You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
writeonsteph's reviews
1224 reviews
The Elite by Kiera Cass
5.0
A thoroughly satisfying sequel, The Elite shows Cass' evolution as a writer. Issues of characterization were fleshed out--for example, Maxon and America's mood swings were much more understandable due to stronger plot development. The tropes of dystopian literature, while relatively unoriginal, were still interesting in the context of the history Cass has created, which eerily mimics current events in 2017. Anxiously awaiting my chance to read the third installment.
The One by Kiera Cass
4.0
Much like the sequel, the third installment did not disappoint on (non-romance) related plot. The twists and turns of certain political games made this a fun ride. However, the continued anguish over the the love triangle left the final act feeling rushed and unexplored. All in all, a relatively satisfying end to America's journey.
The Heir by Kiera Cass
3.0
I wanted to enjoy this fourth addition to the Selection series, but found it highly difficult. It picks up twenty years since the marriage of America and Maxon, and follows the perspective of the eldest and heir to the throne, Eadlyn. Civil unrest in the country requires Eadlyn to hold a Selection as a distraction. This plot line would be fine, if were not for the fact that Eadlyn is wholly unlikable, especially in contrast to the other cast of characters (with a few exceptions--the men who are violent). Unfortunately Eadlyn's character falls too much into the trope of associating love as weakness, without saying anything new about it. She is powerful, but only to herself--and her sudden realization by the end that love is the answer to her problems feels disingenuous. It's a worrisome message for a book that prides itself on trying to showcase a powerful woman, and it might have done better to hold off on the Selection and build us into Eadlyn's world a bit more.
Devil's Advocate by Jonathan Maberry
4.0
A wonderful introduction to the X Files for younger and newer fans-getting a chance to see how Scully became so reliant on her love of science and logic was fascinating. It felt very much like canon material, and stayed true to the already created world. My only complaint: there remains some ambiguity about what Scully believes to be true, given the narrative events, but other than that, it's wonderful.
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
4.0
A rare entry into the field of dystopian YA literature: a heroine who has believable skill in a STEM field from the start. Everything about The Testing invites you to keep reading--the issues of morality, the nature of truth in a world built on secrets, the dystopian setting. Cia is likable, unique, and most importantly: not bogged down by romantic relationship for the sake of a relationship. The romance is meant more as a magnifier of the world and problems at large, which only adds to the rarity of its existence in the YA genre. A fantastic first entry that flies by and begs the question: can you survive the test?
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two by John Tiffany
3.0
I remain heavily conflicted on this play, as it has elements of pure magic and heinous disappointment. The scenes with the trolley witch, and Harry's conversations with Dumbledore's portrait stand out strongest. But the characterization of the main cast, and certain side players, caused me to feel that this was mostly a halfhearted attempt at envisioning a Potter future. Perhaps it lacks the magic, since it is not the traditional medium, and Rowling was not the key writer. It also fits better on the stage. I hope the next additions to the canon are more in tune with the original writing.
The Day Leo Said I Hate You! by Molly Bang, Robie H. Harris
3.0
While it was not one of my favorites that we have had to read for Children's Lit, this book would definitely appeal to younger kids. The art (photorealistic toys, paper cutout characters) was fun, but the message seemed rushed. It felt like a missed opportunity to expound upon the concept that your words really can hurt, and it seemed they jumped too quickly to discussing what they mutually hated. The lines and color schemes were clever, but yeah, I'd pass on this in my personal library.