Really enjoyable read. Great world and I loved the magical stuff. Some of the dialog was rough but I did read the ARC so who knows iMight be 3.5 stars
Really enjoyable read. Great world and I loved the magical stuff. Some of the dialog was rough but I did read the ARC so who knows if it'll be changed in FC. Full review soon! ...more
This was different than I expected but really wonderful. It does venture into very disturbing topics though somehow it was not a depressing read. I waThis was different than I expected but really wonderful. It does venture into very disturbing topics though somehow it was not a depressing read. I was so surprised there was a "Sherlock" feel. Happy surprised :-)
This and other reviews are on my site, My Friends Are Fiction Did you read that intriguing (and vague) summary? Sounds like perfection-so I knew I’d nThis and other reviews are on my site, My Friends Are Fiction Did you read that intriguing (and vague) summary? Sounds like perfection-so I knew I’d need to read this book as soon as possible. I’ve read Dixon’s Entwined and enjoyed it so I was even more excited. Pus, look at that cover. Really, what isn’t appealing about this?
Sadly, I think my expectations might have been too high. I enjoyed the beginning of this book but it felt on the younger side of YA and I’d hoped for a more mature storyline. The characters were okay but none of them really gripped me.
Illusionarium does deal with an alternate universe and the way Dixon introduces it through inhaling a drug and pretty much hallucinating the door between worlds was incredibly unique if not a tad hard to visualize. You’d think with drug use and hallucinating this book would feel on the older side of the young adult spectrum but it didn’t for me. The dialog and level of detail seemed nearly middle grade. I believe a good amount of people will become absorbed in the creative world building and enjoy the lighter feel of the story but it fell just a tad short for my taste.
I think my detachment stems from my inability to really connect to the main character, Jonathan. He was likeable, intelligent though on the goofy side. His voice seemed unique to him and I cant really find any real flaw with his character but my connection to him was absent. I wanted to feel more emotionally attached to him and his quest but I couldn’t. I wasn’t overly concerned about how he faired.
The side characters were less developed and felt a tad like caricatures. We spend very little time in Jonathan’s real world so his family members and love interest are quickly forgotten as the new cast of characters from the alternate universe are introduced. I’d also thought the book would be a tad romantic because of that swoony cover but it really wasn’t. There was hardly any romance and I wonder if that if it had been included if I’d have liked the story better. The book does focus on a sibling relationship that was sweet but I wanted a few swoon-moments. Again, I brought my own expectations into the story.
I ended up putting this book aside for more other books with more pressing release dates and after hanging out on my currently reading shelf since December of last year I figured it was time to give up and put this away. I might venture back because I really did enjoy this author’s other book and there wasn’t anything bad per se but it just couldn’t grip me. ...more
My Thoughts: I saw that beautiful cover and that tag line by Mr. Neil Gaiman and was sold onThis and other reviews on my site, My Friends Are Fiction
My Thoughts: I saw that beautiful cover and that tag line by Mr. Neil Gaiman and was sold on wanting (needing) to read Magonia. Gaiman wrote, “she writes like a dream” and I’ll say he was spot on. Immediately upon starting this book I was impressed by Headley’s writing style. Her main character, Aza, has such a unique voice. She is cynical, maybe a bit bitter (?) yet completely likeable in her manner of handling all the problems she’s been thrown–and wow what a problem she had.
I can confidently say that until reading this book I’d never considered how it would feel to be suffocating. Through Headley’s writing I felt short of breath and really could understand Aza and her viewpoint. It was beautifully done, elegant, heart-breaking but not so melancholy I didn’t want to read it.
Magonia flip flops between Aza and Jason (the best friend). I really loved both of these characters but I think I enjoyed reading from Jason’s view a tiny bit more (this became true even more as the novel progressed). I loved the workings of his mind and how he had strange tics that set him apart from any other character I’ve read. Also, he deals with something mid-way through the book that I recently experienced in my own way so I was very emotionally impacted by his POV.
I completely and utterly loved the first third of this book. I really can’t think of how Headley could have created a stronger start for me. I was mesmerized by her prose, descriptions and story. There came a moment…a big moment, where the story location changed and our main character became aware of her true nature. Once this took place my adoration lagged a bit.
The descriptions of Magonia (the place) and the sky-ships were vivid and I could very clearly imagine what was occurring but certain things, though inventive, seemed a bit on the cheesy side for me. I sort of loved it but at the same time I didn’t. That’s completely unclear I know. This book was just so delightfully strange I can’t help but love it to some degree but at the same time I wasn’t nearly as into the middle to end of the novel.
Though the people of Magonia are described well I wasn’t able to emotionally connect to them (or their plight) as well as I would have liked either. We don’t get a whole lot of information about them beyond the face value since they are all side characters. As for the romantic element- it was very slight but I could see the makings of a possible love triangle. Though, I can’t really say since who knows where the series will go next.
Even though I had a few problems this book was so unique, creative and just plain strange. It held my interest without fail. I think this one will be incredible for some readers and others might struggle with just how strange it is. For me, I think I loved it. Reading it felt like opening my mind which is always a plus.
Back to the strange elements…I wish I could go into detail about the birds, the sharks, the clouds, the UFOs referenced from history but that might spoil your reading experience.
Final Thoughts: As time passes and I think back on this book (that is still very much part of my brain) I am convinced I enjoyed it even more upon reflection. I am convinced I’ll be rereading it at some point (not that long from now I suspect). It’s the type of book you can escape into because Headley’s descriptions and imagination are immensely unique. ...more
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed Death Sworn and was very excited to see where CyThis review and more on my blog My Friends Are Fiction
Actual rating 2.5
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed Death Sworn and was very excited to see where Cypess would take her characters and story. Overall, this book failed to live up to the first in the series. I wanted more about the Assassins, Sorin and world building.
I did enjoy seeing Ileni’s character growth and struggles and felt that Cypess has done a great job giving her a mixture of loyalty, guilt and passion. If this was the middle book in a series it would get a higher rating because I’d be eager to see what happened next. Knowing this is it I’m just left feeling dissatisfied and sad! There was so much more to develop. How can this be it?
In this sequel we see much less of the assassins though we do get a few chapters from Sorin though they are very short and really his character felt ignored. So much of the Death Sworn was set to show his growth and interactions with Ileni and in this book it was abandoned- he went to being a character Ileni knew rather than being someone prominent. I was so sad because he was my favorite character.
In Death Marked we get to see more about the Empire and are introduced to many new characters. I liked most of them and felt that Cypess did well in creating Evin especially. His character was easy to like and I enjoyed the humor he employed to cover his hurt. We find out if what Ileni has learned her whole life was true or not and we get to judge the Empire’s actions for ourselves. I enjoyed all of these aspects and while reading was absorbed.
I think it all boils down to this being a duology and focusing on Ileni. I think that if someone reading isn’t all that invested in Sorin they will enjoy these two books. I respect that this was the journey the author wanted for her characters but it left me wanting.
Final Thoughts: This feels like a case of it’s me not you for this book. The story was a good one but I can’t feel happy about it just because it abandoned so much I loved about Death Sworn. The ending felt abrupt and left so much more for me to question. Yes, all the major story lines were acknowledged, the character’s stories were mostly developed and concluded but for this reader it left me wanting so much more. ...more
Sadly I couldn't really get into this sequel. The world is interesting but this felt looooong. The pacing was uneven and I had trouble connecting or rSadly I couldn't really get into this sequel. The world is interesting but this felt looooong. The pacing was uneven and I had trouble connecting or really getting emotionally involved in what was happening. I will want to read the next book most likely to see what will happen. I think this suffered from middle book syndrome ...more
My Thoughts: Cat Winters will never fail to amaze me with how beautifully she melds hiThis and other reviews are on my website My Friends Are Fiction
My Thoughts: Cat Winters will never fail to amaze me with how beautifully she melds historical elements into her stories. As with In the Shadow of Blackbirds Winters ventures back into 1918 and the horrible flu outbreak with her newest novel, The Uninvited. This time she also adds in the panic surrounding World War I and the push to show patriotism and to fear/hate anyone with ties to Germany. Winters was able to create such vivid scenery and describe the time period in such detail that I was easily transported and could feel the despair and fear.
Be aware, the other books from Cat Winters are geared towards (or at least classified) as young adult. The Uninvited had a bit more sexuality and the characters are in their twenties. In this novel we follow from the point of view of Ivy- a woman in her twenties (young to me but nearing old maid status back then). Ivy had the ability, like others in her family, to see spirits. These guests turning up always indicated something awful happening in the very near future. What a creepy and fantastic ability- especially during a time of war and illness.
I really can’t tell you how wonderful this novel was. I adored the writing (of course) and the story was able to keep me in its grips as well as spin me for a couple of surprises. Each of Winters’ books are rich in historical depth and touched upon the social problems of the time period This blend mixed with an eerie aura was absolutely delightful. The Uninvited didn’t disappoint in this regard but was able to add in a few new touches.
There was a romance that I was fully behind- and as always I could use a bit more. I completely felt the chemistry between the couple though some of their relationship felt rushed. Because of the time period this novel was set in and the elements the characters are experiencing it fit within their story-lines to rush things but for me, personally, I would have enjoyed a slower progression.
Even the characters that rarely graced the page managed to feel developed and complex in their own right. I felt a connection to so many aspects of this book and the people’s plights- it was an emotional read for me.
Final Thoughts: Seriously, if you’ve not read anything by Cat Winters you need to do so immediately. If you are already a fan then you know that this should be on your to be read list. The Uninvited was fast paced, creepy but also very enlightening about the time period it was set. There’s no question Winters has done her research about the time period surrounding the 1918 flu outbreak and is incredibly knowledgeable. In short- get thee to a book store. ...more
The Story: I really didn’t know what to expect from this book when I requested it. I admit, I saw that it was by Rae Carson and requested it without reading the summary. I was so impressed with the research, captivating story telling and characters in this novel.
The pacing was very slow and though the characters travel a great distance it didn’t seem that a lot happened. We follow the story through Lee’s point of view on her journey to California. The story begins in Georgia and we really get a feel for the setting and time period. I found myself intrigued by Leah (she changes the spelling when she pretends to be a boy to Lee). Her ability to sense gold seemed like such a hindrance to me. I loved that Carson approached practical elements…such as if you can sense gold you still can’t cash it all in because that would cause suspicion.
Once Leah dressed as a boy and hit the trail I was so reminded of the old 80’s game my generation played in school, The Oregon Trail. This game was IMPOSSIBLE and I died of dysentery every time I attempted to play.
Carson represented the hardships of traveling by wagon over miles of land so beautifully. I was so impressed with how she handled the small aspects of life (our main characters gets her period!) I loved seeing how things were handled and I felt that Carson did one of the best jobs I’ve read representing a girl character hiding as a boy.
As I said the pacing was slow and the action sequences scarce but I felt completely captivated and I read this book in a short number of days. Where the story left the reader also has me really ready for the next book…not a cliffhanger all that much but it’s the type of ending where you flip the page expecting the next chapter and not the end of the book.
The Characters: Wow, Carson did such an excellent job creating a cast of characters that were unique, well rounded and so realistic. I loved Leah/Lee and felt she was incredibly easy to root for and connect to. I wanted for her to succeed and I was worried for her multiple times throughout the story. Her best friend, Jefferson, was so likeable though I could use a bit more focus on him in the next novel.
I became attached to the people Lee traveled with on the trail to California and I was as engaged with their stories as I was with Lee’s. I was very impressed with the depth Carson gave the secondary cast of characters.
You might be wondering if there was a romance? Not really though there will most likely be one as the series progresses. I was very much behind a couple though and I’m hoping my ship will sail (or there will be tears).
Final Thoughts: I was very impressed with how beautiful and captivating Walk on Earth a Stranger was. Although the pacing was slow the story was easily able to keep my interest and I’m incredibly eager for the next book. I must know what happens next in Lee’s life! ...more
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