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jessicaxmaria's Reviews (1.04k)
Personally, I'm not a huge fantasy reader, nor much into horses. When I first picked up The Scorpio Races, I thought I would lose interest quickly. However, I was hooked after the first few chapters.
The Scorpio Races delves into the world of a tiny island, where wild water horses, or capaill uisce (pronounced "copple ooshka"), rise out of the beach waters every October and reign down on inhabitants with murderous ferocity -- they enjoy killing and eating humans. However, some of them are captured, tamed, and trained for the titular races every November 1, where the horse creatures race on a stretch of beach though they long to go back into the ocean.
The heart of the story lies in the two main teenage characters, Kate "Puck" Connolly and Sean Kendrick. Both of these characters have point-of-view chapters through the book, and they each have desperate and intense reasons for needing to win the dangerous race and the prize money. They also strike up a friendship brimming with romantic chemistry -- they see themselves in each other and their quiet, growing relationship is beautifully formed through the book. I especially championed Puck as she forged through the race training to be the only woman to ever participate.
The author Stiefvater's descriptions immersed me in the island's scenery and inhabitants. From the main characters to the villainous and intriguing supporting characters -- all are fully realized portraits. The brutality of the horses and their nature is on full display as well; nothing here is smoothed over or made pretty. When a horse's "dull teeth clamp shut on his cheekbone" -- well, that's exactly what's written. The horse lore is based on Celtic legend, and you get the sense this island is somewhat Irish in origin though it's just known as "Thisby."
My only qualm with the novel is that the end seemed a bit rushed. On second perusal, I realize this may be because I read through the heart-pounding climax so quickly. I was flipping the pages so fast just to know what happened, and when I closed the book after it ended I was sad to say bye to these characters, but truly loved this book.
The Scorpio Races delves into the world of a tiny island, where wild water horses, or capaill uisce (pronounced "copple ooshka"), rise out of the beach waters every October and reign down on inhabitants with murderous ferocity -- they enjoy killing and eating humans. However, some of them are captured, tamed, and trained for the titular races every November 1, where the horse creatures race on a stretch of beach though they long to go back into the ocean.
The heart of the story lies in the two main teenage characters, Kate "Puck" Connolly and Sean Kendrick. Both of these characters have point-of-view chapters through the book, and they each have desperate and intense reasons for needing to win the dangerous race and the prize money. They also strike up a friendship brimming with romantic chemistry -- they see themselves in each other and their quiet, growing relationship is beautifully formed through the book. I especially championed Puck as she forged through the race training to be the only woman to ever participate.
The author Stiefvater's descriptions immersed me in the island's scenery and inhabitants. From the main characters to the villainous and intriguing supporting characters -- all are fully realized portraits. The brutality of the horses and their nature is on full display as well; nothing here is smoothed over or made pretty. When a horse's "dull teeth clamp shut on his cheekbone" -- well, that's exactly what's written. The horse lore is based on Celtic legend, and you get the sense this island is somewhat Irish in origin though it's just known as "Thisby."
My only qualm with the novel is that the end seemed a bit rushed. On second perusal, I realize this may be because I read through the heart-pounding climax so quickly. I was flipping the pages so fast just to know what happened, and when I closed the book after it ended I was sad to say bye to these characters, but truly loved this book.
Just as good as the previous two books, and a fitting end. It was far more depressing than the other books, though. Where there was emotional parts in the first two, this book kind of rips your hopes up. Leaves you a little empty, just like Katniss. But I found the ending perfectly in sync with Collins' portrayal of Panem and her government/1984ish themes.
The love triangle, which was always secondary to the main plots, ended fittingly as well. When Katniss gets upset with Haymitch for saying "boy trouble?" and she storms out of there as if that's all Haymitch sees her as, well, I couldn't help but get angry with her. That she ends up with Peeta, the person with similar scars inside and out, is perfect. Let's be honest: Gale made good on his talk from the earlier books about his thoughts on revenge and violence against the capitol. To see him be so callous made the reader realize Katniss was not the same as him, as she thought she was too. I always pegged him for a dick since book 1.
All in all, I loved the way this book progressed. The revelations about the true nature of the Rebellion, that there may not be any real good guys who truly want power, and Katniss dealing with everything that's thrown in her defiant/complicated way...loved it.
The love triangle, which was always secondary to the main plots, ended fittingly as well. When Katniss gets upset with Haymitch for saying "boy trouble?" and she storms out of there as if that's all Haymitch sees her as, well, I couldn't help but get angry with her. That she ends up with Peeta, the person with similar scars inside and out, is perfect. Let's be honest: Gale made good on his talk from the earlier books about his thoughts on revenge and violence against the capitol. To see him be so callous made the reader realize Katniss was not the same as him, as she thought she was too. I always pegged him for a dick since book 1.
All in all, I loved the way this book progressed. The revelations about the true nature of the Rebellion, that there may not be any real good guys who truly want power, and Katniss dealing with everything that's thrown in her defiant/complicated way...loved it.
Why didn't I like this book? Apparently it has tons of accolades? I've seen lots of people say they'd have their kid read this. Probably wouldn't make my kids, though. Maybe it's just me.
The main character Sutter is supposed to be a charming, fun-loving guy with a few demons. Totally fine. However, having this teen character narrate the book was kind of painful (and he's so not charming). It's only his perspective. I've read teen books from the teen's POV, and this guy's voice was irritating. And I didn't get much of his emotions or caring for Aimee because she was drawn so one-note (thus demonstrating how little Sutter cared for her in my estimation) that I already KNOW the movie is better than this book because a movie is not from his POV. I kept wanting more from Aimee and less from Sutter... Sutter's unlikable narration ranks up there with Sally Jay from Elaine Dundy's The Dud Avocado. And I have nothing against unlikable character narrators (see Ford Maddox Ford's The Good Soldier).
The good thing is it was a quick read!
The main character Sutter is supposed to be a charming, fun-loving guy with a few demons. Totally fine. However, having this teen character narrate the book was kind of painful (and he's so not charming). It's only his perspective. I've read teen books from the teen's POV, and this guy's voice was irritating. And I didn't get much of his emotions or caring for Aimee because she was drawn so one-note (thus demonstrating how little Sutter cared for her in my estimation) that I already KNOW the movie is better than this book because a movie is not from his POV. I kept wanting more from Aimee and less from Sutter... Sutter's unlikable narration ranks up there with Sally Jay from Elaine Dundy's The Dud Avocado. And I have nothing against unlikable character narrators (see Ford Maddox Ford's The Good Soldier).
The good thing is it was a quick read!
THE AGONY IS OVER!
Here is the only thing I can say about this book, from a quote when Bella is having her monster-baby:
"Get her breathing! I've got to get him out before---"
Another shattering crack inside her body, the loudest yet, so loud that we both froze in shock waiting for her answering shriek. Nothing. Her legs, which had been curled up in agony, now went limp, sprawling out in an unnatural way.
"Her spine," he choked in horror.
FANTASTIC! ugh.
Here is the only thing I can say about this book, from a quote when Bella is having her monster-baby:
"Get her breathing! I've got to get him out before---"
Another shattering crack inside her body, the loudest yet, so loud that we both froze in shock waiting for her answering shriek. Nothing. Her legs, which had been curled up in agony, now went limp, sprawling out in an unnatural way.
"Her spine," he choked in horror.
FANTASTIC! ugh.
Much like the first and second book, I trudged through this third story of Bella Swan. I will say it was better than [b:New Moon|49041|New Moon (The Twilight Saga, Book 2)|Stephenie Meyer|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414jgcy2FAL._SL75_.jpg|3203964], as there wasn't 500 pages of absolutely mindless and boring moments inside Bella's head. It's not better than the first, because at least in the first story, you're weighing what you think about vampires versus what Meyers is imagining.
In Eclipse, everything continues status quo: Bella is still Edward's pet, who continues to envelope herself in him, though she also has feelings for Jacob. She struggles with her feelings to love them both - at one point wishing she could tear herself in half, and that it would HURT (she has really high self-esteem), and that she could give each half to the respective boy in her life. "Jacob's Bella" and "Edward's Bella" - I quote. When is this girl going to stop defining herself in terms of these guys?? Literally, in the book, she would DIE to save either of them. She's self-sacrificial to these two animals as they pull her each way and barter and manipulate as they go along.
Meyers, by this book I would think, has grasped that she is creating some sort of abstinence-until-marriage allegory, and it becomes VERY literal here ---
SPOILER!
I actually perked up during one point in which Edward and Bella are alone together and she wants to have sex. Now, in this entire scenario, Meyers never says the word sex or intercourse or another straightforward word; she uses things like, "He knew what I meant..." That's pretty laughable, but I was still intrigued by the fact that they were FINALLY going to get down and dirty and passionate! Then he stops her and says that she must marry him first before they do that, as he has been coaxing her to consider marriage since the second book, though she's been refusing to do so at "such an early age." She tries to fight him on it, but eventually gives in and he gets down on one knee as she agrees to marry him as he slips on a diamond ring.
@(*#&$()*DJSF*)
Meyers obviously inserts some thoughts from Bella about things being the way they should be, even though it's hard and whatnot. Fine - your books can be used as a moral example, but this seemed far too literal and preachy, and certainly took me out of the scene for all that it was screaming.
I will give Meyers the benefit of writing her action scenes better than in the previous novels, but Bella's character and her decisions are mind-boggling. I was actually confused at one point when Jacob overhears something and Bella goes into a frenzy and I reread it about five times wondering "What did I miss? Why is Jacob freaking out causing Bella to freak out?" - but I hadn't misread or skipped anything. The overreactions are totally stupid. I wouldn't want to know any of these characters, and I certainly didn't root for them. Why should I care about these people?!
I happily finish this book, and yes, I'm continuing onto the fourth book and finishing it there. There will be no more Stephenie Meyers in my future after [b:Breaking Dawn|1162543|Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)|Stephenie Meyer|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416pfGGLM0L._SL75_.jpg|2960529], because I had to see the hype - my curiosity bested me, and I firmly believe that I can't "knock it til I try it." In all honesty, sometimes it's fun to read such garbage - I routinely laughed aloud.
In Eclipse, everything continues status quo: Bella is still Edward's pet, who continues to envelope herself in him, though she also has feelings for Jacob. She struggles with her feelings to love them both - at one point wishing she could tear herself in half, and that it would HURT (she has really high self-esteem), and that she could give each half to the respective boy in her life. "Jacob's Bella" and "Edward's Bella" - I quote. When is this girl going to stop defining herself in terms of these guys?? Literally, in the book, she would DIE to save either of them. She's self-sacrificial to these two animals as they pull her each way and barter and manipulate as they go along.
Meyers, by this book I would think, has grasped that she is creating some sort of abstinence-until-marriage allegory, and it becomes VERY literal here ---
SPOILER!
I actually perked up during one point in which Edward and Bella are alone together and she wants to have sex. Now, in this entire scenario, Meyers never says the word sex or intercourse or another straightforward word; she uses things like, "He knew what I meant..." That's pretty laughable, but I was still intrigued by the fact that they were FINALLY going to get down and dirty and passionate! Then he stops her and says that she must marry him first before they do that, as he has been coaxing her to consider marriage since the second book, though she's been refusing to do so at "such an early age." She tries to fight him on it, but eventually gives in and he gets down on one knee as she agrees to marry him as he slips on a diamond ring.
@(*#&$()*DJSF*)
Meyers obviously inserts some thoughts from Bella about things being the way they should be, even though it's hard and whatnot. Fine - your books can be used as a moral example, but this seemed far too literal and preachy, and certainly took me out of the scene for all that it was screaming.
I will give Meyers the benefit of writing her action scenes better than in the previous novels, but Bella's character and her decisions are mind-boggling. I was actually confused at one point when Jacob overhears something and Bella goes into a frenzy and I reread it about five times wondering "What did I miss? Why is Jacob freaking out causing Bella to freak out?" - but I hadn't misread or skipped anything. The overreactions are totally stupid. I wouldn't want to know any of these characters, and I certainly didn't root for them. Why should I care about these people?!
I happily finish this book, and yes, I'm continuing onto the fourth book and finishing it there. There will be no more Stephenie Meyers in my future after [b:Breaking Dawn|1162543|Breaking Dawn (The Twilight Saga, Book 4)|Stephenie Meyer|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416pfGGLM0L._SL75_.jpg|2960529], because I had to see the hype - my curiosity bested me, and I firmly believe that I can't "knock it til I try it." In all honesty, sometimes it's fun to read such garbage - I routinely laughed aloud.
I wouldn't say it was the worst book I've read this year, but I didn't enjoy it one bit. There were a few areas with beautiful prose, but the writing style just didn't suit my sensibilities. I'll probably avoid Woolf in the future...
Heard much of Anais Nin over the years, but never read her. Loved reading this, not just for the intellectual air to the erotica, but she also portrays every body as beautiful - something I'm not used to seeing/reading in the current image-laden times.
A great honeymoon read :)
A great honeymoon read :)
One of the most outstanding novels I've read this year; intriguing characters and themes that intertwine into a great story that I could hardly put down. Smith's writing style is at once witty in description and deep in meaning. Looking forward to reading more of her works.
I can't begin to describe how much I enjoyed reading this novel of Didion's essays. It's my first foray into her writing, and it's definitely not my last. I don't think I've liked someone's prose as much as I've come to like hers while reading this. I already want to reread it! Recommended for everyone.
I'm not sure what took me so long to read this book, I'd been hearing about it for years now. For something I heard so much about, I had no idea what it actually dealt with - I only associated an image of Lena Olin and a bowler hat that I remembered from a preview to a movie I was too young to see at the time (and I still haven't seen it).
I was surprised to find a book contructed through philosophical ideas; the characters and fictional narrative are there mainly as examples, to demonstrate. At the same time, I wanted to know about these characters and discover their fates.
It's almost hard for me to write about this book in retrospect - I have an urge to read it again. I paused many times while reading and became pensive and even introspective. I found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't reading it, about its ideas and how wonderfully written it was. I'm still somewhat in awe of the way its written, and certainly in awe of all that its left me to think about.
I can't write about it any more - I can only say I loved it, and I recommend it.
I was surprised to find a book contructed through philosophical ideas; the characters and fictional narrative are there mainly as examples, to demonstrate. At the same time, I wanted to know about these characters and discover their fates.
It's almost hard for me to write about this book in retrospect - I have an urge to read it again. I paused many times while reading and became pensive and even introspective. I found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't reading it, about its ideas and how wonderfully written it was. I'm still somewhat in awe of the way its written, and certainly in awe of all that its left me to think about.
I can't write about it any more - I can only say I loved it, and I recommend it.