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nerissassippi's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun series to read on vacation in Hawaii. It’s a perfect vacation book and I enjoyed the interesting story, realistic characters, and plot tension.
megs2kool's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
thepeachmartini's review against another edition
3.0
The Girl at the Center of the World by Austin Aslan
Date Read 23 Sept 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finally got around to reading the 2nd book in this 2-book series and while I still found the setting interesting and the situation tense, it just felt a bit…meh. Not in a bad way, but…after the first book I was really excited to read this (yes, even though it took me so long to get around to it). I think even though the overall premise is definitely far-fetched (or is it…) it still felt a bit over the top. Like…I began to envision the Emerald Orchid as some version of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Most of the stars go toward the setting, the post-apocalyptic world, and the coming-of-age story of Leilani.
Date Read 23 Sept 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finally got around to reading the 2nd book in this 2-book series and while I still found the setting interesting and the situation tense, it just felt a bit…meh. Not in a bad way, but…after the first book I was really excited to read this (yes, even though it took me so long to get around to it). I think even though the overall premise is definitely far-fetched (or is it…) it still felt a bit over the top. Like…I began to envision the Emerald Orchid as some version of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Most of the stars go toward the setting, the post-apocalyptic world, and the coming-of-age story of Leilani.
sidneyellwood's review against another edition
4.0
I really do think this is a wonderful series that's deeply embedded in the culture of its setting and never really appropriates it. The extra sci-fi elements only add to this. I picked up the first book last Christmas when I was in Hawaii myself (so it was realy cool, knowing where half the things were) and I was delighted to find that it wasn't just a regional book, so I read it here in cold Canada.
All the characters are solid and this is a very realistic imagining of what would happen had the power went off. I adore this series. Really.
All the characters are solid and this is a very realistic imagining of what would happen had the power went off. I adore this series. Really.
joolz_reads's review against another edition
5.0
***4.5 Stars***
What a wonderful series. These are some of my new favorite books now!
Leilani is back with her family in Hilo on the Big Island, trying to adjust to the new life without everything that was previously taken for granted before the Arrival of the Orchids. It's tough work, but with friends and family, the Miltons are managing. Lei now shares a strong connection with the Mother Orchid, and soon the baby. But one time while with the Orchid, Lei hears a voice, wanting the Orchids to leave. Who else knows about them? Lei is concerned that this new voice may take control of the Orchids if she is ever off guard, and if it sends them away, radiation from nuclear meltdowns will destroy mankind. But Lei knows she can't keep them here forever. To make matters worse, the Sheriff of Hana knows Lei's secret, and he's not afraid to kill to get what he wants.
The sequel, in my opinion, was just as exciting as the first, and also a definite page-turner. Leilani is still the lovable protagonist, and now Tūtū's character, Lei's grandfather, is explored more in depth. I'm a little saddened to see that the sequel isn't as consistent on Hawaiian mythology, language, and culture as the first, but there's still enough woven in to be satisfied, and there's plenty of suspense! It did not disappoint, and lived up to the first book.
However, at times, it was confusing to tell who was talking and to whom, and I found myself rereading some passages to make sure I understood what was going on. Also, it was hard to warm up to Tami. I feel like not much was really known about her, but that might be because she was barely mentioned in the first book. I was 300 pages in when I finally decided that I liked her. These are only minor annoyances, and only on a personal level for me, so these might not bother you at all.
This series has inspired me to research more about Hawai'i and its culture, and I want to pay a respectful visit to the Islands sometime in the future. I am so happy to read a book where you can tell how much the author respects the location and did their research!
Humor, suspense, relationships, drama, tears, laughs, and smiling like an idiot, you name it, this book has it and will make you feel all sorts of emotion. Definitely has a special spot on my shelf!
What a wonderful series. These are some of my new favorite books now!
Leilani is back with her family in Hilo on the Big Island, trying to adjust to the new life without everything that was previously taken for granted before the Arrival of the Orchids. It's tough work, but with friends and family, the Miltons are managing. Lei now shares a strong connection with the Mother Orchid, and soon the baby. But one time while with the Orchid, Lei hears a voice, wanting the Orchids to leave. Who else knows about them? Lei is concerned that this new voice may take control of the Orchids if she is ever off guard, and if it sends them away, radiation from nuclear meltdowns will destroy mankind. But Lei knows she can't keep them here forever. To make matters worse, the Sheriff of Hana knows Lei's secret, and he's not afraid to kill to get what he wants.
The sequel, in my opinion, was just as exciting as the first, and also a definite page-turner. Leilani is still the lovable protagonist, and now Tūtū's character, Lei's grandfather, is explored more in depth. I'm a little saddened to see that the sequel isn't as consistent on Hawaiian mythology, language, and culture as the first, but there's still enough woven in to be satisfied, and there's plenty of suspense! It did not disappoint, and lived up to the first book.
However, at times, it was confusing to tell who was talking and to whom, and I found myself rereading some passages to make sure I understood what was going on. Also, it was hard to warm up to Tami. I feel like not much was really known about her, but that might be because she was barely mentioned in the first book. I was 300 pages in when I finally decided that I liked her. These are only minor annoyances, and only on a personal level for me, so these might not bother you at all.
This series has inspired me to research more about Hawai'i and its culture, and I want to pay a respectful visit to the Islands sometime in the future. I am so happy to read a book where you can tell how much the author respects the location and did their research!
Humor, suspense, relationships, drama, tears, laughs, and smiling like an idiot, you name it, this book has it and will make you feel all sorts of emotion. Definitely has a special spot on my shelf!
skywalkerem's review against another edition
1.0
The epilepsy representation in this book (as well as the first) is /exhaustingly/ bad. Don’t read if you’re looking for that.
teaundra34's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
the_daily_orange's review against another edition
1.0
Leilani is probably the stupidest post-apocalypse protagonist I've ever came across... selfish and pretentious, can't keep her mouth shut, still not aware of her situation and constantly putting family and friends in danger