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I can definitely tell this is Alice Oseman's debut because it doesn't have the same maturity as Radio Silence, but I loved it? Still? The most special thing about it is that there's a lot under the surface. In that aspect, it reminded me very much of The Catcher in the Rye. Even the blurb on the front cover calls it "The Catcher in the Rye of the digital age" and I can't think of a more accurate description. Throughout, there were subtle references to J.D. Salinger's classic novel, from Michael HOLDEN to Tori dreaming of being caught falling from the cliff like Holden dreams to do in CITR. I recently read The Catcher in the Rye for school and loved it so much, so this was just...really special for me?
Another thing I like about all of Oseman's books is that there's a focus on unhappy endings. None of her books end remarkably happy. All three of them are about a downward spiral, things that get worse before they get better, and have endings that are somewhat optimistic in nature, but remark upon mental health. Solitaire does not end happily, but its ending is important and valuable. This book is about a girl who tries so hard to save other people, like Charlie, that she doesn't realize she needs saving herself. It's also about expecting other people to save you, when you're the only one who can do that. It singlehandedly demolishes the idea that love cures all through both Nick and Charlie's story and Tori's own story.
"All I know is that I’m here. And I’m alive. And I’m not alone.”
At this rate, I'll read everything Alice Oseman writes. Her novels are so timely, so important. This is a book that a historian could look back upon and say, "Yes. This is the 21st century." Oseman captures now so well. While some people may argue that this could cause her books to wither out as time goes on, I think the underlying themes will always be relevant. Fandoms may change, technology may change, but the root of human suffering, love, and friendship won't. Society will always need books that place friendship above romance. Oseman's books are peak millennial culture and I'm living for it.
As for the romance, I wasn't entirely expecting it, but at the same time I was. It was so subtle, so friends to lovers, that it worked remarkably. I won't say who or what because spoilers, but it definitely didn't stray from showing the importance of friendship above all. While this novel discusses romance a little more than Radio Silence did, it's certainly about friendship as well. That's one of my favorite things about Oseman, that her books are first and foremost about friendship, and to expect anything else is foolish.
In a nutshell, I loved this book. It had its flaws, was slightly problematic and crass in the beginning (but it didn't justify the statements, just made it realistic), but all of that is overshadowed by its importance, its message. I urge you to pick up an Alice Oseman book.
Also, a trigger warning for eating disorders and self-harm. Stay safe, folks.
“But books–they’re different. When you watch a film, you’re sort of an outsider looking in. With a book–you’re right there. You are inside. You are the main character.”
-Book Hugger
Blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Another thing I like about all of Oseman's books is that there's a focus on unhappy endings. None of her books end remarkably happy. All three of them are about a downward spiral, things that get worse before they get better, and have endings that are somewhat optimistic in nature, but remark upon mental health. Solitaire does not end happily, but its ending is important and valuable. This book is about a girl who tries so hard to save other people, like Charlie, that she doesn't realize she needs saving herself. It's also about expecting other people to save you, when you're the only one who can do that. It singlehandedly demolishes the idea that love cures all through both Nick and Charlie's story and Tori's own story.
"All I know is that I’m here. And I’m alive. And I’m not alone.”
At this rate, I'll read everything Alice Oseman writes. Her novels are so timely, so important. This is a book that a historian could look back upon and say, "Yes. This is the 21st century." Oseman captures now so well. While some people may argue that this could cause her books to wither out as time goes on, I think the underlying themes will always be relevant. Fandoms may change, technology may change, but the root of human suffering, love, and friendship won't. Society will always need books that place friendship above romance. Oseman's books are peak millennial culture and I'm living for it.
As for the romance, I wasn't entirely expecting it, but at the same time I was. It was so subtle, so friends to lovers, that it worked remarkably. I won't say who or what because spoilers, but it definitely didn't stray from showing the importance of friendship above all. While this novel discusses romance a little more than Radio Silence did, it's certainly about friendship as well. That's one of my favorite things about Oseman, that her books are first and foremost about friendship, and to expect anything else is foolish.
In a nutshell, I loved this book. It had its flaws, was slightly problematic and crass in the beginning (but it didn't justify the statements, just made it realistic), but all of that is overshadowed by its importance, its message. I urge you to pick up an Alice Oseman book.
Also, a trigger warning for eating disorders and self-harm. Stay safe, folks.
“But books–they’re different. When you watch a film, you’re sort of an outsider looking in. With a book–you’re right there. You are inside. You are the main character.”
-Book Hugger
Blog: http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
“Look, everyone talks about the unknown like it's some big scary thing, but it's the familiar that's always bothered me. It's heavy, builds up around you like rocks, until it's walls and a ceiling and a cell.”
I'm insanely behind on reviews, so I do apologize for how late and/or spacey this review is. Although, I do have a legitimate excuse. Following Spring Break, I had a gigantic essay due and AP testing. Now that al that fun stuff is over, I've had an excess of free time, which means I can catch up on the seven reviews I need to do.
Anyway, onto A Gathering of Shadows. It had been awhile since I read A Darker Shade of Magic, and I was worried my memory would be impaired, but I actually picked everything up fairly quickly and wasn't too lost, so this rating does not reflect a lack of memory. (But the review might.)
In reality, I was fairly disappointed with what came out of A Gathering of Shadows, but still loved it. The characters were as fresh and amazing as usual, and I especially loved seeing more into Rhys's character, specifically his relationship with Alucard, which added so much more depth to him. I honestly hated Alucard in this book (wait for my review of A Conjuring of Light if you're upset I hate him because I actually don't anymore) because of what he did to Rhys. Though, I did like how much he cared (?) for Lila; their relationship was actually hilarious.
Speaking of Lila, in this book she was fantastic. I have seen reviews that criticized her character in this book specifically, but in my opinion, she grew more into her character. We saw facets of Lila that weren't in A Darker Shade of Magic, especially with her past and all. As well, Kell grew more into his character too, and we saw how reckless the both of them are, but how determined to protect the other from being reckless—their hypocrisy really showed through.
I also loved the development of their relationship. It picked up right where it left off. I think it's one of the most perfect slow burns I've ever read, and aspire to have that much of a beautiful romance in my books. Theirs is one of my favorite romances I've ever read.
Continuously, Schwab is by far the most talented writer I have ever read. Every word she writes paints an image in the reader's head and her words are so beautiful, I spent multiple times just processing the writing and how much I loved it. Maybe that's why it took me so long to get through it, I kept pausing to admire the writing...
Okay, onto the not-so-great parts. A Gathering of Shadows was a filler book. It became essentially what every other second book in a trilogy has been, a bridge between two plot-filled novels. It was more of a character study, with a plot-line not impacted by the book prior or the book succeeding it, and honestly, the plot-line was unnecessary. It served as a means for Kell and Lila to meet again, but didn't further the main plot in any other way. The more pertinent plot points came in chapters told about Holland, which were a rather small part of the book (though I will say that I am 100% on board with loving Holland now; he's definitely more of an antihero than a villain). This is my largest issue with the novel, because I can't help but think that only the last third, possibly less, was actually important to A Conjuring of Light, especially knowing what happens in the third book now. Schwab would have been more successful consolidating it into a duology or having a more continuous plot-line through the series. While I loved the characters and their development through A Gathering of Shadows, I couldn't give it the five stars I wanted to give it for this reason.
“'Fix your crown, my prince,' he called back as he reached the door. 'It's crooked.'”
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I'm insanely behind on reviews, so I do apologize for how late and/or spacey this review is. Although, I do have a legitimate excuse. Following Spring Break, I had a gigantic essay due and AP testing. Now that al that fun stuff is over, I've had an excess of free time, which means I can catch up on the seven reviews I need to do.
Anyway, onto A Gathering of Shadows. It had been awhile since I read A Darker Shade of Magic, and I was worried my memory would be impaired, but I actually picked everything up fairly quickly and wasn't too lost, so this rating does not reflect a lack of memory. (But the review might.)
In reality, I was fairly disappointed with what came out of A Gathering of Shadows, but still loved it. The characters were as fresh and amazing as usual, and I especially loved seeing more into Rhys's character, specifically his relationship with Alucard, which added so much more depth to him. I honestly hated Alucard in this book (wait for my review of A Conjuring of Light if you're upset I hate him because I actually don't anymore) because of what he did to Rhys. Though, I did like how much he cared (?) for Lila; their relationship was actually hilarious.
Speaking of Lila, in this book she was fantastic. I have seen reviews that criticized her character in this book specifically, but in my opinion, she grew more into her character. We saw facets of Lila that weren't in A Darker Shade of Magic, especially with her past and all. As well, Kell grew more into his character too, and we saw how reckless the both of them are, but how determined to protect the other from being reckless—their hypocrisy really showed through.
I also loved the development of their relationship. It picked up right where it left off. I think it's one of the most perfect slow burns I've ever read, and aspire to have that much of a beautiful romance in my books. Theirs is one of my favorite romances I've ever read.
Continuously, Schwab is by far the most talented writer I have ever read. Every word she writes paints an image in the reader's head and her words are so beautiful, I spent multiple times just processing the writing and how much I loved it. Maybe that's why it took me so long to get through it, I kept pausing to admire the writing...
Okay, onto the not-so-great parts. A Gathering of Shadows was a filler book. It became essentially what every other second book in a trilogy has been, a bridge between two plot-filled novels. It was more of a character study, with a plot-line not impacted by the book prior or the book succeeding it, and honestly, the plot-line was unnecessary. It served as a means for Kell and Lila to meet again, but didn't further the main plot in any other way. The more pertinent plot points came in chapters told about Holland, which were a rather small part of the book (though I will say that I am 100% on board with loving Holland now; he's definitely more of an antihero than a villain). This is my largest issue with the novel, because I can't help but think that only the last third, possibly less, was actually important to A Conjuring of Light, especially knowing what happens in the third book now. Schwab would have been more successful consolidating it into a duology or having a more continuous plot-line through the series. While I loved the characters and their development through A Gathering of Shadows, I couldn't give it the five stars I wanted to give it for this reason.
“'Fix your crown, my prince,' he called back as he reached the door. 'It's crooked.'”
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
I think this is going to be four stars...but I'll see when I make my review.
I'm getting slightly back into blogging, I think. School has been fighting me the last few weeks, but I'm pushing back.
-Book Hugger
I'm getting slightly back into blogging, I think. School has been fighting me the last few weeks, but I'm pushing back.
-Book Hugger
Meet Cute
Meredith Russo, Dhonielle Clayton, Julie Murphy, Nicola Yoon, Ibi Zoboi, Katie Cotugno, Jocelyn Davies, Kass Morgan, Katharine McGee, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Nina LaCour, Emery Lord, Sara Shepard
1. Siege Etiquette: This was so bad. I didn’t enjoy the second-person writing style, the romance was based on cheating, the main characters had no chemistry whatsoever, and it just wasn’t…special. I found myself skimming through it and wishing for the end. Definitely not a good start to a short story collection. 1/5 stars
2. The Print Shop: This was so cute? I will admit though that I think the romance felt aggressively rushed and forced. It was too unrealistic for my taste? But I absolutely adored the plot-line, writing style, and setting! Also the MC was so precious <3 4/5 stars
3. Hourglass: This was actually really interesting, but the meet cute, if you can call it that, happened in the last two pages. It really left A LOT to be desired. Most of the plot ends up in the air so we don’t actually have a definitive ending—sometimes that works, but here it definitely didn’t. It felt like Zoboi stopped writing halfway through the story. 3/5
4. Click: OKAY I LOVE THIS. I almost dnf’d it early on because it mentions a brain aneurism and I know someone who died from one—I wasn’t really in the mood to read about it. But I’m so glad I continued...it was just so good? It wasn’t the most original, but compared to the first three, it kind of was. 5/5
5. The Intern: This was sweet and cute, but man, did their relationship feel forced. It was too rushed and definitely could have been slowed down! 3/5
6. Somewhere That’s Green: This was really important and diverse, but after, I kept thinking about how being gay doesn’t really excuse Lexie’s initial behavior. I dunno, it was really, really good, but I think the characters were too quick to forgive. 4/5
7. The Way We Love Here: That was...weird? I kind of enjoyed it, but I think the world-building was too weak to make the plot really strong. Overall, I did like it, but I don’t really feel attached to it. 3/5
8. Oomph: I THINK I AM IN LOVE. I was worried my only 5 star would be a straight meet-cute, but here we are, 5 starring the lesbian airport meet-cute of my absolute day-dreams. Love. Also?? It made me feel better about going to college on the East Coast? Would you look at that!!! 5/5 easy
9. The Dictionary of You and Me: Something about this made me cringe when I finished reading it. It’s objectively not awful, but it’s...so cheesy. I’m not made for this boring stuff. 2/5
10. The Unlikely Likelihood of Falling in Love: I sent screenshots of the ebook to my friend while reading this to laugh about how cheesy the writing was. And also the fact that I do not believe in love at first sight. At all. And especially not for 16-17 year olds who meet the man of their dreams on the subway. I found the statistics stuff the best part because I took AP Stats but even that was subpar. 1/5
11. 259 Million Miles: I love myself an angsty meet cute that addresses the issue of cyberbullying and social media! But! I didn’t feel like the story properly addressed Philip’s incident, which is weird to say, and I’m not sure how to explain it—it was just off. 3/5
12. Something Real: Oh, I loved that. I kinda wish I had a whole book about this though because the content feels more suited for that than a short story. Ultimately, I did love it though and I just,,,want more!! 4/5
13. Say Everything: I genuinely hated the beginning but WOW did it pick up at the end. It even had a sweet message? 3/5
14. The Department of Dead Love: This was SO GOOD! The concept was crazy original and the characters were good and just!! I love!! 5/5
Avg out to 3.28
-Book Hugger
2. The Print Shop: This was so cute? I will admit though that I think the romance felt aggressively rushed and forced. It was too unrealistic for my taste? But I absolutely adored the plot-line, writing style, and setting! Also the MC was so precious <3 4/5 stars
3. Hourglass: This was actually really interesting, but the meet cute, if you can call it that, happened in the last two pages. It really left A LOT to be desired. Most of the plot ends up in the air so we don’t actually have a definitive ending—sometimes that works, but here it definitely didn’t. It felt like Zoboi stopped writing halfway through the story. 3/5
4. Click: OKAY I LOVE THIS. I almost dnf’d it early on because it mentions a brain aneurism and I know someone who died from one—I wasn’t really in the mood to read about it. But I’m so glad I continued...it was just so good? It wasn’t the most original, but compared to the first three, it kind of was. 5/5
5. The Intern: This was sweet and cute, but man, did their relationship feel forced. It was too rushed and definitely could have been slowed down! 3/5
6. Somewhere That’s Green: This was really important and diverse, but after, I kept thinking about how being gay doesn’t really excuse Lexie’s initial behavior. I dunno, it was really, really good, but I think the characters were too quick to forgive. 4/5
7. The Way We Love Here: That was...weird? I kind of enjoyed it, but I think the world-building was too weak to make the plot really strong. Overall, I did like it, but I don’t really feel attached to it. 3/5
8. Oomph: I THINK I AM IN LOVE. I was worried my only 5 star would be a straight meet-cute, but here we are, 5 starring the lesbian airport meet-cute of my absolute day-dreams. Love. Also?? It made me feel better about going to college on the East Coast? Would you look at that!!! 5/5 easy
9. The Dictionary of You and Me: Something about this made me cringe when I finished reading it. It’s objectively not awful, but it’s...so cheesy. I’m not made for this boring stuff. 2/5
10. The Unlikely Likelihood of Falling in Love: I sent screenshots of the ebook to my friend while reading this to laugh about how cheesy the writing was. And also the fact that I do not believe in love at first sight. At all. And especially not for 16-17 year olds who meet the man of their dreams on the subway. I found the statistics stuff the best part because I took AP Stats but even that was subpar. 1/5
11. 259 Million Miles: I love myself an angsty meet cute that addresses the issue of cyberbullying and social media! But! I didn’t feel like the story properly addressed Philip’s incident, which is weird to say, and I’m not sure how to explain it—it was just off. 3/5
12. Something Real: Oh, I loved that. I kinda wish I had a whole book about this though because the content feels more suited for that than a short story. Ultimately, I did love it though and I just,,,want more!! 4/5
13. Say Everything: I genuinely hated the beginning but WOW did it pick up at the end. It even had a sweet message? 3/5
14. The Department of Dead Love: This was SO GOOD! The concept was crazy original and the characters were good and just!! I love!! 5/5
Avg out to 3.28
-Book Hugger
Okay, review time!
This was boring as hell (is that weird to say because I feel like hell would be kind of exciting and so much more exciting than this book). The beginning wasn't horrible until it hit a slump-y point towards the middle that caused me to nurse this book for a few weeks because I WAS SO BORED.
I was a little confused toward the end too and,seriously just keep your characters dead. Honest to God, don't resurrect anyone wtf. Rhysand (not to mention I'm NOT in love with him) should have stayed dead. It's REALISTIC.
I did enjoy this book. A lot. I still will read Maas's other books (though I could do without the sexy times because really this is YA), I just find that as her series go on, they go farther downhill. She has a problem with characterization and plot changes. But this book was still super exciting at points and I got to see more of my babe Cassian and my love Mor. The reason this gets 3 stars is because I was still interested, her writing is still beautiful, and I think Cassian and Mor count as a star each. Though, really, I did like this book. Don't get me wrong...
Speaking of Mor...I was so so so happy to see a lesbian (?) character in this book, but I think Maas handled her sexuality horribly. Is she gay or bi? Why does she find interest in men? Why was this treated like a plot device instead of a normal part of someone's life? Why can't we have a society accepting of the lgbt+ community? Why can't mates include f/f and m/m couples??? I have so many questions and I don't think Maas would ever give us the answers to them. Her world is so heteronormative and treats anything else like it's a plot device and abnormal when it should be treated so much better. When Mor came out on page, I was so happy, okay? It was something I needed to see, but I wish it were treated better. And God forbid someone use the title of a sexuality on page...
Though, I will praise Maas for making ACOWAR so much more diverse. Thank. God.
-Book Hugger
This was boring as hell (is that weird to say because I feel like hell would be kind of exciting and so much more exciting than this book). The beginning wasn't horrible until it hit a slump-y point towards the middle that caused me to nurse this book for a few weeks because I WAS SO BORED.
I was a little confused toward the end too and,
I did enjoy this book. A lot. I still will read Maas's other books (though I could do without the sexy times because really this is YA), I just find that as her series go on, they go farther downhill. She has a problem with characterization and plot changes. But this book was still super exciting at points and I got to see more of my babe Cassian and my love Mor. The reason this gets 3 stars is because I was still interested, her writing is still beautiful, and I think Cassian and Mor count as a star each. Though, really, I did like this book. Don't get me wrong...
Speaking of Mor...
Though, I will praise Maas for making ACOWAR so much more diverse. Thank. God.
-Book Hugger
I'm not going to post a review of this book on my blog, so I'll review it here.
First, this book was amazing and destroyed me heart and soul. What was lacking in ACOTAR (especially in the romance department) was improved here by ten million miles. I have some problems with it, which I'll address after my glowing review here, but it was so so amazing that I couldn't NOT give it five stars.
Rhysand...omg well...I told myself I wouldn't fall in love with him. HAHAHAHAHA. Yeah. I was wrong. Oops. He's just everything Tamlin (the JERK) isn't and is perfect in every way possible oh my god.
Cassian...and the whole Inner Circle while I'm at it, is 100% amazing and I'm in love. Especially, Cassian. Once he scolded Nesta at the dinner table, I was in love. Possibly even more than I love Rhysand.
I loved the political aspects, which you don't really see in Throne of Glass. It's a nice change from non-stop action and violence and assassins (as great as that is too). I loved all the courts and can I just live in the Night Court, please? Though, my friends say I'd be in the Dawn Court...ugh.
Anyway, my few qualms:
As much as I feel for Feyre's struggle, I'm not a huge fan.
I feel like the whole mating bond thing is kinda sexist. Though, I do love that thing that Rhysand did at the end (read it to find out) because that was EQUALITY and I like. But there's a little sexism in this society and I think I'm beginning to wish that fictional societies could be equal too...because we don't get that in really, but I'd sure love to see it in FANTASY.
And yeah, I'm not going to leave out the problematic aspects, like her lack of diversity, because yes, that is a problem. Though, from what I've heard she's been improving it, especially with ACOWAR, so props to her. I do wish we could see some variation in color, sexuality, etc here, though.
And lastly...if someone purrs one more time, I might flip every table. It's such a weird description. Why.
-Book Hugger
For more professional reviews, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
First, this book was amazing and destroyed me heart and soul. What was lacking in ACOTAR (especially in the romance department) was improved here by ten million miles. I have some problems with it, which I'll address after my glowing review here, but it was so so amazing that I couldn't NOT give it five stars.
Rhysand...omg well...I told myself I wouldn't fall in love with him. HAHAHAHAHA. Yeah. I was wrong. Oops. He's just everything Tamlin (the JERK) isn't and is perfect in every way possible oh my god.
Cassian...and the whole Inner Circle while I'm at it, is 100% amazing and I'm in love. Especially, Cassian. Once he scolded Nesta at the dinner table, I was in love. Possibly even more than I love Rhysand.
I loved the political aspects, which you don't really see in Throne of Glass. It's a nice change from non-stop action and violence and assassins (as great as that is too). I loved all the courts and can I just live in the Night Court, please? Though, my friends say I'd be in the Dawn Court...ugh.
Anyway, my few qualms:
As much as I feel for Feyre's struggle, I'm not a huge fan.
I feel like the whole mating bond thing is kinda sexist. Though, I do love that thing that Rhysand did at the end (read it to find out) because that was EQUALITY and I like. But there's a little sexism in this society and I think I'm beginning to wish that fictional societies could be equal too...because we don't get that in really, but I'd sure love to see it in FANTASY.
And yeah, I'm not going to leave out the problematic aspects, like her lack of diversity, because yes, that is a problem. Though, from what I've heard she's been improving it, especially with ACOWAR, so props to her. I do wish we could see some variation in color, sexuality, etc here, though.
And lastly...if someone purrs one more time, I might flip every table. It's such a weird description. Why.
-Book Hugger
For more professional reviews, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
One of my main problems with A Reaper at the Gates was my pathetic recollection of A Torch Against the Night, meaning I was extremely confused for the first portion. It ended up jogging some of my memory, but I think my enjoyment of this novel would have been higher if I reread the first two. I'll definitely have to do that for the fourth and final book...
Anyway, aside from that, my only other issue was that this felt like a filler novel. Not a lot happened, but it happened over the course of a lot of pages. There were chapters upon chapters of Elias whining in a forest, walking in a forest, staying at a house. These were not interesting chapters and they basically ruined my enjoyment of my favorite character. That being said, the parts about Laia and Helene nearly made up for it (nearly meaning this is why it has four stars only not five). Lana's pieces were fascinating and a reminder of why I love her so much, but I think Helene's were the most interesting part of the book. I have had a love-hate relationship with Helene since she was introduced, but she's a really, really well-written character because of her morally-grayness. She's definitely not a good character, but we can't call her pure evil either. (I also have a soft-spot for the men she works with. I can't remember their names because I'm a terrible reviewer, but I love them so much!!!)
If you're on the fence about picking up A Reaper at the Gates, consider reading it just for Helene's character development. I'm so excited to see where she goes in the next installment. Despite her many flaws and how problematic she is, she's becoming a favorite character of mine.
While this definitely lacked in plot, I can see why it was important because a lot of the stuff in it will lead to things in the next book, the finale. I can't say I enjoyed all of it, because I was definitely bored at times, but I can say that the fourth book will most certainly be better. I think I can look past this book and see how amazing the other three were.
Anyway, in general, I highly recommend this series. It has kick-butt characters, a fabulous diverse cast, and wonderful writing.
-Book Hugger
Anyway, aside from that, my only other issue was that this felt like a filler novel. Not a lot happened, but it happened over the course of a lot of pages. There were chapters upon chapters of Elias whining in a forest, walking in a forest, staying at a house. These were not interesting chapters and they basically ruined my enjoyment of my favorite character. That being said, the parts about Laia and Helene nearly made up for it (nearly meaning this is why it has four stars only not five). Lana's pieces were fascinating and a reminder of why I love her so much, but I think Helene's were the most interesting part of the book. I have had a love-hate relationship with Helene since she was introduced, but she's a really, really well-written character because of her morally-grayness. She's definitely not a good character, but we can't call her pure evil either. (I also have a soft-spot for the men she works with. I can't remember their names because I'm a terrible reviewer, but I love them so much!!!)
If you're on the fence about picking up A Reaper at the Gates, consider reading it just for Helene's character development. I'm so excited to see where she goes in the next installment. Despite her many flaws and how problematic she is, she's becoming a favorite character of mine.
While this definitely lacked in plot, I can see why it was important because a lot of the stuff in it will lead to things in the next book, the finale. I can't say I enjoyed all of it, because I was definitely bored at times, but I can say that the fourth book will most certainly be better. I think I can look past this book and see how amazing the other three were.
Anyway, in general, I highly recommend this series. It has kick-butt characters, a fabulous diverse cast, and wonderful writing.
-Book Hugger
This is somewhere between a four and a five star read, but I'm a little irked that the ending didn't give the MC more consequences. Other than that, though, I really, really loved it.
I need to think for a bit before I rate this because it's somewhere between a 3 and a 4. It did impact me emotionally (hence that I'm thinking of a four), but critically, the mystery was weakly handled, the dialogue was forced, and the side characters weren't fleshed out enough.
-Book Hugger
-Book Hugger
WARNING. In this review I am very salty. My opinions are my own. If you love this book and don't want to see it insulted, scroll past this please.
Everybody and their mom loves The Cruel Prince and I did not. At all. This might actually be the last book I ever read with faeries in them because so far I haven't enjoyed any of them (see: A Court of Thorns and Roses, the series I gave too high of stars for). I actually forgot most of this book, so we'll see how great this review turns out. Only a few scenes really stick in my head, and fortunately for me, they're the ones I actually liked.
I somewhat enjoyed the dynamic between Jude and Cardan once it became less bullying and more romantic, but I don't really condone his actions. These faerie books LOVE abusive romances. *Gagging noises* Anyway, Jude and Cardan's wasn't terribly unhealthy once things became possibly romantic between them. The same goes for her and Locke, but the details regarding that are spoiler-y. Just fyi, though, there's not really a love triangle—one romance is over before the other starts and that is all I will say.
I wasn't originally a huge fan of Cardan, but I have a sucker for boys with sad backstories so I kind of fell for him. Though, I will complain here that there was one passage that referred to Jude or someone thinking he'd be abusive purely because he was abused. That's a really harmful way of thinking that I'm surprised no one has complained about yet. Yes, most abusers were abused first. Yes, it's common. But no, being abused doesn't make someone a monster, and they ultimately have the choice whether or not they abuse. Past abuse is never an excuse for abuse, nor should a person suggest one may be abusive because of their past. From what I've heard and seen, abused people tend to fear for becoming their parents, etc, and this is a harmful way of thinking that can only encourage their negative thoughts.
*Drops mic*
Okay, moving on. We all know I actually liked Cardan, BUT I did not like that he and Jude kept denying their love for each other. That was worthless. Little was at stake. It was the most unhealthy part of their relationship to be honest, especially when she regards that she knew it was wrong to be kissing him, but did it anyway. Like ???
As we can already see, this book was a Mess. I didn't understand how Jude's sister entered and exited the court freely, but yet they all acted like they couldn't leave. Did I miss something? I also didn't understand why Jude was so dumb. Everyone loves her, but WHY? She does so many dumb things throughout this novel that I forgot she's supposed to be old enough to know better than to do the dumb things.
Furthermore, there were too many characters. It got really difficult trying to keep track of them all, what they stood for, whose side they were on, etc. And, to be honest, I frankly didn't care.
Lastly, I found the plot a little unoriginal. It reminded me a lot of Sarah J. Maas's plots, but maybe a lighter version. Nothing really screamed "NEW" at me.
I honestly really wished I liked this, but alas, I didn't. I don't wish a bad book on anyone, so I hope whoever has read it and loved it enjoys it!
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
Everybody and their mom loves The Cruel Prince and I did not. At all. This might actually be the last book I ever read with faeries in them because so far I haven't enjoyed any of them (see: A Court of Thorns and Roses, the series I gave too high of stars for). I actually forgot most of this book, so we'll see how great this review turns out. Only a few scenes really stick in my head, and fortunately for me, they're the ones I actually liked.
I somewhat enjoyed the dynamic between Jude and Cardan once it became less bullying and more romantic, but I don't really condone his actions. These faerie books LOVE abusive romances. *Gagging noises* Anyway, Jude and Cardan's wasn't terribly unhealthy once things became possibly romantic between them. The same goes for her and Locke, but the details regarding that are spoiler-y. Just fyi, though, there's not really a love triangle—one romance is over before the other starts and that is all I will say.
I wasn't originally a huge fan of Cardan, but I have a sucker for boys with sad backstories so I kind of fell for him. Though, I will complain here that there was one passage that referred to Jude or someone thinking he'd be abusive purely because he was abused. That's a really harmful way of thinking that I'm surprised no one has complained about yet. Yes, most abusers were abused first. Yes, it's common. But no, being abused doesn't make someone a monster, and they ultimately have the choice whether or not they abuse. Past abuse is never an excuse for abuse, nor should a person suggest one may be abusive because of their past. From what I've heard and seen, abused people tend to fear for becoming their parents, etc, and this is a harmful way of thinking that can only encourage their negative thoughts.
*Drops mic*
Okay, moving on. We all know I actually liked Cardan, BUT I did not like that he and Jude kept denying their love for each other. That was worthless. Little was at stake. It was the most unhealthy part of their relationship to be honest, especially when she regards that she knew it was wrong to be kissing him, but did it anyway. Like ???
As we can already see, this book was a Mess. I didn't understand how Jude's sister entered and exited the court freely, but yet they all acted like they couldn't leave. Did I miss something? I also didn't understand why Jude was so dumb. Everyone loves her, but WHY? She does so many dumb things throughout this novel that I forgot she's supposed to be old enough to know better than to do the dumb things.
Furthermore, there were too many characters. It got really difficult trying to keep track of them all, what they stood for, whose side they were on, etc. And, to be honest, I frankly didn't care.
Lastly, I found the plot a little unoriginal. It reminded me a lot of Sarah J. Maas's plots, but maybe a lighter version. Nothing really screamed "NEW" at me.
I honestly really wished I liked this, but alas, I didn't. I don't wish a bad book on anyone, so I hope whoever has read it and loved it enjoys it!
-Book Hugger
http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com