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jeslyncat's review
4.0
I continuously describe Landry Park, the first book in this series, as a Dystopian Jane Austen novel, or a science fiction Gone with the Wind. This installment fits in well with that motif, but it more of a science fiction Agatha Christie. While I think some of the dystopian elements were lost, what was added was an interesting sub plot and a political mystery.
*I received a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
amber04's review against another edition
4.0
Being a big fan of Landry Park, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the conclusion, JUBILEE MANOR. Madeline is in a precarious position. With her father removed from power and Landry Park, her once assumed-dead uncle Jack steps into Alexanders shoes and together, Madeline and Jack attempt to bring the Rootless and the Gentry together.
Madeline thought things were looking brighter. She was in love with Captain David Dana, the Rootless and the Gentry would come together and everything would eventually make a turn for the better. That was until dead bodies of friends began showing up. Blame was set against the Rootless and in turn retaliation was their defense mechanism. Their people were already considered the "lesser" lives, and when anything went wrong they seemed to be blamed. No wonder they were bitter and angry with the hoity toity Gentry. With Jack at Landry Park, most Rootless lost their faith in him and turned to Smith, whom was 100% against the Gentry and anything to do with Landry Park.
As the story moves forward, we learn why the Landry's heal from the radiation and how it all began. Despite the turmoil, Madeline had hoped that if they could figure out a way to manipulate the serum, the Rootless would have a chance at a longer, healthier life. Her brilliant cousin worked so hard on gathering blood samples and running tests to get this ready for testing. But behind all the efforts, there's someone who opposed the changes and has an agenda of their own.
There were multiple characters I considered for the roll of the murderer, and bbout half way through the book before I thought I knew who was behind them. Well played, Ms. Hagen. That little added twist (and I will not say what that particular twist is) threw me off. Madeline proved to be a much stronger protagonist. With deaths and the resistances, she never stopped believing there was a way to change things for the better.
In the end, Madeline and her family had changed. Not just from losing loved ones, but realizing everyone regardless of their station deserved a better life and an education, a warm home to live in, and not fear the threat of radiation.
This story isn't fast-paced until the last quarter, which was done very well, but I would have liked a little more to keep me from wanting to skim a little here and there. I could've done without so much description, but besides that, I really enjoyed what the story was about. Overall Jubilee Manor concluded very nicely and I am soooo glad that David and Madeline's relationship withstood the turmoil at and around Landry Park.
Madeline thought things were looking brighter. She was in love with Captain David Dana, the Rootless and the Gentry would come together and everything would eventually make a turn for the better. That was until dead bodies of friends began showing up. Blame was set against the Rootless and in turn retaliation was their defense mechanism. Their people were already considered the "lesser" lives, and when anything went wrong they seemed to be blamed. No wonder they were bitter and angry with the hoity toity Gentry. With Jack at Landry Park, most Rootless lost their faith in him and turned to Smith, whom was 100% against the Gentry and anything to do with Landry Park.
As the story moves forward, we learn why the Landry's heal from the radiation and how it all began. Despite the turmoil, Madeline had hoped that if they could figure out a way to manipulate the serum, the Rootless would have a chance at a longer, healthier life. Her brilliant cousin worked so hard on gathering blood samples and running tests to get this ready for testing. But behind all the efforts, there's someone who opposed the changes and has an agenda of their own.
There were multiple characters I considered for the roll of the murderer, and bbout half way through the book before I thought I knew who was behind them. Well played, Ms. Hagen. That little added twist (and I will not say what that particular twist is) threw me off. Madeline proved to be a much stronger protagonist. With deaths and the resistances, she never stopped believing there was a way to change things for the better.
In the end, Madeline and her family had changed. Not just from losing loved ones, but realizing everyone regardless of their station deserved a better life and an education, a warm home to live in, and not fear the threat of radiation.
This story isn't fast-paced until the last quarter, which was done very well, but I would have liked a little more to keep me from wanting to skim a little here and there. I could've done without so much description, but besides that, I really enjoyed what the story was about. Overall Jubilee Manor concluded very nicely and I am soooo glad that David and Madeline's relationship withstood the turmoil at and around Landry Park.
kasiej's review against another edition
1.0
I really don't like giving 1 star, but I really had to push myself through this. If I was the type to DNF, I would have. I'll write a full review later on.
lisaluvsliterature's review
5.0
Loved it! And I have to say thanks again to the author who I meet a couple weeks ago and was able to get an actual physical ARC to read! We jumped right back into the story, and learned that even though Madeline's father had been tortured by the Rootless, fed the radioactive material, he was quickly healing, and would soon be pretty close to back to normal. With her uncle, Jack, she is trying to do what she can to get the Gentry and the Rootless to come to an agreement, a way to settle things in order to move on. But when the night of one of the first big gatherings of both groups is ruined by finding the body of one of the heirs, Marianne Wilder, finding her murdered, chances for peace seem to be less and less a possibility. And when another heir is murdered, things look even worse.
Madeline has heard one of the Rootless seeming to plot something horrible, such as killing the heirs, and she noticed his absence during the finding of the first body, she must decide whether to tell what she knows to the police, or keep it to herself until there is actual proof as her uncle asks. Yet everything she does seems to be the opposite of what her boyfriend David wants. So now she must find a way to get the trust built between the Gentry and the Rootless, as well as keep anymore of her friends from being murdered, and figure out if she and David can stay together despite their difference of opinions on the way to do these things. To make matters better, there might be a cure for the radioactive poisoning! And Madeline will welcome a new family member, other than her Uncle Jack's family now living in Landry Park.
I love the story. I got so mad at David throughout the story though. Even knowing what he ended up knowing at the end of the story, the fact that he kept it from Madeline, well, he deserved the things that she did, since she didn't know. In the end though, I was happy with how it all went. Although the Kansas City references weren't quite as many in this second book, I still enjoyed when I read them and recognized them. So excited to read more from this author, and I highly recommend this series to everyone!
Madeline has heard one of the Rootless seeming to plot something horrible, such as killing the heirs, and she noticed his absence during the finding of the first body, she must decide whether to tell what she knows to the police, or keep it to herself until there is actual proof as her uncle asks. Yet everything she does seems to be the opposite of what her boyfriend David wants. So now she must find a way to get the trust built between the Gentry and the Rootless, as well as keep anymore of her friends from being murdered, and figure out if she and David can stay together despite their difference of opinions on the way to do these things. To make matters better, there might be a cure for the radioactive poisoning! And Madeline will welcome a new family member, other than her Uncle Jack's family now living in Landry Park.
I love the story. I got so mad at David throughout the story though. Even knowing what he ended up knowing at the end of the story, the fact that he kept it from Madeline, well, he deserved the things that she did, since she didn't know. In the end though, I was happy with how it all went. Although the Kansas City references weren't quite as many in this second book, I still enjoyed when I read them and recognized them. So excited to read more from this author, and I highly recommend this series to everyone!
libraryofdreaming's review
3.0
Some time after writing the above review I read Landry Park's sequel, Jubilee Manor, so I figured I would stick it into the same post. Jubilee Manor finishes up the series well. I still found the writing to be weak but the murder mystery kept me glued to the page in the way Landry Park's mystery failed to do for me in the first book. Various things I guessed to begin with paid off in a fairly believable way. The romance had its annoying bits unfortunately and I am still disappointed a shifty character never turned out to be a double cross, but I think I enjoyed this book more than the first. Bethany Hagen takes more risks in this book and I was very pleased she was daring enough to let a few things burn down (hinthint) in this book.
While some of the ending seemed like a quick fix, it was still satisfying and seemed if not completely realistic, pretty believable. Many things happened that I felt I could have written myself and I was happy with the author for seeing my way. With books like this and The Selection I feel like an author can fall in love with their premise too much to take it seriously. Bethany Hagen manages to escape this fate and I feel satisfied with how this series ended. I may not run out to read more of her work, but I still enjoyed this book even more than I thought I would.
While some of the ending seemed like a quick fix, it was still satisfying and seemed if not completely realistic, pretty believable. Many things happened that I felt I could have written myself and I was happy with the author for seeing my way. With books like this and The Selection I feel like an author can fall in love with their premise too much to take it seriously. Bethany Hagen manages to escape this fate and I feel satisfied with how this series ended. I may not run out to read more of her work, but I still enjoyed this book even more than I thought I would.
potaytaspages's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book.
I had many guesses on who the mystery killer was but I ended up being wrong.
I feel like everyone got what they wanted in the end. However
I had many guesses on who the mystery killer was but I ended up being wrong.
I feel like everyone got what they wanted in the end. However
Spoiler
I find it hard to believe the empire didn’t continue the threat even tho they are working together. But I guess that’s why the boys are back in the mountains fighting. I really liked the fact that Jude is a Landry. It’s really awesome that he finally has that missing piece in his life.jenennap29's review against another edition
5.0
Agh... I just want more of Madeline Landry! This can't be the end!!!!
The idea of utilizing the gentry in the future, with radiation charges, and manipulated DNA, and the self-confident kick-butt heroine is EVERYTHING I never knew I needed in YA.
Stellar, spectacular writing Ms. Hagen!
The idea of utilizing the gentry in the future, with radiation charges, and manipulated DNA, and the self-confident kick-butt heroine is EVERYTHING I never knew I needed in YA.
Stellar, spectacular writing Ms. Hagen!
aiyam's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25