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elliotalderson's review against another edition
2.0
Another Faust is one of the most unique books I've read in a long time, if not ever. I don't recall having ever read a book that involved people, in this case kids/teenagers, selling their souls to the devil to get what they want. The unique plot line is what drew me to the story.
Unfortunately, overall the book was disappointing. Sometimes I found it difficult to follow all the different storylines of each character. Each character had their own ''gift'' from Madame Vileroy and sometimes it was hard for me to grasp what each character was doing. I had the most trouble following Christian's gift and his storyline. Valentin's gift was hard for me to follow but in the end it was explained better. It took me awhile to get into it. And by awhile I mean probably about 3/4 of the book. Once I hit Bice's parts, I wanted to read more. She was probably my favorite character and she didn't have enough of a storyline throughout the book until the end, in my opinion. The ending was somewhat disappointing. Things started to hit a climax and then all of a sudden it was over. I would have liked something more, more of an ending for the characters.
I was impressed with how the Nayeri's wrote the book. Everything was detailed. The book had a lot of mystery and suspense and it made me think, which I liked. I didn't know what was going to happen so it kept things suspenseful.
If you're looking for something light and fun, this book probably isn't for you. If you're looking to branch out from the usual fluffy romance, check it out.
Unfortunately, overall the book was disappointing. Sometimes I found it difficult to follow all the different storylines of each character. Each character had their own ''gift'' from Madame Vileroy and sometimes it was hard for me to grasp what each character was doing. I had the most trouble following Christian's gift and his storyline. Valentin's gift was hard for me to follow but in the end it was explained better. It took me awhile to get into it. And by awhile I mean probably about 3/4 of the book. Once I hit Bice's parts, I wanted to read more. She was probably my favorite character and she didn't have enough of a storyline throughout the book until the end, in my opinion. The ending was somewhat disappointing. Things started to hit a climax and then all of a sudden it was over. I would have liked something more, more of an ending for the characters.
I was impressed with how the Nayeri's wrote the book. Everything was detailed. The book had a lot of mystery and suspense and it made me think, which I liked. I didn't know what was going to happen so it kept things suspenseful.
If you're looking for something light and fun, this book probably isn't for you. If you're looking to branch out from the usual fluffy romance, check it out.
kristid's review against another edition
2.0
This was an interesting read to say the least. I wasn’t aware when I first found the title was that the title was an extension of “Faustian bargains” or what I’ve always known it as– selling your soul to the devil. Perhaps I was alone in this revelation. I’ve seen it portrayed in literature and movies before, but this was an altogether take, which was refreshing.
I enjoyed the overall story, the manipulations, the deceit, the jealousy, makes you feel all warm in fuzzy inside to know what humans are capable of. But despite my intrigue with overall premise, at times I found the story to be tedious and sporadic. Parts of the story felt incomplete, while others were beautifully detailed.
And the ending for me, was completely anticlimactic. I found that I had a lot more questions than answers. Who really was Madame Vileroy and what was the point?
However, I did enjoyed the power of redemption that some of the characters ultimately achieved.
I enjoyed the overall story, the manipulations, the deceit, the jealousy, makes you feel all warm in fuzzy inside to know what humans are capable of. But despite my intrigue with overall premise, at times I found the story to be tedious and sporadic. Parts of the story felt incomplete, while others were beautifully detailed.
And the ending for me, was completely anticlimactic. I found that I had a lot more questions than answers. Who really was Madame Vileroy and what was the point?
However, I did enjoyed the power of redemption that some of the characters ultimately achieved.
lmthompson's review against another edition
5.0
this book is different than almost every other book that i have read, in a good way. The ending isn't always happy.
theballadofgrace's review against another edition
3.0
This writing debut of a brother-and-sister duo is different than your normal story. Though the story does start out incredibly slow, it's still an interesting read, and was very different than how I would've thought this story would be.
Five children go missing one night and find themselves with extraordinary gifts such as beauty, mind-reading, or time-travel. Each with a different story and background.
I kind of wish that there were less characters in this book because some of them seemed to lag the story, but then again some of those characters did serve a great purpose as either the hero or antagonist. My only other problem was that the climax of the story was near the end, and during that scene there's hardly any action. The action builds up and then... Poof! Gone. I did like the ending very much even though it wasn't an ending in which we know exactly what happens, but one that tells you what happens and yet leaves you wondering what goes on next leaving your imagination and creativity to figure it out.
Five children go missing one night and find themselves with extraordinary gifts such as beauty, mind-reading, or time-travel. Each with a different story and background.
I kind of wish that there were less characters in this book because some of them seemed to lag the story, but then again some of those characters did serve a great purpose as either the hero or antagonist. My only other problem was that the climax of the story was near the end, and during that scene there's hardly any action. The action builds up and then... Poof! Gone. I did like the ending very much even though it wasn't an ending in which we know exactly what happens, but one that tells you what happens and yet leaves you wondering what goes on next leaving your imagination and creativity to figure it out.
tiffym's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to give this book 4 stars, because I was reading this at any free moment I had. But honestly, it's just a book about teenagers and high school drama. Still, it was really interesting to see this teen-version of a Faust legend. It asks the same question, "Is there anything worth selling your soul for?" The characters are relatable, but stereotypical of high school cliches. There's the jock, the hipster, the beauty queen, the overachiever, and the outcast. This book is good entertainment, but it's not a great story.
jacquelinec's review against another edition
3.0
Another Faust is a decent first outing from co-authors, and siblings, Daniel and Dina Nayeri. In the realm of young adult paranormal fiction, this novel is stands out due to its premise alone. Based on the classic German legend, the story woven by the authors is built on a solid, pre-established foundation. That said, it's rather easy to ruin a story through a retelling. Countless horrid Jane Austen remakes and spin-offs can attest to that. However, the Nayeri duo don't deserve to be lumped in with that bunch.
While the secondary characters are somewhat lacking in characterization, they aren't very essential to the story. The five central teenagers are all well-drawn and their combined evilness, depravity, loneliness, and sorrow is all but palpable. Part of what kept me from giving this story a solid B though, was the fact that I didn't find any of these teens sympathetic enough. Even with the ones that we're obviously meant to root for in the end, it was a case of too-little, too-late. Another reason for the "B-/C+" - Their ring-leader from hell, Madame Vileroy, is only alright as far as villains go. Sure, she's as bad as can be, but she also falls short of being truly fearsome. The best villains usually draw from some sort of pain or failure to propel their evil plans and Vileroy, being a bit two-dimensional, could not manage this and seemed all the more unreal because of that. Ultimately, this lack in Vileroy made the climax and conclusion feel unsatisfying.
Although I was expecting a pretty creepy tale, Another Faust happened to be even more creepy than I expected. The subplots are all disturbing in the best of ways and, despite the fact that the story meanders a bit midway through and takes a little too long to get to the action, they come together rather well...
...To continue reading this review, visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
While the secondary characters are somewhat lacking in characterization, they aren't very essential to the story. The five central teenagers are all well-drawn and their combined evilness, depravity, loneliness, and sorrow is all but palpable. Part of what kept me from giving this story a solid B though, was the fact that I didn't find any of these teens sympathetic enough. Even with the ones that we're obviously meant to root for in the end, it was a case of too-little, too-late. Another reason for the "B-/C+" - Their ring-leader from hell, Madame Vileroy, is only alright as far as villains go. Sure, she's as bad as can be, but she also falls short of being truly fearsome. The best villains usually draw from some sort of pain or failure to propel their evil plans and Vileroy, being a bit two-dimensional, could not manage this and seemed all the more unreal because of that. Ultimately, this lack in Vileroy made the climax and conclusion feel unsatisfying.
Although I was expecting a pretty creepy tale, Another Faust happened to be even more creepy than I expected. The subplots are all disturbing in the best of ways and, despite the fact that the story meanders a bit midway through and takes a little too long to get to the action, they come together rather well...
...To continue reading this review, visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
0rdinaryreader's review against another edition
3.0
3.75
This book was hard to get into. It had some pacing issues, but it had a great message and some really great quotes. I very much enjoyed the ending.
This book was hard to get into. It had some pacing issues, but it had a great message and some really great quotes. I very much enjoyed the ending.
ellensbookishcollection's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0