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readwithmesashamarie
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Where to start.
1. Objectively this story was fantastic, yet again. The adventure we're taken on, the descriptions of the fights and environment, the lies and deceit uncovered in this novel all were excellent as usual.
2. I didn't enjoy the story. Not because of how it was written, but because of what it was about, and that's on me and not on this book (scroll down the see why I still decided to rate this only 3 stars).
A little further explanation: the first novel involved a school of assassins with mystery and intrigue at every corner. I didn't know what to expect or how to expect it. It was a wild, wild ride from beginning to end and it kept me captivated and flipping pages. This novel took place mostly in one setting, and while that setting may be captivating to some audiences, it didn't sit well with me. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, even our main character. That may have been intentional, but it formed a disconnect between me and this book, making reading it more of a chore than an enjoyment. I was also frustrated this time around by some of the melodrama (while the book itself alludes to having some of this) and inconsistencies. The author took a painstaking amount of time to discuss how our MC can't remember the last time she cried, and then she spends some of the remainder of the novel crying? If that was intended as character development I think it missed the mark. I was also frustrated with the big twists within the plot itself, almost all of which I foresaw.
I think I'm just confused, as to whether the genuine novelty and unique storytelling from the first novel wasn't replicated in book two, because now I'm used to these antics or form of storytelling? Of if book two fell flat all on it's own? I will say, I can't blame the book for not liking the story. That's on me. If I could rate the book based on story alone this would be four to five stars, but I'm going to take into account some of the inconsistencies and things that frustrated me aside from the story, and land at a 3.25 star rating.
Not sure if I'll continue this series...I might have to wait and really dig through reviews first (something I try to never do). I just want to make sure I'm the right audience for the next story.
1. Objectively this story was fantastic, yet again. The adventure we're taken on, the descriptions of the fights and environment, the lies and deceit uncovered in this novel all were excellent as usual.
2. I didn't enjoy the story. Not because of how it was written, but because of what it was about, and that's on me and not on this book (scroll down the see why I still decided to rate this only 3 stars).
A little further explanation: the first novel involved a school of assassins with mystery and intrigue at every corner. I didn't know what to expect or how to expect it. It was a wild, wild ride from beginning to end and it kept me captivated and flipping pages. This novel took place mostly in one setting, and while that setting may be captivating to some audiences, it didn't sit well with me. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters, even our main character. That may have been intentional, but it formed a disconnect between me and this book, making reading it more of a chore than an enjoyment. I was also frustrated this time around by some of the melodrama (while the book itself alludes to having some of this) and inconsistencies. The author took a painstaking amount of time to discuss how our MC can't remember the last time she cried, and then she spends some of the remainder of the novel crying? If that was intended as character development I think it missed the mark. I was also frustrated with the big twists within the plot itself, almost all of which I foresaw.
I think I'm just confused, as to whether the genuine novelty and unique storytelling from the first novel wasn't replicated in book two, because now I'm used to these antics or form of storytelling? Of if book two fell flat all on it's own? I will say, I can't blame the book for not liking the story. That's on me. If I could rate the book based on story alone this would be four to five stars, but I'm going to take into account some of the inconsistencies and things that frustrated me aside from the story, and land at a 3.25 star rating.
Not sure if I'll continue this series...I might have to wait and really dig through reviews first (something I try to never do). I just want to make sure I'm the right audience for the next story.
I was so excited to start a Nalini Singh book! I've heard such wonderful things everywhere about her and her stories. This one definitely didn't disappoint. (And my best friend got this one for me for Christmas!!!)
I didn't look into this story too much before beginning the book, so I was surprised by the events that unfolded. I did think the intense lusting and sexual tension started reeeaaallllyyy quickly and really strong. I still wasn't sure who our characters were yet or how to feel about them. It wasn't until about halfway through the book that I was like, yeah, okay, I can see why these two characters are lusting after one another, but by then they'd already 'toyed' with each other quite a bit.
In a way it was a little off putting, to be thrust into the romance in the first chapter, but I did adjust and began to feel things for each main character. I also found myself stumbling over some of the slang, sentence cadence, and word placement throughout the novel. This is something I think I might adjust to over time if I continue reading this author's works, but it detracted a bit from the story. I found myself skimming sentences naturally because it was easier for me to read that way, instead of sitting there trying to determine which word felt out of place or which slang term I wasn't familiar with.
Overall, I liked the world that was built in this first novel of the Guild Hunter Series. I would be very interested to see what happened next, but might wait a little while before diving back in. I'm giving this a 3.6 stars. Better than a 3.5 not quite a 3.75. And rounding up to a 4 for the goodreads official rating.
I didn't look into this story too much before beginning the book, so I was surprised by the events that unfolded. I did think the intense lusting and sexual tension started reeeaaallllyyy quickly and really strong. I still wasn't sure who our characters were yet or how to feel about them. It wasn't until about halfway through the book that I was like, yeah, okay, I can see why these two characters are lusting after one another, but by then they'd already 'toyed' with each other quite a bit.
In a way it was a little off putting, to be thrust into the romance in the first chapter, but I did adjust and began to feel things for each main character. I also found myself stumbling over some of the slang, sentence cadence, and word placement throughout the novel. This is something I think I might adjust to over time if I continue reading this author's works, but it detracted a bit from the story. I found myself skimming sentences naturally because it was easier for me to read that way, instead of sitting there trying to determine which word felt out of place or which slang term I wasn't familiar with.
Overall, I liked the world that was built in this first novel of the Guild Hunter Series. I would be very interested to see what happened next, but might wait a little while before diving back in. I'm giving this a 3.6 stars. Better than a 3.5 not quite a 3.75. And rounding up to a 4 for the goodreads official rating.
This is the perfect coffee table book, to be picked up to any random page, on any random day, and instantly be filled with warmth and rejuvenated. That's it. That's all I can say about this because it's the essence of what this is to me. The art. The words. What a collaboration. Thank you both for sharing your gifts.
As you can see, I'm a few years late coming to the Shatter Me party. I know, without a doubt, that if teenage me had read this it would be an instant, no question, five star read.
However, slightly jaded, worldly, experienced me, isn't so sure where to put this. Let's see if by the end of this review I can make up my mind. An adventure for us all!
I realized a few pages into this book that, you know what, I think I'm dystopianedout. I read so much of this genre in 2011-2012 that my brain just sort of clicks off when it's mentioned. I thought for a little while I wouldn't be able to get into this novel at all because of the concept, but it became such a quick read that that notion quickly passed. Speaking of how the dystopia was created in this novel, I really liked how realistic it was. This could totally happen, us screwing up our planet to this extreme. Completely plausible and slightly jarring to see how Tahereh Mafi has envisioned that end result.
I really liked all the settings in this novel, and how we moved quickly from place to place. I've been reading a lot of adult fiction and forgot just how quickly YA moves from point to point to point. It was kind of refreshing that we didn't have to sit in one place and plot everything out and talk about this or that some more or have an existential crisis about ourselves or our world. Nope we just bip bop booped along as one threat lead to safety led to another threat, etc.
The writing. Boy was I shook. I just didn't expect what I got, at all. I was not prepared. It was flowing, descriptive, genius, well thought out, and really enhanced showing character development. The novel begins with this intense language and as our character interacts more with others, this language slowly diminishes into something more relatable or recognizable. Our character retains their integrity but I thought it was brilliant to watch the novel transition from flowing prose to generalized conversations and action sequences. Wow, the talent. Slow claps.
The boys. Oh, if only younger me had read this, she would have swooned right off the edge of the world (this is a joke, the world is round you weirdos). I am hesitant to comment on this section because I can already f e e l myself being judged/called out by the Shatter Me stans (WhittyNovels I'm talking about you girl). I really, adore, Adam. Am I not supposed to? I don't trust him, or anyone in the novel, but that's older jaded by the world me talking. I know Warner becomes a thing, but....HOW?! I don't see myself accepting that? It would take a lot of work on Tahereh Mafi's part for me to forgive Warner's actions and see him as a love interest. But I have the other novels on hold at my library so I guess I'll find out soon enough.
I guess, objectively, after writing out my thoughts and feelings this novel remains a five star rating from even older me. It has the YA recipe that younger me devoured in a heart beat but I wanted to make sure I could put my literary degree to some use and squeeze out the right rating. In all honestly it's more a 4.75, but who's counting at this point? Did anyone even make it to the end of this? ;)
However, slightly jaded, worldly, experienced me, isn't so sure where to put this. Let's see if by the end of this review I can make up my mind. An adventure for us all!
I realized a few pages into this book that, you know what, I think I'm dystopianedout. I read so much of this genre in 2011-2012 that my brain just sort of clicks off when it's mentioned. I thought for a little while I wouldn't be able to get into this novel at all because of the concept, but it became such a quick read that that notion quickly passed. Speaking of how the dystopia was created in this novel, I really liked how realistic it was. This could totally happen, us screwing up our planet to this extreme. Completely plausible and slightly jarring to see how Tahereh Mafi has envisioned that end result.
I really liked all the settings in this novel, and how we moved quickly from place to place. I've been reading a lot of adult fiction and forgot just how quickly YA moves from point to point to point. It was kind of refreshing that we didn't have to sit in one place and plot everything out and talk about this or that some more or have an existential crisis about ourselves or our world. Nope we just bip bop booped along as one threat lead to safety led to another threat, etc.
The writing. Boy was I shook. I just didn't expect what I got, at all. I was not prepared. It was flowing, descriptive, genius, well thought out, and really enhanced showing character development. The novel begins with this intense language and as our character interacts more with others, this language slowly diminishes into something more relatable or recognizable. Our character retains their integrity but I thought it was brilliant to watch the novel transition from flowing prose to generalized conversations and action sequences. Wow, the talent. Slow claps.
The boys. Oh, if only younger me had read this, she would have swooned right off the edge of the world (this is a joke, the world is round you weirdos). I am hesitant to comment on this section because I can already f e e l myself being judged/called out by the Shatter Me stans (WhittyNovels I'm talking about you girl). I really, adore, Adam. Am I not supposed to? I don't trust him, or anyone in the novel, but that's older jaded by the world me talking. I know Warner becomes a thing, but....HOW?! I don't see myself accepting that? It would take a lot of work on Tahereh Mafi's part for me to forgive Warner's actions and see him as a love interest. But I have the other novels on hold at my library so I guess I'll find out soon enough.
I guess, objectively, after writing out my thoughts and feelings this novel remains a five star rating from even older me. It has the YA recipe that younger me devoured in a heart beat but I wanted to make sure I could put my literary degree to some use and squeeze out the right rating. In all honestly it's more a 4.75, but who's counting at this point? Did anyone even make it to the end of this? ;)
Okay. I get the Warner thing. I feel like I don't even need to say anything else. That's all. That's my review. Ta-da.
Listen, okay. I didn't just spend five hours on a Saturday reading this book from beginning to end. Except YES I DID AND I AM SO INVESTED.
Tahereh Mafi. I stan. I will follow you anywhere. Mostly through writing, because going outside when you could be inside reading seams silly. ;)
You guys. Why haven't I read these books years and years and years ago?! Teenage me is quaking. Send help. SOS.
Tahereh Mafi. I stan. I will follow you anywhere. Mostly through writing, because going outside when you could be inside reading seams silly. ;)
You guys. Why haven't I read these books years and years and years ago?! Teenage me is quaking. Send help. SOS.
Uhhh...this one wasn't a smash hit for me.
But! It was a good(ish) set up for the rest of the series. Since I'm so late to this series I did some research and found out the first three books were initially supposed to encompass the entire series, so it did feel like the author was maybe a little out of groove with the characters and the story after being away from it for so long (but who knows, maybe she wrote this book right after the other one and I'm just projecting onto it. I'm open to all possibilities).
I still really enjoyed the story and the characters, but didn't love watching our MC devolve a little. Who can blame her, with all the new responsibilities and her age and life experiences, but as an adult reading it everything felt really dramatic? And like nothing truly happened? Until one page at the end, and everything happened within two sentences.
Sigh. It just felt much different than the first three books, but I'm SO STOKED for Defy Me (the cover dropped today and BOIIIIIIIIIII she's beautifiss...looking like a lego *rip vine*).
This review is all over the place. bye.
But! It was a good(ish) set up for the rest of the series. Since I'm so late to this series I did some research and found out the first three books were initially supposed to encompass the entire series, so it did feel like the author was maybe a little out of groove with the characters and the story after being away from it for so long (but who knows, maybe she wrote this book right after the other one and I'm just projecting onto it. I'm open to all possibilities).
I still really enjoyed the story and the characters, but didn't love watching our MC devolve a little. Who can blame her, with all the new responsibilities and her age and life experiences, but as an adult reading it everything felt really dramatic? And like nothing truly happened? Until one page at the end, and everything happened within two sentences.
Sigh. It just felt much different than the first three books, but I'm SO STOKED for Defy Me (the cover dropped today and BOIIIIIIIIIII she's beautifiss...looking like a lego *rip vine*).
This review is all over the place. bye.
I picked up this book while doing my end of shift library cleaning, and loved the concept. I was horrible in science classes in high school and college, and physics actually makes my head hurt. I just don't have the brain or capacity to understand those kinds of concepts, and that's okay because plenty of other people do! This little book allowed me to dive into some of those massive, brain-cramping concepts with ease and entertainment. I really enjoyed reading it, even if some of the revelations from scientific discovery can be quite frightening. The story was lighthearted and informative in it's own unique way that I appreciated.
What a whirlwind, until...it wasn't. Let me back up. I loved the first 2/3 of this book! It was so interesting getting into this world, this type of vampire, and so many new characters. I fell a little out of sync when SPOILER the MC male fell for the MC female. It wasn't that he fell for her so easily, I'm super cool with that. It was that it felt like his personality vanished when he finally had what he wanted? All these tough guys go from "I'll eff you up" to "Oh baby oh no what is it" with the flick of a switch. It was jarring for me, and threw me out of the story every time a male character said something uncharacteristic because he was around his female love interest. It didn't turn me off to the series enough that I won't continue it, I just hope that in future books the character development grows in new ways and doesn't devolve every time...
A solid 3.5 rating.
A solid 3.5 rating.
I liked this book better than book 1, but man oh man did I have moral issues with some very specific parts. I think I'm going to have to stop leaving reviews and just do star ratings. But I'm not sure what to rate it, or why I like it, or how I'm hooked? I think I'm just totally accepting that the phrases/vernacular used by the brotherhood are ridiculous, and the way they treat themselves and their women is ridiculous, and the plots are pretty ridiculous. But you know what. This is fiction. Not award winning fiction, but the this-can't-possibly-be-real-life fiction and that's what I'm signing up for in this series. So I've accepted my fate.