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bluepop24's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
caitso1's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
literarydrifter_1's review
4.0
This book was so good with a plot and characters I haven't really seen in my short reading history. The book is paced relatively well, with things moving a little faster towards the end of it. The plot twists were good but at some points a little predictable; despite this, they were executed very well. A solid 4/5 and I am interested to check the other two books out soon.
chelseas_reads's review
4.0
violet black is a book set in the near distant future, not long after covid 19, where anti vaxxers caused issues with previously handled diseases to come back harder than before, resulting in “m-fever”. m-fever has an extremely high death rate compared to other diseases, however those that survived have started to notice some changes.
i had some conflicting thoughts prior to starting violet black. i’ve read one of the authors previous books, and enjoyed it. but i heard some other reviewers didn’t quite like violet black as they’d anticipated. due to this, i was both excited and nervous. however, i was not disappointed. okay, maybe only slightly.
to start with the positives: the overall storyline. i didn’t quite like the beginning. it felt generic and cheap. the more i read, though, the better it became. as we got to know more about what’s happening to the characters, the more enjoyable the book became.
the pacing at the beginning was very slow, which i presume was just the initial set up. the further in we got, the better the pacing became. (which i feel is usually how it goes anyway).
unfortunately as the story got better, the characters didn’t. i kind of liked violet from the start, and started to dislike her the further in we got. her relationship with ethan didn’t sit well with me. they were far too clingy, (and way too fast for that matter). i guess that could be normal for some people, but i didn’t like it.
and i felt the same about ethan. he was okay at the beginning, but i just started to dislike him the more he spoke. i could’ve done without his chapters.
surprisingly, i didn’t like phoenix when he was first introduced. he was clearly trying to be that mysterious character that everyone loves (and some love to hate). unfortunately, i felt he was trying too hard. unlike violet and ethan, the more i read about phoenix, the more i liked him. as he opened up with his backstory, i realised he wasn’t like what i’d imagined him to be.
as for the other side characters, there’s not much to say. they weren’t really there much, and i didn’t like or connect to them.
one thing i was really excited about was the fact that the news anchor used “they/them” pronouns and dressed in typically feminine clothing. it was fresh to see something like this. side characters are important, and it’s nice to see that they can be used to support important social movements.
contrary to this, violet was found saying how “depressed” she felt, because she missed her boyfriend. personally, i feel that it defeats the purpose of trying to be gender inclusive while including harmful content about mental health. one step forward, one step backwards.
overall, the story was interesting and i’m excited to see where it’s going in the next instalment. i also really liked that it was rather short in comparison to the other books that i’ve been reading lately, it was refreshing.
thank you to Penguin NZ and Turning Pages for gifting me a copy to review.
i had some conflicting thoughts prior to starting violet black. i’ve read one of the authors previous books, and enjoyed it. but i heard some other reviewers didn’t quite like violet black as they’d anticipated. due to this, i was both excited and nervous. however, i was not disappointed. okay, maybe only slightly.
to start with the positives: the overall storyline. i didn’t quite like the beginning. it felt generic and cheap. the more i read, though, the better it became. as we got to know more about what’s happening to the characters, the more enjoyable the book became.
the pacing at the beginning was very slow, which i presume was just the initial set up. the further in we got, the better the pacing became. (which i feel is usually how it goes anyway).
unfortunately as the story got better, the characters didn’t. i kind of liked violet from the start, and started to dislike her the further in we got. her relationship with ethan didn’t sit well with me. they were far too clingy, (and way too fast for that matter). i guess that could be normal for some people, but i didn’t like it.
and i felt the same about ethan. he was okay at the beginning, but i just started to dislike him the more he spoke. i could’ve done without his chapters.
surprisingly, i didn’t like phoenix when he was first introduced. he was clearly trying to be that mysterious character that everyone loves (and some love to hate). unfortunately, i felt he was trying too hard. unlike violet and ethan, the more i read about phoenix, the more i liked him. as he opened up with his backstory, i realised he wasn’t like what i’d imagined him to be.
as for the other side characters, there’s not much to say. they weren’t really there much, and i didn’t like or connect to them.
one thing i was really excited about was the fact that the news anchor used “they/them” pronouns and dressed in typically feminine clothing. it was fresh to see something like this. side characters are important, and it’s nice to see that they can be used to support important social movements.
contrary to this, violet was found saying how “depressed” she felt, because she missed her boyfriend. personally, i feel that it defeats the purpose of trying to be gender inclusive while including harmful content about mental health. one step forward, one step backwards.
overall, the story was interesting and i’m excited to see where it’s going in the next instalment. i also really liked that it was rather short in comparison to the other books that i’ve been reading lately, it was refreshing.
thank you to Penguin NZ and Turning Pages for gifting me a copy to review.
lawbooks600's review
3.0
Trigger warnings: Pandemic
6/10, I picked this interesting New Zealand sci-fi YA book hoping that it would be better than the last book I read and I tried to enjoy this but I simply didn't mainly due to the issues I found within this and I would pick this one up again, where do I even begin. It starts off with the main characters Violet Black and Ethan Wright, hence the title, and they just woke up from stasis in some sort of lab and I was initially confused but the book would explain more things later on. It turns out that there was a virus called M-fever that affected the entire world and killed so many people but the fact that the virus was an act of terrorism was unexpected. Soon enough they and some other characters are hired to join some secret organisation to stop the virus but it didn't really go to plan. The references to the other terrorist attacks like the one that happened 90 or 100 years ago from the time this book was set weren't needed. Also, Violet was quite aggressive in the book and for no reason she just accused some random people of lying but I don't know why. The last part and the ending of the book was underwhelming but I'm excited to read the next two books in the series.
6/10, I picked this interesting New Zealand sci-fi YA book hoping that it would be better than the last book I read and I tried to enjoy this but I simply didn't mainly due to the issues I found within this and I would pick this one up again, where do I even begin. It starts off with the main characters Violet Black and Ethan Wright, hence the title, and they just woke up from stasis in some sort of lab and I was initially confused but the book would explain more things later on. It turns out that there was a virus called M-fever that affected the entire world and killed so many people but the fact that the virus was an act of terrorism was unexpected. Soon enough they and some other characters are hired to join some secret organisation to stop the virus but it didn't really go to plan. The references to the other terrorist attacks like the one that happened 90 or 100 years ago from the time this book was set weren't needed. Also, Violet was quite aggressive in the book and for no reason she just accused some random people of lying but I don't know why. The last part and the ending of the book was underwhelming but I'm excited to read the next two books in the series.
marryallthepeople's review
4.0
Ooo. Young adult, dystopian, post-covid/measles virus, relying on kids form Aotearoa to save the day? Yes please!!
emilyhames's review
3.0
Greatest thanks to @turningpagesnz and Penguin Randon House NZ for a review copy of this book! And apologies for a super late review, the good news, however, is that this book is OUT NOW!
Violet Black is the first book in the YA Black Spiral Trilogy, the first fantasy novel by NZ author Eileen Merriman. I have really enjoyed Merriman's previous novels aimed at young adults, so I was interested to see her take on the popular fantasy genre. In this story we follow two perspectives, those of Violet and Ethan, two teenagers who have survived M-fever and developed unusual abilities...
What I liked about this novel:
-Merriman's take on the world's current pandemic. In this novel the world is suffering from M-fever, a deadly strain of measles. As a consequence the characters in this novel have been hospitalised, they have lost loved ones, there is a discussion on vaccines, and ultimately, the world has drastically changed. Thanks to COVID-19 pandemics are now very real, and I think addressing these topics in literature for young adults is a great way to help kids understand and cope well.
-The constant references to New Zealand and its landscape. There is something so heart-warming reading about characters who have walked in the same spots you have, it brings the story to life in the best way.
-I liked the parent dynamics; Violet's father created the current vaccine, Ethan's mother view's are drastically different. This is all too real.
-Who doesn't love a good "children taken and trained to be spies" trope?? See Alex Rider, CHERUB series etc
What I didn't love about this novel:
-This book felt like it was intended for teenagers yet read like it should be for pre-teens. I think this book would be fantastic for young teenagers entering the world of fantasy, new to the world of popular fantasy tropes. Otherwise if you have read The Hunger Games, Divergent series etc this doesn't bring anything new to the table.
-The insta-love. Not a big fan of this, I need more...everything.
-The cliff-hanger at the end didn't leave me speechless - just kinda annoyed!
My ultimate thoughts: this book would be fantastic for a pre-teen getting into reading YA fantasy. There's some great world-building in relation to M-fever, discussion about anti-vaxxers, interesting dynamics between the "goodies" and the "badies", and the start of a great core group of characters which will no doubt build throughout the rest of the trilogy. If you have already doused yourself in the world of trilogies I still recommend it, however, I probably won't be shouting about it from the rooftops.
Violet Black is the first book in the YA Black Spiral Trilogy, the first fantasy novel by NZ author Eileen Merriman. I have really enjoyed Merriman's previous novels aimed at young adults, so I was interested to see her take on the popular fantasy genre. In this story we follow two perspectives, those of Violet and Ethan, two teenagers who have survived M-fever and developed unusual abilities...
What I liked about this novel:
-Merriman's take on the world's current pandemic. In this novel the world is suffering from M-fever, a deadly strain of measles. As a consequence the characters in this novel have been hospitalised, they have lost loved ones, there is a discussion on vaccines, and ultimately, the world has drastically changed. Thanks to COVID-19 pandemics are now very real, and I think addressing these topics in literature for young adults is a great way to help kids understand and cope well.
-The constant references to New Zealand and its landscape. There is something so heart-warming reading about characters who have walked in the same spots you have, it brings the story to life in the best way.
-I liked the parent dynamics; Violet's father created the current vaccine, Ethan's mother view's are drastically different. This is all too real.
-Who doesn't love a good "children taken and trained to be spies" trope?? See Alex Rider, CHERUB series etc
What I didn't love about this novel:
-This book felt like it was intended for teenagers yet read like it should be for pre-teens. I think this book would be fantastic for young teenagers entering the world of fantasy, new to the world of popular fantasy tropes. Otherwise if you have read The Hunger Games, Divergent series etc this doesn't bring anything new to the table.
-The insta-love. Not a big fan of this, I need more...everything.
-The cliff-hanger at the end didn't leave me speechless - just kinda annoyed!
My ultimate thoughts: this book would be fantastic for a pre-teen getting into reading YA fantasy. There's some great world-building in relation to M-fever, discussion about anti-vaxxers, interesting dynamics between the "goodies" and the "badies", and the start of a great core group of characters which will no doubt build throughout the rest of the trilogy. If you have already doused yourself in the world of trilogies I still recommend it, however, I probably won't be shouting about it from the rooftops.
_bookally_'s review
2.0
Thank you to turning pages by penguin nz for my copy in exchange for a honest review.
The synopsis for this book ihad me curious. It doesnt say alot really and so often I find myself really enjoying books I go into not knowing much about. It does however state that its a near future fast paces trilogy and I love me some fast paced, near future, thriller type vibes.
This book follows Violet Black and Ethan Wright, two teens who contract the lethal m-fever. They can communicate with each other even though they have never met. Weird and suspicious things happen and the wild ride begins.
I say the ride begins but it is a super slow somewhat dragged ride, well to start off with anyway. Honestly I wasn't feeling this book at all till the last 1/3 of the book where the character development happens and book starts to flow.
The first 2/3 I didn't like the characters, the story dragged, the relationship between Violet and Ethan happened way too fast and was too intense for the 5 minutes they knew each other and I just feel like it wasn't very enticing. I also felt the mental health representation to not be the greatest and made to look like a joke, I thought we were at a place in the world and society where it is taken more seriously.
I really liked the vibe of the last 3rd of the book and the final location/setting was really well written and the character growth in Phoenix was great and he became my favourite. Even though it wasn't a top read for me I will carry on in the series because the ending had me very intrigued and set the series up for some good possible storylines. Also based off the title I am hoping it will be more based around Phoenix.
The synopsis for this book ihad me curious. It doesnt say alot really and so often I find myself really enjoying books I go into not knowing much about. It does however state that its a near future fast paces trilogy and I love me some fast paced, near future, thriller type vibes.
This book follows Violet Black and Ethan Wright, two teens who contract the lethal m-fever. They can communicate with each other even though they have never met. Weird and suspicious things happen and the wild ride begins.
I say the ride begins but it is a super slow somewhat dragged ride, well to start off with anyway. Honestly I wasn't feeling this book at all till the last 1/3 of the book where the character development happens and book starts to flow.
The first 2/3 I didn't like the characters, the story dragged, the relationship between Violet and Ethan happened way too fast and was too intense for the 5 minutes they knew each other and I just feel like it wasn't very enticing. I also felt the mental health representation to not be the greatest and made to look like a joke, I thought we were at a place in the world and society where it is taken more seriously.
I really liked the vibe of the last 3rd of the book and the final location/setting was really well written and the character growth in Phoenix was great and he became my favourite. Even though it wasn't a top read for me I will carry on in the series because the ending had me very intrigued and set the series up for some good possible storylines. Also based off the title I am hoping it will be more based around Phoenix.
baileysarah's review
4.0
Thank you turningpagesnz for sending me a copy of this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read that kept me hooked through each chapter. The short chapters are ideal for someone who is just tipping their toes into sci-fi. The storyline was original and different to any other YA sci-fi books i've read in the past. Although the ending was predictable, I still enjoyed every second of it. I cannot wait for the next instalment of the series :)
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read that kept me hooked through each chapter. The short chapters are ideal for someone who is just tipping their toes into sci-fi. The storyline was original and different to any other YA sci-fi books i've read in the past. Although the ending was predictable, I still enjoyed every second of it. I cannot wait for the next instalment of the series :)
bookally's review
2.0
Thank you to turning pages by penguin nz for my copy in exchange for a honest review.
The synopsis for this book ihad me curious. It doesnt say alot really and so often I find myself really enjoying books I go into not knowing much about. It does however state that its a near future fast paces trilogy and I love me some fast paced, near future, thriller type vibes.
This book follows Violet Black and Ethan Wright, two teens who contract the lethal m-fever. They can communicate with each other even though they have never met. Weird and suspicious things happen and the wild ride begins.
I say the ride begins but it is a super slow somewhat dragged ride, well to start off with anyway. Honestly I wasn't feeling this book at all till the last 1/3 of the book where the character development happens and book starts to flow.
The first 2/3 I didn't like the characters, the story dragged, the relationship between Violet and Ethan happened way too fast and was too intense for the 5 minutes they knew each other and I just feel like it wasn't very enticing. I also felt the mental health representation to not be the greatest and made to look like a joke, I thought we were at a place in the world and society where it is taken more seriously.
I really liked the vibe of the last 3rd of the book and the final location/setting was really well written and the character growth in Phoenix was great and he became my favourite. Even though it wasn't a top read for me I will carry on in the series because the ending had me very intrigued and set the series up for some good possible storylines. Also based off the title I am hoping it will be more based around Phoenix.
The synopsis for this book ihad me curious. It doesnt say alot really and so often I find myself really enjoying books I go into not knowing much about. It does however state that its a near future fast paces trilogy and I love me some fast paced, near future, thriller type vibes.
This book follows Violet Black and Ethan Wright, two teens who contract the lethal m-fever. They can communicate with each other even though they have never met. Weird and suspicious things happen and the wild ride begins.
I say the ride begins but it is a super slow somewhat dragged ride, well to start off with anyway. Honestly I wasn't feeling this book at all till the last 1/3 of the book where the character development happens and book starts to flow.
The first 2/3 I didn't like the characters, the story dragged, the relationship between Violet and Ethan happened way too fast and was too intense for the 5 minutes they knew each other and I just feel like it wasn't very enticing. I also felt the mental health representation to not be the greatest and made to look like a joke, I thought we were at a place in the world and society where it is taken more seriously.
I really liked the vibe of the last 3rd of the book and the final location/setting was really well written and the character growth in Phoenix was great and he became my favourite. Even though it wasn't a top read for me I will carry on in the series because the ending had me very intrigued and set the series up for some good possible storylines. Also based off the title I am hoping it will be more based around Phoenix.