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phantomignis's review against another edition
3.0
This story begins as your typical run of the mill “elitist insight on rich kid boarding school” type story, then takes an interesting turn: a new virus outbreak that ages the person rapidly to death. I very much enjoyed the concept until nearing the end of the novel when things began to go strangely, on the verge of outlandish mythology. My favorite character has to be Rob, due to his sarcastic, pessimistic nature but loving heart and attitude for his two best friends, Jo and Mia (hint: I would also like to ship Jo, who is also a girl not to be confusing, and Rob together in the next book). My favorite setting of the novel has to be “the Cave”, an underground secret laboratory filled with secrets and the infamous well everyone continues to mention [not like it’s the title of the book or anything]. Unfortunately, my major downside with this novel is the infamous “true-love at first site” mantra between the main character, Mia, and the mysterious, new kid, Brayden. Honestly, the two meet one time at a party, have a conversation of less than five lines, then by the next day believe they are destined to be married. I know this is not a realistic novel, but could we please spare the totally unrealistic romance? Overall, I liked the concept and pace of the novel; however, the end makes me concerned of what is to come of the sequel. Therefore, since I do have an advanced copy of the sequel I shall read it but judge this book solely based on my enjoyment of it and would suggest it to anyone who enjoys books with original concepts and desire for adventure.
bytheosean's review against another edition
5.0
dude i love this book! i love it a little less after being in an actual pandemic, but this was one of my favorite books near the end of middle school and the beginning of high school. i do think the well story is a little funny just bc i can relate.
pantsreads's review against another edition
2.0
Sadly, I must have read a different book than most of the other people who are reviewing this book.
Read my full review here.
Read my full review here.
rebeshelton's review against another edition
2.0
"The Well's End" is a book that takes a dive into the dystopian thriller genre, a wave that once surged in popularity during the early 2010s. At the outset, the story sparks excitement, drawing readers into its fast-paced narrative. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that the initial promise is not fully realized.
One of the key issues that stands out is the introduction of a rather perplexing romance. It's a case of "insta-love" that feels forced and out of place. This element may have been an attempt to cater to a young teenage audience, but it ultimately falls short, leaving readers yearning for a more genuine connection.
Another noticeable aspect is the gender dynamic. Written by a male author, the female protagonist's perspective occasionally feels a bit out of touch. The portrayal of emotions and relationships may not align with the depth and authenticity that female readers might hope for. The insta-love, for instance, seems like something that someone might imagine a young girl would desire, but it misses the mark.
Characters in the story suffer from a lack of depth, making them feel two-dimensional and somewhat unrelatable. The protagonist's seemingly indifferent attitude towards emotions doesn't help in this regard. While it doesn't overtly scream "not like other girls," it does give off a vibe of trying too hard to stand out.
In the end, "The Well's End" falls flat, unable to maintain the momentum of its intriguing beginning. The story loses its grip on the reader's interest as it progresses, leaving one with little motivation to complete the duology. It's a book that had the potential to shine in a genre filled with gems, but unfortunately, it doesn't quite live up to the expectations it sets early on.
As a reader, I found myself disappointed by the missed opportunities and the book's inability to deliver a more engaging and authentic experience. While it may resonate with some, particularly those nostalgic for the dystopian thrillers of a bygone era, "The Well's End" left me with little desire to explore the remainder of the series.
One of the key issues that stands out is the introduction of a rather perplexing romance. It's a case of "insta-love" that feels forced and out of place. This element may have been an attempt to cater to a young teenage audience, but it ultimately falls short, leaving readers yearning for a more genuine connection.
Another noticeable aspect is the gender dynamic. Written by a male author, the female protagonist's perspective occasionally feels a bit out of touch. The portrayal of emotions and relationships may not align with the depth and authenticity that female readers might hope for. The insta-love, for instance, seems like something that someone might imagine a young girl would desire, but it misses the mark.
Characters in the story suffer from a lack of depth, making them feel two-dimensional and somewhat unrelatable. The protagonist's seemingly indifferent attitude towards emotions doesn't help in this regard. While it doesn't overtly scream "not like other girls," it does give off a vibe of trying too hard to stand out.
In the end, "The Well's End" falls flat, unable to maintain the momentum of its intriguing beginning. The story loses its grip on the reader's interest as it progresses, leaving one with little motivation to complete the duology. It's a book that had the potential to shine in a genre filled with gems, but unfortunately, it doesn't quite live up to the expectations it sets early on.
As a reader, I found myself disappointed by the missed opportunities and the book's inability to deliver a more engaging and authentic experience. While it may resonate with some, particularly those nostalgic for the dystopian thrillers of a bygone era, "The Well's End" left me with little desire to explore the remainder of the series.
elliotalderson's review against another edition
3.0
(Won this through First Reads here on Goodreads!)
I honestly meant to review this a long time ago but I'm easily distracted and well, I forgot. Going to do my best to review it now.
The Well's End is an engrossing and, for me, a unique read. I believe this is the first book I've read that features an outbreak happening in a school. The thought of being in that sort of environment when tragedy strikes is scary. I think Seth Fishman captured that really well. The book is the right amount of creepy without being over the top. Fishman actually made the entire situation seem like it could actually happen.
Mia is a really strong female main character and that is always a major plus while reading any book. Having said that, I found myself caring more about the ''side'' characters than I did about her. That doesn't take away from the fact that she was a kick-ass heroine. Despite being afraid of the dark (who wouldn't be after falling in a well as a child?), she does what she needs to do to survive and help save the lives of her friends.
I wish I could have given this book a much higher rating but the writing fell flat for me a lot of the time which was disappointing. I loved the general idea of it though! That ending definitely made me want to pick up the sequel, which arrived with the first book.
I honestly meant to review this a long time ago but I'm easily distracted and well, I forgot. Going to do my best to review it now.
The Well's End is an engrossing and, for me, a unique read. I believe this is the first book I've read that features an outbreak happening in a school. The thought of being in that sort of environment when tragedy strikes is scary. I think Seth Fishman captured that really well. The book is the right amount of creepy without being over the top. Fishman actually made the entire situation seem like it could actually happen.
Mia is a really strong female main character and that is always a major plus while reading any book. Having said that, I found myself caring more about the ''side'' characters than I did about her. That doesn't take away from the fact that she was a kick-ass heroine. Despite being afraid of the dark (who wouldn't be after falling in a well as a child?), she does what she needs to do to survive and help save the lives of her friends.
I wish I could have given this book a much higher rating but the writing fell flat for me a lot of the time which was disappointing. I loved the general idea of it though! That ending definitely made me want to pick up the sequel, which arrived with the first book.
book_nerd_lisa's review against another edition
4.0
Awww man....now I have to read the next one...it didn't end, it just stopped... at the climax...ugghhh
emslund's review against another edition
5.0
So I found out about this book through seeing Kate Beaton's illustrations of it:
http://io9.com/exclusive-look-at-kate-beatons-illustrations-for-a-bra-512613197
If Kate Beaton is making some illustrations for this book and has her attentions - then I definitely wanted to check it out.
ACK! I had no idea this book is (I hope to god) part of a series or sequel because the ending just ENDED. Totally had me wrapped into the plot the entire story, and I thought they characters were pretty cool for YA. I really liked that this heroine is not really Katniss or what's-her-face from Divergent or anything - she's a lot more personally relatable for me, and the action was great. This is good writing. I suppose the most unrelatable part would be the bourgeoisie lifestyles and the fact this story is basically about a crop of the most privileged, richest, and smartest teenagers in America - though the added dynamic of the Townies was nice - forgivable by the end, but a little "There is nothing these people can't have/do" factor going on.
In the end - this book had me afraid to go asleep and I really liked that thriller aspect of it. There were some pretty creepy moments, and lucky me, I was reading them right before bed in a house all alone with all the lights off. I said I was going to go bed at my normal bedtime, but I couldn't go to bed until I got past the creepy parts, so I scarified a full night's rest because of me being a chicken, lol. Anyway, great plot, really great mystery factor that comes in - and I was really impressed with it. I can't wait to see what happens next, and ugh, I bet I have awhile to wait!
On a super super super incredibly nit-picky note. There's this one scene that really irked me where a girl in the story hits this boy after he's (basically) been sexually harassing her, and then she's the one that gets in trouble - I sort of wanted her to realize that what was happening was really a pile of sexist bullshit, but she seemed like she felt like she "deserved" the punishment at the time and the person who reprimanded her did too. I was waiting for some sort of awesome anger of "he deserved it for sexual harassing me" going on but I didn't feel it and was disappointed, haha, then the feelings were never resisted and the book moved on. That is the most minor tiny detail moment where I was like, "BUT HE--" and my feminist-self wanted to pull her aside and assure her that her actions were okay cos' c'mon the guy had it coming. But anyway! - overall, best YA book I've read so far this year.
http://io9.com/exclusive-look-at-kate-beatons-illustrations-for-a-bra-512613197
If Kate Beaton is making some illustrations for this book and has her attentions - then I definitely wanted to check it out.
ACK! I had no idea this book is (I hope to god) part of a series or sequel because the ending just ENDED. Totally had me wrapped into the plot the entire story, and I thought they characters were pretty cool for YA. I really liked that this heroine is not really Katniss or what's-her-face from Divergent or anything - she's a lot more personally relatable for me, and the action was great. This is good writing. I suppose the most unrelatable part would be the bourgeoisie lifestyles and the fact this story is basically about a crop of the most privileged, richest, and smartest teenagers in America - though the added dynamic of the Townies was nice - forgivable by the end, but a little "There is nothing these people can't have/do" factor going on.
In the end - this book had me afraid to go asleep and I really liked that thriller aspect of it. There were some pretty creepy moments, and lucky me, I was reading them right before bed in a house all alone with all the lights off. I said I was going to go bed at my normal bedtime, but I couldn't go to bed until I got past the creepy parts, so I scarified a full night's rest because of me being a chicken, lol. Anyway, great plot, really great mystery factor that comes in - and I was really impressed with it. I can't wait to see what happens next, and ugh, I bet I have awhile to wait!
On a super super super incredibly nit-picky note. There's this one scene that really irked me where a girl in the story hits this boy after he's (basically) been sexually harassing her, and then she's the one that gets in trouble - I sort of wanted her to realize that what was happening was really a pile of sexist bullshit, but she seemed like she felt like she "deserved" the punishment at the time and the person who reprimanded her did too. I was waiting for some sort of awesome anger of "he deserved it for sexual harassing me" going on but I didn't feel it and was disappointed, haha, then the feelings were never resisted and the book moved on. That is the most minor tiny detail moment where I was like, "BUT HE--" and my feminist-self wanted to pull her aside and assure her that her actions were okay cos' c'mon the guy had it coming. But anyway! - overall, best YA book I've read so far this year.
kimreadsthings's review against another edition
2.0
You know what is super dumb? I will tell you: Yep, super dumb.
This was also inexplicably violent. Some douchebro in class is taunting Mia and she smashes his face with a textbook. What is that even?? I scratch my head.
Spoiler
Falling in love with a boy you met at a party last night. Then trusting him blindly. Especially after he repeatedly starts apologizing to you for something that hasn't happened yet.This was also inexplicably violent. Some douchebro in class is taunting Mia and she smashes his face with a textbook. What is that even?? I scratch my head.
eserafina42's review against another edition
3.0
I would actually give this 3.5 stars, but due to not being able to give half stars feel like I have to knock it down to 3 rather than up to 4. Definitely a fast, interesting read, but the romance didn't really work for me (I really hate the whole "insta-love" thing), and the abrupt ending was extremely annoying, although I probably would read the sequel, if only to find out where he's taking this.