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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Semi Spoiler-Free Review
Let me start with what I liked since there were quite a few things I enjoyed. I loved the incorporation of an Easter egg 😉 (for this who have read it, you know what I’m talking about.) I suggest reading the Starbound Trilogy before hand so that you get a kick out of the Easter egg.
I also liked the Indiana Jones/Dr. Who-ish plot line. It was pretty original, action-packed, and adventurous. I love their backstories too. I hope they go into even more detail with it in the next book. Lastly, I loved the double plot twists. The major cliffhanger makes it even better.
However, I had some issues with it as well. I loved Jules character but I wasn’t a fan of Mia’s. She reminded me a lot of Kady (from Illuminae) but I’ll admire that I prefer Mia over Kady. I also didn’t really believe their romance up until the very very very end. I always admired that Amie and Meagan wrote characters that where both physically and emotionally attracted to each other. As I read on though, it all seemed forced. This book (in the way of the romance) is definitely nothing like the Starbound Trilogy (which I found myself comparing the romance). It’s more like the Illuminae Files—in this way. I also didn’t like how both characters from the very beginning were so direct (with themselves) about being h***y every other chapter. We get it after they say it once or twice but no need to keep referring to ur out of control hormones as if your 13 years old again and just hitting puberty. 🙄🤦♀️
I thought the chase in the cave could have had a bit more suspense. It felt a bit repetitive after a while and I was hoping for a new enemy (maybe a dinosaur or something lol jk) to pop up in the tunnels. But the trip through the tunnels was literally a book remake of Temple Run.
Let me start with what I liked since there were quite a few things I enjoyed. I loved the incorporation of an Easter egg 😉 (for this who have read it, you know what I’m talking about.) I suggest reading the Starbound Trilogy before hand so that you get a kick out of the Easter egg.
I also liked the Indiana Jones/Dr. Who-ish plot line. It was pretty original, action-packed, and adventurous. I love their backstories too. I hope they go into even more detail with it in the next book. Lastly, I loved the double plot twists. The major cliffhanger makes it even better.
However, I had some issues with it as well. I loved Jules character but I wasn’t a fan of Mia’s. She reminded me a lot of Kady (from Illuminae) but I’ll admire that I prefer Mia over Kady. I also didn’t really believe their romance up until the very very very end. I always admired that Amie and Meagan wrote characters that where both physically and emotionally attracted to each other. As I read on though, it all seemed forced. This book (in the way of the romance) is definitely nothing like the Starbound Trilogy (which I found myself comparing the romance). It’s more like the Illuminae Files—in this way. I also didn’t like how both characters from the very beginning were so direct (with themselves) about being h***y every other chapter. We get it after they say it once or twice but no need to keep referring to ur out of control hormones as if your 13 years old again and just hitting puberty. 🙄🤦♀️
I thought the chase in the cave could have had a bit more suspense. It felt a bit repetitive after a while and I was hoping for a new enemy (maybe a dinosaur or something lol jk) to pop up in the tunnels. But the trip through the tunnels was literally a book remake of Temple Run.
Reread March 2019
3 stars
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this as much the second time around, and completing the duology ended up being a disappointing experience.
Original rating
4.5 stars
Wow. WOW. That was fun.
I love both of these authors whether they are writing together or separately, so I knew that I would probably like this book. But it definitely exceeded my expectations.
What I liked:
1. The premise. I love that this book’s characters have their roots on Earth and that they were kind of fish out of water on this planet. I heard this described as Indiana Jones in space, and I kept having Tomb Raider and National Treasure go through my mind, so that should tell you what you need to know about the tone of this story.
2. The characters. I really enjoyed both Mia and Jules on their own and their relationship with each other. I loved that using her street smarts and his book smarts they navigate their way through these clues. They complement each other really well.
3. The writing. I don’t know how they do it, but Alice Kaufman and Meagan Spooner co-author books and make it seamless. These two obviously work very well together and have complementary styles. I’d be curious to know more about their process. Do they write alternating chapters? Does one handle Mia’s and the other Jules’s? However they do it, it’s done very well. I like the dual POV, especially since both of these characters are really interesting.
You can also tell that these ladies do their research. From musical theory to rock climbing to linguistics, this book was informative without being boring.
4. World Building. I thought they did a great job creating this new planet and also explaining what Earth had turned into. Both sound pretty terrifying.
5. The plot. Once it got going, Unearthed was a fun, fast-paced story. I don’t want to get into too much of what happens and why, but I found myself trying to figure everything out along with them. I’ve read some reviews that say this was boring to them because the characters talked to much, and maybe it’s the total nerd in me, but I was really intrigued by all of that. I never really felt like the plot dragged after the beginning.
6. The ending. THAT ENDING. I just...
What I didn’t like:
1. I wish we’d had a couple more puzzles. I was really excited about this aspect of the book and i just wish there had been more.
2. This is super nitpicky, but it did take me about 60-75 pages to really become invested in this story. I don’t think it would be a problem on re-read (which I definitely plan on when the second book comes out) but as they were establishing the characters, their separate missions, and this world it took awhile for it to get going. That being said, once it did take off it never stopped.
I really loved this book. I can’t wait for the next one!
3 stars
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this as much the second time around, and completing the duology ended up being a disappointing experience.
Original rating
4.5 stars
Wow. WOW. That was fun.
I love both of these authors whether they are writing together or separately, so I knew that I would probably like this book. But it definitely exceeded my expectations.
What I liked:
1. The premise. I love that this book’s characters have their roots on Earth and that they were kind of fish out of water on this planet. I heard this described as Indiana Jones in space, and I kept having Tomb Raider and National Treasure go through my mind, so that should tell you what you need to know about the tone of this story.
2. The characters. I really enjoyed both Mia and Jules on their own and their relationship with each other. I loved that using her street smarts and his book smarts they navigate their way through these clues. They complement each other really well.
3. The writing. I don’t know how they do it, but Alice Kaufman and Meagan Spooner co-author books and make it seamless. These two obviously work very well together and have complementary styles. I’d be curious to know more about their process. Do they write alternating chapters? Does one handle Mia’s and the other Jules’s? However they do it, it’s done very well. I like the dual POV, especially since both of these characters are really interesting.
You can also tell that these ladies do their research. From musical theory to rock climbing to linguistics, this book was informative without being boring.
4. World Building. I thought they did a great job creating this new planet and also explaining what Earth had turned into. Both sound pretty terrifying.
5. The plot. Once it got going, Unearthed was a fun, fast-paced story. I don’t want to get into too much of what happens and why, but I found myself trying to figure everything out along with them. I’ve read some reviews that say this was boring to them because the characters talked to much, and maybe it’s the total nerd in me, but I was really intrigued by all of that. I never really felt like the plot dragged after the beginning.
6. The ending. THAT ENDING. I just...
What I didn’t like:
1. I wish we’d had a couple more puzzles. I was really excited about this aspect of the book and i just wish there had been more.
2. This is super nitpicky, but it did take me about 60-75 pages to really become invested in this story. I don’t think it would be a problem on re-read (which I definitely plan on when the second book comes out) but as they were establishing the characters, their separate missions, and this world it took awhile for it to get going. That being said, once it did take off it never stopped.
I really loved this book. I can’t wait for the next one!
Unearthed was sooooooo good! I went into it knowing next to nothing, only that I was in a sci-fi mood and I needed something action packed. This book delivered so hard. It’s set on another planet, and the two main characters basically have to go into an temple and try to find the secrets within. It sounds cliché, but it’s brilliant. The Uncharted/Tomb Raider vibes were real.
I really liked both of the main characters, which hardly ever happens. Mia was a badass, and Jules was an adorable nerd. I loved that they were both on this planet to help their families. When it comes to books with dual points of view, I tend to gravitate towards the female but in this book I loved both of them and I really enjoyed reading from both of their perspectives. Occasionally, the points of view sounded and felt very similar, but I rarely got confused about whose POV I was reading from.
As for the romance, I didn’t actually mind it! Either this means I’m growing as a person (yeah, right), or that it was written quite well. I don’t think there needed to be any kissing this early on in the series (it’s a duology) and I would have preferred a longer build up because I think that leads to the best tension, but it didn’t put me off the book or disgust me like it often does.
Unearthed ends on the BEST cliffhanger I’ve read in ages. Like, I can’t remember the last time I read a cliffhanger this good. The ending was incredibly well done and I’m dying to read the second (and last) book in the series. I need to get my hands on it NOW. Somehow. With a time machine. I was left with so many theories that I need it right now to see if I’m right!
I’d highly recommend Unearthed, even if you didn’t like the authors’ previous work. It’s much stronger than These Broken Stars and the sequels, both in terms of writing and in pacing. Plus, there’s no instalove. Woo!
I really liked both of the main characters, which hardly ever happens. Mia was a badass, and Jules was an adorable nerd. I loved that they were both on this planet to help their families. When it comes to books with dual points of view, I tend to gravitate towards the female but in this book I loved both of them and I really enjoyed reading from both of their perspectives. Occasionally, the points of view sounded and felt very similar, but I rarely got confused about whose POV I was reading from.
As for the romance, I didn’t actually mind it! Either this means I’m growing as a person (yeah, right), or that it was written quite well. I don’t think there needed to be any kissing this early on in the series (it’s a duology) and I would have preferred a longer build up because I think that leads to the best tension, but it didn’t put me off the book or disgust me like it often does.
Unearthed ends on the BEST cliffhanger I’ve read in ages. Like, I can’t remember the last time I read a cliffhanger this good. The ending was incredibly well done and I’m dying to read the second (and last) book in the series. I need to get my hands on it NOW. Somehow. With a time machine. I was left with so many theories that I need it right now to see if I’m right!
I’d highly recommend Unearthed, even if you didn’t like the authors’ previous work. It’s much stronger than These Broken Stars and the sequels, both in terms of writing and in pacing. Plus, there’s no instalove. Woo!
There's space archaeology. Of course this is 5*.
It wasn’t bad, and some parts were entertaining, but I thought it was a bit predictable and kind of lost interest about two thirds in.
For your information, Unearthed is one of my 2018 most anticipated books. So why only 2-stars? Here I'll tell you why:
1. Indiana Jones in space
When I first read that promotional line/tagline/whatever it is, I'm immediately sold. Indiana Jones is one of my favorite childhood movies. My family love it, I love it. I bet everyone in the family will watch the new Indiana Jones in cinema although my father usually doesn't care much about movies. But here's the problem, Unearthed feels like a crappy version of Indiana Jones... that sets in space...
It actually started pretty well, with the jumble mess of messages from the 'Undying' a.k.a. aliens that sets a premise of 'who'll be able to solve the messages and find the aliens' treasure?'
From there, the race to find the treasure started, and we're introduced to two of our main characters; the handsome nerd with no-control-of-his-hormones Jules, and the badass-but-kinda-stupid Mia (I'll explain her stupidity later). And together, they started a journey to find the treasure in a sacred temple built by the aliens.
"Hey, Mag, that doesn't sound bad?"
Yeaaah.... it doesn't sound bad AT ALL. If only, Kaufman & Spooner took much more time to design the traps and puzzles instead of only using TWO types of puzzle for Idk-how-many-rooms-available-in-the-temple. Can you believe it? TWO. TYPES. OF. PUZZLE.
R.I.P my expectation for some juicy puzzle/traps Just like Indiana Jones
It's boring, man.
I'm bored to death.
The heart of adventure movies like Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, The National Treasure, etc. lay in the awesome mind-boggling puzzle. But here? Idk tho. I'm just super disappointed with the type of puzzle that Kaufman & Spooner presented in the book.
2. The World-Building
The story takes place in a planet called, Gaia. Which is a cool name. If only, it doesn't look just like any desert on Earth. I mean, it's Indiana Jones sets in space, right? Why don't go all out and create a new exciting terrain for the temples? Why all temples must be located in a desert area? That's weird :/ and a waste of chance. Since they could go with the most crazy terrain they could think of, but yeah, they decided to use a 'normal desert' instead :(
I have this similar problem with Kaufman & Spooner in their previous book, These Broken Stars, so it's kinda disappointing...
3. The writing
The writing is pretty simple and dull in bringing the world to life. Which is another reason why I'm bored to death while reading this.
4. The characters
Jules actually started out pretty okay. He's a rich-smart-boy with charming face. He reminds me with Wolf from The Lunar Chronicles in a way, just by looking from his attitude. And some of you must have known that Wolf is one of my all-time favorite male character. So it must be a good sign for Jules, right? Sadly, his charm completely disappeared by the end of chapter 5 or 6. *heavy sigh*
While Mia, here, is a character that supposed to be easy to sympathized on. BUT, I found her stupid and obnoxious for a reason that I need to hide since it's a spoiler:
She thinks that she is great enough to be able to survive and obtain the treasure in Gaia. Although, in fact, SHE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT GAIA OR THE ALIEN LANGUAGE. And yet, she still went there without any consideration. Dude, are you serious?
It's okay if she doesn't value her life anymore, if she doesn't have anyone that she cares to death. BUT SHE DOES HAVE ONE! And that feels off for me. Why bother going to Gaia in the first place if all you want is only to meet your sister again?
I know that she needs to do that in order to pay her sister's debt. But, how could you pay her debt if you going = to die???
Mia knows the danger.
She watched the record of the failed mission by Explorer IV.
But she thinks too highly of herself until it clouds her judgment and makes her so stupid and unbearable :/
I feel like the characters doesn't feel alive. They're defined by their problems, not by the real human emotions that us, humans, have.
5. The Logic??
I feel like I've been tricked to read 3/4 of the book while in reality IT'S JUST A WASTE OF TIME. A FILLER. Why bother reading 3/4 of the book if the location of the treasure is...... IN THE SOUTH POLE OF THE PLANET. DUH. Why bother creating a temple to make sure that only humans will be able to solve it and found the spaceship, if it's only located in the south pole of Gaia....
Without any shield, or even distraction.
Anyone.
Any aliens.
Will be able to spot the spaceship just by orbiting around Gaia
I'm so mad by the revelation I can't even process anymore. geez. I know that the last room in the temple teach Jules and Mia on how to solve the puzzle to open the spaceship. But dude, it's a PUZZLE, you can solve it even without the help of the last room in the temple. Their journey for 3/4 book feels like a filler!
At last, there's one amazing thing from this book. It is the ending. The ending makes me want to read the second book, where all the REAL shits will be started. So, yeah, thanks for the filler, I don't enjoy it at all :") I don't know whether I'll read the second book or not. I might be, if I have a chance to read a free copy from netgalley or some similar sites. Won't buy it for sure, though.
1. Indiana Jones in space
When I first read that promotional line/tagline/whatever it is, I'm immediately sold. Indiana Jones is one of my favorite childhood movies. My family love it, I love it. I bet everyone in the family will watch the new Indiana Jones in cinema although my father usually doesn't care much about movies. But here's the problem, Unearthed feels like a crappy version of Indiana Jones... that sets in space...
It actually started pretty well, with the jumble mess of messages from the 'Undying' a.k.a. aliens that sets a premise of 'who'll be able to solve the messages and find the aliens' treasure?'
From there, the race to find the treasure started, and we're introduced to two of our main characters; the handsome nerd with no-control-of-his-hormones Jules, and the badass-but-kinda-stupid Mia (I'll explain her stupidity later). And together, they started a journey to find the treasure in a sacred temple built by the aliens.
"Hey, Mag, that doesn't sound bad?"
Yeaaah.... it doesn't sound bad AT ALL. If only, Kaufman & Spooner took much more time to design the traps and puzzles instead of only using TWO types of puzzle for Idk-how-many-rooms-available-in-the-temple. Can you believe it? TWO. TYPES. OF. PUZZLE.
R.I.P my expectation for some juicy puzzle/traps Just like Indiana Jones
It's boring, man.
I'm bored to death.
The heart of adventure movies like Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, The National Treasure, etc. lay in the awesome mind-boggling puzzle. But here? Idk tho. I'm just super disappointed with the type of puzzle that Kaufman & Spooner presented in the book.
2. The World-Building
The story takes place in a planet called, Gaia. Which is a cool name. If only, it doesn't look just like any desert on Earth. I mean, it's Indiana Jones sets in space, right? Why don't go all out and create a new exciting terrain for the temples? Why all temples must be located in a desert area? That's weird :/ and a waste of chance. Since they could go with the most crazy terrain they could think of, but yeah, they decided to use a 'normal desert' instead :(
I have this similar problem with Kaufman & Spooner in their previous book, These Broken Stars, so it's kinda disappointing...
3. The writing
The writing is pretty simple and dull in bringing the world to life. Which is another reason why I'm bored to death while reading this.
4. The characters
Jules actually started out pretty okay. He's a rich-smart-boy with charming face. He reminds me with Wolf from The Lunar Chronicles in a way, just by looking from his attitude. And some of you must have known that Wolf is one of my all-time favorite male character. So it must be a good sign for Jules, right? Sadly, his charm completely disappeared by the end of chapter 5 or 6. *heavy sigh*
While Mia, here, is a character that supposed to be easy to sympathized on. BUT, I found her stupid and obnoxious for a reason that I need to hide since it's a spoiler:
She thinks that she is great enough to be able to survive and obtain the treasure in Gaia. Although, in fact, SHE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT GAIA OR THE ALIEN LANGUAGE. And yet, she still went there without any consideration. Dude, are you serious?
It's okay if she doesn't value her life anymore, if she doesn't have anyone that she cares to death. BUT SHE DOES HAVE ONE! And that feels off for me. Why bother going to Gaia in the first place if all you want is only to meet your sister again?
I know that she needs to do that in order to pay her sister's debt. But, how could you pay her debt if you going = to die???
Mia knows the danger.
She watched the record of the failed mission by Explorer IV.
But she thinks too highly of herself until it clouds her judgment and makes her so stupid and unbearable :/
I feel like the characters doesn't feel alive. They're defined by their problems, not by the real human emotions that us, humans, have.
5. The Logic??
I feel like I've been tricked to read 3/4 of the book while in reality IT'S JUST A WASTE OF TIME. A FILLER. Why bother reading 3/4 of the book if the location of the treasure is......
Without any shield, or even distraction.
Anyone.
Any aliens.
Will be able to spot the spaceship just by orbiting around Gaia
I'm so mad by the revelation I can't even process anymore. geez. I know that the last room in the temple teach Jules and Mia on how to solve the puzzle to open the spaceship. But dude, it's a PUZZLE, you can solve it even without the help of the last room in the temple. Their journey for 3/4 book feels like a filler!
At last, there's one amazing thing from this book. It is the ending. The ending makes me want to read the second book, where all the REAL shits will be started. So, yeah, thanks for the filler, I don't enjoy it at all :") I don't know whether I'll read the second book or not. I might be, if I have a chance to read a free copy from netgalley or some similar sites. Won't buy it for sure, though.
This book was so good! It was action-packed, the characters were wonderful, and it was so full of twists I literally had no idea where the story was going to go!
Full review to come on my blog!
Full review to come on my blog!