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typedtruths's Reviews (1.8k)
➸ Trigger warnings for
▷ Representation: Laila (mc) is Ecuadorian & French-Canadian, fat, pansexual, and has anxiety & depression; Hannah (li) is Korean-American & a lesbian; Felix (sc) is Peurto Rican.
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Zenith is one of the more controversial releases of next year but no matter what your stance on the debate, an all-female crew of space pirates is too good of a premise to overlook. Or so I thought. The real reason this book is getting such low ratings? It's not due to the authors or the editor but the fact it is incredibly underwhelming.
The plot is a compilation of flashbacks, angst, and repetitive monologues. It offers nothing unique. It’s set in the same generic solar system following a generic cast facing the same generic problems we've seen a dozen times before. Any individual who has read more than two YA sci-fis will be able to predict the plotline to a tee. It was bland, recycled, and dull.
The characters did not help. Shallow and underdeveloped, they each had one defining feature and little else to their name. I desperately wanted more of the banter and found family feels we were promised. Andie, our main protagonist, had potential but the repetitive flashbacks and declarations of her mercilessness were overbearing. She was not well developed and her murderous streak felt forced, not realistic.
Her crew were unmemorable and underdeveloped. The thirteen-year-old - whose name I have already forgotten - did nothing but giggle and talk about gunning people down. Dex was cliched and drab. I have read his character ten times over. I could literally list five other books that use his exact same backstory and personality… but actually did it justice. Nor’s chapters were disjointed and random. She was purposefully vague to build suspense and it just did not work for me. None of them were particularly unlikable, just boring.
I appreciated that the authors tried to introduce political intrigue to tie the plot together, but they failed for one specific reason: the world-building. To make me care - or even understand - the politics of your world, I need to have a clear picture of said world. Yes, we know a little about Lira and Andie’s home planets - and I stress a little - but the worldbuilding as a whole was practically non-existent. Each of the characters was from a different planet and yet they never discuss cultural practices or languages, apart from Lira’s scales. I desperately needed more information, more development, of this galaxy. Vaguely discussing trade routes and past wars is not enough.
Also, the writing. Dear God. It was a mess, truly a mess. I have seen a couple of other reviewers discuss this in depth so I recommend reading them through if poor editing is one of your pet peeves. It is quite obvious that the first third of the story was edited more than the rest of the book. It is filled with nonsensical metaphors and awkward flowery writing. There were also numerous repetitive phrases or words. Hopefully, these will be fixed by its release?
Overall? Zenith tried to combine the found family adventure vibes of [b:Starflight|21793182|Starflight (Starflight, #1)|Melissa Landers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1456568054i/21793182._SY75_.jpg|41045510] with the morally grey character and political action of [b:The Diabolic|26836910|The Diabolic (The Diabolic, #1)|S.J. Kincaid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459485169i/26836910._SY75_.jpg|46870277] but failed. It was cliched and dull. I am genuinely disappointed that this lives up to the negative hype. I may give its sequel a chance in the future but we’ll see.
◯ Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
➸ Trigger warnings for rape, ptsd, grief depiction and murder .
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The plot is a compilation of flashbacks, angst, and repetitive monologues. It offers nothing unique. It’s set in the same generic solar system following a generic cast facing the same generic problems we've seen a dozen times before. Any individual who has read more than two YA sci-fis will be able to predict the plotline to a tee. It was bland, recycled, and dull.
The characters did not help. Shallow and underdeveloped, they each had one defining feature and little else to their name. I desperately wanted more of the banter and found family feels we were promised. Andie, our main protagonist, had potential but the repetitive flashbacks and declarations of her mercilessness were overbearing. She was not well developed and her murderous streak felt forced, not realistic.
Her crew were unmemorable and underdeveloped. The thirteen-year-old - whose name I have already forgotten - did nothing but giggle and talk about gunning people down. Dex was cliched and drab. I have read his character ten times over. I could literally list five other books that use his exact same backstory and personality… but actually did it justice. Nor’s chapters were disjointed and random. She was purposefully vague to build suspense and it just did not work for me. None of them were particularly unlikable, just boring.
I appreciated that the authors tried to introduce political intrigue to tie the plot together, but they failed for one specific reason: the world-building. To make me care - or even understand - the politics of your world, I need to have a clear picture of said world. Yes, we know a little about Lira and Andie’s home planets - and I stress a little - but the worldbuilding as a whole was practically non-existent. Each of the characters was from a different planet and yet they never discuss cultural practices or languages, apart from Lira’s scales. I desperately needed more information, more development, of this galaxy. Vaguely discussing trade routes and past wars is not enough.
Also, the writing. Dear God. It was a mess, truly a mess. I have seen a couple of other reviewers discuss this in depth so I recommend reading them through if poor editing is one of your pet peeves. It is quite obvious that the first third of the story was edited more than the rest of the book. It is filled with nonsensical metaphors and awkward flowery writing. There were also numerous repetitive phrases or words. Hopefully, these will be fixed by its release?
Overall? Zenith tried to combine the found family adventure vibes of [b:Starflight|21793182|Starflight (Starflight, #1)|Melissa Landers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1456568054i/21793182._SY75_.jpg|41045510] with the morally grey character and political action of [b:The Diabolic|26836910|The Diabolic (The Diabolic, #1)|S.J. Kincaid|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459485169i/26836910._SY75_.jpg|46870277] but failed. It was cliched and dull. I am genuinely disappointed that this lives up to the negative hype. I may give its sequel a chance in the future but we’ll see.
◯ Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
➸ Trigger warnings for
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I have literally nothing to say about this other than the movie is better. Much better. I know that it’s part of the sacred book community rite of passage to always vehemently reject that sort of statement... but it’s true.
This book had some of the most underdeveloped characters I have ever read about. Vee was an unpleasant protagonist. She had no spark. I could not connect with her. I found her decisions incredibly irritating. Although I understand that she has a shy and timid personality... so I guess it genuinely was a realistic response? However, I just could not understand her motivations or get inside her head.
On top of that, Ian had absolutely no personality. We know almost literally nothing about him so their romance did nothing for me in return. In fact, I was highly sceptical of their entire relationship. Sydney, Matthew, and Tommy were also - similarly - bland as boiled rice. I didn’t understand any of their relationships with Vee either. Sydney and Vee’s friendship was handled poorly, especially when the movie did such a brilliant job, and Tommy came across as the typical jaded ‘friend-zoned’ nerd. I couldn’t stand him.
Despite all of that, it was the plotline which ruined Nerve for me. I assumed this book was going to be a thriller. While it desperately tried to be, especially in the second half, it fell flat. I didn’t like how the game, NERVE, was portrayed. It didn’t feel like a legitimate threat at all! There was no sense of urgency surrounding the dares. They weren’t even dangerous, just mildly embarrassing. The final scene tried to up the stakes but it felt… I don’t know, weird. It was so random, I could not fathom why anyone was participating. The ending was icing on the cake. It was awful.
Also:
• The writing was too simplistic for my tastes.
• The dialogue was stilted and awkward.
• Characters were all cliches & cardboard cut-outs.
• I didn’t understand the role of Watchers.
• The topic of suicide was handled poorly.
• This book is pitched for fans of The Hunger Games and I could not tell you a single feature these books have in common.
Overall? I didn't enjoy a single aspect of this book. The characters were so bland I couldn't muster the energy to remember their names. The romance was underdeveloped and the plotline weak. The dares were cringe-worthy rather than thrilling. I got no sense of urgency or suspense. It was boring and poorly written. I don’t think I’d bother with anything else this author has written.
I definitely recommend the movie over this book. None of the dares at the same and the characterisation in the movie is done so well. Ian is an amazing character and Emma Roberts acting is on point.
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This book had some of the most underdeveloped characters I have ever read about. Vee was an unpleasant protagonist. She had no spark. I could not connect with her. I found her decisions incredibly irritating. Although I understand that she has a shy and timid personality... so I guess it genuinely was a realistic response? However, I just could not understand her motivations or get inside her head.
On top of that, Ian had absolutely no personality. We know almost literally nothing about him so their romance did nothing for me in return. In fact, I was highly sceptical of their entire relationship. Sydney, Matthew, and Tommy were also - similarly - bland as boiled rice. I didn’t understand any of their relationships with Vee either. Sydney and Vee’s friendship was handled poorly, especially when the movie did such a brilliant job, and Tommy came across as the typical jaded ‘friend-zoned’ nerd. I couldn’t stand him.
Despite all of that, it was the plotline which ruined Nerve for me. I assumed this book was going to be a thriller. While it desperately tried to be, especially in the second half, it fell flat. I didn’t like how the game, NERVE, was portrayed. It didn’t feel like a legitimate threat at all! There was no sense of urgency surrounding the dares. They weren’t even dangerous, just mildly embarrassing. The final scene tried to up the stakes but it felt… I don’t know, weird. It was so random, I could not fathom why anyone was participating. The ending was icing on the cake. It was awful.
Also:
• The writing was too simplistic for my tastes.
• The dialogue was stilted and awkward.
• Characters were all cliches & cardboard cut-outs.
• I didn’t understand the role of Watchers.
• The topic of suicide was handled poorly.
• This book is pitched for fans of The Hunger Games and I could not tell you a single feature these books have in common.
Overall? I didn't enjoy a single aspect of this book. The characters were so bland I couldn't muster the energy to remember their names. The romance was underdeveloped and the plotline weak. The dares were cringe-worthy rather than thrilling. I got no sense of urgency or suspense. It was boring and poorly written. I don’t think I’d bother with anything else this author has written.
I definitely recommend the movie over this book. None of the dares at the same and the characterisation in the movie is done so well. Ian is an amazing character and Emma Roberts acting is on point.
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➸ Trigger warnings for
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3.5 stars
• The plotline was slow and deliberate but I enjoyed this one a lot
• There was something about the characters that just worked for me.
• They all got along well like friends should, and there were no petty romantic interests or overbearing male protagonists (a welcome relief to say the least)
• What I loved about this most of all was the inside look we got into the film industry
• This was a pleasant surprise so I will definitely be checking out more of the author's book
• The plotline was slow and deliberate but I enjoyed this one a lot
• There was something about the characters that just worked for me.
• They all got along well like friends should, and there were no petty romantic interests or overbearing male protagonists (a welcome relief to say the least)
• What I loved about this most of all was the inside look we got into the film industry
• This was a pleasant surprise so I will definitely be checking out more of the author's book
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3.5 stars
It isn't very often that we get a uniquely plotted book anymore, stories, especially young adult ones, are becoming more and more clichéd and predictable. Its frustrating. The Paper Magician however was a breath of fresh air. The magic lore was unlike any that I have read about - in the best possible way, of course.
The originality wasn't the only thing that worked for me though. It was the characters that had me going. They were so simplistic but yet oddly complex at the same time. They were both relatable and realistic - well, as far as magicians can be described as "realistic".
What let this down was the unexpected plot turn and the resulting weird middle part of the story. It was just well... peculiar. Too peculiar for my liking and rather tedious. The ending was far better however and the book ended on such a joyful tone that you could almost forget the last thirty or so percent of the book where you were catching yourself from falling asleep... almost.
Regardless, I think this was a fantastic debut and I eagerly seek out The Glass Magician.
Note: a copy was provided courtesy of [a:Charlie N. Holmberg|7801879|Charlie N. Holmberg|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1391280524p2/7801879.jpg] and 47North through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given or taken during this process.
It isn't very often that we get a uniquely plotted book anymore, stories, especially young adult ones, are becoming more and more clichéd and predictable. Its frustrating. The Paper Magician however was a breath of fresh air. The magic lore was unlike any that I have read about - in the best possible way, of course.
The originality wasn't the only thing that worked for me though. It was the characters that had me going. They were so simplistic but yet oddly complex at the same time. They were both relatable and realistic - well, as far as magicians can be described as "realistic".
What let this down was the unexpected plot turn and the resulting weird middle part of the story. It was just well... peculiar. Too peculiar for my liking and rather tedious. The ending was far better however and the book ended on such a joyful tone that you could almost forget the last thirty or so percent of the book where you were catching yourself from falling asleep... almost.
Regardless, I think this was a fantastic debut and I eagerly seek out The Glass Magician.
Note: a copy was provided courtesy of [a:Charlie N. Holmberg|7801879|Charlie N. Holmberg|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1391280524p2/7801879.jpg] and 47North through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given or taken during this process.
➸ Trigger warnings for
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