Loved this book. I was thinking about it for days afterward. I predicted some of what happened but most completely blind-sided me, which I loved. I waLoved this book. I was thinking about it for days afterward. I predicted some of what happened but most completely blind-sided me, which I loved. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending, but I'll take it!...more
I really wish I'd taken the time to review this book closer to when I read it as I now only remember that I loved it, as opposed to each individual reI really wish I'd taken the time to review this book closer to when I read it as I now only remember that I loved it, as opposed to each individual reason why it's so awesome.
Here's what I do remember - although this book has some 'paranormal elements' (for want of a better term), it feels incredibly real. Almost too real. Aimee L Salter has captured that experience of being bullied so truthfully, the emotion drips off every page. At least when I went to school, if you were bullied, your home was a haven. Not these days - technology allows the bullies to have constant access to you. Every Ugly Word is an amazing portrayal of what that is like - relentless, destroying and heartbreaking.
Although the rawness of Every Ugly Word makes it hard going at time, it's ultimately a story of hope and the power of self belief. A terrific book for today's teens, I recommend it to all high schoolers as well as anyone who has been there and isn't afraid of considering what it might be like for some teens today. ...more
I enjoyed this book but I thought it could have been so much better. The beginning felt clumsy and the end felt rushed, but I truly felt for Dortchen.I enjoyed this book but I thought it could have been so much better. The beginning felt clumsy and the end felt rushed, but I truly felt for Dortchen. It makes me glad (as a lot of books do) that I'm a woman of the 21st century and not of a time like this.
The writing transported me to the time and place and I grew to understand how each of Dortchen's sisters fit into her life, although it was difficult to remember who was who in the beginning. I just wish (view spoiler)[, after all of that time, that we could have had a bit more time with Dortchen and Wilhelm happily in love at the end. After so many barriers and roadblocks, I didn't think there was enough reward for the reader. (hide spoiler)]
I felt the author did a good job of portraying (view spoiler)[the abuse inflicted on Dortchen by her father and how this affected her ability to love Willhelm. (hide spoiler)] I'd recommend the book for that aspect alone....more
I was a little nervous about reading this book, because the finales in the last few trilogies I've read have all disappointed me (cough cough, The HunI was a little nervous about reading this book, because the finales in the last few trilogies I've read have all disappointed me (cough cough, The Hunger Games, cough cough, Delirium). Thank goodness, The Faerie War bucked the trend and did the rest of the series justice.
In the previous books, Violet was my favourite character, but Ryn stole the show for me in this one. All of my favourite moments were either when he was narrating or at least in the scene. I think my absolute favourite part was (view spoiler)[when Violet said she'd never been on a magic carpet. I felt for Ryn so much in that moment! (hide spoiler)]
When I started reading The Faerie Guardian all that time ago, there's absolutely no way I could have predicted what happened throughout the series, and I think that's a real testament to Rachel Morgan's skills as a writer. She really kept things fresh and had me guessing right till the very end.
The only part I wasn't totally enamoured by was (view spoiler)[how Violet and Ryn's found 'the star'. I know that the reason they were so close to Tilly was because of Vi's finding ability, but Tilly rescuing them from the bounty hunters felt a little too easy for me (hide spoiler)]. But that's a small gripe, really. Overall, the book was wonderful and the series was fantastic. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anybody who enjoys a good faerie tale. It's so nice to be able to recommend a series without having to say, 'But the ending is a let down.'
I was given a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review…
I have a new favourite self-published author. Honestly, I adored this book anI was given a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review…
I have a new favourite self-published author. Honestly, I adored this book and had a hard time putting it down (even when it was finished!). I love time travel stories (hence why I'm writing one myself) and I'm also a big fan of books about the music scene, so Butterman (Time) Travel, Inc was the perfect combo for me. PK does an excellent job of conveying the intensity of music through her words, and I could almost hear the soundtrack in the background as I read the narrative.
Characterisation was another strong point for me. Bianca and Tristan both seemed very real. They're both flawed and both make stupid decisions, but those decisions always make sense, given their situations and personalities. I was totally swept up in the journey as they went from being awkward strangers to maybe-friends to… well, I don't want to spoil the story for anyone. All I'll say is that my favourite scene takes place in a lake - those who have already read the book will likely be smiling in recognition.
I'll be honest and say that I did get a little lost once or twice about the in's and out's of time travel in this particular world (CCL what now?), but that was probably because I was flying through the pages at break-neck speed, too eager to find out what would happen next to actually stop and make sure I understood every little detail. Hopefully I will pick up anything I missed in my second read-through, because I have no doubt I'll be reading it again - most likely once the second book is released.
Actually, that reminds me - I DO have one bug-bear. That bloody ending. I have a love-hate relationship with cliffhanger endings. When I realised that I'd have to wait for book 2 to (hopefully) read a scene I'd been hanging out for, I literally groaned out loud (scaring my husband, who was sitting next to me on the couch). Damn you, PK. Damn you! All I can say is: you better write book 2 fast!!
All in all, an absolutely awesome read. It's made me all-the-more inspired to pen my own time travel tale. If it's as good as Butterman, I'll be a happy gal. :-) ...more
I bought this book because, at first glance, the premise sounded a lot like my current novel-in-progress. 'Uh oh,' I thought. But when I read 15 MinutI bought this book because, at first glance, the premise sounded a lot like my current novel-in-progress. 'Uh oh,' I thought. But when I read 15 Minutes, I discovered two things:
1. The similarities to my WiP are only surface level (phew!). 2. 15 Minutes is a great story.
I always enjoy a good time travel tale, and this book was no exception. The main character, Lara, is very likeable and I really felt for her as she struggled to deal with the awful alternate universe she inadvertently created. Although love triangles are becoming a bit cliche in YA fiction, the author uses the device in a fresh way and I found that my feelings towards Rick and Donovan were as conflicted as Lara's.
The fast-paced plot kept me so hooked that I read the whole book in one weekend, which is something I haven't done for a while. I even missed my favourite TV show so I could keep reading. Gotta love an addictive story!
There were a few events in the story that struck me as a little too convenient and I also spotted a handful of typos, but neither of these issues were enough to make a big impact on my overall enjoyment of the book.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most about 15 Minutes was the complicated relationship Lara had with her parents. The author does a great job of showing that everyone has faults and makes mistakes, but that love and respect for one another will help see you through the most challenging situations.
I'd recommend 15 Minutes to anyone who enjoys fast-paced young adult fiction and likes themes of family, trust and the big What If? ...more
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