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amollypoppy's review against another edition
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
dherzey's review against another edition
2.0
Sometimes, you read books that lack plotwise but still end up really liking it because of its character-driven story coupled with a message that makes you think. Burning Kingdoms has a bunch of well-written characters that grew on me since the previous book. But while the plot of the first book, Perfect Ruin, isn't its brightest spot, it still managed to hold me, to interest me. In this second book, the plot is different but very, very dull. And not even its characters could save it.
Nothing happened at like, 99% of the book and the 1% where something did occur is way up to the last pages -- long after I give a damn.
I am disappointed. I like the first book and I'm very excited to read this one. I expect a lot but what I'm not expecting is a middle-book syndrome with me nearly falling asleep before I even reach a 20% mark. The characters, like before, are well developed, flawed and has great connection with each other. But even them -- especially Pen and Morgan -- tend to madden me with their painstaking whining and senseless nightly, drunk adventures. Morgan's provoking curiosity adds fuel to the first book but in here, we are given a Morgan who spends most of her time sneaking out to get drunk, comparing the sky and the ground and just regretting everything that's why halfway through the book, it all becomes so old and withered like my attention. She and Pen still got this strong bond that I admire though, but sometimes I just want to punch Pen and all her idiotic wasted nonsense or just force Morgan to punch her and give her some sense, for a change. Truthfully, Princess Celeste, the psycho girl from book one who actually turns out to be reasonable, is my favorite character in this one. She is just an active character who has actual goals in mind and a functioning brain, although desperate. She looks like she could take care of herself too and not afraid to say what she thinks and what she wants.
I also don't like how Judas and Amy are only shown in the story when they are needed. They just pop out of nowhere. You wouldn't even think they are there unless they're mentioned. They are so unlike their solid roles in the previous book. There's also the old professor who is only given a few scenes at the beginning before altogether disappearing and only mentioned once or twice at the latter part of the story. Everything goes the same for the other characters. I feel like they were only there when something terrible happened to Morgan. Just props for distraction and use. The new characters actually has a bigger role here but I also want the old characters to function more dynamically like before.
I am sort of confuse on what kind of world Havalais is. It seemed like the 20th century but still somewhat more/less advanced and fantastical (they got mermaids and elephants for transportation). It was a nice setting to explore but the descriptions are lacking. The war between these two kingdoms on the ground offers little explanation and the attempts to explain the politics seemed mediocre. So, Morgan made stupid decisions that could probably end Internment and that this King Ingram want this mineral called phosane to power his machines. I want more details about the politics and decisions involved in this place but all I get is another talk about a jet that will be built to reach the magical floating city. I don't know how such an engine is built when the people on the ground doesn't even have tellies yet. Frankly, I could barely care about what shit is going on.
Unfortunately, my love-triangle prediction came true. It doesn't really bother the plot (although I'm not sure what plot it is bothering) but with all that is happening, it just seemed pointless. I also bet that Judas only like Morgan because she reminds him of Daphne. I'm not really a big fan of Basil (I think he's a pretty flat character) and Judas seemed interesting to know about but Basil and Morgan seemed to know each other pretty well and are developing nicely, so an added love interest is just fucking dumb -- especially when their attraction originated from nowhere.
Nah...
Conclusion: One boring, pointless, stupid book. Two stars because of the pretty writing.
Nothing happened at like, 99% of the book and the 1% where something did occur is way up to the last pages -- long after I give a damn.
I am disappointed. I like the first book and I'm very excited to read this one. I expect a lot but what I'm not expecting is a middle-book syndrome with me nearly falling asleep before I even reach a 20% mark. The characters, like before, are well developed, flawed and has great connection with each other. But even them -- especially Pen and Morgan -- tend to madden me with their painstaking whining and senseless nightly, drunk adventures. Morgan's provoking curiosity adds fuel to the first book but in here, we are given a Morgan who spends most of her time sneaking out to get drunk, comparing the sky and the ground and just regretting everything that's why halfway through the book, it all becomes so old and withered like my attention. She and Pen still got this strong bond that I admire though, but sometimes I just want to punch Pen and all her idiotic wasted nonsense or just force Morgan to punch her and give her some sense, for a change. Truthfully, Princess Celeste, the psycho girl from book one who actually turns out to be reasonable, is my favorite character in this one. She is just an active character who has actual goals in mind and a functioning brain, although desperate. She looks like she could take care of herself too and not afraid to say what she thinks and what she wants.
I also don't like how Judas and Amy are only shown in the story when they are needed. They just pop out of nowhere. You wouldn't even think they are there unless they're mentioned. They are so unlike their solid roles in the previous book. There's also the old professor who is only given a few scenes at the beginning before altogether disappearing and only mentioned once or twice at the latter part of the story. Everything goes the same for the other characters. I feel like they were only there when something terrible happened to Morgan. Just props for distraction and use. The new characters actually has a bigger role here but I also want the old characters to function more dynamically like before.
"Internment was our home, but its edge blinded my brother, and its government took away his and Alice's child before it could have been born. Internment is an imperfect world that sits atop another imperfect world."
I am sort of confuse on what kind of world Havalais is. It seemed like the 20th century but still somewhat more/less advanced and fantastical (they got mermaids and elephants for transportation). It was a nice setting to explore but the descriptions are lacking. The war between these two kingdoms on the ground offers little explanation and the attempts to explain the politics seemed mediocre. So, Morgan made stupid decisions that could probably end Internment and that this King Ingram want this mineral called phosane to power his machines. I want more details about the politics and decisions involved in this place but all I get is another talk about a jet that will be built to reach the magical floating city. I don't know how such an engine is built when the people on the ground doesn't even have tellies yet. Frankly, I could barely care about what shit is going on.
Unfortunately, my love-triangle prediction came true. It doesn't really bother the plot (although I'm not sure what plot it is bothering) but with all that is happening, it just seemed pointless. I also bet that Judas only like Morgan because she reminds him of Daphne. I'm not really a big fan of Basil (I think he's a pretty flat character) and Judas seemed interesting to know about but Basil and Morgan seemed to know each other pretty well and are developing nicely, so an added love interest is just fucking dumb -- especially when their attraction originated from nowhere.
Nah...
Conclusion: One boring, pointless, stupid book. Two stars because of the pretty writing.
michalice's review against another edition
2.0
When I first read Perfect Ruin I was hooked on another one of Lauren's books, I could not wait for the publication of Burning Kingdoms to be published. Burning Kingdoms picks up after the events of Perfect Ruin, with Morgan and the rest of the group finding themselves on Earth and taken in by a family.
I began reading Burning Kingdoms, eager to find out what would happen next, but I found it hard to get into this story. My initial reasoning for this was that it had been a long times since I read the first book, so some names took a while for me to connect to the character and who they were in Morgan's life. However, once all the dots were connected I still struggled with the book, with only a few bits that caught my attention.
I thought it was interesting seeing how this group of people from Internment try to figure out this new place they find themselves in, how words are different, and trying to process how things work. Birdie was someone who I liked, and although she does lead some of the girls astray, she shows them around and introduces them to new things. Celeste was someone who I didn't really take to, she may be the princess of Internment, but she is definitely up to something with all her scheming with king Ingram.
Putting those bits aside, I felt like Burning Kingdoms didn't really progress much. There was a lot of waiting around, a lot of backwards and forwards to the King, but no real progression to the story as a whole. I do feel that Burning Kingdoms was more of a filler book than an actual addition to the series.
Final Verdict
Burning Kingdoms had some likeable parts in it, but overall I did struggle to get through this one.
I began reading Burning Kingdoms, eager to find out what would happen next, but I found it hard to get into this story. My initial reasoning for this was that it had been a long times since I read the first book, so some names took a while for me to connect to the character and who they were in Morgan's life. However, once all the dots were connected I still struggled with the book, with only a few bits that caught my attention.
I thought it was interesting seeing how this group of people from Internment try to figure out this new place they find themselves in, how words are different, and trying to process how things work. Birdie was someone who I liked, and although she does lead some of the girls astray, she shows them around and introduces them to new things. Celeste was someone who I didn't really take to, she may be the princess of Internment, but she is definitely up to something with all her scheming with king Ingram.
Putting those bits aside, I felt like Burning Kingdoms didn't really progress much. There was a lot of waiting around, a lot of backwards and forwards to the King, but no real progression to the story as a whole. I do feel that Burning Kingdoms was more of a filler book than an actual addition to the series.
Final Verdict
Burning Kingdoms had some likeable parts in it, but overall I did struggle to get through this one.
pantsreads's review against another edition
3.0
erikkay20's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Amazing story!!
bmg20's review against another edition
2.0
Returning to the story of Morgan Stockhour, a resident of Internment, who has now crash landed on Earth with no feasible way of returning home. With her is her betrothed, Basil, her best friend, Pen, her brother, his wife and Celeste, the princess of Internment who was a stowaway. Shortly upon their arrival, the group learns that Earth isn’t necessarily the safe haven they had hoped for and is actually in the middle of a war that unknowingly involves Internment.
In this middle installment, we’re given a brand new environment to understand but rationalizing won’t come easy. Here on Earth, Kings rule even though it seems like the setting is sometime in the 1920s. There are speakeasies and silent movies but then out of nowhere, a mermaid is spotted. The worldbuilding is focused on much more in this installment but with all the descriptions given it’s still not fully explained.
The characters themselves and their various backgrounds are delved into more in this installment. Morgan still acts as narrator, but considering there isn’t much of a plot going on, for the most part, her narration managed to drag this story down even more. Regarding the lack of plot, the characters spend a lot of time sitting around waiting for something to happen. Inevitably, drama gets stirred up, a love triangle develops and friendships are tested. This could have all been an interesting addition to this dystopian tale, however, that would require you to have been invested in these characters from the very beginning of this trilogy and I, unfortunately, was not.
Burning Kingdoms is the second installment in The Internment Chronicles and it definitely suffers from a slower pace and lack of plot. For me, it’s been frustrating with how unsatisfying I’ve found it considering the potential behind the interesting concept. The final story may provide some satisfaction but I think I’ll be calling it quits.
I received this book free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In this middle installment, we’re given a brand new environment to understand but rationalizing won’t come easy. Here on Earth, Kings rule even though it seems like the setting is sometime in the 1920s. There are speakeasies and silent movies but then out of nowhere, a mermaid is spotted. The worldbuilding is focused on much more in this installment but with all the descriptions given it’s still not fully explained.
The characters themselves and their various backgrounds are delved into more in this installment. Morgan still acts as narrator, but considering there isn’t much of a plot going on, for the most part, her narration managed to drag this story down even more. Regarding the lack of plot, the characters spend a lot of time sitting around waiting for something to happen. Inevitably, drama gets stirred up, a love triangle develops and friendships are tested. This could have all been an interesting addition to this dystopian tale, however, that would require you to have been invested in these characters from the very beginning of this trilogy and I, unfortunately, was not.
Burning Kingdoms is the second installment in The Internment Chronicles and it definitely suffers from a slower pace and lack of plot. For me, it’s been frustrating with how unsatisfying I’ve found it considering the potential behind the interesting concept. The final story may provide some satisfaction but I think I’ll be calling it quits.
I received this book free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
laughlinesandliterature's review against another edition
5.0
* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Burning Kingdoms picked up right where Perfect Ruin ended. I actually ended up liking Burning Kingdoms better than it’s predecessor. Morgan just seemed more decisive in this book, and while I didn’t always agree with her decisions at least she made them! I also admired her for owning her decisions, she stuck with them even when turned out to be bad decisions. She didn’t let anyone else take the blame or blame themselves and I found that made more likeable than she was in Perfect Ruin.
I started to have some issues with the side characters. Pen is an ungrateful, selfish brat. I was quite frankly horrified by her behavior, and yes she did have a point about not telling people about their bethrothal bands, but her attitude towards everyone was just awful. I was surprised, but I found myself enjoying Celeste. I really didn’t expect to because she was really awful in Perfect Ruin, but we learn about what drives Celeste in this book. It made her more likeable, and really cast Pen in an awful light. We also learn some things about Pen’s home life, and while yes they were horrifying it just really fell flat for me. It was almost like it was an excuse for her awful behavior, meanwhile Pen is blaming Morgan and reprimanding her for being upset with Lex. It just smacked of hypocrisy on Pen’s behalf, plus she put Morgan and Thomas in danger, and then had the nerve to get mad at Morgan when she was only trying to help out Pen. Pen was really the biggest aggravation in this book for me.
I totally saw the love triangle coming, and while in a way I am hoping she ends up with Basil, I just have a feeling Judah is going to be the one who sweeps her off her feet. I can’t even really blame Morgan because while Basil is kind and steady, Judah understands her in a way Basil can’t. Although, there is something to be said for Basil’s acceptance of her with all of her flaws. I thought Lauren DeStefano did a fantastic job of creating the ground to be a little dystopian. I was pegging this for a fantasy until we started to learn about the geography, time period etc.
This book was great, and despite my annoyance at some of these characters I have to give it 5 out of 5 stars. I felt passionately about this book, even in the parts/characters I didn’t like. Plus, I really did enjoy this book and I really can’t wait for the third book. It makes me wish I could get my hands on it now! I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy fantasy, dystopians, and romance!
* This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2015/03/burning-kingdoms-by-lauren-destefano.html*
Burning Kingdoms picked up right where Perfect Ruin ended. I actually ended up liking Burning Kingdoms better than it’s predecessor. Morgan just seemed more decisive in this book, and while I didn’t always agree with her decisions at least she made them! I also admired her for owning her decisions, she stuck with them even when turned out to be bad decisions. She didn’t let anyone else take the blame or blame themselves and I found that made more likeable than she was in Perfect Ruin.
I started to have some issues with the side characters. Pen is an ungrateful, selfish brat. I was quite frankly horrified by her behavior, and yes she did have a point about not telling people about their bethrothal bands, but her attitude towards everyone was just awful. I was surprised, but I found myself enjoying Celeste. I really didn’t expect to because she was really awful in Perfect Ruin, but we learn about what drives Celeste in this book. It made her more likeable, and really cast Pen in an awful light. We also learn some things about Pen’s home life, and while yes they were horrifying it just really fell flat for me. It was almost like it was an excuse for her awful behavior, meanwhile Pen is blaming Morgan and reprimanding her for being upset with Lex. It just smacked of hypocrisy on Pen’s behalf, plus she put Morgan and Thomas in danger, and then had the nerve to get mad at Morgan when she was only trying to help out Pen. Pen was really the biggest aggravation in this book for me.
I totally saw the love triangle coming, and while in a way I am hoping she ends up with Basil, I just have a feeling Judah is going to be the one who sweeps her off her feet. I can’t even really blame Morgan because while Basil is kind and steady, Judah understands her in a way Basil can’t. Although, there is something to be said for Basil’s acceptance of her with all of her flaws. I thought Lauren DeStefano did a fantastic job of creating the ground to be a little dystopian. I was pegging this for a fantasy until we started to learn about the geography, time period etc.
This book was great, and despite my annoyance at some of these characters I have to give it 5 out of 5 stars. I felt passionately about this book, even in the parts/characters I didn’t like. Plus, I really did enjoy this book and I really can’t wait for the third book. It makes me wish I could get my hands on it now! I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy fantasy, dystopians, and romance!
* This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam Reviews http://moonlightgleam.com/2015/03/burning-kingdoms-by-lauren-destefano.html*
whatthefuqgrey's review against another edition
4.0
Had a rough time getting through the beginning of the book, but about 170 pages in I was hooked and stayed up all night reading.
postitsandpens's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars.
Burning Kingdoms leaves me with a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand, I got through it fairly quickly, so that meant it was enjoyable. On the other (and more prominent) hand, I couldn't help but feel that literally NOTHING happened almost the entire 312 pages. So that makes this book really hard to review, because there really isn't anything TO review. Does that even make sense? Considering that I finished this book nearly two weeks ago, I am still as confused as to what I actually think about it as I was upon getting that 100% complete message on my Kindle. So here's some basic - and fairly brief - thoughts.
To see my full review, please go HERE.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
Burning Kingdoms leaves me with a bit of a conundrum. On the one hand, I got through it fairly quickly, so that meant it was enjoyable. On the other (and more prominent) hand, I couldn't help but feel that literally NOTHING happened almost the entire 312 pages. So that makes this book really hard to review, because there really isn't anything TO review. Does that even make sense? Considering that I finished this book nearly two weeks ago, I am still as confused as to what I actually think about it as I was upon getting that 100% complete message on my Kindle. So here's some basic - and fairly brief - thoughts.
To see my full review, please go HERE.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
greylandreviews's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars
This book was a little slow in the beginning but, got more interesting at the end. How Ms. DeStefano writes is magical and has such a 1920s era to it. A review will come later.
This book was a little slow in the beginning but, got more interesting at the end. How Ms. DeStefano writes is magical and has such a 1920s era to it. A review will come later.