I really enjoyed this book. I do have to say that I didn't like it as much as the other two I have read by Morton, but it still kept me entranced until the end. I think the biggest difference was that this story's secret seemed a little more obvious to me that the other two. I had pretty solid ideas about the end and really, based on the premise, there were only so many places it could go. However, the characters were fantastic and very well written. And I LOVED that the fairy tales written by Eliza were incorporated into the book...scattered throughout as they became relevant. That was a wonderful device. All in all a very enjoyable summer read, but just not quite up to the level of The House at Riverton and The Secret Keeper.

So, this book wasn't bad. It actually started off quite slow and there were a few days into it that I didn't read at all (very odd for me). But it picked up a bit about halfway through, about when Teresa woke up. I love the concept. It's very well done plot-wise and the set up for it was great (a great perspective). However, I think the writing leaves something to be desired. There are a lot of times where we hear "his fear came back," "his happiness drained away," "icy claws in his heart." Just, too many times. As readers, we understand it's frightening and show don't tell would really help make that more real for us. I would maybe not have cared too much about reading the next book until about the last 30 pages. When they fought the Grievers and Chuck died and then they were rescued. And the Epilogue really did a great job setting up the next book. And now I think I may just have to read it. Overall, not my favorite futuristic dystopia, but I'll hold off too much judgement until I read the next ones. Maybe it was just a slow overall start...

This book was fantastic. I think the main characters were very well matched and the story base, the idea of a "Grace" is very cool. I like the different ways they can be used/interpreted that the author delves into. A very interesting look into human nature and how the way people see things really effects them. I mentioned it is a separate post, but the spot where Katsa "yells" into Po's mind was one of the funniest, most creative scenes I have read in a long time. I also enjoyed what happens to Po at the end...it was a plot twist that I was not expecting and again, the way the author dealt with it was super original. I read that the author wanted to create a book with two incredibly compatible characters and the way that she handled it was great. They complement each other's shortcomings and needs in very wonderful, feeling, ways. Overall, a great adventure and really well-written scene descriptions and dialogue. I really really enjoyed this read.

Enchanting. I actually think I liked this one even better than Graceling. The development of the relationship between Fire and Brigan was a bit deeper, I think, though the parallel discoveries of Fire and Katsa that they are not evil because someone else says they are were very well played out in both. The self discoveries, and realizations of "normalcy" (like love) in both books were phenomenally done. I really like the idea of "monster" versions of every species and the little details about that were well sprinkled and included throughout. Also, I think I like Brigan as a character better than Po. The interplay between all the characters in this book, as well as the duality of nature the author explores in them, made for great reading. And though I went in expecting a sequel to Graceling, the idea of a "companion" book (and a look into Leck's past) is a very creative idea and a great way to introduce a whole new cast of characters. On thing I enjoyed in both books so far is the author's approach to women's rights, to have the relationships they want regardless of societal structure and their choices about children. Also this book included a super interesting look at what it is like to be a powerful attractive man, versus being a woman like that. Very applicable to current women's issues. I enjoyed every second of this book and I am very interested to see how the next one plays out as a sequel and a "companion."