Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Jury is out on this one. I love a good YA every now and then, but this one was troubling. I had a hard time following.... like I missed the first book or something. It’s a very intriguing subject and plot line... just seemed like I’m missing something. I find myself annoyed with novels that move along too slowly to establish a plot; this novel was in constant action but missing some structure. I may or may not seek out the continuation of this series.... if in a couple days I’m still thinking about our “Bella Swan-esque “ heroine , I’ll seek them out.
This was a fun, fluffy read. The characters were fun, and while I think Avery was a bit too smart for your average 16 year old, it was refreshing to have a competent main character for once. There were also a few plot devices that were silly or had gaping holes, but for a YA book I enjoyed it. Turns out the author lives in Albuquerque as well, so maybe I'll stalk her to find out what happens next.
So I went into this thinking it was going to be a multi-dimensional/time traveley book and I was sooooo wrong. It's actually kind of like a YA illuminati book, hahahah. Anyway, this book was okay. Nothing too special. I can't decide if I care enough to carry on with the series. We shall seeeeeee
Wow, I went into this not knowing much and ended up really enjoyed it! Action, treasure hunts, romance etc. Cheesy but not too cheesy.
Pretty disappointed that I didn't enjoy this is much as other reviewers that I admire.
Everything about this book pretty much fell flat to me. None of the characters stood out, I wasn't swooning over the romance and the conspiracy didn't run deep enough for me. I may just be super picky about that last part because I love conspiracy theories and have heard the theory before that there is a select group of powerful people "running the world" so to speak. The historic details in connection with the conspiracy were interesting, but didn't blow my mind and reel me in as much as I wanted it too. While I understand that this is a YA novel I guess I just hoped for that aspect to be a bit stronger.
Really wanted to love this, but you win some you lose some.
Everything about this book pretty much fell flat to me. None of the characters stood out, I wasn't swooning over the romance and the conspiracy didn't run deep enough for me. I may just be super picky about that last part because I love conspiracy theories and have heard the theory before that there is a select group of powerful people "running the world" so to speak. The historic details in connection with the conspiracy were interesting, but didn't blow my mind and reel me in as much as I wanted it too. While I understand that this is a YA novel I guess I just hoped for that aspect to be a bit stronger.
Really wanted to love this, but you win some you lose some.
The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall
(2.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 3 because despite all of it's short-comings, I still enjoyed the read.)
The Conspiracy of Us is about a loner high school girl, Avery West. The only child of a single mother, Avery finds out she is not as alone as she thought when she is thrust into the power-hungry, extravagant world of her father's family; a family who is one of the most powerful, influential groups of people in the world. Avery soon finds herself on an adventure, traveling continents and countries, searching for the answers to an age-old secret thought lost to time, and in doing so, discouvers that she, herself, may be key to finding the very answers she seeks.
This was a fun enough read, though I would advise anybody who hates insta-love or the dreaded YA love-triangle to steer clear, as this book does little to justify the protagonists (frankly ridiculous) immediate attraction to one of the LBs (aka Little Boys.) Hall then continues to fail later on in developing the protagonist's relationships with both of her two love interests in any realistic way that could convince me that the MC Avery actually likes either boy beyond being reliant on them to, y'know, continue saving and helping her, which honestly seems like the real reason why the two characters where written. Luckily for both book and reader, the majority of this cringe-worthy "romance" primarily takes place at the very beginning and the very end of the books, which is what saved me from DNFing. Unfortunately, these are also the two sections of the book where I had my two hair-pulling, 'WTF did I just read???' moments, so take heed from that if you will.
The word-building in TCoU, while not particularly strong, was done well enough to keep you in the story. However, the outrageous premise of the plot was a little too unbelievable for me, even though I did my best to remind myself that this is fiction and a bit of outrageous writing is to be expected. Simply put, the sheer scope of Hall's audacious attempt of convincing the reader that a dozen families control the fate of the world falls flat due to poor execution and confusing writing. Now don't let my criticism fool you, I actually liked Hall's idea and, had it been supported by the proper world-building needed to make such an idea believable, I think it could have worked. However you cannot present and than attempt to hold up such a robust and over-reaching plot without the proper foundation, which is clearly lacking in TCoU. Also, while I enjoy alternate history (it's one of my weak-spots when it comes to fiction) to claim that the two biggest wars in the history of the word was the work of a couple families is, dare i say it, ridiculously unbelievable and also incredibly crass. To reduce the deaths and horrors of WWI and II to mere infighting between the families of TCoU is thoughtless and an erasure of the atrocities committed during the war; It turns a tragic event felt world-wide into a meaningless squabble and the severity of war, as well as all the lives lost because of it, deserve more respect. (Also, I lied, this was actually another "WTF did I just read???" moment from the book.)
To touch on the characters briefly, the MC, Avery, is not terrible, but also nothing special. I found myself alternating between annoyance and ambivalence in my feelings towards her, as her naivety was cringe-worthy at times. Jack, the insta-love, is not mean or abusive, which is a nice change in the YA trend. Jack is, however, flat and lacking any depth of character or motivation beyond the need to follow Avery around like a love-sick puppy. And then there's Stellen, the antiquated "bad boy" stereotype who was at least a little enjoyable to read, for where Jack lacks any characteristic at all, Stellan's attitude brought a spark of life to his voice that made him one of the more engaging aspects of the book.
Over-all, this was a fun adventure romp. The last quarter of the book is where things really fell apart in terms of the plot and presenting yet another incredibly unrealistic scenario for the reader to believe in. I give this book a rating of 2.5 stars, but the first three quarters of the book are enjoyable if you're looking for a light, thoughtless read. Escapism, thy name is TCoU.
(2.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 3 because despite all of it's short-comings, I still enjoyed the read.)
The Conspiracy of Us is about a loner high school girl, Avery West. The only child of a single mother, Avery finds out she is not as alone as she thought when she is thrust into the power-hungry, extravagant world of her father's family; a family who is one of the most powerful, influential groups of people in the world. Avery soon finds herself on an adventure, traveling continents and countries, searching for the answers to an age-old secret thought lost to time, and in doing so, discouvers that she, herself, may be key to finding the very answers she seeks.
This was a fun enough read, though I would advise anybody who hates insta-love or the dreaded YA love-triangle to steer clear, as this book does little to justify the protagonists (frankly ridiculous) immediate attraction to one of the LBs (aka Little Boys.) Hall then continues to fail later on in developing the protagonist's relationships with both of her two love interests in any realistic way that could convince me that the MC Avery actually likes either boy beyond being reliant on them to, y'know, continue saving and helping her, which honestly seems like the real reason why the two characters where written. Luckily for both book and reader, the majority of this cringe-worthy "romance" primarily takes place at the very beginning and the very end of the books, which is what saved me from DNFing. Unfortunately, these are also the two sections of the book where I had my two hair-pulling, 'WTF did I just read???' moments, so take heed from that if you will.
The word-building in TCoU, while not particularly strong, was done well enough to keep you in the story. However, the outrageous premise of the plot was a little too unbelievable for me, even though I did my best to remind myself that this is fiction and a bit of outrageous writing is to be expected. Simply put, the sheer scope of Hall's audacious attempt of convincing the reader that a dozen families control the fate of the world falls flat due to poor execution and confusing writing. Now don't let my criticism fool you, I actually liked Hall's idea and, had it been supported by the proper world-building needed to make such an idea believable, I think it could have worked. However you cannot present and than attempt to hold up such a robust and over-reaching plot without the proper foundation, which is clearly lacking in TCoU. Also, while I enjoy alternate history (it's one of my weak-spots when it comes to fiction) to claim that the two biggest wars in the history of the word was the work of a couple families is, dare i say it, ridiculously unbelievable and also incredibly crass. To reduce the deaths and horrors of WWI and II to mere infighting between the families of TCoU is thoughtless and an erasure of the atrocities committed during the war; It turns a tragic event felt world-wide into a meaningless squabble and the severity of war, as well as all the lives lost because of it, deserve more respect. (Also, I lied, this was actually another "WTF did I just read???" moment from the book.)
To touch on the characters briefly, the MC, Avery, is not terrible, but also nothing special. I found myself alternating between annoyance and ambivalence in my feelings towards her, as her naivety was cringe-worthy at times. Jack, the insta-love, is not mean or abusive, which is a nice change in the YA trend. Jack is, however, flat and lacking any depth of character or motivation beyond the need to follow Avery around like a love-sick puppy. And then there's Stellen, the antiquated "bad boy" stereotype who was at least a little enjoyable to read, for where Jack lacks any characteristic at all, Stellan's attitude brought a spark of life to his voice that made him one of the more engaging aspects of the book.
Over-all, this was a fun adventure romp. The last quarter of the book is where things really fell apart in terms of the plot and presenting yet another incredibly unrealistic scenario for the reader to believe in. I give this book a rating of 2.5 stars, but the first three quarters of the book are enjoyable if you're looking for a light, thoughtless read. Escapism, thy name is TCoU.
If you can get past the Chosen One and prophecy tropes, this is a very fun read. Is it melodramatic at points? Sure, but for the most part it is well written, and I enjoyed the slow built-up romance (so much sexual tension!)
If you like Indiana Jones, told from a teen girl's perspective, then you'll enjoy it. I haven't looked forward to a sequel for quite some time, but I'll be reading this one's!
If you like Indiana Jones, told from a teen girl's perspective, then you'll enjoy it. I haven't looked forward to a sequel for quite some time, but I'll be reading this one's!
3.5/5 Stars
When I heard that The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall had a historical mystery akin to The Da Vinci Code, I knew I needed to read it. Secret societies and violent ends juxtaposed by the glitz and glam of fashion and a European backdrop. Heck yes! Avery's whirlwind journey through this whole new world is intense and dramatic keeping the reader guessing all the way to the end.
My favorite part of this story, which will come as no surprise, was the history and conspiracy within the pages. I love Dan Brown's Robert Langdon books and the National Treasure movies so it was a perfect fit. There are so many mysteries and legends throughout history that are not solved so I'm always drawn to theories and what if scenarios. Hall's use of Alexander the Great was the right decision. Such an iconic figure and an empire spanning a massive swath of the world made it the perfect choice. Plus the action and adventure made for a high tempo, gripping experience.
Onto the characters! As the main character, Avery West fell a little flat for me. She was just along for the ride for the most part but I did appreciate when she pitched in. I'm hoping that she comes into her own as the series continues. The boys, Jack and Stellan, were much more fascinating. With mysterious pasts, complicated relationships, and dueling loyalties, these two Circle associates brought all the excitement and intrigue into the story. Both their interactions with Avery and each other made The Conspiracy of Us compelling.
I did have a couple issues with this story though. What was up with Avery's life choices in this book? Just letting herself be taken across the world by someone she doesn't know and not putting up a fight. Asking some questions but not pushing for answers. I can understand wanting to rebel against her mother for the constant moving around but who goes that far? Also, the strange focus on fashion which didn't seem to fit within the narrative.
Overall, Maggie Hall's The Conspiracy of Us was an enjoyable read filled with adventure and mystery. While Avery's decision making skills are extremely questionable, I put it aside for her interactions with both Jack and Stellan. Plus mysteries of historical proportions always pull me in. It's just too hard to resist! I'd definitely recommend this, it just might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Originally posted on Hopeful Reads: http://wp.me/p6xfg7-1V7
When I heard that The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall had a historical mystery akin to The Da Vinci Code, I knew I needed to read it. Secret societies and violent ends juxtaposed by the glitz and glam of fashion and a European backdrop. Heck yes! Avery's whirlwind journey through this whole new world is intense and dramatic keeping the reader guessing all the way to the end.
My favorite part of this story, which will come as no surprise, was the history and conspiracy within the pages. I love Dan Brown's Robert Langdon books and the National Treasure movies so it was a perfect fit. There are so many mysteries and legends throughout history that are not solved so I'm always drawn to theories and what if scenarios. Hall's use of Alexander the Great was the right decision. Such an iconic figure and an empire spanning a massive swath of the world made it the perfect choice. Plus the action and adventure made for a high tempo, gripping experience.
Onto the characters! As the main character, Avery West fell a little flat for me. She was just along for the ride for the most part but I did appreciate when she pitched in. I'm hoping that she comes into her own as the series continues. The boys, Jack and Stellan, were much more fascinating. With mysterious pasts, complicated relationships, and dueling loyalties, these two Circle associates brought all the excitement and intrigue into the story. Both their interactions with Avery and each other made The Conspiracy of Us compelling.
I did have a couple issues with this story though. What was up with Avery's life choices in this book? Just letting herself be taken across the world by someone she doesn't know and not putting up a fight. Asking some questions but not pushing for answers. I can understand wanting to rebel against her mother for the constant moving around but who goes that far? Also, the strange focus on fashion which didn't seem to fit within the narrative.
Overall, Maggie Hall's The Conspiracy of Us was an enjoyable read filled with adventure and mystery. While Avery's decision making skills are extremely questionable, I put it aside for her interactions with both Jack and Stellan. Plus mysteries of historical proportions always pull me in. It's just too hard to resist! I'd definitely recommend this, it just might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Originally posted on Hopeful Reads: http://wp.me/p6xfg7-1V7
A likable heroine, nonstop action, swoony kisses and a heartbreaking love triangle. All this AND Paris! Really enjoyed. Highly recommend.