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ryanpfw's review
4.0
I try to be internally consistent with my star ratings. Five is for great books that I'll always remember, four is for good reads, three is for books that weren't bad but had a substantive issue or two that kept me from truly enjoying it, while two are flawed books and one is just a truly terrible book.
I rated Flicker a 3 for reasons explained in that review, and Fractured was a step up. I still feel there were some issues here (I'd have gone with 2.5 and 3.5 if they were options.) but I enjoyed this one more.
I feel like the flickering plot device was used a bit inconsistently here but significantly more appropriately than Flicker. While Biz never considered, to my knowledge, saving the little boy last time or the accident victims this time, the Katie plot was a solid use of the Biz's abilities. I just wish it was considered across the board. I recognize Biz realizes earlier on that some things can't be changed, but we don't see when she first realizes that. As the narrator, I feel like some things are kept from us. Oddly enough, it's not until reliving the party that I believe she even acknowledges her abilities with Cam, who knew since the last book. It just seems like something that should be coming up more.
The relationships are a bit heavy handed. Martinez is very in her face. Can and Biz are very easy to set off, with phrases consistent with "taking a step back after feeling like I was slapped in the face" coming up a lot. The only true organic relationship I feel is Biz and her dad. It's wonderful, the highlight of the book, and I suspect the author is inspired by real life here.
I am deeply heartened by the ending. The plot element with Cam could come across as poor writing if not directly and deftly handled, mirroring the advice her father gave her at the party about standing up for herself. She seems to be stepping up for herself at the end and learning a lesson about tampering with time, and I think it demonstrated a surprising plot development in a series I feared was a bit on the simple side.
On to book 3!
I rated Flicker a 3 for reasons explained in that review, and Fractured was a step up. I still feel there were some issues here (I'd have gone with 2.5 and 3.5 if they were options.) but I enjoyed this one more.
I feel like the flickering plot device was used a bit inconsistently here but significantly more appropriately than Flicker. While Biz never considered, to my knowledge, saving the little boy last time or the accident victims this time, the Katie plot was a solid use of the Biz's abilities. I just wish it was considered across the board. I recognize Biz realizes earlier on that some things can't be changed, but we don't see when she first realizes that. As the narrator, I feel like some things are kept from us. Oddly enough, it's not until reliving the party that I believe she even acknowledges her abilities with Cam, who knew since the last book. It just seems like something that should be coming up more.
The relationships are a bit heavy handed. Martinez is very in her face. Can and Biz are very easy to set off, with phrases consistent with "taking a step back after feeling like I was slapped in the face" coming up a lot. The only true organic relationship I feel is Biz and her dad. It's wonderful, the highlight of the book, and I suspect the author is inspired by real life here.
I am deeply heartened by the ending. The plot element with Cam could come across as poor writing if not directly and deftly handled, mirroring the advice her father gave her at the party about standing up for herself. She seems to be stepping up for herself at the end and learning a lesson about tampering with time, and I think it demonstrated a surprising plot development in a series I feared was a bit on the simple side.
On to book 3!
junekramin's review against another edition
5.0
I was thrilled to be able to read this book before it's release! I was anxious to catch up on the story. I was not disappointed! I loved following the new happenings with Biz & Cam. I want to hug/smack the author... is it too early to tease you that it looks like a #3 HAS to be in the works? Great job, Melanie! I look forward to more from you!
johnsonracing1k's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
theresajs's review
5.0
the story of Biz continues is this 2nd book, and I loved this second book just as much as the first one. Didn't stop reading until I had finished then immediately started reading the 3rd book. Awesome story!
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