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briannarengland's review against another edition
3.0
I would say it's more of a 2.5 than a 3.
I liked the writing style and that's what kept me reading.
The plot was all over the place and the relationships didn't have much growth.
I liked the writing style and that's what kept me reading.
The plot was all over the place and the relationships didn't have much growth.
proffy's review against another edition
2.0
Jill Jekel and Tristen Hyde are thrown together in a chemistry experiment that could benefit them both. But while Jill's reward is money for college, Tristan's is something more personal and more dangerous. For Dr. Jekyll left a legacy beyond a great work of literature, a legacy which has the power to destroy those involved.
I sped through Jekel Loves Hyde, finishing it in one sitting. Throughout, I was entertained; although I can honestly say that the first part of the book was much more intriguing than the last. I think as time went on I was a bit annoyed by Jill's unclear motivations.
I didn't form a strong connection with either of the two main characters, Jill and Tristan, who take turns narrating the story. I think I have very high expectations for multiple narrators; if the voices aren't completely distinct (a la The Moonstone), I go into eye-rolling mode. Why have multiple narrators if they aren't going to be different? Outside of that, one other thing annoyed me.
The premise is highly unique; I do so love reworkings of older stories. I just wish Fantaskey (and other YA authors) found a way to inject her heroine with smarts and a backbone, which would be much more interesting than these silly little girls I keep seeing. If you like YA paranormal romance and quick reads, Jekel Loves Hyde is a solid choice.
I sped through Jekel Loves Hyde, finishing it in one sitting. Throughout, I was entertained; although I can honestly say that the first part of the book was much more intriguing than the last. I think as time went on I was a bit annoyed by Jill's unclear motivations.
I didn't form a strong connection with either of the two main characters, Jill and Tristan, who take turns narrating the story. I think I have very high expectations for multiple narrators; if the voices aren't completely distinct (a la The Moonstone), I go into eye-rolling mode. Why have multiple narrators if they aren't going to be different? Outside of that, one other thing annoyed me.
The premise is highly unique; I do so love reworkings of older stories. I just wish Fantaskey (and other YA authors) found a way to inject her heroine with smarts and a backbone, which would be much more interesting than these silly little girls I keep seeing. If you like YA paranormal romance and quick reads, Jekel Loves Hyde is a solid choice.
the_fenharel's review against another edition
5.0
I love Fantaskey's work. What can I say? I'm slightly addicted!
ellieroth's review against another edition
3.0
La historia original es desconocida para mí, solo he oído o visto películas que lo tratan muy por encima. Cuando tuve este libro en mi estantería para empezar a leer, lo que se me vino a la mente fue que sólo era una especie de FanFic, de esos que no me gustan mucho. Dónde cogen solo el nombre de personajes conocidos para atraer lectores.
Sí, se puede considerar una especie de Fic, pero... more
Sí, se puede considerar una especie de Fic, pero... more
bugfriend's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
karen_k77's review against another edition
2.0
The only reason I gave this book two stars instead of three was because I was following the literal use of the stars. This book was, in my humble opinion, ok. Just ok. There's so much thought behind that verdict, because the book disappointed and pleasantly surprised me in so many different ways. But there it is. This book was ok.
What I liked was the plot--that is, the chemistry portion. This is the first Jekyll-and-Hyde-based story I've ever seen, and I give major props to Fantaskey for that. Whether or not there's another one out there, it was refreshing to see her use that novel. And the story itself was pretty creative, not just the basis for it. For brilliant, selfless Tristen to have something uncontrollable and violent inside of him made for a complex character, and Jill was a mostly satisfying lead female character. I liked that Jill was plain, even if it was only a set-up for her wild side. Plain girls need some love too, right? So the characters were for the most part pretty compelling.
I wasn't a fan of their dialogue during the make-out scenes, though, or the make-out scenes in general. They said each other's names way too often in the space of about thirty seconds.
One thing I disliked was a portion of the writing style. Fantasky tried to utilize foreshadowing and cliff-hangers at the end of about every chapter, and it got old. "Little did I know that it would be the last time we kissed," or something like that (I'm paraphrasing, that's not a direct quote). But, luckily, that was the only annoying part of the writing style.
However, there was a lot more to be annoyed about. A good portion of the romance, for one thing. At first it was awesome, with Tristen starting to notice that the shy girl isn't really so boring, or whatever, and Jill getting all flustered about having a crush on a hot guy, etc. etc. It was sweet, and fraught with tension and self-consciousness and awkwardness. Then, it fell into the trap that so many romance novels do these days. They said the L word way too soon, in my opinion, but beyond that, they started thinking what I like to call the Dazzled thoughts. "I couldn't stop thinking about her" and "I couldn't stop staring at him" and such. For those of you who have been in serious relationships and can relate to that, congratulations. And I'm sorry if I'm being unfair. But for someone that hasn't felt those things, it's annoying having to read about something like that when it's not believable. Writers should at least be able to convince me that they really love each other. Instead, I get the impression the author just wants a vicarious emotional release.
Speaking of...I thought the exact same of Jill's alter ego scenario. There was really no point to it, except Fantaskey's own vicarious experience. The story could've lived without it. Tristen's story wasn't done, but Fantaskey threw Jill's slutty alter ego in there for a sexy effect, or to give a contrast to Jill's shy character, or something else that wasn't really necessary. It just seemed like the author wanted to add something that would categorize this book as something other than a sweet romance/dark psychological tale. It'd be one thing if the side-plot had felt meaningful or significant, but it didn't for me. Maybe it did for some other people. To each their own.
The ending was really convenient. Too convenient. But I like happy endings sometimes, and I especially like them in mindless romance. So I was okay with the ending, even if it was kind of weak.
This book is one of the most conflicting I've read in a while. Usually, I can decide whether or not I liked a book. But this one...there were aspects I really liked, and aspects I thought were idiotic. But I'd have to say, overall...it wasn't a complete waste of time. It's a good book to read if you don't have anything else lined up, and you want to kill time, or you don't mind reading something that probably won't stick with you. Its saving graces were the characters and the originality of the plot and basis. Those make it kind of worth it. Maybe. Sort of.
Choose your fate carefully.
What I liked was the plot--that is, the chemistry portion. This is the first Jekyll-and-Hyde-based story I've ever seen, and I give major props to Fantaskey for that. Whether or not there's another one out there, it was refreshing to see her use that novel. And the story itself was pretty creative, not just the basis for it. For brilliant, selfless Tristen to have something uncontrollable and violent inside of him made for a complex character, and Jill was a mostly satisfying lead female character. I liked that Jill was plain, even if it was only a set-up for her wild side. Plain girls need some love too, right? So the characters were for the most part pretty compelling.
I wasn't a fan of their dialogue during the make-out scenes, though, or the make-out scenes in general. They said each other's names way too often in the space of about thirty seconds.
One thing I disliked was a portion of the writing style. Fantasky tried to utilize foreshadowing and cliff-hangers at the end of about every chapter, and it got old. "Little did I know that it would be the last time we kissed," or something like that (I'm paraphrasing, that's not a direct quote). But, luckily, that was the only annoying part of the writing style.
However, there was a lot more to be annoyed about. A good portion of the romance, for one thing. At first it was awesome, with Tristen starting to notice that the shy girl isn't really so boring, or whatever, and Jill getting all flustered about having a crush on a hot guy, etc. etc. It was sweet, and fraught with tension and self-consciousness and awkwardness. Then, it fell into the trap that so many romance novels do these days. They said the L word way too soon, in my opinion, but beyond that, they started thinking what I like to call the Dazzled thoughts. "I couldn't stop thinking about her" and "I couldn't stop staring at him" and such. For those of you who have been in serious relationships and can relate to that, congratulations. And I'm sorry if I'm being unfair. But for someone that hasn't felt those things, it's annoying having to read about something like that when it's not believable. Writers should at least be able to convince me that they really love each other. Instead, I get the impression the author just wants a vicarious emotional release.
Speaking of...I thought the exact same of Jill's alter ego scenario. There was really no point to it, except Fantaskey's own vicarious experience. The story could've lived without it. Tristen's story wasn't done, but Fantaskey threw Jill's slutty alter ego in there for a sexy effect, or to give a contrast to Jill's shy character, or something else that wasn't really necessary. It just seemed like the author wanted to add something that would categorize this book as something other than a sweet romance/dark psychological tale. It'd be one thing if the side-plot had felt meaningful or significant, but it didn't for me. Maybe it did for some other people. To each their own.
The ending was really convenient. Too convenient.
Spoiler
I mean, come on. Tristen regains his musical gifts, but not the beast within him? How lucky is that?This book is one of the most conflicting I've read in a while. Usually, I can decide whether or not I liked a book. But this one...there were aspects I really liked, and aspects I thought were idiotic. But I'd have to say, overall...it wasn't a complete waste of time. It's a good book to read if you don't have anything else lined up, and you want to kill time, or you don't mind reading something that probably won't stick with you. Its saving graces were the characters and the originality of the plot and basis. Those make it kind of worth it. Maybe. Sort of.
Choose your fate carefully.
theybedax's review against another edition
3.0
This YA novel was a very clever spinoff that wasn't afraid to intermingle the wanders of fantasy with the harshness of reality.
ilovereading_tn's review against another edition
4.0
Jill Jekel's life changes after her father is mysteriously murdered in a parking lot near his work. They have a funeral in January a day after her 17th birthday and her dad's friends and coworkers show up to support Jill and her mother. Jill is feeling completely alone until she sees Tristen. She wasn't even friends with Tristen Hyde so she wasn't sure why he showed up at her dad's funeral for when no one else showed up for her. He comforts her and holds her and tells her that it's going to be okay. Jill comes to learn that her father wasn't the man she thought he was. He stole her college fund before he died, so when the opportunity for a scholarship in chemistry arises, Jill decides to go for it. Jill enlists in the help of Tristen. Jill and Tristen decide to partner together and help each other. Tristen confides in Jill and tells her of the "Beast" inside of him that is getting stronger and wants to take over and start killing. So they enter her dad's office and break open a "forbidden box" that contains papers with documents and formulas to try to cure Tristen. So Jekel and Hyde start experimenting and he decides to take the vial and drink it after they are done. Will the vial cure the "Beast" in Tristen Hyde or kill him and leave Jill alone yet again?
I was hooked from the first page. The mystery involved in this story along with the growing romance between Jill and Tristen is what peeked my interest in the book. Tristen's afraid that the "Beast" is gonna overcome him so he tries not to act on his feelings for Jill, while whe can't imagine someone like Tristen ever falling for her when he can have any girl that he desires. Beth Fantaskey has delivered another story that has captivated me and I can't wait to see what kind of story she develops next.