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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
3.0
I think that no one will say that the Selection series is actually a really well written book. It's just a really nice guilty pleasure. However, the Siren is an amazing story that really touched me in some way and therefore I was quite excited to see what kind of story this would be. So, I placed a pre-order, picked up my package today and started reading.
There are a few things that are actually good about this book. It's firstly a very quick read. Not only because it doesn't have that many pages, but mostly because of the writing style. It's uncomplicated and straight to the point. Apart from that I think I like the world it is set in, the potential politics, the different kingdoms, all the possibilities, the feuds, the old blood, the wars and everything else. And there were moments that some characters managed to seem interesting too.
However, all those things can't mask the mess of a story. I finished the book in one sitting and I have absolutely NO clue what the point of this story is. Maybe it will become clearer in the next book, but right now it all feels very random. On top of that the big romance in this story didn't do it for me. Some staring into each other's eyes and three conversations and one kiss is NOT an epic love story. Apart from what the characters said they felt, there was no proof of their love, no spark and no passion. It's a pity that the romance is the pillar of this story.
Which means that this interesting world is once more, just like in the selection, given a backseat. It's all there. And the author does so very little with it because our main character is focussed on some guy she just met who has great eyes. I love a good romance, I really do. But I love a great politically interesting plot a lot more. And all the ingredients were there, but apart from a few glimpses we got nothing. Apart from
Somehow, and I don't know why, I keep on hoping that book 2 might be a little more interesting. I really doubt it, since the Selection never really delivered on that part either, but watch me pre-order the book anyway as soon as it's announced ;-)
There are a few things that are actually good about this book. It's firstly a very quick read. Not only because it doesn't have that many pages, but mostly because of the writing style. It's uncomplicated and straight to the point. Apart from that I think I like the world it is set in, the potential politics, the different kingdoms, all the possibilities, the feuds, the old blood, the wars and everything else. And there were moments that some characters managed to seem interesting too.
However, all those things can't mask the mess of a story. I finished the book in one sitting and I have absolutely NO clue what the point of this story is. Maybe it will become clearer in the next book, but right now it all feels very random. On top of that the big romance in this story didn't do it for me. Some staring into each other's eyes and three conversations and one kiss is NOT an epic love story. Apart from what the characters said they felt, there was no proof of their love, no spark and no passion. It's a pity that the romance is the pillar of this story.
Which means that this interesting world is once more, just like in the selection, given a backseat. It's all there. And the author does so very little with it because our main character is focussed on some guy she just met who has great eyes. I love a good romance, I really do. But I love a great politically interesting plot a lot more. And all the ingredients were there, but apart from a few glimpses we got nothing. Apart from
Spoiler
some red wedding that happens OFF PAGES and has like no impact because the romance wasn't epic to begin with.Somehow, and I don't know why, I keep on hoping that book 2 might be a little more interesting. I really doubt it, since the Selection never really delivered on that part either, but watch me pre-order the book anyway as soon as it's announced ;-)
celorabi's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoy fantasy and paranormal books... vampires, shifters, faeries, etc. But this was too unbelievable for me. Instalove is one thing, but we didn't even get to see these lovers get to know each other... at all!
emkreads's review against another edition
4.0
Actually ended up enjoying this a lot! the audiobook was amazing
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
To be honest I never thought I would read another book by this author. The book itself was alright, I miss the action, the romance was alright.. but I do wish they chose to dig into the relationships or talked more about the other matters that were looming in the story.
To be honest I never thought I would read another book by this author. The book itself was alright, I miss the action, the romance was alright.. but I do wish they chose to dig into the relationships or talked more about the other matters that were looming in the story.
kasmi22's review against another edition
1.0
Nothing in this book was developed well. The characters were not fleshed out, the pacing was off, it probably should have been 100 pages longer. Overall just a big disappointment.
lana_taylor23's review against another edition
Maybe it’s an enjoyable book, but I felt like the characters lacked depth, and it’s not what I’m looking for right now in my reading.
theboxoffice's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It was definitely something! I went through the emotions going through it, I think that death at the end was rushed but it was still shocking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder and Miscarriage
madismith05's review against another edition
3.0
not quite as good as the selection but I liked that it was different
teetall4's review against another edition
2.0
I feel let down. The beginning of the story was good. But then nothing of interest ever happened to build up the story. And then all of a sudden, everything was rushed, which had me thinking, “how did we get here so fast? Where was the conflict? Did I miss a few chapters?” I literally flipped through the book to check if I missed anything.
The plot was flat and minimal, the characters were disappointing. I couldn’t picture their faces, clothes or even the places they lived. Descriptions were left wanting. I finished reading the book knowing next to nothing about the characters (the main character didn’t even know herself, until a certain someone starts complementing her...). Where was the romance??? I wish there was more substance!
I really enjoyed Kiera Cass books, especially The Selection series (America’s story anyway), and had been looking forward to this one for a while. The book ended with a hill-hanger, but the majority of the book I was bored. I may read the next book, but definitely won’t spend the money to purchase it.
The plot was flat and minimal, the characters were disappointing. I couldn’t picture their faces, clothes or even the places they lived. Descriptions were left wanting. I finished reading the book knowing next to nothing about the characters (the main character didn’t even know herself, until a certain someone starts complementing her...). Where was the romance??? I wish there was more substance!
I really enjoyed Kiera Cass books, especially The Selection series (America’s story anyway), and had been looking forward to this one for a while. The book ended with a hill-hanger, but the majority of the book I was bored. I may read the next book, but definitely won’t spend the money to purchase it.