I went into this series not really interested in stories about "witches" or small towns in the South, but having thought that the movie was okay, and I went into this series not really interested in stories about "witches" or small towns in the South, but having thought that the movie was okay, and wanting to give the books a chance. I continued with the series, because the books were compelling and mysterious, and the characters were really likable. I was completely addicted, partly because of the brilliant production of the audiobooks. Book three is where the authors started to lose me, but I couldn't stop after the cliffhanger of the previous book, and I shouldn't have been surprised when everything and everyone fell, or was thrown off that cliff in this book.
For me, this final installment was really disappointing. It felt like such a departure from the first three. It was like a runaway train, that forgot where it was supposed to be going, but couldn't be stopped. It seemed like all of a sudden the authors wanted the story to be on this grander scale that it had never seemed like it had been headed before, for the characters to battle some corrupt governing body of the supernatural world, an element that way too strange for me to find accepting. It went so far off the map, that it lost the elements that made it appealing for me in the first place. It'd didn't feel as polished, well thought out, or well put together as the rest of the series, and the ending wasn't as satisfying as i thought it would be.
*SPOILERS*
I was anticipating a much more satisfying conclusion to this series, something involving a bigger acknowledgement of the new order and the idea that what had been separating casters and mortals from being together is gone. There is not much mention of this, and the way that everything came together is not even close to what I expected. I just wasn't feeling it at all. All of a sudden, in the last book, it's like, 'Oh, that wasn't supposed to have happened, but a corrupt keeper playing God wrote it in a magical book, so just go tear out the page and it will never have happened'?! Oh, and everyone that dies in Gatlin has unfinished business and lives in a Beetlejuice-like dimensio?! I just hit my limit; I'd had enough of the supernatural, with the seers, and the keepers and the blood debts. I could suspend disbelief until the last book, but it was just too much for me. It felt too messy, and even the brilliant audiobook production couldn't redeem "Beautiful Redemption", in my book. ...more
I enjoyed following the characters and the continuing story, however it took the sequel quite a while to win me over. It didn't feel as original to meI enjoyed following the characters and the continuing story, however it took the sequel quite a while to win me over. It didn't feel as original to me as the first. It kept reminding me of Twilight, which while I completely love it, I don't want to read a rip-off of it. I also felt that it detracted from the trademark style and unique appeal of this series. (More on that later).
I did however really enjoy this book's Southern charm, the revelations about some of the characters (no spoilers!), and the enticing lead up to the next book. The plot continues to thicken, and the mysteries grow. Lena's desire to be light, fear of being dark, and steadfastness to not hurt anyone continues to make her hesitant to declare herself for one side or the other. Readers will be able to relate to this human struggle to be good while never being able to be completely free of the pull toward bad thoughts or actions. The second audiobook is just as good as the first, and the song really gets stuck in your head after a while (in a good way).
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
So, why was it annoyingly reminding me of Twilight? Well, it didn't really hit me, until Lena breaks up with Ethan in the middle of the forest, so that he won't get hurt from being with her, and leaves him there, and rides off of the back of John's motorcycle. Then, I was finally like, okay...So this book is a paranormal romance, with characters with different special powers, whose eyes are a certain color if they are good or bad, and the story centers around a supernatural who falls for a mortal, who will die if they stay together, and thus leaves him to keep him safe. Eventually the story becomes quite different, but when the similarities hit me, it was a little off-putting. My other challenge with reading this book, or listening to it, was that I found Lena more difficult to like. She goes beyond just being a tormented poet, and seems somewhat mad. I was not completely deterred however, I pushed on to the next book, and am still in fact reading this series....more
"My True Love Gave to Me" is a very mixed bag of holiday treats, some quite tasty, others too tart. I listened to 6 of the 12 holiday stories, finding"My True Love Gave to Me" is a very mixed bag of holiday treats, some quite tasty, others too tart. I listened to 6 of the 12 holiday stories, finding them quite enjoyable, and sent the other 6 back, return to sender. I skipped over anything that began with excessive profanity, demonic references, or seemingly anti-Christmas sentiments. I mean, come on, it's Christmas!
I enjoyed the 6 that I did finish, to varying degrees. My absolute favorite was the "Star of Bethlehem" by Ally Carter. It's about a girl looking to get away for Christmas, who trades airline tickets with a stranger and receives an unexpected and life-changing county Christmas in return. I think it would actually make a pretty good holiday movie. The runner up was Stephanie Perkin's "It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown". This one was a little more nontraditional, but it was cute and romantic, about a girl who meets a guy at a Christmas tree lot, where else? My next best was Rainbow Rowell's "Midnights", which follows a young couple over several New Year's Eves spent together, which kinda of reminded me of a TV holiday movie itself.
Kelly Link's "The Lady and the Fox" and Jenny Han's "Polaris is Where You'll Find Me" both kind of left me scratching my head, because it seemed like so much of the story was left untold, not entirely uncommon with short stories. David Levithan's "Your Temporary Santa" was just okay, capturing a moment in time, at Christmas, but really leading anywhere. If you are looking for very nontraditional and perhaps completely un-Christmas-y winter tales, you may even enjoy the ones that I skipped. The audiobook itself is pretty good. It's read by various talented actors and narrators and is great for listening to while you're busy with holiday activities....more
First of all, I'm not really into stories about witchcraft, or the south, and second, I wasn't crazy about the movie. This book, however, I really enjFirst of all, I'm not really into stories about witchcraft, or the south, and second, I wasn't crazy about the movie. This book, however, I really enjoyed. For me, it was about a 3.5. It wasn't perfect, or life changing, but it was interesting and fun. It had mystery, and magic, and humor, and romance, and a strong sense of place, and some fun characters. (The movie would have been much better if it had more closely followed the book, but when is that not the case?)
The story follows modern day teenagers, Ethan and Lena, and flashes back to their ancestors who lived in Gatlin during the Civil War. There are, in fact, quite a few references to the Civil War, and there are quite a few characters who are interested in history, and literature, and genealogy, which makes for a very rich story. Ethan and Lena are plagued by visions from the past, but can they break a centuries old curse, or are they doomed to repeat their ancestor's mistakes? Lena spends a lot of time dreading what she considers an inevitable, inescapable future, while Ethan stands by her, faithful and reassuring. In the end, the story is about love, not just for a significant other, but for your family, and yourself, and finding ways to be true to yourself, without compromising.
I have just started the second book, and I am excited to see what happens next. Lena is really still just learning how to use her gifts, and Ethan is still getting used to being with a caster. By the way, I am listening to the audiobook versions, and they are really very good. They are kind of cinematic, with sound effects for rain, and thunder, and things breaking, and the song is really gothic and haunting. The narrator's voice reminds me of Taylor Lautner, although, of course, it is not.
Oh, and how about the sisters?! (Ethan's great aunts, if you haven't yet read the book.) They are awesome!...more
How could you not want to read this book? The titles in this series are so temptingly mysterious. One look at the covers, and you're dying to know whaHow could you not want to read this book? The titles in this series are so temptingly mysterious. One look at the covers, and you're dying to know what they're about. The Secret series follows the adventures of Cass and Max-Ernest, as they try to solve the mysterious disappearance of a local magician, and then the disappearance of a fellow classmate. The two young heroes are uniquely equipped for this particular challenge, as Cass is a devoted survivalist, and Max-Ernest is a longtime reader of riddles and secret codes. Both skills are needed for what lies ahead, when the clues lead them to a dangerous organization that is seeking eternal youth, at any cost. The story is told in a unique way that makes the reader feel as if the events are really happening and they are a part of the story. The narrator seems to have personally witnessed the events, and reluctantly reveals the parts of the story that he feels comfortable with, changing names, and leaving out certain details, in order to keep his characters, and the reader, safe. Overall, it's an entertaining and engaging read, however the book, and its audio counterpart, seem best suited for its intended middle grade audience, of which I am not a part....more
First of all, I was pretty disappointed by the narration of the audiobook. It was very lackluster. There wasn'
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New Review--Audio Edition
First of all, I was pretty disappointed by the narration of the audiobook. It was very lackluster. There wasn't much emotion, and the pace was kind of slow. But it was still acceptable, and here is the main reason why--it gave me some of the much needed distance that I sought after. I couldn't ever get past the first few chapters of the print edition, because I felt like it was ruining Twilight for me (SEE ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW). But I have now finally finished "Life and Death", and it was actually interesting and entertaining, even if not at all necessary.
This new story is extremely similar to the original, until the end. Edythe and Beau's story is told in a single volume. If you have given it any forethought, you will understand that Edythe and Beau's life together cannot be just like Bella and Edward's. And since there won't be any follow-ups, their story has to reach it's final conclusion within these limited number of pages. With the Twilight universe turned upside down, the women of the story, which were already very strong and powerful, are now in positions of authority. (The men no longer have any illusion that they are in control.) This is mostly interesting when it comes to the Volturi. Yes, you may recall the story of the Volturi being told in the original Twilight. Well, that story has changed, and it is one of the more interesting reimaginings. You will also see dialogue that you remember from Bella and Edward's story, and new dialogue that you might wish had been included in their story.
Overall, I still can't really get wrapped up in this story, for a couple of reasons. One, of course, is my experience with, and attachment to, the original Twilight. Another is that I do not find Beau to be as compelling as the protagonist. It's easier for me to be swept up into a story with a character that I can more easily relate to, like Bella. And a big appeal factor for the original, is that she falls in love with a supernaturally preserved Mr. Darcy. It almost felt like there was something missing in this new relationship; whether or not it's just that it doesn't feel fresh anymore, I don't know. The best part, when I actually laughed out loud, was at the end, when Edythe and Beau are talking about what might have happened if things had turned out differently for them, and then they're like--nah, that could never have happened.
Anyway, it's for diehards only. And maybe guys who have never read Twilight because they thought it was a chick book. Oh, and those extreme feminists who refuse to give books a chance, unless all the female characters choose to be completely nontraditional, whether that's what actually makes them happy or not. Oh, and if you listen to the audiobook, make sure that you get ahold of a print edition, for the forward and afterward. That is all. TWILIGHT FOREVER!!
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Original Review--Print Edition
First of all, Twilight was one of the most amazing books that I have ever read. I know that I share that feeling with countless others. The feeling of being so wrapped up in a story, so moved by it, so close to the characters, that afterwards, you feel as if you have lived that story, and your life will never be the same. I was thus, hesitant to read this new reimagining of one of my very favorite books, but this, after all, was Stephenie Meyer's bonus material, none of which I have thus far turned down, and you have to trust the author.
Second, I never saw Bella as a fragile human. Of course, she is the human in the love story, however I just saw her as someone who is brave, strong, intelligent, independent, and human. That she cares about family, and relationships, and loyalty, things that actually matter, is what makes her a timeless character, and a good one. It took me one chapter of Life and Death to realize why this new story doesn't work as well for me, and why the original did. I like the guy being the beautiful, angelic, other worldly, Mr. Darcy, that's been waiting a century for his soulmate to come along, that would sacrifice everything for the welfare of the girl that he loves, but that also can't live without her. I like the girl being the average looking, introverted, human, with all of the aforementioned qualities, that I, and others like me, can relate to. I honestly think that the overzealous feminists that were so quick to incorrectly judge the original story, either didn't actually read it, or did it with such a big chip on their shoulder, that they didn't even give it a fair shot. Even feeling so very strongly about Twilight, I was willing to give this new book a chance.
One of my first thoughts was that, if vampires could dream, Edward might have dreamt something similar to this story, as in, what it would have been like to be in Bella's shoes, what might have happened if their roles have been reversed. Interestingly enough, I had no problem imagining the original movie cast as these new characters; they actually fit in quite well. As I continued reading, I found that it was less of a dream, and more of a parallel universe. Of course the genders are not the only differences in the characters, and their story actually ends differently from that of Edward and Bella. Stephenie Meyer is very imaginative, and a great storyteller, but by the time I reached chapter 5, I felt like, this book was kind of ruining Twilight for me. I can't separate myself from the original enough to enjoy, and finish this story. I can't let it fully into my Twilight universe. I did quickly flip through the end to the afterward, and I was actually jaw-droppingly shocked that the ending was so much different, even though I shouldn't have been. I knew that this bonus story wasn't the beginning of a new series, and that this book allowed Stephenie Meyer to consider other possibilities in her writing.
I will stick with Twilight, which I think I am due for re-reading, hopefully sometime in the relatively near future, and I will recommend this new book to others. Since it has the male POV, guys might be more likely to enjoy it, and there's always the extreme feminists, to consider, so maybe them as well. I must admit, I do really wish that this had been Midnight Sun......more
Meg Cabot's Jinx is young adult chick lit with a darkly magical twist. Small town 'cousin Jean' thinks that she is jinxed, and so does everyone else, Meg Cabot's Jinx is young adult chick lit with a darkly magical twist. Small town 'cousin Jean' thinks that she is jinxed, and so does everyone else, but when she goes to stay with her New York City relatives, she finally finds out what she is really made of. When she arrives, nothing is quite what she expects, starting with her cousin Tory, who is now nearly unrecognizable, with a new dark personality, and a wardrobe to match. Both girls grew up hearing their grandmother's story about a powerful ancestress who made a prediction about a daughter's daughter who would be the family's next great witch. Is one of the cousins really a powerful witch, or was it just a bedtime story? And what exactly happened in Iowa that drove Jean away? Readers will keep guessing until the very end....more
First of all, this book is very well written. It's insightful, entertaining, thought-provoking, and, at times, laugh out loud funny, so I do not underFirst of all, this book is very well written. It's insightful, entertaining, thought-provoking, and, at times, laugh out loud funny, so I do not understand the negative reviews, at all. If you have read other books by the author, don't expect this one, or any, to be just like the others. If you usually only read adult fiction, don't expect young adult fiction to be just the same. If you don't expect it to any anything other than what it is, you will NOT be disappointed.
That being said, this book, like all others, is not for everyone. It is, in fact about a teenage boy, whose primary interests include skateboarding, planning for college, and, of course, dating teenage girls. What's interesting is what happens to Sam and his first serious girlfriend, and how they deal with it, as well as the author's unique twist that involves Sam's relationship with his idol, Tony Hawk, and a special gift that helps Sam prepare for his future.
Although this author has been on my eventual to-read list for a while, this is my first Nick Hornby book. I listened to the audiobook, performed by Nicholas Hoult, and it was very well done, as you would expect. I just saw it at the library and grabbed it to listen to in the car, and I was very pleasantly surprised. I would recommend this title for older teens and adults (it does contain mature content), that are interested in insightful, humorous, and cleverly told, realistic young adult fiction about relationships, and what happens when life doesn't go as planned....more
After a lifetime of living and working in a small seaside town, filled with uneventful summers, recent high school graduate, Emaline, experiences a suAfter a lifetime of living and working in a small seaside town, filled with uneventful summers, recent high school graduate, Emaline, experiences a summer full of change. In this story, Sarah Dessen's protagonist doesn't even have to leave home to enjoy the sun and surf, while having her world turned upside down. Before leaving for college, Emaline must face her estranged father, her future with her long time boyfriend, and whether it's possible to leave a small town and stay true to your roots.
Dessen's fans will love the references to places and people mentioned in her other books. There are references to bands in This Lullaby, and characters from Along for the Ride. In fact, readers finally get introduced to Clyde, the owner of Clyde's Rides, from Along for the Ride.
Despite all that, I did not enjoy this Sarah Dessen book quite as much as some of the others. I rate it about a 2.5. First of all, there weren't any characters that I really liked. Maybe it's just me, but everyone seemed sort of fickle, dedicated to one person, place, or interest, and then just moving on. I guess I never really understood all of their motives, or I just couldn't relate to them.
Secondly, I listened to the audiobook, which I would not recommend. It was read by Allie Gallerani, and I do mean 'read' by her. I could picture her, sitting there, just reading the book for the first time. She read the entire book in the same tone, sort of thoughtful and maybe wistufl, with no changes for any characters. They were all read exactly the same. So, I would not recommend the audiobook, at all. But, if you're really a Sarah Dessen fan, you don't want to miss The Moon and More....more
First of all, I didn't realize that this book was part of a series, at all. So, it's safe to say that it's not absolutely necessarWhat's worth noting:
First of all, I didn't realize that this book was part of a series, at all. So, it's safe to say that it's not absolutely necessary to read them in order. Second, it really reminded me of Confessions of Georgia Nicolson; there is even a reference to a number on a certain snogging scale. Third, the audio, while girly, British, and humorous, is not distinctively voiced; from what I can remember, the boys sounded like girls, so I'd skip it, in favor of the print version.
Recommended to fans of Georgia Nicolson and lovers of teenage chick lit looking for a virtual vacation to Italy...more
It's been a while since I finished this one, but it really deserves a review. I was looking for a summer listen and grabbed this audiobook off the sheIt's been a while since I finished this one, but it really deserves a review. I was looking for a summer listen and grabbed this audiobook off the shelf at the library, just to give it a shot, and I was pleasantly surprised. The narration was pretty well done, and it would be great for road trips, with a car full of girls.
The story tells the relationships of multiple generations of women, but focuses on Quinn, who accidentally discovers that her father is not quite as great as she previously thought. She goes on a journey, an actual journey, with her sister and half-sister, in which they learn more about who their absent father really is, and exactly how he has treated the women in his life. Interspersed between chapters are anecdotes from female characters mentioned throughout the story. Quinn's mother, aunt, and grandmother also keep a running list of traits to avoid in boyfriends or husbands. Although serious issues are discussed, the tone is kept fairly light and enjoyable. Even though it's a good beach read, it would also be good for book clubs, as readers will definitely have their own opinions on the issues discussed, and even how the story changes Quinn's relationship with her father....more
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