rebeccasreadingrambles's Reviews (3.06k)

I really enjoyed this one, but there were parts that were so gruesome and actually terrifying that were hard to read. It was very hard to put down and by the end I was in totally suspense. Grisham really has a way with words and can't paint a scene so well that it feels eerily true. His depiction of the racial tensions, emotions, and both sides of the issues was really well done. I can't imagine being in the position of jury in this case. I can't even imagine being in the town while this was going on. It's obvious that racial issues and crime issues are not a thing of the past at all and are still a daily struggle. I could understand both the position of the Haily family and the state's office. Rape is a crime, but so is murder. It's hard to even think about all the different aspects of the situation and the case. Then ending

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actually surprised me, but I was happy. After reading the awful rape scene in the beginning, all I could root for was for Carl Lee Haily to leave jail and return to his family. Add in all the threats from the KKK and violence and I don't think I could have accepted a guilty verdict.

This book will definitely stay with me for a long time.

So glad I Finally read this! I don't know what was putting me off from it, but it was so much better than I expected. I love how the author didn't just throw is into the home with all these peculiar children. Instead he lead us there as he did Jacob, taking us from unbelievers and proving to us the truth. Unveiling it at just the right speed; for the first part of the book I was so hooked I had to know more about the children!
I'm a little unsure about why the children have these abilities / disappointed that they have just been staying at home and not out being amazing in the world.
However, I'm really looking forward to

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the next books where they will obviously have to go out and fight the wights with their powers. I'm expecting that to be super fun to read. I also love the idea of loops and people hiding out in certain days all throughout time.

The way the story was told through the photographs was genius! That was probably my favorite part. And the pictures are real!! I love that a lot.

Very entertaining book. I loved learning about many of the gods and monsters from Greek mythology and how they were included in the story. Lots of action to keep you reading. I enjoyed the lighthearted-ness of the writing and will continue the series. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator fit perfectly.

This was another entertaining book in the series. Not quite as good as the first novel (I think there was more interesting action in that one), but still good. Again the audiobook's narrator did a great job with the characters. Will continue with the series.

Also, just a picky thing I've noticed

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I can't help but notice the similarities to Harry Potter. Haha yes, maybe I am an HP nerd.

But both have:
Male main character who find out he is "special" at the age of 11 and goes to a place (school/camp) where there are other special kids.
Doesn't know much about the his "magical" world
Has a serious need to fight bad guys
Has a prophecy told about his future
Seems to be constantly running into trouble
Has 2 friends with him: 1 smarty-pants girl, 1 goofy but loyal boy
Goes out to fight the bad guys even when he's told not to
Evil lord who is dead, but is slowly coming back to destroy the world

Another great book in the Percy Jackson series. Lots of action and secrets and meddling Gods in the heros' paths. I think this series continues to get better because the plot gets more complicated as it points toward a fulfilled prophecy and war with the Gods. Can't wait to continue the series.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. After the first part, I thought it was okay, but as it progressed I realized how special it was. This book is more complex than any of the other dystopian/YA books I've read. The characters are so strong and I really enjoyed reading about them. Though the book got darker and gorier than I thought it would be, it really worked. I kept forgetting that most of the characters were teenagers, as they became sneaky scheming warriors. Darrow becomes a completely different person throughout the book and I hope as the series progresses he finds himself again, because right now he is a rare filled almost monster. I hope we learn more about the other "colors" because I think that's such an interesting aspect of this world. I can't wait to read the next one!

How can I review this book? I am completely shattered and heartbroken and in love with it. The difference between book 1 and 2 of this series is definitely substantial. Sarah J Maas has become one of my favorite authors just from this book alone. Her characters are so deep and intense and multifaceted. She is able to capture and describe their emotions so well that I can feel with them. The plot line completely captured me and just got more and more interesting as the story progressed. I felt real pain, joy, and sorrow from this book. The feelings were very intense and could switch instantly. The plot was full of twists and turns the whole way. By the end I was sniffling at times and others I was yelling and even cursing at this book. (My husband kept asking if I was okay.... and I had to tell him NO I was not).

Many times we see a fairy tale with a fairy tale ending... but never get to see the after effects of what the characters had been through. In this book SJM shows a very real depiction of how things don't go back to easy perfection after someone has suffered such an ordeal.

The love between Feyre and Rhys felt so real and not YA or silly or over the top. The progression seemed natural and when Rhys told her the story of how he knew she was his mate and did so many things to try and protect her... it broke my heart. He is the strongest and most feeling character in this story. What he did to protect his loved ones is beyond imagination. And his respect for those around him, the way he treated Feyre and his inner circle and even his people as equals was amazing to read. We need more Rhysand in our lives!

How oh how can I wait so many months for the next one? What else will you do to tear me apart SJM??

Well this was a stressful, edge of your seat, emotion finale to the series. I give the series overall a 4.5 as I really enjoyed it and couldn't wait to find out what happened in the end, but when I finished I was sad it was all over. Alina has definitely grown a lot throughout the series and I liked how she became more of a leader and also trusted her friends more than she did originally. Mal was the ultimate solider and leader and I was so happy that he seemed to find his stride and a little more happiness than the last book. The journal was a long and dangerous one. As for the ending,

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I liked it and thought it was pretty fitting. I was so happy Mal didn't die, but I thought it made so much sense that they started and ended as "nobodies" who may not have powers but still had each other. I was so happy the opened an orphanage and kept their friends. It was so interesting what happened when the three amplifiers were united and I loved that the power was shared to so many others, especially since many Grisha died during the war. I also admired the fact that the author tried to make the Darkling seem human at the end, but I have no sympathy for him at all.

Definitely recommend this series.

I enjoyed this book, though not as much as Shadow and Bone. I think the amount of waiting around for someone to attack was dragging along for me. I wish Alina and Mal would actually talk to each other instead of keeping inside their hurt feelings. If I was facing certain peril I would want someone I trusted and loved by my side at all times. The Darkling is absolutely TERRIFYING in this book and I don't know how he will be defeated. The ending wasn;'t great and left little hope for Alina and Ravka, but I'm hoping for big things in the final book.

Wow this book sucked me and up and didn't let go. I was surprised by ever turn and had no idea Alina

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was a Grisha, let along THE SUN SUMMONER. I also was completely taken in by the Darkling and thought he was going to be this surprisingly good and kind person who everyone feared without cause. Nope, wrong and wrong. I also thought Mal was gone for sure. I enjoyed how this book weaved around with so many surprises and was fascinated reading about Alina's training and her sudden ability to use her power that she held down for so many years. Also when she was able to use the collar for herself I was amazed and happy.

I am surprised I was able to avoid all spoilers of this series so far. I cannot wait to continue and get back to this magical land and see what else is in store.