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cala_p's review against another edition
3.0
Overall it was actually quite boring, which surprised me. The first book was riveting and kept me so interested, but this one seemed to drag. I had trouble following it, couldn't get fully into it. It was okay...some parts were good, but eh. Here's hoping the third is as good as the first.
The best thing was that I takes place in Montreal which is where I'm from, so I recognized some of the places. So that was cool.
The best thing was that I takes place in Montreal which is where I'm from, so I recognized some of the places. So that was cool.
serru's review against another edition
1.0
A slow-moving book, much like the first one. The mystery unravels itself very very slowly, and there's no obvious plot/no real action until the second half. The mythology of the supernatural elements continues to be revealed but sadly, no elements of classical philosophy here; this one seems more like a straight up mystery. The introduction of a second love interest and potential love triangle irks me-- not necessary at all, but I do like that the author very briefly questions whether relationships should be so difficult. It seems like it's conventional wisdom that you need to work for your relationship, but if there are just so many obstacles that seem impossible to overcome, maybe it just isn't meant to be? At this point I find the whole series rather boring but may pick up the last book just to see how everything is resolved.
sailorkchick's review against another edition
3.0
This book, while thickening the plot, was pretty much a repeat of the first book. I hope that the third novel will give me a sense of closure.
jinny89's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
Life Eternal is the second book in the Undead paranormal romance series, Dead Beautiful (the first book goes by the series title), which I received from NetGalley. It kind of goes without being said that there are going to be Dead Beautiful spoilers in this review of Life Eternal (no Life Eternal spoilers though). As a recap of what I thought of book one, I thought it was very similar to Twilight in the general plotline, however, it was still a rather interesting read and I liked it. Because of how Dead Beautiful ended, I was extremely curious as to how everything would pan out in the sequel.
Last we left off in the romance between Renee and Dante, Renee had given up her soul to Dante, who gave it back to Renee. Thus, Renee had technically died at one point, and now Dante is on the run because everyone thinks he played a part in the murder of the Gottfried Academy headmistress. In Life Eternal, Gottfried has shut down because everyone thinks the school curse has come back, so Renee’s grandfather ships her off to Montreal, Quebec, to study at a Monitor training school.
At her new school, Renee finds herself the subject of a rumor — because she died last year, but “magically” came back to life (she never told anyone she gave her soul to Dante but he gave it back), everyone thinks she’s gained some sort of immortality. Somehow, this has enhanced her abilities as a Monitor and she finds herself ranked top of the class, which causes some jealous classmates to start bullying her. But Renee has bigger worries — her boyfriend Dante, is still hiding from those who think he killed someone, and his time as an Undead is running out. When Renee hears about the legend of the Nine Sisters, Monitors who may or may not have discovered the secret to Immortality, Renee decides to seek the truth to see if she can possibly buy Dante more time.
I found this to be a very solid sequel to Dead Beautiful. The beginning was a bit disappointing because it was kind of a repeat of the first book — Renee goes to a new school and has to learn to adapt all over again, she learns secrets about the Undead and Monitoring like before, she needs to hide her relationship with Dante — but it was also different enough that I was interested and want to know what happens.
The beginning was a tad flat because Renee spends a considerable amount of time being mopey and, of course, pining for Dante. I think it was when the story begins to unfold in a mystery novel-like manner that the book really got my attention. Like the first book, it’s not a super complicated mystery (Renee receives all her clues via “visions”, which was a bit lame) but I loved finding out more about the Undead world and the Monitor culture. I admit, sometimes I found the story kind of bizarre. I mean, we’re talking zombies here. Why even bother trying to get along with the Undead when most have this instinct to suck your soul out? Plus, despite the explanation provided which I didn’t really buy, I think if there were really Undead things walking around, everyone ought to know for their own safety. That’s just me though. If you suspend your reality high enough, the book is actually quite enjoyable, and if anything, Woon has quite the imagination.
I am mostly indifferent to Renee — she’s the narrator to me, nothing more — but one thing that happened in the book that truly had me admiring her was when she thought that Dante might be a real danger to her. Like, maybe he could kill her. I was SO glad that she didn’t go the desperate/crazy-person route and thought, “Well, it’s Dante! He can’t possibly hurt me!” Instead, she thought like a rational person and thought, “Oh god, I need to get away from this guy.” When you’ve read a LOT of YA with obsessive girls ready to lay themselves down like doormats for Their Man, it’s extremely refreshing to have a female lead who has the brains to realize she might actually be in danger and need to get away from the situation. It wasn’t enough for Renee just to have Dante say, “I’ll never hurt you.” You know what she did? She didn’t believe him. (Well, until she could prove he wasn’t dangerous). Honestly, I was really impressed with that aspect of Renee. Props to the author for writing a character that knows how to think for herself.
I am not a fan of the ending though. It was extremely abrupt. The story was just getting exciting, and then in MID-SCENE, the story ends. How can you end a book in mid-scene?! That’s not even a proper cliff-hanger! And it was the most exciting part of the book too … I mean, I was really getting into it and then it just ends! I’m not disappointed with the direction it was heading in, just the timing of the ending. I really don’t think that ending can be considered a proper ending at all. Mid-scene! Really!
Well, I guess I’ll just have to wait till book three now to find out the other half of that scene.
(This review originally posted at http://skyink.net).
Life Eternal is the second book in the Undead paranormal romance series, Dead Beautiful (the first book goes by the series title), which I received from NetGalley. It kind of goes without being said that there are going to be Dead Beautiful spoilers in this review of Life Eternal (no Life Eternal spoilers though). As a recap of what I thought of book one, I thought it was very similar to Twilight in the general plotline, however, it was still a rather interesting read and I liked it. Because of how Dead Beautiful ended, I was extremely curious as to how everything would pan out in the sequel.
Last we left off in the romance between Renee and Dante, Renee had given up her soul to Dante, who gave it back to Renee. Thus, Renee had technically died at one point, and now Dante is on the run because everyone thinks he played a part in the murder of the Gottfried Academy headmistress. In Life Eternal, Gottfried has shut down because everyone thinks the school curse has come back, so Renee’s grandfather ships her off to Montreal, Quebec, to study at a Monitor training school.
At her new school, Renee finds herself the subject of a rumor — because she died last year, but “magically” came back to life (she never told anyone she gave her soul to Dante but he gave it back), everyone thinks she’s gained some sort of immortality. Somehow, this has enhanced her abilities as a Monitor and she finds herself ranked top of the class, which causes some jealous classmates to start bullying her. But Renee has bigger worries — her boyfriend Dante, is still hiding from those who think he killed someone, and his time as an Undead is running out. When Renee hears about the legend of the Nine Sisters, Monitors who may or may not have discovered the secret to Immortality, Renee decides to seek the truth to see if she can possibly buy Dante more time.
I found this to be a very solid sequel to Dead Beautiful. The beginning was a bit disappointing because it was kind of a repeat of the first book — Renee goes to a new school and has to learn to adapt all over again, she learns secrets about the Undead and Monitoring like before, she needs to hide her relationship with Dante — but it was also different enough that I was interested and want to know what happens.
The beginning was a tad flat because Renee spends a considerable amount of time being mopey and, of course, pining for Dante. I think it was when the story begins to unfold in a mystery novel-like manner that the book really got my attention. Like the first book, it’s not a super complicated mystery (Renee receives all her clues via “visions”, which was a bit lame) but I loved finding out more about the Undead world and the Monitor culture. I admit, sometimes I found the story kind of bizarre. I mean, we’re talking zombies here. Why even bother trying to get along with the Undead when most have this instinct to suck your soul out? Plus, despite the explanation provided which I didn’t really buy, I think if there were really Undead things walking around, everyone ought to know for their own safety. That’s just me though. If you suspend your reality high enough, the book is actually quite enjoyable, and if anything, Woon has quite the imagination.
I am mostly indifferent to Renee — she’s the narrator to me, nothing more — but one thing that happened in the book that truly had me admiring her was when she thought that Dante might be a real danger to her. Like, maybe he could kill her. I was SO glad that she didn’t go the desperate/crazy-person route and thought, “Well, it’s Dante! He can’t possibly hurt me!” Instead, she thought like a rational person and thought, “Oh god, I need to get away from this guy.” When you’ve read a LOT of YA with obsessive girls ready to lay themselves down like doormats for Their Man, it’s extremely refreshing to have a female lead who has the brains to realize she might actually be in danger and need to get away from the situation. It wasn’t enough for Renee just to have Dante say, “I’ll never hurt you.” You know what she did? She didn’t believe him. (Well, until she could prove he wasn’t dangerous). Honestly, I was really impressed with that aspect of Renee. Props to the author for writing a character that knows how to think for herself.
I am not a fan of the ending though. It was extremely abrupt. The story was just getting exciting, and then in MID-SCENE, the story ends. How can you end a book in mid-scene?! That’s not even a proper cliff-hanger! And it was the most exciting part of the book too … I mean, I was really getting into it and then it just ends! I’m not disappointed with the direction it was heading in, just the timing of the ending. I really don’t think that ending can be considered a proper ending at all. Mid-scene! Really!
Well, I guess I’ll just have to wait till book three now to find out the other half of that scene.
(This review originally posted at http://skyink.net).
charlottenw1's review against another edition
3.0
This book ended on a mediocre level. I was happy with the characters and where they ended in the book but I think the ending was flat compared to what it could have been. There was so much potential and I feel like some elements were left unexplained or not developed to what they could have been. I was left slightly deflated by the whole book.
bexsbookshelves94's review against another edition
5.0
This review and more can be found at:
Reading Under the Covers
I was an absolute fan of the first book in this series and I can’t say I am disappointed in this book, well maybe a small bit.
Where the hell was Dante during this book?
Yeah I get it, he’s being “hunted” but I am incredibly disappointed!!!
He was barely in this book and when he was I was desperately wanting more. I didn’t like how he was keeping secrets from Renée. Yes I get it for her own safety but clearly no one seemed to be looking for him.
We follow Renée as she starts yet another school but this time training to be a Monitor. I liked these part of the books. I love learning more and more about Monitors, what it means and what it takes to be a monitor. It was interesting and was interesting to learn that you can be a “type” of Monitor.
You give us new characters and leave us with yet another cliff hanger. What the hell? Is Noah okay?
It was a good sequel but it just left me with more and more questions that I just need answering.
I feel like this book was very fast paced and it just felt like a filler but by no means does that mean it wasn’t good. It was, maybe just maybe it might have been even better then the first one.
Reading Under the Covers
I was an absolute fan of the first book in this series and I can’t say I am disappointed in this book, well maybe a small bit.
Where the hell was Dante during this book?
Yeah I get it, he’s being “hunted” but I am incredibly disappointed!!!
He was barely in this book and when he was I was desperately wanting more. I didn’t like how he was keeping secrets from Renée. Yes I get it for her own safety but clearly no one seemed to be looking for him.
We follow Renée as she starts yet another school but this time training to be a Monitor. I liked these part of the books. I love learning more and more about Monitors, what it means and what it takes to be a monitor. It was interesting and was interesting to learn that you can be a “type” of Monitor.
You give us new characters and leave us with yet another cliff hanger. What the hell? Is Noah okay?
It was a good sequel but it just left me with more and more questions that I just need answering.
I feel like this book was very fast paced and it just felt like a filler but by no means does that mean it wasn’t good. It was, maybe just maybe it might have been even better then the first one.
amber04's review against another edition
4.0
Rating Clarification: 4.5 Stars
How far would you go for love? To save a soul? To be with your soul mate for eternity? Life Eternal is the 2nd book in the Dead Beautiful series. I will admit at the beginning I wasn’t totally convinced and partly due to lingering thoughts of another book recently read. Once I was able to open up completely to the story, I found myself fascinated. What took me so long! I love when a story has mystery and unexpected twists. There were moments in the book where I realized I had blurry wet eyes. It really has the properties to sweep you up and pull you in and that’s exactly what Life Eternal has done to me.
Favorite Quote:
“Who is he?” Noah said. “What’s so great about him?” I felt his eyes on me, pleading me to tell him something. But what could I say? I didn’t know where love came from or why it attached itself to some people and not others. Despite everything had happened with Dante, I couldn’t bring myself to leave him behind. “Do you believe in soul mates?” I whispered. “You mean a human who has the soul of an Undead?” “No. The idea of a soul mate. That there’s only one person that’s really right for you in this world.” I could hear Noah breathing as he thought. “No.” “Why?” “Because it gives us no choice. It means that some cosmic force has already chosen the person I’m supposed to love. But that’s not how it works. I don’t want to be with someone who completes my soul; I want someone who will open it. I want to be able to choose.”
Blurb:
Renée Winters has changed. When she looks in the mirror, a beautiful girl with an older, sadder face stares back. Her condition has doctors mystified, but Renée can never reveal the truth: she died last May, and was brought back to life by the kiss of her Undead soul mate, Dante Berlin.
Now, her separation from Dante becomes almost unbearable. His second life is close to an end, and each passing day means one less that she will spend with the boy who shares her soul.
Just when Renée has almost given up hope, she learns of the Nine Sisters—brilliant scholars who, according to legend, found a way to cheat death. She can’t shake the feeling that they are somehow connected to her dreams, strange visions that hint at a discovery so powerful, and so dangerous, that some will stop at nothing to protect it.
Renée thought she knew the truth about life and death. But there is a secret woven through history that holds the only hope for Dante and Renée. Unless they find answers soon, their time together is doomed to be cut short.
My heart went out to Renee. She’s lost so much and too many people she loves. When her grandfather sends her to Montreal, Canada to attend Lycee St. Clement, Gottfried’s sister school, I just really felt her loneliness and the longing to be with Dante. Now she’s having these weird visions or dreams and she can’t quite make out the reason for them or why she is having them. I became suspicious of all the characters in this book because I never knew who had an agenda or what their motives were.
Renee is like a virus among the students there. They think she is a freak and say she is immortal, but she does develop new friendships eventually, and they prove to be helpful, useful and a little more. Of course there has to be the snotty little bitch that everyone just despises and hates in the story as well. Clementine holds nothing back and makes life difficult for Renee.
There is so much information in this book. Even if you haven’t read the 1st book, Dead Beautiful; the author does a fabulous job of filling in bits and pieces of the story so you don’t feel lost and out of sorts. There were a few spots that I got caught up on with a slight confusion but it quickly became clear and I just kept reading on. Beware of the ending! It’s fabulous but leaves you gasping. Now I’m in for the long haul! I will definitely be reading the next book.
Overall, I really liked this story. It was haunting, slightly dark and convincing. A definite recommendation as far as I’m concerned.
Song Choice:
Lady Antebellum- Just A Kiss
A special “Thank You” to Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
How far would you go for love? To save a soul? To be with your soul mate for eternity? Life Eternal is the 2nd book in the Dead Beautiful series. I will admit at the beginning I wasn’t totally convinced and partly due to lingering thoughts of another book recently read. Once I was able to open up completely to the story, I found myself fascinated. What took me so long! I love when a story has mystery and unexpected twists. There were moments in the book where I realized I had blurry wet eyes. It really has the properties to sweep you up and pull you in and that’s exactly what Life Eternal has done to me.
Favorite Quote:
“Who is he?” Noah said. “What’s so great about him?” I felt his eyes on me, pleading me to tell him something. But what could I say? I didn’t know where love came from or why it attached itself to some people and not others. Despite everything had happened with Dante, I couldn’t bring myself to leave him behind. “Do you believe in soul mates?” I whispered. “You mean a human who has the soul of an Undead?” “No. The idea of a soul mate. That there’s only one person that’s really right for you in this world.” I could hear Noah breathing as he thought. “No.” “Why?” “Because it gives us no choice. It means that some cosmic force has already chosen the person I’m supposed to love. But that’s not how it works. I don’t want to be with someone who completes my soul; I want someone who will open it. I want to be able to choose.”
Blurb:
Renée Winters has changed. When she looks in the mirror, a beautiful girl with an older, sadder face stares back. Her condition has doctors mystified, but Renée can never reveal the truth: she died last May, and was brought back to life by the kiss of her Undead soul mate, Dante Berlin.
Now, her separation from Dante becomes almost unbearable. His second life is close to an end, and each passing day means one less that she will spend with the boy who shares her soul.
Just when Renée has almost given up hope, she learns of the Nine Sisters—brilliant scholars who, according to legend, found a way to cheat death. She can’t shake the feeling that they are somehow connected to her dreams, strange visions that hint at a discovery so powerful, and so dangerous, that some will stop at nothing to protect it.
Renée thought she knew the truth about life and death. But there is a secret woven through history that holds the only hope for Dante and Renée. Unless they find answers soon, their time together is doomed to be cut short.
My heart went out to Renee. She’s lost so much and too many people she loves. When her grandfather sends her to Montreal, Canada to attend Lycee St. Clement, Gottfried’s sister school, I just really felt her loneliness and the longing to be with Dante. Now she’s having these weird visions or dreams and she can’t quite make out the reason for them or why she is having them. I became suspicious of all the characters in this book because I never knew who had an agenda or what their motives were.
Renee is like a virus among the students there. They think she is a freak and say she is immortal, but she does develop new friendships eventually, and they prove to be helpful, useful and a little more. Of course there has to be the snotty little bitch that everyone just despises and hates in the story as well. Clementine holds nothing back and makes life difficult for Renee.
There is so much information in this book. Even if you haven’t read the 1st book, Dead Beautiful; the author does a fabulous job of filling in bits and pieces of the story so you don’t feel lost and out of sorts. There were a few spots that I got caught up on with a slight confusion but it quickly became clear and I just kept reading on. Beware of the ending! It’s fabulous but leaves you gasping. Now I’m in for the long haul! I will definitely be reading the next book.
Overall, I really liked this story. It was haunting, slightly dark and convincing. A definite recommendation as far as I’m concerned.
Song Choice:
Lady Antebellum- Just A Kiss
A special “Thank You” to Netgalley and Disney-Hyperion for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
jennifervu's review against another edition
2.0
(Official rating: 2.5 stars)
This book was very disappointing. Honestly, NOTHING happened!!! Really, there was no action. No suspense. Nothing. Most of the book was of her getting her visions. Come on!
And what is really sad is that she was unfaithful to Dante. Come on! They're soul mates!! He's sacrificed so much for her but she had to doubt his intentions and fall for Noah. Stupid Noah. I didn't even see the connection between them.
This book was very disappointing. Honestly, NOTHING happened!!! Really, there was no action. No suspense. Nothing. Most of the book was of her getting her visions. Come on!
And what is really sad is that she was unfaithful to Dante. Come on! They're soul mates!! He's sacrificed so much for her but she had to doubt his intentions and fall for Noah. Stupid Noah. I didn't even see the connection between them.
caitlin_bparsley's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
bexsbookshelves1's review against another edition
5.0
This review and more can be found at:
Reading Under the Covers
I was an absolute fan of the first book in this series and I can’t say I am disappointed in this book, well maybe a small bit.
Where the hell was Dante during this book?
Yeah I get it, he’s being “hunted” but I am incredibly disappointed!!!
He was barely in this book and when he was I was desperately wanting more. I didn’t like how he was keeping secrets from Renée. Yes I get it for her own safety but clearly no one seemed to be looking for him.
We follow Renée as she starts yet another school but this time training to be a Monitor. I liked these part of the books. I love learning more and more about Monitors, what it means and what it takes to be a monitor. It was interesting and was interesting to learn that you can be a “type” of Monitor.
You give us new characters and leave us with yet another cliff hanger. What the hell? Is Noah okay?
It was a good sequel but it just left me with more and more questions that I just need answering.
I feel like this book was very fast paced and it just felt like a filler but by no means does that mean it wasn’t good. It was, maybe just maybe it might have been even better then the first one.
Reading Under the Covers
I was an absolute fan of the first book in this series and I can’t say I am disappointed in this book, well maybe a small bit.
Where the hell was Dante during this book?
Yeah I get it, he’s being “hunted” but I am incredibly disappointed!!!
He was barely in this book and when he was I was desperately wanting more. I didn’t like how he was keeping secrets from Renée. Yes I get it for her own safety but clearly no one seemed to be looking for him.
We follow Renée as she starts yet another school but this time training to be a Monitor. I liked these part of the books. I love learning more and more about Monitors, what it means and what it takes to be a monitor. It was interesting and was interesting to learn that you can be a “type” of Monitor.
You give us new characters and leave us with yet another cliff hanger. What the hell? Is Noah okay?
It was a good sequel but it just left me with more and more questions that I just need answering.
I feel like this book was very fast paced and it just felt like a filler but by no means does that mean it wasn’t good. It was, maybe just maybe it might have been even better then the first one.