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“We are capable of big lives. A big history. Why settle? Why choose the practical thing, the mundane thing? We are born to dream and make the things we dream about.”
Stars (Out of 10): 8/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: This book exceeded my expectations. If I’m being honest, the description didn’t exactly draw me in, and I haven’t read any of this author’s books before, so I wasn’t expecting much. However, I ended up reading the entire book in practically one sitting, and loved it!
The Good: Characters were very likable, situations of both families were written quite realistically, worked together nicely to both drive Natasha and Daniel together, and create drama in their wish for that. Also, my absolute favorite thing about the novel was its extra POVs. I loved how, with each side character we met, we learned a bit of their backstory as well, which added an entire new layer to the story, and was not something I have seen before!
The Bad: The speed of using the word “love” seemed a tad unrealistic, which also kinda killed some moments for me.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While Natasha and Daniel were kinda the only likable characters of the entire cast (except for maybe Irene, of course) I like the dynamic of how they all worked together. We saw both Natasha and Daniel struggling under the burdens that their families had brought upon them, as well as how everyday people affected their lives as well.
The Plot: I ended up really liking this. The fact that entire relationship, and novel, was based on a bunch of coincidences ended up working well, and I loved the additional POVs like I mentioned before. I also loved the realistic ending, even if it did kinda break my heart. Yes, she was getting deported with little chance of stopping it, and I like how the author kept to that, even if everyone kinda sorta hates her for ripping Natasha and Daniel apart.
The Favorite Character: Daniel
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
Stars (Out of 10): 8/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: This book exceeded my expectations. If I’m being honest, the description didn’t exactly draw me in, and I haven’t read any of this author’s books before, so I wasn’t expecting much. However, I ended up reading the entire book in practically one sitting, and loved it!
The Good: Characters were very likable, situations of both families were written quite realistically, worked together nicely to both drive Natasha and Daniel together, and create drama in their wish for that. Also, my absolute favorite thing about the novel was its extra POVs. I loved how, with each side character we met, we learned a bit of their backstory as well, which added an entire new layer to the story, and was not something I have seen before!
The Bad: The speed of using the word “love” seemed a tad unrealistic, which also kinda killed some moments for me.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While Natasha and Daniel were kinda the only likable characters of the entire cast (except for maybe Irene, of course) I like the dynamic of how they all worked together. We saw both Natasha and Daniel struggling under the burdens that their families had brought upon them, as well as how everyday people affected their lives as well.
The Plot: I ended up really liking this. The fact that entire relationship, and novel, was based on a bunch of coincidences ended up working well, and I loved the additional POVs like I mentioned before. I also loved the realistic ending, even if it did kinda break my heart. Yes, she was getting deported with little chance of stopping it, and I like how the author kept to that, even if everyone kinda sorta hates her for ripping Natasha and Daniel apart.
The Favorite Character: Daniel
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
Stars (Out of 10): 6/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: I ended up enjoying the book, but I was far from loving it. The beginning felt boring, and I had some trouble originally liking the main character. Snow’s relationships and thoughts on things also felt jumpy at points. However, I did end up liking the action-packed ending, and that made me give the book a higher rating than originally expected.
The Good: An interesting premise, with a pretty developed magic system it seems. Also, the boring build up does end up being worth it, with tons of interesting twists near the end of the novel.
The Bad: Not a fan of the beginning, felt somewhat slow, and I was honestly a bit bored. In addition, the romance of the book felt super all over the place, with Snow practically falling in love with every boy she meets, and somewhat forgetting about them when she gets transported to a new area/cast of characters. In addition, the characters Snow was working with and meeting seemed to switch a lot throughout the book, which often felt rough and unplanned unfortunately.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: Out of the main three categories I judge books off of, this was my least favorite aspect of the novel. Nothing really drew me to the main character, and while I understand her confusion at being in a new world, she didn’t seem to frequently stick to what she believed. In addition, none of the potential romantic interests seemed interesting either, since we never learn much about Bale, the boy stopping Snow from wanting to be with anyone else, and the other two, Kai and Jagger, were also some weird “love interest at first sight” thing as well.
The Plot: I felt that for the most part, the book’s plot was okay, but not amazing or anything. It felt like a lot of Snow doing random things she felt she had to, with no event really having any dedication from her. This made a lot of the events seem useless, since if Snow didn’t truly seem to care, why should we? There also seemed to be a lack of impact of each event on Snow as the story progressed. She seemed to rarely think about the River Witch, Kai, and Gerde after being separated from them, and it felt like the chapters then spent with them had no real impact on the formation of the story. However, I did really enjoy how it all ended, with all the secrets coming to light, and with Snow finding her way back to the people who truly wanted to help her, not just use her.
The World Building: The book built as much world as we needed to see to understand the plot. There seemed to be a well thought out magic system, and a hierarchy based on that. However, I am still confused on the actual state of the world, and magic in a sense, since many things are mentioned, but not necessarily elaborated on.
The Favorite Character: I liked the Kai and Gerde duo
This review, and others, can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
Overall Thoughts: I ended up enjoying the book, but I was far from loving it. The beginning felt boring, and I had some trouble originally liking the main character. Snow’s relationships and thoughts on things also felt jumpy at points. However, I did end up liking the action-packed ending, and that made me give the book a higher rating than originally expected.
The Good: An interesting premise, with a pretty developed magic system it seems. Also, the boring build up does end up being worth it, with tons of interesting twists near the end of the novel.
The Bad: Not a fan of the beginning, felt somewhat slow, and I was honestly a bit bored. In addition, the romance of the book felt super all over the place, with Snow practically falling in love with every boy she meets, and somewhat forgetting about them when she gets transported to a new area/cast of characters. In addition, the characters Snow was working with and meeting seemed to switch a lot throughout the book, which often felt rough and unplanned unfortunately.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: Out of the main three categories I judge books off of, this was my least favorite aspect of the novel. Nothing really drew me to the main character, and while I understand her confusion at being in a new world, she didn’t seem to frequently stick to what she believed. In addition, none of the potential romantic interests seemed interesting either, since we never learn much about Bale, the boy stopping Snow from wanting to be with anyone else, and the other two, Kai and Jagger, were also some weird “love interest at first sight” thing as well.
The Plot: I felt that for the most part, the book’s plot was okay, but not amazing or anything. It felt like a lot of Snow doing random things she felt she had to, with no event really having any dedication from her. This made a lot of the events seem useless, since if Snow didn’t truly seem to care, why should we? There also seemed to be a lack of impact of each event on Snow as the story progressed. She seemed to rarely think about the River Witch, Kai, and Gerde after being separated from them, and it felt like the chapters then spent with them had no real impact on the formation of the story. However, I did really enjoy how it all ended, with all the secrets coming to light, and with Snow finding her way back to the people who truly wanted to help her, not just use her.
The World Building: The book built as much world as we needed to see to understand the plot. There seemed to be a well thought out magic system, and a hierarchy based on that. However, I am still confused on the actual state of the world, and magic in a sense, since many things are mentioned, but not necessarily elaborated on.
The Favorite Character: I liked the Kai and Gerde duo
This review, and others, can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition.
“No one wants to disappear. Words pin things down and make them real, and they last so much longer than we do.”
Stars (Out of 10): 6/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: This was a pretty interesting book. It was at times slow, and I never truly got hooked into the story or connected to the characters, but I did end up enjoying it all the same. I especially liked the three POVs, and their connection to each other through a century of time.
The Good: Interesting premise, pretty decent plot, and some interesting character growth. Also loved how all the eras/POVs ended up being so connected!
The Bad: Didn’t really end up caring for any of the characters, felt slow at points, and was a bit short
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, or love them, they perfectly fit the story. I specifically liked Adri and her journey through the months we saw her, and how her fascination with the letters brought her closer to Lily, and more able to let other people into her life. I also loved how interesting the lives of all three were, and how while none of the girls seemed to have more than 100 pages of plot/writing dedicated to them, they were all fleshed out pretty well, with their own lives and backstories.
The Plot: I ended up quite liking the plot. The jumping from era to era was well down, and ended at perfect moments to both leave us wondering, and excited to see where each character’s story would go. In addition, I love how wrapped up the ending was, and how people from years past managed to change the life of someone living a century after them!
The Favorite Character: Adri, her growth was cool to see.
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
“No one wants to disappear. Words pin things down and make them real, and they last so much longer than we do.”
Stars (Out of 10): 6/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: This was a pretty interesting book. It was at times slow, and I never truly got hooked into the story or connected to the characters, but I did end up enjoying it all the same. I especially liked the three POVs, and their connection to each other through a century of time.
The Good: Interesting premise, pretty decent plot, and some interesting character growth. Also loved how all the eras/POVs ended up being so connected!
The Bad: Didn’t really end up caring for any of the characters, felt slow at points, and was a bit short
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, or love them, they perfectly fit the story. I specifically liked Adri and her journey through the months we saw her, and how her fascination with the letters brought her closer to Lily, and more able to let other people into her life. I also loved how interesting the lives of all three were, and how while none of the girls seemed to have more than 100 pages of plot/writing dedicated to them, they were all fleshed out pretty well, with their own lives and backstories.
The Plot: I ended up quite liking the plot. The jumping from era to era was well down, and ended at perfect moments to both leave us wondering, and excited to see where each character’s story would go. In addition, I love how wrapped up the ending was, and how people from years past managed to change the life of someone living a century after them!
The Favorite Character: Adri, her growth was cool to see.
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition.
Stars (Out of 10): 6/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: I acquired this ARC during the ALA Midwinter Convention, and actually debated it a lot before choosing to pick it up (I even skipped over it at first.) Usually, the whole romantic tension only novels can get somewhat repetitive, and that’s exactly how I expected this book to be. I was pleasantly surprised though, when I found the romantic tension to actually not be the main plot, and for there to be a stronger plotline and conflict over the ‘event that brings Bridge and Wil back together.’ Overall, while it wasn’t my favorite book, I’m definitely glad I ended up picking it up.
The Good: The plot ended up being way more interesting and complicated than I first thought. Had twists and turns I would have never expected from original synopsis I read.
The Bad: Romance felt quick (the pair got back together absurdly fast, considering the issues that drove them apart.) In addition, abrupt ending with no real closure, and while I get the appeal for an “open ending,” this one was rather annoying because it could have gone in two completely different directions, and now we simply didn’t get to know how it ended, and if it was good or bad.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While there wasn’t anything truly special about the characters, they fit the plot well, and did their exact purpose. I’ll probably remember the events of the story much longer than the character’s actual names, since they didn’t stand out to me. However, I did dislike the relationship aspect of the novel. First, Wil and Bridge seemed to very quickly get back together, as if the author was trying to rush onto the real plot of the story. The two had been separated for a year, but suddenly Bridge starts trying to get back together again, and Wil accepts after only a few days, abruptly breaking up with his current girlfriend like it meant nothing. Second, the best friend, who was basically only used for dialogue sometimes in the beginning, doesn’t mean anything anymore after the pair get back together. The world limits to only Bridge and Wil, and I felt the side characters becoming less and less prevalent, even when they were originally introduced with problems of their own. What happened with her younger brother’s relationship? Or did Bridge’s elderly friend (I forgot the names, I’m terrible) ever get better? How about the best friend, where did she go?
The Plot: There seemed to be two main plotlines in this story, the romance and then Wilson’s death. The latter was by far more developed, and leagues more interesting. I would have read it for just that, and not have had the whole “getting back together intro.” But the romance was there, and I felt it was lacking. The author did create some friction between the pair in the getting back together phase, which was needed and made complete sense, but then it suddenly seemed to disappear.
The Favorite Character: The best friend seemed like a cool girl. Sucks she had to disappear near the end like she did.
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
Stars (Out of 10): 6/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: I acquired this ARC during the ALA Midwinter Convention, and actually debated it a lot before choosing to pick it up (I even skipped over it at first.) Usually, the whole romantic tension only novels can get somewhat repetitive, and that’s exactly how I expected this book to be. I was pleasantly surprised though, when I found the romantic tension to actually not be the main plot, and for there to be a stronger plotline and conflict over the ‘event that brings Bridge and Wil back together.’ Overall, while it wasn’t my favorite book, I’m definitely glad I ended up picking it up.
The Good: The plot ended up being way more interesting and complicated than I first thought. Had twists and turns I would have never expected from original synopsis I read.
The Bad: Romance felt quick (the pair got back together absurdly fast, considering the issues that drove them apart.) In addition, abrupt ending with no real closure, and while I get the appeal for an “open ending,” this one was rather annoying because it could have gone in two completely different directions, and now we simply didn’t get to know how it ended, and if it was good or bad.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While there wasn’t anything truly special about the characters, they fit the plot well, and did their exact purpose. I’ll probably remember the events of the story much longer than the character’s actual names, since they didn’t stand out to me. However, I did dislike the relationship aspect of the novel. First, Wil and Bridge seemed to very quickly get back together, as if the author was trying to rush onto the real plot of the story. The two had been separated for a year, but suddenly Bridge starts trying to get back together again, and Wil accepts after only a few days, abruptly breaking up with his current girlfriend like it meant nothing. Second, the best friend, who was basically only used for dialogue sometimes in the beginning, doesn’t mean anything anymore after the pair get back together. The world limits to only Bridge and Wil, and I felt the side characters becoming less and less prevalent, even when they were originally introduced with problems of their own. What happened with her younger brother’s relationship? Or did Bridge’s elderly friend (I forgot the names, I’m terrible) ever get better? How about the best friend, where did she go?
The Plot: There seemed to be two main plotlines in this story, the romance and then Wilson’s death. The latter was by far more developed, and leagues more interesting. I would have read it for just that, and not have had the whole “getting back together intro.” But the romance was there, and I felt it was lacking. The author did create some friction between the pair in the getting back together phase, which was needed and made complete sense, but then it suddenly seemed to disappear.
The Favorite Character: The best friend seemed like a cool girl. Sucks she had to disappear near the end like she did.
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
“Perfection is an admirable thing to strive for. But so is knowing when to stop.”
Stars (Out of 10): 5/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: This was a quick and enjoyable read. It wasn’t my favorite book, partly because it’s shortness didn’t allow all of the potentially interesting world and plot to be fully developed, but it was interesting and captivating for the hours of time it occupied. It had some interesting and unexpected twists, and overall was a pretty decent book!
The Good: Pretty interesting idea, and had a realistic ending. Wasn’t “happily ever after” right away, but rather showed a path to a good ending (while still fully finishing the novel, and providing ample closure.)
The Bad: Felt quick, and I felt the entire ideas presented weren’t explored enough. There were some things added in the last 100 pages that could have been really interesting if actually developed. In addition, while the solution was vaguely referenced here and there, it felt somewhat sudden, and didn’t seem to fully fit with the book.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While I liked the characters, I didn’t get too attached to them either. The relationship was cute though! Only true complaint is about how Li Wei and Fei weren’t always sticking to their decided personalities, sometimes being changed into new people to fit a certain aspect of the plot. But this didn’t end up negatively impacting the book too much!
The Plot: I really liked the idea behind everything, and the different culture used to bring that idea across. In addition, the twist of there being a whole other world and country beneath the mountain was pretty cool, as well as the true reason for the villages! The plot worked pretty well in the short amount of pages it was written in, and I was pleased with the ending! It wasn’t an automatic happy ending, and felt realistic, with the village beginning to trade for food again, and learning to adapt to this new world around them.
The World Building: This is the part where I felt the most improvement could be made. We were introduced and given a taste of both the village society (which was somewhat explained), and also the larger city and country down below, but I felt it should’ve been way more developed. I was super curious about life down the mountain as well, but the characters just seemed to head down and then back up, with little care of learning about the world below them.
The Favorite Character: Li Wei
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
Stars (Out of 10): 5/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: This was a quick and enjoyable read. It wasn’t my favorite book, partly because it’s shortness didn’t allow all of the potentially interesting world and plot to be fully developed, but it was interesting and captivating for the hours of time it occupied. It had some interesting and unexpected twists, and overall was a pretty decent book!
The Good: Pretty interesting idea, and had a realistic ending. Wasn’t “happily ever after” right away, but rather showed a path to a good ending (while still fully finishing the novel, and providing ample closure.)
The Bad: Felt quick, and I felt the entire ideas presented weren’t explored enough. There were some things added in the last 100 pages that could have been really interesting if actually developed. In addition, while the solution was vaguely referenced here and there, it felt somewhat sudden, and didn’t seem to fully fit with the book.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While I liked the characters, I didn’t get too attached to them either. The relationship was cute though! Only true complaint is about how Li Wei and Fei weren’t always sticking to their decided personalities, sometimes being changed into new people to fit a certain aspect of the plot. But this didn’t end up negatively impacting the book too much!
The Plot: I really liked the idea behind everything, and the different culture used to bring that idea across. In addition, the twist of there being a whole other world and country beneath the mountain was pretty cool, as well as the true reason for the villages! The plot worked pretty well in the short amount of pages it was written in, and I was pleased with the ending! It wasn’t an automatic happy ending, and felt realistic, with the village beginning to trade for food again, and learning to adapt to this new world around them.
The World Building: This is the part where I felt the most improvement could be made. We were introduced and given a taste of both the village society (which was somewhat explained), and also the larger city and country down below, but I felt it should’ve been way more developed. I was super curious about life down the mountain as well, but the characters just seemed to head down and then back up, with little care of learning about the world below them.
The Favorite Character: Li Wei
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition.
Stars (Out of 10): 5/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: This was a quite interesting book. It was middle grade, which is not a genre/type of book I’ve read in a while, but I ended up enjoying it nonetheless! However, it was far from one of my favorites due to the reason I will discuss below!
The Good: Interesting premise, loved the idea of a group coming together and working to escape the inescapable. Based on friendship/sisterhood/family more than a romance, but this was probably due to it being middle grade. However, I did love the twist at the end.
The Bad: Super open ending, especially for a book that’s supposed to be stand-alone. In addition, HIGHLY unrealistic that a 13 year old completed the events of the book. Also, world wasn’t really developed on, and I felt I didn’t know much about it at all besides of how royalty took the throne.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While I liked the variety in cast we saw, I felt there was almost too many characters for the short length of the book. It led to not all of them feeling fully developed, or getting live out the entire story. In addition, the age of the characters made it seem pretty unrealistic. A 13 year old is able to escape come up with and properly execute a (somewhat simple) escape plan, when surrounded by a bunch of smart guards and leaders? She tried to kill the prince (in their eyes), yet wasn’t watched enough even though the prison was prided on how difficult it was to escape from? In addition, Valor was super troublesome as well, so if her crime didn’t draw attention to her, surely that would’ve?
The Plot: I quite liked the plot, and how the princess ended up being the one who stole the music box! I didn’t expect that at all, and I was pleasantly surprised by the twist. In addition, I did like most of the events leading up to the escape, and how Anatol ended up being a good guy. However, I’m somewhat upset by the ending, since the ending didn’t need to say Anastasia escaped if it was just a stand alone. Without that extra bit, it would’ve been a solid ending.
The World Building: As I said above, subpar. Definitely could have been developed way more, and this was definitely the weakest part of the tale. I was interested in how everything worked, especially because of how the careers of Valor’s parents worked (with trades being passed down to the children, etc.) While there was enough for a proper story to be told, it still felt underdeveloped.
The Favorite Character: Prince Anatol grew on me!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
Stars (Out of 10): 5/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: This was a quite interesting book. It was middle grade, which is not a genre/type of book I’ve read in a while, but I ended up enjoying it nonetheless! However, it was far from one of my favorites due to the reason I will discuss below!
The Good: Interesting premise, loved the idea of a group coming together and working to escape the inescapable. Based on friendship/sisterhood/family more than a romance, but this was probably due to it being middle grade. However, I did love the twist at the end.
The Bad: Super open ending, especially for a book that’s supposed to be stand-alone. In addition, HIGHLY unrealistic that a 13 year old completed the events of the book. Also, world wasn’t really developed on, and I felt I didn’t know much about it at all besides of how royalty took the throne.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: While I liked the variety in cast we saw, I felt there was almost too many characters for the short length of the book. It led to not all of them feeling fully developed, or getting live out the entire story. In addition, the age of the characters made it seem pretty unrealistic. A 13 year old is able to escape come up with and properly execute a (somewhat simple) escape plan, when surrounded by a bunch of smart guards and leaders? She tried to kill the prince (in their eyes), yet wasn’t watched enough even though the prison was prided on how difficult it was to escape from? In addition, Valor was super troublesome as well, so if her crime didn’t draw attention to her, surely that would’ve?
The Plot: I quite liked the plot, and how the princess ended up being the one who stole the music box! I didn’t expect that at all, and I was pleasantly surprised by the twist. In addition, I did like most of the events leading up to the escape, and how Anatol ended up being a good guy. However, I’m somewhat upset by the ending, since the ending didn’t need to say Anastasia escaped if it was just a stand alone. Without that extra bit, it would’ve been a solid ending.
The World Building: As I said above, subpar. Definitely could have been developed way more, and this was definitely the weakest part of the tale. I was interested in how everything worked, especially because of how the careers of Valor’s parents worked (with trades being passed down to the children, etc.) While there was enough for a proper story to be told, it still felt underdeveloped.
The Favorite Character: Prince Anatol grew on me!
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
“A strange and baffling truth: that the people we're supposed to know best can turn out to be strangers, and that near strangers can feel so much like home.”
Stars (Out of 10): 6.5/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: When I heard about the original plan and idea for the book, I was already super hyped to read it. Yes, multiple POVs have been a super common thing in novels, but this was advertised as being completely different, and offering many ways to read the book. And while this was true, and this book was more than a book with just multiple POVs, it felt like the other ways you could read the book weren’t necessarily as good as just reading Lyra and Gemma back and forth. It felt like whichever POV I read first would be more boring, or filled with more information holes, than the second one would be (having read them one at a time.) I read Lyra in it’s entirety first, and felt that, while getting tons of information, it was not as exciting and interesting as Gemma’s POV later, where I had all the background info given to me. It does seem unique in the fact that it can provide many different experiences for readers, even if some of those experiences might be as good as others.
The Good: Interesting plot (with very interesting and unsuspecting twists, at least the way I read it.) Characters also felt very ‘real,’ and like actual products of their situations.
The Bad: First POV felt boring, as explained above. In addition, ending of Lyra’s POV, while sweet and cute between them all, didn’t feel like an actual ending. Had I read hers last, I would have probably felt put off, since Gemma’s felt like it actually did have an ending.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: I did really end up liking the characters. They felt real, and I loved how it was obvious that the different situations these characters were born into affected them. Lyra and 72 actually acted like they knew nothing of the world, and how they believed Haven worked affected how much they trusted others. In addition, everyone who was potentially a replica struggled with their self worth, Gemma less so, with 72 never having had anyone care about him, and therefore suffering the most.
The Plot: I enjoyed the twists we saw throughout the entire novel, and how the way we read them affected it. We had “real humans” truly beings clones, or clones truly being “real humans,” and that seemed to bring in an entirely new discussion and plotline of self worth and our perception of our own into the novel. In addition, the uncovering of the secrets at Haven was pretty cool, even if the way the book was read may have made that “uncovering” better or worse.
The Favorite Character: Pete
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
Stars (Out of 10): 6.5/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: When I heard about the original plan and idea for the book, I was already super hyped to read it. Yes, multiple POVs have been a super common thing in novels, but this was advertised as being completely different, and offering many ways to read the book. And while this was true, and this book was more than a book with just multiple POVs, it felt like the other ways you could read the book weren’t necessarily as good as just reading Lyra and Gemma back and forth. It felt like whichever POV I read first would be more boring, or filled with more information holes, than the second one would be (having read them one at a time.) I read Lyra in it’s entirety first, and felt that, while getting tons of information, it was not as exciting and interesting as Gemma’s POV later, where I had all the background info given to me. It does seem unique in the fact that it can provide many different experiences for readers, even if some of those experiences might be as good as others.
The Good: Interesting plot (with very interesting and unsuspecting twists, at least the way I read it.) Characters also felt very ‘real,’ and like actual products of their situations.
The Bad: First POV felt boring, as explained above. In addition, ending of Lyra’s POV, while sweet and cute between them all, didn’t feel like an actual ending. Had I read hers last, I would have probably felt put off, since Gemma’s felt like it actually did have an ending.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: I did really end up liking the characters. They felt real, and I loved how it was obvious that the different situations these characters were born into affected them. Lyra and 72 actually acted like they knew nothing of the world, and how they believed Haven worked affected how much they trusted others. In addition, everyone who was potentially a replica struggled with their self worth, Gemma less so, with 72 never having had anyone care about him, and therefore suffering the most.
The Plot: I enjoyed the twists we saw throughout the entire novel, and how the way we read them affected it. We had “real humans” truly beings clones, or clones truly being “real humans,” and that seemed to bring in an entirely new discussion and plotline of self worth and our perception of our own into the novel. In addition, the uncovering of the secrets at Haven was pretty cool, even if the way the book was read may have made that “uncovering” better or worse.
The Favorite Character: Pete
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
“Mistakes are easy to come by. Why make the same one twice?”
Stars (Out of 10): 8/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: I’ve read quite a few of Ellen Hopkins’ books, and each time they seem to surprise. Either with a plot twist, depth in plot, or just showing the horrors of a bad decision gone horribly wrong. This book fell into the deep category, covering heavy topics, but one’s that are important to read about, or talk about. Not only does this book deal with bullying and grief, but has a religious nature (both shown as good and bad), as well as a theme of forgiveness. Overall, it wrapped up quite nicely, and I’m glad I read it.
The Good: Very dramatic topics, but were taken seriously and not used just as a plot device. In addition, had a nice ending (which, I’m sorry to say, is not exactly common of Hopkins’ books. They are realistic in that not every book gets a happy ending.) In addition, I just loved how the topics melded together, and how they didn’t end up forcing an opinion on you (all sides were given both cons and pros), and just gave your mind something to think on, and make your own opinion off of. That, on top of the excellent writing and good plot, made this book a really good one.
The Bad: Some parts of the plot starting to include some plot devices I’m not the biggest fan of, and while it didn’t develop too far, it still made the portion of that book unenjoyable. I also was left with a few burning questions about the past of some of the characters.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: Our cast of characters included a varied cast, from the main character being a grief-stricken quick to anger teenager, with a god-loving girlfriend, to parents that can’t stand each other, and supportive teachers. It ended up fitting together well, and their issues and breaking relationships provided the perfect atmosphere for the lessons of this novel to be taught.
The Plot: No, there wasn’t tons of plot twists and secrets revealed at each page, no riveting action or intense dialogue. But it was realistic, and made sense, and for that I liked the book. If you can write a theme or a topic well, there isn’t a need to make the plot the most exciting and twisty one ever. Instead, Hopkins took issues that some of us might face, and showed us that we weren’t necessarily alone, or gave others an insight in issues that do happen in the world, and maybe opened our eyes to them, to allow us the chance to try and help. However, the only thing I can never really stand in romantic plots is cheating, and it did happen in this book. I’m glad it was ended quickly, and our main character was actually smart to not let it continue with Alexa unless he wasn’t with Hayden anymore, but it still made that part of the book kinda blegh.
The Favorite Character: Alexa
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/
Stars (Out of 10): 8/10 Stars
Overall Thoughts: I’ve read quite a few of Ellen Hopkins’ books, and each time they seem to surprise. Either with a plot twist, depth in plot, or just showing the horrors of a bad decision gone horribly wrong. This book fell into the deep category, covering heavy topics, but one’s that are important to read about, or talk about. Not only does this book deal with bullying and grief, but has a religious nature (both shown as good and bad), as well as a theme of forgiveness. Overall, it wrapped up quite nicely, and I’m glad I read it.
The Good: Very dramatic topics, but were taken seriously and not used just as a plot device. In addition, had a nice ending (which, I’m sorry to say, is not exactly common of Hopkins’ books. They are realistic in that not every book gets a happy ending.) In addition, I just loved how the topics melded together, and how they didn’t end up forcing an opinion on you (all sides were given both cons and pros), and just gave your mind something to think on, and make your own opinion off of. That, on top of the excellent writing and good plot, made this book a really good one.
The Bad: Some parts of the plot starting to include some plot devices I’m not the biggest fan of, and while it didn’t develop too far, it still made the portion of that book unenjoyable. I also was left with a few burning questions about the past of some of the characters.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE
The Characters: Our cast of characters included a varied cast, from the main character being a grief-stricken quick to anger teenager, with a god-loving girlfriend, to parents that can’t stand each other, and supportive teachers. It ended up fitting together well, and their issues and breaking relationships provided the perfect atmosphere for the lessons of this novel to be taught.
The Plot: No, there wasn’t tons of plot twists and secrets revealed at each page, no riveting action or intense dialogue. But it was realistic, and made sense, and for that I liked the book. If you can write a theme or a topic well, there isn’t a need to make the plot the most exciting and twisty one ever. Instead, Hopkins took issues that some of us might face, and showed us that we weren’t necessarily alone, or gave others an insight in issues that do happen in the world, and maybe opened our eyes to them, to allow us the chance to try and help. However, the only thing I can never really stand in romantic plots is cheating, and it did happen in this book. I’m glad it was ended quickly, and our main character was actually smart to not let it continue with Alexa unless he wasn’t with Hayden anymore, but it still made that part of the book kinda blegh.
The Favorite Character: Alexa
This review can also be found on my blog: https://paragraphsandpages.wordpress.com/