Reviews

Hellfire by Karin Fossum

mehsi's review against another edition

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4.0

This good/bad review is for the whole series, since I feel like they could easily be one book.

Good things!
-The plot/story. At first you think it is all apocalypse and everything is real (the rapture, the churches and so on), but then slowly you will find out that nothing is what it seems. There is a whole lot of mystery surrounding the apocalypse, the raptures and also the Church of America. And step by step you will find out what happened, what is going on, where did people go?
I really did like the whole cult thing (since that is what I would call the Church of America), it is really interesting to see how people are swayed, how people are manipulated into believing something. How people believe something and don't have a single doubt about it and its motives. And sure I was shaking my head at the stupidity of people, come on, if you read the bible (the real one) you would know this is all a hoax. Sadly, something I see happening in more books, the bible and the texts regarding such an event as rapture are totally forgotten. Interesting to see it happening and that nobody questions it.
-The characters, well ok, that was mostly a hit and miss situation. Vivian was at times so awesome, but at other times, she was such a moron (more on that in the bad things). I did love Harp, she was a great character and I loved how kick-ass she was. How she just kept going and going, sticking to her best friend no matter what happens. Also I loved her blog posts!
-The roadtrip that happened in book 1. I loved it, it was really fun to see them go on a roadtrip through the US and find friends (new and old).
-Peter + Vivian. Though they have their ups and downs, I really loved seeing them together.
-On that note: Harp and Vivian. Dang, they are a great duo, even though they couldn't be more different, they still stick together and help each other out when one of them has crazy plans.
-The covers. <3 I still judge books by their covers and I do so love myself covers that match and that look pretty!

Bad Things!
-Vivian. Dear Lord, she was at times such an idiot. Making decisions without thinking, doing all kinds of stuff without thinking, going into buildings alone. Now I hear you say, but that last one isn't such a stupid thing. But what if I told you that the building she is going into is the headquarters of the Church of America? Ah, yes, then you find her stupid, no? And why is she breaking in? Well, just to meet her sweetheart. Aww, romance. *rolls eyes*
-The Apocalypse. Is it real? Or not? That is one question that remains with me, there are indeed lots of hints to it, but nothing is truly clear. Which is a shame.
-The ending. I don't mind open endings, but with this kind of book I had expected a closed ending.

As you can see, more good points than bad points. I really did love this series, it was a great one and while I am still hoping for a third one, I know that probably won't happen.

Would I recommend this series? Yes, yes I would.

Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/

franuary's review against another edition

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4.0

This sequel to [b:Vivian Apple at the End of the World|20256737|Vivian Apple at the End of the World (Vivian Apple, #1)|Katie Coyle|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1421139957s/20256737.jpg|24935012] finds Vivian and Harp continuing their fight against The Church of America, an evil religious conglomeration (think part Westboro, part Walmart). Giving away too much plot would spoil the ride, so I’ll just say that End of the World contains all of the following: a secret militia, even more badass female characters, disguises, fake rapture part two, hilarious blog entries (thanks, Harp!), fake betrayal, real betrayal, reunions, realizations, kidnappings, deaths, and some serious sledgehammer smashing.

I just need to take a moment to say how much I love a duology. Thank you, [a:Katie Coyle|7054607|Katie Coyle|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1408386111p2/7054607.jpg], for not stretching out this book into two parts! This sequel was action packed and raced toward the conclusion of the series at breakneck speed, and it was so much fun to read. Vivian Apple is a total BAMF, yet she’s also realistic and fallible. Some of her decisions had me shaking my head, but honestly, I’m not even sure why I do half the things I do either. Her questionable judgement always felt in character. Thanks for keeping it real, Viv. And Harp is as funny and snarky as ever, playing possibly an even larger role in this book than in the first.

As amazing as a duology is, TWO duologies are even better. Although this one ends on a satisfying note, there’s definitely more story to tell. I hope that this isn’t the last we see from these characters - I need a Harpreet Janda spin-off series!

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group and to NetGalley for the advance copy!

patchworkbunny's review against another edition

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5.0

Review to follow.

kaylaa246's review against another edition

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5.0

I was kindly send a free copy of this book as part of the Good Reads Giveaway.

I'd say it's more of a 4.5/5 stars. Mainly because I have a few unanswered questions/things I would have liked to see more of. For example(without spoilers): Church of America and Edie (Umaymah).

But overall I really enjoyed this book. Vivian is an awesome, badass character. I loved Vivian and Peters relationship. It wasn't over bearing or in your face like a lot of books seem to do in these kind of genres lately. Fast paced and always urged you to carry on reading.

neumanzoo's review against another edition

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3.0

This book picks up exactly where the first one ended. It's a good book, strong female lead, but it does get sloppy at the end. The language is a bit strong for me, as this is a YA selection, but otherwise a decent read.

trisha_thomas's review against another edition

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4.0

"just because we're not as loud doesn't mean that we're alone."

I love Vivian Apple. Completely selfless and reckless, she and Harp are off again to try to figure out what's going on with the Church of America, the rapture and what has happened to Peter.

I love that this idea - this new church and rapture - feels new. It has a twist I haven't read before. I also love the humor. There's a serious part where Harp is explaining to Vivian what happened and Harp says something so funny she has to stop telling the story and laugh. AND so did I. It was hilarious. I like that all the doom and gloom is mixed with humor.

What a fun 2 books. I'm sad to leave them.

clockwork118's review against another edition

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adventurous sad medium-paced

2.5

beatzv's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

itsmytuberculosis's review against another edition

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4.0

Vivian Apple Needs A Miracle is one of those books that lights a fire in you to be vicious towards those who are corrupt. Vivian Apple Needs a Miracle is also one of the most terrifying apocalyptic books I have read not because of gore but because I see a lot of actual America in this novel. The fear and blindness the civilian population comes to frightens me because I can see it happening today. With the less than comforting elections approaching I can see the Vivian Apple series turning into an all too realistic instruction manual on how our country will unfold.

robin_f's review against another edition

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4.0

I mean, there's no better time to read the Vivian Versus-books than now, as Trump is rallying for president in the US.