta rush, not even gonna put this on my blog" reviews, check out my blog http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
-Book Hugger
I loved the writing though, so there's a chance that I'll pick up another Jennifer E. Smith book in the future. There's this lyrical quality to it that I really liked.
-Book Hugger
For my longer, less "it's getting late, gotta rush, not even gonna put this on my blog" reviews, check out my blog http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
-Book Hugger
Uh that ending was insane and I have a prediction, but I guess I'll have to wait and see...
Review to come.
Review to come.
I honestly expected so much more from this and I'm crazy disappointed. For awhile it seemed like maybe a three star read for the good message, but in the end, I don't feel like this book gave off a good message. Jamie deserves someone so much better than Dylan. I feel for Dylan, I really do, but nothing excuses his horrible actions, his half-assed apologies, and his jackassery. (I really couldn't find better words there, I'm sorry). For a second, I thought maybe he and Jamie weren't going to end up together, that she was going to pick herself over him and JP, but ya know, can't hold your breath too long, because bam, she forgives him...and for why??
I think this book could have been much better if written from Jamie's perspective. (Admittedly, though, I respect the author's decision to not write a trans girl as she is cis.) However, the author tried too hard with Dylan's thoughts, so much so that I honestly would have thought it were written by a man if I hadn't already known the author is female—when Dylan first meets Jamie, he imagines her "underneath him" and then thinks lewd thoughts about another girl in group, only to find out she's 12 and calls himself a pedophile. None of this read right to me, and honestly concerned me a bit. We're supposed to like this guy? Who objectifies girls and is never called out for it? What?
The dialogue was stilted, the writing weird, and the plot largely uncomfortable. The extra star is purely because I really understood Dylan wanting his dad's approval. Not that I've been in exactly the same scenario (by far), but I kind of got that. It was the most thought-out facet of the novel. (Although the twist withhis mom not actually getting a sign from his dad and tracking him on her phone instead was quite weird and unnecessary.
Anyway, I didn't enjoy this. This review isn't going on my blog. But ya know, I wrote a review, we should be proud.
I think this book could have been much better if written from Jamie's perspective. (Admittedly, though, I respect the author's decision to not write a trans girl as she is cis.) However, the author tried too hard with Dylan's thoughts, so much so that I honestly would have thought it were written by a man if I hadn't already known the author is female—when Dylan first meets Jamie, he imagines her "underneath him" and then thinks lewd thoughts about another girl in group, only to find out she's 12 and calls himself a pedophile. None of this read right to me, and honestly concerned me a bit. We're supposed to like this guy? Who objectifies girls and is never called out for it? What?
The dialogue was stilted, the writing weird, and the plot largely uncomfortable. The extra star is purely because I really understood Dylan wanting his dad's approval. Not that I've been in exactly the same scenario (by far), but I kind of got that. It was the most thought-out facet of the novel. (Although the twist with
Anyway, I didn't enjoy this. This review isn't going on my blog. But ya know, I wrote a review, we should be proud.
"Sympathy doesn't mean much if you don't take action." -Em, page 71
I definitely enjoyed Ruined and it was great pick-me-up after the disappointment I found in The Last Star. However, I noticed a few similarities to Throne of Glass and was hoping for something more original. With that said, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and found it extremely entertaining. Amy Tintera writes really well and I loved her characters I found both Em and Cas likable in their own ways. It made me pretty happy to see that Em wasn't the same as all the other main characters in young adult fiction--self-conscious, plain, and weak. I love the new reign of main characters coming in, the ones who are inspiring and heroic. Also, Cas is another precious snowflake who needs to be protected (he's perfect, okay?).
Other than the plot similarities to Throne of Glass, I was rather confused about the Ruined. Who are they? Why do people hate them? Maybe I missed the explanation somewhere, but it didn't make complete sense to me. Hopefully, this will all be tied up in the sequel (which I so desperately need, by the way).
I'm glad I got this book from the library because I don't see myself rereading it, but I did really like it. I can't wait to read the sequel, but sadly it doesn't come out for a while. I recommend this to fantasy fans, but if you're looking for something new and original, turn away.
-Book Hugger
For more reviews like this, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I definitely enjoyed Ruined and it was great pick-me-up after the disappointment I found in The Last Star. However, I noticed a few similarities to Throne of Glass and was hoping for something more original. With that said, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and found it extremely entertaining. Amy Tintera writes really well and I loved her characters I found both Em and Cas likable in their own ways. It made me pretty happy to see that Em wasn't the same as all the other main characters in young adult fiction--self-conscious, plain, and weak. I love the new reign of main characters coming in, the ones who are inspiring and heroic. Also, Cas is another precious snowflake who needs to be protected (he's perfect, okay?).
Other than the plot similarities to Throne of Glass, I was rather confused about the Ruined. Who are they? Why do people hate them? Maybe I missed the explanation somewhere, but it didn't make complete sense to me. Hopefully, this will all be tied up in the sequel (which I so desperately need, by the way).
I'm glad I got this book from the library because I don't see myself rereading it, but I did really like it. I can't wait to read the sequel, but sadly it doesn't come out for a while. I recommend this to fantasy fans, but if you're looking for something new and original, turn away.
-Book Hugger
For more reviews like this, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com