I haven't visited the land of Olympian Gods and Titans since I was a high schooler in English class. I remember reading all the old stories and legendI haven't visited the land of Olympian Gods and Titans since I was a high schooler in English class. I remember reading all the old stories and legends and trying to keep track of the tangled web of gods and stories. This book brought that all back into focus for me, and I forgot just how vain, power hungry, and heartless the Gods truly were. My gosh! They are narcissistic assholes! Thank goodness, Circe was a breath of fresh air. I love how she carved her own path and didn't surrender her own identity. All the little stories that made her who she was were so intriguing and powerful. Her choice at the end was definitely the right one, and although it took her so long to get there, it was truly satisfying for both her and the reader. Even though this is a book of Gods, Titans, warriors, and witches, it speaks volumes to what it is to be human and mortal. I'm glad I put my skepticism aside and picked this one up. It was an adventurous yet insightful read!...more
I really liked this follow up. All the characters were fun to read about. The only think I thought could have been better developed was the story of tI really liked this follow up. All the characters were fun to read about. The only think I thought could have been better developed was the story of the magical book and the background into the powerful characters that help end the curse. They were introduced and quickly forgotten when the writer left the sense that they had a much deeper story. Other than that, I loved how strong Shazi, Khalid, and their surrounding family/friends were....more
So this was Cress's story (Repunzal) and whille Cinder's crew keeps getting bigger so does my love for this series. Everyone has such unique story linSo this was Cress's story (Repunzal) and whille Cinder's crew keeps getting bigger so does my love for this series. Everyone has such unique story lines and voices. I can't wait to see how it all unravels in the final story of Winter(Snow White). Will everyone get their happy ending?!...more
This was so good! The protagonist was such a strong willed character. If you like Game of Thrones's Khalisee than you will definitely like Shazi. TheiThis was so good! The protagonist was such a strong willed character. If you like Game of Thrones's Khalisee than you will definitely like Shazi. Their stories and personalities parallel in quite a few ways. As for the "monster," Khalid is a brooding enigma with deeply layered darkness. The mystery of him definitely kept me in suspense. Even the surrounding characters were interesting. I was just as equally invested in their motivations and struggles. I can't wait to see where this goes!...more
This book was so much fun. It is a retelling of The Scarlet Pimpernel which I've never read but it's reimagined in a way that anyone can enjoy it and This book was so much fun. It is a retelling of The Scarlet Pimpernel which I've never read but it's reimagined in a way that anyone can enjoy it and enjoy it I did! It's a great adventure full of sword fighting, spies, romance, twists, and one awesome heroine! The characters were all so well written and the plot never dull. I will definitely be taking a look at this author's other works....more
I was really pumped for this. It sounded like a really cool fairytale remake. Too bad I was tricked. Seriously, this chick couldn't make up her mind oI was really pumped for this. It sounded like a really cool fairytale remake. Too bad I was tricked. Seriously, this chick couldn't make up her mind on anything and the plot was seriously lacking with all the running around in some crazy-ass labyrinth house. More than anything was how annoyed I got as I quickly lost interest. Too bad some cool elements like the shadow demons and shadow beast went to waste....more
This was a retelling of the Grimm's fairy tale story called Bluebeard. I had never heard of it before so I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but theThis was a retelling of the Grimm's fairy tale story called Bluebeard. I had never heard of it before so I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but the synopsis sounded interesting enough. Unfortunately, I can't say the same after reading it. Even though I had no knowledge of the original fairy tale, I had the ending pegged within the first fifty or so pages. Predictability aside, I tried to give it a shot, but found myself dragging my feet. It was truly boring for me--especially the first one hundred pages or so where she's giddy over his obsessive gift giving and creepy attention. While I understand girls of the 1800's were far more naive and innocent, Sophie, the protagonist, was just too easily conned and pulled in by her godfather. I mean he had this sleazy, controlling undertone about him while being totally aloof about his past, and yet she still manages to be enamored by him. Sure, she figures him out eventually, but even then the story didn't peak for me. In short, the characters nor the story's delivery sparked much of an interest for me....more
In a weird way this book kind of reminded me of Lost. You've got this mysterious island where everyone is searching for the truth while a beast of somIn a weird way this book kind of reminded me of Lost. You've got this mysterious island where everyone is searching for the truth while a beast of some sorts is killing off people--none of which are easily trusted. While this sounds really exciting, it just didn't do it for me. Juliet manages to spend more time in a lust-filled haze of confusion than placing her worries on the creepy, killing monster in the jungle. Talk about misplaced priorities! Also, the madman scientist mystery was easily predictable and snuffed out for me. As soon as they got to the island, I put it all together pretty quickly and found the big secret more weird than horrifying which is probably not what the author was going for. Thus, for most of the middle of the story I was left bored while Juliet ran through the woods trying to figure out who she liked more, Montgomery or Edward--ugh! I mean I'm not opposed to love triangles, but this one just annoyed me. I felt no attachment to either relationship. Thankfully the ending amped up a bit and actually concluded on an unpredictable note. Even so, my feelings on this book are pretty indifferent. Don't get me wrong, the writing was good, the story just didn't catch my interest. With that being said, I can't say that I'll be on pins and needles waiting for the next one. I probably won't even bother with it. ...more
This was definitely an intriguing take on the world of Peter Pan especially considering Tink was the narrator. All of the key characters were includedThis was definitely an intriguing take on the world of Peter Pan especially considering Tink was the narrator. All of the key characters were included and a lot of the story was the same, but then again none of it was the same. I know that doesn't make sense, but I don't know how to explain it. The story included the alligator swallowing the clock, Hook hunting the Lost Boys, Smee being Hook's right hand man, and Tiger Lily being captured and tied in the sea. However, all of these things happened with a different twist that suited this new world and story of Neverland. The one huge difference was the arrival of the Wendy and the Englishmen. The author painted them in a completely different light--more of a historical light. The Englishmen and Wendy tried to enforce their beliefs and will on the island which was definitely an interesting way to go. Now I keep saying it was interesting and intriguing which it was; nonetheless, the story did seem to lack in story. Stuff happens but there never really seems to be a driving plot. The book seemed to me to be more of a description of this strange land and the exploration of feelings and emotions that these characters underwent. Therefore, at times it was a slower read than what one would expect from the adventures of Peter Pan. As a result, it fell a little short for me....more
I've never read Jane Auston's Persuasions, but this book could stand by itself. I enjoyed its take on a dystopian world. Somehow I found it different I've never read Jane Auston's Persuasions, but this book could stand by itself. I enjoyed its take on a dystopian world. Somehow I found it different from many other dystopian worlds I've read about in that it wasn't a result of some kind of uprising, natural disaster, or paranormal take-over. Basing it in the advancements and dangers of human science and experiments was unique. Even though some readers didn't like how it resulted in a racist caste system population, I didn't find any problem in that fact. Let me clarify. In no way do I condone slavery, but racism and prejudice is part of life therefore I'm not adverse to reading about it if it's done for a specific reason. Besides, the book is all about questioning whether the treatment is right. The characters were really well hashed out and independently each their own motivations and actions. Personally, I loved how Elliot evolved in her beliefs about the Reduced and the Innovations. The thing that didn't hit the mark with me was the action. I wished a bit more happened especially between Elliot and Kai. Considering this book is marketed as a love story, there seemed to be little interaction between the two. Nevertheless, I did enjoy their final scene at the closure of the novel. In addition, I know this is a single story, but I felt that it read as if it was setting up for a series and was a bit disappointed to see that wasn't the case. Overall, it didn't make my top ratings, yet it definitely had merit and kept me reading....more
So this is a young adult take on Poe's story. Obviously, it's not nearly as dark and disturbing as the real thing, but then again there will only everSo this is a young adult take on Poe's story. Obviously, it's not nearly as dark and disturbing as the real thing, but then again there will only ever be one Edgar Allen Poe. Therefore, I kind of just found myself separating the two and viewing this as its own piece because this would never outshine the real story and would be called pure crap in comparison. With all of that aside, this book was okay. I found that the plot built nicely and eventually sucked me in as the the book came to its ending. There was definitely enough conflict and action to keep me interested. The betrayal at the end by a certain character was particularly unexpected and thus intriguing. Nevertheless, the novel did lack in character development. I was never really sure who the hell to trust. Each character outside of the protagonist, Araby, seemed a bit off to me. They all seemed to be playing both sides which was a bit frustrating in trying to figure out without enough character insight. I mean obviously the author meant for some of this mistrust, but sometimes their actions seemed questionable because of it. Also, the supposed main, big bad, villain didn't seem all that powerful and fearful. I mean the control of the city wasn't even in his hands nor did his own soldiers commit to him, but supposedly everyone is afraid of him? Hopefully, the characters will grow within the next installment which I have yet decided if I will be reading or not. Time will tell. ...more
The opening was what drew me in. The snarky, sadistic personality of Romeo was fun and interesting, but soon afterwards my interest dropped off. The lThe opening was what drew me in. The snarky, sadistic personality of Romeo was fun and interesting, but soon afterwards my interest dropped off. The love story was drawn far too quickly and was far too contrived and full of cliches to really have me rooting for them. Outside of that, the plot of mercenaries and ambassadors was too weakly developed to really create a believable, exciting story. Also, the characters were too wishy-washy especially Juliet/Ariel who doesn't make up her mind to the very end. I understand that she's meant to be conflicted, but through her confusions she poses the same questions over and over again that just becomes annoying to the reader. What if Romeo is telling the truth? How can I save Ben's soul when I am in love with him? How can I love Ben when I know there's no future for us? Blah, blah, blah! The ending also seemed way out of left field. I'm not even sure I understood what utimately happened to Romeo. Too weird. In the end, I finished it because it was a short read, but it really didn't interest me in the least. I gave it two stars only because the premise of Shakespeare's tragedy being a lie was clever--too bad the author couldn't deliver....more
I thought this was really well written, but like others who have read this, I had trouble with the ending. It was indeed rather abrupt and left you wiI thought this was really well written, but like others who have read this, I had trouble with the ending. It was indeed rather abrupt and left you with some obvious unanswered questions. Also, the website the book advises you to go to see if this is truly the end of Valerie's story does not work which is completely frustrating. I'm hoping that this is just a start of a series and that there is more to come to wrap up the start of a really great story otherwise I will be extremely disappointed....more
Luckylyn86
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