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mznomer's review
3.0
After reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and loving it, I was really excited to get my hands on this book. It's not quite as good as P&P&Z, but that may be because I like zombies better than sea monsters and I like P&P better than S&S. Winters does a good job of mixing the new Sea Monster parts with the classic Sense and Sensibility. In both this book and P&P&Z, I've been amazed with how easily the two aspects (the classic Austen and the added weirdness) mix. I thought there were a few interjections that were a bit over done with this book (the sub-plot with Margaret was a bit too much), but over all I thought it was a fun read.
cleverruhs's review
5.0
I thought this book was pretty amazing. It wasn't as ridiculous and histerically funny as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was, but it was quite possibly a better-crafted adaptation. Chock full of sailors and gory fights with sea monsters, this novel was clever and full of enjoyable twists and turns. I would recommend it to anyone who has already read, and liked, Sense and Sensibility--but take note that if you don't like Jane Austen's writing style, you probably won't enjoy this book. Co-auther Ben Winters managed to keep a good bit of Austen's original language, so, Fang-Beasts aside, it still felt a bit like I was reading one of her novels.
anna_delong's review
3.0
I really wanted to like this more than I did. The constant tone changing was jarring at first, and even though I got used to it somewhat, it was still a mixed bag.
The setting and sheer improbable logic of their circumstances were honestly the most jarring of all. The characters just, never cared or reacted, really, to what was happening around them. They didn't really act naturally, more like actors in a bad play. One of my favorite things about Jane Austen as an author is her ability to cut to the heart of human interaction and human nature, and this subsumed that entirely.
Also, my favorite passage was cut.
Read for novelty's sake if you want. I guess I was just hoping for more.
The setting and sheer improbable logic of their circumstances were honestly the most jarring of all. The characters just, never cared or reacted, really, to what was happening around them. They didn't really act naturally, more like actors in a bad play. One of my favorite things about Jane Austen as an author is her ability to cut to the heart of human interaction and human nature, and this subsumed that entirely.
Also, my favorite passage was cut.
Read for novelty's sake if you want. I guess I was just hoping for more.
thebooktendercafe's review
3.0
I must say, the "Sea monsters" part of the title is the only reason I read this book. I'm not into chick-lit really, and this did have its slow & dull parts, but there were some nice semi-action 'scenes' in the book. Overall I liked, but wouldn't read a second time probably.
bluenicorn's review
4.0
I didn't think I'd like this... after all, I couldn't get into P&P&Z. But honestly- this was so different. It was much more seamlessly adapted to the 'sea monsters' angle. The writing was strong- and if you listen to it on audio, like I did, the voice acting was great, too. There's this wonderful juxtaposition of lofty, societal propriety with bloody, horrifying death and tragedy. And still funny. I think there's alot that lends itself to parody in Jane Austen, though- for instance: the sisters/daughters who aren't main characters. What are they doing throughout the rest of the book?? I found Margaret's role hilarious- not so much for what she did/didn't do, but for the way in which she's completely ignored. Because that's how I always felt about the other Austen characters.
I'd recommend it if you liked Sense & Sensibility or Jane Austen and you have a sense of humor.
I'd recommend it if you liked Sense & Sensibility or Jane Austen and you have a sense of humor.
bibliobethreads's review
A lighthearted re-vamp of Austen's classic novel, Sense and Sensibility involving the creatures of the deep blue. I loved Colonel Brandon and his expressive tentacles and what Lucy Steele turned out to be in the end.... However, if I ever watch the film version again I will not be able to help picturing Alan Rickman as some sort of squid!!
tschmitty's review
3.0
While this one was a stretch in this new classic/paranormal genre, listening to the audio version was enjoyable. I think it might have been more cumbersome as a read otherwise.
flappermyrtle's review
2.0
This monster mashup pleased me infinitely less than Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Whereas the latter neatly balances original text and new story, Sense and Sensibility and Seamonster grossly crosses the line and incorporates too much of the new theme. This leads to a very over-the-top novel that at times is barely recognisable as originally Austen's work. There are too many inconsistencies in the narrative, too - if there is danger everywhere, certain activities would be simply impossible. This is an ok read, but more likely to annoy than to thrill in the long run.
ksd1441's review
3.0
I was not expecting to really enjoy this book. I read Pride & Prejudice and Zombies and didn't much care for it. Okay, I honestly didn't finish it. I never really cared for Austen, though, so the style was really an up-hill climb for me. And while I do think Graham-Smith is a good writer (I love Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), I thought his mash-up was a little too serious. That's right. Zombies and Elizabeth Bennett was too serious. Because when you take a classic like Jane Austen and put something somewhat insane into its pages, you really cannot keep a strong hold of that serious tone. You have to be willing to ease up and make it silly. Winters did a great job of keeping this world balanced between serious and silly. His characters had more feeling to them, if you ask me. While they are entirely in danger of being consumed by monstrous Man-of-wars, they still hold bonfires on the beach and cook giant pots of crawfish as their own manner of revenge against the sea-living enemy. Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters worked where Pride & Prejudice and Zombies failed to connect with the audience (for me).
As I said before, I never got on board the Austen train. I know many girls out there loved her stories, and fell instantly in love with Darcy and such. Me? No, thanks. What are they thinking? Darcy's a jerk. Anyways, the only Austen that I have previously liked was a mini TV-series called Lost in Austen. It takes the modern world and puts it back into her stories. Quite literally, actually, as our main girl is a common-day Brit who gets transported to the Bennett household through a magic portal in her shower. But, because she knows Austen inside and out, she tries to keep the story as-is.. and screws up fantastically. Including having to deter Mr. Bingley's advances by convincing him she's a lesbian.
Lucky me, this book had the same "rip-off" feel. Winters is very dedicated to this new world of England, in which anything water-dwelling is hell-bent on eating Man. The survival aspect doesn't dampen the "Fun" our main characters attempt to have, and they are even adding "good lung capacity" to their list of desirable traits in a suitor. The base of Sense and Sensibility is still there -- finding a charming match with whom one can live and love while also having enough money to live comfortably -- Marianne and Elinor simply have a more interesting backdrop. (I never read the actual story before.. but I get the gist).
So, we have Mr. Willougby, your dashing A+ specimen. Of course, there's going to be something wrong with him.
At least this proves that every age had players.
And, our main opponent, Colonel Brandon. He's old, yes.. and happens to be cursed by a sea witch and has a face full of tentacles.
I can't help myself.. there will be more Zoidberg gifs to come. Anyway, he's obviously the underdog, and not just because of his appendages. He's shy and reserved and knows what the young ladies must thing of him. However, he may be the best option simply because of his malady. He can breathe underwater, swim most excellently, and has more experience with the enemy than Mr. Willoughby (who is a treasure hunter with a pet monkey).
Dating in this time must have been terribly confusing.
Once I was able to get into the rhythm of the Austen-language, the story flowed rather nicely. But a lot of time is spent sitting around talking about possible suitors and what they're doing about it. So, that's still a little boring for me, but these ladies at least know how to pine away the day by at least going on an adventure or two. This includes our trip down to Sub-Station Beta, an underwater living community that is the forefront of technology against the enemy. Also, giant lobster fights.
Characters manage to grow, we are introduced to many a road-block, and all-in-all come out on top, despite a few deaths along the way and an attack by the largest cloud of mosquitoes you've ever seen. You will be treated to pirates, tribal warfare, crumpet-and-jam-flavored-gelatin-loaf, being digested by jellyfish juices, near-death by sea scorpions, and the rising of an ancient god. So, if you have trouble slogging through the Austen like I usually do, know that this one is at least amusing to read, once you get past the style. And, by the end,..
As I said before, I never got on board the Austen train. I know many girls out there loved her stories, and fell instantly in love with Darcy and such. Me? No, thanks. What are they thinking? Darcy's a jerk. Anyways, the only Austen that I have previously liked was a mini TV-series called Lost in Austen. It takes the modern world and puts it back into her stories. Quite literally, actually, as our main girl is a common-day Brit who gets transported to the Bennett household through a magic portal in her shower. But, because she knows Austen inside and out, she tries to keep the story as-is.. and screws up fantastically. Including having to deter Mr. Bingley's advances by convincing him she's a lesbian.
Lucky me, this book had the same "rip-off" feel. Winters is very dedicated to this new world of England, in which anything water-dwelling is hell-bent on eating Man. The survival aspect doesn't dampen the "Fun" our main characters attempt to have, and they are even adding "good lung capacity" to their list of desirable traits in a suitor. The base of Sense and Sensibility is still there -- finding a charming match with whom one can live and love while also having enough money to live comfortably -- Marianne and Elinor simply have a more interesting backdrop. (I never read the actual story before.. but I get the gist).
So, we have Mr. Willougby, your dashing A+ specimen. Of course, there's going to be something wrong with him.
At least this proves that every age had players.
And, our main opponent, Colonel Brandon. He's old, yes.. and happens to be cursed by a sea witch and has a face full of tentacles.
I can't help myself.. there will be more Zoidberg gifs to come. Anyway, he's obviously the underdog, and not just because of his appendages. He's shy and reserved and knows what the young ladies must thing of him. However, he may be the best option simply because of his malady. He can breathe underwater, swim most excellently, and has more experience with the enemy than Mr. Willoughby (who is a treasure hunter with a pet monkey).
Dating in this time must have been terribly confusing.
Once I was able to get into the rhythm of the Austen-language, the story flowed rather nicely. But a lot of time is spent sitting around talking about possible suitors and what they're doing about it. So, that's still a little boring for me, but these ladies at least know how to pine away the day by at least going on an adventure or two. This includes our trip down to Sub-Station Beta, an underwater living community that is the forefront of technology against the enemy. Also, giant lobster fights.
Characters manage to grow, we are introduced to many a road-block, and all-in-all come out on top, despite a few deaths along the way and an attack by the largest cloud of mosquitoes you've ever seen. You will be treated to pirates, tribal warfare, crumpet-and-jam-flavored-gelatin-loaf, being digested by jellyfish juices, near-death by sea scorpions, and the rising of an ancient god. So, if you have trouble slogging through the Austen like I usually do, know that this one is at least amusing to read, once you get past the style. And, by the end,..