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dontstopreadin's review against another edition
2.0
*Disclaimer: I was provided a free e-ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts and feedback. That is indeed what you are getting.*
I will admit, I was hesitant going into this book. It just didn’t sound like my type of book. However, it had amazing blurbs and was highly anticipated by so many. I somehow got excited for it and was super happy to get an eARC. I should have known better.
This book is told in varying perspectives. We have a main character, Zoe, who has gone through one heck of a year—her father has died as has her elderly neighbors in seemingly unrelated incidents. Her perspective of this story is exploring and learning about this new aspect of the world we will discover during this book. Her tragic perspective reads like a contemporary novel.
Our other perspective is named “X.” He is a creature/man/boy from an underworld type place called the Lowlands. This world is cruel and harsh and forces X to be a bounty hunter for souls that have created horrendous acts. These souls are doomed to the same fate as X. The perspective reads like a paranormal or fantasy story.
The varying perspectives were not as jarring as I thought they would be. That does not mean I enjoyed the back and forth. It was just uncomfortable. As was the world building.
However, the characters flipped this story on its head for me. I couldn’t handle Zoe and her actions, I found X to be annoying, Zoe’s mother was infuriating (when she was even around). I didn’t like a single character. I enjoyed Zoe’s brother, but I didn’t like aspects of how he was portrayed as well, which I will not go into at this time.
The story was interesting enough, until it wasn’t. Honestly, the middle of this book was the most interesting to me (has that ever been the case?) The beginning was painful and annoying (seriously, I couldn’t like Zoe when her story started with such a lack of responsibility and common sense). The ending was also remarkably predictable. I don’t often mind when a book is predicable, but it was annoying here because the author acted as if it was still going to be a surprise. The pace was slow. The story started engaging enough, but was just dragged out and to be honest, I no longer care about this story. Sadly, I can’t recommend this book. I will NOT be continuing this series. I just didn’t enjoy it.
It’s not awful. It’s just nothing special and hardly any fun nor is it diverse (it didn’t have to be, but as always, it would have been nice).
I’ve heard great reviews though, so it’s likely just not my type of book.
I will admit, I was hesitant going into this book. It just didn’t sound like my type of book. However, it had amazing blurbs and was highly anticipated by so many. I somehow got excited for it and was super happy to get an eARC. I should have known better.
This book is told in varying perspectives. We have a main character, Zoe, who has gone through one heck of a year—her father has died as has her elderly neighbors in seemingly unrelated incidents. Her perspective of this story is exploring and learning about this new aspect of the world we will discover during this book. Her tragic perspective reads like a contemporary novel.
Our other perspective is named “X.” He is a creature/man/boy from an underworld type place called the Lowlands. This world is cruel and harsh and forces X to be a bounty hunter for souls that have created horrendous acts. These souls are doomed to the same fate as X. The perspective reads like a paranormal or fantasy story.
The varying perspectives were not as jarring as I thought they would be. That does not mean I enjoyed the back and forth. It was just uncomfortable. As was the world building.
However, the characters flipped this story on its head for me. I couldn’t handle Zoe and her actions, I found X to be annoying, Zoe’s mother was infuriating (when she was even around). I didn’t like a single character. I enjoyed Zoe’s brother, but I didn’t like aspects of how he was portrayed as well, which I will not go into at this time.
The story was interesting enough, until it wasn’t. Honestly, the middle of this book was the most interesting to me (has that ever been the case?) The beginning was painful and annoying (seriously, I couldn’t like Zoe when her story started with such a lack of responsibility and common sense). The ending was also remarkably predictable. I don’t often mind when a book is predicable, but it was annoying here because the author acted as if it was still going to be a surprise. The pace was slow. The story started engaging enough, but was just dragged out and to be honest, I no longer care about this story. Sadly, I can’t recommend this book. I will NOT be continuing this series. I just didn’t enjoy it.
It’s not awful. It’s just nothing special and hardly any fun nor is it diverse (it didn’t have to be, but as always, it would have been nice).
I’ve heard great reviews though, so it’s likely just not my type of book.
danimae1981's review against another edition
4.0
The Edge of Everything is a story about a teenage girl, Zoe, suffering a devastating loss and 20 year old bounty hunter, X, who has spent his entire life imprisoned in the underworld (Lowlands). While on the surface the story is about the relationship that develops between the two, it also delves into the hardships that each of them have faced and some tough decisions that need to be made. The book was a quick read for me, and I enjoyed reading it. There are some great supporting characters that have their own interesting stories and backgrounds. Sometimes I was really questioning the choices characters made, but I think that’s part of what also made them human. Zoe and X’s story is obviously not over at the end of this book, so be prepared to continue with the next book, The Brink of Darkness.
nishaali's review against another edition
5.0
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not in any way influence my views on the book.
Well The Edge of Everything surpassed my expectations! And that was partly to do with the fact that I’m an idiot and, having read the Netgalley blurb, thought this was a contemporary (realistic) romance?? I did not clock at all that this was a fantasy until quite a few pages in… But when I did, an already promising start just improved 10x over. The story itself is an intriguing one, not much good comes from having a boyfriend literally from hell it turns out (!) It took a while for me to get the gist of the Lowlands but when I did I was totally immersed in the star-crossed lovers’ fate and the thrilling ride that Zoe and X embarked on to save themselves and stay together.
The Edge of Everything is one of those rare books where I could forgive the instalove and actually get behind it! Jeff Giles has crafted the characters in such a way and with so much depth that it’s almost inevitable that they would be attracted to each other and you cheer them on because they complement each other really well. I loved that Zoe is the badass, fierce and bold one in the pairing whilst X is very much the shy, naive but hopelessly in love one. I loved that the sweetest stuff between them was often unsaid/thoughts or physical gestures.
I really warmed to Zoe – she’s dealing with some pretty horrific stuff but manages to stay strong throughout. She’s by no means perfect, and I liked that we saw this part of her. At times she’s pretty mean to her little brother but it is the way she loves fiercely and loyally whether it is her family or her friend Val that really shines through. X on the other hand is less snarky but so resilient considering how he has grown up and what he is expected to do. The fact that X is able to hold on to his ‘humanity’ having never experienced it is such a beautiful thing. Reading about their first meeting and what follows, the sweet moments and the heart wrenching really swept me up and just totally immersed me in their story.
I also loved how the other characters all had their own stories and personalities – whether it was Regent, Banger and Ripper in the Lowlands or Jonah, Val and Dallas (loved the dialogue between him and Zoe!) in Montana. The female characters were very badass and inspirational – with brilliantly sharp tongues! The sibling relationship between Zoe and Jonah was also interesting, especially how far she was willing to go for him, and I liked how her protectiveness brushed off on X too. In that sense, I’m really glad this is the first in a series, because I seriously need more page time for these secondary characters!
The world building was top notch and Giles writes beautifully. The Lowlands was fascinating and I liked how some of it is recognisable and other bits totally original. Again, this book set us up with lots of questions about how the Lowlands works and I’m looking forward to discovering more in the next installment. This is the second book I’ve read in so many months where it’s set in a snowy location. Zoe’s Montana was beautifully described and the bits on caving which I’d probably usually find rather dull actually had me vividly imagining (and later googling!) chandelier-esque rock formations. The story weaves together a good mix of fantasy elements and romance and moved along at a thrilling pace.
One of the things that really stuck out to me about The Edge of Everything was how Giles dealt with ‘big’ issues like morality, grief, and the afterlife but did it in a non-claustrophobic or preachy way. I found it really interesting to see how the characters dealt with different, and often uncomfortable, feelings like remorse and mercy and it was actually quite emotionally stirring. I liked that Giles does not shy away from the worst base instincts of humanity but doesn’t glorify them either – if anything he highlights the ambiguity inherent in things like morality and that was a fascinating thing to see in YA.
The Edge of Everything is out on 9 February in the UK – it is a stunning debut, so make sure to grab yourself a copy. I am already eagerly awaiting the sequel which sadly (and worryingly!) isn’t even up on Goodreads yet (don’t leave me hanging Mr Jeff Giles!!!)
Well The Edge of Everything surpassed my expectations! And that was partly to do with the fact that I’m an idiot and, having read the Netgalley blurb, thought this was a contemporary (realistic) romance?? I did not clock at all that this was a fantasy until quite a few pages in… But when I did, an already promising start just improved 10x over. The story itself is an intriguing one, not much good comes from having a boyfriend literally from hell it turns out (!) It took a while for me to get the gist of the Lowlands but when I did I was totally immersed in the star-crossed lovers’ fate and the thrilling ride that Zoe and X embarked on to save themselves and stay together.
A frantic beetle was flitting back and forth between the panes of glass, trapped forever with the wide world in full view.
The Edge of Everything is one of those rare books where I could forgive the instalove and actually get behind it! Jeff Giles has crafted the characters in such a way and with so much depth that it’s almost inevitable that they would be attracted to each other and you cheer them on because they complement each other really well. I loved that Zoe is the badass, fierce and bold one in the pairing whilst X is very much the shy, naive but hopelessly in love one. I loved that the sweetest stuff between them was often unsaid/thoughts or physical gestures.
I really warmed to Zoe – she’s dealing with some pretty horrific stuff but manages to stay strong throughout. She’s by no means perfect, and I liked that we saw this part of her. At times she’s pretty mean to her little brother but it is the way she loves fiercely and loyally whether it is her family or her friend Val that really shines through. X on the other hand is less snarky but so resilient considering how he has grown up and what he is expected to do. The fact that X is able to hold on to his ‘humanity’ having never experienced it is such a beautiful thing. Reading about their first meeting and what follows, the sweet moments and the heart wrenching really swept me up and just totally immersed me in their story.
He realised now that he didn’t know very many stories – and certainly no pleasant ones. So he told her their story. He began with her knocking him down on the ice.
I also loved how the other characters all had their own stories and personalities – whether it was Regent, Banger and Ripper in the Lowlands or Jonah, Val and Dallas (loved the dialogue between him and Zoe!) in Montana. The female characters were very badass and inspirational – with brilliantly sharp tongues! The sibling relationship between Zoe and Jonah was also interesting, especially how far she was willing to go for him, and I liked how her protectiveness brushed off on X too. In that sense, I’m really glad this is the first in a series, because I seriously need more page time for these secondary characters!
The world building was top notch and Giles writes beautifully. The Lowlands was fascinating and I liked how some of it is recognisable and other bits totally original. Again, this book set us up with lots of questions about how the Lowlands works and I’m looking forward to discovering more in the next installment. This is the second book I’ve read in so many months where it’s set in a snowy location. Zoe’s Montana was beautifully described and the bits on caving which I’d probably usually find rather dull actually had me vividly imagining (and later googling!) chandelier-esque rock formations. The story weaves together a good mix of fantasy elements and romance and moved along at a thrilling pace.
The light, meanwhile, was dying fast. The coffin lid over Montana was getting ready to shut.
One of the things that really stuck out to me about The Edge of Everything was how Giles dealt with ‘big’ issues like morality, grief, and the afterlife but did it in a non-claustrophobic or preachy way. I found it really interesting to see how the characters dealt with different, and often uncomfortable, feelings like remorse and mercy and it was actually quite emotionally stirring. I liked that Giles does not shy away from the worst base instincts of humanity but doesn’t glorify them either – if anything he highlights the ambiguity inherent in things like morality and that was a fascinating thing to see in YA.
The Edge of Everything is out on 9 February in the UK – it is a stunning debut, so make sure to grab yourself a copy. I am already eagerly awaiting the sequel which sadly (and worryingly!) isn’t even up on Goodreads yet (don’t leave me hanging Mr Jeff Giles!!!)
bookishmamaworm's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.0
vimki's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars! i really enjoyed this book!! it was so fun and interesting and like nothing i've ever read before. the world is so interesting and unique. the characters are hilarious and complex and wonderful. the plot is intriguing and surprising. this was a great book. like SO great. my favourite character was Val, even though she was a side character that wasn't really in the book much she was deffo a stand out. shes funny and supportive of Zoe and i love her. I hope this is a series CAUSE IT CANT END LIKE THAT. I NEED THE NEXT ONE NOW
allyreadsromance's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! The story is very unique. It did a great job describing the two world and the characters that lived in both. I really enjoyed the honesty described. These character are able to describe their feelings in a way they feel genuine and not rushed.
I had trouble putting the book down. It was fast paced and I wanted to know more!! I believe this will be a series so do not make the mistake of expecting a neat ending! I'm looking forward to the next installment. There are so many questions that need answers. I feel the author is going to have fun taking us on the journey to the conclusion.
I had trouble putting the book down. It was fast paced and I wanted to know more!! I believe this will be a series so do not make the mistake of expecting a neat ending! I'm looking forward to the next installment. There are so many questions that need answers. I feel the author is going to have fun taking us on the journey to the conclusion.
robynriddle15's review against another edition
4.0
This book has something for everyone. It gets a little creepy at times, It has its tearjerker moments, and it has some seriously hilarious moments scattered throughout the book.
I love the relationship Zoe has with X as well as the relationship X has with the family. I also really enjoyed the side characters Ripper and Banger and hope to see them again in the next book.
Really good bookdefinitely worth a read.
I love the relationship Zoe has with X as well as the relationship X has with the family. I also really enjoyed the side characters Ripper and Banger and hope to see them again in the next book.
Really good bookdefinitely worth a read.
iyaa's review against another edition
1.0
I am so disappointed. Reading the first part was a blast for me, then everything fell short halfway. I did not like the characters at all, Jonah was pretty much the only one I liked and X’s friends. I found Zoe immature, and it was such a slow setting that it took me A WHILE to finish this one.
I hate reading slumps, so I despise this book.
I hate reading slumps, so I despise this book.
jongseobxenvy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0