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It feels good to be back in the Percy Jackson universe. I honestly didn't know what to expect with a story of Apollo becoming human as a punishment, and having to go on a quest. I should have known that Riordan would deliver a fun story with great new and areturning characters. It is nice to watch Apollo be humbled in his current state, and the new character Meg is awesome! A true butt kicker she is! There's an amazing return of one of my favorite characters, but I won't spoil who. Super fun and entertaining read in this first book! 4.25 out of 5.
This was a really interesting murder mystery surrounding an island full of geniuses. The main character not being one of those geniuses, is more inclined to just go through life with little conflict. Once the first murder occurs, he actually gathers up some initiative and starts actually working on solving it. The book did a good job of keeping me on my toes, and not fully grasping who the killer was until it was revealed. It's one of those where you think to yourself, how did I not catch that. Definitely worth a read for those whom like mysteries.
Nisioisin just has this way of writing dialogue, whether it is internal or external, that makes me not want to stop reading. Ii-chan even as emotionless as he is, a defective product in his own words, Nisiosin makes him legit interesting. Also this is another brilliant murder mystery. I didn't see the twists coming at all, and yes twists. It's one of those things where even if you were to guess one of the twists, good luck guessing both. While I really enjoyed Decapitation, Strangulation was even better! Between this series and the Monogatari series, people should not sleep on Nisioisin and his light novels. They are immensely enjoyable with fantastic writing.
This was a super cute book. Mei is such a wonderful character. I felt drawn in to her struggle to be herself and do what she wants. When she had issues with her parents, I felt like I was screaming out for her when she couldn't. You can't help but be right there beside her cheering her on to do her thing! I also loved how a particular relationship of hers changes at the end, and it may or may not have induced tears of happiness. ;)
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Twice Dead caught my attention as I was looking at upcoming books due to a super interesting concept. Naya is murdered and resurrected by a necromancer. She isn't just someone brought back to life, but a wraith. One that has very strong powers. She gets tangled up and becomes a spy to assist her country of birth. Sounds great, I'm in!
My excitement was quickly tempered due to Naya herself pretty quickly after she was brought back to life. After everything that is happening to her, she just kind of accepts a lot of it too easily. She is obviously uncertain with everything surrounding her circumstances, but not as much as one would expect. I expected so much more emotional struggle with everything, but it never really surfaces. This tends to happen through out that book. She kind of has moments where you expect more from her, but she kind of goes with the flow too easily.
If any have read past reviews from me, I am one who thinks the term insta-love is overused. Sadly this kind of happens in this book and it was deflating considering the relationship between Naya and Corten. The potential felt wasted with some decent build up, then a sudden confession. Why can't people in books sometimes just like someone, instead of immediately declaring they're falling in love. I know it happens a lot, but this one felt a bit rushed.
A couple bright spots of this book are the world building and Naya's powers. I loved hearing about the past turmoil and wars between the countries and why the truce was present. Also learning more about the necromancers and how they are viewed differently by various countries was cool. I also really enjoyed learning more about Naya's powers as a wraith. The author does a good job coming up with unique interesting ways the powers are put to use.
Overall Twice Dead doesn't do enough with an intriguing premise. It's not a bad read by any means, but it definitely won't wow you. You can feel the potential with Naya, as well as the world and politics surrounding her, but it's never reached. Honestly even with the shortcomings of the book I might one day sit down and give its inevitable sequel a chance, but it won't be a must read.
Twice Dead caught my attention as I was looking at upcoming books due to a super interesting concept. Naya is murdered and resurrected by a necromancer. She isn't just someone brought back to life, but a wraith. One that has very strong powers. She gets tangled up and becomes a spy to assist her country of birth. Sounds great, I'm in!
My excitement was quickly tempered due to Naya herself pretty quickly after she was brought back to life. After everything that is happening to her, she just kind of accepts a lot of it too easily. She is obviously uncertain with everything surrounding her circumstances, but not as much as one would expect. I expected so much more emotional struggle with everything, but it never really surfaces. This tends to happen through out that book. She kind of has moments where you expect more from her, but she kind of goes with the flow too easily.
If any have read past reviews from me, I am one who thinks the term insta-love is overused. Sadly this kind of happens in this book and it was deflating considering the relationship between Naya and Corten. The potential felt wasted with some decent build up, then a sudden confession. Why can't people in books sometimes just like someone, instead of immediately declaring they're falling in love. I know it happens a lot, but this one felt a bit rushed.
A couple bright spots of this book are the world building and Naya's powers. I loved hearing about the past turmoil and wars between the countries and why the truce was present. Also learning more about the necromancers and how they are viewed differently by various countries was cool. I also really enjoyed learning more about Naya's powers as a wraith. The author does a good job coming up with unique interesting ways the powers are put to use.
Overall Twice Dead doesn't do enough with an intriguing premise. It's not a bad read by any means, but it definitely won't wow you. You can feel the potential with Naya, as well as the world and politics surrounding her, but it's never reached. Honestly even with the shortcomings of the book I might one day sit down and give its inevitable sequel a chance, but it won't be a must read.
