I think, first and foremost, one must remember that this is a romance story. I forgot, therefore, I am disappointed. It wasn't bad. Neither was I expecting it to be life-changing. But I wasn't expecting ... this. Basically, here is the story of the third book: Penryn was gushing over Raphael. The end. If you were expecting something else then let this serve as a warning.
The awkward word exchange between characters is back, the idea to draw the crowd to the bridge for what was supposed to be an epic battle was A COMPLETE JOKE, some parts and characters reminded me so much of another book (a highly successful one) and ... it ended just like that!
The only part that I liked about it was Beliel's. That was the only person whose bitterness and personality was explained. I felt really bad for him but at least for Beliel I had closure. But what of Penryn? There was supposed to be an explanation for why she was wielding the angel sword. An explanation that is more than what was given. More than the fact that it deemed Raffe not deserving anymore because then anyone can wield it. More than people being a grand grand grand grand grand grand (and more grand) daughter of one of the Watchers. They didn't say that outright but what's a person without closure do except invent a that-would-do explanation?
2 stars.
I haven't read a book I wanted to stay up late for in a long time. Here's one. I was devastated to find out the last of the trilogy won't come out until next year so now my problem is do I read the second book or do I wait a few months and suffer. Tough decisions.
See, it's books like this that got me into YA. The last YA trilogy I read wasn't so much of a much so I stopped reading YA for a bit. I mean, it was good but I didn't as excited about it as this one. I think this book just killed my YA reading slump. I like the story telling and its prose best. As far as the made-up world, clan wars and forbidden love, it's all been done before. It's the story telling and writing that makes a difference.
Okay I think my EQ is low today so I'm gonna go read the 2nd book and then suffer longer until the last installment comes out.
Five stars.
Any book that makes me look like a lunatic in a corner of a tea shop deserves five stars from me. I wanted to finish the book in the shop but I kept getting annoyed/curious/scared/worried stares from people when I got to the twist and started whispering "what? ... what?!! ... what the f--?!!". I wasn't embarrassed, instead I wanted to look back at them and say "can you believe this?!!" while pointing at a book looking incredulous with one eyebrow raised. But I didn't want to be banned in there. I like their tea. It was then I knew I had to finish the book within the confines of my bedroom. There I can be free.
Seriously, though. This one came as a surprise from the very second I found it on my office table (thanks, Bart!). Heh. I always say I like a good mystery so this falls under that category. Another thing I like is culture. I know people always say we should be free from culture that constricts the society (and this book is filled with it since it's about some Romany gypsies living and thriving to keep their traditions in the retro era) but I always believed the only way we can free ourselves of anything is to understand it. Not hating it and running away from it. But let's not get off topic. When I read this I realized I don't know much about gypsies except ... well, Esmeralda's of the Hunchback of Notre Dame and her people ...erm ... sorry yeah, ignorant, I know. It's an interesting setting with sympathetic characters. Too bad about Tene, though.
So anyhoo, the twist. It was kinda ridiculous, I know, but it worked for me. I've read stuff with more ridiculous plots they should be classified as fantasy. This one is realistic enough for me. Now please excuse me while I hunt her other book down.
Five stars.
This is a fast read (if I hadn't been busy) and an uncomplicated one but the way I feel about it is a bit -- contradicting. I like the genre and the writing should be easy for anyone to follow but it's still just -- not a page-turner. I liked the old New York setting and I'm in love with old circus and old magic concept but for some reason I couldn't connect with this one. I have to admit I expected more from it so maybe there lies they problem? I'm also getting tired of the love triangle thing in YA so there's another star off the rating. I'd still like to read the second book and see how it turns out. I think I would give this a 3.5 at most.
This one is especially ... erm ... special, because of the stories behind this story (read the Acknowledgements too, please). It's a great medium to discuss PTSD and TBI which has been causing a bit of buzz in the social media. A bit as in it's not enough especially for those involved/suffering from it.
If in fairy tales we don't know what happens after the prince marries the princess, in crime books we don't know what happens to victims after they've been rescued. Or not. In crime books, readers are often focused on solving the puzzle and finding out who the evil serial killer is. What happens after the fact is no longer relevant. This is the story that decides it IS relevant.
Storytelling-wise, it's a classic Tami Hoag so (for me) it got a bit predictable. It doesn't make me love her any less lol. There's just one minor detail that bugs me. SPOILER ALERT: When Dana woke up she was told she was in a car accident then -- what? I thought since she's behaving unpredictably she would've made a big deal out of it ... but I guess forgot to do that? Sorry, I'm a stickler for unimportant things.
Four stars.
I had such high hopes for this book because 1) i like mystery thrillers, 2) i like small towns that were made for vacations and 3) most of the reviews I saw were okay. I was left with a lot of questions after reading it, though. In some cases, that can be a good thing ... but not here. The thing that got me through this book is the character development. It was pretty good. But then it kept going and going and going that it dragged and I forgot what the story was all about ... like ... i forgot what I'm supposed to say now.
2 Stars
I liked this book. It was fast to read because the prose was easy. It was told through different perspectives/mediums but it wasn't confusing. I gave a lot of smothered laughs and maybe got a little teary-eyed somewhere. But for a book that I really liked, this doesn't leave a lasting ... feeling. I don't even remember which part I got teary-eyed for, I just knew I did. I knew I hated the gnats when I was reading it and I loved Bernadette and totally feel for her but ... writing this review a few days after I read the book, I feel like I've already moved on. I guess this is one amazing in-betweener?
3.5 bordering on 4?
