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pages_and_procrastination's Reviews (1.6k)
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a completely random pickup. I was browsing through my library's digital catalog, trying to find a book that I would stick with. I saw this book and Alameda's other book and it sounded interesting. Honestly, anytime someone uses a camera as a weapon- a real one (and not one that you throw at something/someone to get away) it's going to grab my attention. I didn't like the family dynamics or the way that Micheline excused her dad's behavior. (After the hunt she is taken to her home and when her dad comes home he punches her, locks her in a bathroom and then decides to destroy all of her cameras in a tantrum that would make any 4 year old proud). But Micheline is determined and just as stubborn as her dad. While he is certain that locking her in place is the best thing for her, she believes that going out and hunting the monster that got away is the best thing. Her sneaking out of the building with one lone camera proves that she may be a bit more determined to accomplish her mission than her dad is.
There is a Van Helsing quote that she uses to push herself through some hard/painful/uncomfortable moments. I liked that it was not just a one time thing. I mean everything that they go through, shows how tough Micheline and her crew are. Even if her father -the leader of the Helsing organization can't see it.
"I have a duty to do, a duty to others, a duty to you, a duty to the dead, and by God, I shall do it."
Of course, this being YA there is a romance going on in the background. It does pop up at some inconvenient moments. But despite the history that Micheline and Ryder has, and the threat of what her father will do (because that is a whole other thing) if he finds out, when faced with the possibility of these being their last days they decide to break the rules and give in to their feelings. Can't say that I blame them, and I may be a little less bothered by the romance because I like both Micheline and Ryder. But more than that, it doesn't cause them to make stupid decisions. Micheline is clearly the leader, and Ryder doesn't suddenly decide that he needs to protect her, and she doesn't make stupid decisions because her head is in the love cloud. That's why it works. She does make desperate decisions, that by the end of the book she comes to regret. But, had she not made those decisions, the story would have ended differently, she and her crew would not have survived.
This may simply be a case of reading the right book at the right time. But, I enjoyed it. This didn't have me sitting up at afraid of the dark, but it was definitely not your averages ghost story. I would definitely recommend this, and I am looking forward to picking up Alameda's next book -Pitch Dark- which I believe takes place in space.
There is a Van Helsing quote that she uses to push herself through some hard/painful/uncomfortable moments. I liked that it was not just a one time thing. I mean everything that they go through, shows how tough Micheline and her crew are. Even if her father -the leader of the Helsing organization can't see it.
"I have a duty to do, a duty to others, a duty to you, a duty to the dead, and by God, I shall do it."
Of course, this being YA there is a romance going on in the background. It does pop up at some inconvenient moments. But despite the history that Micheline and Ryder has, and the threat of what her father will do (because that is a whole other thing) if he finds out, when faced with the possibility of these being their last days they decide to break the rules and give in to their feelings. Can't say that I blame them, and I may be a little less bothered by the romance because I like both Micheline and Ryder. But more than that, it doesn't cause them to make stupid decisions. Micheline is clearly the leader, and Ryder doesn't suddenly decide that he needs to protect her, and she doesn't make stupid decisions because her head is in the love cloud. That's why it works. She does make desperate decisions, that by the end of the book she comes to regret. But, had she not made those decisions, the story would have ended differently, she and her crew would not have survived.
This may simply be a case of reading the right book at the right time. But, I enjoyed it. This didn't have me sitting up at afraid of the dark, but it was definitely not your averages ghost story. I would definitely recommend this, and I am looking forward to picking up Alameda's next book -Pitch Dark- which I believe takes place in space.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I was given a digital copy of this title, free. All opinions are my own.
This picks up several months after the last book. Wen's friend, Rory, has come to town, on behalf of her old boos to try to convince Wen to come back to New York. As luck would have it, Rory stumbles across a dead body, and instead of reporting it, she chooses to act as if she's never seen it. When it comes out that she found the dead body, and with some persistent prodding from best friend Maisy, they take on another murder case. They're not very good, but they are persistent. They don't put the clues together in time to prevent a confrontation with the killer, and Maisy misses out on this part yet again. This is a quaint small town cozy, with quirky characters and an environment that's excellent for amateur sleuthing. I will definitely be back for more of Wen. Maisy and Ria's shenanigans.
This picks up several months after the last book. Wen's friend, Rory, has come to town, on behalf of her old boos to try to convince Wen to come back to New York. As luck would have it, Rory stumbles across a dead body, and instead of reporting it, she chooses to act as if she's never seen it. When it comes out that she found the dead body, and with some persistent prodding from best friend Maisy, they take on another murder case. They're not very good, but they are persistent. They don't put the clues together in time to prevent a confrontation with the killer, and Maisy misses out on this part yet again. This is a quaint small town cozy, with quirky characters and an environment that's excellent for amateur sleuthing. I will definitely be back for more of Wen. Maisy and Ria's shenanigans.
This was an e-arc that I received from Netgalley.
I was very optimistic when I first started this galley. Mostly because I had been wanting to read something by this author for a long time, and it immediately started with something I could become invested in. it was a bit confusing as to who the characters were and how they would all connect with each other. The writing was my taste - it was a bit to superfluous and flowery. But I was interested in what was going to happen to the missing kid, the talent of the twins and how the story was going to come together.
Then I woke up and realized that I had been reading this book for 4 days and had only made it 25% into the story. So I put a limit on how much time I was going to invest in this story. I spent an entire day focused mostly on reading as much as I could and found that as much as what was happening in the story, the pages weren't moving as quickly. Then there was a semi graphic rape scene of a kid so I started skipping over things. And then I quietly gave up. It wasn't just the sexual; and physical abuse of the children. it's that the girl grew up and fell in love with her abuser, even though she had the power to stop him. It was that even though his methods may have been wrong (human trafficking children) the reason behind making child soldiers was right. Maybe there are a lot of things that I missed. by jumping over scenes, but I couldn't get with those two things.
I was very optimistic when I first started this galley. Mostly because I had been wanting to read something by this author for a long time, and it immediately started with something I could become invested in. it was a bit confusing as to who the characters were and how they would all connect with each other. The writing was my taste - it was a bit to superfluous and flowery. But I was interested in what was going to happen to the missing kid, the talent of the twins and how the story was going to come together.
Then I woke up and realized that I had been reading this book for 4 days and had only made it 25% into the story. So I put a limit on how much time I was going to invest in this story. I spent an entire day focused mostly on reading as much as I could and found that as much as what was happening in the story, the pages weren't moving as quickly. Then there was a semi graphic rape scene of a kid so I started skipping over things. And then I quietly gave up. It wasn't just the sexual; and physical abuse of the children. it's that the girl grew up and fell in love with her abuser, even though she had the power to stop him. It was that even though his methods may have been wrong (human trafficking children) the reason behind making child soldiers was right. Maybe there are a lot of things that I missed. by jumping over scenes, but I couldn't get with those two things.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was another book that was compared to Pacific Rim and I have to say that I am here for it. Give me all of the books compared to Pacific Rim and I will eat it up like candy. Was this the best? No, but it was so much fun and it brought elements to this story that typical YA books don’t and that makes this stand out. First, this is essentially a standalone. Yes I know that it’s labeled as the first book, but this storyline is complete. If I’m not mistaken, the sequel takes place in the sane world, after this with different characters. Secondly, this YA had involved adults. Though they may not be around for everyday things, they are there for the bigger decisions. And despite the fact that the kids are training to save the world and all of that, the parent/guardians don’t stand by and just let them do it. They do their part. In the end, I am not sure if that was the best decision. Pru was not the chosen one who had been groomed for the role as hero her entire life. But, she steps up and does the best that she can. Despite not being completely sold to the cause. I am not sure what I think about that, but it was a fresh perspective. One of the other things that I liked about this, is that the entire team didn’t immediately get along. And it wasn’t just personalities trying to mesh. They didn’t know each other and didn’t pretend to either, but when it came to the missions/cause, they -the kids- got it together to cooperate and at the end, stood together.
Even though I think that this story is complete I do plan on picking up the sequel. I like Tang’s writing and this is an interesting world, so I want to see what else she is going to do in it.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What caught my attention about this title was that it reminded me of E.D. Baker’s Wide Awake Princess. And it is something like that, but a lot darker. I thought it was bad to be a part of a family where everyone wanted to kill you -even if you had no interest in becoming heir. But, that wasn’t the worst part. Sigis was the worst part. Ekata has had no interest in becoming duke, she wanted to go to university to study science, she even considers running away. But she is torn with by the knowledge that someone from the Avenko line has to sit on the throne to maintain the balance between Kylma Above and Kylma Below. She bumbles and fumbles through just about everything. She knows ABSOLUTELY nothing about her own country’s politics, the deals that her father was making or even if her father was doing the right thing. She questions a lot of the decisions and what’s revealed along the way. But she isn’t really given any answers. It appears that her father was mad with power. Or maybe he knew something that no one else did, but his actions were erractic at best. Looking back, I think he knew more and was aware of the danger to Kylma Above and maybe even his family. The only thing that she gets right is picking someone to marry. Yes its done to prevent a marriage - or a presumed marriage -to Sigis. And yes she accidentally decides to marry the daughter of her father’s biggest enemy. But Inkar was the right choice. Though it takes most of the book, Inkar helps Ekata to stop shuffling in her father’s shadow and to stand as the leader that she wants to be. This is not a book where the enemy is clear and there’s a trail that leads you to the culprit. Because everyone is openly hostile towards her, and constantly reminds her that she is not her father, it is not so easy to see who the bad guy is. There are no likely suspects - besides Sigis - I guessing it would be better to say that there are too many likely suspects. Everyone is working their own betrayals alongside the main one. So, when it’s revealed who was responsible and how it happened you realize that you didn’t see how dangerous this world truly was. And though she was mocked for thinking it, Ekata really is the only one who could lift the curse.
As far as the writing, Barlett does a really good job of pulling you into the story. Though the perspective is limited, because you only see it the way Ekata does, you get a feel for the other characters and how small this country is. And even though it is a small country, the magic makes it a powerhouse. The magic keeps the air of mystery around it to the very end.
As far as the writing, Barlett does a really good job of pulling you into the story. Though the perspective is limited, because you only see it the way Ekata does, you get a feel for the other characters and how small this country is. And even though it is a small country, the magic makes it a powerhouse. The magic keeps the air of mystery around it to the very end.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
erything that stands in the way is complicated but realistic. There aren’t any easy solutions. It was angsty in a way that I enjoyed. The triangle(-ish) situation was handled well. And if y’all have been with me for a while you know I am not a fan of triangles. Martineau succeeded where so many others have failed. The tension of the final events was so tightly strung that I didn’t know if I even want to break to catch my breath or keep going. I do think that the actual fight was over too quickly But this is the first book, and the assassins haven’t learned how to fight with their beasts. I’m hoping that as the battles gets bigger, they are given more time on the page.
I really don't know what was going on with this book. Let me be clear that this book was on my radar and then I took it off because it just didn't sound like something that I wanted to read. But I picked it up for the Blacksffathon. I guess I was expecting a different type of character. He sees ghosts and has a mentor for it, you would think that he wouldn't be all that surprised by them. I know that the summary says that he's dealing with racist teachers and students, but ..... from my perspective he's just the weird kid that everyone picks one. he doesn't do anything that (or hasn't done) that would say that he isn't the weird kid. He spaces out in the middle of gym class watching a ghost loop. He doesn't bother doing any of the assignments he had and doesn't bother trying to come up with an excuse. Maybe if there had been a broader perspective or if his brother talked about similar experiences. But, at least in the beginning, it all appears to be in Jake's head. Also, the timeline is confusing. Sawyer is supposed to be dead at the beginning of the book because he is the one who is going to be haunting Jake. But the book is split into alternating chapters switching between Jake and Sawyer. Sawyer is alive in his chapter, and the picture that is painted of him is that he is mentally unstable, that is going to either hurt himself or someone else. But even with that, his mom was able to pull him out of the facility that he was in to save face. I don't like setting up Sawyer as being mentally unstable, and that his mom is ultimately responsible because she knowingly removed him from the treatment facility. That's the common narrative that is being tossed around now, especially about school shooters, but that absolves others who may have bullied or pushed a kid to their breaking point. And while some mass shooters/school shooters do have some mental illness going on, it's not the case with them all.
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Okay so this is the second book in the series and I did like it. But, I guess I liked the first one better. This one did leave me curious about what was going to happen next, but I'm not getting a sense of urgency to do so. Which is fine, since the third book hasn't even been announced. Other than the fact that this book is talking about mermaids and other mythical creatures in a unique way, this book and series doesn't stand out very much from the other cozies. There are things that are starting to bother me in this series that didn't in the first, mainly because more attention was given to them in this book or because the relationship had progressed.
it appears that there is a love triangle-ish thing forming and I am not here for it- for several reasons. And while both guys have their perks and reasons why they would be both good and bad for her. I guess I wouldn't be so bothered by this if she hadn't already made a decision and picked one of over the other. My second issue is for the second time, the person behind the crimes appears to have gotten away with it because in the end a character confesses. But it's revealed that someone else put them up to it or they were aware of what was being done (murder) and was okay with it and doing nothing to prevent he murders. And they are not held accountable for it.
it appears that there is a love triangle-ish thing forming and I am not here for it- for several reasons. And while both guys have their perks and reasons why they would be both good and bad for her. I guess I wouldn't be so bothered by this if she hadn't already made a decision and picked one of over the other. My second issue is for the second time, the person behind the crimes appears to have gotten away with it because in the end a character confesses. But it's revealed that someone else put them up to it or they were aware of what was being done (murder) and was okay with it and doing nothing to prevent he murders. And they are not held accountable for it.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was given a digital copy of this title, free. All opinions are my own.
This may be a case of going into a book with too high of expectations. I mean to be fair, when I picked up Johnson's debut novel I had no expectations and was super surprised. That book still makes me smile. Part of that is from the book itself and the impression that the characters made on me. But another part is the reading experience of it. It is also the book that introduced me to one of my best bookish friends. So there is that.
But Rise to the Sun, was in a word -disappointing. But it does redeem itself. Let me explain. the first 75% of this is just okay. I was neither invested in what was going on or in the characters. Olivia was pretty annoying with her obsessive ability to fall in love and to only focus on that. It was like every interaction that she had with someone was an evaluation of how compatible they would be or had been with each other - except for her best friend. Tony wasn't that much better. Albeit for more understandable reasons. There wasn't anything truly remarkable about any of the characters.
But then at 75% Amani made me react. She wasn't being a very good best friend. She should have been the person that made Olivia had her big a-ha! moment and not some stranger. But then Olvia wasn't all that great either. And here we are - the last 25% of the book where the story finds its pocket and shines.
Even though the first 75% of the book was focused on a budding romance, the heart of the story is about so much more than that. it's not even about the romance - and the fact that they find themselves through the other person is very dangerous message. But, aside from that, the growth and the realizations that they had finished the book off on a good note. And I finished it smiling. Between the two books she has so far, I would definitely recommend You Should See Me in a Crown always. But, I am still interested in what other stories Johnson has within her.
This may be a case of going into a book with too high of expectations. I mean to be fair, when I picked up Johnson's debut novel I had no expectations and was super surprised. That book still makes me smile. Part of that is from the book itself and the impression that the characters made on me. But another part is the reading experience of it. It is also the book that introduced me to one of my best bookish friends. So there is that.
But Rise to the Sun, was in a word -disappointing. But it does redeem itself. Let me explain. the first 75% of this is just okay. I was neither invested in what was going on or in the characters. Olivia was pretty annoying with her obsessive ability to fall in love and to only focus on that. It was like every interaction that she had with someone was an evaluation of how compatible they would be or had been with each other - except for her best friend. Tony wasn't that much better. Albeit for more understandable reasons. There wasn't anything truly remarkable about any of the characters.
But then at 75% Amani made me react. She wasn't being a very good best friend. She should have been the person that made Olivia had her big a-ha! moment and not some stranger. But then Olvia wasn't all that great either. And here we are - the last 25% of the book where the story finds its pocket and shines.
Even though the first 75% of the book was focused on a budding romance, the heart of the story is about so much more than that. it's not even about the romance - and the fact that they find themselves through the other person is very dangerous message. But, aside from that, the growth and the realizations that they had finished the book off on a good note. And I finished it smiling. Between the two books she has so far, I would definitely recommend You Should See Me in a Crown always. But, I am still interested in what other stories Johnson has within her.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was given a digital copy of this title, free. All opinions are my own.
I really liked this story, it checks off a lot of the boxes of what turns a good story into something that I want to come back to. First, I like TJ as a character, I wish that he had a bit more confidence, but I think he'll get there. I like that way that magic is explained and taught. It's a camp setting with the kids aligning with particular Orisha's. (Not another Harry Potter comparison, but maybe Percy Jackson). There is definitely something going on, but you don't realize just how big that something is until the end. And the story carries you there, engaged and invested in the characters.
But I have questions. TJ has questions. Even after the story has ended and the first book's wrapped there are questions. And the makings of an even bigger problem, unless TJ figures something out. Tj and his group of friends are heroes that I can get behind. I am interested in seeing what happens and watching them grow and discover their magic and their strengths.
The surprises that came were handled nicely and I didn't suspect some of them being what they were. I like how TJ's power was slow in growing and that he isn't overwhelmed with them, also that they are powerful but ones that he can't rely on. He makes choices based on what he thinks is the right thing to do knowing that he can't really trust his power to bail him out. This was a great first book and I am definitely looking forward to continuing on with the series. This is also one that I highly recommend.
I really liked this story, it checks off a lot of the boxes of what turns a good story into something that I want to come back to. First, I like TJ as a character, I wish that he had a bit more confidence, but I think he'll get there. I like that way that magic is explained and taught. It's a camp setting with the kids aligning with particular Orisha's. (Not another Harry Potter comparison, but maybe Percy Jackson). There is definitely something going on, but you don't realize just how big that something is until the end. And the story carries you there, engaged and invested in the characters.
But I have questions. TJ has questions. Even after the story has ended and the first book's wrapped there are questions. And the makings of an even bigger problem, unless TJ figures something out. Tj and his group of friends are heroes that I can get behind. I am interested in seeing what happens and watching them grow and discover their magic and their strengths.
The surprises that came were handled nicely and I didn't suspect some of them being what they were. I like how TJ's power was slow in growing and that he isn't overwhelmed with them, also that they are powerful but ones that he can't rely on. He makes choices based on what he thinks is the right thing to do knowing that he can't really trust his power to bail him out. This was a great first book and I am definitely looking forward to continuing on with the series. This is also one that I highly recommend.