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verypeculiarpages
OK, I am officially THE WORST at adding my reviews from my blog to my Goodreads. I'M SORRY. I'll try to remember more often…
*
I got to listen to about 75% of this on audio before my library hold expired, and it was really good! I've been debating about reading this book for over a year now. I love The Lunar Chronicles and everything else Meyer has written, but for some reason I wasn't convinced I should read this. Maybe the vague synopsis or the mixed reviews turned me off. I don't know. What I DO know, is that I'm happy I finally talked myself into picking this up.
The plot of this book is like, everything I've ever loved. Superheroes. Villains. Enemies to Lovers (kinda?). Undercover Spy. It's all there. I honestly don't know why it took me so long to start reading. I loved the premise of Nova being part of the villain gang and infiltrating the Renegades. We need more villain main characters (though Nova definitely isn't the most villainous villain out there, if ya know what I mean)!!! I'm all about a good villain, and this book has more than one.
The characters are fun. I loved Nova and the Anarchist crew, especially Leroy, Winston and Phobia (the last two which I wished DESPERATELY we got more of! Hopefully book 2!) Nova's backstory is great, though I was a little disappointed that she only got to be around Ace for a year before the end of the Age of Anarchy. I felt like it would've been more impactful if she got at least two or three years with him (but like...……...if you read this book, you know). I also was super smitten with Adrian. He's just a good nerdy guy and he's so sweet.
Though I really ended up enjoying this book, I rated it four stars because I think the pacing is a little slow at times. The main reason I didn't finish the audiobook in time was because I no longer had my long work commute to listen to it, but also I had the ebook for a couple weeks before I finally got around to finishing it. So it wasn't like I was dying to know what happened next immediately. The ending picked up though and it was GREAT. I MEAN, THE ENDING. I KNEW the twist, but I also didn't know the twist... and now I'm left with SO many questions!
*
I got to listen to about 75% of this on audio before my library hold expired, and it was really good! I've been debating about reading this book for over a year now. I love The Lunar Chronicles and everything else Meyer has written, but for some reason I wasn't convinced I should read this. Maybe the vague synopsis or the mixed reviews turned me off. I don't know. What I DO know, is that I'm happy I finally talked myself into picking this up.
The plot of this book is like, everything I've ever loved. Superheroes. Villains. Enemies to Lovers (kinda?). Undercover Spy. It's all there. I honestly don't know why it took me so long to start reading. I loved the premise of Nova being part of the villain gang and infiltrating the Renegades. We need more villain main characters (though Nova definitely isn't the most villainous villain out there, if ya know what I mean)!!! I'm all about a good villain, and this book has more than one.
The characters are fun. I loved Nova and the Anarchist crew, especially Leroy, Winston and Phobia (the last two which I wished DESPERATELY we got more of! Hopefully book 2!) Nova's backstory is great, though I was a little disappointed that she only got to be around Ace for a year before the end of the Age of Anarchy. I felt like it would've been more impactful if she got at least two or three years with him (but like...……...if you read this book, you know). I also was super smitten with Adrian. He's just a good nerdy guy and he's so sweet.
Though I really ended up enjoying this book, I rated it four stars because I think the pacing is a little slow at times. The main reason I didn't finish the audiobook in time was because I no longer had my long work commute to listen to it, but also I had the ebook for a couple weeks before I finally got around to finishing it. So it wasn't like I was dying to know what happened next immediately. The ending picked up though and it was GREAT. I MEAN, THE ENDING. I KNEW the twist, but I also didn't know the twist... and now I'm left with SO many questions!
I am a SUCKER for books like this: ones that I can just breeze through and enjoy and be happy about. This was suuuuper cute- I loved the characters and I was thoroughly invested in the romance to the point of emotional chest pains. Buuuut the ending was NOT what I wanted. When *that* happened, it was like the light left my eyes. UGHHHHHH, that was SO unnecessary. And the last few chapters were super rushed. Otherwise, I still really enjoyed this one!
Even though I felt literally the entire range of human emotions during this book, I feel in my soul that it was a three star read for me. Full review will come after I have had time to digest. Cuz I am EXHAUSTED.
**
WHY WAS THE BOOK SO STRESSFUL. I have so many feelings. I feel like I went through the entire spectrum of human emotion while listening to this audiobook. And DESPITE ALL THAT STRESS, it was only a three star read. UGH.
I really enjoyed the first book of this series, Renegades, and I thought it set up a lot of interesting plotlines moving forward. And then this… felt like a filler book? It’s crazy to me that I think this considering the fact that I was anxious throughout its entirety, but it was SO SLOW! Looking back on it, nothing really happened? The focus shifted so deep into the minds of Nova and Adrian that I felt suffocated at times. When people say that Order of the Phoenix was too angsty and too much in Harry’s head? I don’t agree with that notion at ALL, but it FELT LIKE THAT in this book. There were SO many chunks of just Nova or Adrian rambling on about their feelings and blah blah and even though I LOVE THEM I was still like… oh my god there are way more important things happening right now and THIS is what they’re focusing on?! Just ANGST ANGST ANGST.
AND since we are so deeply rooted inside their minds, all the other characters got pushed to the side. The Anarchists, who were my favorite characters in Renegades, were almost non-existent. I MISSED THEM SO MUCH. We got a little Honey, but I WANT MORE PHOBIA, DAMNIT. Even the little parts we got with Ace, who was like, the BIGGEST REVEAL of the first book, were rare and short. I still barely understand exactly the dynamic between Nova and Ace (like, is she afraid of him? Have they actually had heartfelt conversations in the last 10 years? What is happening.). Also, I still can’t believe that neither Nova’s NOR Adrian’s secret has been revealed. Like, Adrian’s did a little (I was sure he was gonna tell Nova in the end but got PLAYED), but now I’m gonna have to deal with BOTH in the finale? That just seems like a lot of fallout to recover from in one book.
So even with some plot and character issues, this book was still HELLA STRESSFUL. I feel like every other second Nova (ESPECIALLY NOVA, like oh my god girl had me scared for her life MULTIPLE times) or Adrian was doing something idiotically risky. I kept thinking Nova was on the verge of being found out because she was just… making straight up STUPID decisions. Ugh. (Also side note, but I’m realizing I totally root for the Anarchists in these books, lol. Like when Danna was being all shady and suspicious I was like, EW STAY AWAY FROM ME AND LET NOVA DO VILLAINOUS THINGS IN PEACE). There were also some really, really emotional moments in this one, too. I was SOBBING during the scene with Simon and Max and screaming when Nova and Adrian finally kissed. Just so many emotions, you guys.
I’m still really looking forward to the finale in this series. I would hope that the plot moves a little smoother given that Meyer has saved EVERYTHING for the final book. Like.. how on earth do people see an actual future for Nova and Adrian?! They have SO MUCH BAGGAGE and that’s not even considering the details we don’t know about, like his mom’s death and Nova’s family’s and good GOD. I really don’t have any predictions about what how this could possibly end, but I’m really hoping I get more Anarchists and that Ace doesn’t betray Nova in some stupid way that’s gonna make me wanna die. I’m excited to see Nova take her newfound power to a new level, and I’m glad there’s a bit of a wait before Supernova is released so I can really take some time and de-stress from this book. ALSO JUSTICE FOR WINSTON.
**
WHY WAS THE BOOK SO STRESSFUL. I have so many feelings. I feel like I went through the entire spectrum of human emotion while listening to this audiobook. And DESPITE ALL THAT STRESS, it was only a three star read. UGH.
I really enjoyed the first book of this series, Renegades, and I thought it set up a lot of interesting plotlines moving forward. And then this… felt like a filler book? It’s crazy to me that I think this considering the fact that I was anxious throughout its entirety, but it was SO SLOW! Looking back on it, nothing really happened? The focus shifted so deep into the minds of Nova and Adrian that I felt suffocated at times. When people say that Order of the Phoenix was too angsty and too much in Harry’s head? I don’t agree with that notion at ALL, but it FELT LIKE THAT in this book. There were SO many chunks of just Nova or Adrian rambling on about their feelings and blah blah and even though I LOVE THEM I was still like… oh my god there are way more important things happening right now and THIS is what they’re focusing on?! Just ANGST ANGST ANGST.
AND since we are so deeply rooted inside their minds, all the other characters got pushed to the side. The Anarchists, who were my favorite characters in Renegades, were almost non-existent. I MISSED THEM SO MUCH. We got a little Honey, but I WANT MORE PHOBIA, DAMNIT. Even the little parts we got with Ace, who was like, the BIGGEST REVEAL of the first book, were rare and short. I still barely understand exactly the dynamic between Nova and Ace (like, is she afraid of him? Have they actually had heartfelt conversations in the last 10 years? What is happening.). Also, I still can’t believe that neither Nova’s NOR Adrian’s secret has been revealed. Like, Adrian’s did a little (I was sure he was gonna tell Nova in the end but got PLAYED), but now I’m gonna have to deal with BOTH in the finale? That just seems like a lot of fallout to recover from in one book.
So even with some plot and character issues, this book was still HELLA STRESSFUL. I feel like every other second Nova (ESPECIALLY NOVA, like oh my god girl had me scared for her life MULTIPLE times) or Adrian was doing something idiotically risky. I kept thinking Nova was on the verge of being found out because she was just… making straight up STUPID decisions. Ugh. (Also side note, but I’m realizing I totally root for the Anarchists in these books, lol. Like when Danna was being all shady and suspicious I was like, EW STAY AWAY FROM ME AND LET NOVA DO VILLAINOUS THINGS IN PEACE). There were also some really, really emotional moments in this one, too. I was SOBBING during the scene with Simon and Max and screaming when Nova and Adrian finally kissed. Just so many emotions, you guys.
I’m still really looking forward to the finale in this series. I would hope that the plot moves a little smoother given that Meyer has saved EVERYTHING for the final book. Like.. how on earth do people see an actual future for Nova and Adrian?! They have SO MUCH BAGGAGE and that’s not even considering the details we don’t know about, like his mom’s death and Nova’s family’s and good GOD. I really don’t have any predictions about what how this could possibly end, but I’m really hoping I get more Anarchists and that Ace doesn’t betray Nova in some stupid way that’s gonna make me wanna die. I’m excited to see Nova take her newfound power to a new level, and I’m glad there’s a bit of a wait before Supernova is released so I can really take some time and de-stress from this book. ALSO JUSTICE FOR WINSTON.
I’ve been seeing this book everywhere and the synopsis seemed so interesting to me! I love a good paranormal book and this one was wrapped in mystery and suspense. I started the ebook while on the plane ride back from New York and it started off really fast! I got through 30 percent in no time and then I ended up finishing this in two more sittings. The chapters were short and the shift in perspectives makes this a really quick read. I didn’t end up enjoying this as much as I would’ve liked, but it was still a good book!
There’s a twist in this that I did NOT see coming. When I read it I threw my phone down and just stared into space for like a full minute. It added a whole new layer to the story and the characters. That being said, none of the characters really clicked with me. Penny was a fine narrator but I wasn’t super into her. Her relationship with Bo is a bit of an instalove situation, but they did have some really cute moments. There’s only a couple other supporting characters, but they’re not really fleshed out enough to make an impact. The Swan Sisters were the most interesting characters of the book for sure.
The book definitely held my attention because I really wanted to see what was going to happen. But as I was reading the last few pages, I was disappointed. The ending didn’t really sit well with me and I thought the resolution was a bit weird and rushed. I don’t really know what I would’ve liked to see happen, but it was a bit of a let down. I would still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mystery or witches!
There’s a twist in this that I did NOT see coming. When I read it I threw my phone down and just stared into space for like a full minute. It added a whole new layer to the story and the characters. That being said, none of the characters really clicked with me. Penny was a fine narrator but I wasn’t super into her. Her relationship with Bo is a bit of an instalove situation, but they did have some really cute moments. There’s only a couple other supporting characters, but they’re not really fleshed out enough to make an impact. The Swan Sisters were the most interesting characters of the book for sure.
The book definitely held my attention because I really wanted to see what was going to happen. But as I was reading the last few pages, I was disappointed. The ending didn’t really sit well with me and I thought the resolution was a bit weird and rushed. I don’t really know what I would’ve liked to see happen, but it was a bit of a let down. I would still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal mystery or witches!
*I received a copy of this book from Book Publicity Services in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
I finally got around to reading this book and though I was intrigued by the synopsis and other reviews which stated this might be the next HP or PJO, I was left feeling disappointed. The storytelling of HP and the humorous charm from PJO don't land in this book. I feel a little bad rating this so low when I know that I'm not the target audience, but I don't know that I would've been hooked by this book if I were still in middle school.
The plot sounds promising, and I did enjoy the facets of the mysterious, magical book (such as the cover illuminating as Thomas continued reading) but I just could not get into this. The beginning is slow and repetitive, and a lot of the writing and dialogue is pretty clunky and awkward. The pacing is uneven and skips around through mundane events, so you continually read about Thomas waking up, chatting with his mom, reading a bit of the book, going to school and then you start over again the next day. Also sidenote, but I could not STAND to read the passages from the Book of Sorrows. Every other word had an unnecessary -eth added to make it sound more old-timey and it was unbearable. I ended up skimming most of the middle part because it just wasn't interesting enough for me to be invested.
Some of the magical aspects of this book were cool, but overall it was a very uninteresting read for me. I might hand my copy off to my younger siblings to see if they might enjoy it more than I did.
I finally got around to reading this book and though I was intrigued by the synopsis and other reviews which stated this might be the next HP or PJO, I was left feeling disappointed. The storytelling of HP and the humorous charm from PJO don't land in this book. I feel a little bad rating this so low when I know that I'm not the target audience, but I don't know that I would've been hooked by this book if I were still in middle school.
The plot sounds promising, and I did enjoy the facets of the mysterious, magical book (such as the cover illuminating as Thomas continued reading) but I just could not get into this. The beginning is slow and repetitive, and a lot of the writing and dialogue is pretty clunky and awkward. The pacing is uneven and skips around through mundane events, so you continually read about Thomas waking up, chatting with his mom, reading a bit of the book, going to school and then you start over again the next day. Also sidenote, but I could not STAND to read the passages from the Book of Sorrows. Every other word had an unnecessary -eth added to make it sound more old-timey and it was unbearable. I ended up skimming most of the middle part because it just wasn't interesting enough for me to be invested.
Some of the magical aspects of this book were cool, but overall it was a very uninteresting read for me. I might hand my copy off to my younger siblings to see if they might enjoy it more than I did.
Such a fun book filled with sooo much great info! You can’t help but feel happy when you read it. It’s beautifully designed and so pretty. I LOVE BOOKS!