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izzyfleckner's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
claire_schermer's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lauren_readsbooks2302's review
4.0
This installment is actually my favourite.
I loved where Stone went with Sang's mother. I didn't love the abuse Sang had to endure, obviously, but I won't lie and say it didn't make for compelling reading. The abuse Sang experienced was quite graphic and I didn't think this series would go there - certainly not to that level - but it finally helped me to connect with Sang and finally feel something for her.
This book really showed how shit Sang's parents here, made you question why Sang was being put through what she was but her sister wasn't and let the reader connect with the guys on a deeper level.
I also loved the unrealistic aspect of how the guys handled it. I loved the little hidey-hole they created for Sang but honestly, the controlling nature and the way they treated her irked me more than anything else. I'm just too independent of a person for that kind of shit.
Overall, not a bad addition to the series. Best one yet.
I loved where Stone went with Sang's mother. I didn't love the abuse Sang had to endure, obviously, but I won't lie and say it didn't make for compelling reading. The abuse Sang experienced was quite graphic and I didn't think this series would go there - certainly not to that level - but it finally helped me to connect with Sang and finally feel something for her.
This book really showed how shit Sang's parents here, made you question why Sang was being put through what she was but her sister wasn't and let the reader connect with the guys on a deeper level.
I also loved the unrealistic aspect of how the guys handled it. I loved the little hidey-hole they created for Sang but honestly, the controlling nature and the way they treated her irked me more than anything else. I'm just too independent of a person for that kind of shit.
Overall, not a bad addition to the series. Best one yet.
booklovingredhead's review
5.0
You know when you read a series or book and you just know that it will stick with you forever. That is the Ghost Bird Series by CL Stone for me. I read this series when I was 17 going on 18 and I am 22 now and this series has still stayed in my heart. This was also the first romance book series that I read and it changed the course of my life.
This is an RH slow burn romance, and when I say slowburn, I mean slowburn. But it's the best slow burn imaginable and honestly you don’t even realize that Sang has not kissed anyone because of all the conflict and drama.
There is honestly so much conflict in this series that my head spins. Plus the guys are so swoon worthy, the things they say makes me squeal and makes me so flustered.
I love the plot, characters, and the mystery. Who is after the Sang and her guys? I swear there is so much that happens in this series that I could not possibly explain all of it.
Sang is unique and all of her guys are unique and different yet they all have one thing in common, Family first which is one of the reasons I adore this series.
I will forever re-read this series and cherish these characters. They are special to me. So far I’ve read and reread books 1 through 12 and I cannot wait to read books 13 and 14 and the other 6 books when CL Stone releases them. Oh Yes, this is a long series.
This is an RH slow burn romance, and when I say slowburn, I mean slowburn. But it's the best slow burn imaginable and honestly you don’t even realize that Sang has not kissed anyone because of all the conflict and drama.
There is honestly so much conflict in this series that my head spins. Plus the guys are so swoon worthy, the things they say makes me squeal and makes me so flustered.
I love the plot, characters, and the mystery. Who is after the Sang and her guys? I swear there is so much that happens in this series that I could not possibly explain all of it.
Sang is unique and all of her guys are unique and different yet they all have one thing in common, Family first which is one of the reasons I adore this series.
I will forever re-read this series and cherish these characters. They are special to me. So far I’ve read and reread books 1 through 12 and I cannot wait to read books 13 and 14 and the other 6 books when CL Stone releases them. Oh Yes, this is a long series.
brynnlee's review
4.0
This book was all over the place. It started off really strong, and had me desperate to keep reading. Then it hit a wall and crept forward at a snail’s pace. Finally it came back around and finished on a strong note. By that point I was a little bit frustrated with the whole thing though. I have such mixed feelings about this entire series. At times it’s oddly compelling, but I’m not sure I can get past the things that bother me.
This book takes place a week or two after the second one. Sang is walking a tight rope, sneaking out to be with the boys, and hiding her mother’s frequent punishments. One afternoon her mother discovers notes from her admirers along with a detention slip in Sang’s bag. She freaks out and gives Sang her worst punishment yet. Sang is forced to call the boys for help, and the entire groups rides to the rescue. Plans are made to help Mrs. Sorenson, but they also decide that Sang isn’t to be left alone in the house until they can find a way to protect her. Then Sang’s sister Marie steals all of her clothes to give to her new bff leaving her with nothing to wear. The guys take her on a shopping spree, and then they have a sleepover at Kota’s house. They’re just slapping a band aid on the problem though, and at the end of the book the issues between Sang and her mother reach a boiling point.
Everything going on with Sang’s family was easily the most interesting part of this book. What happens in that house is so off. It’s fascinating in the most horrible way. The fact that Sang isn’t a reliable narrator only makes it more mysterious. One of the guys has to point out to her that Marie never actually gets punished. We’re told that her father takes care of her mother, but we don’t really know anything about their relationship. I flew through the beginning and end of the book wanting to know what the heck was going on.
In contrast the shopping spree and everything with the guys was boring. I get that it’s meant to show Sang what normal life should be like, but it went on forever. Maybe if you’re the one playing truth or dare, or horsing around in the pool, it would be fun. Reading about it, not so much.
I still have the same big issue that I’ve had the entire time, and it’s only getting worse. The relationship between Sang and the boys makes me uncomfortable. They clearly have romantic feelings for her. It’s not as obvious to Sang though, and she spends a good portion of the book struggling to figure out what the guys want. She’s never had friends, let alone a boyfriend, and she’s more fragile and desperate than ever. I have to give the author points for acknowledging all of this. There’s actually a conversation about how Sang will do almost anything to make the guys happy, and they need to be careful not to take advantage of her.
What’s bothering me now is how much they keep secret from her. I’m not talking the Academy stuff, I’m talking about her life. The guys only give Sang the bare minimum of information when it comes to their plans to keep her safe, what they find out about her family, and their own feelings for her. I get that some of it she’s not ready to know, but I need her to be a stronger, more independent character. I’m not sure the guys feel the same way.
I have one book left in the bundle before I have to decide if I’m going to continue reading this series or not. Right now I’m waffling back and forth. This book wasn’t nearly as appealing and fun as the last one, but in some ways I found it more compelling. I want to know what happens to Sang’s parents and her sister. I need less romantic situations with the guys, and more character development. I just have no idea if this is going in the direction I want or not. I guess I have one more book to try and figure that out.
This book takes place a week or two after the second one. Sang is walking a tight rope, sneaking out to be with the boys, and hiding her mother’s frequent punishments. One afternoon her mother discovers notes from her admirers along with a detention slip in Sang’s bag. She freaks out and gives Sang her worst punishment yet. Sang is forced to call the boys for help, and the entire groups rides to the rescue. Plans are made to help Mrs. Sorenson, but they also decide that Sang isn’t to be left alone in the house until they can find a way to protect her. Then Sang’s sister Marie steals all of her clothes to give to her new bff leaving her with nothing to wear. The guys take her on a shopping spree, and then they have a sleepover at Kota’s house. They’re just slapping a band aid on the problem though, and at the end of the book the issues between Sang and her mother reach a boiling point.
Everything going on with Sang’s family was easily the most interesting part of this book. What happens in that house is so off. It’s fascinating in the most horrible way. The fact that Sang isn’t a reliable narrator only makes it more mysterious. One of the guys has to point out to her that Marie never actually gets punished. We’re told that her father takes care of her mother, but we don’t really know anything about their relationship. I flew through the beginning and end of the book wanting to know what the heck was going on.
In contrast the shopping spree and everything with the guys was boring. I get that it’s meant to show Sang what normal life should be like, but it went on forever. Maybe if you’re the one playing truth or dare, or horsing around in the pool, it would be fun. Reading about it, not so much.
I still have the same big issue that I’ve had the entire time, and it’s only getting worse. The relationship between Sang and the boys makes me uncomfortable. They clearly have romantic feelings for her. It’s not as obvious to Sang though, and she spends a good portion of the book struggling to figure out what the guys want. She’s never had friends, let alone a boyfriend, and she’s more fragile and desperate than ever. I have to give the author points for acknowledging all of this. There’s actually a conversation about how Sang will do almost anything to make the guys happy, and they need to be careful not to take advantage of her.
What’s bothering me now is how much they keep secret from her. I’m not talking the Academy stuff, I’m talking about her life. The guys only give Sang the bare minimum of information when it comes to their plans to keep her safe, what they find out about her family, and their own feelings for her. I get that some of it she’s not ready to know, but I need her to be a stronger, more independent character. I’m not sure the guys feel the same way.
I have one book left in the bundle before I have to decide if I’m going to continue reading this series or not. Right now I’m waffling back and forth. This book wasn’t nearly as appealing and fun as the last one, but in some ways I found it more compelling. I want to know what happens to Sang’s parents and her sister. I need less romantic situations with the guys, and more character development. I just have no idea if this is going in the direction I want or not. I guess I have one more book to try and figure that out.
bafahl's review
4.0
3.75 stars. Series really requires me to accept some implausible things as plausible, but I keep coming back for more so there is something about it that has me hooked. Need to see how this all plays out.
cherrywood's review
5.0
September 05, 2016
A fantastic read, really really enjoyed it. This series seriously deserves more attention. The characters are awesome and the storyline is amazing. Really looking forward for all the books to come out.
In this book, we get to know a lot more about Sang's home life, and the secrets her parents are keeping from her. We also get to know more about the academy, and why exactly is the guys so close, and the concept of family.
And the journey Sang travels to finally believe that she is a part of their family:
In this book, we also get to follow Sang and get to know about each of the boys and their individual personalities. In fact, Sang even describes some of them with certain words:
We also get to know the boys favorite colors too:
Overall, this book was fun (I seem to be describing every one of the books in this series fun, but it is) and special. It is easy to read and I really enjoyed it. And I must say that it looks like I'm addicted to this series, since this is the second time I read it within two weeks. I have a smile on my face while reading most of the book, and some parts of it even made me laugh out loud. Really enjoyed it!
A fantastic read, really really enjoyed it. This series seriously deserves more attention. The characters are awesome and the storyline is amazing. Really looking forward for all the books to come out.
In this book, we get to know a lot more about Sang's home life, and the secrets her parents are keeping from her. We also get to know more about the academy, and why exactly is the guys so close, and the concept of family.
"We had a feeling and when we made a decision. When you accepted us, we accepted you. It's how we work. You're one of us, Sang. So we're here for you. Family first."
His thumb pressed into my palm firmly. "It's your choice. Parents and siblings are your relations. family takes care of one another and helps each other. When each side is working together, when everyone wants it, that makes the difference."
And the journey Sang travels to finally believe that she is a part of their family:
Family first. Kota had said. Family first and when that was in order, we moved on to other things.
And I was now family.
In this book, we also get to follow Sang and get to know about each of the boys and their individual personalities. In fact, Sang even describes some of them with certain words:
Nathan the courageous ninja, Luke the silent thief, and Gabriel the ever-demanding stylist.
We also get to know the boys favorite colors too:
Victor shifted to pull his arm out from around me and to arrange the keys."Pink is your house key, green is Kota's house, red for Nathan, dark blue for Silas, white for mine, the baby blue is for Luke and North's house, orange for Gabriel's. And not that you need them yet, but the black key is to North's Jeep, the green car key for Kota's, blue for Silas', gray for mine."
Overall, this book was fun (I seem to be describing every one of the books in this series fun, but it is) and special. It is easy to read and I really enjoyed it. And I must say that it looks like I'm addicted to this series, since this is the second time I read it within two weeks. I have a smile on my face while reading most of the book, and some parts of it even made me laugh out loud. Really enjoyed it!
Cody materialized ahead of us and made his way along the same path, thanking us for coming.
When he got to me, he held his hand out in a strange way like he wanted to shake my hand. Out of instinct to be polite more than anything else, my hand drifted up and he grasped it. I felt a piece of paper being pressed to my hand.
He leaned in to me to whisper. "When you get tired of being bossed around by those losers, call me."
My eyes widened, my cheeks radiated. I shoved the paper back to him, without checking to see what it was. "My friends," I said loud enough to draw the attention of the boys to turn and look, " are way nicer than you are."
Cody's face reddened. He let the paper drop to the floor between us and turned away quickly, sulking.
The guys laughed. Gabriel hooked an arm around my neck, his head touching mine as he walked beside me the rest of the way out the door. "That's our girl."