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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
The first thing that will strike readers is that Rosie is not quite like her fellow students. She is highly innocent about the ways of the Forge School and what it takes to gain popularity but at the same time is extremely jaded about life in general. She is independent but still succumbs to peer pressure. These contradictions remain front and center as Rosie attempts to balance life as a contracted student and as a free-thinker determined to get answers to her questions. In some ways, her inconstancy is appropriate for her age. In others, it is rather distracting. The wisdom gained from her rough childhood among the poorest of the poor disappears too frequently for comfort in spite of her youth. The addition of a love story to the proceedings do nothing to improve some of these inconstancies as it tends to reinforce the innocence and lack of worldly ways the defines life at Forge but does not necessarily define Rosie herself.
The fact that The Vault of Dreamers is the first book in a series only partially redeems the ending of the story. There is not adequate explanation of the science behind the insidious actions of the dean of students.The pacing towards the end is extremely rushed too. Because so much happens in a few short pages, the reader gets the impression that it is not a series but a stand-alone story. This serves to make the last scene incredibly frustrating and highly disappointing. Even with the respite of the promise of future adventures, the ending is a bit of a conundrum. It leaves no apparent room for the future of Rosie’s story and leaves readers impotent with rage at the unusual-for-her actions and attitudes.
The Vault of Dreamers occurs in the undetermined future. Technology appears only slightly more enhanced than it is today, but there is an even greater divide between the haves and the have-nots. The reasons behind this division remain nebulous and are among the myriad of unanswered questions left when the story ends. Readers do not get a clear impression of the world outside the Forge School, the politics, the economics, and society in general. Given what Rosie discovers about the school, this lack of clarity of the world at large is puzzling and adds to a reader’s general confusion.
The Vault of Dreamers has all of the trappings of a fantastic new series. The story is exciting and unusual. Rosie is an intriguing heroine, determined to uncover the truth and not afraid to question the unquestionable. There are dark secrets within the school and later an apparent conspiracy. However, the ending unravels all of the magic Ms. O’Brien creates on the previous pages. The entire story becomes a frustrating experience as readers are left to question just what possibly could happen next and to decide whether it is worth attempting future stories in the series.
The fact that The Vault of Dreamers is the first book in a series only partially redeems the ending of the story. There is not adequate explanation of the science behind the insidious actions of the dean of students.The pacing towards the end is extremely rushed too. Because so much happens in a few short pages, the reader gets the impression that it is not a series but a stand-alone story. This serves to make the last scene incredibly frustrating and highly disappointing. Even with the respite of the promise of future adventures, the ending is a bit of a conundrum. It leaves no apparent room for the future of Rosie’s story and leaves readers impotent with rage at the unusual-for-her actions and attitudes.
The Vault of Dreamers occurs in the undetermined future. Technology appears only slightly more enhanced than it is today, but there is an even greater divide between the haves and the have-nots. The reasons behind this division remain nebulous and are among the myriad of unanswered questions left when the story ends. Readers do not get a clear impression of the world outside the Forge School, the politics, the economics, and society in general. Given what Rosie discovers about the school, this lack of clarity of the world at large is puzzling and adds to a reader’s general confusion.
The Vault of Dreamers has all of the trappings of a fantastic new series. The story is exciting and unusual. Rosie is an intriguing heroine, determined to uncover the truth and not afraid to question the unquestionable. There are dark secrets within the school and later an apparent conspiracy. However, the ending unravels all of the magic Ms. O’Brien creates on the previous pages. The entire story becomes a frustrating experience as readers are left to question just what possibly could happen next and to decide whether it is worth attempting future stories in the series.
I thought the concept sounded interesting and I seriously thought there would be more about dreams in this book. I was sorely disappointed. This book is not about dreams. In fact, it's about the lack thereof. Though, this book did have enough redeeming qualities to earn it three stars. But that's it.
The actual plot was fairly interesting. I found the whole points aspect entertaining and the boarding school really cool, but I didn't find it all that realistic for parents to just send their kids to this place. Especially with everything that ended up coming out at the end, I'm really questioning the judgement of these parents. Though, I will hand it to Caragh M. O'Brien for creating an interesting and unique plot.
The execution though...it could have been better. I felt as though I had been dropped into something without any context. The story should have started a good week earlier, or so. Maybe even a month earlier. It began on the first occasion Rosie stopped taking the sleeping pill, but I had nothing to compare it to. No situation of what it was like to take the sleeping pill. I feel like the story could have been a ton stronger if we got that extra background. Usually when something out of the ordinary happens, one likes to see the ordinary as well. That way there's a sense of change and difference. What even made Rosie not take her sleeping pill? I guess we'll never know.
Rosie was a really flat character, too. She was strong--I can give her that--, but that's where her good traits end. She's selfish, annoying, and didn't really have a personality. She seemed really immature as well, which is one of my biggest pet peeves in books.
One last complaint, INSTA-LOVE??? REALLY??? Not to mention, the love interest was as flat as a brick. Everyone was flat. Welcome to the world of flat-like-pancakes characters.
I feel like I'm being cruel. This book really did have potential. I read it over the course of maybe two days and I did honestly enjoy it. I couldn't put it down, it definitely held my attention, and the plot wasn't completely cliché. I just really couldn't stand the characters and the way it started. It wasn't horrible and I recommend giving it a try if you think the plot sounds interesting. It might just be me.
-Book Hugger
For more reviews like this, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
The actual plot was fairly interesting. I found the whole points aspect entertaining and the boarding school really cool, but I didn't find it all that realistic for parents to just send their kids to this place. Especially with everything that ended up coming out at the end, I'm really questioning the judgement of these parents. Though, I will hand it to Caragh M. O'Brien for creating an interesting and unique plot.
The execution though...it could have been better. I felt as though I had been dropped into something without any context. The story should have started a good week earlier, or so. Maybe even a month earlier. It began on the first occasion Rosie stopped taking the sleeping pill, but I had nothing to compare it to. No situation of what it was like to take the sleeping pill. I feel like the story could have been a ton stronger if we got that extra background. Usually when something out of the ordinary happens, one likes to see the ordinary as well. That way there's a sense of change and difference. What even made Rosie not take her sleeping pill? I guess we'll never know.
Rosie was a really flat character, too. She was strong--I can give her that--, but that's where her good traits end. She's selfish, annoying, and didn't really have a personality. She seemed really immature as well, which is one of my biggest pet peeves in books.
One last complaint, INSTA-LOVE??? REALLY??? Not to mention, the love interest was as flat as a brick. Everyone was flat. Welcome to the world of flat-like-pancakes characters.
I feel like I'm being cruel. This book really did have potential. I read it over the course of maybe two days and I did honestly enjoy it. I couldn't put it down, it definitely held my attention, and the plot wasn't completely cliché. I just really couldn't stand the characters and the way it started. It wasn't horrible and I recommend giving it a try if you think the plot sounds interesting. It might just be me.
-Book Hugger
For more reviews like this, check out my blog at http://www.bookhuggerreviews.com
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
I can't even tell you how excited I was for The Vault of Dreamers. I think most of you know by now that I am a little bit obsessed with reality tv. It is kind of like big brother, but instead of a house it is a school for the ultra artsy people. Nothing is as it seems in the Forge school though. The students each have their own live stream and people can choose which student to watch. An interesting concept for sure, that is just the tip of the iceberg. This book just kept growing and growing and changing. I never knew what to expect. Jen from YA Romantics described it as inception meets big brother, and I think that is the perfect way to describe it. (so credit to her for that!) It was a really interesting pairing for me, and the reality aspect mixed in with the dream harvesting. I couldn't put this book down.
We join Rosie on the day where the students with the 50 lowest popularity ranks or "blip scores" from amount of viewers their channel get are sent home from the school. She was pretty close from the bottom but she gets creative on her last day and raises her score just enough to stay by doing all sorts of things. This was actually my only hold up with book. I felt like she could have tried some new things before her possible last day. But other than that I really don't have any complaints. I loved how creative The Vault of Dreamers was.
Rosie is a curious girl. And when they get the assignment to fail at a project Rosie thinks it is the perfect cover to spy on the Forge school from the inside. I really liked Rosie's friends as well. I thought it was funny that at first Rosie thought Janice was kind of fake, because she was so genuinely nice. So was Burnham. I really hope there is more from him in the next book. I liked him just as much as Linus. (sometimes even more)
From the title it is clear something is going on with dreams. The forge school forces 12 hours of obligatory sleep on the students, stating that they need that much to optimize their creativity. They give the students sleep pills every night. Rosie sometimes skips hers to stay awake, and that is what gets her in trouble. I was so impressed with everything that Caragh O’Brien dreamed up. It was so imaginative and incredible really. There were so many times where I was questioning it all. This book is inception meets Big Brother, with maybe just a touch of Shutter Island thrown in to keep you off your game. Maybe. Maybe not. What is real, and what isn't? I bet you won't be able to figure it all out without any doubt creeping in. And that my friends, is what makes Vault of Dreamers BRILLIANT! You will just have to read Vault of Dreamers to find out.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
I can't even tell you how excited I was for The Vault of Dreamers. I think most of you know by now that I am a little bit obsessed with reality tv. It is kind of like big brother, but instead of a house it is a school for the ultra artsy people. Nothing is as it seems in the Forge school though. The students each have their own live stream and people can choose which student to watch. An interesting concept for sure, that is just the tip of the iceberg. This book just kept growing and growing and changing. I never knew what to expect. Jen from YA Romantics described it as inception meets big brother, and I think that is the perfect way to describe it. (so credit to her for that!) It was a really interesting pairing for me, and the reality aspect mixed in with the dream harvesting. I couldn't put this book down.
We join Rosie on the day where the students with the 50 lowest popularity ranks or "blip scores" from amount of viewers their channel get are sent home from the school. She was pretty close from the bottom but she gets creative on her last day and raises her score just enough to stay by doing all sorts of things. This was actually my only hold up with book. I felt like she could have tried some new things before her possible last day. But other than that I really don't have any complaints. I loved how creative The Vault of Dreamers was.
Rosie is a curious girl. And when they get the assignment to fail at a project Rosie thinks it is the perfect cover to spy on the Forge school from the inside. I really liked Rosie's friends as well. I thought it was funny that at first Rosie thought Janice was kind of fake, because she was so genuinely nice. So was Burnham. I really hope there is more from him in the next book. I liked him just as much as Linus. (sometimes even more)
From the title it is clear something is going on with dreams. The forge school forces 12 hours of obligatory sleep on the students, stating that they need that much to optimize their creativity. They give the students sleep pills every night. Rosie sometimes skips hers to stay awake, and that is what gets her in trouble. I was so impressed with everything that Caragh O’Brien dreamed up. It was so imaginative and incredible really. There were so many times where I was questioning it all. This book is inception meets Big Brother, with maybe just a touch of Shutter Island thrown in to keep you off your game. Maybe. Maybe not. What is real, and what isn't? I bet you won't be able to figure it all out without any doubt creeping in. And that my friends, is what makes Vault of Dreamers BRILLIANT! You will just have to read Vault of Dreamers to find out.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
I am so mad this took me almost a month read this. I think it was all because of the pacing or because I wasn't connected to the main character. This slowed down my reading, so I hope the second book is better. I think I may have to read it again to see if it was just me.
Rosie thinks she can escape a seemingly hopeless life living in a railroad car with her family by getting into the highly regarded Forge School of the Arts. But first she must survive and thrive on The Forge Show, a reality show that follows prospective students at the school for 12 hours a day; the other 12 hours are spent in a pill-induced sleep. Making the cut among a class full of over-achievers is no small feat. While Rosie's specialty is photography, other are dancers, programmers, actors and painters. When she makes it into Forge, she is elated - then her curiosity, which grows into suspicion, reveals that not all is as it seems at Forge. When she stops taking her sleeping pill, life at Forge suddenly looks different. There are hidden agendas and dangerous experiments, and once Rosie's incursions are discovered, life becomes dangerous for her and her fellow students.
O'Brien has put together a fast-paced and suspenseful read, with a thought-provoking plot - if you could heal someone by stealing another's dreams, would you? Recommended for fans of Mary Pearson's Fox Chronicles.
O'Brien has put together a fast-paced and suspenseful read, with a thought-provoking plot - if you could heal someone by stealing another's dreams, would you? Recommended for fans of Mary Pearson's Fox Chronicles.
There were a few things that bothered me, and I was unhappy with the cliffhanger ending, but overall a good book and well worth the time. Now to wait for the next book for many questions to be answered.
DNF @92%
I decided I just had zero desire to finish this. I don’t even know why I kept reading.
I decided I just had zero desire to finish this. I don’t even know why I kept reading.
...uh.
What? Why? What...what even happened here?
So, the universe told me to read this book because a former friend gifted it to me years ago. I'm very glad this is a former friend, because I wouldn't know how to tell them that this book kinda sucked.
I already knew I wouldn't like it because the 2012-2015 era of YA is a plague, but I didn't expect to be this confused.
The writing wasn't good, I didn't like it, and while the dialogue wasn't horrendous (the whole time), the romance wasn't good, including the love interest. The protagonist, while not completely an idiot, was a complete idiot. While it wasn't the worst read, I can't think of like two things I enjoyed: the fact that someone had the last name "Fister" and some of the jokes here that actually landed.
But the last chapter? Not necessarily a game changer here, I refuse to read the next books, but I will look up a detailed summary.
Not for me, but very clearly for someone.
What? Why? What...what even happened here?
So, the universe told me to read this book because a former friend gifted it to me years ago. I'm very glad this is a former friend, because I wouldn't know how to tell them that this book kinda sucked.
I already knew I wouldn't like it because the 2012-2015 era of YA is a plague, but I didn't expect to be this confused.
The writing wasn't good, I didn't like it, and while the dialogue wasn't horrendous (the whole time), the romance wasn't good, including the love interest. The protagonist, while not completely an idiot, was a complete idiot. While it wasn't the worst read, I can't think of like two things I enjoyed: the fact that someone had the last name "Fister" and some of the jokes here that actually landed.
But the last chapter? Not necessarily a game changer here, I refuse to read the next books, but I will look up a detailed summary.
Not for me, but very clearly for someone.